Choosing the right food for your dog can feel overwhelming. With shelves full of kibbles, fresh meals, freeze-dried options, and confusing labels, it’s not always clear what’s actually good for your dog. Adding to the confusion is the sheer amount of misinformation surrounding canine nutrition. Many widely shared dog food myths are often repeated as fact, making it harder for pet parents to separate marketing from meaningful nutrition.
This practical guide breaks down what to look for, what to avoid, and how to make confident feeding decisions so you can support your dog’s health not just today, but for years to come.
This is what to look for in your dog’s food
Not all dog foods are created equal. Here’s how you weed out subpar dog food and identify those that truly worth their salt at a glance.
Firstly, be on the look out for clearly named animal proteins (i.e. chicken, beef, turkey, salmon, lamb) and avoid vague terms such as "meat meal” or “animal derivatives”. The devil is in the details, and in this case, specificity in protein source is key to determining whether or not a dog food contains the high-quality protein necessary for supporting muscle maintenance, immune health, and energy levels to make it worth your pet's time. [1]
Next, consider the moisture content of the meal. Higher moisture content in fresh food also helps support hydration, kidney function, and overall metabolic health. [2]
Furthermore, ensure that you pick meals with functional ingredients added for additional health support such as prebiotics for gut health, omega-3 fatty acids for skin and inflammation, fibre for digestion, or even antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables. No ingredients in a meal worth eating should only serve as filler.
Finally, check for an AAFCO nutritional adequacy statement [3] on the packaging. This statement confirms that the food meets established nutritional standards for dogs and specifies whether the meal is formulated for a particular life stage, such as growth (puppies), adult maintenance, or all life stages. Feeding a diet that aligns with your dog’s age and physiological needs is critical, as puppies, adults, and senior dogs all require different nutrient ratios to thrive.
Beyond the obvious nutritional information easily noticeable on labels, here are some lesser known labelling conventions for dog food that you should be watching out for.
The 95% Rule Explained
One of the most misunderstood parts of dog food labels is the 95% rule. Under AAFCO labeling standards, the name of a product dictates its mandatory minimum meat content. [4]
If a food is labelled, for example, “Chicken Dog Food”, it must contain at least 95% chicken, excluding water, meaning that it can only be found on single-protein meals, great for targeted nutrition, limited-ingredient diets, or pets with allergies.
This recommended percentage of protein means better nutritional value, higher quality ingredients, as well as less reliance on fillers, thereby ensuring your pets are getting the best value out of each bite.
The 25% Rule Explained
The 25% rule is another common label guideline that can help you understand the proportion of a key ingredient in your dog’s food. Often referred to as the “dinner rule,” it applies to products labelled with phrases like “Beef Dinner” or “Chicken Entrée.”
Under AAFCO standards, a food with a name like “Beef Dinner” must contain at least 25% of the named ingredient, excluding water. [5] Here, the named protein is a substantial part of the diet, but much less dominant than in 95% products. The remaining 75% can include other proteins, grains, vegetables, and fillers, making these foods more suited to be one ingredient in a larger, mixed meal.
The 3% Rule Explained
The 3% rule, also known as the “with” rule, pertains to foods that include a named ingredient as a supplementary component of the formula. When a product label reads something like “Dog Food with Salmon” or “Kibble with Lamb,” the named ingredient must account for at least 3% of the total product, excluding water. [6]
At 3%, the ingredient provides identifiable flavour and modest nutritional contribution, but it does not imply the food’s overall protein structure is built around that item. Foods formulated under the 3% rule may enhance palatability or introduce specific nutrients, but pet owners should assess the complete ingredient profile and guaranteed analysis to understand the diet’s overall nutrient adequacy.
A comparison of feeding trials reported in a veterinary nutrition journal also found that ingredient claims based on minimal inclusion percentages (such as the 3% rule) do not necessarily predict digestible nutrient content or diet balance, reinforcing the importance of looking beyond label highlights to the full formulation.
Understanding dog food labelling conventions can help you quickly assess food quality and avoid misleading marketing terms.
Is fresh food really the healthiest?
Over the past decade, fresh dog food has grown astronomically in popularity — and for good reason.
