dog food
Definition
- Noun:
- Commercially prepared food for domestic dogs: A manufactured product specifically formulated to meet the nutritional needs of dogs, typically sold in dry (kibble) or wet (canned) forms.
- Any food intended or suitable for consumption by dogs: This can include the commercial product or homemade meals prepared for canine diets.
Usage
- The term "dog food" is a compound noun used as a non-count noun when referring to the substance in general (e.g., "I need to buy dog food"). It can become a count noun when referring to types or brands (e.g., "There are many dog foods on the market").
- It is typically used in contexts related to pet care, shopping, and animal nutrition.
Examples
- Noun:
- Please remember to pick up a bag of dog food from the store.
- This brand of dog food is made with high-quality ingredients.
- She carefully read the label on the can of dog food.
Advanced Usage
- "to be dog food" (slang): To be in a state of ruin, defeat, or obsolescence.
- If we don't fix this bug, our software is dog food.
- "Eat your own dog food" (business/tech idiom): A company using its own products internally to test and demonstrate their quality.
- The software developers eat their own dog food by using the beta version daily.
Variants and Related Words
- Dog treat (n): A snack or reward given to dogs, distinct from their main meals.
- Puppy food (n): A type of dog food specially formulated for the nutritional needs of growing puppies.
- Pet food (n): The broader category encompassing food for various domestic animals like dogs, cats, birds, etc.
Synonyms
- Kibble: Dry, pellet-shaped dog food.
- Canine diet: A more formal term for a nutritional plan or food for dogs.
Related Phrases
- Dog food aisle: The section in a grocery or pet store where dog food is sold.
- Premium dog food: Marketing term for higher-quality, often more expensive, dog food brands.
Related Idioms
- "It's not dog food": An expression indicating that something is of high quality or suitable for human consumption (often used humorously about food).
- This stew is great—it's not dog food, that's for sure!
Noun
-
food prepared for dogs
