The particular best for the dog – regarding to this slogan, many dog owners lovingly care for their pets. The four-legged friends need attention and job, but especially, of course, food. The foodstuff is crucial to ensure that the dog comes with all the important nutrients and remains in health to live a long dog’s life. But it is often not so easy to find 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. Various questions arise: What nutritional requirements does the dog have in addition to what quantity? Which usually food is suitable from which age? Is usually dry or damp food the right choice for your four-legged friend? And just how much should the dog be fed? What may cause deficiency symptoms?
In the following best dog food for mature dogs, we present 10 products. You can expect information about which ingredients the foods contain and for which dogs the products are suitable. In our guide, we describe the types of dog food, go into some of the ingredients and make clear how much food a puppy needs. In addition, you will see which foods dogs cannot put up with and exactly how you can recognise a food allergy.
Below is a list of the best dog food for mature dogs:
- Eukanuba Mature Dog Food for Small Dogs Rich in Fresh Chicken for the Optimal... — £19.04
- Burgess Supadog Mature dry dog food 12.5 kg — £25.99
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Autarky Hypoallergenic Mature Lite Succulent Salmon Dry Dog Food for Senior...
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£27.49
£36.99 - Royal Canin Vet Care Nutrition Dog Food Senior Consult Mature Small 3.5 Kg — £31.99
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Eukanuba Dry Dog Food Mature and Senior Large Breed Chicken, 15 kg
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£43.09
£52.99 -
Eukanuba Dry Dog Food Mature and Senior with Medium Breed Chicken 15 kg
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£43.29
£52.99 - Hills Science Plan Mature Adult Medium Chicken Dry Dog Food - 14kg — £59.00
- Autarky Salmon Mature Lite Dog Food 2 x 12kg (24Kg) — £64.99
- Hill's Science Plan Mature Adult 7+ Chicken Flavour Dry Dog Food 2.5kg — £21.93
- Autarky Mature Lite Hypoallergenic Dry Dog Food - Delicious Chicken - 12kg — £31.99
After hours researching and comparing all models on the market, Life my Dog finds out the Best dog food for mature dogs of 2024. We would recommend using Burgess Supadog Mature dry dog food 12.5 kg as it is available at a resonable price.
Top 10 Best dog food for mature dogs
Best dog food for mature dogs
Burgess Supadog Mature dry dog food 12.5 kg
Features
- Burgess Supadog Mature is a tasty dry dog food for senior dogs ages 7 years and over.
- Suitable for all breeds.
- Made with ingredients to support digestive health.
- Biotin and zinc support skin and coat health.
- Glucosamine helps to support healthy joints.
Eukanuba Dry Dog Food Mature and Senior with Medium Breed Chicken 15 kg
£43.29
Features
- Vitality: Helps support the natural defenses of an aging dog with optimal levels of beta-carotene and vitamin E
- Balance: Promotes optimal digestion with prebiotics and clinically proven beet pulp
- Dental: Clinically proven to reduce tartar build-up in 28 days. Reduces plaque and maintains strong teeth
- Shine: Promotes healthy skin, radiant coat and helps reduce shedding by up to 80%* with a clinically proven optimal ratio of omega 6 and 3 fatty acids. *Results may vary
- 100% complete and balanced. No artificial flavours or colourants added
Autarky Hypoallergenic Mature Lite Succulent Salmon Dry Dog Food for Senior Dogs, 12 kg
£27.49
Features
- Mature lite (delicious chicken) is a hypoallergenic naturally balanced dry dog food with a moderate calorie content to prevent weight gain
- 22 percent protein, 5 percent fat, an ideal option for mature dogs entering their senior years or for overweight dogs needing to reduce their calorie intake
- Another quality product from the autarky range
- Model number: 02AMS12
Autarky Salmon Mature Lite Dog Food 2 x 12kg (24Kg)
Features
- 2 x 12Kg Bags
- Autarky Salmon Mature Lite Dog Food has been carefully formulated to provide dogs with all the nutrients the need but in a lower calorie package
- This food is ideal for dogs that are prone to weight gain or have lower energy requirements due to loss of mobility, laziness or just getting older.
- Free from wheat gluten & soya to help reduce the risk of digestive upsets.
