What Complete and Balanced Means
A dog food labeled "complete and balanced" meets the nutritional standards set by AAFCO for a specific life stage (puppy, adult, or all life stages). This means it contains all the essential nutrients your dog needs in the right proportions. Foods labeled "for supplemental feeding only" should not be used as a primary diet.
Choosing the Right Food
Look for a named protein source as the first ingredient. Avoid foods with vague ingredients like "meat meal" or "animal by-products" as the primary protein. The guaranteed analysis should show adequate protein (minimum 18% for adults, 22% for puppies) and appropriate fat levels for your dog's activity level.
How Much to Feed
Feeding guidelines on the bag are starting points, not rules. Your individual dog may need more or less depending on metabolism, activity level, and body condition. Use a kitchen scale to measure portions accurately. Adjust based on body condition score rather than following the bag recommendations blindly.
Feeding Schedule
Most adult dogs do well with two meals per day, 12 hours apart. Puppies need 3 to 4 meals daily until about 6 months, then transition to twice daily. Avoid free-feeding (leaving food out all day), as it makes it harder to monitor intake and can contribute to weight gain.