Only the best for the dog – according to this saying, many dog owners lovingly care for their pets. The four-legged friends need attention and occupation, but especially, of course, food. The food is crucial to ensure that the dog is supplied with all the important nutrition 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. Different questions arise: What nutritional requirements will the dog have and in what quantity? Which food is appropriate from which age? Is dry or moist food the right choice for your four-legged friend? And just how much should the dog be given? What may cause deficiency symptoms?
Inside the following best dog food for my german shepherd, we present 10 products. We provide information about which ingredients the foods contain and for which dogs the products are suitable. Inside our guide, we describe the types of dog food, go into some of the ingredients and make clear how much food your 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 my german shepherd:
- The adventures with my german shepherd dog: dog owner | dogs | notebook | pet... — £6.62
- My german shepherd dog and me...: dog owner | dogs | notebook | pet | diary |... — £6.62
- I Love My German Shepherd Dog: For the Pet You Love, Track Vet, Health,... — £7.44
- I Just Want To Drink Beer And Hang With My German Shepherd: Cute German... — £8.23
- JUST LOVE MY GERMAN SHEPHERD: BLANK LINED DOG JOURNAL. Keep Track of Your...
- I Just Want To Drink Beer & Hang With My German Shepherd: Daily Food Journal — £6.97
- I Would Push You In Front Of Zombies To Save My German Shepherd: Daily Food...
- I Love My German Shepherd: Daily Food Journal — £6.97
- Nutrition Tracker - I Like Coffee My GSD And Maybe 3 People German Shepherd... — £5.15
- Nutrition Tracker - I Like My German Shepherd And Maybe Like 3 People Dog... — £5.13
After hours researching and comparing all models on the market, Life my Dog finds out the Best dog food for my german shepherd of 2024. We would recommend using I Love My German Shepherd Dog: For the Pet You Love, Track Vet, Health, Medical, Vaccinations and More in this Book as it is one of the best products currently available in market.
Top 10 Best dog food for my german shepherd
Best dog food for my german shepherd
I Love My German Shepherd Dog: For the Pet You Love, Track Vet, Health, Medical, Vaccinations and More in this Book
Features
| Is Adult Product | |
| Release Date | 2019-06-18T00:00:01Z |
| Language | English |
| Number Of Pages | 120 |
| Publication Date | 2019-06-18T00:00:01Z |
The adventures with my german shepherd dog: dog owner | dogs | notebook | pet | diary | animal | book | draw | gift | e.g. dog food planner | ruled pages + photo collage | 6 x 9 inch
Features
| Is Adult Product | |
| Release Date | 2020-01-30T00:00:01Z |
| Language | English |
| Number Of Pages | 110 |
| Publication Date | 2020-01-30T00:00:01Z |
Nutrition Tracker - I Like My German Shepherd And Maybe Like 3 People Dog Lover Graphic: Nutrition and Food Tracker and Journal - Daily Log Book for ... Calories, Carbs and Fat,High Performance
Features
| Is Adult Product | |
| Release Date | 2021-10-09T00:00:01Z |
| Language | English |
| Number Of Pages | 110 |
| Publication Date | 2021-10-09T00:00:01Z |
Nutrition Tracker - I Like Coffee My GSD And Maybe 3 People German Shepherd Dog Nice: Nutrition and Food Tracker and Journal - Daily Log Book for ... Calories, Carbs and Fat,High Performance
Features
| Is Adult Product | |
| Release Date | 2021-11-09T00:00:01Z |
| Language | English |
| Number Of Pages | 110 |
| Publication Date | 2021-11-09T00:00:01Z |
My german shepherd dog and me...: dog owner | dogs | notebook | pet | diary | animal | book | draw | gift | e.g. dog food planner | ruled pages + photo collage | 6 x 9 inch
Features
| Is Adult Product | |
| Release Date | 2020-01-30T00:00:01Z |
| Language | English |
| Number Of Pages | 110 |
| Publication Date | 2020-01-30T00:00:01Z |
I Love My German Shepherd: Daily Food Journal
Features
| Is Adult Product | |
| Release Date | 2020-02-27T00:00:01Z |
| Language | English |
| Number Of Pages | 183 |
| Publication Date | 2020-02-27T00:00:01Z |
I Would Push You In Front Of Zombies To Save My German Shepherd: Daily Food Journal
Features
| Is Adult Product | |
| Release Date | 2020-02-27T00:00:01Z |
| Language | English |
| Number Of Pages | 183 |
| Publication Date | 2020-02-27T00:00:01Z |
I Just Want To Drink Beer & Hang With My German Shepherd: Daily Food Journal
Features
| Is Adult Product | |
| Release Date | 2020-02-27T00:00:01Z |
| Language | English |
| Number Of Pages | 183 |
| Publication Date | 2020-02-27T00:00:01Z |
JUST LOVE MY GERMAN SHEPHERD: BLANK LINED DOG JOURNAL. Keep Track of Your Dog's Life: Record Veterinarians Visits, Track Food, Vaccinations, Health, Medical... CREATIVE GIFT.