Eukanuba Dry Dog Food Mature and Senior Large Breed Chicken, 15 kg
£43.09
Features
- Vitality: Helps support the natural defenses of an aging dog with optimal levels of beta-carotene and vitamin E
- Agility: Tailored protein and fat for less stress on joints for mature and seniors large breed dogs
- Bones: Clinically proven to promote strong bones, with calcium
- Dental: Clinically proven to reduce tartar build-up in 28 days. Reduces plaque and maintains strong teeth
- 100% complete and balanced. No artificial flavours or colourants added
Autarky Mature Lite Hypoallergenic Dry Dog Food - Delicious Chicken - 12kg
Features
| Size | 12 kg (Pack of 1) |
Hills Science Plan Mature Adult Medium Chicken Dry Dog Food - 14kg
Features
- Genuine quality pet item from the UK
- Genuine quality pet item from the UK
- Genuine quality pet item from the UK
- Item package quantity: 1
Eukanuba Mature Dog Food for Small Dogs Rich in Fresh Chicken for the Optimal Body Condition of Your Dog, 3 kg
Features
- Tailored mature dog food with fresh chicken for small breed dogs in a resealable bag
- Improved formula for the healthy digestion and optimal body condition of your dog
- A distinct hexagon kibble shape which improves palatability
- Contains DentaDefense to reduce tartar build-up and maintain strong clean teeth
- Planet friendly pet food: At least 25 percent of Eukanuba factory’s energy is generated from Eukanuba own wind turbine
Royal Canin Vet Care Nutrition Dog Food Senior Consult Mature Small 3.5 Kg
Features
- Pet food for Dogs
- Dry food
- Recommended for Dogs above 15 months
Hill's Science Plan Mature Adult 7+ Chicken Flavour Dry Dog Food 2.5kg
Features
- Supports energy level, immunity & organs health in older dogs aged 7 and over
- Dog food made with a synergistic blend of ingredients to help support energy & activity level
- Uses balanced minerals for heart & kidney health
Only the best for the dog – regarding to this saying, many dog owners lovingly care for their pets. The four-legged friends need attention and occupation, but most importantly, of course, food. The food is crucial to ensure that the dog comes with all the important nutrients and remains in 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 range of offers in the trade can cause confusion. Different questions arise: What nutritional requirements does the dog have and in what quantity? Which food is ideal from which age? Is usually dry or moist food the right choice for your four-legged friend? And just how much should the dog be fed? What can cause deficiency symptoms?
In the following dog food comparison, we present 14 products. You can expect information about which ingredients the foods contain and for which pups the products are suitable. Inside our guide, we describe the types of dog food, go into some of the ingredients and explain how much food a dog needs. In addition, you will learn which foods dogs cannot endure and exactly how you can recognise a food allergy.
The different types of dog food at a glance
Merely as every person has their own nutritional 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 gastrointestinal system is not yet as efficient. An adult dog needs carbs, fats, oils, proteins and minerals. His dog food should be balanced. Old dogs have a slow metabolism and are no for a longer time as active. As a result, they require less energy, i. e. calories from fat. Nevertheless , the dog food should be easy to process and include a great deal of proteins. In addition, the types of food fluctuate in phrases of composition, technique of creation and consistency.
Formula – complete or complementary food?
A complete feed consists of all the nutrition the dog needs on a regular basis. The portion of proteins, fatty acids, vitamins and minerals differs with respect to the product. The ingredients should be adapted to age, activity and possible allergies of the four-legged friend. A whole food can be dry or cast food. Supplementary meals are not sufficient per to provide the dog with all the important nutrients. These can be flakes that the dog owner mixes into the food or treats. The declaration shows what it is.
Type of production
– Dry food and wet food available in dog or cat shops and supermarkets usually comes from professional production. This is the most common form of dog food. Industrially produced wet food is often completed cans or small aluminium trays. With all the latter, one bowl is sufficient for one portion. Nevertheless, some manufacturers of professional dog food use genetically revised raw materials and additives.
Industrially produced dog food has a long shelf life. By exclusions, this dog food can be stored unopened for quite some time without the loss of quality.
