How to Choose the Right Dog Food (Without Losing Your Mind in the Process!)

THE TRUTH ABOUT PROTEIN: WHAT YOUR DOG REALLY NEEDS

Dog food companies love shouting about high protein percentages as a marketing claim, but the number isn’t everything. What really matters is where that protein comes from and whether your dog’s body can actually use it.

​​Ideally, a dog’s diet should contain between 18-25% protein, depending on their activity level. Working dogs and growing puppies require higher levels, in the range of 22 – 32%, depending on their activity level and breed. Larger breed puppies should stay on the lower end (closer to 22-26%), to support steady growth which helps prevent growing bone and joint issues.

THINGS TO LOOK FOR:

• Named protein sources (chicken, salmon, lentils, quinoa)
• Avoid vague words like “meat meal” or “by-products”
• Digestibility is key – if your dog can’t absorb it, it’s pointless

There’s also a myth that only animal proteins provide complete nutrition. That’s old-school thinking. Yes, dogs need a complete set of amino acids, but this can come from either animal or plant-based proteins, if formulated properly. Herbie Wilde’s blend (including pea protein and quinoa) ensures dogs get everything they need. Herbie Wilde’s plant-based formula also has a 94.5% protein digestibility score, meaning dogs can actually use what they’re eating.  If your dog food doesn’t publish or have a digestibility score, question why, either they don’t know it or don’t want to know it, either way it should be something companies discuss as a form of traceability and trust.

Oh, and more protein isn’t always better.  It is increasingly frustrating to see companies use high protein as a badge of honour when typically it can be bad for dogs, not good.  Unless your dog is a working breed, puppy, or has a medical need for more protein, excessive amounts can put extra strain on the kidneys.

FATS: NOT THE ENEMY

Fat gets a bad reputation in both human and dog nutrition! But good fats are so important for the health of your dog’s brain, skin, heart, coat and joints. The trick is getting the right kinds of fats in the right amounts.

The biggest issue in commercial dog food? Too much Omega-6, not enough Omega-3. That imbalance leads to chronic inflammation, which is linked to all sorts of long-term health problems.

GOOD FAT SOURCES

• DHA Gold Algae Oil – A plant-based source of EPA and DHA (the powerful anti-inflammatory omegas found in fish, but without the environmental impact).
• Flaxseed and chia seeds
• Avoid generic “vegetable oil” (usually poor quality and inflammatory)

Chronic inflammation is like a slow-burning fire in the body—it’s at the root of many long-term health problems, from arthritis to heart disease. A lot of commercial meat-based dog foods make this worse because they’re loaded with Omega-6 fatty acids, which, without enough Omega-3s to balance them out, can drive inflammation. This is especially true for meats from intensively farmed animals. 

On the other hand, a well-formulated plant-based diet, with Omega-3s from sources like flaxseed and algae, can actually help cool that fire down and support a healthier, longer life. Dogs need Omega-3s to keep inflammation in check, and most diets don’t have nearly enough.

When I talk to owners about the benefits of omega-3s, I encourage them to make sure they’re getting enough too!

CARBOHYDRATES: FRIEND OR FILLER

Carbohydrates cause quite the controversy in dog nutrition, but the truth is, they’re an important part of a balanced diet. Some traditional pet nutritionists argue that dogs are strict carnivores, but that’s just not true. Research shows that dogs have evolved alongside humans for thousands of years, adapting to digest and utilise carbohydrates efficiently. Unlike their wolf ancestors of 20,000 – 40,000 years ago, dogs have genetic adaptations that allow them to break down starches and absorb nutrients from plant-based foods. That, to me, is confirmation that modern dogs are actually omnivores, capable of thriving on a balanced diet that includes both animal and/or plant-based ingredients. The right carbohydrates, like sweet potatoes, quinoa, and lentils, provide steady energy, and support gut health. Science backs it up: dogs don’t just tolerate carbs—they’re built to use them.

GOOD CARBOHYDRATES

These carbohydrates digest slowly, so they help maintain steady blood sugar levels and provide long-lasting energy rather than quick spikes and crashes. They also support gut health, thanks to their fibre content. Fibre is massively important for gut health, and since 70% of a dog’s immune system is in their gut, a healthy microbiome = a healthier dog. 

The microbiome is the collection of good bacteria and other microorganisms living in your dog’s gut. It helps with digestion, nutrient absorption, immune function, and even mood regulation. A healthy microbiome means better digestion, stronger immunity, and overall well-being, while an unbalanced one can lead to tummy troubles, allergies, and inflammation. Ingredients like chicory root, pumpkin, and leafy greens help to help keep their digestion functioning optimally. Good carbs include;

• Sweet potatoes
• Lentils
• Quinoa

BAD CARBOHYDRATES

The issue with these ingredients isn’t that they’re inherently toxic – it’s that they’re overused, highly processed, and provide little beyond empty calories. These include;

• Corn
• Wheat
• Cheap fillers that just bulk up the food

THE “EXTRAS” THAT ACTUALLY MATTER

Vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants don’t get as much attention as protein and fat, but they should. They keep your dog’s immune system strong and help protect against cellular damage and disease.

