The particular best for the dog – according to this motto, many dog owners lovingly care for their pets. The four-legged friends need attention and job, but above all, of course, food. The foodstuff is crucial to ensure that the dog is supplied with all the important nutrition and remains in good health to live a long dog’s life. But it is often not so easy to find the right food for your own dog. Just like humans, it is also important to consider a balanced diet. In addition, the wide variety of offers in the trade can cause confusion. Numerous questions arise: What nutritional requirements will the dog have in addition to what quantity? Which food is appropriate where age? Is dry or wet food the right choice for your four-legged friend? And exactly how much should the dog be fed? What can cause deficiency symptoms?
In the following best dog food for shih tzu with sensitive stomach, we present 10 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 clarify how much food a dog needs. In addition, you will understand which foods dogs cannot endure and how you can recognise a food allergy.
Below is a list of the best dog food for shih tzu with sensitive stomach:
- Royal Canin for Small Breed Wet Dog Food Mini Adult 12*85g 1 - 10kg Adult... — £12.18
- James Wellbeloved Complete Wet Grain Free Senior Dog Food Turkey, 12 x 100 g — £12.49
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Burns Pet Nutrition Hypoallergenic Complete Dry Dog Food Adult and Senior Dog...
—
£13.99
£15.49 -
Pooch & Mutt - Joint Care, Complete Dry Dog Food (Grain Free), Salmon and...
—
£14.50
£15.99 - Eukanuba Mature Dog Food for Small Dogs Rich in Fresh Chicken for the Optimal... — £19.04
- ROYAL CANIN Mini Puppy Wet Dog Food in Gravy Pack 12 x 85g. and Healthy... — £24.25
- HiLife Banquet - Wet Dog Food - Flaked Chicken Breast, Rice, Liver, Veg -... — £25.50
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Wellness CORE Puppy Food Dry, Grain Free - Turkey & Chicken, 10 kg
—
£41.99
£45.99 - Pooch & Mutt - Calm & Relaxed, Complete Dry Dog Food (Grain Free), Turkey and...
- Winalot Dog Food, Mixed in Jelly, 24 x 100g
After hours researching and comparing all models on the market, Life my Dog finds out the Best dog food for shih tzu with sensitive stomach of 2024. We would recommend using Pooch & Mutt – Calm & Relaxed, Complete Dry Dog Food (Grain Free), Turkey and Sweet Potato, 2kg as it is available at a resonable price.
Top 10 Best dog food for shih tzu with sensitive stomach
Best dog food for shih tzu with sensitive stomach
Pooch & Mutt - Calm & Relaxed, Complete Dry Dog Food (Grain Free), Turkey and Sweet Potato, 2kg
Features
- Designed to help anxious dogs stay calm and relaxed
- Premium, grain free complete dry dog food
- Includes chamomile, l-tryptophan, prebiotics and brewers yeast
- Single source protein with 45% lean turkey
- Free from grain, cereal , gluten, GM produce, artificial flavours, colours and preservatives
ROYAL CANIN Mini Puppy Wet Dog Food in Gravy Pack 12 x 85g. and Healthy Calming Treats for Puppy and Donut Plush Squeaky Puppy Toy
Features
| Size | 85 g (Pack of 12) |
Burns Pet Nutrition Hypoallergenic Complete Dry Dog Food Adult and Senior Dog Sensitive with Duck and Brown Rice 2 kg
£13.99
Features
- Developed by Veterinary Surgeon John Burns
- Made with natural ingredients
- Made without wheat
- Contains duck – novel protein source
- Hypoallergenic
Pooch & Mutt - Joint Care, Complete Dry Dog Food (Grain Free), Salmon and Sweet Potato, 2kg
£14.50
Features
- Designed to help dogs with mobility issues (including arthritis, hip/elbow dysplasia) and for dogs that are highly active
- Premium, grain free complete dry dog food
- Includes linseed, alfalfa, yucca , rosehip rosa canina, glucosamine and chondroitin and green lipped mussel perna canaliculus
- Single source protein with 45% lean salmon
- Free from grain, cereal , gluten, GM produce, artificial flavours, colours and preservatives
HiLife Banquet - Wet Dog Food - Flaked Chicken Breast, Rice, Liver, Veg - 100% Natural Ingredients, 30 Pouches x 100g
Features
- HILIFE BANQUET WET FOOD FOR DOGS: The HiLife Banquet wet dog food range has been created using only human-grade ingredients and absolutely no artificial additives. The range includes a choice of 4 delicious all-natural recipes in mouth-watering jelly that your dog is sure to love.