– Natural dog food only uses raw materials that come from grow, animal or other natural sources – unaltered or prepared. The food should never contain any chemically synthesised additives. Nevertheless , certain synthetic vitamins and minerals are permitted. In words of packaging, there is often almost no difference compared to professional food: natural dog food is packaged in containers or as dried out food.
– Organic dog food must comply with harsher guidelines regarding substances. For example, the product must not contain numerous substances such as genetically altered ingredients, hormones and pesticides. There are distinctions between the various organic and natural dog foods: “100 per penny organic” means that no undesirable ingredients have been prepared. With all the claim “organic”, the ingredients in the natural food are 95 per cent organic. If this says “made with organic”, the product consists of 70 per cent organic ingredients. Organic food is available as dry and wet food.
– Meanwhile, vegan and vegetarian dog food is also available on the market. This kind of dog food would not contain meat but still provides the dog with the important nutrients. Nevertheless , veggie and vegan dog food contains a lot of fresh vegetables and grains, which can issues if the dog is intolerant.
– A special form of dog food is BARF. The abbreviation stands for “biologically species-appropriate raw feeding”. This species-appropriate method of feeding raw food is based on the dog’s ancestor – the wolf. When ever barfing, the dog is fed raw fresh meat, often combined with raw, pureed fruit or fruit and vegetables. Whether this method is actually healthier is debatable. Since the meals are put together individually, barfing is far more suitable for experienced dog owners who have learned this diet 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 declaration that ought 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 are supposed to supply the food a much better smell and taste. Some dog enthusiasts also avoid pet food/dog food from factory farming.
Big difference between extruded and cold-pressed dried fodder
Dried dog food is produced by the cold-pressing or extrusion process:
1. Cold-pressed dog food is created by first drying the uncooked materials and then grinding and combining them. A tool presses this mass through the opportunities of a carol wall. Shaped and compacted chunks of feed come away the other side. Through the dog food production process, temperature ranges of around 90 levels Celsius are generated, which obviously contradicts the term cold hitting. However , temperatures are still significantly lower than those utilized in extrusion.
2. In the extrusion process, the ingredients for the dog food are exposed to great heat. Many nutrients are lost during this manufacturing process. These have to be artificially added to the food after processing. During control, 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 broken down, a dog can digest the cold-pressed food obviously, slowly and gradually. In addition, the food consists of more natural elements. In the event the four-legged good friend has problems with the gastrointestinal tract and a disturbed digestion, extruded dog food can be more tolerable for him. In this dog food, the starch has already been broken down during heating. However, the manufacturing process is merely a supplementary factor in deciding the tolerability and quality of the foodstuff. The most important thing is the quality of the unprocessed trash.
Which is better – damp food or dry food?
There is certainly damp and dry dog food on the market. The two types of dog food differ in their water content.
Dry food includes almost no water and therefore has a longer shelf life – often several years. Dogs that are fed dry food have to chew more and so train their teeth. Consuming dry food is almost like brushing your dog’s teeth. Intended for dogs that drink little, feeding dry food can be considered a disadvantage. They can become dehydrated if they are fed 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 wet food
- Easier to feed on the go
- Easy to store
- Almost germ-free due to heat during production
- More eco-friendly than processed food
Cons
- Often less acceptable to your dog
- The dog’s person is deprived of water, so it has to drink more.
- Can lead to overweight more quickly if it is not a diet food
- Risk of mould or temperato 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 compares to one meal. Many dogs like moist food much better than dry food. In contrast to dry food, damp food for dogs – once opened – can only be kept for a few times. It should be used up within 2 days and nights of opening. Under we have summarised the benefits and drawbacks of wet food:
Pros
- High popularity by most four-legged friends
- Packed in convenient servings
- 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, moist food cannot be stored very well
- Good sized dogs need to know more space for storage
- Even more difficult to move and feed on the move
- Wet food smells more extreme
- Costs more than dry food
- Produces more waste
It is not possible to make a general statement about which type of dog food is ideal for your dog. Your dog ultimately makes a decision which dog food it likes and which variety it prefers. To find out which type of dog food your dog likes better and which this individual tolerates better, you should try out both types.
