A balanced diet with high-quality protein (chicken, beef, fish or pork), healthy fats, vegetables, and appropriate amounts of carbohydrates is ideal. The food should be age-appropriate (puppy, adult, senior) and match their activity level and health needs. Ultra Balance Puppy and Ultra Balance Adult dog food is a balanced complete diet that contains no corn or soy in the diet.

Puppies need food that’s formulated for growth, with higher protein and fat content. Look for foods labeled specifically for puppies, as they support their rapid growth and development.

• Dry food (kibble) is convenient, affordable, and helps with dental health. Ultra Balance Dog and Puppy are good examples of a dry kibble.
• Wet food is more palatable and has higher moisture content, which can benefit dogs that are prone to dehydration or have dental issues. Combining a dry and wet food is a good way to get the “best of both worlds.”
• Raw food is a diet of uncooked meat and bones, which proponents say is closer to a dog’s natural diet, but it requires careful preparation and storage. Making sure you keep an eye on expiration dates when using a raw diet

Dogs need proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins (A, D, E, K), minerals (calcium, phosphorus), and water. Their diet should include essential fatty acids, fiber, and a balanced mix of nutrients to promote overall health.

Senior dogs may need food lower in calories but higher in fiber and joint-supporting nutrients like glucosamine and chondroitin. Food with appropriate protein levels for aging muscles and easily digestible ingredients is ideal. Making sure pre and probiotics are included in your dogs diet.

It’s best to avoid feeding your dog table scraps, as many human foods can be harmful to dogs, such as garlic, onions, and chocolate. Scraps can also lead to obesity and digestive issues.

A raw food diet can be safe for dogs if prepared properly to avoid bacterial contamination. However, there are risks, such as an unbalanced diet and the possibility of bones causing injury. Consult with a Vet before switching to raw food.

Grains are not inherently bad for dogs, and many dogs can digest them without issues. Some dogs may have grain allergies or sensitivities ( corn and soy can be the cause of some skin allergies), but for most, grains like rice and oats provide valuable nutrients.

Many vegetables and fruits are safe for dogs, such as carrots, blueberries, and sweet potatoes. However, some human foods, like grapes, raisins, and onions, are toxic to dogs. Always check before offering any human food to your dog.

Common toxic foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, alcohol, caffeine, and xylitol (found in sugar-free gum and candies). Keep these foods well out of reach of your dog.

Look for reputable brands with high-quality ingredients, clear labels, and specific formulations for your dog’s age, breed, and health needs. Avoid foods with too many fillers, artificial colors, or preservatives. Check for AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) certification. Ultra balance dog has few fillers with no corn or soy. The formula has pre and probiotics for better digestion. The Ultra Balance dog foods also very palatable.

While some preservatives are necessary for food safety, natural preservatives like Vitamin E (mixed tocopherols) or Vitamin C are preferred over synthetic ones like BHA or BHT. Always aim for food with fewer artificial additives. Ultra Balance does not have BHA or BHT in the formula.

Homemade food can be healthy if it’s well-balanced. However, it’s challenging to ensure dogs get all necessary nutrients in the right proportions. Consulting a vet or pet nutritionist and using veterinary-approved recipes is advised. Adding a concentrated daily vitamin/mineral to your homemade food will help to balance the diet.

While dogs are omnivores and can survive on plant-based diets, it’s important to ensure they get all the necessary nutrients, including protein, amino acids, and vitamins like B12, which may require supplementation. Consult your vet before making this change.

Protein is essential for building and maintaining muscle mass, supporting healthy skin and coat, and enabling a strong immune system. Dogs need high-quality animal-based proteins for optimal health. The more active the dog, the more protein level should be fed. Sports dog food is usually a higher protein food.

Star Milling’s pet foods are preserved with Vitamin E (mixed tocopherols – alpha, beta, gamma and delta isomers), Vitamin C, and propionic acid, which is a natural mold inhibitor. We do not use preservatives such as BHA, BHT, or ethoxyquin.

If your dog is on a complete and balanced commercial diet, supplements are generally not necessary. However, dogs with specific health conditions (e.g., arthritis, digestive issues) may benefit from supplements like omega-3s, glucosamine, or probiotics.

Puppies typically need to eat 3–4 times per day, while adult dogs usually eat 2 meals per day. Senior dogs may also do well with 2 meals per day, but some may prefer smaller, more frequent meals.

The amount of food depends on your dog’s weight, age, and activity level. Generally, follow the feeding guidelines on the dog food packaging, but adjust portions based on your dog’s individual needs (such as weight gain or loss). Follow your breeders recommendations for the particular breed as some breeds grow quicker than others.

Puppies from 10 weeks to 6-8 months old get three meals per day. Dogs older than eight months can be fed once or twice daily, depending on the breed, activity, and appetite. Feeding an adult dog two small portions a day, instead of one big meal, can help prevent bloat.

Gradually transition by mixing the new food with the old food over 7–10 days, slowly increasing the amount of the new food while decreasing the old food. This helps prevent digestive upset and ensures a smooth switch.

Signs of food allergies include itching, gastrointestinal upset, ear infections, or chronic skin issues. If you suspect allergies, consult your vet for proper diagnosis and possibly an elimination diet.