- A GREAT SOURCE OF PROTEIN & VITAMINS: Chicken Breast is a great source of protein, which is easy on the digestive system and rich in vitamins and minerals. Liver is packed with nutrients and a firm favourite for dogs, whilst being rich in essential vitamins and minerals including Iron and Vitamin A which promotes healthy muscle development.
- 100% NATURAL INGREDIENTS: Only the very best quality ingredients go into our HiLife Dog and & Cat Recipes - our HiLife Banquet wet dog food pouches are made from 100% natural ingredients and absolutely no artificial colours, flavours or preservatives.
- A COMPLEMENTARY PET FOOD FOR ADULT DOGS: HiLife Banquet Pouches are a complementary pet food for adult dogs, and can be used every day as a treat or topping within a balanced diet. To ensure balanced nutrition, feed your dog a selection of products from the HiLife range but do remember to monitor total food intake.
- HILIFE - OUR STORY: HiLife is a British run business, and for over 30 years, we've been delighting the nation's pets with nutritious and delicious meals. As pet owners ourselves, we understand just how important our canine companions and feline friends can be. We're proud of our pet food because it matters.
Wellness CORE Puppy Food Dry, Grain Free - Turkey & Chicken, 10 kg
£41.99
Features
- BRAIN AND EYE DEVELOPMENT: Our Wellness CORE puppy food will stimulate the brain and eye development of your furry friend thanks to the guaranteed levels of DHA from the salmon oil used in our product.
- STRONG IMMUNE SYSTEM: Our dry puppy food contains all the vitamins, minerals and high-quality antioxidants that your puppy needs, creating a strong immune system!
- ALL-NATURAL DOG FOOD: The puppy food is grain-free and contains fresh meat and 32-37% proteins. For a rich and healthy diet!
- HEALTHY DIGESTIVE SYSTEM: Our Wellness CORE puppy food is easy to digest and contains prebiotic fibre and probiotics, providing your furry friend with a healthy digestive system!
- FRESH MEAT AS MAIN INGREDIENT: The dry dog food contains fresh turkey and chicken, for a tasty meal with every bowl!
James Wellbeloved Complete Wet Grain Free Senior Dog Food Turkey, 12 x 100 g
Features
- This product contains the following special ingredients and benefits to care for your dogs' health and wellbeing
- Turkey - made with 100 percent natural turkey
- Glucosamine , withith glucosamine believed to help support joint mobility
- Seaweed - Rich in iodine and other trace elements
- Omega 3 and 6 oils - With zinc, omega 3 and 6 fatty acids to support healthy skin and glossy coat
Eukanuba Mature Dog Food for Small Dogs Rich in Fresh Chicken for the Optimal Body Condition of Your Dog, 3 kg
Features
- Tailored mature dog food with fresh chicken for small breed dogs in a resealable bag
- Improved formula for the healthy digestion and optimal body condition of your dog
- A distinct hexagon kibble shape which improves palatability
- Contains DentaDefense to reduce tartar build-up and maintain strong clean teeth
- Planet friendly pet food: At least 25 percent of Eukanuba factory’s energy is generated from Eukanuba own wind turbine
Features
- 100% Complete And Balanced
- Quality Ingredients
- Grain Free Recipe
- Helps Support Shiny Coat & Healthy Skin
- With Vegetables And Essential Vitamins And Minerals
Royal Canin for Small Breed Wet Dog Food Mini Adult 12*85g 1 - 10kg Adult Dogs Hypoallergenic Dog Food 10 Months - 12 Years Old Protects Skin And Coat Enhanced Palatability
Features
- WET FOOD FOR SMALL DOGS ROYAL CANIN Mini Adult in Gravy is for dogs between the ages of 10 months and 12 years weighing up to 10 kg
- SPECIAL FORMULA The formula of ROYAL CANIN Mini Adult in Gravy can help support your dogs health with special nutrients.
