What Should I Feed My Dog? A Vet's Guide to Dog Food in India

Every day, your dog eats what you give them. Unlike humans, they cannot choose. That makes you the single most important factor in their nutrition. In our analysis of thousands of pet health conversations, diet and food questions came up more than any other topic — more than vomiting, more than emergencies, more than anything else.

Indian pet parents often swing between two extremes — fully homemade meals or fully commercial kibble. The truth is somewhere in between. - Homemade food gives you control over ingredients, freshness, and variety. But it is extremely hard to get the calcium-to-phosphorus ratio right without supplementation. - Commercial kibble is formulated to be nutritionally complete. But quality varies enormously. Cheap kibble often uses fillers, by-products, and artificial preservatives. - A mixed approach works well for most dogs: a base of quality kibble supplemented with fresh protein, vegetables, and healthy fats.

Puppies (2-12 months): High protein, high fat, frequent small meals (3-4 times daily). Puppy-specific kibble or a balanced homemade diet with calcium supplementation. Growing bones need the right minerals. Adults (1-7 years): Moderate protein, controlled portions based on activity level. Two meals daily. Active breeds like Labradors need more calories than apartment Shih Tzus. Seniors (7+ years): Lower calories, joint-supporting nutrients like glucosamine, easy-to-digest proteins. Watch for weight gain as metabolism slows.

- Grapes and raisins: Can cause acute kidney failure, even in small amounts - Chocolate: Theobromine is toxic. Dark chocolate is worse than milk chocolate - Onions and garlic: Damage red blood cells. This includes onion in curries and gravies - Xylitol (sugar-free gum): Causes dangerous insulin release - Cooked bones: Splinter and can perforate the intestine - Macadamia nuts: Cause weakness, vomiting, and tremors

A common mistake is overfeeding. Indian pet parents often equate love with food. But obesity is the number one preventable health problem in dogs. - Small breeds (under 10 kg): 1/2 to 1 cup kibble per day, split into two meals - Medium breeds (10-25 kg): 1 to 2 cups per day - Large breeds (25+ kg): 2 to 3 cups per day - Always adjust based on body condition. You should be able to feel your dog's ribs without pressing hard.

The first ingredient should be a named protein source — chicken, lamb, fish. Not "meat meal" or "animal by-products." Avoid foods where corn or wheat is the first ingredient. Look for AAFCO certification or equivalent.

- Rice and dal (plain, no spices): Easy to digest, good for upset stomachs - Boiled chicken or fish: Excellent lean protein - Pumpkin and sweet potato: Good fibre, helps digestion - Curd (plain, unsweetened): Probiotics for gut health - Eggs (boiled or scrambled, no oil): Complete protein source - Carrots and bottle gourd: Low calorie, good for dental health

If your dog is eating well but losing weight, it could indicate parasites, diabetes, or malabsorption. If your dog is refusing food for more than 24 hours, that needs attention. Changes in stool quality — too soft, too hard, unusual colour — often trace back to diet.

"Can I give my dog chapati?" — Yes, in small amounts, but wheat is not ideal as a primary carb. Rice is better. "Is chicken liver good for dogs?" — Yes, in moderation. It is nutrient-dense but too much vitamin A can be harmful. "My dog only wants to eat rice and curd" — This is not nutritionally complete. Add protein and consider a multivitamin.

Good nutrition is not complicated. Feed a balanced diet appropriate for your dog's age, size, and activity level. Avoid toxic foods. Do not overfeed. And when something changes — appetite drops, weight shifts, stool changes — that is your dog telling you something. Track it. Omelo helps you log meals, symptoms, and patterns so you can spot problems before they become emergencies.