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So… What Shouldn’t You Feed Your Dog? (And What Actually IS Good These Days)

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Becky

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Alright, dog lovers—grab your coffee, your squishy-faced best friend, and let’s dive into the mysterious world of dog food. Because while most of us know chocolate is a doggie no-no, there’s a whole smorgasbord of “nope” foods out there—some hiding in plain sight.

And remember: I’m a dog trainer, not your vet. Always check with your veterinarian about your dog’s unique needs. Science evolves (which is awesome!), and your vet’s the best co-pilot on your pet’s health journey.

Dried Jerky Treats: Even I Was Fooled

Full confession: I used to buy jerky treats for dogs. I even recommended them to clients. They seemed like the perfect “high-value treat” for training.

But that’s the beautiful thing about science and research—it updates and gives us the best way forward for our pets (and our families). Studies and troubling case reports linked some jerky treats (especially imported ones) to mysterious illnesses and even deaths in dogs. 

Reputable Sources:

The cause? Still unclear. The solution? Easy: skip the jerky. 

Instead of jerky, try:

✅ Freeze-dried meats (like liver or salmon)

✅ Small training treats (Zuke’s, Charlee Bear)

✅ Crunchy veggies (carrots, green beans)

✅ Fresh fruits (blueberries, apple slices – no seeds!)

✅ Dental chews from trusted brands (Virbac, Whimzees)

The “Best” Food Isn’t Always Best for Your Dog

You’re in the dog food aisle, scanning labels like Sherlock Holmes. “Chicken as the first ingredient!” Score! Or maybe you reach for the bag that costs roughly the same as your car payment because surely that means it’s the best, right?

Not so fast. Fresh meat is about 70% water, so once it’s cooked into kibble, it shrinks way down. That’s why “meat meals” (like chicken meal or lamb meal) are actually more protein-rich. They might sound less glamorous, but they’re packed with real nutrition—not just water weight.

So aim for foods that list both fresh meat and named meat meals high on the ingredients list. And skip vague stuff like “animal meal” or “meat by-product meal.”

Also remember, super high-protein, high-fat foods are amazing… if your dog is a Belgian Malinois crushing it at the AKC Diving Dogs competition on ESPN (because those dogs are basically ninjas). But the same diet might not be the best for your couch-loving Cocker Spaniel. It could even stir up tummy troubles like pancreatitis—definitely not fun for your pup (or your wallet).

Why Quality Matters

A lower-quality diet doesn’t just make mealtime less exciting—it can also show up as extra licking and scratching, ear issues, watery eyes, or a dull coat. Over time, feeding the best nutrition you can really helps keep your dog feeling (and looking) their best for the long haul.

When clients ask me what I recommend, these are the brands that consistently top the charts for quality, balanced formulas, and vet approval:

✅ Purina Pro Plan, still one of the best out there with tons of options tailored for different needs.

✅ Hill’s Science Diet, a long-time favorite for sensitive stomachs, skin concerns, and healthy weight.

✅ Royal Canin, especially if you want breed-specific blends or targeted medical diets.

✅ Eukanuba, super digestible and great for active dogs.

✅ Wellness Complete Health, packed with quality proteins, grains, and none of that artificial junk.

Why Wet Food Deserves a Spot in Your Pantry

Yes, yes, dry kibble is convenient and good for teeth. But adding wet food to your dog’s diet is a serious glow-up for their hydration and digestion. Wet food typically has higher moisture, fewer carbs, and is easier on sensitive stomachs. Even a spoonful mixed in can make mealtime the highlight of your dog’s day. 

Little Tummy Troubles? Stock These.

Because sometimes your pup’s GI tract decides to throw a tantrum at 2am, it’s smart to keep a few staples on hand:

✅ Plain canned pumpkin (not pie filling!): great fiber for mild tummy upsets.

✅ FortiFlora or similar probiotics (over the counter, but again—ask your vet first). Just be sure to check expiration dates so you’re not serving expired gut bugs.

Elevate Their Bowls—Literally

Raising your dog’s food and water bowls helps reduce strain on their neck and joints, especially for larger or older dogs. It can also help slow down gulpers, reducing the risk of bloat (the scary twisty stomach emergency). Bonus: it keeps the floor just a bit less slobbery. Slightly.

A Few Parting Words

Dog nutrition isn’t one-size-fits-all. That’s why you’ve got a vet, and why you’re reading nerdy dog blogs (hi, that’s me). Your pup’s needs will change over their lifetime, and that’s a beautiful thing to learn and adapt with.

In the meantime, keep being the fantastic dog parent you already are. Give them all your love, feed them the best food your budget allows, and that happy tail will keep wagging for years to come.

My Recommended Products for a Healthier Pup

This section contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission (at no cost to you) if you make a purchase. I only recommend products I trust and use personally or with my clients. Thank you for supporting Daffodil Cottage!

Healthy Whole Food Additions: For Occasional Digestive Support Only. These additions can be gently mixed into your dog’s meals in small, vet-approved amounts — but only when your pup is experiencing mild digestive upset. Always monitor for changes and discontinue if symptoms worsen.

Vet-Approved Dog Food Brands: All of these meet AAFCO standards, are recommended by veterinarians, and offer both dry and wet options:

Purina Pro Plan

Hill’s Science Diet

Royal Canin

Eukanuba

Wellness Complete Health

Dental Health Essentials: Dental chews help reduce plaque and freshen breath between brushings.

Feeding Tools: Elevated bowls help with posture and digestion, especially for larger breeds or aging dogs:

Dog Treats Made with Clean Ingredients

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