Choosing the right dog food can feel overwhelming. Pet store shelves are stacked with glossy bags promising better health, more energy, and shinier coats. Online, brands compete for your attention with bold claims about sustainability, science, or fresh ingredients. But when it comes down to it, most dog parents just want to know:
What dog food do vets recommend?
The answer isn’t the same for every dog. Vets base their recommendations on your dog’s individual health needs, your household circumstances, and sometimes your own values. The good news is that the world of dog food has never been more diverse, with options ranging from traditional prescription diets through to emerging sustainable, novel protein foods formulated here in Australia.
In this article, we’ll explore:
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The key factors vets look at when recommending food.
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Why fresh food matters (and what the science says).
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The role of novel and single protein diets.
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How Feed For Thought compares with Royal Canin and Hill’s, two of the most commonly vet-recommended brands.
What Vets Look For in Dog Food
When a vet recommends food, they’re balancing science, practicality, and the needs of your dog. The most important factors include:
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Nutritional completeness – The food must meet standards for a complete and balanced diet (AAFCO or FEDIAF).
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Digestibility – Nutrients need to be absorbed easily, not just listed on the bag.
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Health conditions – Specialised diets are often needed for allergies, kidney support, joint care, or weight management.
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Protein source – Some dogs need a novel or single protein to manage food sensitivities.
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Palatability – Even the most scientifically advanced food won’t help if your dog refuses to eat it.
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Formulation expertise – Vets want to know a qualified veterinary nutritionist has been involved.
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Sustainability and sourcing – Increasingly, vets and pet parents are thinking beyond the bowl to the environmental footprint of food.
The Role of Fresh Food in a Dog’s Diet
There’s a growing body of research showing that including fresh food in your dog’s diet has real health benefits.
One of the most influential studies comes from Purdue University, which looked at diet and cancer risk in Scottish Terriers. The study found that dogs fed vegetables at least three times a week, making up around 20% of their diet, had a significantly reduced risk of developing bladder cancer compared to dogs who never ate them.
This doesn’t mean every dog needs to switch to a fully fresh or raw diet (which can be difficult to balance and store safely). But it does highlight the value of combining a complete dry food with fresh additions like leafy greens, carrots, or lean meats. Even a small shift, just 20% of your dog’s diet, can have long-term benefits.
Novel Protein Diets
A novel protein is simply one your dog hasn’t eaten before. Common examples include kangaroo, venison, duck, or in the case of Feed For Thought, black soldier fly larvae.
Why does this matter?
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Dogs with food allergies or intolerances often react to common proteins like chicken or beef.
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Switching to a novel protein can reduce symptoms like itchy skin, ear infections, or digestive upset.
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Novel proteins can also be more sustainable and ethical to produce.
Feed For Thought uses insect protein, one of the most digestible, low-allergen novel proteins available. It’s packed with amino acids, vitamins, and minerals, while also using a fraction of the land, water, and energy compared to traditional livestock.
Single Protein Diets
Single protein foods are made with just one protein source. They’re particularly useful when:
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A vet recommends an elimination diet to identify food allergies.
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You want to keep your dog’s diet simple and easy to track.
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Your dog has thrived on one protein and you don’t want to complicate things.
Feed For Thought is based on a single, novel protein, insect, which means it’s both simple and unique. That makes it a strong option for dogs with sensitive stomachs or suspected allergies.
Comparison: Feed For Thought vs Royal Canin vs Hill’s
When it comes to vet-recommended brands, Royal Canin and Hill’s Science Diet dominate. They’re global giants with decades of clinical research, especially in prescription diets. But how do they compare with a sustainable, Australian-owned brand like Feed For Thought?
| Feature | Feed For Thought | Royal Canin | Hill’s Science Diet |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feed Trial | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Australian Made | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Australian Owned | ✅ Yes | ❌ No (French) | ❌ No (US) |
| Sustainable | ✅ Yes – insect protein, low carbon footprint | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Vet Formulated | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Novel Protein | ✅ Yes – insect | ❌ Limited | ❌ Limited |
| Single Protein | ✅ Yes | ❌ Mostly multi | ❌ Mostly multi |
When Vets Might Recommend Royal Canin or Hill’s
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For specific health conditions (e.g. kidney disease, heart support, obesity).
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When a prescription diet is essential.
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If the clinic stocks and is familiar with those brands.
When Vets Might Recommend Feed For Thought
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For healthy dogs who need a balanced, nutrient-dense diet.
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For dogs with food allergies or sensitive stomachs who may benefit from a novel or single protein.
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For pet parents who want to support an Australian-owned brand.
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For those looking to reduce their dog’s environmental pawprint without compromising on vet-formulated nutrition.
Sustainable Dog Food: Why It Matters
Traditional pet food production has a surprisingly large footprint. Globally, pet food is estimated to account for up to 30% of the environmental impact of livestock production. Choosing a sustainable brand like Feed For Thought means:
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Diverting food waste from landfill by using it to feed insects.
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Using far less land and water compared to beef, lamb, or even chicken production.
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Reducing greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80% compared to traditional meat proteins.
For eco-conscious pet parents, sustainable dog food is a way to care for your dog and the planet at the same time.
Final Thoughts
When people ask, what dog food do vets recommend? the answer is: it depends on the dog.
Royal Canin and Hill’s remain leaders in prescription diets for specific health conditions. But for healthy dogs, or for those with allergies and sensitivities, emerging options like Feed For Thought offer an Australian-made, sustainable, vet-formulated choice that ticks multiple boxes: dog health, allergy support, and environmental responsibility.
Don’t forget the fresh food factor. Science shows that adding even 20% fresh food to your dog’s diet can make a measurable difference to long-term health.
👉 Ready to try it? Start with a Feed For Thought trial bag and see the difference a novel, sustainable, vet-formulated food can make for your dog.