Nutrition for Dogs

Nutrition for dogs is essential to their general health and wellness, allowing them to perform daily activities like running and playing while also promoting longevity and preventing disease. Browse our collection of Purina dog food formulas and supplements to find the right diet for your dog based on their nutritional needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the nutrition requirements for dogs?

The nutrition requirements for dogs vary by the individual dog and their health. However, basic nutrition guidelines for dogs include feeding your dog an age-appropriate diet that’s properly balanced. 

Dogs are omnivores, so while they enjoy meat, their nutritional needs include much more than protein sources. The nutritional requirements for dogs are a complete and balanced diet consisting of protein, carbohydrates, fiber, fats, vitamins, and minerals for optimal health. 

What’s the best diet for my dog?

The best diet for your dog depends on their overall health needs. Discuss your dog's nutritional needs with your vet if you’re unsure what to feed your dog or believe they require a specialized diet. We carry several types of specialized formulas to support the nutritional requirements for dogs, including:

  • Joint Mobility: The Joint Mobility formula is a kibble dog food specially formulated to support healthy joints and mobility with a high protein-to-calorie ratio, long-chain omega-3 fatty acids, glucosamine, antioxidants, and vitamin E. 
  • CardioCare: CardioCare is a wet or dry dog food high in protein to support cardiac health with amino acids, fatty acids, minerals, and vitamin E. 
  • Gastroenteric: Available as dry or canned food, the Gastroenteric diet is formulated to support the nutritional needs of dogs with GI issues. Highly digestible, it promotes nutrient absorption and contains high-quality ingredients like prebiotic fiber and antioxidants. 
  • Dental Health: Support your dog’s dental health with a kibble developed with a crunchy texture to scrape away plaque and tartar that contributes to dental disease. 
  • NeuroCare: NeuroCare is specially formulated to support cognitive and immune health with medium-chain triglyceride oil, antioxidants like vitamin E, and omega fatty acids. 

What should I feed my overweight dog?

Being overweight is unhealthy for dogs and can increase their risk of serious health conditions like diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, and bladder stones. In addition, the nutritional requirements for overweight dogs may differ from healthy dogs because they should aim to lose weight. Switching your dog to a weight management program may help them lose weight and maintain fat loss to prevent serious health problems. 

The Overweight Management formula is designed to help dogs lose weight and maintain muscle mass. It contains a high protein-to-calorie ratio, is low in fat, and is high in fiber to help dogs stay fuller for longer. 

How much should I feed my dog?

How much to feed your dog depends on their size, health, weight, and activity level. You can find feeding guidelines on your dog food packaging, but these aren’t accurate for all dogs. For example, high-energy dogs may require more food than senior dogs. Get diet and nutrition advice for your dog to help you learn how much to feed them. 

Are supplements a nutritional requirement for dogs?

Supplements are not a nutritional requirement for dogs, but they can provide supplemental nutrition and promote total body health. For example, FortiFlora Chewable Tablets are probiotics designed to promote digestive health and help dogs suffering from diarrhea while reducing gas. Dogs suffering from GI issues may also benefit from Digestive Health Bites designed to promote digestive health with natural prebiotic fiber. 

Worried about your dog’s dental health? Try DentalChewz, formulated to significantly reduce plaque and tartar build-up for a cleaner mouth and fresher breath.