Only the best for the dog – according to this slogan, many dog owners lovingly care for their pets. The four-legged friends need attention and profession, but most importantly, of course, food. The meals is crucial to ensure that the dog is supplied with all the important nutrients and remains in good health to live a long dog’s life. But it is often not so no problem finding the right food for your own dog. Just like humans, it is also important to consider a balanced diet. In addition, the wide variety of offers in the trade can cause confusion. Numerous questions arise: What nutritional requirements will the dog have in addition to what quantity? Which food is suitable from which age? Is dry or damp food the right choice for your four-legged friend? And how much should the dog be provided? What can cause deficiency symptoms?
Inside the following best dog food for hedgehogs, we present 10 products. We provide information about which ingredients the foods contain and for which pups the products are suitable. In our guide, we describe the types of dog food, go into some of the ingredients and clarify how much food a dog needs. In addition, you will understand which foods dogs cannot put up with and how you can recognise a food allergy.
Below is a list of the best dog food for hedgehogs:
- CJFael Cat Dog Water Food Bowl,Pet Hedgehog Hamster Ceramic Starfish Food... — £7.51
- Soapow Dog Snuffle Mat Hedgehog Dog Feeding Food Mat Pet Nosework Treats... — £25.01
- Oversized Coloring Book France, Toddler, Dog, Woodland Creatures, Swearing,... — £14.97
- Blingbin Slow Eating Pet Bowls, 2-in-1 Dog Food Bowl, Dog Food Mat Pet Double...
- Portable Dog Water Bottle Outdoor Pet Leak proof Drinking Feeder Dog Water...
- Balacoo Hamster Bowl Ceramic Guinea Pig Water Bowl Small Animal Food Dish Pet...
- TBoxBo 1 Pack Hamster Bowl Ceramic, Rabbit Food Dish Water Bowl Small Animal...
- Balacoo Hamster Food Bowl Cage Fixed Rabbit Feeding Bowl Shallow Bowl Anti-...
- POPETPOP Small Pet Feeding Bowl Baby Dog Cat Ceramic Food Bowl Water Feeder...
- Jiacheng29_ Dog Toy Pet Dog Puppy Cute Animal Rubber Plush Doll Food...
After hours researching and comparing all models on the market, Life my Dog finds out the Best dog food for hedgehogs of 2024. We would recommend using Blingbin Slow Eating Pet Bowls, 2-in-1 Dog Food Bowl, Dog Food Mat Pet Double Bowl Silicone Dog Bowls Anti-Choking Dog Feeding Mat, Hedgehog Bowl Cat Bowls With Stand, 20.44 * 13.76 inch as it is a hight quality product.
Top 10 Best dog food for hedgehogs
Best dog food for hedgehogs
Blingbin Slow Eating Pet Bowls, 2-in-1 Dog Food Bowl, Dog Food Mat Pet Double Bowl Silicone Dog Bowls Anti-Choking Dog Feeding Mat, Hedgehog Bowl Cat Bowls With Stand, 20.44 * 13.76 inch
Features
| Part Number | 10FWPSW1I1301LLJ3 |
| Model | 10FWPSW1I1301LLJ3 |
| Color | Grey |
| Size | 26*17.5cm |
Soapow Dog Snuffle Mat Hedgehog Dog Feeding Food Mat Pet Nosework Treats Training Mat Encouraging Natural Foraging Skills
Features
- HEALTHY SLOW FEEDER - This mat can conceal dog food, helps control dogs' eating speed to prevent choking. Four round discs make sound once pressing or chewing to keep your pets entertained and never get bored.
- SNUFFLE TRAINING - Let dogs use their powerful sense of smell to find treats hidden in the mat, arouse their natural foraging instinct and keep their noses working by mimicking the behaviour of hunting food in nature.
- CONSUME ENERGY & STRESS RELIEF - Studies have shown that sniffing for ten minutes is equivalent to running for an hour, which can consume dogs' energy and relieve their stress, improve self-confidence and reduce agitation.
- QUALITY MATERIAL & EASY TO CLEAN - Made from quality felt and cotton material, soft, non-toxic and tear-resistant; Non-slip back design offers a great grip.
- PRODUCT SIZE - This mat in cartoon hedgehog design measures 60cm x 29cm / 23.6in x 11.4in, lightweight and easy to carry. It can be machine-washed or hand-washed; Recommended to wash twice a week.
