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 profession, but above all, 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. Similar to humans, it is also important to consider a balanced diet. In addition, the multitude of offers in the trade can cause confusion. Numerous questions arise: What nutritional requirements does the dog have and in what quantity? Which food is appropriate where age? Is usually dry or moist food the right choice for your four-legged friend? And exactly how much should the dog be given? What may cause deficiency symptoms?
In the following best dog food for overweight senior 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 constituents and clarify how much food your dog needs. In addition, you will learn 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 overweight senior dogs:
- Skinner's Field & Trial Complete Dry Light and Senior Working Dog Food, 2.5 kg — £9.59
- Lovejoys Hypoallergenic Complete Dry Senior Light Dog Food Turkey and Rice, 2 kg — £9.78
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Burns Pet Nutrition Hypoallergenic Complete Dry Dog Food Adult and Senior Dog...
—
£30.99
£33.01 - The Hunger of the Wolf Dry Dog Food - For Adult, Overweight and or Sterilised... — £35.99
- Eukanuba Daily Care Dry Dog Food With Fresh Chicken For Overweight And... — £36.99
- Eukanuba Daily Care Dry Dog Food With Fresh Chicken For Overweight And... — £36.99
- Lovejoys Hypoallergenic Complete Dry Senior Light Dog Food Lamb and Rice, 12 kg — £50.33
- Arden Grange Sensitive Light/Senior Dry Dog Food, Fish, 12 kg — £64.99
- Vitalin The Natural Choice Complete Dry Senior Lite Dog Food Salmon and...
- Skinners Life Complete Dry Senior Dog Food Chicken, 12.5 kg
After hours researching and comparing all models on the market, Life my Dog finds out the Best dog food for overweight senior dogs of 2024. We would recommend using Lovejoys Hypoallergenic Complete Dry Senior Light Dog Food Lamb and Rice, 12 kg as it is our top pick for you.
Top 10 Best dog food for overweight senior dogs
Best dog food for overweight senior dogs
Lovejoys Hypoallergenic Complete Dry Senior Light Dog Food Lamb and Rice, 12 kg
Features
- Made with Lamb and no other protein.
- Suitable for all breeds, everything a dog needs for a happy, healthy life.
- Contains seaweed oil for healthy brain, vision and nervous system.
- No added wheat, wheat gluten, dairy, pork, beef or soya.
- No artificial colours or flavourings.
Eukanuba Daily Care Dry Dog Food With Fresh Chicken For Overweight And Sterilised Adult Dogs
Features
- Includes L-carnitine for healthy weight management
- Calcium & glucosamine to help support healthy bones & joints/joint mobility
- Natural sources of omega 6 and 3 for healthy skin & coat
- Special kibble shape together with unique DentaDefense to help keep teeth clean and healthy
- Prebiotic FOS and beet pulp to help support healthy digestion & With fresh chicken to help support lean muscles
Eukanuba Daily Care Dry Dog Food With Fresh Chicken For Overweight And Sterilised Adult Dogs
Features
- Glucosamine & chondroitin to help maintain healthy joints & support active mobility
- Includes L-carnitine for healthy weight management
- Special kibble shape together with unique DentaDefense to help keep teeth clean and healthy
- Rich in chicken to help support lean muscles
- Prebiotic FOS and beet pulp to help support healthy digestion
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
Vitalin The Natural Choice Complete Dry Senior Lite Dog Food Salmon and Potato, 12 kg
Features
- Proudly made in our own UK factory with locally sourced ingredients from British Farms used wherever possible
- Contains 20% British Salmon, a high quality protein from 100% British salmon to aid the growth, development and maintenance of body tissues. It also gives a rich aroma that pets often find very palatable
- Made with Potato an alternative, healthy carbohydrate source for pets that require a wheat gluten free option
- Contains Natural Botanicals – These include nutrient rich fruits and vegetables delivering much needed vitamins, minerals and natural antioxidants keeping your dog as fit and healthy as possible
- Holistic Nutrition – this offers your dog a complete, nutritious meal. You won’t need to feed them anything else!
The Hunger of the Wolf Dry Dog Food - For Adult, Overweight and or Sterilised Dogs - 14 Kilograms, Light Formula
Features
- Low-fat formula for easier weight management.
- Flaxseed reduces cholesterol levels and supports healthy skin and a shiny coat.
- No added gluten, free of soya and chemical dyes. No artificial preservatives. Only natural antioxidants. High in vitamine E to support immune function.