While traditional kibble has long been the industry standard for convenience, recent peer-reviewed research suggests that fresh, minimally processed diets provide significant biological advantages that impact a dog’s internal health markers and long-term aging. [7]
Significant research has been done into fresh dog food and its efficacy when held up against kibble. A landmark study followed over 500 dogs and found that those fed a diet of fresh, homemade, or high-quality fresh commercial food lived an average of 32 months longer than those on strictly industrial processed diets. [8] On top of that, a study conducted in 2025 found perhaps the most compelling argument for fresh food yet — that it significantly lowers levels of AGEs in the system of senior dogs. [9] AGEs, or Advanced Glycation End Products, are inflammatory compounds formed when food is processed at high temperatures (like kibble) linked to age-related diseases, diabetes, renal disease, and even cancer. Simply put, fresh dog food can support healthier aging and longevity in senior dogs.
Its higher nutrient bioavailability, better digestibility, higher moisture content, and fewer heavily processed ingredients make fresh food a far superior form of dog food.
Is mixed feeding the way to go?
In a word, yes. Mixed feeding — combining kibble with fresh food — is widely considered one of the healthiest and most sustainable approaches for many pet owners.
While a fully fresh diet may offer the greatest nutritional benefits in theory, it isn’t always practical for everyone. Factors such as cost, time, storage, and daily convenience can make long-term exclusive fresh feeding difficult to maintain.
This is where mixed feeding offers a valuable middle ground.
By incorporating fresh food alongside your dog’s existing diet, you can meaningfully improve the overall quality of their meals (e.g. increasing moisture intake, enhancing nutrient variety, and improving palatability) without the full commitment required of a 100% fresh diet.
It also provides greater flexibility for pet owners, making it easier to stay consistent over time. After all, the best diet isn’t just the one that’s ideal on paper — it’s the one you can realistically sustain.
Even small additions of fresh, properly formulated food can make a noticeable difference in supporting your dog’s digestion, energy levels, and overall wellbeing.
What ingredients should I avoid in dog food?
When choosing dog food, the ingredient list can reveal a lot about its overall quality. While not all processed ingredients are harmful, there are certain types that may offer little nutritional value or serve primarily functional or cosmetic purposes rather than supporting your dog’s health.
Here are ingredients to watch for:
-
Unnamed meat sources
-
Artificial preservatives
-
Excessive fillers
-
Excessive salt
Ultimately, the goal of familiarising yourself with canine nutrition isn’t to avoid individual ingredients out of fear, but to prioritise foods made with clearly identified, purposeful ingredients that contribute to balanced nutrition. Transparency, ingredient quality, and nutritional completeness are far more important indicators than marketing claims alone.
Let the professionals take over
At the end of the day, feeding your dog shouldn’t feel like guesswork.
Your dog deserves food that is properly balanced, scientifically formulated, and made with the utmost care and purpose.
Professionally formulated fresh diets take the pressure off you — ensuring your dog gets exactly what they need.
At The Grateful Pet, meals are:
Whether your dog needs everyday nutrition or targeted support, professionally prepared fresh food provides peace of mind, and a healthier, happier companion.
And when in doubt, trust food made with intention, not just convenience.
Because feeding your dog well isn’t just about hitting nutrition goals. It’s about care.
Reference
[1] https://blackhawkpetcare.com/nz/articles/the-benefits-of-feeding-high-protein-dog-food-and-what-is-fresh-meat-in-kibble/
[2] https://guardianveterinaryspecialists.com/discover-how-proper-hydration-prevents-urinary-kidney-problems-in-pets
[3] https://www.aafco.org/consumers/understanding-pet-food/selecting-the-right-pet-food/
[4] [5] [6] https://www.purinainstitute.com/centresquare/understanding-pet-food/understanding-pet-food-labels-aafco
[7][9] https://nutrinews.com/en/fresh-food-vs-kibble-how-one-year-transforms-senior-dog-metabolism
[8] https://www.cavalierhealth.org/images/Lippert_Sapy_Domestic_Dogs_Life_Expectancy.pdf
Choosing the right food for your dog can feel overwhelming. With shelves full of kibbles, fresh meals, freeze-dried options, and confusing labels, it’s not always clear what’s actually good for your dog. Adding to the confusion is the sheer amount of misinformation surrounding canine nutrition. Many widely shared dog food myths are often repeated as fact, making it harder for pet parents to separate marketing from meaningful nutrition.
