Only the best for the dog – regarding to this slogan, many dog owners lovingly care for their pets. The four-legged friends need attention and occupation, but especially, of course, food. The meals is crucial to ensure that the dog comes with all the important nutrition and remains in good health to live a long dog’s life. But it is often not so 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 multitude of offers in the trade can cause confusion. Different questions arise: What nutritional requirements does the dog have and what quantity? Which food is suitable at which age? Is dry or moist food the right choice for your four-legged friend? And just how much should the dog be given? What can cause deficiency symptoms?
Inside the following best dog food for staffy pups, we present 10 products. You can expect information about which ingredients the foods contain and for which pet dogs the products are suitable. In our guide, we describe the types of dog food, go into some of the constituents and describe how much food a dog needs. In addition, you will learn which foods dogs cannot endure and exactly how you can recognise a food allergy.
Below is a list of the best dog food for staffy pups:
- Pets Purest Natural Dog Treat Chews - 100% Healthy Air-Dried Pork & Beef... — £8.99
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Wellness CORE Puppy Food Dry, Grain Free - Turkey & Chicken, 1.5 kg
—
£9.99
£11.99 -
MjAMjAM Natural Wet Dog Food, Mix Pack 1 with Chicken and Duck, Beef, Turkey,...
—
£12.11
£13.38 -
AATU 80/20 Dry Dog Food, Chicken, High Protein, Grain Free Recipe, No...
—
£15.00
£21.99 - Lily's Kitchen Puppy Recipe with Chicken - Grain Free Puppy Wet Dog Food (10... — £21.00
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IAMS for Vitality Small/Medium Breed Puppy Dry Dog Food with Fresh Chicken,...
—
£28.99
£32.95 - HiLife FEED ME! - Complete Dry Dog Food - Tasty Beef Cheese Vegetables -... — £35.40
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BETA Sensitive Adult Dry Dog Food Salmon 14 kg
—
£38.27
£48.76 -
Crave Dry Dog Food Natural for dogs – High Protein & Grain-Free – Lamb &...
—
£38.99
£53.25 - Arden Grange Adult Dry Dog Food with Fresh Lamb and Rice, 12 kg — £52.99
After hours researching and comparing all models on the market, Life my Dog finds out the Best dog food for staffy pups of 2024. We would recommend using HiLife FEED ME! – Complete Dry Dog Food – Tasty Beef Cheese Vegetables – Soft, Moist & Meaty, 12kg as it is our top pick for you.
Top 10 Best dog food for staffy pups
Best dog food for staffy pups
HiLife FEED ME! - Complete Dry Dog Food - Tasty Beef Cheese Vegetables - Soft, Moist & Meaty, 12kg
Features
- HILIFE FEED ME! SEMI-MOIST DOG FOOD - A great alternative to dry dog food, FEED ME! blends beef & chicken proteins with tasty cheese & vegetables, along with all the essential fatty acids, vitamins and minerals that, not only helps keep your dog healthy but, also gives them a food they will love to the bottom of their bowl.
- PROMOTES & SUPPORTS YOUR DOG'S HEALTH & WELLBEING - The omega fatty acids, Vitamin A and Zinc contains in HiLife Feed Me! assists with a healthy skin & coat for your dog. The Vitamin A also supports with healthy eyes & vision, and the high quality meat proteins helps to support a healthy body & muscle tone.
- IMPROVES THE IMMUNE SYSTEM & SUPPORTS HEALTHY TEETH & STRONG BONES - Vitamin D and Calcium contained in the Feed Me! recipe aids your dog with healthy teeth and strong bones. The tocopherol-rich antioxidants also help to support your dog's immune system providing natural defences.
- 100% COMPLETE & BALANCED FOOD FOR ADULT DOGS: Your dog will love the soft, moist and meaty morsels in HiLife FEED ME! They’re softer and chewier than traditional dry dog food, with a satisfying mouthfeel. Feed Me! is 100% complete and balanced, and ready to serve straight from the bag.
- 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, 1.5 kg
£9.99
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: The 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: Our dry 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!
