Grumpy Old Max and The Best Food to Feed Your Dog — And the Harmful Foods to Avoid
The Best Food to Feed Your Dog — And the Harmful Foods to Avoid (Wagwise Edition Featuring Grumpy Old Max)
Feeding your dog well is one of the best things you can do to help them live a long, energetic, tail-wagging life. But in Australia, with endless products claiming to be “premium,” “grain-free,” “raw-boosted,” or “holistic,” picking the best dog food can feel like you’re decoding ancient hieroglyphics.
That’s why we’ve created this Wagwise Dog Nutrition Guide, complete with important facts, practical advice — and of course, some sarcastic commentary from Grumpy Old Max, who has been tolerating clueless humans for decades.
Grumpy Old Max says:
“If you don’t know what to feed us, don’t panic. Just feed us something good. And no, that does NOT mean leftover pizza crusts.”
Let’s dive into the best foods for dogs in Australia, what foods dogs should eat daily, and the dangerous foods you must keep off your pup’s menu.
Why Your Dog’s Diet Matters More Than You Think
Dogs may be tough, resilient, couch-hogging legends, but they still rely on us to feed them good-quality food.
The right diet supports:
- A shiny coat
- Healthy digestion
- Strong muscles
- Better immunity
- Brain development
- Joint health
- Longevity
In fact, nutrition is one of the most important controllable factors in your dog’s overall health.
Grumpy Old Max adds:
“Feed us rubbish and we’ll act like gremlins. Feed us well and we might even listen when you say ‘sit.’ Maybe.”
THE BEST FOOD TO FEED YOUR DOG
Here’s everything you need to know about the healthiest, safest, and most recommended foods for your dog in Australia — from kibble and raw diets to whole foods and fresh cooked meals.
1. Premium Commercial Dog Food (Kibble & Dry Food)
Choosing the best dog food in Australia starts with reading the ingredient list.
Good kibble should include:
- Real meat as the first ingredient
- High-quality proteins (chicken, lamb, beef, fish, kangaroo)
- Healthy fats
- Omega-3s for joints and brain health
- Limited fillers
Top Australian dog food brands:
- Ziwi Peak
- Ivory Coat
- Meals for Mutts
- Black Hawk
- Petzyo
- Lyka (fresh food alternative)
These brands consistently rank in high-volume searches like “best dog food Australia” and “healthy dog food for allergies.”
Grumpy Old Max grumbles:
“If the first ingredient is ‘corn,’ put it back. If the first ingredient is ‘real meat,’ now we’re talking.”
2. Raw Feeding (BARF Diet)
The BARF diet is huge in Australia, especially for highly active breeds like Kelpies, Aussies, and Staffies.
It focuses on:
- Raw meat
- Raw meaty bones
- Organ meats
- Vegetables
- Fruit
- Eggs
- Fish
Benefits of raw feeding:
- Smaller, firmer poos
- Shinier coats
- Fresher breath
- More energy
- Better digestion
Popular raw food brands:
- Big Dog
- BARF Australia
- Proudi
- Prime100 Raw
Raw feeding must be balanced. Too much bone or organ meat = digestive disaster.
Grumpy Old Max warns:
“Raw feeding is great — unless you do it wrong. Then your dog’s stomach sounds like a thunderstorm.”
3. Fresh Cooked Dog Meals (Homemade or Delivered)
Cooked meals are excellent for dogs with allergies or sensitive stomachs.
A balanced cooked diet typically includes:
- Lean proteins (chicken, beef, turkey, lamb, kangaroo)
- Healthy carbs (brown rice, oats, sweet potato)
- Vegetables (pumpkin, spinach, zucchini, broccoli)
- Healthy oils
Fresh dog food brands in Australia:
- Lyka
- Scratch
- Butternut Box (AU release)
- The Wholesome Dog
Grumpy Old Max remarks:
“If you’re cooking for us, bless you. Just remember — no garlic, no onion, and NO experimenting like you’re the next MasterChef.”
4. Healthy Whole Foods to Add to Your Dog’s Diet
Whole foods are a great nutrition boost.