This practical guide breaks down what to look for, what to avoid, and how to make confident feeding decisions so you can support your dog’s health not just today, but for years to come.
This is what to look for in your dog’s food
Not all dog foods are created equal. Here’s how you weed out subpar dog food and identify those that truly worth their salt at a glance.
Firstly, be on the look out for clearly named animal proteins (i.e. chicken, beef, turkey, salmon, lamb) and avoid vague terms such as "meat meal” or “animal derivatives”. The devil is in the details, and in this case, specificity in protein source is key to determining whether or not a dog food contains the high-quality protein necessary for supporting muscle maintenance, immune health, and energy levels to make it worth your pet's time. [1]
Next, consider the moisture content of the meal. Higher moisture content in fresh food also helps support hydration, kidney function, and overall metabolic health. [2]
Furthermore, ensure that you pick meals with functional ingredients added for additional health support such as prebiotics for gut health, omega-3 fatty acids for skin and inflammation, fibre for digestion, or even antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables. No ingredients in a meal worth eating should only serve as filler.
Finally, check for an AAFCO nutritional adequacy statement [3] on the packaging. This statement confirms that the food meets established nutritional standards for dogs and specifies whether the meal is formulated for a particular life stage, such as growth (puppies), adult maintenance, or all life stages. Feeding a diet that aligns with your dog’s age and physiological needs is critical, as puppies, adults, and senior dogs all require different nutrient ratios to thrive.
Beyond the obvious nutritional information easily noticeable on labels, here are some lesser known labelling conventions for dog food that you should be watching out for.
The 95% Rule Explained
One of the most misunderstood parts of dog food labels is the 95% rule. Under AAFCO labeling standards, the name of a product dictates its mandatory minimum meat content. [4]
If a food is labelled, for example, “Chicken Dog Food”, it must contain at least 95% chicken, excluding water, meaning that it can only be found on single-protein meals, great for targeted nutrition, limited-ingredient diets, or pets with allergies.
This recommended percentage of protein means better nutritional value, higher quality ingredients, as well as less reliance on fillers, thereby ensuring your pets are getting the best value out of each bite.
The 25% Rule Explained
The 25% rule is another common label guideline that can help you understand the proportion of a key ingredient in your dog’s food. Often referred to as the “dinner rule,” it applies to products labelled with phrases like “Beef Dinner” or “Chicken Entrée.”
Under AAFCO standards, a food with a name like “Beef Dinner” must contain at least 25% of the named ingredient, excluding water. [5] Here, the named protein is a substantial part of the diet, but much less dominant than in 95% products. The remaining 75% can include other proteins, grains, vegetables, and fillers, making these foods more suited to be one ingredient in a larger, mixed meal.
The 3% Rule Explained
The 3% rule, also known as the “with” rule, pertains to foods that include a named ingredient as a supplementary component of the formula. When a product label reads something like “Dog Food with Salmon” or “Kibble with Lamb,” the named ingredient must account for at least 3% of the total product, excluding water. [6]
At 3%, the ingredient provides identifiable flavour and modest nutritional contribution, but it does not imply the food’s overall protein structure is built around that item. Foods formulated under the 3% rule may enhance palatability or introduce specific nutrients, but pet owners should assess the complete ingredient profile and guaranteed analysis to understand the diet’s overall nutrient adequacy.
A comparison of feeding trials reported in a veterinary nutrition journal also found that ingredient claims based on minimal inclusion percentages (such as the 3% rule) do not necessarily predict digestible nutrient content or diet balance, reinforcing the importance of looking beyond label highlights to the full formulation.
Understanding dog food labelling conventions can help you quickly assess food quality and avoid misleading marketing terms.
Is fresh food really the healthiest?
Over the past decade, fresh dog food has grown astronomically in popularity — and for good reason.