Features
| Is Adult Product | |
| Release Date | 2019-08-28T00:00:01Z |
| Language | English |
| Number Of Pages | 122 |
| Publication Date | 2019-08-28T00:00:01Z |
I Just Want To Drink Beer And Hang With My German Shepherd: Cute German Shepherd Dog Owner Calendar Monthly Planner Notebook - Inspirational Journal ... 8.5 x 11 Inch -120 Pages Of Cream Paper
Features
| Is Adult Product | |
| Release Date | 2019-08-02T00:00:01Z |
| Language | English |
| Number Of Pages | 120 |
| Publication Date | 2019-08-02T00:00:01Z |
The particular best for the dog – relating to this saying, many dog owners lovingly care for their pets. The four-legged friends need attention and occupation, but above all, of course, food. The food is crucial to ensure that the dog comes with all the important nutrition 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. Similar to humans, it is also important to consider a balanced diet. In addition, the multitude of offers in the trade can cause confusion. Various questions arise: What nutritional requirements does the dog have and in what quantity? Which food is appropriate from which age? Is dry or wet food the right choice for your four-legged friend? And just how much should the dog be fed? What causes deficiency symptoms?
In the following dog food comparison, we present 14 products. We provide information about which ingredients the foods contain and for which dogs the products are suitable. Within our guide, we describe the types of dog food, go into some of the constituents and clarify 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 easily
Merely as every person has their own health needs, every dog’s preferences are different. The choice of food that moves 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 carbohydrates, fats, oils, healthy proteins and minerals. His dog food should be balanced. Older dogs have a slow metabolism and are no much longer as active. Therefore, they require less energy, i. e. calorie consumption. Yet , the dog food should be easy to break down and include a great deal of proteins. In addition, the types of food vary in words of composition, way of production and consistency.
Formula – complete or complementary food?
A complete feed contains all the nutrients the dog needs every day. The portion of proteins, fatty acids, minerals and vitamins is different with respect to 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 wet food. Supplementary foods are not sufficient in themselves to provide the dog with all the important 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 supermarkets usually comes from industrial production. This kind of is the most typical kind 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 business dog food use genetically revised raw materials and additives.
Industrially produced dog food has a long rack life. By exceptions, this dog food can be stored unopened for many years with no loss of quality.
– Natural dog food only uses raw materials that come from grow, animal or other natural sources – unaltered or highly processed. The food should not contain any chemically synthesised additives. Yet , certain synthetic vitamins and minerals are permitted. In phrases of packaging, there is often extremely little difference compared to industrial food: natural dog food is packaged in cans or as dry food.
– Organic and natural dog food must comply with harsher guidelines regarding ingredients. For example, the product should not contain numerous substances such as genetically modified ingredients, hormones and pesticides. You will discover differences between the various natural dog foods: “100 per cent organic” means that no undesirable ingredients have been prepared. With all the claim “organic”, the constituents in the natural food are 95 per penny organic. If this states “made with organic”, the product includes 70 per dollar organic and natural ingredients. Organic food is available as dry and wet food.
– Meanwhile, vegan and vegetarian dog food is available too on the market. This dog food would not contain meat and still provides the dog with the important nutrients. However , vegan and vegan dog food contains a lot of fruit and vegetables and grains, which can cause problems if the dog is intolerant.