Some dog owners change between wet and dry food. The following applies 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 meat and just how many carbohydrates and nutrients fit in in dog food?
The caliber of the dog food plays a major role in a balanced and healthy diet. It is important that the dog food contains healthy ingredients and nutrients – regardless of whether it is wet food or dry food. The right composition of your dog food is also crucial for good digestion and the health of the four-legged good 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. Thus first and foremost, the resource of meat is important. Yet , this is not the only thing that matters. Unlike the wolf, the dog was domesticated by humans, and its needs and genetics have changed. This also applies to digestion. For example, the dog’s digestive enzyme can now break down starch, meaning that the four-legged friend can also digest plant food in smaller quantities.
To start with, meats provides the dog with protein. The four-legged friend needs protein for their muscles, bones, strong tissues, healthy tooth and nerves and also to provide energy for its activities. Consequently, senior dogs have a lower protein requirement because they are no longer as lively as young or adult animals. In general, experts say that dog food should contain between 50 and 70 % meat. But other ingredients are important too. If dog owners feed only meat with their four-legged friends, this may lead to a problem with digestion, stress on the kidneys and liver due to excess protein and deficiency symptoms.
Vitamins, minerals and carbs in dog food?
A well-balanced dog diet also includes nutrients that are not found in meat – for instance , vitamins and minerals found in fruits and veggies, or fatty stomach acids from healthy oils. The four-legged good friend also needs carbohydrates. Wolves, for example, eat the abdomen and intestinal material of prey pets or animals, now and then also berries and grass.
Dogs convert starch from hemp, potatoes and cereals into energy and want it for their intestinal flora. On the other hand, the need for carbohydrates is low. Fillers from plant 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 fat provide the dog with twice as much energy as proteins. To prevent overweight, the foodstuff should contain these substances only moderately. How much should maintain the dog food depends upon how much the dog moves. Lamb and poultry fat are saturated fatty acids. They may be stored in the body as emergency ration and are meant as a book for bad times. Meat and vegetable oil contain condensed omega-6 fatty acids and unsaturated fatty acids. Omega-3 oils, which are present in fish, are extremely valuable for cell metabolism.
What should be in the dog food? Dog food should include 50 to 70 percent lean meat or muscle meat or fish with superior quality proteins. In addition, there ought to be about 20 to 50 percent high-quality carbohydrates for energy production and fruit, vegetables or herbs for the necessary minerals and vitamins. The proportion of offal should be a maximum of 10 percent. Offal provides valuable nutrition such as vitamin h or iron. Good quality oils such as salmon oil or linseed oil based improve nutrient consumption and ensure a functioning cardiovascular system, a shiny layer and healthy skin.
How do i recognise high-quality dog food?
Doggie food sold in UK must be labelled with certain mandatory information. These kinds of include:
– Treat and name of the manufacturer
– Date of produce or best-before date of the dog food
– Identity of the foodstuff
– Net weight
– Moisture content for canned food
With regard to the ingredients of the feed, various statements are permitted: A closed declaration only indicates ingredient teams. These are, for instance , statements such as “with cereals” and “vegetable by-products”. A semi-open declaration lists the individual uncooked materials, however, not their percentage. The open up declaration provides formula in % and the respective resources of raw materials. When reading the food label, dog owners should also note the following:
1. Many manufacturers split the definition of grain into individual groups. The reason for this is that the large total quantity appears smaller. For example, maize becomes maize starch, maize feed meals, maize flour, maize gluten or feed. The cereal components provide carbohydrates and saturate well, but really should not be included in too large quantities.
2. The elements in the give food to are listed in descending order according to their quantity. The further forward an ingredient is listed on the label, the greater its proportion. Conversely, this implies: Only a tiny proportion of an ingredient that is listed far over the list is included 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 vegetable content between 25 and 50 percent
– Balanced ingredients with all the necessary vitamins and minerals
– Very little use of taste enhancers
These nutrients make a good dog food
The dog’s organism does not have any trouble digesting good dog food. Indications of this are almost odourless faeces, high vitality and a shiny coat. The proportion of nutrients in a dog food is detailed under the definition of “analytical ingredients”. We 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 animal by-products indicates the meat content in your canine food. Manufacturers often do not declare precisely what is engaged. It could 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 instance , hair, bone fragments, hooves, blood or beaks.