Crave Dry Dog Food Natural for dogs – High Protein & Grain-Free – Lamb & Beef, 3x 2.8kg
£38.99
Features
- Natural ingredients and a flavour your dog won't be able to say no to. Satisfy their nature with Crave lamb and beef dry dog food / Premium quality, meaty kibble for adult dogs
- Heavy protein-rich kibble, with real pieces of meat designed to help support strong and healthy muscles / High in lamb and beef, free from maize, wheat, soya and dairy
- A healthy four legged friend needs a meal created for them, the way nature intended - respect the animal inside with Crave / Grain free, complete dog food for small, large and senior breeds
- Flavoursome ingredients, tasty meat and natural proteins without artificial colours or flavours / Kibble designed for pets with digestive/digestion problems
- Items delivered: 3 x Crave Lamb and Beef 2.8 kg dry food pouches / Developed and designed for adult cats / Delicious dry pet food with 60 percent animal sources
MjAMjAM Natural Wet Dog Food, Mix Pack 1 with Chicken and Duck, Beef, Turkey, 6 x 200g
£12.11
Features
- Complete wet dog food - extra high proportion of meat - essential vitamins and minerals - grain free
- For our meals, we mainly use ingredients that come from regional farms
- MjAMjAM - because it`s tasty
- Free from: Gluten, sugar, synthetic preservatives, lactose
Lily's Kitchen Puppy Recipe with Chicken - Grain Free Puppy Wet Dog Food (10 Trays x 150 g)
Features
- Nutritionally complete, grain free and natural wet food for puppies (8 weeks +)
- Freshly prepared with proper meat: 67 Percent chicken
- Contains wholesome fruits and vegetables for extra nourishment
- Support healthy digestion for puppies
- No derivatives, preservatives or fillers - natural and healthy dog food
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
BETA Sensitive Adult Dry Dog Food Salmon 14 kg
£38.27
Features
- ^ Beta Sensitive Adult Dry Dog Food Salmon 1 x 14kg Pack ^ Salmon as the No.1 Ingredient, made with selected natural ingredients. ^ With no added artificial colours, flavours, and preservatives ^ With Natural Prebiotic, proven to help improve Digestive Health ^ Dual shape and size kibbles ^ Tailored nutrition to help support sensitive skin and digestion. ^ Item display weight: 14000.0 grams. ^ 14kg
- Packaging may vary
IAMS for Vitality Small/Medium Breed Puppy Dry Dog Food with Fresh Chicken, 12 kg
£28.99
Features
- IAMS for Vitality with fresh chicken for small and medium breed puppies is a 100% complete and balanced pet food that nourishes your puppy's healthy vitality & Supporting 7 signs of healthy vitality
- Contains DHA to promote healthy brain development & With high quality animal protein and essential minerals to support healthy growth
- Contains antioxidant blend with vitamin C & E to help the immune system & Enriched with essential minerals and vitamin D to support strong bones
- Crunchy kibbles and tailored mineral levels for healthy teeth
- Tailored fibre blend including prebiotics and beet pulp for healthy digestion
Pets Purest Natural Dog Treat Chews - 100% Healthy Air-Dried Pork & Beef Sausage Meat Treats for Dogs, Puppy & Senior. Grain & Gluten Free Low Fat Raw Protein Dog Food Snack (200g)
Features
- RAW & HEALTHY DOG TREATS: Treat your canine to a delicious reward snack that isn't associated with the problems of unhealthier dog chew products. Pork & Beef are the only ingredients making it a perfect pet safe alternative for a good boy or girl
- JUNK FREE: There are no additives, colourings, preservatives, sugar or grain in our all natural dog chews. Itching, digestive pain, obesity and allergic reactions are all symptoms that can be associated with unhealthy doggie treats, but not ours
- 100% NATURAL: Unlike rawhide chews that use chemical based air drying for reduced drying times, we use a chemical free air drying process that is better for furry best friends. You can have total peace of mind with our dog friendly healthy treats
- PET HEALTH & TRAINING: Our beef and pork sausage meat munchies contain only two ingredients making them a grain, gluten & lactose free option for any dog on a raw food diet. These hypoallergenic dog gift treats are also suitable training treats too
- PREMIUM QUALITY: Our sausages for dogs are expertly dried using low temperatures to lock in vitamins, minerals and goodness along with an enhancing aroma.