- The real label - 300 g of chicken meal in 1 kg of food corresponds to 1200 g of fresh meat. In The Hunger of The Wolf dog food we use a meal so we do not claim very high content of raw meat only to make the labels look much better to the consumer than they really are. Raw meat may contain 70%-90% water. For example chicken meal is simply fresh chicken that has already been cooked to remove moisture – this makes it a much more highly-concentrated source of protein.
- A delicious taste your dog will love - by creating this dog food we remembered about ancestors of dogs - wolves, which are true carnivores, therefore, the main ingredient of our food is always meat.
Burns Pet Nutrition Hypoallergenic Complete Dry Dog Food Adult and Senior Dog Weight Control Chicken and Oats 6 kg
£30.99
Features
- Developed by Veterinary Surgeon John Burns
- Made with natural ingredients
- Supports healthy weight loss
- Award-winning recipe
- Provides slow release energy
Lovejoys Hypoallergenic Complete Dry Senior Light Dog Food Turkey and Rice, 2 kg
Features
- Ideal for Older Dogs: Reduced fat and protein content makes this dry dog food perfect for seniors, aiding in weight control and reducing joint stress.
- Hypoallergenic Formula: Crafted as a hypoallergenic dog food, it excludes common allergens, making it suitable for dogs with sensitive tummies.
- Joint Support: Contains glucosamine and chondroitin, along with seaweed oil that includes DHA, to support joint health in your aging friend.
- Oral Care Benefits: Crunchy, turkey-flavoured dog kibble helps remove plaque and tartar, reducing unpleasant breath and promoting dental health.
- Natural and Versatile: Lovejoys senior dry dog food is naturally good, with no artificial additives, and can be fed alone or mixed with wet dog food for variety.
Skinner's Field & Trial Complete Dry Light and Senior Working Dog Food, 2.5 kg
Features
- Formulated for older, overweight or less active working dogs
- Made with easily digestible chicken
- Maintains healthy teeth and bones
- Contains glucosamine and chondroitin to help protect joints
- Free from artificial additives, flavorings or preservatives
Features
- Complete nutritionally balanced dog food
- Contains highly digestible chicken providing the correct level of protein
- Suitable for older, less active or overweight dogs
- Provide sustained energy and stamina
- Maintenance of strong muscles, teeth and bones
The particular best for the dog – regarding to this saying, 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 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. Comparable 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 usually food is suitable where age? Is definitely dry or moist food the right choice for your four-legged friend? And exactly how much should the dog be provided? What may 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 pet dogs the products are suitable. Within our guide, we describe the types of dog food, go into some of the ingredients and make clear how much food a dog needs. In addition, you will see which foods dogs cannot put up with and how you can recognise a food allergy.
The different types of dog food quickly
Simply as every person has their own dietary needs, every dog’s preferences are different. The choice of food that will go into the dog’s bowl should come in according to various factors. These include the breed, activity and health of the dog. Age group 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 sugars, fats, oils, proteins and minerals. His dog food should be balanced. Older dogs have a slow metabolism and are no much longer as active. As a result, they want less energy, i. e. calories. Nevertheless , the dog food should be easy to break down and include a whole lot of proteins. In addition, the types of food vary in words of composition, way of development and consistency.
Structure – complete or complementary food?
A complete feed consists of all the nutrients the dog needs on a daily basis. The portion of proteins, fatty acids, vitamins and minerals varies depending on 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 damp food. Supplementary foods are not sufficient in themselves to provide the dog with all the essential nutrition. These can be flakes that the dog owner combines into the food or treats. The declaration shows what.
Type of production
– Dry food and wet food available in family pet shops and food markets usually comes from industrial production. This kind of is the most common form of dog food. Industrially produced wet food is often completed cans or small aluminium trays. Together with the latter, one dish is sufficient for one portion. However, some manufacturers of business dog food use genetically modified raw materials and additives.
Industrially produced dog food has a long corner life. With a few 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 plant, animal or other natural sources – unaltered or highly processed. The food should not contain any chemically synthesised additives. However , certain synthetic minerals and vitamins are permitted. In conditions of packaging, there is often almost no difference compared to industrial food: natural dog food is packaged in cans or as dried out food.
– Organic and natural dog food must comply with stricter guidelines regarding ingredients. For example, the product should not contain numerous substances such as genetically modified ingredients, hormones and pesticides. You will find distinctions between the various organic and natural dog foods: “100 per cent organic” means that no undesirable substances have been highly processed. With the claim “organic”, the constituents in the organic and natural food are 95 per dollar organic. If it claims “made with organic”, the product includes 70 per dollar organic 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. Yet , veggie and vegan dog food contains a lot of vegetables and grains, which can issues if the dog is intolerant.
