How to recognize really good dog food – a guide for dog owners

Nutrition is one of the most important factors for your dog's health. What ends up in the bowl affects not only digestion, but also the immune system, coat, skin, and overall well-being. But with the multitude of brands, promises, and packaging designs, it can be difficult to tell what's really inside – and what is good for your dog in the long term.

This guide shows you step by step what to look for, how to read labels correctly, and why the quality of the ingredients is so crucial. You'll also learn why fresh, gently cooked food is the best choice for many dogs.

Good dog food always starts with high-quality raw ingredients. Fresh, clearly named ingredients provide nutrients in their natural form – without losing quality through multiple heating, drying, or pressing.

Your dog benefits in multiple ways:
Nutrient-rich food supports a strong immune system, ensures stable digestion, keeps skin and coat healthy, and provides energy without straining the body. In contrast, low-quality ingredients can lead to itching, allergies, stomach problems, or dull coat.

A key indicator of quality is how transparently a food manufacturer communicates its ingredients, production processes, and nutritional values. The more precise the information, the more trustworthy the product.

1. A clear, complete declaration

A reputable manufacturer makes no secrets of its ingredients.
The label should clearly state:

• which meat source was used

• whether it is a complete food

• the exact proportion of ingredients

• analytical constituents

• feeding recommendations

• additives – if necessary, clearly named

Unclear terms like "animal derivatives" or "meat product" can mean a lot – from high-quality offal to low-quality slaughter waste. A good declaration is always precise and understandable.

2. High-quality, clearly named protein sources

Dogs need protein to build muscle, renew cells, and strengthen their immune system. But protein is not all the same.

Good food relies on:

• fresh food-grade meat

• clearly defined meat types ("chicken breast", "beef", "pork") - like in our recipes

• single-protein recipes for allergic dogs

• species-appropriate recipes without low-quality byproducts

Proteins from plant sources can be useful as a supplement in dog nutrition, but they should never make up the main component – because dogs utilize animal proteins much better.

3. Easily digestible carbohydrates

Carbohydrates are important energy providers, especially for active dogs. However, quality is crucial.
Rice, potatoes, or millet are well tolerated by many dogs, provide fiber, and supply the body with minerals.

4. Healthy fats for skin, coat, and energy

Fats are not only energy carriers, but also support brain function, skin, and coat.
High-quality oils like hemp oil, salmon oil, or linseed oil contain valuable omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which have proven anti-inflammatory effects and keep the coat shiny.

5. Vegetables & micronutrients

Fresh vegetables provide vitamins, minerals, secondary plant compounds, and fiber – all elements that dry food loses through processing.
Carrots, spinach, pumpkin, or peas help support digestion, strengthen the immune system, and naturally supply the body with nutrients.

Many problems arise not from what is in the food, but from what should NOT be in it.
Avoid food that contains the following ingredients:

• artificial colors, flavorings, or preservatives

• sugar or sweeteners

• unspecified animal derivatives

• hard-to-digest fillers

These additives strain the metabolism and can trigger allergies, itching, or digestive problems.

The less a food is processed, the more natural its nutrients remain.

Freshly cooked food like that from HelloBello is:

• made from regional food-grade ingredients

• gently cooked

• immediately frozen to preserve freshness

• completely preserved without artificial preservatives

In contrast, dry or canned food is heated, extruded, or dried multiple times – processes that destroy many vitamins, which must later be replaced synthetically.

The best quality check is often your dog yourself. Look for:

• shiny, soft coat

• healthy skin without redness

• regular, well-formed stools

• good digestion without bloating or vomiting

• vitality and enjoyment of eating

• little itching or ear problems

If several of these factors are not right, it could be due to the food.

You can find more on the topic of food allergies here.

HelloBello consistently relies on fresh, high-quality food-grade ingredients.
Every meal is:

• individually calculated

• gently cooked

• transparently declared

• without artificial additives

• rich in high-quality proteins

• perfectly portioned for every dog

Whether puppy, senior, allergic, or sports dog – the recipes are tailored to different needs and support digestion, vitality, and well-being.

1. Visit our website and start the food configurator.

2. Enter the most important data about your dog – age, weight, activity level, and any special requirements.
Based on this, we automatically calculate an individual food plan that is perfectly tailored to the needs of your four-legged friend.

3. Sit back and have the freshly cooked food optimally portioned and delivered frozen directly to your home.