Portable Dog Water Bottle Outdoor Pet Leak proof Drinking Feeder Dog Water Dispenser with Food Container Detachable Combo Cup for Drinking Eating for Puppy Dog Cat Rabbit Hamster Hedgehog, BPA Free
Features
- ★ SUPERIOR MATERIAL: made of environmental and non-toxic plastic, FDA approved, lead-free, BPA-free, Mess Free, antibacterial, safe and durable, easy dismantling and cleaning, keep water fresh and clean, and provide the best care for your beloved dog and cat
- ★ DOUBLE USE DESIGN: Both water and food dispenser (Can contain 258ml water and 200ml food). Integrate water and food in separate packages. The combination water bottle with food container can keep the food fresh and water clean, meet pet's need for water and food with bowl
- ★ ONE BUTTON DRAIN AND LOCK WATER: One key to open and close, single hand operation, convenient water supply, easy to drink. Leak proof, do not waste water in outdoor travel. You can hold the dog in one hand and feed dog to drink water in other hand. If your dog drinks enough, just press the button and let the water return to the bottle
- ★ AVOIDING DOGS GETTING SICK: Compared with dogs who drink fresh water, dogs who drink wild water are prone to gastrointestinal problems. Drink too little water, dogs easily get a kidney stone disease. Not only for dogs, but also for small animals such as cats, rabbits and so on. Own it, don't worry about your pets drink unsafe water while playing games
- ★ PERFECT OUTDOOR PET ACCESSARY: Portable pet water bottle is convenience for you to carry during outdoor activities, you can quickly provide your pet with fresh water, ideal use for daily walks, traveling, hiking, camping, vacations, beach etc. Pet water dispenser can bring a pleasant drinking experience to your dog. Comes with a lanyard for easy attachment to bags and backpacks
Oversized Coloring Book France, Toddler, Dog, Woodland Creatures, Swearing, Superhero, Tattoo, Forest, Fast Food, Farm, Bear, Calming, Hedgehog, Fox ... (Coloring Book France and others Doodle Book)
Features
| Is Adult Product | |
| Release Date | 2019-06-24T00:00:01Z |
| Language | English |
| Number Of Pages | 200 |
| Publication Date | 2019-06-24T00:00:01Z |
Balacoo Hamster Bowl Ceramic Guinea Pig Water Bowl Small Animal Food Dish Pet Feeder Holder for Syrian Rabbit Gerbil Chinchilla Hedgehog Sugar Glider Rat Cat Dog
Features
| Part Number | LDHMW16V03437JR54OTR |
| Model | LDHMW16V03437JR54OTR |
| Color | Colorful |
| Size | 8X8X4.5CM |
TBoxBo 1 Pack Hamster Bowl Ceramic, Rabbit Food Dish Water Bowl Small Animal Feeding Bowl for Cats Dogs Hamster Gerbil Bunny Guinea Pig Chinchilla Rat Hedgehog
Features
- High Quality Material: The use of high quality ceramic materials, fine technology, smooth surface according to keep clean, good for small animals.
- Adorable Design: With a cute pattern and color of your choice, you can be sure that your pets will smile as eating. Can be used as puppy bowl, cats, hamsters, rabbits etc.
- Easy To Use: Cute shape design, make it more adorable for your pets. Easy to use and high resistance to wear. Thus your pet can use it for a Can hold dry and wet food.
- Easy To Clean: Smooth ceramic surface, easy to clean, just need regular rinse with water, is very safe for your pet.
- No Noise: Perfect for your indoor feeding environment.
Balacoo Hamster Food Bowl Cage Fixed Rabbit Feeding Bowl Shallow Bowl Anti- turning for Hedgehog Guinea- pig Cats Dogs ( Random Color )
Features
- This small pet food water bowl is removable, up, fill up or remove.
- Our open design allows your cat to eat food more easily.
- Plastic food bowls for puppies, dogs, cats, or kittens.
- Save Place for Pet Cage-- This bowl with bolt holder can be on the cage, so that it will save your cage space and provide more room with your pets.
- This pet bowl is suitable for small dog/ cats/ puppy/ rabbit/ a bird bath for Finches Canaries Parakeets and other small birds, etc.
CJFael Cat Dog Water Food Bowl,Pet Hedgehog Hamster Ceramic Starfish Food Bowl Dish Drinking Storage Container Pet Puppy Light Blue
Features
- Made of high quality ceramics material, solid, durable and easy to clean.
- Starfish appearance, which is cute and beautiful.
- You can fill it with food or water, and the water can not exceed the bottom platform.
- It is suitable for many small pets, such as: hamster, hedgehogs, mice, etc.
- Features: Durable, Anti-Rust, Food Holder, Cute
POPETPOP Small Pet Feeding Bowl Baby Dog Cat Ceramic Food Bowl Water Feeder for Small Animals/Dwarf Hamster/Gerbil Guinea Pig Hedgehog
Features
- Prevent Over- turning/ Moving-- This small ceramic bowl is sturdy enough, which is not easy for baby dogs cats or small animals moving or over- turning.
- Easy to Clean -- This pet ceramic bowl is not easy to condense dirt. Easy to clean.
- - With dividers designed bowls, it is easy for you to use this bowl to store food or water. can be used for dry food and snacks as well as fresh and green food.
- - Safe engineering, smooth surface, this ceramic feeder is suitable for feeding pets.
- - Suitable for small pets like baby dogs, baby cats, hamster, guinea pig, rabbit, bunny, gerbil, hedgehog and so on.