– A special 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 raw fresh meat, often combined with raw, pureed fruit or vegetables. Whether this method is actually healthier is debatable. Since the meals are put together individually, barfing much more ideal for experienced dog owners who have analyzed this diet of their four-legged friends in detail.
There are manufacturers who advertise that their dog food is of food quality. This is a statement that ought 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 are supposed to provide the food the smell and preference. Some dog fans also avoid pet food/dog food from factory farming.
Difference between extruded and cold-pressed dried hitch
Dried dog food is produced by the cold-pressing or extrusion process:
1. Cold-pressed dog food is made by first drying the 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 part. During the dog food production process, temps of around 90 degrees Celsius are produced, which obviously contradicts the word cold depressing. Yet , temperatures are still significantly lower than those utilized 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 kinds of have to be artificially added to the food after processing. During digesting, the dough-like extruded feed is conveyed through nozzles at high pressure. Give food to produced in this way swells significantly when liquid is added.
Both methods have advantages and disadvantages: Because the nutrients have not yet been damaged down, a dog can digest the cold-pressed food normally, slowly and gradually. In addition, the food contains more natural ingredients. In case the four-legged 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. Nevertheless, the manufacturing process is only a supplementary factor in deciding the tolerability and quality of the foodstuff. The most important thing is the quality of the raw materials.
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 contains very little water and therefore has a longer shelf life . usually several years. Dogs that are fed dry food have to chew up more and thus teach their teeth. Ingesting dry food is nearly like brushing your dog’s teeth. To get dogs that drink little, feeding dried out 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 benefits and disadvantages of dry food at a glance:
Pros
- Long shelf life
- More affordable than damp food
- Easier to feed on the go
- Easy to store
- Almost germ-free due to heating during production
- Even more environmentally friendly than refined food
Cons
- Generally less acceptable to your canine
- The dog’s body is deprived of water, so it has to drink significantly more.
- Can lead to overweight quicker if it is not a food items for deiting
- Risk of mould or 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. Various dogs like moist food much better than dry food. In contrast to dry food, wet food for canines – once opened – 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 huge benefits and drawbacks 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, wet food cannot be stored well
- Major dogs need to know more space for storage
- Even more difficult to transport and feed on the move
- Wet food smells more powerful
- Costs more than dry food
- Produces more waste
It is not possible to make a general statement about which type of dog food is suitable for your dog. The dog in the end decides 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 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 can lead to overfeeding of your canine.
How much meat and just how many carbs and nutrients belong in dog food?
The quality 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 – no matter of whether it is wet food or dry food. The proper composition of your canine food is also crucial for good digestion and the health of the four-legged good friend.
Simply how much meat should the food contain?
Dogs are originated from wolves – that is why their digestive area is similar to those of predators. So 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, as well as its needs and genetics have changed. This also applies to digestive function. For example, the dog’s digestive chemical can now break down starch, which means that the four-legged friend can also digest plant food in smaller quantities.
To start with, various meats provides the dog with protein. The four-legged friend needs protein for its muscles, bones, strong tissues, healthy teeth and nerves and provide energy for its activities. Consequently, senior dogs have a lower proteins requirement because they are no longer as lively as young or adult animals. In general, experts declare dog food should contain between 50 and 70 % meat. But other ingredients are important too. If dog owners feed only meat to 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 carbs in dog food?
A well-balanced dog diet also contains nutrients that are not present in meat – for instance , vitamins and minerals found in vegetables and fruit, or fatty acids from healthy herbal oils. The four-legged friend also needs carbs. Wolves, for example, eat the stomach and intestinal contents of prey animals, now and then also berries and grass.
Dogs convert starch from hemp, potatoes and cereals into energy and need it for their intestinal flora. Nevertheless, the need for carbohydrates is low. Fillers from grow waste such as press residues from oil production, stalks, husks or straw tend to be added to the feed. High-quality carbohydrates are located in rice, potatoes, millet, maize, amaranth or buckwheat.
Animal body 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 be in the dog food will depend on 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 reserve for bad times. Meat and vegetable oil contain saturated omega-6 fatty stomach 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 contain 50 to 70 pct lean meat or muscle meat or fish with top quality proteins. In addition, there should be about 20 to 50 per cent 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 nutrition such as vitamin h or iron. Very good quality oils such as salmon oil or linseed fat improve nutrient ingestion and ensure a functioning cardiovascular system, a shiny coating and healthy skin area.
