Is There Really a “Best” Dog Food?
A Practical, Honest Look at Feeding Dogs Well
If you’ve ever stood in a pet shop aisle staring at shelves of dog food, you’re not alone.
Grain-free. Grain-inclusive. Vet-recommended. Boutique. Raw. High-protein. Low-fat.
It can feel overwhelming — and sometimes even guilt-inducing — to choose the “right” food for your dog.
At Best Friends Dog School, we care for dogs every single day — of all breeds, ages, sizes, health histories and dietary backgrounds. Through this hands-on experience, one thing has become very clear:
There is no single “perfect” dog food that suits every dog.
What does matter is choosing a safe, balanced and appropriate diet for your dog — and understanding why different foods work better for different needs.
Why the “Best Dog Food” Debate Is So Confusing
Much of the confusion around dog food comes from marketing. Large, established brands often focus on scientific claims and veterinary endorsements, while newer or more “modern” brands highlight ingredient quality, grain-free formulas, or more natural sourcing.
Both approaches have value — and both have limitations.
Some dogs do very well on traditional, vet-formulated diets.
Others thrive on newer, ingredient-focused foods.
Some dogs have sensitivities, allergies, weight challenges, or digestive issues that require more careful choices.
That doesn’t make one pet parent “right” and another “wrong.”
It simply reflects that dogs are individuals.
Grains, Carbohydrates & the Truth About Ingredients
Dogs do need carbohydrates — but not all carbohydrates are the same.
Some dogs tolerate ingredients like maize or wheat without any issue. Others do better on rice-based or alternative carbohydrate sources, particularly if they struggle with itchy skin, digestive upset, or weight management.
What matters most is not whether a food is grain-free or grain-inclusive, but whether it is:
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Digestible
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Balanced in protein and fat
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Consistent over time
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Supporting healthy stools, skin, coat and energy levels
Food trends change.
The dog in front of you does not.
What We See Every Day in a Real Dog Care Environment
In a professional dog care setting — including boarding, daycare and training — dogs experience change. New routines, new smells, new environments and new social dynamics can all affect digestion and appetite.
From years of caring for dogs daily, we’ve learned that:
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Sudden food changes cause far more tummy upsets than most individual ingredients
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Stress plays a significant role in digestion, especially during boarding stays
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Consistency is often more important than following the latest food trend
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Dogs with known sensitivities do best when their diets remain familiar and stable
This is why our approach to nutrition focuses on support and education, rather than judgment.
Why We Feed Karoo at Best Friends Dog School
At Best Friends Dog School, we use Montego Karoo All-Breed Adult as our standard food for dogs in our care.
This decision is based on practical, real-world experience, not trends or marketing claims.
Karoo is a South African-made, rice-based diet that we’ve found to be digestively stable for many dogs, even during the added stress that can come with being away from home.
Over time, we’ve seen it offer:
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Reliable digestion for the majority of dogs
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Good palatability and appetite during stays
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Moderate protein and fat levels suitable for a wide range of breeds and activity levels
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Consistency, which helps minimise unnecessary tummy upsets
In a dog care environment, consistency is essential — and Karoo provides a dependable, balanced base diet that works well for many dogs.
A Note for Pet Parents
While Karoo suits many dogs, we fully respect that every dog is an individual.
If your dog:
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Has known food sensitivities or allergies
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Is on a veterinary or prescription diet
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Does best on a specific brand or formulation
You are always welcome to bring your own food. We are happy to feed owner-supplied diets when needed.
Our aim is never to promote one food as “the best,” but to support each dog’s comfort, digestion and overall well-being while they are in our care.
Our Feeding Philosophy
At Best Friends Dog School, we believe good nutrition is about:
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Balance
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Consistency
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Digestibility
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Listening to the dog in front of you
Not about trends, pressure, or food shaming.
Final Thought
If your dog is happy, maintaining a healthy weight, has normal stools, a good coat and steady energy levels — you’re doing something right.
And if you’re unsure, curious, or would like guidance, we’re always happy to help.
At Best Friends Dog School, your dog’s well-being comes first — whatever bowl they eat from