Whether you’re a new puppy mum or a seasoned dog dad, providing the right nutrition for your pet or working dog never gets easier. With so much information available—often conflicting—it can be hard to know which food is best for your dog. To make things easier, we’ve prepared a comprehensive guide to help you decide about your dog’s diet.
Moses & Son's top tips for caring for your dogs
Step 1: Ask Your Vet
Before making any changes to your dog’s diet, it’s essential to speak with your vet. Your vet can offer valuable insight based on your dog’s age, breed, activity level, and health needs. Whether you have a puppy, an adult dog, a working dog or a senior-aged canine, they can help you choose the ideal food to meet your dog's unique nutritional needs.
Why Your Vet’s Advice Matters
Your vet will consider factors like:
- Age: Puppies, adults, and seniors have different nutritional needs.
- Breed: Larger breeds may need food formulated for joint health, while small breeds have different caloric needs.
- Health Issues: If your dog has allergies, sensitivities, or chronic conditions like kidney disease or obesity, your vet can help you choose food to address these.
Step 2: Understand Dog Food Labels
Dog food labels can be confusing, but understanding them is key to choosing the best food. Look for these essential components:
- Protein Content: The primary ingredient should be high-quality animal protein (like chicken, beef, or lamb) rather than by-products or fillers.
- Fats: Healthy fats from fish oil or animal fat are vital for your dog’s skin, coat, and energy levels.
- Carbohydrates: Whole grains like brown rice or oats, or low-carb options like sweet potatoes, provide energy and fibre.
- Vitamins and Minerals: Ensure the food has essential nutrients like calcium, phosphorus, and vitamins A, D, and E.
Regulation of Pet Food
It is important to note, that in Australia, the pet food industry is overseen by the Pet Food Industry Association of Australia (PFIAA), which ensures that all products meet the requirements set by Australian law, including those outlined in the Australian Standard for the Manufacture of Pet Food. This standard covers everything from ingredient sourcing to the processing and packaging of pet food, ensuring it is safe for consumption and provides the necessary nutrients for pets.
Additionally, pet food labels must comply with strict regulations that include clear information on ingredients, nutritional content, and feeding instructions. This transparency ensures pet owners can make informed decisions about their pets' diets. The regulation also includes safety checks for contaminants and harmful substances to protect pets from potential health risks.
Step 3: Choose the Right Food for Your Dog’s Lifestyle
Every dog has different needs, depending on their activity level and lifestyle. Here’s a breakdown of some of the top products that we recommend and sell at Moses & Son in-store or available online for click-and-collect via our partner, AIRR.
Pedigree Working Dog (20kg)
For active working dogs, Pedigree Working Dog with Real Beef provides high-quality beef protein to keep your dog energised throughout the day. This formula ensures your working dog gets all the amino acids they need to help replenish and develop their muscles. Also contains optimal levels of fat to ensure your dog has the energy to work all day.
Pedigree Real Beef & Veg (20kg)
If your dog enjoys a balanced diet, Pedigree with Real Beef & Vegetables offers a delicious combination of high-quality protein and essential vegetables. The kibble offers gentle abrasion to the tooth surface to promote oral health. While whole grains and added beet pulp support healthy digestion and regulate gut movement. Omega 6 and Zinc – Boosted Omega 6 and Zinc help maintain healthy skin and coat. Vitamin E – Added Vitamin E, an antioxidant, supports the immune system.
Pedigree Grab-A-Slab (12 x 700g)
For a tasty and convenient option, Pedigree Grab-A-Slab Wet Food (12 x 700g) is a great choice. With five kinds of meat, this wet food is packed with protein and essential nutrients. With calcium and phosphorous for healthy bones, dietary fibre to aid digestion , omega 6 and zinc for skin and coat and vitamin E to support immune defence, it’s an excellent option for picky eaters or dogs that prefer wet food.
Enduro Range (20kg)
Our Enduro dog food range offers a high-energy diet perfect for working dogs, helping them stay fueled for demanding tasks. This range supports muscle health, stamina, and overall well-being. Enduro products are manufactured in Australia using ingredients sourced from farmers and local suppliers.
Coprice Working Dog (Puppies to Seniors)
For working dogs, including puppies, the Coprice Working Dog range is designed to support active dogs with high energy needs while ensuring healthy growth and development for puppies to senior dogs. Nutritionally balanced and complete, they are made with 100 percent Australian Brown Rice. Vitamins, minerals and antioxidants for good health.
Step 4: Monitor Your Dog’s Health and Adjust as Needed
Once you’ve chosen the right food for your dog, it’s essential to monitor their health and adjust their diet as needed. Monitor their weight, coat condition, energy levels, and overall well-being. If you notice any changes, consult your vet for further advice.
Signs You Might Need to Change Your Dog’s Diet:
- Weight gain or loss
- Change in stool consistency
- Dry, dull coat
- Loss of energy or increased lethargy
Providing the Right Nutrition for a Happy, Healthy Dog
Choosing the right food for your dog is one of the most important decisions you can make as a pet owner. With the right guidance from your vet and a focus on high-quality, nutrient-rich foods like those from Pedigree and Coprice, your dog will thrive. Remember, every dog is unique, and finding the right balance of protein, fats, and carbohydrates will keep your furry friend happy, healthy, and full of energy.
Pop into one of our Moses & Son locations to grab your dog food at a great price today!
