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 profession, but especially, 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 simple to find the right food for your own dog. Similar to 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 what quantity? Which in turn food is appropriate from which age? Is definitely dry or wet food the right choice for your four-legged friend? And how much should the dog be given? What causes deficiency symptoms?
Inside the following best dog food for obese dogs, we present 10 products. We offer 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 make clear how much food a puppy 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 obese dogs:
- PRO PLAN VETERINARY DIETS Canine OM Obesity Management Dry Dog Food 3kg — £27.29
- Hills Prescription Diet Dog Weight + Food Croquet Joint Health for Dog... — £46.88
- Arden Grange Adult Dry Dog Food Chicken and Rice, 12 kg — £47.99
- Arden Grange Senior Dry Dog Food with Fresh Chicken and Rice, 12 kg — £50.98
- Arden Grange Adult Dry Dog Food Light with Fresh Chicken and Rice, 12 kg — £50.99
- Arden Grange Adult Large Breed Dry Dog Food with Fresh Chicken and Rice, 12 kg — £50.99
- Arden Grange Adult Dry Dog Food with Fresh Lamb and Rice, 12 kg — £52.99
- Arden Grange Sensitive Light/Senior Dry Dog Food, Fish, 12 kg — £65.00
- PRO PLAN VETERINARY DIETS OM Obesity Management Dry Dog Food 12 kg — £66.38
- ROYAL CANIN Veterinary Diet Dog Food Satiety Support 12kg — £73.72
After hours researching and comparing all models on the market, Life my Dog finds out the Best dog food for obese dogs of 2024. We would recommend using PRO PLAN VETERINARY DIETS OM Obesity Management Dry Dog Food 12 kg as it is a hight quality product.
Top 10 Best dog food for obese dogs
Best dog food for obese dogs
PRO PLAN VETERINARY DIETS OM Obesity Management Dry Dog Food 12 kg
Features
- High protein to help promote loss of fat while maintaining lean muscle mass*; *Dry Formula
- Low calorie to help reduce quantity of calories consumed
- Glucose control. Low glycaemic index carbohydrate sources to help nutritionally manage diabetes mellitus*; *Dry Formula
- *Dry Formula
Arden Grange Adult Dry Dog Food Light with Fresh Chicken and Rice, 12 kg
Features
- A complete, super premium pet food for adult dogs that are overweight or prone to weight gain
- Lower in calories and fat than our standard adult diets with the addition of L-carnitine may help to increase the conversion of fat to energy and maintain lean body mass
- Free from artificial colours, flavours and preservatives; Containing a unique blend of nutrients and natural supplements to help promote the optimum health, vitality and condition of your pet
- Including, prebiotics to aid digestion, joint supplements, essential fatty acids to promote a healthy skin and coat, cranberries for urinary tract health, powerful natural antioxidants plus added vitamins and minerals to help support immune system and dental health
- Naturally hypoallergenic so you won't find any wheat gluten, beef, soya or dairy products in our recipes; This may reduce the risk of dietary intolerances and allergies that cause digestive disorders and skin complaints
Arden Grange Senior Dry Dog Food with Fresh Chicken and Rice, 12 kg
Features
- A complete, super premium pet food for older dogs
- Containing significantly higher levels of joint supplements than our standard diets to help keep our seniors more mobile into their golden years; Also lower in fat to help prevent weight gain in less active dogs
- Free from artificial colours, flavours and preservatives
- Containing a unique blend of nutrients and natural supplements to help promote the optimum health, vitality and condition of your pet; Including, prebiotics to aid digestion, joint supplements, essential fatty acids to promote a healthy skin and coat, cranberries for urinary tract health, powerful natural antioxidants plus added vitamins and minerals to help support immune system and dental health
- Naturally hypoallergenic so you won't find any wheat gluten, beef, soya or dairy products in our recipes; This may reduce the risk of dietary intolerances and allergies that cause digestive disorders and skin complaints
Arden Grange Adult Large Breed Dry Dog Food with Fresh Chicken and Rice, 12 kg
Features
- A complete, super premium pet food for large breed adult dogs; Benefiting from a larger kibble size for a bigger bite and increased levels of glucosamine, chondroitin and MSM which may help maintain supple, strong joints and cartilage which is so important in large and giant breeds
- Free from artificial colours, flavours and preservatives; Containing a unique blend of nutrients and natural supplements to help promote the optimum health, vitality and condition of your dog
- Including prebiotics to aid digestion, joint supplements, essential fatty acids to promote a healthy skin and coat, cranberries for urinary tract health, antioxidants and added vitamins and minerals to help support immune system and dental health
- Naturally hypoallergenic so you won't find any wheat gluten, beef soya or dairy products; This may reduce the risk of dietary intolerances and allergies that can cause digestive disorders and skin complaints
