Dry food or kibble is the least expensive, most convenient food to use. It's nutritionally balanced and helps keep teeth and gums healthy. Canned foods may be added with water to dry rations. However a premium dry kibble will usually be quite palatable by itself. Table scraps are not recommended because they generally don't provide balanced nutrition and can make your dog a finicky eater. If you choose to add them, they shouldn't comprise more than 10% of the diet. Lean meat scraps and vegetables are acceptable additions to your pet's diet.

Avoid spicy or rich foods, uncooked meat, or bones from chicken, pork, steak, or fish which may splinter. Changes in diet should be made gradually over several days. Abrupt changes in diet often cause diarrhea. Once you have found a balanced food that your pet enjoys, stick with it. When you adopt your pet, find out what he has been fed in his previous place of care. You might find it simpler to continue with that brand of food.