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The Very Best Diet For Dogs, According To Vets
The Very Best Diet for Dogs, According to VeterinariansSkip to main content
Africa Studio/Shutterstock There isn't a one-size-fits-all diet for all dogsWhile some dogs do well on a plant-based diet, others don't. Same goes for meat-based diets. "The more decades I spend in veterinary medicine with an emphasis on nutrition, the more I'm convinced that diets for dogs are highly individualized and you have to pay attention to how your dog is doing on the diet you're feeding," says Ernie Ward, DVM, a San Francisco–based veterinarian and the founder of the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention. If it's not working, switch. You'll know there's a problem if you see these telltale dog-illness symptoms.
That said, there are some general guidelines regarding health and nutrition that every dog parent needs to know. Reader's Digest spoke with Dr. Ward and three other pet experts to find out what you should consider before deciding on the best diet for your dog.
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About the expertsReviewed for accuracy by: Amy Attas, VMD, an award-winning veterinarian, the founder of City Pets and the author of
Chendongshan/Shutterstock Evaluate a diet for its nutrients, not its ingredientsYour personal food philosophy will most likely determine what you feed your dog. While some people might think a meat-based diet is best for their dog, others may believe a plant-based diet is. And that's OK, as long as you follow this rule: "Make sure whatever diet you choose is nutritionally adequate," Dr. Ward says, adding that there are very few commercial dog foods available in the United States that he takes issue with. The one exception? Raw diets, which he says may cause nutritional inadequacies in dogs.
Consider a plant-based dietDogs (and cats) have a tremendous impact on the environment. In fact, one study found that they're responsible for 25% to 30% of the environmental impact of meat eating in this country. Because animal agriculture is responsible for up to 14.5% of total greenhouse-gas emissions, it makes sense that switching dogs to a plant-based diet could help quell the effect.
Africa Studio/Shutterstock Skip processed foodsHighly processed food is as bad for pups as it is for people. "Processed foods, which are foods that have been cooked at high heat or undergone an extrusion process, will never offer the fresh nutrients that you get from eating fresh food," says Judy Morgan, DVM, a holistic veterinarian in Clayton, New Jersey, and author of Yin & Yang Nutrition for Dogs. "As with people, when dogs eat highly processed foods, we see an increase in chronic inflammation, which can show up as arthritis, chronic elevation of liver enzymes, immune thyroiditis and inflammatory bowel disease, among others."
Africa Studio/Shutterstock Look for the AAFCO labelThe Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) helps ensure minimum nutritional requirements for your pets, and Dr. Ward says its label could be a shortcut for assurance. But know this: The AAFCO doesn't regularly inspect or guarantee that the amounts of nutrients stated on the bag are actually in that food. That's one reason Dr. Ward recommends raising the bar even higher by checking that the nutrient levels meet or exceed European Pet Food Industry guidelines, which have different requirements for certain nutrients.
Opt for wet food, if possibleMost people serve their pooches dry kibble, generally because it's convenient and often cheaper. But canned wet food is really a better choice. "You get higher protein and moisture content, so it's more specific to what dogs need," says Dr. Morgan.
Switlana Symonenko/Shutterstock Choose a low-grain dietGrain-free is a hot nutrition trend right now, but only a small percentage of dogs actually need to eat grain-free because of allergy issues. "It's important to consider factors like your dog's breed, age, activity level and overall health when making this decision," says Lindsay Butzer, DVM, a small-animal veterinarian and PetMeds partner. Plus, the FDA is investigating the potential link between certain grain-free dog food and a type of heart disease called dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). "This condition can lead to heart failure and even death in some cases," Dr. Butzer says. "Additionally, some grain-free diets may not provide the proper balance of nutrients your dog needs, which can lead to other health issues."
Instead, Dr. Ward advocates feeding your pooch a low-grain diet. "Grains are carbohydrates that contribute calories and can lead to weight gain, so I recommend a reduced carbohydrate diet—or in other words, a lower grain content," he says. However, it's always best to consult with your veterinarian to determine the optimal diet for your dog's specific needs.
9dream studio/Shutterstock Make dry food more nutritiousIf dry kibble is a more convenient option for you than canned, no problem, Dr. Ward says. But do add fresh vegetables and fruit to your dog's diet along with this type of food. Just don't include onions, citrus, avocado, grapes or these other foods that can be toxic to dogs.