- Large kibble size
Arden Grange Adult Dry Dog Food with Fresh Lamb and Rice, 12 kg
Features
- A complete, super premium pet food for normally active dogs; Containing meadow reared lamb as the primary ingredient which is great for dogs requiring a delicious and digestible alternative to chicken
- Free from artificial colours, flavors and preservatives; Containing a unique blend of nutrients and natural supplements to help promote the optimum health, vitality and condition of your dog
- Including prebiotics to aid digestion; joint supplements; essential fatty acids to promote a healthy skin and coat; cranberries for urinary tract health, antioxidant and added vitamins and minerals to help support immune system and dental health
- A naturally hypoallergenic product - free from wheat gluten, beef, soya or dairy products; This may reduce the risk of dietary intolerances and allergies that can cause digestive disorders and skin complaints
PRO PLAN VETERINARY DIETS Canine OM Obesity Management Dry Dog Food 3kg
Features
- High protein to help promote loss of body fat while maintaining lean muscles during weight loss
- Low calorie: reduced levels of fat to help reduce the number of calories consumed
- Glucose control: high in complex carbohydrates and fibre to help even out blood sugar levels throughout the day, reducing hunger pangs and helping dog feel fuller for longer
- Ensure one's dog gets all the nutrients they need and help them to feel full whilst reducing their calorie intake
Arden Grange Sensitive Light/Senior Dry Dog Food, Fish, 12 kg
Features
- A complete, super premium pet food for older or overweight dogs with particulary sensitive skin or digestion; This gentle recipe excludes grains and cereals and contains ocean white fish which is naturally high in omeaga-3 essential fatty acids
- This recipe is lower in calories and benefits from significantly higher levels of joint supplements compared to our adult maintenance diets, helping keep dogs mobile into their senior years
- Free from artificial colours, flavours and preservatives; Containing a unique blend of nutrients and natural supplements to help promote the optimum health, vitality and condition of your dog
- Including prebiotics to aid digestion, joint supplements, essential fatty acids to promote a healthy skin and coat, cranberries for urinary tract health, antioxidants and added vitamins and minerals to help support immune system and dental health
- Naturally hypoallergenic so you won't find any wheat gluten, beef soya or dairy products; This may reduce the risk of dietary intolerances and allergies that can cause digestive disorders and skin complaints
Arden Grange Adult Dry Dog Food Chicken and Rice, 12 kg
Features
- A complete, super premium pet food for normally active adult dogs; Containing fresh chicken which is a highly digestible protein source
- Free from artificial colours, flavours and preservatives; Containing a unique blend of nutrients and natural supplements to help promote the optimum health, vitality and condition of your dog
- Including prebiotics to aid digestion, joint supplements, essential fatty acids to promote a healthy skin and coat, cranberries for urinary tract health, antioxidants and added vitamins and minerals to help support immune system and dental health
- Naturally hypoallergenic so you won't find any wheat gluten, beef soya or dairy products
- This may reduce the risk of dietary intolerances and allergies that can cause digestive disorders and skin complaints
Hills Prescription Diet Dog Weight + Food Croquet Joint Health for Dog Chicken 4 kg
Features
- Croquettes for dogs that combine overweight problems and osteoarthritis problems.
- Hill's Prescription Diet Canine Metabolic + Mobility is a specially formulated food for supporting joint metabolism in the event of osteoarthritis, overweight/obese adult dogs and weight maintenance after damping. Properties: - Support for joint metabolism in the case of osteoarthritis in the adult dog; whitening of overweight and obese dogs; weight maintenance after damping.
- JOINT HEALTH - Clinically proven nutrition to improve dogs' ability to run, walk and jump in just 21 days. - Helps stop the osteoarthritis cycle and represents an alternative to Glucosamine & Chondroitin Sulfate supplementation. - Using EPA to preserve cartilage health in dogs illustrates Hill's leading role in state-of-the-art fatty acid technology. - Fresh Pack System protects fatty acids and maintains quality. Weight Management - Clinically proven nutrition to reduce body weight by 13% in 60 days. * - 88% of animals fed with this food lost weight in two months at home. * - Metabolic + Mobility nutrition is clinically proven to act regardless of the dog's energy expenditure profile, activating its inherent natural ability to burn excess fat and change its calorie consumption. - Clinically proven nutrition to prevent weight recovery as a result of a slimming program. * - As soon as the ideal weight is achieved, the recommended amounts of food should be adjusted to maintain the shape weight. Safe for long term power supply.
