2. Size – Small breed dogs (like Chihuahuas) have higher energy requirements and need smaller pellets than their medium (e.g. Border Collie) and large (e.g. Rottweiler) cousins. Your large breed dog also needs joint supplementation (like chondroitin and glucosamine) in his food. A large breed puppy needs to grow slower than other puppies in order to promote healthy joint formation and prevent problems like hip dysplasia. So make sure your large breed puppy is fed large breed specific puppy food with less calories and calcium.

3. Age – Puppies and kittens have very different nutritional requirements than older pets. Food formulated for growth helps support the development of bone and muscle, the immune system and neurological function. Kittens and small/medium breed puppies can be fed an adult diet from their first birthday. Larger breeds of dogs need to stay on puppy food until they are 18-24 months old. A senior diet contains a highly digestible protein and lower levels of certain nutrients, such as phosphorus and sodium. Joint supplementation is also added into quality senior diets. Cats and small/medium sized dogs are considered seniors from 7 years old, while your large breed dog will age quicker and be considered senior after his fifth birthday.

4. Breed – There is more to breed than size, different breeds also have different requirements in terms of their skin (e.g. Sphinx), hair (e.g. Yorkshire Terrier), heart (e.g. Boxer), joints (e.g. German Shepherd), jaw structures (e.g. Bulldog) etc.

5. Activity level – Your lazy, slightly overweight Pug might need a “light” diet , while your jack-in-a-box Border Collie deserves food with a high energy density .

6. Special needs - A pet with allergies or an illness like diabetes or chronic renal failure will need a diet specifically formulated for their needs. Your vet will help you with this.

7. Formulation – Nowadays there is a big debate about “commercial” food (wet or dry) vs “homemade” food (raw or cooked). Most commercial diets are well balanced, usually cheaper, have a longer shelf life and carry less bacterial risk. Dry kibble diets also reduce dental problems like gum disease and plaque build-up. Proponents of homemade diets feel their animals have shinier coats, stronger bones and teeth and smaller stools. Homemade diets can be implemented successfully, but the onus is on you as the owner to ensure the diet is balanced and you have to realise that there is increased risk of bacterial growth that can potentially cause gastrointestinal upsets like Salmonella and E.coli infections. Giving your dog a bone comes with the risk of broken teeth, punctured digestive tracts or constipation.

The bottom line: you need to make decisions, informed by your pet’s needs as well as your budget, beliefs and lifestyle, when deciding on your pet’s diet.