Small dogs under 10kg

Smaller breeds will need less time on a puppy diet than larger dogs as they have less growing to do. If kept on a puppy formula for too long, they're likely to gain excess weight. Generally smaller breeds are weaned onto adult diets at 10-12 months and will stay on an adult diet until 8 years of age . Brands like Advance have diets with smaller sized kibble to accommodate for the daintier jaws of smaller breeds.

Medium dogs between 10-25kg

Medium breeds will usually be kept on a puppy formula until the age of 12 months. They will stay on an adult diet until 7 years of age after which you may look at transitioning to a food formulated for senior dogs. Royal Canin have diet formulas just for these breeds, as well as diets to support certain health conditions like sensitive skin.

Large breeds over 25kg

Bigger dogs are generally categorised as either large (25 - 45kg) or giant (>45kg), and the food and medication they consume will also generally be grouped in this way. Large breed dogs 25kg and over are usually kept on a puppy diet until 15-18 months of age, and giant breed dogs usually until 18-24 months of age. They are then fed an adult formula until 5 years of age after which they should be transitioned to a senior diet. Due to their large body frame and weight putting more pressure on their bones and joints, large breed dogs can experience complications with arthritis and joint degeneration much earlier than smaller breeds. Hill's Large breed , as an example, not only has a larger kibble size to suit these dogs, but the formula is designed to promote a healthy weight and reduce the impact of conditions such as arthritis.

Is premium dog food actually worth the extra cost?

While the price tag on premium food is higher, it’s often a case of "pay now or pay later." Premium diets are more nutrient-dense and highly digestible, meaning your dog actually needs to eat less to get what they need. Because they absorb more of the good stuff, you’ll also notice smaller, firmer stools—which makes backyard cleanup much easier!

When should I switch my puppy to adult food?

This depends entirely on their expected adult size. Small breeds (under 10kg) usually finish growing by 10-12 months, whereas giant breeds can keep growing until they are 2 years old. Switching too early can deprive a big dog of essential growth nutrients, while switching too late can lead to excess weight in a small dog.

What is the difference between "natural" and "prescription" diets?

Natural diets focus on wholefood ingredients, often avoiding artificial preservatives or colours, and are great for general wellness. Prescription diets (or "therapeutic" diets) are scientifically formulated to manage specific medical issues like kidney disease or urinary crystals. Because they contain precise levels of certain nutrients, they should only be used under veterinary supervision.

Does my dog really need breed-specific food?

While not every dog needs it, breed-specific formulas are designed to tackle common "breed quirks." For example, a Labrador formula might feature a hollow kibble shape to slow down fast eaters, while a Chihuahua formula has tiny kibble for small mouths. It’s a great way to provide targeted support for things like joint health or skin sensitivity that your specific breed might be prone to.

How do I know if a dog food brand is ethical?

Look for brands that offer transparency regarding their supply chain. Ethical brands often prioritise "free-range" or "humanely raised" proteins, sustainable fishing practices (like MSC certification), and may use recyclable packaging. Brands like Open Farm and Orijen are leaders in this space, providing clear information on where their ingredients are sourced.

Last Updated: 27/01/2026

Dog Food Guide: How to Choose the Right Diet for Your Dog

Choosing the right dog food is one of the most important decisions you’ll make as a pet parent. From premium kibble and breed-specific formulas to natural and ethical options, our Aussie vets break down exactly what your dog needs to thrive.

Author: Dr Gillian Hill BVSc (Hons)

Reading Time: 7 minutes - short read

golden retriever sitting in front of multiple bowls of food

With so many dog food brands claiming to be "the best," it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the choices. Whether you’ve just welcomed a bouncy new puppy or you're looking after a loyal senior, getting their nutrition right is the foundation of a long, happy life.

In this guide, we’ll cut through the marketing fluff to help you understand the difference between value and premium diets, why breed size matters, and how to find a food that aligns with your values - and your dog’s tummy!

Understanding life stage nutrition

Nutritional needs for puppies vs adult dogs

Age specific formulas are designed for the different life stages of your dog. Puppy formulas will have higher levels of fats, proteins and essential vitamins to accommodate for the accelerated growth rate of your pooch in their first 12-24 months. Senior formulas are highly digestible and contain adequate protein to help maintain muscle mass, and higher levels of omega 3 fatty acids (sourced from ingredients like fish, chicken, or flaxseed) for anti-inflammatory effects that help conditions such as arthritis, renal disease, and skin issues.

