5 Best Books on Dog Nutrition for Every Dog Parent 2025

Being a dog parent has been one of the most rewarding and eye-opening experiences of my life.

You know how much I adore my Shih Tzu, Billy. I’m always on the lookout for ways to make his life healthier and happier.

I’ve learned that understanding dog nutrition is at the heart of good pet care. 

And you know what helped me? Books. 

Yep, some seriously amazing reads that every dog owner should have on their shelf.

If you’ve ever been curious about feeding your dog the right way or improving their diet, you’re in the right place.

These books on dog nutrition are filled with practical advice and the latest insights into canine health and nutrition.

Let’s talk about my top 5 favorites. 

1. Feeding Dogs: The Science Behind the Dry Versus Raw Debate by Dr. Conor Brady

First up, Feeding Dogs by Dr. Conor Brady.

Honestly, this one blew my mind. Dr. Brady dives into the raw vs. kibble debate like no one else.

It’s not just about feeding your dog—it’s about understanding their biology and how an ancestral diet is actually what they’re built for. 

After reading this book, I’m confident about feeding Billy fresh, whole foods.

This book provides such clarity, especially if you’re investigating what’s truly beneficial for dogs.

It’s an essential read for anyone exploring canine nutrition or looking for books that explain the science behind natural diets for dogs.

My favorite quote from the book: 

With adequate nutrition being one of the most important factors in the health and longevity of an animal, it may come with some surprise that ther is currently great confusion concerning one of the most fundamental questions in canine nutrition. What does the dog eat normally, left to his own devices? …

…Can you imagine a modern zoo housing an animal and not knowing the answer to that question?

Excerpt From Feeding Dogs: The Science Behind the Dry Versus Raw Debate (P.15) by Dr. Conor Brady

2. Yin & Yang Nutrition for Dogs: Maximizing Health with Whole Foods, Not Drugs by Dr. Judy Morgan DVM and Hue Grant (Yin & Yang 2.0)

This book was a total lightbulb moment for me—and I’m sure it will be for anyone who’s interested in holistic health for their pets.

It introduced me to the fascinating world of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM) and taught me how to balance Billy’s meals to support his unique health needs.

When Billy was dealing with dampness (yep, that’s a thing in TCVM), this book became my go-to guide.

I learned how to adjust his diet using specific whole foods that help drain dampness and restore harmony to his body.

That knowledge not only helped Billy but also inspired me to create tailor-made meal plans for a few clients’ dogs.

Seeing their pets thrive after these changes was incredibly rewarding.

And now with Dr. Judy’s updated Yin & Yang 2.0, this already amazing resource has become even better.

If you’re someone who trusts in the power of natural nutrition for dogs and enjoys making home-prepared meals, you’ll absolutely love this book.

It’s a treasure trove of insight for anyone who believes that food is medicine.

My favorite quote from the book: 

Why should you prepare food for your pets? It’s simple. The pet food industry has let you down. You have depended on them to provide wholesome nutrition to keep your pets healthy…

The pet food industry has spent millions of advertising and teaching dollars to convince veterinarians and the pet-owning public that the only way to provide a complete diet is to feed processed industrial food.

Excerpt From Yin & Yang Nutrition for Dogs: Maximizing Health with Whole Foods, Not Drugs (P.12) by Dr. Judy Morgan DVM and Hue Grant

3. The Forever Dog by Dr. Karen Shaw Becker & Rodney Habib

Okay, let’s talk about The Forever Dog by Dr. Karen Shaw Becker and Rodney Habib.

This book is absolutely stunning. 

It’s not only about diet (though that’s a big part). It covers everything—from reducing environmental toxins to keeping your dog’s stress levels in check.

I loved how it dives into canine health and lifestyle changes that can help your dog live a long, happy life.

Inspired by this book, I made some simple yet impactful changes for Billy.

For example, I swapped out his ceramic water bowl for a glass one to minimize potential chemical exposure.

I also started adding sprouts to his meals—a small tweak that packs a big nutritional punch. 

Seriously, if you’re looking for a practical guide to keeping your dog’s vitality strong, add this to your list. It’s a definitive holistic medicine guide to caring for your dog.

My favorite quote from the book: 

According to the longevity experts we interviewed, 20 percent of health is genetic, and 80 percent is environmental. That means the vast majority of your pet’s long-term health is within your control.

Excerpt From The Forever Dog (P.5) by Dr. Karen Shaw Becker & Rodney Habib

4. Give Your Dog a Bone by Dr. Ian Billinghurst

Another all-time favorite is Give Your Dog a Bone by Dr. Ian Billinghurst.

This book literally saved my life. Let me tell you why.

There was a time when Billy was dealing with chronic diarrhea.

I’m talking about him needing to go outside almost every single night.

For nearly a month, I barely got any real sleep, and the frustration was building.

I felt so helpless. Then, one night, I stumbled across this book. As I read through the reasons and biological explanations behind feeding bones to dogs, I had this “aha” moment.

Maybe—just maybe—feeding Billy raw meaty bones could help his gut recover.

So, I gave it a try.

And guess what? It worked!

Billy’s diarrhea improved, and for the first time in weeks, we both slept through the night.

This book didn’t just solve a health issue; it gave me back my peace of mind.

Dr. Billinghurst’s writing makes everything so approachable.

I’ll admit, I was nervous about feeding Billy raw bones at first. But the way he explains the nutritional and wellness benefits—not just for digestion but also for dental health—gave me the confidence to start.

Watching Billy happily chew on a bone, knowing it’s helping his body and keeping him healthy, is such a rewarding experience.

This book is more than a guide.

If you’re even slightly curious about raw feeding or just want to improve your dog’s overall wellness, this book is your definitive resource.

My favorite quote from the book: 

Thirty years ago this book would not have been necessary. Thirty years ago, Australian dogs were fed on bones and leftovers. Everybody knew how to do it. It was common sense. As a consequence, most Australian dogs were very healthy.

That method of feeding dogs is now lost knowledge for many dog owners. It disappeared in the mid-60s when processed dog food became popular in Australia.

In America that knowledge had largely disappeared by the mid-thirties.

Excerpt From Give Your Dog a Bone (P.23) by Dr. Ian Billinghurst

5. Bone Appétit: 50 Clean Recipes for Healthier, Happier Dogs by Debora Robertson

And last but not least, there’s Bone Appétit by Debora Robertson.

This book is just plain fun. It’s packed with easy, clean recipes for dog food that make fresh feeding so much less overwhelming.

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve turned to this book for inspiration when I wanted to spice up Billy’s meals.

If you’re new to fresh feeding or just want to keep your dog’s meals exciting, this book is a must.

Plus, it’s perfect for busy pet owners who still want to give their dogs balanced meals.

My favorite quote from the book: 

The truth is, I never thought I would turn into the kind of person who cooks for her dog. Now, I regularly create meals and treats for Barney, and our Dandie Dinmont puppy (look them up—the best hairdo in dogbiz), Gracie.

Excerpt From Bone Appetit (P.4) by Debora Robertson

But what if you don’t have time to read all of these books?

I’ve got you. I squeezed and condensed everything I learned about how to start the journey on a fresh food diet for your dog into this 34-page eBook Holistic Shih Tzu Care.

Bottom Line

These books on dog nutrition have made such a difference in how I care for Billy.

From understanding canine nutrigenomics to exploring the connection between diet and longevity, these books offer a treasure trove of insights.

And you know what? They’re not just for dog owners. If you’re a pet parent to a cat too, there’s so much you can learn about holistic care.

Caring for your dog is a journey, and there’s always more to learn. After all, our pets deserve nothing less than the best. 

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