- A diet in line with its physiological needs is the essential condition of your pet's health. A prescription food is intended to meet a precise therapeutic objective that can only be defined by a veterinarian after examination of the animal.
ROYAL CANIN Veterinary Diet Dog Food Satiety Support 12kg
Features
- Pet food for Dogs
- Dry food
- Recommended for Dogs above 12 months
- Supports bone and joint health
The particular best for the dog – relating to this motto, many dog owners lovingly care for their pets. The four-legged friends need attention and profession, 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 simple 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 range of offers in the trade can cause confusion. Different questions arise: What nutritional requirements will the dog have in addition to what quantity? Which usually food is ideal where 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?
In the following dog food comparison, we present 14 products. We offer 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 clarify how much food a puppy needs. In addition, you will learn which foods dogs cannot tolerate and just how you can recognise a food allergy.
The different types of dog food easily
Merely as every person has their own nutritional needs, every dog’s preferences are different. The choice of food that will go into the dog’s bowl should be made according to various factors. These include the breed, activity and health of the dog. Grow older also plays a role.
Puppies are growing and need special nutrients. In addition, their digestive tract is not yet as efficient. An adult dog needs carbs, fats, oils, protein and minerals. His dog food should be balanced. Older dogs have a slow metabolism and are no longer as active. As a result, they require less energy, i. e. calories from fat. Nevertheless , the dog food should be easy to break down and include a lot of proteins. In addition, the types of food fluctuate in words of composition, method of development and consistency.
Structure – complete or complementary food?
A complete feed consists of all the nutrition the dog needs on a daily basis. The percentage of proteins, fatty acids, vitamins and minerals differs based on the product. The ingredients should be adapted to the age, activity and possible allergies of the four-legged friend. A complete food can be dry or wet food. Supplementary meals are not sufficient per to provide the dog with all the vital nutrients. These can be flakes that the dog owner combines 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 grocery stores usually comes from commercial production. This kind of is the most common type of dog food. Industrially produced wet food is often completed cans or small aluminium trays. Together with the latter, one bowl is sufficient for one portion. However, some manufacturers of business dog food use genetically altered raw materials and additives.
Industrially produced dog food has a long corner life. With a few 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 grow, animal or other natural sources – unaltered or processed. The food should not contain any chemically synthesised additives. Yet , certain synthetic nutritional supplements are permitted. In phrases of packaging, there is often hardly any difference compared to industrial food: natural dog food is packaged in cups or as dry out food.
– Organic dog food must comply with stricter guidelines regarding ingredients. For example, the product should never contain numerous substances such as genetically modified ingredients, hormones and pesticides. There are differences between the various organic and natural dog foods: “100 per cent organic” means that no undesirable substances have been processed. 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 natural ingredients. Organic and natural 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. Yet , vegetarian and vegan dog food contains a lot of fresh vegetables and grains, which can cause problems if the dog is intolerant.
– A unique form of dog food is BARF. The abbreviation means “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 along with raw, pureed fruit or vegetables. Whether this method is actually much healthier is debatable. Because the meals are assembled individually, barfing much more ideal for experienced pet 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 an assertion 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 types of are supposed to supply the food the smell and flavor. Some dog enthusiasts 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 created by first drying the uncooked 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 away the other aspect. Throughout the dog food production process, temps of about 90 degrees Celsius are generated, which obviously contradicts the definition of cold pressing. However , temperatures are still significantly lower than those employed in extrusion.
2. In the extrusion process, the ingredients for your dog food are exposed to great heat. Many nutrients are lost during this manufacturing process. These types of need to be artificially added to the food after processing. During digesting, 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 contains more natural elements. In case the four-legged friend has problems with the gastrointestinal system and a disrupted 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 meals. The most important thing is the quality of the recycleables.
Which is better – moist food or dry out food?
There is certainly moist and dry dog food on the market. The two types of dog food differ in their water content.
Dry food consists of 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. Ingesting dry food is nearly like brushing your dog’s teeth. For dogs that drink little, feeding dry out food can be a disadvantage. They can become dehydrated if they are provided 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
- Less costly than cast food
- Easier to feed on the go
- Easy to store
- Almost germ-free due to heat during production
- More environmentally friendly than processed food
Cons
- Generally less acceptable to the dog
- The dog’s body is deprived of water, so it has to drink more.