Vitamin A supports vision, immune health, and skin. B vitamins help with energy, brain function, and metabolism. Vitamin D works with calcium and phosphorus to build strong bones, while Vitamin E protects cells as a natural antioxidant. Vitamin K ensures proper blood clotting, and although dogs can produce Vitamin C on their own, extra can boost immune health.

Essential minerals like calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium are crucial for strong bones and muscle function. Iron, zinc, and copper help with oxygen transport and immune defense, while potassium and sodium keep hydration levels and nerve signals balanced. Selenium and iodine are needed for thyroid function and metabolism.

Even with a complete protein source, dogs need extra of certain essential amino acids that they can’t produce on their own. Taurine is essential for heart health, vision, and brain function, while methionine supports healthy skin, coat, detoxification, and helps keep urine pH at an optimal level for bladder health. Deficiencies in these can lead to serious health issues, so a good dog food will include them in the right amounts.

LOOK FOR DOG FOOD THAT CONTAINS:

• Blueberries, spinach, turmeric, cranberries – Rich in antioxidants that combat oxidative stress.
• Whole-food sources of vitamins – Named vitamins and minerals instead of vague “vitamin mix” labels.
• No artificial additives – Avoid synthetic preservatives, artificial colours, or unrecognisable chemicals.

If your dog’s food label reads like a science experiment, it’s probably not ideal.

FOOD SENSITIVITIES: IS THEIR DIET MAKING THEM ITCHY OR GIVING THEM TUMMY TROUBLES:

A lot of people switch foods because their dog has chronic itching, ear infections, or digestive problems. Food is often the culprit.

Common offenders:

• Beef
• Chicken
• Dairy
• Wheat
• Lamb
• Soy

Some dogs thrive on grain-free diets, but not all grains are bad. It’s the processed, low-quality ones (like wheat or corn) that cause issues. Whole grains like quinoa or buckwheat can actually be beneficial.

Soy is the second most common plant-based allergen and is avoided in many premium diets due to concerns about digestibility, inflammatory effects, and it’s often a common filler in lower-quality foods.

WHERE INGREDIENTS COME FROM

It’s not just what’s in the food – it’s where it comes from. Some companies use great ingredients but source them from questionable places.  If a brand is vague about its sourcing, that’s a red flag. Look for transparency, like Herbie Wilde’s commitment to full traceability of ingredients.

HOW TO ACTUALLY READ A DOG FOOD LABEL (WITHOUT A DEGREE IN NUTRITION)

1. Check the first few ingredients. The bulk of the foods listed here should be high-quality protein and healthy fats, not fillers.
2. Look for named ingredients. A wholefood ingredient is good. “Meat by-product” is…not.
3. Watch out for hidden junk. Corn, wheat, and artificial preservatives don’t belong in a premium food.
4. Omega-3 sources should be clear. Flaxseed or algae oil = good. Generic “vegetable oil” = bad.
5. Transparency is key. If a company won’t tell you where their ingredients come from, that’s a problem.

BOTTOM LINE: WHAT’S BEST FOR YOU DOG?

Whether you feed plant-based, raw, kibble, or home-cooked, the goal is always the same: give your dog the highest quality nutrition. There’s no one-size-fits-all diet, but there are simple ways to make sure you’re choosing the best food for your dog.

1. Start by reading the label—properly.
   Use the guide above to navigate ingredients with confidence. Look for named proteins, whole foods, clean fats, and transparency. It’s about knowing exactly what’s in your dog’s bowl—and why it’s there.
2. Avoid common allergens.
   Be mindful of ingredients that are common triggers, such as beef, chicken, wheat, and soy. Choosing recipes free from these can help reduce the risk of sensitivities and support overall wellbeing.
3. Diversity is a good thing.
   A broad variety of ingredients provides a rich mix of fibres, prebiotics, and nutrients that help maintain a healthy gut microbiome—key to digestion, immunity, and long-term health.
4. Check it’s fully balanced.
   A complete food should deliver the full range of essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants your dog needs to thrive. Don’t just trust the packaging—check for nutritional completeness.
5. Look for transparency on percentages.
   Brands that clearly list their ingredients and percentages show they have nothing to hide. Knowing exactly what’s in the bag builds trust and gives you confidence in the quality.
6. Digestibility matters.
   Even the best ingredients only work if your dog can absorb them. Look for brands that publish their protein digestibility score—it’s a key indicator of how much nutrition your dog is really getting from their food.

Herbie Wilde’s plant-based formula is a good example of a food that meets all those standards while avoiding common allergens and pro-inflammatory ingredients.