– An exclusive form of dog food is BARF. The abbreviation means “biologically species-appropriate natural feeding”. This species-appropriate method of nourishing raw food is based on the dog’s ancestor – the wolf. When ever barfing, the dog is fed natural fresh meat, often combined with raw, pureed fruit or fruit and vegetables. Whether this method is actually more healthy is debatable. Considering that the meals are put together individually, barfing is far more ideal for experienced pet owners who have studied this diet of their four-legged friends in detail.
There are manufacturers who advertise that their dog food is of food quality. This is an assertion that needs to be treated with caution. There is no such thing as food-grade pet 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 a much better smell and taste. Some dog fans also avoid dog or cat food/dog food from factory farming.
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 made by first drying the raw materials and then grinding and mixing them. A tool presses this mass through the opportunities of a drum wall. Shaped and compacted chunks of feed come away the other aspect. Throughout the dog food production process, temperatures of about 90 degrees Celsius are generated, which obviously contradicts the definition of cold hitting. However , temperatures are still significantly lower than those employed 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 must be artificially added to the food after processing. During processing, the dough-like extruded feed is communicated through nozzles at high pressure. Nourish produced in this way swells substantially when liquid is added.
Both methods have advantages and disadvantages: Because the nutrients have not yet been busted down, a dog can digest the cold-pressed food obviously, slowly and gradually. In addition, the food includes more natural elements. If the four-legged friend has problems with the gastrointestinal area 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. However, the manufacturing process is just a secondary factor in determining the tolerability and quality of the meals. The most important thing is the quality of the recycleables.
Which is better – damp food or dried out food?
There is moist and dry dog food on the market. The two types of dog food differ in their water content.
Dry food contains hardly any water and therefore has a longer shelf life – often several years. Dogs that are fed dry food have to munch more and thus train their teeth. Eating dry food is practically 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 given only dry food. Therefore, it is important to provide the dog with enough water. The advantages and disadvantages of dry food at a glance:
Pros
- Long shelf life
- More affordable than wet food
- Easier to feed on the go
- Easy to store
- Almost germ-free due to heat during production
- Even more green than processed food
Cons
- Often less acceptable to your dog
- The dog’s body is deprived of water, so it has to drink more.
- Can lead to overweight more quickly if it is not a food items for deiting
- Risk of mould or mite formation if stored incorrectly
Wet dog food has a high water content. The wet food is usually portioned in tins or small bowls. Often one package of wet food corresponds to one meal. A large number of dogs like moist food much better than dry food. In contrast to dry food, wet food for puppies – once exposed – can only be kept for a few days and nights. It ought to be used up within 2 days and nights of opening. Below we have summarised the advantages and disadvantages of wet food:
Pros
- High popularity by most four-legged friends
- Packed in helpful portions
- Mainly because of the high water content in wet food, the dog 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
- More difficult to transport and feed on the move
- Wet food smells more powerful
- Costs more than dry food
- Generates more waste
That is not possible to make a general statement about which type of dog food is ideal for your dog. Your canine ultimately makes a decision which dog food it likes and which variety it prefers. To find out which type of dog food your pet likes better and which he tolerates better, you should try away both types.
A few 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 can lead to overfeeding of the dog.
How much meats and how many sugars and nutrients fit in in dog food?
The standard of the dog food plays a major role in a balanced and proper diet. It is important that the dog food contains healthy ingredients and nutrients – irrespective of whether it is wet food or dry food. The proper composition of your dog food is also crucial for good digestion and the health of the four-legged good friend.
Simply how much meat should the food contain?
Dogs are originated from wolves – that is why their digestive tract is similar to those of predators. So to start with, the resource of meat is important. Yet , this is not the only thing that matters. Unlike the wolf, the dog was domesticated by humans, as well as needs and genetics have changed. This also applies to digestion. For example, the dog’s digestive enzyme are now able to break down starch, meaning that the four-legged friend can also digest herb food in smaller quantities.
First and foremost, 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. As a result, senior dogs have a lower protein requirement because they are no longer as active as young or adult animals. In general, experts say that dog food should contain between 50 and 70 pct meat. But other ingredients are important too. If dog owners feed only various meats for their four-legged friends, this could lead to an issue with digestion, stress on the kidneys and liver due to excess protein and deficiency symptoms.