2. Seafood and its by-products include fish fillets, bones and fish mind.
3. Plant by-products include, for example, vegetables, cereals and pulses and olive oil fruits. They may be partly health- and digestion-promoting food components.
4. Technological additives are preservatives, separating and binding agents, stabilisers, thickening and gelling agents and level of acidity regulators. Many of these are important. These include, for example , emulsifiers and natural antioxidants. Emulsifiers ensure an uniform regularity of oil and water. Natural anti-oxidants are to prevent rancid fat.
5. Nutritional additives are intended to support the health of the four-legged friend. They should be included in the right formula, for example as vitamins, provitamins, amino acids and track elements.
6. Zootechnical additives can be added to the feed to influence the dog’s performance and health – such as stabilisers for the intestinal flora or digestive : enzymes.
7. Sensory additives are utilized to influence the appearance and taste of the dog food. They will include flavourings and colourings.
Overweight puppies suffer! Obesity is a growing problem in dogs with serious health consequences. This can lead to diseases of internal organs, puts stress on bones, joints and the cardiovascular system, and promotes swelling. Additionally, it may shorten the life expectancy of the animal. Often , too much food is the reason for overweight. Yet age, sex and breed also be involved. Especially Cocker Spaniels, Labrador Retrievers and King Charles usually become overweight. At times the use of diet food should be considered.
How much food does my dog need?
In the event that the four-legged good friend gets more energy than he uses, he can become overweight. Therefore, it is crucial to give canines the necessary food. How much pet food a dog needs depends on various factors. In addition to the breed, the subsequent 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 calories and has a slower metabolism. Consequently, he needs less food.
Age: Young dogs are still growing and are often more curious and active. They usually have a higher energy requirement than older dogs. It truly is advisable to reduce the quantity of food a little every year. For older 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 around 7 to 8 years.
Diseases: A few diseases influence a dog’s food or energy requirements. These include cardiovascular problems, thyroid disease, osteo-arthritis and diabetes. When ever dogs are coping with illness, they need more pet food.
Hormone balance: A dog’s hormonal levels can surge or fall, changing energy needs. For example , 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 caloric content of the dog food. A higher calorie content means a lower amount of food is needed. Additionally, pet owners can use the following rules of thumb as a guide:
– The daily amount of food for an adult and healthy dog with an ordinary activity level should be about 2 to 3 per cent of the dog’s weight.
– If the dog is older and does not exercise as much, a daily food amount of 2 pct of the body weight is usually sufficient.
– A dog that techniques a lot or is coping with an illness should be fed more. His necessary food amount per day is up to 5 % of his body weight.
– Snacks should not exceed 10 pct of the daily food requirement.
Any person who is not sure about the right amount of food should talk to a vet and a nutritionist.
How can I recognise a food allergy?
The most common allergies in dogs are flea allergy and food allergy. Possible sets off of your allergy are, for instance , stress, unwanted organisms and pollen. In addition, the protein-containing substances in a feed can trigger allergic reactions. Ingredients that a dog might be allergic to include, for example , me llaman, animal proteins from poultry, pork or beef, and grains.
What is the difference between an allergic reaction and an intolerance?
– An allergy is a hypersensitivity response by the dog’s immune system. This reacts strongly against a certain substance. A true food allergic reaction rarely occurs in dogs. Mostly it is an intolerance. This is not triggered by the immune system.
– Feasible symptoms 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 immediately after feeding the food. Sometimes they only appear a few hours or days later.
On the other hand, the symptoms do not necessarily have to indicate an allergy or intolerance or intolerance. They can be caused by another disease. In the event that your dog has these symptoms, you should have the cause solved with a vet. The vet can also determine an allergy or intolerance or an intolerance, for instance , through an allergy test. Alternatively, it is possible to carry out an different 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 sugars. These sources must be ingredients that the four-legged friend hasn’t eaten before. Pet owners should change the dog food bit by little bit. Following the food change, the dog is fed the new food for many weeks.
