Q: What should I look for in a dog food label?

When reading a dog food labe l, focus on high-quality protein sources listed as the first ingredient, followed by whole grains or vegetables. Ensure the food includes a balanced mix of nutrients such as vitamins and minerals, and avoid products with artificial preservatives. When reading the dog food label, check to see if there is an AAFCO statement or similar, such as 'is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for adult maintenance'. Some cheaper and supermarket dog foods will have 'and/or' in their ingredients listings (e.g. chicken and/or pork) which means that the ingredients can vary from batch to batch depending on availability and cost. While these recipes are often still complete and balanced, the variation from batch to batch can cause tummy upsets in some pets.

Q: Are there benefits to feeding my dog a raw food diet?

Raw dog food , or "BARF" (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food) diets, may offer benefits like better taste, lower calorie density, higher nutrient availability and improved gut microbial diversity. However, it’s important to ensure the diet is nutritionally balanced and prepared safely to avoid potential health risks. Homemade or improperly prepared raw foods can result in nutrient imbalances and all raw foods present a health risk to humans in the household. It is not recommended to feed a raw diet to your dog if there is someone pregnant, elderly, living with children under 5 years of age or someone in the household who is otherwise immunocompromised. Consult your vet to determine if a raw food diet is appropriate for your dog and to help formulate a balanced meal plan.

Q: How do I transition my dog to a new food?

To transition your dog to a new food , gradually mix increasing amounts of the new food with the old food over a period of 7 to 10 days. This helps prevent digestive issues and allows your dog to adjust to the new diet. Monitor your dog’s response and consult your vet if you notice any adverse reactions.

Question 1

What is the best dog food?

Accepted Answer

When it comes to dog food, there's no one size fits all. As a general rule, choose high quality, complete and balanced foods that have been designed to support your dog's overall health and wellbeing in a variety of ways including: being highly digestible, containing extra beneficial nutrients such as omega fatty acids for skin and coat health, and being balanced to suit your dog's size, breed, lifestage or other health needs. Good quality foods will also have strict quality control measures in place for sourcing ingredients, as well as manufacturing the final product. For help finding the best food for your dog's needs, consult your veterinarian or chat with a Pet Circle Vet.

Question 2

How do I choose a good dog food brand?

Accepted Answer

Pet parents these days are spoilt for choice when it comes to dog food, and with so many options available it can be hard to to choose. Look for brands that offer foods which are complete and balanced, formulated to meet AAFCO or FEDIAF nutritional guidelines for your pet's lifestage. In most cases, puppies will require different levels of nutrients such as protein, fat, vitamins and minerals to adult and senior dogs. Good dog food brands are transparent about the origin of their ingredients and the manufacturing process, focusing on providing a product that is safe and nourishing for your dog, rather than relying purely on marketing tactics and keeping up with trends. If in doubt about whether a dog food brand is a good one, check with your vet.

Question 3

How many times a day should a dog eat?

Accepted Answer

The number of meals a dog should have each day depends on their age and health. Puppies have a smaller stomach and typically need to eat three to four times a day, while adult dogs typically eat twice daily. Large breed and giant breed dogs who are at risk of bloat, dogs with digestive concerns and those on weight management regimes generally should eat smaller amounts more frequently.

Question 4

What should I look for in a dog food label?

Accepted Answer

When reading a dog food label, focus on high-quality protein sources listed as the first ingredient, followed by whole grains or vegetables. Ensure the food includes a balanced mix of nutrients such as vitamins and minerals, and avoid products with artificial preservatives. When reading the dog food label, check to see if there is an AAFCO statement or similar, such as 'is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for adult maintenance'. Some cheaper and supermarket dog foods will have 'and/or' in their ingredients listings (e.g. chicken and/or pork) which means that the ingredients can vary from batch to batch depending on availability and cost. While these recipes are often still complete and balanced, the variation from batch to batch can cause tummy upsets in some pets.

Question 5

Are there benefits to feeding my dog a raw food diet?

Accepted Answer

Raw dog food, or "BARF" (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food) diets, may offer benefits like better taste, lower calorie density, higher nutrient availability and improved gut microbial diversity. However, it’s important to ensure the diet is nutritionally balanced and prepared safely to avoid potential health risks. Homemade or improperly prepared raw foods can result in nutrient imbalances and all raw foods present a health risk to humans in the household. It is not recommended to feed a raw diet to your dog if there is someone pregnant, elderly, living with children under 5 years of age or someone in the household who is otherwise immunocompromised. Consult your vet to determine if a raw food diet is appropriate for your dog and to help formulate a balanced meal plan.

Question 6

Can I mix wet and dry dog food?

Accepted Answer

Yes, mixing wet and dry dog food can be beneficial as it combines the advantages of both types. Wet dog food can provide additional moisture and flavour, while dry food can help with dental health and convenience. Ensure the combined diet meets your dog's nutritional needs and consult your vet to adjust portion sizes and balance.