Jiacheng29_ Dog Toy Pet Dog Puppy Cute Animal Rubber Plush Doll Food Dispenser Molar Chewing Toy for Puppies Dogs(Purple Hedgehog*)
Features
- It's a cute plush doll toy, also is a food dispenser toy.
- The soft material protects dog's mouth, not easy to hurt the gums and teeth of the dog.
- There is a sounding device inside, it will make sound during biting process to increase the fun.
- Package Includes: 1 x Dog Toy. Dog Size: Height: 17cm/6.69", Width: 11.8cm/4.65", Foot to Tail Length: 14cm/5.51", Food Opening Size: 5cm x 3.3cm/1.97" x 1.30" (Approx.). Hedgehog Size: Height: 17.5cm/6.89", Width: 11.5cm/4.53", Foot to Tail Length: 13cm/5.12", Food Opening Size: 5cm x 3.3cm/1.97" x 1.30" (Approx.). Dinosaur Size: Height: 18.5cm/7.28", Width: 12.2cm/4.80", Foot to Tail Length: 16cm/6.30", Food Opening Size: 3cm x 3cm/1.18" x 1.18" (Approx.).
- Features: Animal Design, Leakage Food Toy, Chewing Toy Rubber + Plush Dog Toy.
The particular best for the dog – relating to this slogan, many dog owners lovingly care for their pets. The four-legged friends need attention and occupation, but above all, of course, food. The foodstuff is crucial to ensure that the dog is supplied with all the important nutrients and remains in good health to live a long dog’s life. But it is often not so easy to find the right food for your own dog. Comparable to humans, it is also important to consider a balanced diet. In addition, the multitude of offers in the trade can cause confusion. Different questions arise: What nutritional requirements will the dog have and what quantity? Which usually food is appropriate from which age? Is definitely dry or damp food the right choice for your four-legged friend? And exactly how much should the dog be fed? What may cause deficiency symptoms?
Inside the following dog food comparison, we present 14 products. We provide information about which ingredients the foods contain and for which pet dogs the products are suitable. In our guide, we describe the types of dog food, go into some of the ingredients and describe how much food a dog needs. In addition, you will learn which foods dogs cannot put up with and exactly how you can recognise a food allergy.
The different types of dog food easily
Simply as every person has their own own health needs, every dog’s preferences are different. The choice of food that goes into the dog’s bowl should come in according to various factors. These include the breed, activity and health of the dog. Age also plays a role.
Puppies are growing and need special nutrients. In addition, their digestive system is not yet as efficient. An adult dog needs carbs, fats, oils, proteins and minerals. His dog food should be balanced. More mature dogs have a slow metabolism and are no much longer as active. Therefore, they want less energy, i. e. calorie consumption. However , the dog food should be easy to digest and include a great deal of proteins. In addition, the types of food differ in terms of composition, technique of development and consistency.
Structure – complete or complementary food?
A complete feed consists of all the nutrition the dog needs every day. The percentage of proteins, fatty acids, nutritional supplements varies based on the product. The ingredients should be adapted to age, activity and possible allergies of the four-legged friend. An entire food can be dry or cast food. Supplementary foods are not sufficient in themselves to provide the dog with all the crucial nutrition. These can be flakes that the dog owner blends into the food or treats. The declaration shows what.
Type of production
– Dry food and wet food available in family pet shops and food markets usually comes from business production. This is the most frequent type of dog food. Industrially produced wet food is often filled in cans or small aluminium trays. With all the latter, one pan is sufficient for one portion. On the other hand, some manufacturers of commercial dog food use genetically revised raw materials and additives.
Industrially produced dog food has a long shelf life. By conditions, this dog food can be stored unopened for quite some time without any loss of quality.
– Natural dog food only uses raw materials that come from plant, animal or other natural sources – unaltered or processed. The food should not contain any chemically synthesised additives. Nevertheless , certain synthetic vitamins and minerals are permitted. In conditions of packaging, there is often almost no difference compared to professional food: natural dog food is packaged in cups or as dry food.
– Organic dog food must comply with stricter guidelines regarding elements. For example, the product must not contain numerous substances such as genetically revised ingredients, hormones and pesticides. You will discover differences between the various natural dog foods: “100 per penny organic” means that no undesirable substances have been prepared. Together with the claim “organic”, the constituents in the natural food are 95 per penny organic. If this claims “made with organic”, the product includes 70 per cent organic and natural ingredients. Organic food is available as dry and wet food.
– Meanwhile, vegan and vegetarian dog food is also available on the market. This dog food will not contain meat but still provides the dog with the important nutrients. However , vegetarian and vegan dog food contains a lot of vegetables and grains, which can cause problems if the dog is intolerant.
– A unique form of dog food is BARF. The abbreviation stands for “biologically species-appropriate organic feeding”. This species-appropriate method of feeding raw food is based on the dog’s ancestor – the wolf. Once barfing, the dog is fed natural fresh meat, often coupled with raw, pureed fruit or fruit and vegetables. Whether this method is actually more healthy is debatable. Because the meals are merged individually, barfing much more ideal for experienced pet owners who have learned the diet program of their four-legged friends in detail.