Vitamins, minerals and sugars in dog food?
A well-balanced dog diet also contains nutrients that are not seen in meat – for instance , vitamins and mineral deposits found in fruits and veggies, or fatty acids from healthy oils. The four-legged good friend also needs sugars. Wolves, for example, eat the belly and intestinal material of prey pets or animals, now and then also berries and grass.
Dogs convert starch from grain, potatoes and cereals into energy and want 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 straw tend to be added to the feed. Superior quality carbohydrates are normally 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 meals should contain these chemicals only less often. How much should be in the dog food will depend on how much the pet moves. Lamb and poultry fat are saturated fatty acids. They may be stored in the body as emergency ration and are meant as a hold for bad times. Meat and veg oil contain saturated omega-6 fatty stomach acids and unsaturated oily acids. Omega-3 herbal oils, which are seen in fish, are extremely valuable for cell metabolism.
What should take the dog food? Dog food should include 50 to 70 pct lean meat or muscle meat or fish with high-quality proteins. In addition, there ought to be about 20 to 50 pct high-quality carbohydrates for energy production and fruit, vegetables or herbs for the necessary minerals and vitamins. The proportion of offal should be a more 10 percent. Offal provides valuable nutrients such as biotin or iron. Great quality oils such as salmon essential oil or linseed oil based improve nutrient ingestion and ensure a functioning cardiovascular system, a shiny layer and healthy skin area.
How do i recognise high-quality dog food?
Puppy food sold in UK must be labelled with certain mandatory information. These types of include:
– Talk about and name of the manufacturer
– Date of produce or best-before date of the dog food
– Identity of the food
– 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 raw materials, however, not their percentage. The start declaration gives the composition in pct 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 materials into individual groups. The reason for this is that the large total quantity appears smaller. For example, maize becomes maize starch, maize feed meal, maize flour, maize gluten or source. The cereal components provide carbohydrates and saturate well, but really should not be included in too large quantities.
2. The substances in the supply are listed in descending order relating to their volume. The further forward an ingredient is listed on the label, the higher its proportion. Conversely, what this means is: Only a little 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 veggie content between 25 and 50 percent
– Balanced substances with all the necessary vitamins and minerals
– Zero 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 nutrition in a dog food is listed under the term “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 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, dried meats, rumen or chaps. Animal by-products include, for example , hair, bones, hooves, blood or beaks.
2. Seafood as well as its by-products include fish fillets, our bones and fish minds.
3. Plant by-products include, for example, vegetables, cereals and pulses and oil fruits. They can be partly health- and digestion-promoting food components.
4. Technological additives are preservatives, separating and binding agents, stabilisers, thickening and gelling agents and acid regulators. A few of these are important. These include, for example , emulsifiers and natural antioxidants. Emulsifiers ensure an uniform consistency 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 good friend. They should be within the right composition, 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 intestinal tract flora or digestive enzymes.
7. Sensory additives are used to influence the appearance and taste of your canine food. That they include flavourings and colourings.
Overweight dogs suffer! Obesity is an increasing problem in dogs with serious health consequences. This can lead to diseases of bodily organs, puts stress on bones, joints and the cardiovascular system, and promotes irritation. It may also shorten the life expectancy of the animal. Frequently , too much food is the reason for overweight. Yet age, sex and breed also may play a role. Especially Cocker Spaniels, Labrador Retrievers and King Charles often become overweight. Sometimes 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 uses, he can become overweight. Therefore, it is very important to give canines the right amount of food. How much pet food a dog needs is determined by 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 from fat and has a slower metabolism. Accordingly, he needs less food.
Age: More youthful dogs remain growing and in many cases are more curious and lively. They usually have a higher energy requirement than old dogs. It really is advisable to reduce the quantity of food a little each year. For older dogs, there are senior foods that are lower in 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: Several diseases influence a dog’s food or energy requirements. These include cardiovascular problems, thyroid disease, osteo-arthritis and diabetes. When dogs are coping with illness, they need more pet food.
Hormone balance: A dog’s hormone levels can surge or fall, changing energy needs. For instance , dogs have different energy needs when they are conceived or change their coat.
