Yes. Garlic can be safely included in dog food when used in very small, carefully formulated amounts.

LiLike many ingredients, garlic can be harmful if consumed in excessive amounts. However, the trace amounts used in properly formulated pet foods are very different from feeding whole cloves or concentrated garlic supplements.

Complete and balanced dog foods are carefully formulated with ingredient levels that are appropriate for dogs. Rather than judging a food by a single ingredient, it's important to look at the quality and balance of the entire recipe.

Vitamin and mineral premixes help ensure every bowl provides consistent, complete, and balanced nutrition.

Whole food ingredients naturally provide many important nutrients, but those nutrient levels can vary from ingredient to ingredient and from batch to batch. Carefully balanced vitamin and mineral premixes help ensure your dog receives the proper levels of essential nutrients in every serving.

A vitamin premix isn't a substitute for quality ingredients – it's a complement to them. High-quality proteins, healthy fats, fruits, vegetables, and other wholesome ingredients provide the nutritional foundation, while vitamin and mineral premixes help deliver the precise nutrient balance dogs need to thrive.

In most cases, a complete and balanced diet provides the nutrients a healthy dog needs without additional supplements.

Unless your veterinarian recommends something specific, adding multiple supplements is often unnecessary. More isn't always better, and excessive supplementation can sometimes disrupt the balance of an otherwise complete diet.

If your dog has a specific health concern or unique nutritional need, your veterinarian can help determine whether a targeted supplement is appropriate.

For healthy dogs, the simplest approach is often the best: feed a high-quality, complete and balanced diet and monitor your dog's overall condition.

Probiotics are beneficial microorganisms - what Dr. Gary often called "friendly bacteria cultures" - that help support a healthy balance of bacteria in the digestive tract.

That balance plays an important role in digestion, nutrient absorption, stool quality, and overall gastrointestinal health. The digestive system is home to a complex community of microorganisms, and supporting that environment can help the digestive process function as it should.

Best Breed diets include natural sources of these friendly bacteria cultures as part of our broader focus on digestive health.

Probiotics are only one piece of the picture. The quality and digestibility of the food itself, along with an appropriate balance of fibers and nutrients, all work together to support a healthy digestive system.

Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are essential fats that play important roles throughout the body, particularly in maintaining healthy skin and a strong, shiny coat.

Omega-6 fatty acids help support the skin's natural barrier, while omega-3s - commonly supplied through ingredients such as seafood and fish oil - support healthy skin and normal inflammatory responses. Fatty acids also contribute to brain health, immune function, and overall wellness.

Dr. Gary placed a lot of emphasis on healthy dietary fats and frequently recommended diets with higher fatty acid levels for dogs with dry or sensitive skin. His approach was simple: fat isn't something to avoid - it's an important nutrient when provided in the right amount.

"Complete and balanced" means a pet food is formulated to provide all of the essential nutrients a dog or cat needs, in the proper amounts and proportions, for the life stage identified on the label.

In the United States, nutritional adequacy is generally established using nutrient profiles developed by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) or through an AAFCO-recognized feeding protocol.

It's an important baseline, but it doesn't tell you everything about the quality of a food. Two foods can both meet the same nutritional standards while using very different ingredients and providing different levels of digestibility.

That's why we also look at ingredient quality, nutrient sources, digestibility, and ultimately how the individual animal does on the food.

No. A higher protein percentage doesn't automatically mean a better food.

The amount of protein matters, but so do the quality and digestibility of that protein. A dog can only benefit from nutrients that its digestive system can break down and absorb. Simply putting more protein into a formula doesn't mean the dog will be able to use more of it.

Protein needs also vary with the individual dog. Active and working dogs may benefit from higher levels, while the difference between a food containing 25% protein and one containing 30% may mean relatively little for many healthy dogs.

That's why it's better to look beyond the number on the bag. The source of the protein, how digestible it is, the overall formulation, and how your dog actually does on the food all matter more than simply choosing the highest percentage.