There are manufacturers who advertise that their dog food is of food quality. This kind of is a statement that needs to be treated with caution. There is no such thing as food-grade dog or cat food. This also applies to dog food. You should also watch out for attractants and flavour enhancers in dog food. These kinds of are supposed to supply the food the smell and flavor. Some dog fans also avoid family pet food/dog food from factory farming.
Difference between extruded and cold-pressed dried hitch
Dried dog food is produced by the cold-pressing or extrusion process:
1. Cold-pressed dog food is made by first drying the natural materials and then grinding and mixing them. A roller presses this mass through the openings of a carol wall. Shaped and compacted chunks of feed come out the other aspect. Through the dog food production process, temperature ranges of about 90 certifications Celsius are generated, which obviously contradicts the term cold pressing. Yet , temperatures are still significantly lower than those employed in extrusion.
2. In the extrusion process, the ingredients for your canine food are exposed to great heat. Many nutrients are lost during this manufacturing process. These need to be artificially added to the foodstuff after processing. During digesting, the dough-like extruded feed is presented through nozzles at high pressure. Give food to produced in this way swells substantially when liquid is added.
Both methods have advantages and disadvantages: Because the nutrients have not yet been damaged down, a dog can digest the cold-pressed food obviously, slowly and gradually. In addition, the food contains more natural ingredients. In case the four-legged friend has problems with the gastrointestinal tract and an annoyed digestion, extruded dog food can be more tolerable for him. In this dog food, the starch has already been broken down during heating. On the other hand, the manufacturing process is just an extra factor in deciding the tolerability and quality of the food. The most important thing is the quality of the raw materials.
Which is better – moist food or dried out food?
There exists damp and dry dog food on the market. The two types of dog food differ in their water content.
Dry food consists of very little water and therefore has a longer shelf life – often several years. Dogs that are fed dry food have to munch more and thus coach their teeth. Consuming dry food is almost like brushing your dog’s teeth. For dogs that drink little, feeding dry food can become a disadvantage. They can become dehydrated if they are given only dry food. Therefore, it is important to provide the dog with enough water. The huge benefits and disadvantages of dry food at a glance:
Pros
- Long shelf life
- Less expensive than cast food
- Easier to feed on the go
- Easy to store
- Almost germ-free due to heat during production
- More green than canned food
Cons
- Generally less acceptable to your canine
- The dog’s body is deprived of water, so it has to drink significantly more.
- Can lead to overweight quicker if it is not a food items for deiting
- Risk of mould or paziente formation if stored incorrectly
Wet dog food has a high water content. The wet food is usually portioned in tins or small bowls. Generally one package of wet food corresponds to one meal. Various dogs like wet food much better than dry food. In contrast to dry food, damp food for canines – once opened up – can only be kept for a few times. It must be used up within 2 times of opening. Under we have summarised the benefits and drawbacks of wet food:
Pros
- High acceptance by most four-legged friends
- Packed in helpful helpings
- Mainly because of the high water content in wet food, your canine does not need so much additional liquid.
- If necessary, medication can be administered with the wet food.
Cons
- After opening, wet food cannot be stored well
- Major dogs need more space for storage
- Even more difficult to hold and feed on the move
- Wet food smells more extreme
- Costs more than dry food
- Generates more waste
This is not possible to make a general statement about which type of dog food is suited to your dog. Your dog in the end makes a decision which dog food it likes and which variety it prefers. To find out which type of dog food your puppy likes better and which this individual tolerates better, you should try away both types.
Some dog owners switch between wet and dry food. The following relates to both types of food: It should only be given as a primary meal, never as a treat in between meals. This kind of can lead to overfeeding of your dog.
How much various meats and how many sugars and nutrients are supposed to be in dog food?
The quality of the dog food plays a major role in a balanced and proper diet. It is important that the dog food includes healthy ingredients and nutrients – no matter of whether it is wet food or dry food. The proper composition of your canine food is also crucial for good digestion and the health of the four-legged friend.
Just how much meat should the food contain?
Dogs are descended from wolves – that is why their digestive tract is similar to those of predators. So first and foremost, the supply of meat is important. However , this is not the only thing that matters. Unlike the wolf, the dog was domesticated by humans, as well as its needs and genetics have changed. This also applies to digestion. For example, the dog’s digestive enzyme can now break down starch, meaning the four-legged friend can also digest herb food in smaller quantities.
Above all, various meats provides the dog with protein. The four-legged friend needs protein for the muscles, bones, strong tissues, healthy the teeth and nerves and provide energy for its activities. Consequently, senior dogs have a lower protein requirement because they are not as lively as young or adult animals. In general, experts declare dog food should contain between 50 and 70 percent meat. But other ingredients are important too. If dog owners feed only meats with their four-legged friends, this can lead to a problem with digestion, stress on the kidneys and liver due to excess protein and deficiency symptoms.
Nutritional vitamins, minerals and carbs in dog food?
