However, the BVA warns that it can be difficult to do it well and, unless you work with a veterinary-trained nutritionist, there's a risk of harm to your pet’s health. Do dogs need different food as they get older? Choosing the right food can make all the difference to the health and happiness of your pet, but it can be difficult to work out what’s actually best for your pet. The PAW report also estimated that around half of the overweight and obese dogs had health issues which could be related to their weight. Arden Grange: hypoallergenic canned dog food with all the nutrients your dog needs to stay fit and healthy.

Raw dog food might not be suitable for all dogs (or owners): 11% of those who tried their dog on raw food said they wouldn’t do it again. Some of the reasons mentioned included that it was too messy or smelly, or concerns about contamination.The most common food intolerances appear to be colourings, sugars, wheat, milk and soya. Obviously, not all pets are sensitive to these things, but if the effects keep reoccurring, it’s best to consult a vet. How much should I feed my dog? There's some debate regarding whether one is better than the other. The BVA says: 'There is not enough evidence to recommend one over the other; there are advantages to both. A vet will be able to recommend the most suitable diet.' Common symptoms include lethargy, aggressive or hyperactive behaviour, chronic skin and ear problems, slime and jelly being passed with stools, flatulence, bloating and weight gain/loss. Here's what animal charity PDSA suggests you look for – and what to avoid – when choosing dog food. What to look for

How much your dog should eat will depend on factors such as breed, type, age, health and lifestyle. For example, a working sheepdog needs more energy than a small dog with a less active lifestyle. Royal Canin: healthy wet dog food available in trays or cans, containing 100% natural ingredients of the finest quality. So, as long as you're buying a complete commercial pet food, your dog should be getting all the nutrients they need and you don't need to supplement this with anything else. Customer scores are based on how satisfied they are with the brand overall and whether or not they would recommend it. From dry and wet dog food to raw, there are hundreds of options available, and it can be hard to work out what’s actually best for your pet.Some pets appear to be sensitive or intolerant to certain ingredients and additives, and this can cause a variety of problems. James Wellbeloved: wholesome dog food featuring tasty ingredients and single-source animal protein. We've compared the monthly cost of the three most popular choices, as well as the best and worst-scoring brands from our survey.

The BVA told us: 'We don't recommend a raw food diet, at least without a vet's guidance. This is for two main reasons: the nutritional deficiencies that often come with feeding raw food (eg low taurine in cats or high vitamin A) and the risks associated with handling raw food – both for the pets and the household.' Hill's Science Plan: high-quality wet dog food specially tailored to support your dog throughout its life, from puppy to senior. For reasons of hygiene and safety, personal grooming products, cosmetics or items of intimate clothing cannot be returned.

Costs are based on an average medium dog (10-25kg), such as a French bulldog, on a simple dry-food diet. Medium dog: monthly food costs Weight-related problems can range from musculoskeletal conditions to breathing issues and diabetes, among others. Unwanted Food or Drink Products - Once supply conditions are broken, there are a number of factors outside of our control that can affect the quality of a product. Therefore perishable goods such as food and drink cannot be returned. Any commercially manufactured dog food in the UK that meets UK Pet Food guidelines will contain complete nutritional requirements for pets, says the British Veterinary Association (BVA).

Commercial options are a safer bet for nutrition. The PFMA says that commercially prepared raw dog food marked as ‘complete’ meets the guidelines to provide the nutritional balance a dog needs in their daily diet. Pet obesity is the top welfare concern for vets, according to the 2021 PAW report . Another 2021 study from the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) found that one in 14 dogs were recorded by their vets as overweight . The study also found that some breeds were more prone to gaining weight.For more details on the most popular brands from above, see our guides to Bakers, Burns, Harringtons, Hill's and Royal Canin dog food. Lukullus: an exclusive range of complete wet dog food designed to meet your dog's natural nutritional requirements.