To find out just how much food is right for your dog, look at the calorie content of the dog food. A higher calorie content means a lesser amount of food is needed. Additionally, pet owners can use the subsequent rules of thumb as a guide:
– The daily amount of food for an adult and healthy dog with a regular activity level should be about 2 to 3 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 moves a lot or is recovering from 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 % 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.
How can I recognize a food allergic reaction?
The most frequent allergies in dogs are flea allergy and food allergy. Possible causes of an allergy are, for example , stress, parasitic organisms and pollen. In addition, the protein-containing substances in a feed can trigger allergic reactions. What a dog might be allergic to include, for instance , soy, animal proteins from poultry, pork or beef, and grains.
What is the difference between an allergy and an intolerance?
– An allergy is a hypersensitivity response by the dog’s immune system. It reacts strongly against a certain substance. A real food allergy or intolerance rarely occurs in dogs. Mostly it is an intolerance. This is not triggered by the immune system.
– Likely indications of allergies and intolerances
– Possible symptoms of a food allergy or food intolerance include irritation, vomiting, abs pain, flatulence, diarrhoea, lack of fur, redness and frequent scratching.
– Symptoms might not exactly show up right after feeding the food. Sometimes they only appear a few hours or days later.
On the other hand, the symptoms do certainly not have to indicate an allergy or intolerance. They can even be caused by another disease. If your dog has these symptoms, you ought to have the cause cleared up by a vet. The vet can also determine an allergy or intolerance or an intolerance, for instance , through an allergy test. Additionally, it is possible to carry out an different diet. However, this involves a fine deal of effort.
What is an exemption diet?
In an exclusion diet, the owner feeds the four-legged friend only one special source of protein and carbohydrates. These sources must be ingredients that the four-legged good friend hasn’t eaten before. Pet owners should change the dog food bit by little bit. After the food change, the dog is fed the new food for a number of weeks.
When the dog’s condition enhances and the symptoms no longer occur, a provocation test is carried out. 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 dog owners can do themselves. Nevertheless, it is highly recommended to check with a professional or speak to the vet ahead of time.
Consistent action is crucial during an different diet. The dog should not be given chews, treats or outstanding during this time period.
What should I do if my dog has an allergy?
If it turns out that your four-legged good friend has a food allergy or food intolerance, the dog should no longer eat the allergy-causing chemicals. The selected 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 nothing changes, patience is called for: sometimes it takes a little while until the symptoms of an intolerance or allergic reaction no longer occur. Sometimes they only disappear completely months after the change in food.
Precisely what is grain-free dog food?
Puppy food often contains grains. Such as wheat, barley and rye, for example. Grain have an important function: they are a source of carbohydrates and energy. However, too much of it causes obesity and sometimes to an issue with digestion. There is also grain-free dog food. Instead of grain, it contains alternative ingredients such as potatoes and dried beans, which also provide carbohydrates to the dog.
Grain-free dog food usually makes digestion easier and it is also ideal for more sensitive dogs. Nevertheless , it is not necessarily essential to use a grain-free dog food. Dogs are omnivores and are able to process vegetable protein. A few types of materials are also particularly 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 feed. This is especially true if your dog is allergic to food containing cereals.
In the event you want to give your pet a dog food with grain, you should make sure that the grain content is not too high 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 even poisonous for canines. These include, for example, onions, raw cabbage and organic pork. Onions can be fatal, with respect to 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 feeds on raw cabbage, it can get belly cramps or unwanted gas. Raw pork could contain the Aujeszky virus, which causes fatal condition. Other foods and drinks that pups should never eat include:
- Delicious chocolate
- Raw carrots
- Grapes
- Sultanas
- Fruits pits
- Raw pulses
- Macadamia nuts
- Bitter almonds
- Raw eggs
- Some types of avocado
- Birch sugars 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 always be placed in such a way that your canine cannot reach them.
If a dog has eaten food that is dangerous for it, you should contact the doctor and also the veterinary emergency service directly. At the same time, keep 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 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 thirst
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Cramps
- Uneasyness
- Shortness of breath
To prevent your canine from eating incompatible foods, dog owners should make sure that family and acquaintances do not feed them such foods. Found in addition, it is important to train the dog well so that it does not constantly eat anything from the side of the street.