How do i recognise high-quality dog food?
Doggie food sold in UK must be labelled with certain mandatory information. These include:
– Address and name of the manufacturer
– Date of produce or best-before time of the dog food
– Brand of the foodstuff
– Net weight
– Moisture content for canned food
With regard to the ingredients of the feed, various claims are permitted: A closed declaration only indicates ingredient teams. These are, for instance , statements such as “with cereals” and “vegetable by-products”. A semi-open declaration data the individual natural materials, but not their percentage. The open declaration gives the structure 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 term 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 must not be included in too large quantities.
2. The elements in the feed are listed in descending order relating to their amount. The further forwards an ingredient is listed on the label, the better its proportion. On the other hand, this implies: Only a small proportion of an ingredient that is listed far throughout 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 veg content between 25 and 50 percent
– Balanced ingredients with all the necessary vitamins and minerals
– No use of taste enhancers
These nutrition make a good dog food
The dog’s organism has no 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 word “analytical ingredients”. We certainly have summarised these in the table:
| Component | Quantity required | Tasks | Information and special features |
| Crude protein | 20 to 25 percent in dry food 8 to 10 percent in wet food | Builds the body’s own tissue such as muscles and bones Strengthening skin and organs Enzymes, blood and hormones also need protein | High-quality protein comes mainly from muscle meat. Low-quality protein is found in slaughterhouse waste |
| Crude ash | 5 to 8 per cent or a maximum of 10 per cent for dry food. Less than 2 percent for wet feed | Supply of inorganic substances such as magnesium, calcium, zinc or silicic acid | Formed after combustion of the feed Proportion should be balanced Sometimes cheap but unnecessary bone meal products are added |
| Crude fibre | 2 to 3 percent for dry food 0.2 to 5 percent for wet food | Support of digestion Stimulation of intestinal activity Strengthens healthy intestinal flora Influences consistency and shape of dog faeces | Proportion of dietary fibre Too high a proportion can lead to flatulence and large quantities of faeces Rumen is filled with raw fibre Otherwise in the form of vegetables and fruit |
| Crude fat | At least 15 percent in dry food for active dogs 12 to 15 percent for dry food for dogs with normal to less exercise 1 percent for wet food | Provides energy Ensure healthy skin and shiny coat | High-quality products include salmon oil, linseed oil, cod oil, pumpkin seed oil and hemp oil. |
The other possible ingredients in dog food are explained below:
1. The value for meat and pet by-products indicates the meat content in your canine food. Manufacturers often do not declare exactly what is engaged. 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 instance , hair, our bones, hooves, blood or beaks.
2. Seafood as well as its by-products include fish fillets, bones and fish heads.
3. Plant by-products include, for example, vegetables, cereals and pulses and olive oil fruits. They may be to some extent health- and digestion-promoting food components.
4. Technological additives are preservatives, separating and binding agents, stabilisers, thickening and gelling agents and acidity regulators. Some of these are important. These include, for instance , emulsifiers and natural antioxidants. Emulsifiers ensure an uniform uniformity of oil and water. Natural antioxidants are to prevent rancid fat.
5. Nutritional additives are intended to support the health of the four-legged friend. They should be contained in the right structure, for example as vitamins, provitamins, amino acids and trace elements.
6. Zootechnical additives can be added to the feed to impact the dog’s performance and health – such as stabilisers for the intestinal flora or digestive enzymes.
7. Sensory additives are employed to influence the appearance and taste of the dog food. They include flavourings and colourings.
Overweight puppies suffer! Obesity is an expanding problem in dogs with serious health consequences. That can lead to diseases of internal organs, puts stress on bones, joints and the cardiovascular system, and promotes inflammation. Additionally, it may shorten the life expectancy of the animal. Often , 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 tend to become overweight. Occasionally the use of diet food 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 necessary food. Just 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 good friend moves determines the amount of energy it burns. Your 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. Accordingly, he needs less food.
Age: Young dogs continue to be growing and are often more curious and active. They usually have a higher energy requirement than old dogs. It is recommended to reduce the number of food a little each 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 as soon as 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. Once dogs are recovering from 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 with child or change their coat.
To find out what amount of food is right for your dog, look at the calorie content of the dog food. A higher calorie content means a lower amount of food is needed. Additionally, dog owners can use the next guidelines as a guide:
– The daily amount of food for an adult and healthy dog with an ordinary 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 percent of the body weight is usually sufficient.