While traditional kibble has long been the industry standard for convenience, recent peer-reviewed research suggests that fresh, minimally processed diets provide significant biological advantages that impact a dog’s internal health markers and long-term aging. [7]
Significant research has been done into fresh dog food and its efficacy when held up against kibble. A landmark study followed over 500 dogs and found that those fed a diet of fresh, homemade, or high-quality fresh commercial food lived an average of 32 months longer than those on strictly industrial processed diets. [8] On top of that, a study conducted in 2025 found perhaps the most compelling argument for fresh food yet — that it significantly lowers levels of AGEs in the system of senior dogs. [9] AGEs, or Advanced Glycation End Products, are inflammatory compounds formed when food is processed at high temperatures (like kibble) linked to age-related diseases, diabetes, renal disease, and even cancer. Simply put, fresh dog food can support healthier aging and longevity in senior dogs.
Its higher nutrient bioavailability, better digestibility, higher moisture content, and fewer heavily processed ingredients make fresh food a far superior form of dog food.
Is mixed feeding the way to go?
In a word, yes. Mixed feeding — combining kibble with fresh food — is widely considered one of the healthiest and most sustainable approaches for many pet owners.
While a fully fresh diet may offer the greatest nutritional benefits in theory, it isn’t always practical for everyone. Factors such as cost, time, storage, and daily convenience can make long-term exclusive fresh feeding difficult to maintain.
This is where mixed feeding offers a valuable middle ground.
By incorporating fresh food alongside your dog’s existing diet, you can meaningfully improve the overall quality of their meals (e.g. increasing moisture intake, enhancing nutrient variety, and improving palatability) without the full commitment required of a 100% fresh diet.
It also provides greater flexibility for pet owners, making it easier to stay consistent over time. After all, the best diet isn’t just the one that’s ideal on paper — it’s the one you can realistically sustain.
Even small additions of fresh, properly formulated food can make a noticeable difference in supporting your dog’s digestion, energy levels, and overall wellbeing.
What ingredients should I avoid in dog food?
When choosing dog food, the ingredient list can reveal a lot about its overall quality. While not all processed ingredients are harmful, there are certain types that may offer little nutritional value or serve primarily functional or cosmetic purposes rather than supporting your dog’s health.
Here are ingredients to watch for:
Unnamed meat sources
Artificial preservatives
Excessive fillers
Excessive salt
Ultimately, the goal of familiarising yourself with canine nutrition isn’t to avoid individual ingredients out of fear, but to prioritise foods made with clearly identified, purposeful ingredients that contribute to balanced nutrition. Transparency, ingredient quality, and nutritional completeness are far more important indicators than marketing claims alone.
Let the professionals take over
At the end of the day, feeding your dog shouldn’t feel like guesswork.
Your dog deserves food that is properly balanced, scientifically formulated, and made with the utmost care and purpose.
Professionally formulated fresh diets take the pressure off you — ensuring your dog gets exactly what they need.
At The Grateful Pet, meals are:
Gently cooked or raw
Made with simple, transparent ingredients
Designed to support real health outcomes
Whether your dog needs everyday nutrition or targeted support, professionally prepared fresh food provides peace of mind, and a healthier, happier companion.
And when in doubt, trust food made with intention, not just convenience.
Because feeding your dog well isn’t just about hitting nutrition goals. It’s about care.
Reference
[1] https://blackhawkpetcare.com/nz/articles/the-benefits-of-feeding-high-protein-dog-food-and-what-is-fresh-meat-in-kibble/
[2] https://guardianveterinaryspecialists.com/discover-how-proper-hydration-prevents-urinary-kidney-problems-in-pets
[3] https://www.aafco.org/consumers/understanding-pet-food/selecting-the-right-pet-food/
[4] [5] [6] https://www.purinainstitute.com/centresquare/understanding-pet-food/understanding-pet-food-labels-aafco
[7][9] https://nutrinews.com/en/fresh-food-vs-kibble-how-one-year-transforms-senior-dog-metabolism
[8] https://www.cavalierhealth.org/images/Lippert_Sapy_Domestic_Dogs_Life_Expectancy.pdf