- Can lead to overweight faster 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. Frequently one package of wet food corresponds to one meal. Various dogs like moist food much better than dry food. In contrast to dry food, moist food for dogs – once opened up – can only be kept for a few times. It must be used up within 2 days of opening. Under we have summarised the benefits and down sides of wet food:
Pros
- High popularity by most four-legged friends
- Packed in handy helpings
- Mainly because of the high water content in wet food, your 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 perfectly
- Major dogs need to know more space for storage
- Even more difficult to hold and feed on the move
- Wet food smells more powerful
- Costs more than dry food
- Generates more waste
It is not possible to make a general statement about which type of dog food is suited to your dog. Your canine 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 he tolerates better, you should try away both types.
Some dog owners swap between wet and dry food. The following pertains to both types of food: It should just be given as a main 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 carbs and nutrients belong 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 consists of healthy ingredients and nutrients – regardless 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.
How much meat should the food contain?
Dogs are descended from wolves – that is why their digestive system is similar to that of predators. Thus first and foremost, the resource 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 needs and genetics have changed. This also applies to digestive function. For example, the dog’s digestive enzyme are now able to break down starch, meaning that the four-legged friend can also digest plant food in smaller quantities.
First and foremost, 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. As a result, senior dogs have a lower protein requirement because they are not as active as young or adult animals. In general, experts say that dog food should contain between 50 and 70 percent meat. But other ingredients are important too. If dog owners feed only meat 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.
Nutritional vitamins, minerals and carbohydrates in dog food?
A well-balanced dog diet also contains nutrients that are not found in meat – for example , vitamins and nutrients found in fruits and veggies, or fatty stomach acids from healthy herbal oils. The four-legged friend also needs sugars. Wolves, for example, eat the belly and intestinal items of prey pets, now and then also berries and grass.
Dogs convert starch from grain, potatoes and cereals into energy and need it for their intestinal flora. Nevertheless, the need for carbohydrates is low. Fillers from herb waste such as press residues from oil production, stalks, husks or straw are often added to the feed. Superior 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 meals should contain these substances only moderately. Just how much should take the dog food depends on how much the dog moves. Lamb and poultry body fat are saturated oily acids. They are stored in the body as emergency portion and are intended as a hold for bad times. Meat and veg oil contain saturated omega-6 fatty acids and unsaturated oily 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 contain 50 to 70 per cent lean meat or muscle meat or fish with top quality proteins. In addition, there ought to be about 20 to 50 % 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 olive oil or linseed oil based improve nutrient ingestion and ensure a functioning cardiovascular system, a shiny coat and healthy skin area.
How do i recognise top quality dog food?
Dog food sold in UK must be labelled with certain mandatory information. These kinds of include:
– Address and name of the manufacturer
– Date of manufacture or best-before day of the dog food
– Brand of the meals
– 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 types. These are, for example , 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 the structure 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 definition of materials 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 grain. The cereal components provide carbohydrates and saturate well, but really should not be included in too large amounts.
2. The ingredients in the supply are listed in descending order according to their quantity. The further forwards an ingredient is listed on the label, the higher its proportion. Conversely, this means: Only a little proportion of an ingredient that is listed far down the list is within 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 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 trouble digesting good dog food. Signs of this are almost odourless faeces, high vitality and a shiny coat. The proportion of nutrients in a dog food is detailed under the word “analytical ingredients”. We now 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 canine by-products indicates the meat content in your dog food. Companies often do not declare just what is engaged. It could 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 instance , hair, bones, hooves, blood or beaks.
2. Seafood as well as its by-products include fish fillets, bones and fish minds.
3. Plant by-products include, for example, vegetables, cereals and pulses and essential oil fruits. They may be partially 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 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 good friend. They should be contained in the right formula, for example as vitamins, provitamins, amino acids and trace elements.
6. Zootechnical additives can be added to the feed to effect the dog’s performance and health – such as stabilisers for the digestive tract flora or digestive enzymes.
7. Sensory additives are utilized to influence the appearance and taste of the dog food. They include flavourings and colourings.
Overweight puppies suffer! Obesity is an increasing problem in dogs with serious health consequences. It can lead to diseases of internal organs, puts stress on bones, joints and the cardiovascular system, and promotes swelling. It can also shorten the life expectancy of the animal. Frequently , too much food is the reason for overweight. Nevertheless age, sex and breed also play a role. Especially Cocker Spaniels, Labrador Retrievers and King Charles often become overweight. Sometimes the use of diet food should be considered.