– A dog that moves a lot or is coping with an illness should be fed more. His necessary food amount per day is up to 5 percent of his body weight.
– Snacks should not exceed 10 per cent of the daily food requirement.
Anyone who is unsure about the right amount of food should talk to a vet and/or a nutritionist.
Just how can I identify a food allergy?
The most typical 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 trigger allergic reactions. Ingredients that a dog might be allergic to include, for instance , me llaman, animal proteins from poultry, pork or beef, and cause.
What is the difference between an allergy and an intolerance?
– An allergy is a hypersensitivity effect by the dog’s immune system. It reacts strongly against a certain material. A genuine food allergic reaction rarely occurs in dogs. Mostly it is an intolerance. This is not triggered by the immune system.
– Possible symptoms of allergies and intolerances
– Possible symptoms of a food allergy or food intolerance include itchiness, vomiting, abs 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.
On the other hand, the symptoms do not really have to indicate an allergy or intolerance. That they may also be caused by another disease. In the event that your dog has these symptoms, you need to have the cause solved with a vet. The vet can also determine an allergy or intolerance or an intolerance, for example , through an allergy test. Additionally, it is possible to undertake an exclusion diet. However, this involves a lot of effort.
What is an exemption diet?
In an exclusion diet, the owner feeds the four-legged friend only one special way to obtain protein and sugars. 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 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 may be the trigger for the allergies. More than time, a list is made of substances that the dog can put up with or that cause allergic reactions in him. An eradication diet is something that dog owners can do themselves. However, it is advisable to seek advice from a professional or talk to the vet in advance.
Consistent action is vital during an different diet. The dog must not be given chews, treats or left over spots during this period.
What should I do if my dog has an allergy?
Whether 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 goes to treats and all dog snacks between meals.
If nothing changes, patience is necesary: sometimes it calls for a while until the symptoms of an intolerance or allergy or intolerance no longer occur. Sometimes they only disappear completely weeks following your change in food.
What is grain-free dog food?
Doggie food often contains grains. Included in this are wheat, barley and rye, for example. Grain have an important function: they are a source of carbohydrates and energy. However, too much of it leads to obesity and sometimes to digestive problems. There is also grain-free dog food. Instead of materials, 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 is also suitable for more sensitive dogs. Nevertheless , it is not necessarily required to use a grain-free dog food. Dogs are omnivores and are able to break down vegetable protein. A few types of feed are also particularly easy to digest. Included in this are maize and rice, for example. In some cases, however, it makes sense or is necessary to use a dog food without grain. This is especially true if your canine is allergic to food containing cereals.
If 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. Several of them are actually poisonous for canines. These include, for example, onions, raw cabbage and organic pork. Onions can be fatal, according to the size of the onion and your canine. For a medium-sized dog, even a medium-sized onion can be extremely dangerous. When a dog feeds on raw cabbage, it can get stomach cramps or unwanted wind. Raw pork could retain the Aujeszky virus, which in turn causes fatal condition. Other foods and drinks that pet dogs must not eat include:
- Chocolate
- Raw taters
- Vineyard
- Sultanas
- Fruits starts
- Raw signal
- 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 recommended in rain messes, for example: Cigarette residues can be found in them. Ashtrays should always be positioned 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 doctor or the veterinary emergency service directly. In the mean time, keep your dog in a secure environment. Nevertheless, despite all the concern for the dog’s life, the following applies: Stay calm and watch out for signs of poisoning. It could be necessary to take the dog to a veterinary clinic or drive it to the vet. Symptoms that may occur with poisoning include:
- Excessive salivation
- Excessive desire
- Nausea
- Diarrhoea
- Aches
- 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 at all off the side of the street.
The best choice is the Lovejoys Hypoallergenic Complete Dry Senior Light Dog Food Lamb and Rice, 12 kg.
Lovejoys Hypoallergenic Complete Dry Senior Light Dog Food Lamb and Rice, 12 kg
- Made with Lamb and no other protein.
- Suitable for all breeds, everything a dog needs for a happy, healthy life.
- Contains seaweed oil for healthy brain, vision and nervous system.
- No added wheat, wheat gluten, dairy, pork, beef or soya.
Video about best dog food for overweight senior dogs
FAQ – Common questions about dog food
Finally, we answer some important and often 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 situation after about 2 months. The components and elements of puppy dog food are specially suitable for growing canines. This is because a baby dog’s immune system, bones, muscles, coat and teeth first have to build up.
With pup dog food, the focus is on nutrient intake. Over all, the puppy food must contain certain essential vitamins and minerals. 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 provided small portions several times a day, which are then slowly and gradually increased.