A well-balanced dog diet also contains nutrients that are not present in meat – for example , vitamins and nutrients found in vegetables and fruit, or fatty acids from healthy herbal oils. The four-legged friend also needs sugars. Wolves, for example, eat the belly and intestinal items of prey animals, now and then also berries and grass.
Dogs convert starch from rice, potatoes and cereals into energy and require it for their intestinal flora. Nevertheless, the need for carbohydrates is low. Fillers from herb waste such as press residues from oil production, sections, husks or hay tend to be added to the feed. Top quality carbohydrates are found in rice, potatoes, millet, maize, amaranth or buckwheat.
Animal fats provide the dog with twice as much energy as proteins. To prevent overweight, the foodstuff should contain these substances only less often. Just how much should maintain the dog food is determined by how much the pet moves. Lamb and poultry body fat are saturated oily acids. They are stored in the body as emergency rations and are designed as a book for bad times. Meat and veggie oil contain condensed omega-6 fatty acids and unsaturated fatty acids. Omega-3 natural oils, which are seen in fish, are extremely valuable for cell metabolism.
What should be in the dog food? Dog food should consist of 50 to 70 per cent lean meat or muscle meat or fish with high-quality proteins. In addition, there should be about 20 to 50 % high-quality carbohydrates for energy production and fruit, vegetables or herbs for the necessary vitamins and minerals. The proportion of offal should be a maximum of 10 percent. Offal provides valuable nutrients such as biotin or iron. Good quality oils such as salmon olive oil or linseed oil improve nutrient consumption and ensure a functioning cardiovascular system, a shiny coat and healthy skin.
How can I recognise high-quality dog food?
Puppy food sold in UK must be labelled with certain mandatory information. These include:
– Talk about and name of the manufacturer
– Date of produce or best-before day of the dog food
– Name of the food
– Net weight
– Moisture content for canned food
With regard to the ingredients of the feed, various claims are permitted: A closed declaration only indicates ingredient teams. These are, for example , statements such as “with cereals” and “vegetable by-products”. A semi-open declaration prospect lists the individual uncooked materials, although not their percentage. The open up declaration provides composition in percent and the respective options of raw materials. When reading the food label, dog owners should also note the following:
1. Many manufacturers split the term grain into individual groupings. The reason for this is that the large total quantity appears smaller. For example, maize becomes maize starch, maize feed food, maize flour, maize gluten or source. The cereal components provide carbohydrates and saturate well, but must not be included in too large amounts.
2. The ingredients in the give food to are listed in descending order relating to their quantity. The further ahead an ingredient is listed on the label, the greater its proportion. On the other hand, what this means is: Only a small proportion of an ingredient that is listed far down the list is contained in the feed.
Other aspects by which dog owners recognise the quality of the food are:
– Meat content of 50 to 70 per cent
– Grain and veggie content between 25 and 50 percent
– Balanced substances with all the necessary vitamins and minerals
– Zero use of flavour enhancers
These nutrition make a good dog food
The dog’s organism does not have trouble digesting good dog food. Indications of this are almost odourless faeces, high vitality and a shiny coat. The proportion of nutrition in a dog food is outlined under the word “analytical ingredients”. We certainly have summarised these in the table:
| Component | Quantity required | Tasks | Information and special features |
| Crude protein | 20 to 25 percent in dry food 8 to 10 percent in wet food | Builds the body’s own tissue such as muscles and bones Strengthening skin and organs Enzymes, blood and hormones also need protein | High-quality protein comes mainly from muscle meat. Low-quality protein is found in slaughterhouse waste |
| Crude ash | 5 to 8 per cent or a maximum of 10 per cent for dry food. Less than 2 percent for wet feed | Supply of inorganic substances such as magnesium, calcium, zinc or silicic acid | Formed after combustion of the feed Proportion should be balanced Sometimes cheap but unnecessary bone meal products are added |
| Crude fibre | 2 to 3 percent for dry food 0.2 to 5 percent for wet food | Support of digestion Stimulation of intestinal activity Strengthens healthy intestinal flora Influences consistency and shape of dog faeces | Proportion of dietary fibre Too high a proportion can lead to flatulence and large quantities of faeces Rumen is filled with raw fibre Otherwise in the form of vegetables and fruit |
| Crude fat | At least 15 percent in dry food for active dogs 12 to 15 percent for dry food for dogs with normal to less exercise 1 percent for wet food | Provides energy Ensure healthy skin and shiny coat | High-quality products include salmon oil, linseed oil, cod oil, pumpkin seed oil and hemp oil. |
The other possible ingredients in dog food are explained below:
1. The value for meat and pet by-products indicates the meat content in your canine food. Manufacturers often do not declare exactly what is involved. It may be high-quality muscle meat or offal as well as low-quality offal. The latter includes, among other things, jerky, rumen or chaps. Animal by-products include, for example , hair, bones, hooves, blood or beaks.
2. Seafood and its by-products include fish fillets, bone fragments and fish minds.
3. Plant by-products include, for example, vegetables, cereals and pulses and oil fruits. They can be to some extent health- and digestion-promoting food components.