The best choice is the I Love My German Shepherd Dog: For the Pet You Love, Track Vet, Health, Medical, Vaccinations and More in this Book.
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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 We look for in dog food for puppies?
Puppies have to have a different dog food than adult puppies. Once they are weaned from their mother, puppy food is on the menu. This is usually the situation after about 8 weeks. The components and elements of puppy dog food are specially designed for growing puppies. This is because a baby dog’s immune system, bone tissues, muscles, coat and teeth first have to develop.
With pup dog food, the focus is on nutrient intake. Over all, the puppy dog food must contain certain essential minerals and vitamins. 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. In the beginning, young dogs should be given small portions a couple of times a day, which are then gradually increased.
When should I start using dog food for adult dogs?
This is determined by the breed of dog: Up-and-coming small to medium breeds are considered adults 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 change in 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 group, the dog’s express of health is also an important criterion. It is highly recommended to discuss the change of food with the vet.
What is the best way to store dry food?
The dry food should be retained 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 flavor and nutrients. In the worst case, mould can develop.
Precisely what is barfing?
The abbreviation BARF comes from the English and means Born-Again Raw Feeder. The UK term means “biologically species-appropriate natural feeding”. The species-appropriate diet is dependent 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, natural 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 inform yourself well or talk to 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 digestive problems, a number of which is often 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 3rd and fourth day, replace half with the new food. On 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 the dog acts sensitively and, for instance , gets diarrhoea in the first few days of the foodstuff change, you should extend the version phase and increase the addition of the new food only minimally. If your dog does not tolerate the new food at all, it is obviously not well suited for him. In this instance, you should look for an alternate.
What should I do if my dog will not like dry food?
Then 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 so they can become overweight and feel full. In case the food has already inflamed in water, it fills the dog up faster and is simpler to digest. In addition, the dogs absorb more liquid with soaked dry food.
How fast 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 size of the dog and the caliber of the food. A young dog usually has a faster metabolism than an more mature animal. The quantity of food is important too. Small portions are broken down more quickly than large amounts. In addition, insoluble muscles remain in the stomach for a shorter time than soluble fibres. Low-fat food also results in faster digestion. In addition , the more liquefied the meals is, the shortest the digestion time. Wet food is digested within 6 to 8 hours in mature dogs.
Are animal tests carried out for dog food?
There are quite a few manufacturers who carry out animal experiments to test the effects and tolerance of their newly developed types of food. PETA’s website publishes a listing 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 nourishing a puppy?
During the first weeks of its life, a puppy is given breast milk by its mother. Stable food is usually eaten by young puppies from the 3rd or 4th week of life. During this time period, the mother continues to feed her puppies with breast milk in parallel. To be able to accustom a puppy to dry food, it feels right to moisten or dilute it which includes liquid – for example with puppy dog milk. From the 6th to 7th week of life, the puppy is normally no longer fed with mother’s milk.
Experts recommend soaking dry puppy food with a solution until the pup 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?
Making 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 determine for yourself which ingredients go into it.
– Puppy owners range from the special needs of their four-legged good friend in the preparation and adapt the food to these and the dog’s flavor.
– 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 might be sensible or required to prepare the food yourself. Before organizing the meals, you should study the various ingredients. The meals should be balanced and contain all the necessary nutrients. It is sometimes a good idea to talk to a vet ahead of time. Recipe ideas for dog food can be found on the Internet, for example.
Some foods are unhealthy or toxic for puppies. For example, onions and garlic should not be eaten by dogs.
What is hypoallergenic dog food?
Hypoallergenic dog food is especially suited to dogs with allergy symptoms. It really is adapted to the needs of such a four-legged friend and can be easily digested by your canine. Right now there is hypoallergenic dry food and allergies wet food on the market. It 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 merely one supply of protein in such a product. This is usually an exotic meat, such as kangaroo or normal water buffalo. Normally, the protein source used very rarely causes an intolerance. Even so, it cannot be ruled out that even hypoallergenic dog food can lead to allergic reactions. This kind of happens when there is a substance in the food that the four-legged friend cannot put up with.
In addition to dogs with allergic reactions, hypoallergenic food is ideal for four-legged friends with a delicate gastrointestinal system. For these dogs, such a product can offer protection against digestive problems.
