First off, let's start by stating that every dog is unique. Try thinking of nutrition with dogs the same as with humans; you probably have a personal preference for the types of food you eat, and you will probably have other preferences for what your dog will eat. However, the same type of dog may react differently to the same diet, so each should be treated as individuals. We would recommend you find a veterinarian who will work with you and your dog to ensure they're not only getting the proper nutrition, but that it also aligns with your preferences.
The key concept with food and nutrition is providing a safe, quality product!
Dogs are innately scavengers more than anything; they should be obtaining nutrients from grains, fruits, and vegetables, not just meat! These types of foods are a valuable source of vitamins, minerals and fiber, which are extremely beneficial to the health of your dog. Try to ensure you have EVERY one of these in your dog food.
Fresh pet foods can be beneficial, however it also has risks of not being properly balanced to meet the nutritional needs of your dog, as well as having an increased risk of being contaminated by bacteria or parasites (*know where it comes from first*). Although kibble is extremely dry and dehydrating (ensure they have enough water), you can find that many have gone through rigorous testing to ensure the dog is getting a balanced diet through varying stages of life.
"Grain-free" has gotten a lot of social media attention and it's popularity sky-rocketed. Don't be fooled by this. Grains are an important source of nutrients. Of course every dog is different, some may have a mild allergy to grains which can cause skin irritation; so consult your vet if you think this may be the case.
Animal byproducts are a good source of protein, just make sure it's quality (organ meat and entrails)!
Stages of life are important for your dog. At each stage of life their diet will change, as well as feeding patterns and behavior. Puppies will need extra nutrients as they grow, toy and small dogs may need extra calcium to support their bones. Please consult your vet if you you haven't done so already.
Tip: Here's a great resource for when the feed your dog depending on their stage of life: https://www.merckvetmanual.com/multimedia/table/feeding-schedule-for-dogs
Check out our YouTube videos regarding foods, nutrition, and maintenance health for more information!