If you’ve ever searched online for the best diet for your dog, you’ve probably found yourself in a whirlwind of conflicting advice. One person says kibble is fine, another swears by a home-cooked diet, and then there are those who believe raw feeding is the only way to go.
And just when you think you’ve got it figured out, someone tells you it's not safe to feed your dogs carrots (eye roll).
The reality is, there is no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to feeding dogs. But as owners, our job is to do our research, trust our instincts, and make the best choice for our individual dogs—without judgment from others.
A Look at Nature: What Do Wolves Eat?
For me, the answer is clear: feeding dogs a species-appropriate diet makes the most sense. And the best way to determine what’s biologically appropriate for dogs? Look at their closest relatives—wolves.
Wolves and domestic dogs share 99.9% of their DNA, and their digestive systems are nearly identical. That means a dog’s body is designed to thrive on a diet similar to what wolves eat in the wild—primarily:
🥩 Raw meat, bones, and organs
🥦 Some vegetable matter (like what they’d get from the stomach contents of prey)
🚫 Minimal starches and carbohydrates
Wolves have survived for centuries without human intervention, proving that their natural diet is not only sustainable but essential for optimal health.
So why do so many modern feeding recommendations ignore this?
The Confusion Around Dog Diets
In today’s world, dog owners are bombarded with marketing, myths, and misinformation. Pet food companies promote kibble as “complete and balanced,” while some vets warn that raw food is dangerous. Then, there are the endless debates about grains, vegetables, supplements, and even whether or not carrots are safe (spoiler: they are).
But here’s the truth: Every dog is different.
✅ Some dogs thrive on raw.
✅ Some do well on a carefully prepared home-cooked diet.
✅ Some may need specific adjustments due to health conditions.
What matters most is that you make an informed choice that works for YOUR dog and YOUR lifestyle—not what works for someone else’s.
Making the Best Choice for YOUR Dog
Instead of getting lost in the noise of conflicting opinions, here’s what you can do:
🔍 Do your research—look at credible sources and scientific evidence, such as:
Dr. Conor Brady – Dog’s First & his book Feeding Dogs.
🐶 Observe your dog—energy levels, coat condition, digestion, and overall health will tell you a lot.
🫶 Trust yourself—you know your dog better than anyone else.
💬 Seek support, not judgment—surround yourself with people who respect your choices and help you make informed decisions.
👀 Question what you read—If you come across information that sounds a bit off, check who wrote it. Are they someone you would trust to take advice from? Are they backed by real experience and research, or are they pushing an agenda? While some pet food companies offer great products, big commercial brands often prioritise profit over pet health. Be mindful of their influence when seeking nutritional guidance.
📑 Check the labels!—Ingredients matter. A shiny package doesn’t mean quality food. Look for real, whole-food ingredients, avoid excessive fillers, artificial additives, and mystery meats. If you don’t recognise most of the ingredients, your dog’s body probably won’t either!
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, there is no “perfect” way to feed a dog—only the way that’s best for YOUR dog. And when you take the time to make an informed choice, you can’t go wrong.
For me, the answer is a natural, raw diet—because nature has already proven what works. But if you choose something different, that’s okay too! My goal isn’t to tell you what to do, but to support you in making the best decision for your own dog.
So, let’s stop the judgment and start focusing on what really matters: healthy, happy dogs.
Thanks for reading! I hope you found this post helpful. Don’t forget to throw your dog a treat from all of us 🐶
Deb & the Busy Pawz Crew
P.S. Want more personalised advice?
👉 Check out our training sessions or send me a message—I’d love to help!
And if you found this helpful, share it with a fellow dog lover who might need a little extra support. 💕
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