- ADJUSTED ENERGY CONTENT The carefully adjusted energy content of ROYAL CANIN Mini Adult in Gravy can help maintain the ideal weight of small dogs.
- OMEGA3 FATTY ACIDS ROYAL CANIN Mini Adult in Gravy contains nutrients like the omega3 fatty acids EPA and DHA which can help support your adult dogs skin and coat health
- COMPOSITION Meat and animal byproducts grains oils and fats vegetable byproducts minerals sugars.
The particular best for the dog – according to this slogan, many dog owners lovingly care for their pets. The four-legged friends need attention and profession, but above all, of course, food. The meals is crucial to ensure that the dog is supplied with all the important nutrients and remains in good health to live a long dog’s life. But it is often not so no problem finding the right food for your own dog. 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. Various questions arise: What nutritional requirements will the dog have and in what quantity? Which in turn food is ideal at which age? Is definitely dry or damp food the right choice for your four-legged friend? And just how much should the dog be fed? What causes deficiency symptoms?
Inside 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 clarify how much food a dog needs. In addition, you will see which foods dogs cannot tolerate and how you can recognise a food allergy.
The different types of dog food easily
Just 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 produced 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 system is not yet as efficient. An adult dog needs carbs, fats, oils, proteins and minerals. His dog food should be balanced. More mature dogs have a slow metabolism and are no longer as active. As a result, they need less energy, i. e. calories from fat. Yet , the dog food should be easy to digest and include a great deal of proteins. In addition, the types of food fluctuate in phrases of composition, method of creation and consistency.
Composition – 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 is different according to the product. The ingredients should be adapted to the age, activity and possible allergies of the four-legged friend. A whole food can be dry or cast food. Supplementary foods are not sufficient per to provide the dog with all the crucial 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 family pet shops and supermarkets usually comes from industrial production. This kind of is the most common kind of dog food. Industrially produced wet food is often completed cans or small aluminium trays. With the latter, one dish is sufficient for one portion. However, some manufacturers of professional dog food use genetically altered raw materials and additives.
Industrially produced dog food has a long corner life. By conditions, this dog food can be stored unopened for several 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 never contain any chemically synthesised additives. Nevertheless , 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 cans or as dry food.
– Organic dog food must comply with stricter guidelines regarding ingredients. For example, the product must not contain numerous substances such as genetically altered ingredients, hormones and pesticides. You will find dissimilarities between the various organic dog foods: “100 per penny organic” means that no undesirable ingredients have been highly processed. With the claim “organic”, the constituents in the organic and natural food are 95 per dollar organic. If it says “made with organic”, the product consists of 70 per penny organic and natural ingredients. Organic food is available as dry and wet food.
– Meanwhile, vegan and vegetarian dog food is also available on the market. This dog food does not contain meat but still provides the dog with the important nutrients. Yet , vegan 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 stands for “biologically species-appropriate natural feeding”. This species-appropriate method of feeding raw food is based on the dog’s ancestor – the wolf. When ever barfing, the dog is fed raw fresh meat, often along with raw, pureed fruit or fruit and vegetables. Whether this method is actually much healthier is debatable. Because the meals are merged individually, barfing is more well suited for experienced dog owners who have analyzed the diet of their four-legged friends in detail.
There are manufacturers who advertise that their dog food is of food quality. This is a declaration that should 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 provide the food the smell and taste. Some dog lovers 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 produced by first drying the natural 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 out the other side. Through the dog food production process, temperature ranges of about 90 certifications Celsius are made, which obviously contradicts the word cold depressing. However , temperatures are still significantly lower than those employed in extrusion.
2. In the extrusion process, the ingredients for your canine food are exposed to great heat. Many nutrients are lost during this manufacturing process. These must be artificially added to the foodstuff after processing. During control, the dough-like extruded feed is presented through nozzles at high pressure. Nourish produced in this way swells significantly when liquid is added.
