Everything in Moderation…
We’ve talked about this a bit before but we think it’s such an important topic that we are revisiting :) After all, my diet is a daily topic and features highly in my thought processes - why wouldn’t I consider my animals well being as well?
Whilst this post does focus primarily on dogs, the same could be said for everyone - pets deserve the best and at My Pet Life we want to make a difference in their lives with wellness in every bite, as well as in your lives with high quality products that are kind to the environment.
So. A Balanced Diet for Dogs: How to Nourish Your Pet Naturally (Treats Included!.
When it comes to feeding your dog, it can feel like you’re navigating a maze of opinions — raw vs cooked, grain-free vs grain-friendly, treats vs no treats. At My Pet Life, we believe in a balanced, whole-food approach that supports your pet’s wellbeing — with room for treats that serve a purpose.
Here’s what a truly balanced doggy diet can look like.
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Protein-Packed Foundation: Fresh Meat & Poultry
High-quality protein is the backbone of a dog’s diet. Fresh beef, lamb, or chicken provides essential amino acids that support muscle development, organ function, and energy levels. While some pet parents feed raw, others prefer gently cooked meat — both are fine, as long as food safety is prioritised.
Tip: If cooking meat, skip added oils, salt, and seasoning. Lightly poached or steamed is ideal.
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Yes to Bones — But Know the Rules
Raw meaty bones (like chicken necks or lamb ribs) offer dental benefits and enrichment. Never feed cooked bones, as they become brittle and can splinter.
Raw bones can be safely frozen and thawed as needed, helping you store them longer without compromising freshness or nutritional value. Some dogs enjoy eating raw bones frozen, which can provide extra enrichment and help soothe teething or reduce boredom — just ensure the bone size is appropriate and supervise at all times. We also recommend leaving the bone out of the freezer for at least 25 minutes before giving it to your dog.
Always supervise your dog and choose bones appropriate to their size and chewing habits. Not sure? Talk to your vet about the safest options for your pet’s breed and age.
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Kibble Can Play a Role
A quality kibble — ideally one with transparent sourcing and minimal fillers — can add convenience and help with portion control. Look for brands with real meat as the first ingredient and avoid artificial preservatives and colourants.
Rotating between kibble and fresh food? Great! Dogs thrive on variety, as long as it’s introduced gradually. We like to give our dogs a mix of everything - kibble with fresh food and a range of different treats to meet both their health needs as well as keep their taste buds happy.
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Add Colour with Fruits & Veggies
Dogs may be carnivores at heart, but that doesn’t mean they can’t benefit from plant-based goodness - or that they don’t like the variety. Gently cooked or air-dried vegetables can aid digestion and provide fibre and antioxidants.
Fruits offer a naturally sweet treat rich in vitamins — and most dogs love them.
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Treats That Serve a Purpose
We believe treats should do more than just taste good — they should nourish. That’s why we craft human-grade, functional treats like:
Air-dried chicken – A lean protein boost, perfect for training or sensitive tummies.
Air-dried pumpkin or apple – Naturally sweet, gentle on digestion, and full of fibre and antioxidants.
Chamomile bites – A calming choice for anxious pups.
Granola blends – Featuring superfoods like coconut, turmeric, and mint to support gut health, breath freshness, and more.
Treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s diet — but the right ones can complement their daily intake beautifully.
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Creating Your Dog’s Perfect Plate
Every dog is different. Factors like age, breed, activity level, and medical history all influence what (and how much) they need. But in general, a balanced daily diet might include:
40–60% high-quality protein (raw or cooked meat)
20–30% veggies and fruit (cooked or dried)
10–20% complex carbs or kibble (optional, based on preference)
Up to 10% functional treats
💡 Final Thoughts
Feeding your dog well doesn’t need to be all or nothing. Combining thoughtfully chosen kibble, raw or cooked meats, fresh produce, and functional treats lets you tailor a diet that’s both nourishing and realistic for your lifestyle.
At My Pet Life, we’re passionate about making it easy for you to do just that — one treat at a time.
Have questions or want help building your dog’s wellness routine?
Reach out or explore our naturally nourishing treats
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