4. Technological additives are preservatives, separating and binding agents, stabilisers, thickening and solidifying agents and acidity regulators. Many of these are important. These include, for instance , emulsifiers and natural antioxidants. Emulsifiers ensure an uniform consistency of oil and water. Natural antioxidants are to prevent rancid fat.
5. Nutritional additives are intended to support the health of the four-legged good friend. They should be contained in the right formula, for example as vitamins, provitamins, amino acids and track elements.
6. Zootechnical additives can be added to the feed to impact the dog’s performance and health – such as stabilisers for the digestive tract flora or digestive : enzymes.
7. Physical additives are widely-used to influence the appearance and taste of your dog food. They include flavourings and colourings.
Overweight dogs suffer! Obesity is a growing problem in dogs with serious health consequences. That can lead to diseases of internal organs, puts stress on bones, joints and the cardiovascular system, and promotes irritation. It may also shorten the life expectancy of the animal. Often , too much food is the reason for overweight. Nevertheless age, sex and breed also be involved. Especially Cocker Spaniels, Labrador Retrievers and King Charles usually become overweight. At times the use of food items for deiting should be considered.
How much food does my dog need?
If the four-legged good friend gets more energy than he utilizes, he can become overweight. Therefore, it is very important to give canines the necessary food. How much pet food a dog needs depends upon various factors. In addition to the breed, the next aspects are relevant, for example:
Activity level: How much the four-legged good friend moves determines the amount of energy it burns. A puppy that moves a lot burns more calories. If the dog is not so active, it burns fewer calorie consumption and has a slower metabolism. Consequently, he needs less food.
Age: Younger dogs remain growing and tend to be more curious and energetic. They usually have a higher energy requirement than more mature dogs. It is highly recommended to reduce the amount of food a little each year. For more mature dogs, there are senior foods that are reduced excess fat and contain important additives. For smaller dogs you need to change at the era of 10 to 12 years, for large dogs as soon as 7 to 8 years.
Diseases: Some diseases influence a dog’s food or energy requirements. These include cardiovascular problems, thyroid disease, osteo-arthritis and diabetes. Once dogs are recovering from illness, they need more pet food.
Hormone balance: A dog’s hormonal levels can rise or fall, changing energy needs. For instance , dogs have different energy needs when they are pregnant or change their coat.
To find out just how much food is right for your dog, look at the calorie content of your dog food. A higher calorie content means a lesser amount of food is needed. Additionally, dog owners can use the next guidelines as a guide:
– The daily amount of food for an adult and healthy dog with a normal activity level should be about two to three pct of the dog’s weight.
– If the dog is older and does not exercise as much, a daily food amount of 2 per cent of the body weight is usually sufficient.
– A dog that movements a lot or is coping with an illness should be fed more. His necessary food amount per day is up to 5 per cent of his body weight.
– Snacks should not exceed 10 percent of the daily food requirement.
Any person who is not sure about the right amount of food should talk to a vet and/or a nutritionist.
Just how can I recognize a food allergy or intolerance?
The most frequent allergies in dogs are flea allergy and food allergy. Possible causes of your allergy are, for example , stress, unwanted organisms and pollen. In addition, the protein-containing substances in a feed can trigger allergic reactions. Things that a dog might be allergic to include, for instance , me llaman, animal proteins from poultry, pork or beef, and grain.
What is the between an allergy and an intolerance?
– An allergy is a hypersensitivity reaction by the dog’s immune system. That reacts strongly against a certain material. A genuine food allergy rarely occurs in dogs. Mostly it is an intolerance. This is not triggered by the immune system.
– Feasible indications of allergies and intolerances
– Possible symptoms of a food allergy or food intolerance include itching, vomiting, belly pain, flatulence, diarrhoea, loss in fur, redness and frequent scratching.
– Symptoms may well not show up right after feeding the food. Sometimes they only appear a few hours or days later.
Nevertheless, the symptoms do not necessarily have to indicate an allergy or intolerance or intolerance. That they may also be caused by another disease. In the event that your dog has these symptoms, you should have the cause clarified by a vet. The vet can also determine an allergy or an intolerance, for example , through an allergy test. On the other hand, it is possible to undertake an exemption diet. However, this involves a lot of effort.
What is an exclusion diet?
In an exclusion diet, the owner feeds the four-legged friend only one special supply of protein and carbohydrates. These sources must be ingredients that the four-legged good friend hasn’t eaten before. Dog owners should change the dog food bit by little bit. After the food change, your dog is fed the new food for several weeks.
When the dog’s condition enhances and the symptoms no more occur, a provocation test is completed. Here, the dog owner has to feed his four-legged friend one substance at a time, which could be the trigger for the allergies. Above time, a list is made of substances that the dog can tolerate or that cause allergic reactions in him. An removal diet is something that pet owners can do themselves. However, it is recommended to check with a professional or speak to the vet beforehand.
Consistent action is vital during an exemption diet. The dog must not be given chews, treats or left over spots during this period.