Both methods have advantages and disadvantages: Because the nutrients have not yet been broken down, a dog can digest the cold-pressed food normally, little by little. In addition, the food consists of more natural elements. In the event the four-legged good friend has problems with the gastrointestinal area 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. However, the manufacturing process is only a secondary factor in figuring out the tolerability and quality of the food. The most important thing is the quality of the unprocessed trash.
Which is better – damp food or dried out food?
There exists wet 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 . usually several years. Dogs that are fed dry food have to chew up more and so train their teeth. Eating dry food is nearly like brushing your dog’s teeth. To get dogs that drink little, feeding dried out food can be 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
- Less expensive than damp food
- Easier to feed on the go
- Easy to store
- Almost germ-free due to heat during production
- More environmentally friendly than refined food
Cons
- Generally less acceptable to the dog
- The dog’s person is deprived of water, so it has to drink more.
- Can lead to overweight more quickly if it is not a diet food
- Risk of mould or paziente 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. Various dogs like damp food much better than dry food. In contrast to dry food, moist food for puppies – once opened up – can only be kept for a few days and nights. It ought to be used up within 2 times of opening. Beneath we have summarised the benefits and drawbacks of wet food:
Pros
- High acceptance by most four-legged friends
- Packed in helpful portions
- Since of the high water content in wet food, your canine does not need so much additional liquid.
- If necessary, medication can be administered with the wet food.
Cons
- After opening, moist food cannot be stored well
- Large dogs need to know more space for storage
- More difficult to hold and feed on the move
- Wet food smells more intense
- Costs more than dry food
- Creates more waste
That is not possible to make a general statement about which type of dog food is ideal for your dog. Your dog ultimately decides which dog food it likes and which variety it prefers. To find out which type of dog food your pet likes better and which this individual tolerates better, you should try out both types.
A few dog owners switch between wet and dry food. The following pertains to both types of food: It should be given as a main meal, never as a treat in between meals. This kind of can lead to overfeeding of the dog.
How much meats and just how many carbs and nutrients belong in dog food?
The caliber of the dog food plays a major role in a balanced and nutritious diet. It is important that the dog food consists of healthy ingredients and nutrients – no matter of whether it is wet food or dry food. The proper composition of your canine food is also crucial for good digestion and the health of the four-legged friend.
How much meat should the food contain?
Dogs are originated from wolves – that is why their digestive tract is similar to that of predators. Therefore above all, 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 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, meats provides the dog with protein. The four-legged friend needs protein for their muscles, bones, strong tissues, healthy tooth and nerves also to provide energy for its activities. Therefore, senior dogs have a lower proteins requirement because they are no longer as lively as young or adult animals. In general, experts admit dog food should contain between 50 and 70 % meat. But other ingredients are important too. If dog owners feed only meats for their four-legged friends, this can lead to a problem with digestion, stress on the kidneys and liver due to excess protein and deficiency symptoms.
Nutritional vitamins, minerals and sugars in dog food?
A well-balanced dog diet also includes nutrients that are not present in meat – for instance , vitamins and nutrients found in vegetables and fruit, or fatty stomach acids from healthy oils. The four-legged good friend also needs sugars. Wolves, for example, eat the stomach and intestinal items 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. However, the need for carbohydrates is low. Fillers from plant waste such as press residues from oil production, sections, husks or straw are often added to the feed. Superior quality carbohydrates are found in rice, potatoes, millet, maize, amaranth or buckwheat.
Animal fats provide the dog with twice as much energy as proteins. To prevent overweight, the food should contain these substances only in moderation. How much should take the dog food depends upon how much the pet moves. Lamb and poultry fat are saturated fatty acids. They can be 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 stomach acids and unsaturated fatty acids. Omega-3 oils, which are seen in fish, are extremely valuable for cell metabolism.
What should be in the dog food? Dog food should include 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 nutritional supplements. The proportion of offal should be a more 10 percent. Offal provides valuable nutrients such as biotin or iron. Good quality oils such as salmon essential oil or linseed oil improve nutrient absorption and ensure a functioning cardiovascular system, a shiny layer and healthy skin area.
How do i recognise superior quality dog food?