In most cases, environmental allergies are more common than food allergies. Things like pollen, grasses, dust mites, and mold are often the underlying cause of itchy skin, especially if symptoms are seasonal.

Food allergies do occur, but they're relatively uncommon and typically require a veterinarian to diagnose through an elimination diet. If your dog develops persistent itching, recurrent ear infections, or skin irritation, it's best to work with your veterinarian to determine the cause.

While nutrition may not be the source of the problem, feeding a highly digestible, complete and balanced diet with quality protein and healthy fats can help support overall skin and coat health.

Healthy skin and a shiny coat start from the inside out. High-quality, highly digestible protein provides the building blocks for healthy skin and hair, while healthy fats - especially omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids from ingredients like fish oil - help support the skin's natural barrier and promote a soft, glossy coat.

Just as importantly, your dog needs to be able to digest and absorb those nutrients. A highly digestible diet helps ensure your dog gets the full benefit of the protein, fats, vitamins, and minerals in their food.

Healthy skin and a shiny coat don't depend on a single ingredient. They reflect your dog's overall nutrition, digestibility, and general health.

Yeast infections are usually caused by an overgrowth of yeast that naturally lives on your dog's skin. The underlying cause is often allergies, excess moisture, hormonal conditions, or other health issues rather than a specific ingredient in the diet.

While diet isn't typically the cause of a yeast infection, good nutrition - including quality protein and healthy fats - can help support healthy skin and its natural protective barrier.

If your dog experiences recurring yeast infections, it's important to work with your veterinarian to identify and treat the underlying cause rather than focusing solely on changing foods.

Good nutrition plays an important role in helping dogs stay active and healthy as they age. Highly digestible protein helps maintain lean muscle, while healthy fats provide energy and essential fatty acids that support the skin, coat, brain, and overall health.

Just as important is maintaining a healthy body condition. Some older dogs become less active and need fewer calories, while others have difficulty maintaining weight and may benefit from more calorie-dense nutrition.

That's why Dr. Gary always emphasized: "Feed for condition." Age is important, but your dog's weight, activity level, digestion, and overall health should ultimately guide how you feed them.

The right time depends on your puppy's breed, size, growth rate, and the food you're feeding. In general, many dogs can begin transitioning to adult food as they approach maturity, while large and giant breeds may benefit from staying on an appropriate growth diet longer.

Dr. Gary often emphasized slow, steady growth rather than trying to maximize a puppy's size quickly. The goal is to provide enough nutrition to support healthy development without encouraging excess weight or overly rapid growth.

Whatever the timing, watch your puppy's body condition, energy, digestion, and growth. Every dog develops a little differently, so age alone shouldn't be the only factor guiding the switch.

There isn't one age when every dog needs to switch to a senior food. A dog's nutritional needs change based on activity level, body condition, breed, and overall health - not simply because they reached a certain birthday.

Some older dogs become less active and need fewer calories, while others begin losing weight and may actually benefit from more calorie-dense nutrition. That's why Dr. Gary frequently advised owners to "feed for condition."

If your older dog is maintaining a healthy weight, has good energy, and is doing well on their current food, there's not necessarily a reason to change it simply because they're considered a senior.

The best food for a senior dog depends on the individual dog. Aging doesn't automatically mean a dog needs lower fat, lower calories, or less protein.

Quality, highly digestible protein becomes particularly important for helping maintain lean muscle as dogs age. Healthy fats provide energy and essential fatty acids, while ingredients such as omega-3 fatty acids and joint-supporting nutrients can be beneficial as activity and mobility change.

Most importantly, watch your dog's body condition. Some seniors need fewer calories as they slow down; others struggle to maintain weight. Dr. Gary's advice was simple: feed for condition rather than age alone.

For most dogs, it's best to transition gradually rather than changing foods overnight. Start by mixing a small amount of the new food with the current food and gradually increase the proportion of the new food over about 7-10 days.

A gradual transition gives your dog's digestive system time to adjust and makes it easier to monitor stool quality, appetite, and overall response.

