A balanced diet is the foundation of canine health. Complete commercial foods meeting AAFCO standards provide reliable nutrition, and balanced home-cooked diets can also work under veterinary guidance. The Association of American Feed Control Officials sets these pet food standards, and any diet should be discussed with a vet to match the individual dog's needs. The four main diet categories, dry kibble, wet food, raw, and home-cooked, each have pros and cons. The BARF diet, or Biologically Appropriate Raw Food, is controversial and carries risks, so any choice should be made with professional input.
Several common human foods are dangerous or deadly for dogs. Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, with dark chocolate being the most dangerous. Grapes and raisins cause kidney failure, and the toxic dose varies unpredictably between individual dogs. Onions and garlic damage red blood cells, causing hemolytic anemia through a cumulative effect. Xylitol, an artificial sweetener found in sugar-free products, is highly toxic. Macadamia nuts, alcohol, and caffeine should also be avoided. Fresh water should always be available, cleaned and refreshed daily, since dehydration can quickly become serious, especially in warm weather.
Feeding schedules and weight management matter for long-term health. Puppies typically eat 3-4 times per day, while adults usually do well on two meals. The body condition score, a 1-9 scale assessing fat coverage, places ideal dogs at 4-5. Warning signs of being overweight include difficulty feeling the ribs, lack of a visible waist, and obvious belly fat. Obesity carries serious risks: joint problems, diabetes, heart disease, and a shorter lifespan. Bloat, or Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus, is a separate emergency in which the stomach distends and can twist, requiring immediate veterinary care. Signs include a distended abdomen, retching without producing vomit, restlessness, and salivation. Smaller meals, avoiding exercise immediately after eating, and in some cases prophylactic surgery for high-risk breeds can reduce the danger.