AATU 80/20 Dry Dog Food, Chicken, High Protein, Grain Free Recipe, No Artificial Ingredients, 1.5 kg
£15.00
Features
- 80% FREE-RUN CHICKEN - Our 80/20 dry dog food combines 80% fresh free-run chicken with a 20% blend of our Super-8 mix of fruit and veg for a delicious meal your dog will enjoy every time. For 1kg of finished product we use 2.5kg of raw ingredients.
- MADE USING OUR 'SUPER-8' FOR VITAL NUTRIENTS - Our dry dog food includes a tasty and nutritious bespoke combination of 8 Vegetables - 8 Fruits - 8 Herbs - 8 Botanicals & spices carefully blended to give your pet all of the vitamins and minerals that they need.
- FREE FROM GRAIN - Our natural - high-quality grain free dry dog food is free from grain to minimise allergic reactions and is ideal for dogs with sensitive digestions.
- AIDS HEALTHY JOINTS AND BALANCE - Our tasty dry dog food is made using Glucosamine - Chondroitin and MSM for healthy joints. We also add Probiotics as an aid for a healthy gut.
- HANDCRAFTED IN SMALL BATCHES USING NATURAL INGREDIENTS - Naturally made without artificial colours - preservatives - flavours and without GM ingredients. All our recipes are made with fresh - raw meat or fish and then cooked with our unique ‘Low and Slow’ method - which helps ensure efficient digestion of the animal proteins.
The particular best for the dog – regarding to this slogan, many dog owners lovingly care for their pets. The four-legged friends need attention and occupation, but most importantly, of course, food. The foodstuff is crucial to ensure that the dog is supplied with all the important nutrients and remains in health to live a long dog’s life. But it is often not so easy to find the right food for your own dog. Comparable 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 will the dog have and in what quantity? Which in turn food is ideal where age? Is dry or wet 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 provide 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 see which foods dogs cannot put up with and how you can recognise a food allergy.
The different types of dog food at a glance
Simply as every person has their own own health needs, every dog’s preferences are different. The choice of food that goes into the dog’s bowl should be produced 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 system is not yet as efficient. An adult dog needs carbs, fats, oils, healthy proteins and minerals. His dog food should be balanced. Older dogs have a slow metabolism and are no longer as active. Consequently, they need less energy, i. e. calorie consumption. Yet , the dog food should be easy to break down and contain a great deal of proteins. In addition, the types of food vary in conditions 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 regular basis. The portion of proteins, fatty acids, minerals and vitamins varies depending on 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 damp food. Supplementary foods are not sufficient in themselves to provide the dog with all the crucial nutrition. 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 supermarkets usually comes from professional production. This is the most typical 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 industrial 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 plant, animal or other natural sources – unaltered or processed. The food must not contain any chemically synthesised additives. However , certain synthetic nutritional supplements are permitted. In phrases of packaging, there is often almost no difference compared to business food: natural dog food is packaged in cans or as dry out food.
– Organic and natural dog food must comply with stricter guidelines regarding elements. For example, the product should never contain numerous substances such as genetically altered ingredients, hormones and pesticides. You will find variations between the various natural dog foods: “100 per dollar organic” means that no undesirable substances have been highly processed. With all the claim “organic”, the constituents in the natural food are 95 per cent organic. If it says “made with organic”, the product contains 70 per cent organic ingredients. Organic food is available as dry and wet food.
– Meanwhile, vegan and vegetarian dog food is also available on the market. This dog food would not contain meat and still provides the dog with the important nutrients. Nevertheless , vegan and vegan dog food contains a lot of fresh vegetables and grains, which can issues if the dog is intolerant.
– A special form of dog food is BARF. The abbreviation is short for “biologically species-appropriate raw 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 coupled with raw, pureed fruit or vegetables. Whether this method is actually more healthy is debatable. Since the meals are put together individually, barfing is more suitable for experienced pet owners who have studied this diet of their four-legged friends in detail.