Safe and healthy foods dogs can eat:
Proteins
- Chicken
- Beef
- Turkey
- Lamb
- Kangaroo
- Salmon
- Sardines
Vegetables
- Carrots
- Pumpkin
- Green beans
- Broccoli
- Spinach
- Zucchini
Fruits
- Blueberries
- Apples (no seeds)
- Watermelon (seedless)
- Banana
Healthy Extras
- Kefir or Greek yoghurt (probiotics)
- Turmeric (anti-inflammatory)
- Fish oil
- Bone broth
Grumpy Old Max sighs:
“Yes, we can eat veggies. No, we don’t want a salad. Stop asking.”
FOODS YOU SHOULD NEVER FEED YOUR DOG!
Here are the most dangerous foods for dogs — many of which appear in high-traffic searches like “foods toxic to dogs Australia.”
1. Chocolate
Contains
theobromine and caffeine — both toxic.
Dark chocolate is the worst.
Symptoms include:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Tremors
- Seizures
Grumpy Old Max shouts:
“Don’t give us chocolate! I repeat — DON’T GIVE US CHOCOLATE. How is this still happening?!”
2. Grapes & Raisins
Even one or two can cause kidney failure.
Hidden dangers:
- Muesli bars
- Raisin bread
- Hot cross buns
3. Onions & Garlic
Can cause severe anaemia.
Avoid:
- Cooked onion
- Onion powder
- Garlic powder
- Takeaway food
4. Xylitol
A common sweetener found in:
- Sugar-free lollies
- Gum
- Peanut butter
- Dental products
Causes:
- Sudden blood sugar crash
- Liver failure
Grumpy Old Max mutters:
“You humans put sweetener in everything. Leave it out of our peanut butter, thanks.”
5. Macadamia Nuts
A uniquely Australian danger. Causes:
- Tremors
- Vomiting
- Weakness
6. Cooked Bones
They splinter, causing:
- Choking
- Blockages
- Internal damage
Stick to raw bones only.
7. Alcohol & Caffeine
Even tiny amounts can cause seizures, coma, or death.
Grumpy Old Max says:
“We don’t want your beer. Stop offering it.”
8. Avocado
Contains persin, which is toxic to dogs.
Plus the pit is a choking hazard.
9. Human Medicine
Never give:
- Panadol
- Nurofen
- Aspirin
- Cold & flu tablets
These are common causes of emergency vet visits.
What To Do If Your Dog Eats Something Dangerous
- Call your vet right away
- Call the Animal Poisons Helpline: 1300 869 738
- Do NOT make your dog vomit unless a vet says so
- Bring the packaging if possible
Max adds:
“If we grab something from the table, don’t Google it for an hour — call the vet. We’ll thank you later.”
How to Choose the Right Diet for Your Dog
Your dog’s ideal diet depends on age, breed, size, and health needs.
Puppies
- High protein
- DHA for brain development
- Puppy-specific formulas
Adults
- Balanced protein and fat
- Consistent feeding routine
Seniors
- Lower calories
- Joint support
- Easily digestible foods
Allergy-prone dogs
- Kangaroo
- Salmon
- Hypoallergenic diets (Prime100, Meals for Mutts)
Working dogs
- High-energy diets
- Raw or air-dried diets often ideal
Signs Your Dog’s Diet Isn’t Working
If you notice:
- Itchy skin
- Gas
- Ear infections
- Runny or hard stools
- Low energy
- Dull coat
- Weight gain
…their food may be the issue.
Max’s take:
“If your dog is itching like a flea market, it might be the food — not just the fleas.”
Sample Weekly Feeding Plan
Day 1–2
Premium kibble + cooked chicken + pumpkin
Day 3–4
Fresh dog food meal (Lyka)
Day 5
Raw sardines + veggies + raw meaty bone
Day 6
Turkey mince + sweet potato + spinach
Day 7
Kibble + scrambled eggs + blueberries
Max’s verdict:
“Finally — a menu worth looking at.”
Final Thoughts: Feed Smart, Love Longer
Feeding your dog well doesn’t have to be overwhelming.
Stick to whole foods, premium dog food, and balanced nutrition — and absolutely avoid toxic foods like chocolate, grapes, onions, and xylitol.
Good nutrition = a longer, happier life with your best mate.
Grumpy Old Max leaves you with this gem:
“Feed us properly, love us fiercely, and walk us daily. That’s the whole secret — and I’ve been trying to tell humans that for years!”
