What is the right dog food for my dog?

​

Nutrition is a cornerstone of wellness and I get a lot of questions about dog food, but for years, I stopped recommending specific dog food brands to my clients. Why? Every time a high-quality, boutique dog food hit the market and gained a loyal following, it seemed like a big corporation would buy it and quietly change the recipe—compromising quality for profit. Years later I would find foods that I previously recommended in recalls and 'bad foods' lists. So instead of recommendations, I simply advised my clients to prioritize foods with high protein content, a single protein source, and no corn, soy, or ingredients that are hard to pronounce. 

​

A quick glance at most dog food labels reveals a list of ingredients that sound more like a chemistry experiment than a meal. But one of the most concerning inclusions you’ll find is “meal,” such as chicken meal, fish meal, or beef meal. While “meal” sounds wholesome, it’s actually rendered product: a combination of meat, bone, skin, and by-products cooked at high temperatures to remove moisture. The rendering process not only alters the nutritional value but often introduces toxins like advanced glycation end products (AGEs), which can contribute to inflammation and long-term health issues in dogs.

​

Even worse, many mainstream dog foods include filler ingredients like corn, wheat, and soy, which are difficult for dogs to digest and contribute little to their overall nutritional needs. Add to that artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives, and you have a recipe for poor health.

​​

Dogs thrive on species-appropriate, high-quality diets that mimic the nutrient profile of what they would naturally consume. Research shows that diets high in animal-based proteins improve muscle maintenance, support immune health, and enhance coat condition. Foods with single protein sources are particularly beneficial for dogs with allergies or sensitivities, as they reduce the risk of adverse reactions and allow you to play process of elimination to pinpoint the sensitivity source. 

​​​

Ingredients matter—not just what’s in the food but where and how those ingredients are sourced. That’s why we are officially partnering with pawTree.

​​

1. Customizable Nutrition: pawTree offers personalized food plans based on your dog’s unique needs, including age, breed, activity level, and health conditions.

2. High-Quality Ingredients: Their formulas feature real meat as the first ingredient, with no by-products, fillers, or artificial additives. You won’t find corn, soy, or unpronounceable chemicals in their food.

3. Single Protein Sources: Ideal for dogs with sensitivities, pawTree’s recipes focus on limited ingredients without compromising nutritional value.

4. Small-Batch Production: Unlike mass-market brands, pawTree maintains rigorous quality control to ensure every batch meets their high standards.

5. Holistic Additives: Their food includes natural supplements like Omega-3 fatty acids, probiotics, and antioxidants to support long-term health.

​​

I personally switched my dogs, GoGo, Kiba and Choji to pawTree food and was able to create a profile for Choji, who has food sensitivities and seasonal allergies, and pawTree suggested a specific meal plan that has had a noticeable impact on Choji's health and comfort. There are also nutritional profiles available for dogs with dry skin, bad breath, anxiety and many more factors that should be taken into consideration when assessing a dog's nutritional health and wellness. And the EZ-Ship Recurring Order service will let me choose weekly, monthly or the frequency of my choice for automatic food deliveries at my home.

​

At pawTree they stand behind their products with a 100% money back guarantee on products returned within 90 days, for that reason I feel that our clients could benefit greatly from quality foods, treats and supplements, but also from their ethical business model. 

​

Carlos F Morales - CDBC | CPDT-KA

​

Carlos is head trainer at Canine High School in Long Beach CA, a force-free Puppy School and Dog School. He is responsible for creating the School's Dog Training System, Curriculum and Philosophy. In addition to educating his canine students and their human parents, he runs a teaching school that offers apprenticeship and internship programs for aspiring professional dog trainers. He is a Certified Mentor Trainer for several dog training schools and holds certifications with the IAABC and the CCPDT. He lives in a little house by the beach with his human, his three dogs GoGo, Kiba, Choji and a sassy cat, Habibti.​