What should I do if my dog has an allergy?
If it turns out that your four-legged friend has a food allergy or food intolerance, the dog should will no longer eat the allergy-causing substances. The selected pet food must therefore not contain any substances that your dog cannot tolerate. The same goes to treats and dog snacks between meals.
If nothing changes, patience is necesary: sometimes it takes a little while until the symptoms of an intolerance or allergy or intolerance no longer happen. Sometimes they only disappear completely months following the change in food.
What is grain-free dog food?
Dog food often consists of grains. Included in this are wheat or grain, barley and rye, for example. Grains have an important function: they are a source of carbohydrates and energy. However, an excessive amount of it causes obesity and sometimes to an issue with digestion. There is also grain-free dog food. Instead of feed, it contains option ingredients such as potatoes and legumes, which also provide carbohydrates to the dog.
Grain-free dog food usually makes digestion easier and it is also suitable for more sensitive dogs. Yet , it is not necessarily required to use a grain-free dog food. Dogs are omnivores and are able to break down vegetable protein. A few types of feed are also particularly easy to break down. Included in this are maize and rice, for example. In some cases, however, it makes sense or is necessary to use a dog food without feed. This is especially true if your dog is allergic to food containing cereals.
In the event that you want to give your dog a dog food with grain, you should make sure that the grain content is not too much and that the product has a balanced recipe.
What can dogs not tolerate?
There are a lot of foods that puppies can’t tolerate. Some of them are actually poisonous for canines. These include, for example, onions, raw cabbage and raw pork. Onions can be fatal, based on the size of the onion and your canine. For a medium-sized dog, even a medium-sized onion can be extremely dangerous. If a dog eats raw cabbage, it can get belly cramps or unwanted wind. Raw pork could retain the Aujeszky disease, which in turn causes fatal condition. Other foods and drinks that dogs should never eat include:
- Delicious chocolate
- Raw potatoes
- Grapes
- Sultanas
- Fruit pits
- Raw pulses
- Macadamia nuts
- Bitter walnuts
- Raw eggs
- Some types of avocado
- Birch sugar and xylitol
- Cream and milk
- Caffeinated drinks, such as espresso
- Alcohol
Furthermore, nicotine is dangerous for dogs. Consequently, caution is advised in rain puddles, for example: Cigarette residues are located in them. Ashtrays should be put in such a way that your dog cannot reach them.
If a dog has eaten food that is dangerous because of it, you should contact the vet and also the veterinary unexpected emergency service directly. At the same time, maintain the dog in a secure environment. However, despite all the concern for the dog’s life, the following applies: Stay calm and watch to signs of poisoning. It may be necessary to take the dog to a veterinary clinic or drive it to the vet. Symptoms that could occur with poisoning include:
- Abnormal salivation
- Excessive being thirsty
- Throwing up
- Diarrhoea
- Cramps
- Uneasyness
- Shortness of breath
To prevent your canine from eating incompatible foods, dog owners should make sure that relatives and acquaintances do not feed them such foods. In addition, it is crucial to train the dog well so that it does not constantly eat anything at all off of the side of the road.
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FAQ – Frequently asked questions about dog food
Finally, we answer some important and frequently asked questions about dog food.
What should I look for in dog food for puppies?
Puppies need a different dog food than adult dogs. Once they are weaned from their mother, puppy food is on the menu. This is usually the case after about 2 months. The components and ingredients of puppy dog food are specially made for growing puppies. This is because a baby dog’s immune system, bone fragments, muscles, coat and teeth first have to produce.
With puppy dog dog food, the focus is on nutrient intake. Previously mentioned all, the puppy dog food must contain certain essential vitamins and minerals. So that the puppy’s gastrointestinal system is not overtaxed, the food for puppies also has a lower food volume than the dog food for adult quadrupeds. In the beginning, young dogs should be provided small portions a couple of times a day, which are then slowly increased.
When should I start using dog food for adult dogs?
This kind of depends upon the breed of dog: Up-and-coming small to medium breeds are believed older people from 9 to 12 months of age. For large breeds, it is recommended to give adult food to dogs from 12 to 15 months of age. For very large breeds, it is advised to give adult food a little later – from 18 to 24 months.
When should my dog be given food for elderly people?
For small dogs, the enhancements made on diet should take place between 10 and 12 years of age. For medium-sized dogs, it is time at 8 to 9 years. Large bread of dogs are considered older at 7 to 8 years old. In addition to age, the dog’s state of health is also an important criterion. It is recommended to discuss the change of food with the vet.
What is the best way to store dry food?
The dry food should be kept in an foolproof container. Glass or plastic containers without plasticisers are best. Packaging with a metal layer on the inside is also recommended for storing dried food. The container or packaging should be stored in a dry and not too warm place. Otherwise the meals can become “sticky” and lose its taste and nutrients. At worst, mould can develop.
What is barfing?
