FOOD
How To Read a Dog Food Label Like a Veterinary Nutritionist
Ingredient splitting, the 95 percent rule, and why 'crude protein' tells you less than you think. A board-certified nutritionist decodes the bag.
Veterinary reviewer
Dr. Priya Natarajan
Veterinary Nutritionist, DVM, DACVN
Dr. Priya Natarajan is a board-certified veterinary nutritionist who formulates diets for both commercial brands and individual patients. She covers nutrition, feeding and food-label topics on VetsExplained.
All health, behavior and nutrition articles on VetsExplained are reviewed by a veterinarian who did not write them. Editorial policy.
Articles by Dr. Priya Natarajan
DOG NUTRITION & DIET
Homemade Dog Food: A Nutritionist's Balanced Starter Recipe
Most online recipes are short on calcium, zinc and vitamin E. This one is formulated to AAFCO adult maintenance levels, with the math shown...
DOG NUTRITION & DIET
Wet or Dry Dog Food? The Honest Trade-Offs
Hydration, dental health, cost per calorie and shelf life pull in different directions. Here is how to choose, or combine, for your dog...
DOG HEALTH
Feeding Guide by Life Stage: Puppy, Adult and Senior
Calorie needs can halve between adolescence and old age. Portion charts, feeding frequency and when to switch formulas, by weight and age...