Canidae Life Stage

Dog Food Labels: Understand Ingredients for Your Pet's Best Health

Did you know that what's printed on your dog's food package isn't always straight forward? Learn all the insights behind what's printed on the label.

Updated on November 6th, 2025

How to Care for Senior Dogs: Help Your Aging Pet Live Their Best Life

Learn how to care for your senior dog, recommended diet & care. Find the right food, supplies & equipment at your neighborhood Petco.

Updated on October 23rd, 2025

New Dog Owner's Guide: Feeding, Health, & Creating a Happy Home

Learn how to care for your dog, recommended diet and training. Find the right food, supplies and equipment at your neighborhood Petco.

Updated on April 9th, 2026

Choose the Best Natural Dog Food: Understand Ingredients & Benefits

Get insights into natural dog food ingredients and learn how they support your pup’s overall health and well-being.

Updated on October 23rd, 2025

Upgrade Your Pet's Diet: When to Change Food for Optimal Health

Your pet's diet isn't a set it and forget it type of task. Take a look at some of the recommendations on when your pet's diet may need to revisited.

Updated on October 23rd, 2025

What's the best wet dog food? Is Canidae a good brand choice?

Canidae is an OK brand, but seems to be more about marketing unnecessary ingredients rather than tailoring food to the dogs specific life stage. It is nutritionally adequate though, which is the most important thing. I would have to evaluate the specific product in question to have more of an opinion about it. The truth about most of these foods is that their claims usually amount to nothing more than that of a fad diet (i.e. paleo or atkins) and are not supported by sufficient evidence (even though they will make it sound like it is). As scientifically trained practitioners, us vets prefer to offer evidenced based treatment and the same goes for feeding suggestions. The most important thing on that bag is a tiny bit of writing under the guaranteed analysis called the AAFCO statement. This statement tells you what actual research went into making the product. Below is a link to an article that will help explain this more and give some other info about feeding your dog: https://

Is it okay for my 7-month-old puppy to eat All Life Stages food?

That is certainly a good quality food formulated for "all life stages" and is sufficient to provide all nutrients he needs. Please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.

Should my puppy eat age-specific food or all-life-stages dog food?

I would always feed the food for the specific age bracket and size (adult size ) of the dog, rather than a food "for all". The age-specific food will address the specific needs of your dog at its various life stages and, in my opinion, this serves your dog much better.

Should my 19-week-old pug puppy be on an all life stages dog food?

All lifestages pet foods are formulated to meet growth requirements but it may not be as dialed in as a puppy formula. Puppy formula will generally also contain DHA to support brain and nervous system development and this may not be found in an all life stage diet. In general I recommend to feed a puppy formula to all puppies. Best of luck and please feel free to post any additional questions.

Pet food labels are confusing. How can I read them effectively?

Pet food labels are notoriously difficult to read and interpret. Start by determining the life stage for which the diet is formulated. Adult diets should be fed to adult pets, whereas puppy, kitten or all life stage diet should be fed to growing animals. If a pet food has been formulated and/or tested to meet certain standards set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), pet food companies are able to place an AAFCO statement on the label. When in doubt, discuss any diet concerns for your pet with your veterinarian.