food for dalmation

Question
Hi we are in the process of adopting a Dalmation and would like to know all the names of the different food that is suitable for the Dalmation, as we have heard they can t eat every type of food.

Answer
Much of what you hear about dog food comes from somebody with an agenda.  Some it is as simple as what they are selling, some it is a political bias against large companies, and some think dogs need the same alternative diet that they eat.  Whether your food comes from the health food store or the supermarket, you dog can eat the same thing.  One of the safest choices is to find out what the dog is eating and continue it.  The nutritional needs of dogs are well known and all the commercial foods at least provide the minimums even though the total protein, fat, carbohydrates, etc. vary.  There is very little factual material available to the general public on the health of dogs eating different diets.  Much of what you read is based on speculation and junk science.  

Keeping the dog lean is the most important thing.  Larger young dogs do well to make an early switch to an all life stages food.  You should start with a puppy chow. Switching to an adult chow for the larger breeds at 4 months, slows growth and helps develop sturdier joints.

Your dog definitely should be narrower at the waist than the hips and chest. You should be able to easily feel the ribs, but not see them. Each dog is different. Standard recommendations are a good place to start, but each dog must have its food and exercise adjusted to its individual needs. Here is a link to a good illustrated guide, http://www.longliveyourdog.com/twoplus/RateYourDog.aspx