Dogs with particularly sensitive digestion may benefit from an even slower transition. If your dog is doing well during the change, continue increasing the new food until the transition is complete.

Every dog is an individual - let your dog's digestion help determine the pace.

Yes. If your dog tolerates dietary changes well, there's generally no problem rotating between different proteins or formulas.

Dr. Gary often noted that dogs can enjoy some variety, and he found that similar Best Breed recipes could be rotated successfully in dogs without digestive sensitivities.

There's also no nutritional requirement to rotate proteins. If your dog is thriving on one formula, there's no reason to change simply for the sake of variety.

The most important consideration is how your dog responds. If changing proteins consistently leads to loose stool or digestive upset, sticking with the food that agrees with your dog may be the better approach.

There isn't one amount that's right for every dog. Feeding guidelines provide a useful starting point, but your dog's actual needs depend on size, activity level, age, metabolism, and the calorie density of the food.

Measure your dog's food consistently, then watch their body condition. You should generally be able to feel the ribs without pressing through a heavy layer of fat, and there should be a visible waist when viewed from above.

A measuring cup is also important. Small differences at every meal can add up considerably over time.

If your dog is gaining unnecessary weight, gradually feed less. If they're becoming too lean, gradually feed more. Recheck their weight and condition every couple of weeks after making an adjustment.

As Dr. Gary put it: "Feed for condition." The right amount is ultimately the amount that keeps your individual dog at a healthy weight and condition.

Healthy weight loss usually comes down to controlling how many calories your dog eats while maintaining good nutrition and regular exercise.

Dr. Gary typically preferred adjusting the amount of a quality maintenance food rather than automatically moving a healthy dog to a very low-fat "diet" formula. Measure meals carefully, feed on a consistent schedule, and reduce portions gradually rather than making dramatic cuts.

Weigh your dog every couple of weeks and adjust the amount fed based on the results. Treats and table food count too - especially for small dogs, where even a few extra bites can represent a significant portion of daily calories.

The goal should be slow, steady weight loss while maintaining muscle, energy, and overall condition.

First, make sure you're looking at body condition rather than the number on the scale alone. Some naturally lean or highly active dogs simply need more calories than others.

For dogs that have difficulty maintaining weight, a more calorie-dense food with higher levels of healthy fat can provide more energy without requiring a much larger volume of food. Dr. Gary frequently recommended this approach for active, working, and naturally lean dogs because fat provides substantially more energy per gram than protein or carbohydrates.

Monitor your dog's condition every couple of weeks and increase food gradually. If your dog is losing weight unexpectedly despite eating normally, that's different from a naturally lean dog and deserves further investigation.

Fat is an essential nutrient - not simply something that makes dogs gain weight.

Dietary fat provides concentrated energy, supplies essential fatty acids, supports healthy skin and coat, and helps dogs absorb fat-soluble vitamins. Dr. Gary was particularly cautious about unnecessarily restricting fat in otherwise healthy dogs because of its important nutritional role.

For weight management, the total number of calories consumed is usually more important than choosing the lowest-fat food available. In many cases, controlling portions of a nutritious maintenance diet can be a better approach than dramatically reducing dietary fat.

The goal isn't "low fat." It's the appropriate amount of calories and nutrients for the individual dog.

For most adult dogs, feeding twice a day works very well.

Dr. Gary frequently recommended a consistent morning and evening feeding schedule. Besides making portions easier to control, scheduled meals can help establish predictable hunger and digestive patterns.

Measure the total amount your dog should receive each day and divide it between the two meals. Avoid leaving food available all day if you're trying to manage weight, appetite, or feeding habits because it becomes much harder to know exactly how much your dog is eating.

Puppies and dogs with certain nutritional or medical needs may require more frequent meals, but twice daily is a practical routine for most healthy adult dogs.

Treats may seem small, but they still count toward your dog's daily calorie intake.