Doggie food sold in UK must be labelled with certain mandatory information. These types of include:
– Talk about and name of the manufacturer
– Date of manufacture or best-before date of the dog food
– Name 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 groups. These are, for instance , statements such as “with cereals” and “vegetable by-products”. A semi-open declaration lists the individual uncooked materials, although not their percentage. The open declaration provides 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 grain into individual organizations. The reason for this is that the large total quantity appears smaller. For example, maize becomes maize starch, maize feed meals, maize flour, maize gluten or source. The cereal components provide carbohydrates and saturate well, but should not be included in too large quantities.
2. The elements in the give food to are listed in descending order according to their quantity. The further forwards an ingredient is listed on the label, the better its proportion. Conversely, what this means is: Only a small proportion of an ingredient that is listed far throughout the list is contained in the feed.
Other aspects by which dog owners recognise the quality of the food are:
– Meat content of 50 to 70 per cent
– Grain and veg 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 has no 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 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 canine by-products indicates the meat content in your canine food. Companies often do not declare exactly what is engaged. It can be high-quality muscle meat or offal as well as low-quality offal. The latter includes, among other things, jerky, rumen or chaps. Animal by-products include, for example , hair, bones, hooves, blood or beaks.
2. Fish as well as its by-products include fish fillets, bones and fish mind.
3. Plant by-products include, for example, vegetables, cereals and pulses and essential oil fruits. They are 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. Many of these are important. These include, for example , emulsifiers and natural antioxidants. Emulsifiers ensure an uniform regularity of oil and water. Natural anti-oxidants are to prevent rancid fat.
5. Nutritional additives are intended to support the health of the four-legged friend. They should be within the right formula, 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 tract flora or digestive enzymes.
7. Physical additives are widely-used to influence the appearance and taste of your canine food. They will include flavourings and colourings.
Overweight dogs suffer! Obesity is an expanding problem in dogs with serious health consequences. That 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 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?
In the event the four-legged good friend gets more energy than he uses, he can become overweight. Therefore, it is very important to give puppies the necessary food. How much pet food a dog needs is determined by various factors. In addition to the breed, the next aspects are relevant, for example:
Activity level: How much the four-legged good friend moves determines the amount of energy it burns. Your dog 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 active. They usually have a higher energy requirement than old dogs. It really is recommended to reduce the number of food a little every year. For old dogs, there are senior foods that are reduced body 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 kinds of include cardiovascular problems, thyroid disease, joint disease and diabetes. Once dogs are recovering from illness, they need more pet food.
Hormone balance: A dog’s hormonal levels can climb or fall, changing energy needs. For instance , dogs have different energy needs when they are conceived 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 lesser amount of food is needed. Additionally, dog owners can use the next guidelines as a guide:
– The daily amount of food for an adult and healthy dog with a normal activity level should be about 2 to 3 percent 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 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 uncertain about the right amount of food should talk to a vet and a nutritionist.
How can I recognize a food allergy?
The most typical allergies in dogs are flea allergy and food allergy. Possible triggers of your allergy are, for example , 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 or intolerance 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 rarely occurs in dogs. Mostly it is an intolerance. This is not triggered by the immune system.
– Feasible symptoms of allergies and intolerances
– Possible symptoms of a food allergy or food intolerance include irritation, vomiting, belly pain, flatulence, diarrhoea, lack of fur, redness and frequent scratching.
– Symptoms might not exactly show up soon after feeding the food. Sometimes they only appear a few hours or days later.
However, the symptoms do not necessarily have to indicate an allergy or intolerance or intolerance. They may also be caused by another disease. If your dog has these symptoms, you should have the cause cleared up by a vet. The vet can also determine an allergy or an intolerance, for instance , through an allergy test. Alternatively, it is possible to carry out an exemption 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 supply of protein and sugars. These sources must be ingredients that the four-legged good friend has not eaten before. Pet owners should change the dog food bit by little bit. Following your food change, your canine is fed the new food for many weeks.
When the dog’s condition improves and the symptoms no longer occur, a provocation test is performed. Here, the dog owner has to feed his four-legged friend one substance at a time, which could 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 removal diet is something that dog owners can do themselves. However, it is advisable to talk to a professional or talk to the vet beforehand.
