
You’ve probably heard these terms before: complete dog food and supplemental dog food. But do you know what they mean? And what should you really be looking for when it comes to your dog’s diet? We’ll take a look at the most common types of dog food and explain what really matters!
Complete pet food
The term “complete and balanced dog food” refers to a food that meets all of a dog’s nutritional needs, including
- Protein
- Carbohydrates
- Fat
- Minerals
- Trace elements
- Vitamins
It contains all the necessary nutrients in sufficient quantities to ensure your pet gets everything it needs. No additional supplements are generally required to meet a dog’s basic nutritional needs.
Examples of complete pet foods
- many types of wet food
- many types of dry food
Feed supplement
But just as with humans, every dog’s body is different, and individual needs can vary greatly depending on age, health, or activity level. This is where so-called supplemental feed comes into play: It does not cover the entire nutritional requirement, but is used in addition to other foods to supplement and “optimize” the daily diet with additional components. This allows for even better consideration of the animal’s individual needs, for example in cases of gastrointestinal issues or to support the musculoskeletal system.
Examples of supplemental feed

Feed ingredient
Single-ingredient feeds are feeds that consist of a single component, such as beef alone.
Examples of feed ingredients
- Cans of pure meat
- Our chew toys, such as beef neck tendons

Nutrition is key to a healthy life for dogs
As veterinary naturopath Uschi Wilke emphasized in our interview: The stomach and intestines are the cornerstone of a strong immune system. Nutrition is therefore crucial for a dog’s health! It should be tailored to your pet’s individual needs and take into account factors such as age, activity level, and any pre-existing conditions.
Look for high-quality ingredients and the right combination of nutrients. Whether you achieve this through high-quality complete dog foods or homemade meals is ultimately a personal choice. In any case, carefully selected supplements like those from nacani perfectly round out your dog’s healthy diet.
nacani – Naturally good for your pet!
At nacani, we are committed to making a lasting difference in the lives of pets and their owners. Our carefully curated selection offers natural, high-quality products specifically designed to meet your pet’s needs. Whether it’s soothing herbal blends, support for joint health, our trusted CBD oil, or tasty treats for occasional rewards —nacani stands for quality, nature, and the well-being of our beloved four-legged friends. Discover the many ways to do something good for your pet! Do you have questions about our products or want to share your thoughts? Then feel free to join ournacani Facebook groupandfollow us on Instagram!