--- title: "What should I feed my dog?" id: "5077" type: "post" slug: "what-should-i-feed-my-dog" published_at: "2026-07-07T07:05:38+00:00" modified_at: "2026-07-07T07:09:19+00:00" url: "https://rspcapetinsurance.org.au/pet-talk/what-should-i-feed-my-dog/" markdown_url: "https://rspcapetinsurance.org.au/pet-talk/what-should-i-feed-my-dog.md" excerpt: "Choosing the right food for your dog can feel overwhelming with so many options available — how do you know what’s best? The good news is that there are a few clear principles that can help guide you. This guide..." taxonomy_category: - "Care & training" --- [Pet Talk](https://rspcapetinsurance.org.au/pet-talk/) [Care & training](https://rspcapetinsurance.org.au/pet-talk/category/care-and-training/) What should I feed my dog? Care & training # What should I feed my dog? Written by our RSPCA Pet Insurance Team 7 Jul, 2026 - 7 min read Choosing the right food for your dog can feel overwhelming with so many options available — how do you know what’s best? The good news is that there are a few clear principles that can help guide you. This guide covers how to feed your dog at every stage of life, from puppyhood to their senior years, including which foods to avoid. **Table of contents** - [What dogs eat](#what-dogs-eat) - [How much should you feed your dog](#how-much-should-you-feed-your-dog) - [Feeding your dog by life stage](#feeding-your-dog-by-life-stage) - [Foods that are harmful to dogs](#foods-that-are-harmful-to-dogs) - [How pet insurance can help support your dog’s wellbeing](#how-pet-insurance-can-help-support-your-dogs-wellbeing) ## What dogs eat Domesticated dogs are largely carnivores but can also eat some plant-based foods. Their nutritional needs vary depending on several factors, including their life stage, size, breed, and any health conditions they may have. A high-quality commercial dog food that’s complete and balanced for your dog’s life stage and health status will help to ensure that your dog gets the nutrition they need. Any foods offered to dogs should meet the Australian Standard for the manufacturing and marketing of pet food (AS5812) or an equivalent international standard (confirmed through third party independent audits) or be prepared using human grade ingredients. The following information is general advice, but as each dog is an individual, always seek vet advice, particularly if your dog has any special dietary needs or has a reaction to a standard diet. ### Raw diets Raw meat and bones carry bacteria that can make both animals and humans ill, so it’s not recommended. If you’re considering a raw diet for your dog, consult with a vet first to discuss the risks, how to minimise them, and how to choose a diet that’s balanced and suitable for your pup. If you do decide to feed your dog raw meat, only use human-grade meat (some pet meat products contain preservatives that can be harmful) and practice careful food hygiene to reduce the risk of foodborne illness for both you and your dog. ### Bones Bones and raw meat aren’t recommended as they can break teeth and cause internal blockages. Raw bones also carry bacteria that can make both animals and humans ill. Dental chews are a good alternative if you wish to provide your dog with entertainment that assists with teeth cleaning — the global [Veterinary Oral Health Council](https://vohc.org/accepted-products/) lists dental products that meet standards for safety and reducing plaque and tartar. If you do choose to offer bones to your dog, they should always be raw, large enough that your dog can’t swallow them whole, and introduced gradually. Cooked bones should never be given to dogs as they can splinter and cause internal injury or intestinal blockage. ## How much should you feed your dog How much your dog needs to eat depends on several factors including their size, breed, age, activity level, and body condition. It’s important to regularly assess your dog’s body condition and use this information to help guide how much you feed them (many commercial diets will provide recommended amounts based on a combination of body condition and weight) and to help monitor their health. If your dog is in ideal body condition, you should be able to just feel their ribs when you run your fingers firmly along their side and they should have a visible waist when viewed from above. Your dog shouldn’t appear round or heavy through the midsection. Obesity in dogs is associated with a shorter lifespan and a range of health conditions, including joint disease. If you’re unsure whether your dog is a healthy weight, your vet can assess this at their next check-up. ## Feeding your dog by life stage The needs of puppies and dogs can vary, so it’s a good idea to ask your vet for specific advice relating to your specific pup. ### Puppies (8 – 16 weeks) Puppies have high nutritional demands and need to be fed more frequently than adult dogs (generally four times a day). A high-quality commercial puppy food appropriate for their life stage and health status is the best foundation at this age, as it’s formulated to support healthy growth and development. If you’re bringing a new puppy home, ask the breeder or shelter what they’ve been feeding your new pup, and continue with that initially. Introduce any dietary changes gradually over a couple of weeks to avoid stomach upsets. ### Puppies (16 weeks and older) As your puppy grows, you can reduce the frequency of meals. A general guide is to feed three to four meals a day but there may be some variability based on your puppy’s size and health status. Watch for signs of food intolerance when introducing new foods. If a reaction occurs, note what was fed and remove it from the