Most dogs do well on any good, quality commercial dog food available at pet or feed stores. Signs that your dog is on a good diet includes a glossy coat, good body condition, regular, formed stool and abundant energy. Feed an amount adequate to ensure proper weight. You can use feeding guidelines on the bag to get a general idea of an amount to start with. Keep in mind that metabolism varies between individual dogs, and one dog may become overweight on the same amount that keeps another dog in good body condition. Obesity is a common and serious health problem in dogs and should be avoided.

Your veterinarian can suggest a specific diet or brand if your pet needs a more personalized diet. If you are interested in cooking or feeding a raw food diet to your dog, there are several books available with guidelines to ensure that your dog gets all the nutrients he or she needs. Your vet can also make recommendations in this area.