6 things I wish every dog parent knew before they filled the bowl.

If trying to figure out what to feed your dog has ever left you spiralling down a rabbit hole of Reddit threads, Instagram reels, and conflicting blog posts — you’re not the only one.
One minute you're Googling “best food for itchy skin,” and the next you’re being told kibble is poison, raw is dangerous, and your dog needs bone broth, reishi mushrooms, and a goat milk kefir chaser… daily.

It’s a lot. And all you want to do is feed your dog well.

As someone who studies dog nutrition, and supported by my own lived experience as a dog parent, I know how easy it is to get caught up in the noise. There’s so much information out there, often shared with strong opinions and good intentions, but it can leave even the most caring dog parent feeling confused or second-guessing their choices.

That’s why I wanted to share a few truths; ones that might feel a little uncomfortable, not because they’re extreme or controversial, but because they shine a light on things you might not have known to question.

These aren’t here to scare you or shame you. They’re here to give you clarity.
Because when you understand what actually matters in your dog’s nutrition, it becomes easier to tune out the rest, and focus on what’s truly best for your dog.

So, here are six things I believe every dog parent deserves to hear:

1. There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to food.

We all wish there was a perfect plan: Step 1, feed X. Step 2, dog thrives forever.
But the truth? What works brilliantly for one dog might totally flop for another.

Some dogs do well on commercial diets. Others thrive on homemade diets. Some need a bit of everything. Age, lifestyle, breed, gut health, sensitivities — it all plays a role. And yes, that can feel annoying when you're just trying to make a decision.

But it’s also kind of cool. It means there’s freedom to find what truly works for your dog, not just what’s trending online.

2. “Complete and Balanced” means your dog won’t become deficient, but it doesn’t always mean optimal.

You’ll see this phrase, "Complete and Balanced,"on most commercial pet foods. And it sounds reassuring, right?

It is — to a point.

What it actually means is that the food meets the minimum nutritional standards set by organisations like AAFCO or FEDIAF. It’s designed to provide all the essential nutrients a dog needs to avoid deficiencies and stay alive and functional.

But here’s the key:
Those standards are based on minimum requirements, not necessarily what’s optimal for long-term health, energy, or disease prevention.
It’s a solid baseline, and for many dogs, it can be enough. But it’s not the whole picture.

That’s where variety, fresh food, and understanding your individual dog’s needs can really make a difference.

3. No supplement can out-supplement a poor diet.

I see people spending hundreds of dollars on gut powders, oils, mushrooms, green-lipped whatevers, while the core diet is sub optimal. 

Think of it like building a house: supplements are the paint and furniture, but the food is the foundation. It’s okay to use both as long as you make sure you’re not skipping the structural work.

Supplements can be wonderful additions. I use some myself. But they should complement a solid foundation, not try to patch it up.

(And yep, sometimes the most “basic” changes, like adding fresh food or rotating foods, (even commercial pet food), make the biggest difference.)

4. Feeding too much can be just as harmful as feeding the wrong food.

We love our dogs. We show love with food. And before we know it, they’re carrying extra weight, which puts strain on their joints, may shorten their lifespan, and increases the risk of chronic disease.

Feeding for a healthy body condition is more important than sticking to the back of the packet. Even “healthy” treats add up. Learning to feed the right amount  for your dog is one of the most powerful things you can do for your dog’s long-term wellbeing.

5. The brand name or label doesn’t tell you the whole story.

If a dog food label says “natural,” “premium,” “ancestral,” “vet-approved,” or any other buzzy word, please know it’s marketing, not regulation.

Turn it over. Look at the ingredients. Ask questions.

Ingredient quality, sourcing, processing methods, and formulation matter far more than what the front of the bag says.

If you wouldn’t buy food for yourself just because it looks nice on a shelf, don’t do it for your dog. 

6. Nutrition isn’t a magic fix, but it is a powerful tool.

I wish I could tell you that changing your dog’s food will fix their anxiety, itching, arthritis, or whatever else you’re dealing with.
Sometimes it helps. Sometimes it helps a lot.
But other times, it’s just one piece of a bigger puzzle.

That doesn’t make it less important. It just means we need to look at the full picture.
And nutrition? It’s often the most overlooked (and impactful) place to start.

Final Thoughts

You don’t have to do everything at once.
Just understanding what actually matters in your dog’s nutrition puts you in a stronger place to make good choices; and that’s something to feel good about.

If you ever want support figuring out what to feed, where to start, or how to build a better bowl, I’m here. You’re welcome to join my free Facebook group for tips, meal ideas, and real talk about feeding dogs well — without the overwhelm.

And if you’re looking for more tailored support, I also offer one-on-one consultations, or you can explore my whole food blends to add an easy boost of fresh nutrition to any bowl.

You don’t have to do it all.
You just have to take the next step.