As veterinarians, one of the most common questions we hear from pet owners across San Francisco and the Bay Area is:
“What should I feed my dog?”
With so many options available — grain-free diets, raw food, fresh food subscriptions, boutique brands, homemade meals and traditional kibble — it’s understandable to feel overwhelmed. The truth is that the “best” diet depends on your dog’s age, breed, lifestyle, medical history, body condition and individual needs.
At MedranoVets, we believe nutrition is one of the most important foundations of lifelong health. A balanced diet supports:
- Healthy weight management
- Joint and mobility health
- Skin and coat quality
- Digestive health
- Energy levels
- Long-term disease prevention
Below, we break down what Bay Area dog owners should know about feeding their dogs — and how to tell if your pet is truly at a healthy weight.
🐶 What Makes a Good Dog Food?
The best dog food is one that is:
- Complete and balanced
- Appropriate for your dog’s life stage
- Backed by veterinary nutrition research
- Consistently formulated and quality tested
Look for foods that meet AAFCO nutritional standards, which indicate the food is formulated to provide complete nutrition for dogs.
Important Factors to Consider:
- Age: Puppies, adults and senior dogs have different nutritional needs
- Breed size: Large-breed puppies require carefully balanced calcium and calories
- Activity level: Working or highly active dogs may need more calories
- Medical conditions: Allergies, kidney disease, arthritis, obesity and GI issues may require prescription or specialized diets
🍖 Should I Feed Dry, Wet, Fresh or Raw Food?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer.
Dry Food (Kibble)
Kibble is convenient, cost-effective and nutritionally balanced when using a reputable brand.
Wet Food
Canned diets can help increase water intake and may be beneficial for picky eaters or pets with dental issues.
Fresh Food Diets
Fresh diets have become increasingly popular in the Bay Area. Some dogs do very well on them, but portion control and nutritional balance are essential.
Raw Diets
Raw feeding remains controversial within veterinary medicine due to concerns about:
- Nutritional imbalance
- Bacterial contamination
- Risks to immunocompromised pets and people
If you are considering a homemade or raw diet, speak with your veterinarian or a board-certified veterinary nutritionist first.
⚖️ How Much Should I Feed My Dog?
One of the biggest contributors to health problems in dogs is overfeeding.
Even healthy foods can lead to:
- Obesity
- Arthritis progression
- Diabetes
- Heart disease
- Reduced lifespan
Start With:
- Your dog food bag’s feeding guidelines
- Your veterinarian’s recommendations
- Your dog’s body condition—not just weight
Helpful Dog Calorie Calculator
The Pet Nutrition Alliance Calorie Calculator is a useful starting point for estimating daily caloric needs:
Pet Nutrition Alliance Calorie Calculator
Remember: calorie needs vary significantly depending on age, metabolism, activity level and medical conditions.
🩺 Is My Dog Overweight?
Many pet owners are surprised to learn their dog is overweight. In fact, veterinary studies estimate that over half of dogs in the United States are overweight or obese.
A healthy body condition matters far more than the number on the scale.
Signs Your Dog May Be Overweight:
- Difficulty feeling the ribs
- Loss of a visible waistline
- Reduced stamina or exercise intolerance
- Difficulty jumping or climbing stairs
- Heavy panting during mild activity
📊 Body Condition Score (BCS): A Better Way to Assess Weight
Veterinarians often use a Body Condition Score (BCS) chart instead of relying only on weight.
In an ideal body condition:
✅ Ribs can be easily felt but not prominently visible
✅ Waist is visible from above
✅ Abdomen “tucks up” from the side
Helpful Body Condition Chart
The WSAVA Body Condition Score Chart is one of the most widely used veterinary tools:
WSAVA Body Condition Score Chart
Monitoring body condition regularly can help prevent obesity-related diseases before they start.
🦴 What Human Foods Are Safe for Dogs?
Some human foods are safe in moderation, including:
- Plain cooked chicken
- Carrots
- Blueberries
- Pumpkin
- Green beans
However, many common foods are toxic to dogs.
🚫 Foods Dogs Should Never Eat
- Grapes and raisins
- Chocolate
- Xylitol (found in sugar-free gum and peanut butter)
- Onions and garlic
- Alcohol
- Macadamia nuts
If your dog ingests something toxic, contact your veterinarian or poison control immediately.
🐾 Nutrition Needs Change Throughout Life
Your dog’s nutritional requirements will change over time.
Puppies
Need higher calories and carefully balanced nutrients for growth.
Adult Dogs
Require maintenance nutrition tailored to activity level and lifestyle.
Senior Dogs
May benefit from:
- Joint-support diets
- Lower calorie intake
- Increased digestibility
- Prescription therapeutic diets
Routine veterinary exams help ensure your dog’s diet evolves appropriately with age and health status.
🚐 How MedranoVets Can Help
At MedranoVets, we provide mobile veterinary care throughout San Francisco and the Bay Area, including personalized nutrition guidance during in-home wellness visits.
We can help with:
- Weight management plans
- Senior pet nutrition
- Puppy feeding guidance
- Prescription diet recommendations
- Food allergy evaluations
- Body condition assessments
Because every dog is different, nutritional recommendations should always be individualized.
📚 Additional Helpful Pet Nutrition Resources
There is a tremendous amount of pet nutrition information online, but not all sources are evidence-based or medically accurate. We encourage pet owners to use trusted veterinary resources when researching diets, treats and feeding recommendations for their pets.
Helpful Veterinary Nutrition Resources:
- Tufts Veterinary Nutrition Service
Evidence-based articles and guidance from Tufts University’s veterinary nutrition team. - Owner’s Guide to Nutrition on the Internet (WSAVA PDF)
A helpful guide for evaluating online pet nutrition information and avoiding misinformation. - Pet Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets
A veterinary-reviewed overview of foods and ingredients that may be unsafe for dogs and cats.
📱 Questions About Your Dog’s Diet? We’re Here to Help
If you’re unsure what to feed your dog, whether your dog is at a healthy weight or have questions about your pet’s diet, supplements, treats or weight management plan, the MedranoVets team is here to help guide you toward safe, individualized and evidence-based nutrition choices tailored to your pet’s unique needs.
MedranoVets provides compassionate mobile veterinary care throughout San Francisco and surrounding Bay Area communities, bringing veterinary guidance directly to your home.📱 Text to schedule an appointment: 1-415-506-8387