Read more about why Age-Appropriate Nutrition is important for your pet.

When to switch between puppy, adult and senior dog foods

Please note, ages and weights specified above are a guide only and some brands may have different specifications depending on their formulation. The weights for different breeds are based on the expected adult weight, not the weight they are during their growth state.

Comparing food quality and types

Premium vs value dog food: Is there a difference?

There are significant price differences between dog food brands. Just like human food, there are higher and lower quality foods available for our pets.

It's easy to be fooled by cheap pet foods as we naturally compare by the price per kilo, when really we should be looking at the quality of the food.

Premium foods have a higher absorption rate than cheap foods which means that you feed a lesser amount to your dog to get the required nutrients. The higher absorption rate also means less waste, so you should have smaller and fewer poopy landmines to dodge in your backyard.

Many low-cost foods will also be vague when specifying their ingredients which allows them to change their food formulas between batches. For example, formulations may change depending on the price of ingredients at the time of manufacture and these sudden changes in diet may cause digestive upsets such as vomiting and/or diarrhoea.

When taking both quality and cost into consideration, you'll notice that there are significant advantages to choosing premium dog food brands over the cheaper supermarket foods.

Not sure how to understand what's in your dog's food? Check out our article How do I read the label on a bag of dog food?.

Specialised diets and breed-specific health

doberman, great dane, cavalier and chihuahua sitting on grass

Brands such as Advance and Royal Canin have designed formulas to work with unique behavioural traits and combat conditions that are likely to develop in individual breeds.

For example, Labradors are well known for hoovering their food which often causes excessive weight gain and digestive complications. Royal Canin Labrador kibble is unique in shape and size which significantly reduces the guzzling of food, as well as having an adapted calorie content to reduce the risk of weight gain..

Royal Canin also offers formulas designed to prevent and manage specific conditions such as urinary tract issues for Miniature Schnauzers or dental disease common with small breeds like Chihuahuas.

Advance has a line of breed-type diets for dogs, including a medium terrier diet, perfect for staffies, with added zinc and linoleic acid to support skin and coat health, and a Retriever-specific diet with green-lipped mussel for joint health and fewer calories to support a healthy weight. They've also released an Oodle-specific range for both large Oodles and small Oodles, with skin and heart support ingredients to target common issues in the Oodle breeds and a specific Shepherd diet with joint and skin support.

Learn more in our Breed Specific Dog Food Guide.

Prescription diets for managing health conditions

For pets already suffering from medical conditions, super premium manufacturers Hill's and Royal Canin have created Prescription dog diets for the prevention or management of common conditions.

Examples of these include; allergies, obesity, urinary crystals or bladder issues and kidney disease. These diets need to be prescribed by a veterinarian and regular check ups are recommended.

For more information, check out our Guide to Prescription Diets for Pets.

Natural and grain-free dog food options

The natural pet food industry is ever-growing. More and more people are getting on board the 'natural' train and reaping the benefits. Pet owners generally report many improvements after swapping to a natural diet for dogs, the most common being improved skin and coat, as well smaller, firmer stools.

Ethics and sustainability in the bowl

All over Australia, pet owners are clueing into the fact that pet food manufacturers aren't always transparent about their recipes, fishing and production animal welfare standards, as well as their ethics around sourcing ingredients.

There are a large number of dog food brands which provide transparency, ethical sourcing, and prioritise sustainable fishing and production.

Leading brands in sustainable pet food

Open Farm

Orijen

K9 Natural

Ziwi

FAQs

At the end of the day, the "best" food is the one that keeps your individual dog healthy, shiny-coated, and full of beans. While it might seem easier to buy the first bag you see, taking a moment to consider their life stage, breed quirks, and your own preferences for natural or ethical sourcing really pays off in the long run. If you’re ever in doubt, remember that a quick chat with a vet or our Vet Squad can help tailor a plan that’s just right for your furry best mate.

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History

Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space and we update our articles when new information becomes available.

Wed 27 Jan 2026

Edited by Dr Gillian Hill BVSc (Hons)

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About the Author

Dr Gillian Hill BVSc (Hons)

Veterinarian

Dr. Gillian loves being able to provide depth and detail to pet parents questions, and give up to date, evidence based advice. She loves the variety of pets and inquiries she receives - she especially loves the 'curly' questions that require some research! Seeing the gorgeous photos that pet parents send through of their babies is a highlight of the day! Gillian enjoys to further her veterinary knowledge, and has completed further training in ultrasonography, behaviour and backyard poultry!