When should I start using dog food for adult dogs?
This will depend on the breed of dog: 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 puppies, the enhancements made on diet should take place between 10 and 12 years of age. For medium-sized dogs, its about time at 8 to 9 years. Large breeds are considered older at 7 to 8 years old. In addition to age, the dog’s condition 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 snug 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 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 raw feeding”. The species-appropriate diet is based on the eating habits of wild dogs. Ready-made food plays no role in barfeeding. Instead, the dog is fed whole food such as meat, offal and bones, supplemented with vegetables, fruit, oils and carbohydrates for a well-balanced supply of nutrients. Meanwhile, chemical substance and freeze-dried BARF food and deep-frozen meat can be purchased in the shops. Pet owners can add the other necessary components. Yet , you should notify yourself well or talk to 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 canines in particular can quickly suffer from digestive : problems, a few of that can be considerable. A period 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 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 move is complete.
In the event the dog reacts sensitively and, for example , gets diarrhoea in the first few days of the foodstuff change, you should extend the variation 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 suitable for him. In this case, you should look for an option.
What should We do if my dog will not like dry food?
After that it makes sense to soak the dry food. This has several advantages: Dogs often eat the dry food beyond hunger because it swells in the stomach first. This makes it easier to allow them to become overweight and feel full. In the event the food has already enlarged in water, it fills the dog up faster and is easier to process. In addition, the dogs absorb more liquid with soaked dry food.
How fast do dogs process dry food?
Canines usually need up to 14 hours to digest dry food. The exact time depends, among other things, on the age and scale the dog and the standard of the food. A young dog usually has a faster metabolism than an older animal. The number of food is also important. Small portions are digested more quickly than large amounts. In addition, insoluble fibres remain in the stomach for a shorter time than soluble fibres. Less fat food also brings about faster digestion. In addition , the more liquid the food is, the shortest the digestion time. Wet food is digested within 6 to 8 hours in adult dogs.
Are pet tests carried out for dog food?
There are quite a few manufacturers who carry out pet experiments to test the effects and tolerance of their newly developed types of food. PETA’s website publishes a 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 example , ROYAL CANIN, Josera and WOLFSBLUT. Other well-known manufacturers and brands are, for example:
– Bosch
– PRIMUM
– Pedigree
– RINTI
– Animonda
– MERA
Once can I start nourishing a puppy?
During the beginning of its life, a puppy is fed breast milk by its mother. Stable food is usually eaten by pups from the 3rd or 4th week of life. During this period, the mother continues to feed 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 will no longer provided with mother’s dairy.
Experts recommend soaking dry puppy food with a water until the puppy dog is 5 or 6 months old. To get the puppy used to the harder food, blend more and more non-soaked food pieces over time.
Making dog food yourself – does indeed it seem sensible?
Making your own dog food takes more time and work than purchased food. However, it does incorporate some advantages:
– If you make the dog food yourself, you can decide for yourself which ingredients go into it.
– Dog owners can include the special needs of their four-legged friend in the preparation and adapt the food to these and the dog’s preference.
– It is possible to make the food more varied for the dog.
If, for example , the dog is overweight, has to take medication or is intolerant to various foods, it could be sensible or required to prepare the food yourself. Before planning the food, you should study different substances. The meals should be balanced and contain all the necessary nutrients. It is highly recommended to talk to a vet in advance. Recipe ideas for dog food can be found on the Internet, for example.
Certain foods are unhealthy or toxic for dogs. For example, onions and garlic should not be ingested by dogs.
Precisely what is hypoallergenic dog food?
Hypoallergenic dog food is especially ideal for dogs with allergies. It is adapted to the needs of such a four-legged friend and can be easily digested by your canine. There is hypoallergenic dry out food and allergies wet food on the market. This contains few or no substances that cause allergic reactions in dogs. Consequently, a hypoallergenic food reduces the risk that the dog will not tolerate it and that allergic reactions will take place.
Usually there is only one way to obtain protein in such a product. This is usually an amazing meat, such as kangaroo or drinking water buffalo. Normally, the protein source used very rarely triggers an intolerance. Nevertheless, it cannot be ruled out that even hypoallergenic dog food can lead to allergic reactions. This kind of happens when there exists a substance in the food that the four-legged friend cannot endure.
In addition to dogs with allergic reactions, hypoallergenic food is well suited for four-legged friends with a very sensitive digestive system. For these dogs, such a product can provide protection against digestive problems.