Buy food that's appropriate for your dog's life stageYour dog's nutritional needs change with age. That's why you want to make sure you're buying food for the right life stage, whether that's puppyhood, adulthood or the senior years, says Dana Brooks, president and CEO of the Pet Food Institute.
Try frozen mealsNo doubt you've heard about cooked frozen meals, many of which are delivered to your home (like The Farmer's Dog, Olly, PetPlate, NomNomNow and ChiDog). But are they worth the price? Yes, especially given how convenient they are, says Dr. Morgan. Freeze-dried or rehydrated meals offer benefits similar to frozen fresh meals. Although they require a small amount of work—usually mixing the food with water—they're probably healthier than kibble, Dr. Morgan says. "These foods are closer to whole-food nutrition, which is always better for dogs."
Cook for your dogHome-cooked meals can be an effective way to feed your dog. But there's a huge caveat: "You have to make sure you're providing balanced meals," Dr. Morgan says. In one study from University of California–Davis, researchers evaluated 200 recipes for home-prepared dog foods and found that 95% lacked the necessary levels of at least one essential nutrient, and more than 83% had several nutrient deficiencies—many of which could result in serious health issues. If you want to go this route, researchers recommend consulting a board-certified veterinary nutritionist or, at the very least, your own vet.
LightField Studios/Shutterstock Feed your dog one to two times a dayDogs evolved to eat bigger meals less frequently. "Their stomach can expand to five times its volume, which is almost unique in the animal world," Dr. Ward says. That's why they have no problem eating only one to two times a day. Dogs, like people, can overeat. If that's the case with your pup, follow these tips to help your dog lose weight.
pedphoto36pm/Shutterstock Buy small bags of dry kibbleIf you opt for dry kibble, buy a bag you can use within three weeks. "Kibble is sprayed with fats for nutrition and taste, but those fats will oxidize quickly and become rancid, which can cause pancreatitis and inflammation in your pet," Dr. Morgan cautions. When you open the bag and expose it to air and light, it further oxidizes; heat can also create oxidation. To store it properly, keep the food in the bag in a sealed container, and roll it down tightly after each use. As with all food, you should also check the expiration date.
Go light on the treatsPet obesity is an epidemic in this country, and because excess food can drive up weight, you need to dole out treats responsibly. "Treats should make up no more than 10% of your pet's daily calories," Brooks says. The healthiest treats for dogs? Fruits and veggies, excluding any that are toxic to dogs, Dr. Morgan says. Try berries, apples, carrots, broccoli and green beans, even frozen beans. Of course, food is only part of the equation when it comes to having a healthy pup. You'll also want to figure out how much exercise your dog really needs.
Why trust usAt Reader's Digest, we're committed to producing high-quality content by writers with expertise and experience in their field in consultation with relevant, qualified experts. For this piece, Karen Asp tapped her experience covering dog nutrition, and then Amy Attas, VMD, an award-winning veterinarian and the author of Pets and the City: True Tales of a Manhattan House Call Veterinarian, gave it a rigorous review to ensure that all information is accurate and offers the best possible advice to readers. We verify all facts and data, back them with credible sourcing and revisit them over time to ensure they remain accurate and up to date. Read more about our team, our contributors and our editorial policies.
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Originally Published: September 12, 2019
Is Broccoli Good For Dogs?
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Broccoli is a health food powerhouse that's rich in antioxidants, fiber, vitamins and minerals. And yes, dogs can eat broccoli.
Whether your dog snuck a piece of broccoli behind your back or you're looking for a healthy snack for your pooch, you can rest assured that this green cruciferous vegetable is harmless and even healthy for most dogs to eat.
However, there are a few exceptions. Here's what you should know before feeding broccoli to your dog.
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Can Dogs Eat Broccoli?Yes they can. "Broccoli is a great healthy snack for dogs," says Dr. Danielle Rutherford, V.M.D., associate veterinarian with Westside Veterinary Center in Manhattan. "It can be fed raw or cooked, and it's a healthy addition to meals, which can add bulk as a low calorie topper to make dogs feel more full."
However, your dog can eat too much broccoli, leading to stomach upset. Broccoli florets contain a compound called isothiocyanates that can cause gastric distress in dogs. Because of this, the American Kennel Club (AKC) recommends giving broccoli to dogs in small amounts.
Potential Hazards of Broccoli for DogsAlong with the isothiocyanates, the high fiber content in broccoli can cause gas and bloating in dogs, as well as an upset stomach. It's best to start feeding your dog broccoli with a very small amount to see how your pooch handles it.
