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Feeding your dog the right food is one of the most important decisions you’ll make as a pet owner. In the UAE, where heat and humidity can affect a dog’s hydration, digestion, and energy demands, choosing a high-quality dog food is critical. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know—nutritional needs, ingredients to look for (and avoid), feeding schedules, and climatic considerations in UAE. By the end, you’ll be able to choose the best dog food for your pup, and even link to great products on your own store. 

1. Understanding Nutritional Needs by Life Stage

Dogs’ nutritional needs vary based on their age, size, and health status:

• Puppies need higher protein, fat, and energy for growth.

• Adult dogs require balanced maintenance diets.

• Senior dogs often benefit from lower calories, joint support, and easy digestibility.

Each life stage demands different ratios of protein, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. Always check that a dog food is “complete and balanced” (by AAFCO or equivalent) for the life stage.

2. What to Look For — Key Ingredients & What to Avoid

Ingredients You Want to See

• Named animal proteins (e.g. chicken, lamb, fish) as first ingredients

• Whole grains or quality carbohydrates (brown rice, oats) or grain-free alternatives (only if needed)

• Healthy fats (fish oil, chicken fat) for skin and coat

• Fruits & vegetables for fiber, vitamins, antioxidants

• Probiotics, prebiotics, digestive enzymes

Ingredients to Avoid or Limit

• By-product meals (unless high quality)

• Excessive fillers like corn, wheat, soy (especially if the dog has sensitivities)

• Artificial preservatives, colors, or flavorings

• High salt, sugar, or unnecessary additives

3. Types of Dog Food & Their Pros / Cons

• Dry kibble: convenient, shelf-stable, helps clean teeth

• Canned / wet food: high moisture, appealing for picky eaters

• Raw / freeze-dried: more natural, but requires careful handling

• Semi-moist / soft: less common, can be palatable but often more preservatives

In the UAE, wet food helps with hydration, but dry kibble is easier for storage in heat. Some owners mix both.

4. UAE Climate Factors — What to Consider

• Hydration is crucial. Dogs lose more water in hot climates, so moisture in diet and clean water access matter

• Heat stress & digestion. Feeding big meals midday can stress digestion; splitting meals helps

• Storage in heat. Choose packaging that protects against spoilage; store in cool, dry places

5. How to Transition Food Safely

Switch gradually over 7–10 days:

1. Start with 75% old food + 25% new

2. Then 50/50

3. Then 25% old + 75% new

4. Finally 100% new food

Watch for signs of digestive upset (loose stools, vomiting). If problems persist, consult a vet.

6. Portion Sizes & Feeding Frequency

• Use feeding guides on packaging as starting point

• Adjust based on your dog’s weight, activity level, body condition

• Puppies: 3–4 meals per day

• Adults: 2 meals per day

• Seniors: 2 smaller meals

Monitor body condition (ribs should be felt but not seen).

7. Common Mistakes & Myths

• Feeding too much human food

• Relying on treats for nutrition

• Overlooking special needs (food allergies, sensitivities)

• Changing food too abruptly

• Choosing the “cheapest” option — poor nutrition can cost more in vet bills

8. Recommended Products

Below are examples of how you might link to your own products. Replace with your actual URLs.

• Premium Chicken & Rice Adult Dog Formula – great everyday maintenance

• Puppy Growth Blend – supports growth & immunity

• Sensitive Skin & Digestion Dog Food – for dogs with food sensitivities

• Large Breed Joint Support Formula

• Wet Chicken Stew for Dogs – good for combining with dry food in hot weather