How much food does my dog need?
In the event the four-legged friend gets more energy than he utilizes, he can become overweight. Therefore, it is crucial to give puppies the necessary food. How much pet food a dog needs will depend on various factors. In addition to the breed, the following aspects are relevant, for example:
Activity level: How much the four-legged friend moves determines the amount of energy it burns. A dog that moves a lot burns more calories. If the dog is not so active, it burns fewer calorie consumption and has a slower metabolism. Appropriately, he needs less food.
Age: Young dogs are still growing and in many cases are more curious and energetic. They usually have a higher energy requirement than old dogs. It is a good idea to reduce the number of food a little every year. For more mature dogs, there are senior foods that are lower in excess fat and contain important additives. For smaller dogs it is time 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 types of 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 rise 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 food content of the dog food. A higher calorie content means a lower amount of food is needed. Additionally, dog owners can use the subsequent guidelines as a guide:
– The daily amount of food for an adult and healthy dog with a normal 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 individual who is unsure about the right amount of food should talk to a vet and a nutritionist.
Just how can I identify a food allergy or intolerance?
The most frequent allergies in dogs are flea allergy and food allergy. Possible sets off of the allergy are, for instance , stress, unwanted organisms and pollen. In addition, the protein-containing substances in a feed can induce allergic reactions. Ingredients that a dog might be allergic to include, for instance , soy, animal proteins from poultry, pork or beef, and grains.
What is the between an allergy or intolerance and an intolerance?
– An allergy is a hypersensitivity effect by the dog’s immune system. This reacts strongly against a certain compound. A real food allergic reaction rarely occurs in dogs. Mostly it is an intolerance. This is not triggered by the immune system.
– Likely symptoms of allergies and intolerances
– Possible symptoms of a food allergy or food intolerance include itchiness, vomiting, abdominal pain, flatulence, diarrhoea, loss in fur, redness and frequent scratching.
– Symptoms might not exactly show up immediately after feeding the food. Sometimes they only appear a few hours or days later.
Nevertheless, the symptoms do not really have to indicate an allergy or intolerance. That they can be caused by another disease. In the event that your dog has these symptoms, you should have the cause solved by a vet. The vet can also determine an allergy or an intolerance, for instance , through an allergy test. On the other hand, it is possible to undertake an exclusion diet. However, this involves a number of effort.
What is an exclusion diet?
In an exclusion diet, the owner feeds the four-legged friend only one special source of protein and carbs. These sources must be ingredients that the four-legged friend have not eaten before. Pet owners should change the dog food bit by little bit. Following your food change, the dog is fed the new food for several weeks.
When the dog’s condition boosts and the symptoms will 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, that 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 removal diet is something that pet owners can do themselves. Nevertheless, it is highly recommended to consult a professional or talk to the vet beforehand.
Consistent action is essential during an exemption diet. The dog should not be given chews, treats or left over spots during this period.
What should I do if my dog has an allergy?
If this turns out that your four-legged good friend has a food allergy or food intolerance, the dog should will no longer eat the allergy-causing chemicals. The selected pet food must therefore not contain any substances that your canine cannot tolerate. The same applies to treats and everything dog snacks between meals.
If absolutely nothing changes, patience is necesary: sometimes it takes some time until the symptoms of an intolerance or allergy no longer take place. Sometimes they only disappear completely months following the change in food.
What is grain-free dog food?
Puppy food often contains grains. Such as wheat or grain, barley and rye, for example. Embryon have an important function: they are a source of carbohydrates and energy. However, an excessive amount of it results in obesity and sometimes to digestive problems. 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 suited to 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. Some types of grain are also especially easy to digest. These include 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 the 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 way too high and that the product has a balanced recipe.
What can dogs not tolerate?
There are a lot of foods that dogs can’t tolerate. Some of them are even poisonous for puppies. These include, for example, onions, natural cabbage and natural 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. If the dog consumes raw cabbage, it can get stomach cramps or unwanted wind. Raw pork could contain the Aujeszky disease, which in turn causes fatal disease. Other foods and drinks that pet dogs must not eat include:
- Chocolates
- Raw carrots
- Grapes
- Sultanas
- Fruits starts
- Raw pulses
- Macadamia nuts
- Bitter almonds
- Raw ova
- Some types of avocado
- Birch sugars and xylitol
- Cream and milk
- Caffeinated drinks, such as coffee
- Alcohol
Furthermore, nicotine is dangerous for dogs. As a result, caution is advised in rain puddles, for example: Cigarette residues can be found in them. Ashtrays should always be put in such a way that the dog cannot reach them.