Another potential hazard comes from feeding broccoli stalks, or stems, to dogs. These can be a potential choking hazard, the AKC warns. When giving broccoli stems to your dog, cut them up into small pieces and monitor your dog's intake to make sure they don't become lodged in the esophagus.
Broccoli that's been prepared for humans may contain salt, fats and other seasonings that are potentially harmful to dogs. Only feed raw or cooked broccoli to dogs that's plain with no added seasoning or flavoring.
When Dogs Shouldn't Eat BroccoliBroccoli also contains glucosinolates, which are compounds that can inhibit thyroid function. If your dog has a thyroid condition, ask your vet if it's safe to feed it broccoli.
In light of the potential to cause gastric distress, exercise caution about giving your dog broccoli if it has a sensitive stomach or is prone to gas. And if your dog is on a prescription diet for a health condition, you should always consult your vet before feeding it anything other than its prescribed food.
Can Puppies Have Broccoli?Growing puppies have very specific nutritional needs, and they also don't have fully developed digestive systems. Fiber-rich broccoli could cause more pronounced digestive issues in puppies than in adult dogs. It's generally not a good idea to give broccoli to puppies.
How Much Broccoli Can a Dog eat?"I would recommend limiting the broccoli to no more than 10% of your pet's normal daily meal intake," Rutherford says.
Keep in mind that 10% of a diet will look different depending on the size of the dog. For a tiny Yorkie, that's only one or two pieces, whereas a Saint Bernard can handle a large handful of florets.
How To Safely Feed Broccoli to DogsFollow these tips to safely feed broccoli to your dog:
When fed correctly, broccoli is a highly nutritious and healthy snack for dogs. With its high fiber and plant protein content, it's a filling, low-calorie, low-carb treat option for dogs that need to limit their calorie intake.
Health Benefits of Broccoli for DogsWhile dogs should get most of their daily calories and nutrients from a well-balanced, high-quality dog food, broccoli has a number of health benefits that can enhance your dog's diet when given in moderation.
AntioxidantsAntioxidants are chemicals in fruits and vegetables that neutralize free radicals that can cause inflammation and cell damage. Broccoli contains the antioxidants lutein and sulforaphane.
FiberDogs need both soluble fiber and insoluble fiber to promote gut health and good digestion, and broccoli is a good source of both.
Soluble fiber ferments in the gut and feeds good bacteria, which promotes a healthy colon and may help prevent cancer and diabetes in dogs, according to the AKC. Insoluble fiber, which doesn't dissolve, helps dogs feel full and also helps to keep their digestive system regular.
Vitamins and MineralsBroccoli is a rich source of vitamins C and K, as well as folic acid. It also contains minerals and electrolytes, including:
Broccoli isn't the only vegetable that's safe and healthy for dogs to eat. Here are more safe vegetables to feed your dog:
Dogs can eat raw broccoli. Be sure to wash it first to remove pesticides and other contaminants and cut it into small, bite-sized pieces.
Can dogs eat broccoli stems?Broccoli stems, or stalks, can be a choking hazard. You can feed broccoli stems to your dog if you cut them into small pieces first.
Can dogs eat cooked broccoli?Yes, dogs can eat cooked broccoli that doesn't have any added fats or seasonings.
Can dogs eat broccoli and cauliflower?Broccoli and cauliflower are both cruciferous vegetables, along with brussels sprouts and cabbage, all of which are safe for dogs to eat in moderation.
Can dogs eat steamed broccoli?Yes. Steaming is a good way to cook broccoli for your dog without depleting it of nutrients.
Can dogs eat broccoli and cheese?Some dogs can safely eat cheese in moderation, but some dogs can't tolerate dairy products and become sick from eating them. Also, cheese is high in fat that can cause dogs to gain weight if fed too much. If your dog can tolerate cheese, they can eat small amounts of broccoli with it as long as it doesn't contain any added fats or seasonings, like butter or salt.
Can dogs eat broccoli sprouts?Yes, dogs can eat broccoli sprouts, which are just baby broccoli plants. They contain a higher concentration of nutrients and antioxidants than mature broccoli plants, including 100 times the amount of the antioxidant sulforaphane, which may be effective at reducing inflammation and helping to prevent cancer.
Can dogs eat frozen broccoli?Frozen broccoli could pose a choking hazard to dogs. It's best to let it thaw and cut it into small, bite-sized pieces before feeding it to your dog.
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