Quality Dog Food Providers to Consider
Do you know where to order dog food online? Choosing the right food for your dog is one of the most important decisions you'll make as a pet owner. With countless options available, from traditional kibble to innovative fresh meal delivery services, finding the best option for your furry friend can feel overwhelming. Let's look at some popular options so your dog can start enjoying fresh, healthy meals.
Understanding Your Dog's Nutritional Needs
Dogs require a balanced diet that includes proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins and minerals to maintain optimal health. The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) sets nutritional standards for commercial dog foods, ensuring they meet minimum requirements for different life stages. Adult dogs need at least 18% protein and 5.5% fat in their diet, while puppies require higher levels at 22% protein and 8% fat, per Chewy.
Age, size, activity level and health conditions all influence your dog's specific nutritional requirements. Active working dogs need more calories than sedentary lap dogs, while senior dogs may benefit from easily digestible proteins and joint-supporting supplements.
Fresh Food Delivery Services
The rise of fresh dog food delivery services has revolutionized pet nutrition, offering restaurant-quality meals tailored to individual dogs. These services typically use human-grade ingredients and prepare meals in USDA-inspected facilities.
Ollie stands out as a leader in this space, crafting meals using real, whole ingredients such as beef, turkey, chicken and lamb. Their recipes are developed with veterinary input and tailored to each dog based on factors like age, size, activity level and any dietary sensitivities. Delivered frozen, the food is gently cooked and ready to serve. Flexible subscription plans make it easy to adjust delivery schedules to match your needs.
The Farmer's Dog prioritizes clean, human-grade food made from meat, vegetables and added nutrients. Each meal is customized to your dog's profile and delivered in sustainable packaging. Clear feeding instructions and transparent labeling make this a user-friendly option for pet owners seeking convenience without compromising quality.
Other notable services include PetPlate, which offers veterinary nutritionist-developed meals, and Spot & Tango, known for both fresh meals and their "UnKibble" dry food alternative. JustFoodForDogs collaborates with veterinarians to provide whole-food recipes and even prescription diets for pets with medical needs.
Wet Food and Raw Diets
Canned dog food provides higher moisture content than kibble, which can benefit dogs who don't drink enough water. Quality wet foods contain similar nutritional profiles to premium dry foods but often have higher protein content and fewer carbohydrates.
Raw diets, consisting of uncooked meat, bones, organs and vegetables, have gained followers among pet owners seeking to mimic ancestral canine diets. While some dogs thrive on raw diets, they require careful planning to ensure nutritional balance and food safety. Raw feeding carries risks of bacterial contamination and nutritional imbalances if not properly managed.
Premium Kibble Options
High-quality dry dog food remains a popular choice due to its convenience, shelf stability and cost-effectiveness. Premium brands focus on whole food ingredients, avoiding fillers like corn, wheat and by-products. Look for foods where the first ingredient is a named meat source such as chicken, beef or salmon.
Grain-free formulas have gained popularity, though recent research suggests a potential link between grain-free diets and dilated cardiomyopathy in some dogs. Consult your veterinarian before making significant dietary changes, especially if considering grain-free options.
Safe Human Foods for Dogs
Many human foods can safely supplement your dog's diet and provide variety. Lean proteins like cooked chicken, turkey and fish offer excellent nutrition. Vegetables such as carrots, green beans and sweet potatoes provide vitamins, minerals and fiber. Fruits like apples (without seeds), blueberries and bananas make healthy treats rich in antioxidants.
Plain white rice serves as an excellent bland food for dogs with upset stomachs, while pumpkin provides fiber and can help with digestive issues. Small amounts of plain, unsweetened peanut butter make for a protein-rich treat that most dogs love.
Foods to Avoid
Several common human foods pose serious health risks to dogs. Chocolate contains theobromine, which is toxic to dogs and can cause seizures, heart problems and even death. Grapes and raisins can trigger kidney failure, even in small amounts.
Onions and garlic damage red blood cells and can lead to anemia. Xylitol, an artificial sweetener found in sugar-free gum and candies, causes rapid insulin release and potentially fatal hypoglycemia in dogs. Avocados contain persin, which can cause digestive upset, while macadamia nuts may trigger muscle tremors and weakness.
Now that you know where to order dog food online, consult with your vet and pick the best option for your pet. Make sure your dog gets all the protein they need, and avoid ingredients that may make them sick.