diet. If your puppy is unwell or any mild issues persist, consult your vet. ### Adult dogs Adult dogs generally do well on two meals per day. Use a complete and balanced commercial dog food suited to your dog’s size, life stage, and health status. Consult your vet about when to transition from puppy to adult food (typically around 12 months for small and medium breeds, and 15 – 24 months for larger breeds). ### Senior dogs Older dogs may have specific dietary needs depending on their health. Some benefit from smaller, more frequent meals while others may need the nutritional components of their diet tailored to meet their individual needs. Regular vet check-ups and conversations about nutrition and other care requirements become particularly important at this stage to ensure that your dog’s diet is supporting their changing needs. ## Foods that are harmful to dogs Some common household foods can be harmful to dogs. The following should always be kept out of reach: - **Chocolate:** toxic to dogs, potentially even in small amounts. - **Onions and garlic:** cause damage to red blood cells and can lead to anaemia. - **Grapes and raisins:** can cause kidney failure. - **Xylitol (found in some peanut butters, chewing gum, toothpaste, medications, and other sugar-free products):** can induce dangerously low blood sugar levels and, potentially, liver injury. - **Raw yeast dough:** the live yeast in raw dough may produce ethanol (alcohol) in the stomach, which can cause alcohol intoxication. The dough can also expand in the stomach and cause gastrointestinal distention and even obstruction. - **Cooked bones:** can splinter and cause internal injury. - **Citrus fruits:** can cause digestive upset and, in large amounts, central nervous system effects. - **Fatty or salty foods:** can contribute to digestive upsets, pancreatitis, or other health issues. Please note that this isn’t a complete list — for more information, please refer to the RSPCA’s [Knowledgebase](https://kb.rspca.org.au/categories/companion-animals/household-and-garden-dangers/what-are-common-household-dangers-for-pets#food) or the [Animal Poisons Helpline](https://www.animalpoisons.com.au/) . If your dog eats something they shouldn’t, contact your vet immediately or call an animal poisons helpline. ## How pet insurance can help support your dog’s wellbeing Even with the best care at home, accidents and illnesses can happen when you least expect them. When they do, a trip to the vet can come with a significant cost. That’s where pet insurance can help. With the right cover in place, you can focus on getting your pet the care they need rather than worrying about the bill. And if you choose [RSPCA Pet Insurance](https://rspcapetinsurance.org.au/) , your policy doesn’t just protect your pet — every policy helps support the RSPCA’s important animal welfare work across Australia. To learn more about how RSPCA Pet Insurance could support you and your pet, click [here](https://rspcapetinsurance.org.au/) . Or, if you’re ready to take the next step, you can fetch a commitment-free pet insurance quote [online](https://quote.rspcapetinsurance.org.au/) . ### **Disclaimer** As with any insurance, terms, conditions and exclusions apply. Please read the Product Disclosure Statement to make sure this cover suits your needs. ## FAQs ### What is the best food to feed my dog? A high-quality commercial dog food that’s complete and balanced for your dog’s life stage and health status should form the foundation of your dog’s diet. Always speak with your vet for individualised advice. ### How much should you feed your dog? The right amount of food to feed your dog depends on several factors, including your dog’s size, breed, age, health, activity level, and body condition. Dogs in ideal body condition should have a defined waist when viewed from above and you should just be able to feel their ribs. When in doubt, ask your vet. ### What foods are harmful to dogs? Common household foods that are toxic to dogs include chocolate, onions, garlic, grapes, raisins, and anything containing the artificial sweetener xylitol. Raw yeast dough is also dangerous. Keep these out of reach at all times. ### Can dogs eat raw food? Raw meat and bones carry bacteria that can make both animals and humans ill, so it’s not recommended. If you’re considering a raw diet for your dog, consult with a vet first to discuss the risks, how to minimise them, and how to choose a diet that’s balanced and suitable for your pup. ### Can pet insurance help if my dog eats something harmful? Yes, if your dog ingests something toxic or harmful and needs vet treatment, pet insurance may help to cover some of the vet costs. If you’re exploring your options, [RSPCA Pet Insurance](https://rspcapetinsurance.org.au/) may be worth looking into. We only offer customisable cover for accidents and illnesses, but every policy also supports the RSPCA’s animal welfare initiatives across Australia. As with any insurance, terms, conditions and exclusions apply. Please read the [Product Disclosure Statement](https://rspcapetinsurance.org.au/product-disclosure-statement/) to make sure this cover suits your needs. [See more](https://rspcapetinsurance.org.au/faqs/) ## Related blogs [Toilet training your puppy: a practical guide Jul 2026 - 6 min read Read blog](https://rspcapetinsurance.org.au/pet-talk/toilet-training-your-puppy/) [How to train your dog to walk on a leash Jul 2026 - 5 min read Read blog](https://rspcapetinsurance.org.au/pet-talk/train-your-dog-to-walk-on-a-leash/) [Why training is one of the best things you can do for your dog Jun 2026 - 7 min read Read blog](https://rspcapetinsurance.org.au/pet-talk/benefits-of-training-your-dog/)