Question 7

How do I transition my dog to a new food?

Accepted Answer

To transition your dog to a new food, gradually mix increasing amounts of the new food with the old food over a period of 7 to 10 days. This helps prevent digestive issues and allows your dog to adjust to the new diet. Monitor your dog’s response and consult your vet if you notice any adverse reactions.

Question 8

What are common signs of food allergies in dogs?

Accepted Answer

Common signs of food allergies in dogs include itching, scratching, gastrointestinal upset (like vomiting or diarrhoea), and ear infections. If you suspect your dog has a food allergy, consult your vet for a proper diagnosis and guidance on finding an appropriate hypoallergenic diet.

Dog Food

Save $10 off food when you spend $99* Use code: FOOD10 *Ends 29.03.2026

Filters

Type

Health Benefit

Special Offers

Breed

Pet Size

Brand

Lifestage

Feature

Rating

Protein Source

Price

Active Ingredient

Chicken & Rice Puppy Wet Dog Food Cans

Complete Dog Calming Meal Booster

Raw All Lifestage Frozen Dog Food

Renal Select Adult Dry Dog Food

Beef & Liver Audlt Wet Dog Food Trays

Gently Air Dried Single Protein Chicken All Lifestages Dry Dog Food

Biologically Appropriate Riverland Red Adult Dry Dog Food

Taste Toppers Beef Turmeric And Parsley Broth for Dogs

Neutered Adult Large Dry Dog Food

Lamb Grain Free Adult Wet Dog Food Cans

Fillets in Gravy with Succulent Beef Adult Wet Dog Food Tray

Brain & Muscle Development Chicken Puppy Dry Dog Food Sample Pack

Taste Toppers Chicken Breast & Lamb In Gravy for Dogs

Chicken Large Breed Puppy Dry Dog Food

Lamb Large Breed Grain Free Adult Dry Dog Food

Mature Consult Wet Dog Food

Dry Dog Food Roast Chicken

Taste Toppers Chicken Breast In Broth for Dogs

Naturals Lamb Grain Free Adult Dry Dog Food

Chicken Medium Breed Puppy Dry Dog Food

Gourmet Beef and Vegetables Adult Dry Dog Food

Mature Large Dry Dog Food

Complete Dog Joint Health Meal Booster

Core Wild Game Grain Free Adult Dry Dog Food

Chicken Grain Free Puppy Wet Dog Food Cans

Taste Toppers Chicken Breast & Vegetables In Broth for Dogs

Tasty Turkey Frozen Raw Dog Food

Essential Health Small & Toy Breed Adult Dry Dog Food

Taste Toppers Chicken with Liver in Broth for Dogs

Chicken Grain Free Adult Wet Dog Food Cans

Mince Chicken Rice Carrots Puppy Wet Dog Food Cans

Core Chicken & Turkey Grain Free Large Breed Adult Dry Dog Food

Chicken Large Breed Adult Dry Dog Food

Home Delights Chicken Pasta Vegetables Adult Wet Dog Food Trays

Roast Chicken Vegetable Pasta Flavour Adult Dry Dog Food

Canine EN Gastroenteric Adult Wet Dog Food Cans

Chicken Breast & Salmon Natural All Lifestages Dog Food Topper

Core Savoury Medleys Farmers Selection Multipack Wet Dog Food

Bowl Boosters Salmon Dog Food Topper

Chicken and Turkey Adult Wet Dog Food Can

Bowl Boosters Topper Wet Dog Food Variety Pack

Pacific Stream Salmon in Gravy Adult Wet Dog Food Cans

Turkey & Duck with Fruit & Vegetables Adult Wet Dog Food Tray

Bowl Boosters Chicken for Dog Food Topper

Bowl Boosters Tuna Beef & Carrots Dog Food Topper

Bowl Boosters Chicken Beef & Carrot Dog Food Topper

Juicy Lamb and Hearty Liver Adult Wet Dog Food Can

Duck & Chicken with Fruit & Vegetable Adult Wet Dog Food Tray

Wetlands Fowl in Gravy Adult Wet Dog Food Cans

Core Savoury Medleys Butchers Selection Multipack Adult Wet Dog Food

Home Delights Succulent Beef Slow Cooked Vegetables Wet Dog Food

Smartblend Sensitive Fish Adult Dry Dog Food

Vet Articles

How Much Should You Feed Your Pet?

The Benefits of Fresh Dog Food

Best Dog Food for Skin Allergies

Best Wet Food for Dogs: Vet Picks

Vet Picks: Best Dry Puppy Food

Vet Picks: Best Dog Food for Sensitive Stomachs

Dog Food for Every Breed, Age & Dietary Need

Explore Dog Food range by type

Popular Related Searches

Frequently Asked Questions about Dog Food

What is the best dog food?

How do I choose a good dog food brand?