When the dog’s condition improves and the symptoms will no longer 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 allergic reactions. More than time, a list is made of substances that the dog can endure or that cause allergic reactions in him. An eradication diet is something that pet owners can do themselves. On the other hand, it is highly recommended to talk to a professional or talk to the vet beforehand.
Consistent action is vital during an different diet. The dog should not be given chews, treats or leftovers during this time.
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 no more eat the allergy-causing substances. The selected family pet food must therefore not contain any substances that your dog cannot tolerate. The same applies to treats and everything dog snacks between meals.
If absolutely nothing changes, patience is called for: sometimes it needs a while until the symptoms of an intolerance or allergic reaction no longer occur. Sometimes they only disappear completely months after the change in food.
What is grain-free dog food?
Puppy food often contains grains. These include 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 results in obesity and sometimes to an issue with digestion. There is also grain-free dog food. Instead of feed, it contains alternative 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 ideal for more sensitive dogs. However , it is not necessarily essential 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 specifically easy to break down. Such as maize and rice, for example. Sometimes, however, it makes sense or is necessary to use a dog food without grain. This is especially true if your dog is allergic to food containing cereals.
In the event that you want to give your puppy 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 canines can’t tolerate. Several of them are even poisonous for dogs. These include, for example, onions, organic cabbage and organic pork. Onions can be fatal, according to the size of the onion and the dog. For a medium-sized dog, even a medium-sized onion can be extremely dangerous. When a dog consumes raw cabbage, it can get stomach cramps or unwanted gas. Raw pork could develop the Aujeszky virus, which causes fatal disease. Other foods and drinks that pet dogs must not eat include:
- Chocolates
- Raw potatoes
- Grapes
- Sultanas
- Fruits starts
- Raw pulses
- Macadamia nuts
- Bitter walnuts
- Raw ovum
- Some types of avocado
- Birch sugars and xylitol
- Cream and milk
- Caffeinated drinks, such as caffeine
- Alcohol
Furthermore, nicotine is dangerous for dogs. As a result, caution is recommended in rain messes, for example: Cigarette residues can be found in them. Ashtrays should always be placed in such a way that the 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 emergency service directly. At the same time, maintain the dog in a safe environment. However, despite all the concern for the dog’s life, the following applies: Stay calm and watch out for signs of poisoning. It might be necessary to take the dog to a veterinary clinic or drive it to the vet. Symptoms that can occur with poisoning include:
- Extreme salivation
- Excessive being thirsty
- Nausea
- Diarrhoea
- Cramps
- Uneasyness
- Shortness of breath
To prevent your dog from eating incompatible foods, dog owners should make sure that relatives and acquaintances do not feed them such foods. In addition, it is important to train the dog well so that it does not constantly eat anything off the side of the trail.
The best choice is the Burgess Supadog Mature dry dog food 12.5 kg.
Burgess Supadog Mature dry dog food 12.5 kg
- Burgess Supadog Mature is a tasty dry dog food for senior dogs ages 7 years and over.
- Suitable for all breeds.
- Made with ingredients to support digestive health.
- Biotin and zinc support skin and coat health.
Video about best dog food for mature dogs
FAQ – Frequently asked questions about dog food
Finally, we answer some important and frequently asked questions about dog food.
What should We look for in dog food for puppies?
Puppies require a different dog food than adult dogs. Once they are weaned from their mother, puppy food is on the menu. This is usually the truth after about 8 weeks. The components and ingredients of puppy dog food are specially designed for growing dogs. This is because a baby dog’s immune system, bone fragments, muscles, coat and teeth first have to develop.
With pup dog food, the focus is on nutrient intake. Above all, the puppy dog food must contain certain essential nutritional supplements. So that the puppy’s digestive tract is not overtaxed, the food for puppies also has a lower food volume than the dog food for adult quadrupeds. Found in the beginning, young dogs should be given small portions several times a day, which are then slowly increased.
When should I start using dog food for adult dogs?
This kind of will depend on the breed of dog: Small to medium breeds are considered 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 seniors?
For small canines, the change in diet should take place between 10 and 12 years of age. For medium-sized dogs, its about time at 8 to 9 years. Large bread of dogs are considered older at 7 to 8 years of age. In addition to age group, the dog’s express 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 food can become “sticky” and lose its taste and nutrients. At worst, mould can develop.