As a general guideline, treats should make up no more than about 10% of your dog's daily calories, with the majority coming from their regular food. This is especially important for small dogs, where just a few extra bites can represent a surprisingly large percentage of their daily needs.

If you give treats frequently for training, consider using small pieces or even reserving some of your dog's regular kibble for rewards.

Dr. Gary consistently reminded pet parents to account for everything the dog eats. If weight starts creeping up, treats are one of the first places to look.

Your pet's body condition tells you more than weight alone.

For a dog at a healthy weight, you should generally be able to feel the ribs easily with a light layer of tissue over them, see a waist when looking down from above, and notice the abdomen tuck upward behind the rib cage when viewed from the side.

If you have difficulty feeling the ribs, the waist has disappeared, or the abdomen looks rounded rather than tucked, your dog may be carrying excess weight.

Don't rely solely on breed averages or a number on the scale. Individual dogs vary considerably in build. What matters most is healthy body condition.

Not necessarily. Some dogs are simply enthusiastic eaters and will happily eat more than they actually need.

Before increasing portions, look at your dog's body condition. If they're maintaining an ideal weight and condition, persistent enthusiasm for food doesn't necessarily mean they're underfed.

A consistent feeding schedule can help, as can dividing the day's food between two meals. Be mindful of treats and table food as well - increasing regular meals without accounting for extras can quickly lead to weight gain.

If your dog is unusually hungry while also losing weight, drinking more, or showing other noticeable changes, that's different and may warrant medical evaluation.

Breed is a useful starting point, but it shouldn't be the only factor guiding your choice. Consider your dog's adult size, life stage, activity level, body condition, coat, digestion, and any individual sensitivities.

For example, a highly active dog may benefit from more calorie-dense nutrition, while a less active dog of the same breed may need fewer calories. Large dogs may benefit from joint-supporting ingredients, and breeds prone to digestive sensitivity may do better on formulas designed with digestibility and stool quality in mind.

Dr. Gary's approach was to look at the whole dog rather than the breed name alone. Choose a formula suited to your dog's general needs, then monitor weight, digestion, energy, skin, and coat to see how well it agrees with them.

Working and highly active dogs need enough usable energy to support their activity and maintain healthy body condition.

Dr. Gary emphasized that these dogs often need more dietary fat, not simply the highest protein percentage available. Fat provides concentrated energy, while quality protein supports muscle maintenance and recovery. A calorie-dense food also allows the dog to receive more energy without requiring an excessive volume of food.

Monitor the dog rather than relying only on the feeding chart. If ribs, spine, or hips become overly prominent, gradually increase the amount fed or consider a more energy-dense formula. If the dog begins gaining unnecessary weight during a less active season, adjust the portion accordingly.

The proof is ultimately in how the dog performs and maintains condition.

Stool frequency varies by dog, but most healthy adult dogs go between one and four times a day, depending on their size, age, activity level, and diet. Puppies typically go more often due to a faster metabolism and more frequent feedings.

A few things that naturally affect frequency and volume:

• Fiber content. Formulas built with more fiber support healthy digestion but can mean more frequent or bulkier stools. More digestible, calorie-dense formulas, like our Working Dog Diet, typically produce less.
• Feeding schedule. A consistent twice-daily schedule tends to regulate frequency more than free feeding.
• Switching foods. A temporary change in frequency or stool volume is common for the first few weeks after switching diets, as your dog's digestive system adjusts.

What matters most is consistency and stool quality, not a specific number. Firm, well-formed stool is a better sign of digestive health than how many times a day your dog goes.

If you notice a sudden change in frequency, ongoing loose stool, diarrhea, or straining, we'd recommend checking in with your veterinarian, since that can point to something beyond diet.

Soft stools can have many causes, including a sudden food change, overfeeding, too many treats or table scraps, stress, or eating something unusual.

Start by looking at everything your dog eats - not just their regular food. Dr. Gary often noted that even a small extra can trigger digestive trouble in a sensitive dog, while the main diet gets blamed.