How to Choose the Right Food for Your Dog

Here’s How To Choose the Right Food for Your Dog

Nourishing your pup from puppyhood to golden years

Every dog is different-and so are their nutritional needs. Choosing the right food for your dog depends on several factors: their breed, size, age, activity level, and overall lifestyle. Feeding them a complete and balanced diet tailored to these factors is essential to supporting their health, energy, and wellbeing throughout every life stage.

Whether you’re raising a bouncy puppy or caring for a calm senior, here’s what you need to know to feed your dog right.

Understanding Your Dog’s Nutritional Needs

Dogs need a diet packed with all the essential nutrients—proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals—along with the correct number of calories to match their daily energy expenditure. A balanced diet supports everything from a healthy coat and skin to strong immunity and good digestion.

Don’t forget: fresh, clean water should always be available, even when feeding wet food. Dogs don’t digest milk well, so it’s best avoided altogether.

Nutrition by Dog Size

Feeding Tips for Every Dog

Consistency is key: Feed your dog at the same time each day, in a quiet spot away from family mealtimes.

Avoid exercise after meals, especially for large and giant breeds prone to bloating.

Respect natural behaviour: Allow your dog 10 minutes of undisturbed mealtime. If food is left over, remove the bowl and offer it again at the next meal.

Watch their weight: Stick to daily rations. Avoid free-feeding or overdoing treats.

Use stainless steel bowls: These are durable, hygienic, and allergy-friendly compared to plastic.

Transition food slowly: Switch diets over 7 days to prevent digestive issues.
(Day 1-2: 75% old, 25% new → gradually move to 100% new diet by Day 7)

Puppy Feeding Guidelines

Under 6 months? Feed 3 meals per day.

Over 6 months? 2 meals daily are ideal—especially for large breeds.

Use kibble as training treats—just reduce their meal portion to compensate.

The Role of Treats in Your Dog’s Diet

Treats can be great for training and bonding, but they shouldn’t replace meals. Use them wisely and always factor them into your dog’s daily calorie count. Table scraps or human food? Best avoided—they’re often too rich and lack proper nutrition.

Support for Every Stage of Life

As your dog grows, so should their diet. Puppy food is calorie-dense and growth-focused. Once your pup reaches adulthood (around 9–18 months, depending on breed size), their diet should be adjusted to support long-term health.

Choosing the right food can seem overwhelming, but your dog’s size, age and activity level will help guide you.

Find the Right Food with Royal Canin

Discover the perfect match for your dog’s size, breed, and lifestyle with Royal Canin’s Pet Food Finder: royalcanin.com/za/pet-food-finder

Support their growth!

Give your puppy nutrition tailored to support healthy growth. All of ROYAL CANIN®’s Puppy formulas contain highly digestible proteins, the highest quality nutrients (like EPA and DHA) and prebiotics for digestive health. All this to ensure a long and happy life with you!

Click here to complete the registration form to receive your first unique coupon code entitling you to R200 off your ROYAL CANIN® Puppy or Kitten purchase (min R350 transaction value to qualify for R200 off).

Explore the ROYAL CANIN® range: https://www.petheaven.co.za/dogs/dog-food/royal-canin.html