What is barfing?
The abbreviation BARF comes from the British 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 unprocessed food such as meat, offal and bones, supplemented with vegetables, fruit, herbal oils and carbohydrates for a balanced supply of nutrients. Meanwhile, chemical substance and freeze-dried BARF food and deep-frozen meat are available in the shops. Dog owners can add the other necessary components. Nevertheless , you should advise yourself well or seek advice from with experts.
What do I 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 canines in particular can quickly suffer from intestinal problems, a number of which may be considerable. An interval of one week is usually recommended for your dog to get used to the new food.
The change of food should proceed as employs: On day 1 and 2, replace about a 1 / 4 of the dog’s usual food with the new food. On the third and fourth day, replace half with the new food. On the fifth and sixth day, the proportion of the new dog food should be three quarters. On day 7, the conversion is complete.
In the event that the dog reacts sensitively and, for instance , gets diarrhoea in the first few days of the foodstuff 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 this instance, you should look for an option.
What should I do if my dog would not like dry food?
In that case it makes sense to soak the dry food. This has several advantages: Dogs often eat the dry food beyond hunger because it swells up in the stomach first. This makes it easier for them to become overweight and feel full. If the food has already swollen in water, it fills the dog up faster and is easier to process. In addition, the dogs absorb more liquid with drenched dry food.
How quickly do dogs break down dry food?
Canines usually need up to 14 hours to digest dry out food. The exact time depends, among other things, on the age and scale the dog and the quality of the food. A young dog usually has a faster metabolism than an old animal. The quantity of food is also important. Little portions are digested more quickly than large amounts. In addition, insoluble fibres remain in the stomach for a shorter time than soluble fibres. Low-fat food also leads to faster digestion. In addition , the more liquefied the foodstuff is, the shorter the digestion time. Wet food is digested within 6 to 8 hours in adult dogs.
Are creature tests carried out for dog food?
You will find quite a few manufacturers who carry out creature 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
When can I start feeding a puppy?
During the first weeks of its life, a puppy is federal reserve breast milk by its mother. Stable food is usually eaten by pups from the 3rd or 4th week of life. During this time, the mother continually nourish her puppies with breast milk in parallel. In order to accustom a puppy to dry food, it seems sensible to moisten or dilute it with some liquid – for example with pup milk. From the 6th to 7th week of life, the puppy is normally no more fed with mother’s dairy.
Experts recommend soaking dry puppy food with a liquid until the puppy is 5 or 6 months old. To get the puppy used to the harder food, mix in more and more non-soaked food pieces over time.
Making dog food yourself – will it sound right?
Making your own dog food takes more time and work than acquired food. However, it will have some advantages:
– In case you make the dog food yourself, you can decide for yourself which ingredients go into it.
– Dog owners may include the special needs of their four-legged friend in the planning and adapt the food to these and the dog’s taste.
– It is possible to make the food more varied for the dog.
If, for instance , the dog is overweight, has to take medication or is intolerant to various foods, it may be sensible or required to prepare the food yourself. Before preparing the food, you should study the different ingredients. The meals should be balanced and contain all the necessary nutrients. It is often advisable to talk to a vet in advance. Recipe ideas for dog food can be found on the web, for example.
Certain foods are unhealthy or toxic for canines. For example, onions and garlic should not be eaten by dogs.
What is hypoallergenic dog food?
Hypoallergenic dog food is especially well suited for dogs with allergic reactions. It is adapted to the needs of such a four-legged friend and can be easily broken down by your dog. There is hypoallergenic dried out food and hypoallergenic wet food on the market. That contains few or no substances that often cause allergic reactions in dogs. Accordingly, a hypoallergenic food reduces the risk that the dog will not tolerate it and that allergic reactions will occur.
Usually there is just one supply of necessary protein in such a product. This is usually an unique meat, such as kangaroo or water buffalo. Normally, the protein source used very rarely causes an intolerance. Nevertheless, it cannot be ruled out that even hypoallergenic dog food can business lead to allergy symptoms. This kind of happens when there exists a substance in the meals 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 sensitive gastrointestinal system. For these dogs, such a product can provide prevention of digestive problems.