Consistent action is crucial during an exemption diet. The dog should not be given chews, treats or leftovers during this time period.
What should I do if my dog has an allergy?
If this 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 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 called for: sometimes it calls for a while until the symptoms of an intolerance or allergic reaction no longer happen. Sometimes they only disappear completely months after the change in food.
Precisely what is grain-free dog food?
Puppy food often consists of grains. These include wheat or grain, barley and rye, for example. Grain have an important function: they are a source of carbohydrates and energy. However, too much of it contributes to obesity and sometimes to digestive problems. There is also grain-free dog food. Instead of feed, it contains alternate ingredients such as potatoes and legumes, which also provide carbohydrates to the dog.
Grain-free dog food usually makes digestion easier and is also well suited for more sensitive dogs. Nevertheless , it is not necessarily essential to use a grain-free dog food. Dogs are omnivores and are able to digest vegetable protein. Some types of feed are also particularly easy to break down. These include maize and rice, for example. In some cases, however, it makes sense or is necessary to use a dog food without feed. This is especially true if your dog is allergic to food containing cereals.
In the event that you want to give your dog a dog food with grain, you should make sure that the grain content is not way too high and that the product has a balanced recipe.
What can dogs not tolerate?
There are a lot of foods that canines can’t tolerate. Some of them are even poisonous for puppies. These include, for example, onions, organic cabbage and raw pork. Onions can be fatal, with respect to the size of the onion and your dog. For a medium-sized dog, even a medium-sized onion can be extremely dangerous. When a dog eats raw cabbage, it can get abdomen cramps or flatulence. Raw pork could contain the Aujeszky virus, which causes fatal illness. Other foods and drinks that dogs should never eat include:
- Chocolate
- Raw potatoes
- Grapes
- Sultanas
- Fruits pits
- Raw signal
- Macadamia nuts
- Bitter almonds
- Raw eggs
- 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 recommended in rain puddles, for example: Cigarette residues are located 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 unexpected emergency service directly. At the same time, maintain the 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 may be necessary to take the dog to a veterinary clinic or drive it to the vet. Symptoms that could occur with poisoning include:
- Excessive salivation
- Excessive thirst
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Cramps
- Trouble sleeping
- Shortness of breath
To prevent your canine from eating incompatible foods, dog owners should make sure that relatives and acquaintances do not feed them such foods. In addition, it is crucial to train the dog well so that it does not constantly eat whatever off the side of the street.
The best choice is the Pooch & Mutt – Calm & Relaxed, Complete Dry Dog Food (Grain Free), Turkey and Sweet Potato, 2kg.
Pooch & Mutt - Calm & Relaxed, Complete Dry Dog Food (Grain Free), Turkey and Sweet Potato, 2kg
- Designed to help anxious dogs stay calm and relaxed
- Premium, grain free complete dry dog food
- Includes chamomile, l-tryptophan, prebiotics and brewers yeast
- Single source protein with 45% lean turkey
- Free from grain, cereal , gluten, GM produce, artificial flavours, colours and preservatives
Video about best dog food for shih tzu with sensitive stomach
FAQ – Frequently asked questions about dog food
Finally, we answer some important and often asked questions about dog food.
What should I actually look for in dog food for puppies?
Puppies require 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 suitable for growing dogs. This is because a baby dog’s immune system, bones, muscles, coat and teeth first have to produce.
With puppy dog dog food, the focus is on nutrient intake. Previously mentioned all, the pup food must contain certain essential minerals and vitamins. So that the puppy’s gastrointestinal system is not overtaxed, the food for puppies also has a lower food volume than your canine food for adult quadrupeds. Found in the beginning, young dogs should be given small portions many times a day, which are then gradually increased.
When should I start using dog food for adult dogs?
This depends upon the breed of dog: Small to medium breeds are considered grownups from 9 to 12 months of age. For large breeds, it is recommended to give adult food to dogs from 12 to 15 months of age. For very large breeds, it is advised to give adult food a little later – from 18 to 24 months.
When should my dog be given food for seniors?
