Complete Dog Nutrition: A Breakdown of Balanced Dog Food, Fruits, and What You Should Avoid

With over a decade of experience working with different pets, sizes, and backgrounds, from pampered puppies to rescued dogs that were nearly rehomed, there is one thing that they all have in common: Most dog problems start in the bowl.

Behavioral issues, low energy, skin irritation, digestive problems, and even aggression: most of the time, the root cause is poor nutrition, not “a stubborn dog.”

What is a Balanced Dog Nutrition 

A balanced dog food isn’t about expensive packaging or brands. It’s about the composition of all the nutrients in the food, not just protein numbers on a label.

For a dog to be really healthy and have a balanced meal, it needs these nutrients: 

• Protein is very essential for muscle and repair
• Healthy fats for skin, coat, and brain function
• Carbohydrates for energy
• Vitamins and minerals for immunity and digestion

All of these nutrients are not only important but also very essential. When one of them is not right, you notice it immediately in your dog. Some of the effects include:

• Dull skin and coat
• Excessive shedding of skin coat and hair
• Loose stool
• Hyperactivity or extreme laziness

The moment you get your dog’s nutrition right, everything else starts to fall in place. I’ve seen dogs go from being “problem dogs” to well-behaved, calm, trainable pets just by improving their diet. Just as the popular saying goes, a hungry man is an angry man; it's almost the same for dogs as well. 

Which is Better Wet vs. Dry Dog Food?

This is one question we always get from our customers. It's a debate that never ends in the pet community. Let's compare both.

Dry Dog Food

Dry foods are affordable and convenient. They are best suited for:

• Dogs with strong teeth
• Owners who need easy storage
• Dogs that already drink enough water

But when it comes to dry dog food, many pet owners make these mistakes. Some pet owners choose very cheap dry food that’s only rich in fillers. These make the dogs eat more, poop more and become malnourished due to a lack of essential nutrients that support their growth. 

Wet Dog Food

Wet food is best recommended for:

• Dogs that are picky eaters
• Older dogs that struggle to chew
• Dogs that don’t drink enough water

If you really want to balance your dog diet, you should combine both the wet and dry food for better quality. Dry food is good for the body and structure, and wet food is great for its water content.

Are Fruits Helpful or Harmful for Dogs?

Another question we get from customers is “can dogs eat fruits?” Our answer has been the same, Yes, dogs can eat fruits, provided that you understand the why and how. 

Safe Fruits Dogs Can Eat

• Apples (without seeds): Great for fiber and crunch
• Bananas: Helps to boost energy, especially for active dogs
• Pineapples: Aids digestion in small amounts

To dogs, fruits aren’t just meals. They’re natural nutrient boosters.

Can Dogs eat Sweet Potatoes too?

This is a real dog superfood. Sweet potatoes are one of the best additions to dog diets. They’re very gentle on their stomach, great for digestion, and very good for dogs with sensitive skin. For the best and most effective result, cook them plain, with no seasoning. 

Milk and Dairy Products: Where Many Owners Go Wrong

When it comes to dairy products like milk, they are a big deal, especially for dogs. Most dogs can not properly digest milk. Consuming milk may lead to diarrhea or serious stomach upset and pain. 

As a pet owner, you should be careful about these foods.

• Milk is usually a bad idea for dogs
• Ice cream is worse; cut it away completely
• Cheese should be rare, not routine and in small quantities.

Now you know that if your dog bloats, farts excessively, or has loose stool, dairy products are most likely the cause.

Dog Food vs Cat Food: Another Feeding Mistake

As a pet owner, this is one mistake you want to avoid. Feeding your dog cat food can cause very serious issues. Some dog owners sometimes feed cat food because they claim:

• “The dog likes it.”
• “We ran out of dog food.”
• “It’s all meat anyway.”

These are some of the common excuses we get when pet owners make these mistakes. It is not a good idea because most cat foods are too rich and unbalanced for dogs.

Feeding dogs with cat food may cause weight gain, digestive problems, and nutrient imbalance. Dogs and cats have different nutritional needs.

Other Food You Should Avoid Feeding Your Dogs

• Seasoned human food
• Sugary snacks
• Too much dairy
• Cheap foods full of fillers
• Random diet changes without transition

So when you notice that your happy dog isn’t as energetic as usual, scratches constantly, has unpredictable behavior, or even seems “off,” it could be as a result of its diet. Start with the bowl before blaming the dog.

Good nutrition doesn’t make dogs perfect; it makes them comfortable enough to be themselves.

Shop your premium quality dog foods from Petrite, from dry to wet food. Remember that a well-fed dog is a happy dog.