If a dog has eaten food that is dangerous for this, you should contact the doctor or the veterinary emergency service directly. In the mean time, keep your 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 might be necessary to take the dog to a veterinary clinic or drive it to the vet. Symptoms that may occur with poisoning include:
- Extreme salivation
- Excessive being thirsty
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Cramps
- Restlessness
- Shortness of breath
To prevent the dog from eating incompatible foods, dog owners should make sure that relatives and acquaintances do not feed them such foods. In addition, it is necessary to train the dog well so that it does not constantly eat anything at all off of the side of the trail.
The best choice is the PRO PLAN VETERINARY DIETS OM Obesity Management Dry Dog Food 12 kg.
PRO PLAN VETERINARY DIETS OM Obesity Management Dry Dog Food 12 kg
- High protein to help promote loss of fat while maintaining lean muscle mass*; *Dry Formula
- Low calorie to help reduce quantity of calories consumed
- Glucose control. Low glycaemic index carbohydrate sources to help nutritionally manage diabetes mellitus*; *Dry Formula
Video about best dog food for obese dogs
FAQ – Frequently asked questions about dog food
Finally, we answer some important and often asked questions about dog food.
What should I 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 truth after about 8 weeks. The components and ingredients of puppy dog food are specially designed for growing canines. 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. Over all, the pup 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 your canine food for adult quadrupeds. In the beginning, young dogs should be provided small portions many times a day, which are then gradually increased.
When should I start using dog food for adult dogs?
This kind of depends upon the breed of dog: Promising small to medium breeds are considered grown ups 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 breeds are considered mature 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 retained in an airtight 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 foodstuff can become “sticky” and lose its preference and nutrients. In the worst case, mould can develop.
Precisely what is barfing?
The abbreviation BARF comes from the The english language and means Born-Again Raw Feeder. The UK term means “biologically species-appropriate organic 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, 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 inform yourself well or consult with experts.
What do I actually have to consider when changing my dog’s food?
The change of food should be done slowly. If the changeover is abrupt, sensitive dogs in particular can easily suffer from intestinal problems, a number of which is often 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 comes after: 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. Around the fifth and sixth day, the proportion of the new dog food should be three quarters. On day 7, the changeover is complete.
In the event the dog responds sensitively and, for instance , gets diarrhoea in the first few days of the foodstuff change, you should extend the variation phase and raise the addition of the new food only minimally. If your dog does not tolerate the new food whatsoever, it is obviously not well suited for him. In this instance, you should look for an option.
What should We do if my dog does not like dry food?
In that case 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 up in the stomach first. This makes it easier to allow them to become overweight and feel full. In case the food has already enlarged in water, it fills the dog up faster and is better to process. In addition, the dogs absorb more liquid with condensed dry food.
How fast do dogs digest dry food?
Puppies usually need up to 14 several hours to digest dried 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 older animal. The number of food is important too. Little 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 leads to faster digestion. Additionally , the more liquefied the foodstuff is, the shorter the digestion time. Wet food is digested within 6 to 8 hours in adult dogs.
Are pet tests carried out for dog food?
You will discover 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 set 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 ever can I start nourishing a puppy?
During the beginning 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, the mother is constantly on the feed her puppies with breast milk in parallel. In order to accustom a puppy to dry food, it feels right to moisten or dilute it with a liquid – for example with puppy milk. From the 6th to 7th week of life, the puppy is normally no longer fed with mother’s dairy.
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 – does it make sense?
Making your own dog food takes more time and work than bought food. However, it will incorporate some advantages:
– If 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 meals 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 required to prepare the food yourself. Before planning the foodstuff, you should study the different substances. The meals should be balanced and contain all the necessary nutrients. It is sometimes a good idea 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 consumed 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 broken down by your dog. 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. Appropriately, a hypoallergenic food reduces the risk that the dog will not tolerate it and that hypersensitive reactions will take place.
Usually there is only one supply of proteins in such a product. This is usually an amazing meat, such as kangaroo or drinking 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 allergy symptoms. This kind of happens when there exists a substance in the meals that the four-legged friend cannot endure.
In addition to dogs with allergic reactions, 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.
