Advances in canine nutrition science have improved companion dog welfare through better understanding of dietary requirements across life stages.
Dogs fed inappropriate diets develop nutrient deficiencies or excesses causing chronic health problems. Obesity from overfeeding causes joint pain, respiratory difficulty, and metabolic disease. Raw diets carry pathogen risks including Salmonella and E. coli. Well-designed commercial diets formulated to AAFCO standards provide balanced nutrition. Life stage nutrition addresses different needs from growth to aging.