Every dog owner wants to know that what ends up in their dog's bowl is good for their pet. We know how hard finding the paw-fect mealtime thats as nutritious as it is tail-waggingly delicious is one of the hardest things for dog owners
To help make sense of it all, we sat down with Dr Judi Maxwell, an independent veterinary surgeon who recently led clinical trials evaluating our Purely wet food range.
Here are some clear signs that your dog’s food is meeting their nutritional needs, plus Dr Judi’s simple rule for checking dog food labels.
1. An Eager, Consistent Appetite
A healthy dog should look forward to mealtimes. While fussy eating can sometimes be down to table scraps or behavioural habits, regularly refusing meals or leaving bowls half-full can indicate digestive discomfort or your dog simply hates that taste! Foods rich in high-quality meat or fish (such as Purely’s 92% meat content) naturally appeal to a dog’s appetite without relying on artificial flavorings or hidden additives.
2. Comfortable Digestion & Firm Stools
Your dog’s digestion tells you almost everything you need to know about their food. A diet that agrees with their system results in smooth digestion free from excess gas, uncomfortable bloating, or frequent stomach noises. Stools should be firm, easy to pick up, and consistent.
3. A Glossy Coat and Clear Skin
When a dog efficiently absorbs essential nutrients, fatty acids, and proteins, it reflects directly in their coat and skin condition. Dry, flaky skin, excessive itching, or a dull coat can be signs that their diet isn't delivering optimal nutrition or that they have a sensitivity - we only want glossy coats and comfortable skin here!
4. Steady, Vibrant Energy Levels
Dogs getting the right balance of nutrition display steady energy throughout the day. Gentle cooking methods, like steam cooking, help lock in natural nutrients and improve overall digestibility, ensuring those nutrients pass into the body where they can support muscle maintenance and everyday activity.
Dr Judi’s "Grandmother Rule" for Label Checking
When choosing a food or assessing your dog's current diet, Dr Judi recommends turning the pack over and checking the ingredients list.
"I follow the principle that if my grandmother wouldn’t know what an ingredient was, then it shouldn’t be there. You should also check that the food contains the vitamins and minerals needed to make it a complete diet."
Why Naturediet Passes the Test
Naturediet recipes are built around the same core philosophy: pure, simple nutrition that supports long-term health and gentle digestion.
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Purely: Specially formulated for a more simple and natural way to feed your dog. Containing just meat or fish and essential vitamins and minerals, it’s ideal for keeping meal times as simple as possible.
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Feel Good: Our classic range of complete wet meals, including the Feel Good Grain Free range, offering a balanced combination of high-quality meat or fish, gentle carbs, and essential nutrients to keep healthy dogs feeling their best every day. The Feel Good range has products to support every stage of a dog’s life.
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Gently Steam-Cooked: All of our meals are gently steam-cooked to lock in nutrients and keep digestion as gentle and easy as possible.
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High Quality with No Nasties: Made right here in Norfolk to strict human food safety standards, with clearly declared ingredient percentages and zero artificial fillers or nasties
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Natural, Simple Recipes: All our recipes get the nutrients they need from 100% natural ingredients that appeal to a dogs apetite whilst being simple enough to keep tummies happy and tails wagging all year round
Have Questions About Your Dog’s Diet?
If you're unsure whether your dog's current meal plan is working or want advice on managing a sensitive tummy, our in-house nutrition team is here to help.
Reach out to our nutrition team or check out our wet dog food range today to find the perfect recipe for your dog!