For small puppies, the difference in diet should take place between 10 and 12 years of age. For medium-sized dogs, its about time at 8 to 9 years. Large breeds are considered mature at 7 to 8 years old. In addition to age, the dog’s condition of health is also an important criterion. It is advisable to discuss the change of food with the vet.
Precisely what is the best way to store dry food?
The dry food should be held in an foolproof container. Glass or plastic containers without plasticisers are best. Packaging with a metal layer on the inside is also recommended for storing dried food. The container or packaging should be stored in a dry and not too warm place. Otherwise the food can become “sticky” and lose its flavor and nutrients. At worst, mould can develop.
What is barfing?
The abbreviation BARF comes from the English and means Born-Again Raw Feeder. The UK term means “biologically species-appropriate raw feeding”. The species-appropriate diet is founded on the eating habits of wild dogs. Ready-made food plays no role in barfeeding. Instead, the dog is fed natural 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. Dog owners can add the other necessary components. Yet , you should advise yourself well or talk to with experts.
What do We have to consider when changing my dog’s food?
The change of food should be done slowly. If the changeover is abrupt, sensitive puppies in particular can easily suffer from digestive problems, some of which is often considerable. A time 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 3 rd 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 changeover is complete.
If the dog reacts 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 suitable for him. In this case, you should look for an option.
What should I actually do if my dog does not like dry food?
In that case it makes sense to soak the dry food. This has several advantages: Dogs often eat the dry food beyond hunger because it swells up in the stomach first. This makes it easier to allow them to become overweight and feel full. If the food has already inflamed in water, it fills the dog up faster and is easier to break down. In addition, the dogs absorb more liquid with soaked dry food.
How quickly do dogs break down dry food?
Dogs usually need up to 14 hours to digest dry out food. The exact time depends, among other things, on the age and scale the dog and the quality of the food. A young dog usually has a faster metabolism than an old animal. The amount of food is important too. Little 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 results in faster digestion. Additionally , the more liquefied the food is, the short 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 list of manufacturers who do not test on animals.
Which manufacturers and brands produce dog food?
The best-known dog food manufacturers and dog food brands include, for instance , ROYAL CANIN, Josera and WOLFSBLUT. Other well-known manufacturers and brands are, for example:
– Bosch
– PRIMUM
– Pedigree
– RINTI
– Animonda
– MERA
Once can I start feeding a puppy?
During the first weeks of its life, a puppy is fed breast milk by its mother. Stable food is usually eaten by puppies from the 3rd or 4th week of life. During this period, the mother is constantly on the nourish 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 with a liquid – for example with pup milk. From the 6th to 7th week of life, the puppy is normally no more given with mother’s dairy.
Experts recommend soaking dry puppy food with a solution 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 it make sense?
Producing your own dog food takes more time and work than acquired food. However, it will incorporate some advantages:
– If you make the dog food yourself, you can determine for yourself which ingredients go into it.
– Puppy owners can include the special needs of their four-legged good 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 essential to prepare the food yourself. Before planning the food, you should study the different ingredients. The food should be balanced and contain all the necessary nutrients. It is often highly recommended to talk to a vet ahead of time. Recipe ideas for dog food can be found on the net, for example.
Certain foods are unhealthy or toxic for canines. For example, onions and garlic should not be consumed by dogs.
Precisely what is hypoallergenic dog food?
Hypoallergenic dog food is especially well suited for dogs with allergic reactions. It is adapted to the needs of such a four-legged friend and can be easily digested by your dog. Right now there is hypoallergenic dry food and allergies wet food on the market. This contains few or no substances that cause allergic reactions in dogs. Appropriately, a hypoallergenic food reduces the risk that the dog will not tolerate it and that sensitive reactions will occur.
Usually there is merely one supply of proteins in such a product. This is usually an amazing meat, such as kangaroo or water buffalo. Normally, the protein source used very rarely triggers an intolerance. However, it cannot be ruled out that even hypoallergenic dog food can business lead to allergic reactions. This kind of happens when there is a substance in the meals that the four-legged friend cannot endure.
In addition to dogs with allergies, hypoallergenic food is suitable for four-legged friends with a sensitive gastrointestinal system. For these dogs, such a product provides protection against digestive problems.
