While the 'mixing bowl' composition is useful for knowing what went into the food, it doesn't always reflect what your dog is actually eating. This is because the processes that turn the ingredients into the finished pet food can significantly alter the relative weights of the ingredients. 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. Here's what animal charity PDSA suggests you look for – and what to avoid – when choosing dog food. What to look for

We all want to give our dogs something they enjoy eating, but it is just as important that the food meets a dog’s daily nutritional requirements. This means that they get the protein, fibre, carbs, and essential vitamins and minerals to keep them healthy.

Less is more! Our simple, just meat or fish recipes cut out problem ingredients associated with sensitive digestion. Ideal for dogs on exclusion diets or suffering with food intolerances. Also a convenient alternative to raw feeding!

There are benefits to dry food and dog food, and as long as you buy a complete food, you can feed either as the sole food source for your dog. Because of the high moisture content in wet food, it can actually help ensure that your dog stays hydrated, too, although you still need to ensure that there is a fresh and regularly filled bowl of water available whenever your dog wants a drink. Should You Mix Wet and Dry Dog Food? 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.' However, the BVA adds that 'each pet has its own needs, so diet should be adapted to your pet's lifestyle, age, breed and any health conditions. We advise people to speak with their vet when they get a new pet'. 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. Because of the small amount required, it is likely that carrageenan is safe, and this small amount also means that it is not always included in ingredient lists. Some manufacturers will guarantee that their food is carrageenan-free, but others won’t be drawn. If you are avoiding carrageenan, you must specifically look for those foods that state they are guaranteed carrageenan free. Grains

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.'No' thanks we have received the food', until I chased again.Weeks later and, you've guessed again, nothing. Wet dog food should only be left down for an hour or two before you lift any leftovers. Dry food, on the other hand, can be left down all day. As such, if you go out to work, it can be beneficial to feed both wet and dry food. Give one or two wet meals a day and leave a measured bowl of dry food down for grazing. There is no need or benefit to combining wet and dry food in the same bowl. Is Wet Food Easier for Dogs to Digest?

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 costsOur unique survey insights reveal which dog food brands are loved by Which? members, offering the best value for money, quality and an enthusiastic response from your canine companions. There are risks to handling fresh, frozen or freeze-dried raw food. The UK Pet Food recommends the following:

Wet dog food is made up of around 75% water and this is mixed with ingredients like meat and vegetables. Wet food can take various forms. The solid ingredients can be chunks, strips, pate, or mousse, and they might be surrounded by a wet gravy or jelly. Wet food usually costs more, because of the cost of transporting the heavier food, but it does provide moisture to ensure that your dog is hydrated as well as full. Complete Dog Foods Usually he can't tolerate the wet foods, but now we have found Nature diet he is enjoying his food again. For now as we are still introducing it we are mixing the two foods, 50:50 dry and wet. The food is convenient, not too smelly (although I haven't tried all the flavours), and agrees with him. I like that I can see the rice and carrots in the meat, and am slowly trying him with new flavours. 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? Ideally, your dog’s daily wet food allowance should be broken down into two or more meals. This is better for digestion, ensures that your dog is fuller for longer periods of the day, and it ensures a steady supply of blood sugar and insulin to your dog’s system. To determine how much wet food to give, accurately weigh your dog and feed according to the manufacturers’ guidelines. If you combine wet and dry food, adjust the weights of both accordingly, for example feeding half the recommended dry food and half the recommended wet food, each day. Choosing the Best Wet Dog FoodPet 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.