About foods:
Check the protein on the label. With high quality protein (true meat sources like chicken, beef, etc) as the main ingredient, less food will be needed to supply necessary nutrients. Also, superior, more digestible proteins will mean less clean up for you later—fewer poops, that is.

Look for a specific meat (chicken, lamb, beef, etc.) to lead off the ingredient list. The very best dry kibble will have a list that begins with either fresh chicken, lamb, beef, etc, and will be followed by a specific dry ground meat meal. Reject protein labeled as just “meat”—these can be rendered from unsavory meat sources. Canned foods are fine, although you are paying for the high moisture content—water. Many dogs do well on home diets and on the currently popular raw diets. When feeding a soft diet, it is a good idea to also provide your dog safe bones, chew toys, or treats to encourage healthy teeth and gums.