1. Find the AAFCO statement first
Look for the nutritional adequacy statement, usually near the guaranteed analysis. The FDA explains that "complete and balanced" means the food can be your dog's only diet, and a food can earn the claim in one of two ways: it is formulated to meet an AAFCO nutrient profile, or it passes a feeding trial using AAFCO procedures.
Treats, toppers and anything labelled for intermittent or supplemental feeding are not meant to be the whole diet. The WSAVA nutrition guidelines suggest keeping foods like these to no more than 10% of what your dog eats, unless your vet says otherwise.
2. Match the life stage
AAFCO has two profiles: growth and reproduction (puppies, pregnant and nursing dogs) and adult maintenance. A food labelled for all life stages meets the growth profile. For a puppy that will be 70 lb or more as an adult, look for a statement that names growth of large size dogs, as some labels in our calorie list do.
3. Read the name, not just the picture
The words in a product name follow AAFCO rules, as Virginia Cooperative Extension sets out:
- "Beef Dog Food": beef is at least 95% of the product, not counting water.
- "Beef Dinner", platter, entree, formula: at least 25%.
- "With Beef": as little as 3%.
- "Beef Flavor": no set amount, the flavor only has to be detectable.
Words like premium or holistic do not tell you anything about nutrition, the WSAVA guidelines note.
4. Check the calories
US labels must list calories, usually as kcal per cup and kcal per kg. Two foods can differ by more than 100 calories a cup, so a scoop of one is not a scoop of another. Our dog food calorie list has the numbers for popular foods, and the feeding calculator turns them into cups.
5. Ask the maker a few questions
The WSAVA Global Nutrition Committee suggests asking:
- Do you employ a qualified nutritionist (a PhD in animal nutrition, or a board-certified veterinary nutritionist)?
- Who formulates the recipes?
- What quality checks do you run on ingredients and finished food?
- Is the food tested, or only calculated, to meet AAFCO profiles?
- Do you make it yourselves, or does another company make it for you?
- Can you tell me the calories and the full nutrient analysis?
A company that cannot or will not answer is a reason for caution, in WSAVA's view.
6. Grain-free and heart disease (DCM)
In July 2018 the FDA began looking into reports of dilated cardiomyopathy in dogs eating diets labelled grain-free, many high in peas, lentils or potatoes. In December 2022 it said it did not have enough data to show that specific foods caused DCM, that legumes appeared in both grain-free and grain-inclusive diets, and that it would only post new updates if meaningful new science emerged. If you are unsure, talk to your vet about your dog's diet.
7. Check the recall history
Before you switch, look the brand up in our dog food recall tracker. Many of the FDA notices in it involve raw, frozen or freeze-dried foods, mostly for Salmonella or Listeria, which can also make people sick when they handle the food.
Sources
- FDA, "Complete and Balanced" Pet Food. Checked October 25, 2026.
- WSAVA Global Nutrition Committee, Selecting a pet food for your pet (2021). Checked October 25, 2026.
- Virginia Cooperative Extension, A Consumer's Guide: Overview of Pet Food Labels. Checked October 25, 2026.
- Petfood Industry, FDA ends DCM updates (on the FDA's December 2022 statement). Checked October 25, 2026.
- FDA, Animal and veterinary recalls and withdrawals. Checked October 25, 2026.