The abbreviation BARF comes from the English and means Born-Again Raw Feeder. The UK term means “biologically species-appropriate organic feeding”. The species-appropriate diet is founded on the eating habits of wild dogs. Ready-made food plays no role in barfeeding. Instead, the dog is fed whole food such as meat, offal and bones, supplemented with vegetables, fruit, herbal oils and carbohydrates for a well-balanced supply of nutrients. Meanwhile, substance and freeze-dried BARF food and deep-frozen meat are available in the shops. Pet owners can add the other necessary components. However , you should advise yourself well or seek advice from with experts.
What do I actually have to consider when changing my dog’s food?
The change of food must be done slowly. In the event that the changeover is abrupt, sensitive dogs in particular can easily suffer from intestinal problems, some of that can be considerable. A time of one week is usually recommended for your dog to get accustomed to the new food.
The change of food should proceed as follows: On day 1 and 2, replace about a quarter of the dog’s usual food with the new food. On the third and fourth day, replace half with the new food. Around the fifth and sixth day, the proportion of the new dog food should be 3 quarters. On day 7, the move is complete.
In the event that the dog responds sensitively and, for example , gets diarrhoea in the first few days of the food change, you should extend the adaptation phase and boost the addition of the new food only minimally. If your dog does not tolerate the new food in any way, it is obviously not suited to him. In cases like this, you should look for an alternate.
What should I actually do if my dog does not like dry food?
Then it makes sense to soak the dry food. This kind of has several advantages: Dogs often eat the dry food beyond hunger because it swells in the stomach first. This makes it easier so they can become overweight and feel full. In the event the food has already enlarged in water, it fills the dog up faster and is simpler to process. In addition, the dogs absorb more liquid with drenched dry food.
How quickly do dogs digest dry food?
Canines usually need up to 14 hours to digest dry food. The exact time depends, among other things, on the age and size of the dog and the caliber of the food. A young dog usually has a faster metabolism than an old animal. The number of food is important too. Small portions are digested more quickly than large amounts. In addition, insoluble muscles remain in the stomach for a shorter time than soluble fibres. Less fat food also leads to faster digestion. Additionally , the more liquid the food is, the shortest the digestion time. Wet food is digested within 6 to 8 hours in mature dogs.
Are creature tests carried out for dog food?
You will find quite a few manufacturers who carry out pet experiments to test the effects and tolerance of their newly developed types of food. PETA’s website publishes a list of manufacturers who do not test on animals.
Which manufacturers and brands produce dog food?
The best-known dog food manufacturers and dog food brands include, for instance , ROYAL CANIN, Josera and WOLFSBLUT. Other well-known manufacturers and brands are, for example:
– Bosch
– PRIMUM
– Pedigree
– RINTI
– Animonda
– MERA
Once may i start nourishing a puppy?
During the beginning of its life, a puppy is fed breast milk by its mother. Sound food is usually eaten by pups from the 3rd or 4th week of life. During this period, the mother continually feed her puppies with breast milk in parallel. In order to accustom a puppy to dry food, it makes sense to moisten or dilute it with a liquid – for example with puppy dog milk. From the 6th to 7th week of life, the puppy is normally no longer provided with mother’s dairy.
Experts recommend soaking your dry puppy food with a liquid until the puppy dog is 5 or 6 months old. To get the puppy used to the harder food, blend more and more non-soaked food pieces over time.
Making dog food yourself – will it sound right?
Producing your own dog food takes more time and work than acquired food. However, it does have some advantages:
– In case you make the dog food yourself, you can decide for yourself which ingredients go into it.
– Doggie owners can include the special needs of their four-legged good friend in the preparing and adapt the food to these and the dog’s preference.
– It is possible to make the food more varied for the dog.
If, for example , the dog is overweight, has to take medication or is intolerant to various foods, it may be sensible or necessary to prepare the food yourself. Before preparing the meals, you should study the different elements. The meals should be balanced and contain all the necessary nutrients. It is often a good idea to talk to a vet beforehand. Recipe ideas for dog food can be found on the net, for example.
Some foods are unhealthy or toxic for puppies. For example, onions and garlic should not be consumed by dogs.
Precisely what is hypoallergenic dog food?
Hypoallergenic dog food is especially well suited for dogs with allergy symptoms. It is adapted to the needs of such a four-legged friend and can be easily digested by your dog. Right now there is hypoallergenic dry food and allergies wet food on the market. This contains few or no substances that often cause allergic reactions in dogs. Consequently, a hypoallergenic food reduces the risk that your canine will not tolerate it and that hypersensitive reactions will happen.
Usually there is just one supply of necessary protein in such a product. This is usually an unique meat, such as kangaroo or normal water buffalo. Normally, the protein source used very rarely triggers an intolerance. Even so, it cannot be ruled out that even hypoallergenic dog food can lead to allergic reactions. This kind of happens when we have a substance in the foodstuff that the four-legged friend cannot put up with.
In addition to dogs with allergy symptoms, hypoallergenic food is suitable for four-legged friends with a very sensitive gastrointestinal system. For these dogs, such a product provides protection against digestive problems.