There are manufacturers who advertise that their dog food is of food quality. This is a statement that ought to be treated with caution. There is no such thing as food-grade dog or cat food. This also applies to dog food. You should also watch out for attractants and flavour enhancers in dog food. These kinds of are supposed to give the food the smell and taste. Some dog enthusiasts also avoid pet food/dog food from factory farming.
Difference between extruded and cold-pressed dried fodder
Dried dog food is produced by the cold-pressing or extrusion process:
1. Cold-pressed dog food is created by first drying the natural materials and then grinding and combining them. A painting tool presses this mass through the openings of a drum wall. Shaped and compacted chunks of feed come out the other aspect. During the dog food production process, temperatures of about 90 certifications Celsius are produced, which obviously contradicts the term cold depressing. Yet , temperatures are still significantly lower than those employed in extrusion.
2. In the extrusion process, the ingredients for your dog food are exposed to high temperatures. Many nutrients are lost during this manufacturing process. These kinds of must be artificially added to the meals after processing. During digesting, the dough-like extruded feed is presented through nozzles at high pressure. Feed produced in this way swells considerably 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 normally, slowly and gradually. In addition, the food includes more natural elements. If the four-legged good friend has problems with the gastrointestinal tract and an annoyed digestion, extruded dog food can be more tolerable for him. In this dog food, the starch has already been broken down during heating. On the other hand, the manufacturing process is merely a secondary 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 dried out food?
There is certainly wet 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 chew up more and therefore coach their teeth. Consuming 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 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 wet food
- Easier to feed on the go
- Easy to store
- Almost germ-free due to heating during production
- Even more green than refined 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 quicker if it is not a food items for deiting
- Risk of mould or mite formation if stored incorrectly
Wet dog food has a high water content. The wet food is usually portioned in tins or small bowls. Often one package of wet food compares to one meal. Various dogs like moist food much better than dry food. In contrast to dry food, damp food for dogs – once opened – can only be kept for a few days and nights. It should be used up within 2 times of opening. Below we have summarised the benefits and down sides of wet food:
Pros
- High acceptance by most four-legged friends
- Packed in useful servings
- Since of the high water content in wet food, the dog does not need so much additional liquid.
- If necessary, medication can be administered with the wet food.
Cons
- After opening, wet food cannot be stored very well
- Large dogs need to know more space for storage
- Even more difficult to move and feed on the move
- Wet food smells more extreme
- Costs more than dry food
- Generates more waste
That is not possible to make a general statement about which type of dog food is suited to your dog. Your dog eventually chooses which dog food it likes and which variety it prefers. To find out which type of dog food your dog likes better and which he tolerates better, you should try away both types.
A few dog owners change between wet and dry food. The following relates to both types of food: It should only be given as a primary meal, never as a treat in between meals. This kind of can lead to overfeeding of your dog.
How much meat and just how many carbohydrates and nutrients belong in dog food?
The caliber of the dog food plays a major role in a balanced and proper diet. It is important that the dog food contains healthy ingredients and nutrients – regardless of whether it is wet food or dry food. The best composition of your canine food is also crucial for good digestion and the health of the four-legged good friend.
How much meat should the food contain?
Dogs are originated from wolves – that is why their digestive system is similar to that of predators. Thus to start with, 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 are now able to break down starch, meaning the four-legged friend can also digest plant food in smaller quantities.
To start with, meat provides the dog with protein. The four-legged friend needs protein for its muscles, bones, strong tissues, healthy the teeth and nerves also to provide energy for its activities. Therefore, senior dogs have a lower necessary protein requirement because they are not as lively as young or adult animals. In general, experts admit dog food should contain between 50 and 70 % meat. But other ingredients are also important. If dog owners feed only various meats for their four-legged friends, this could lead to a problem with digestion, stress on the kidneys and liver due to excess protein and deficiency symptoms.
Vitamin supplements, minerals and sugars in dog food?
A well-balanced dog diet also contains nutrients that are not present in meat – for instance , vitamins and minerals found in fruits and veggies, or fatty acids from healthy oils. The four-legged good friend also needs carbs. Wolves, for example, eat the belly and intestinal material of prey animals, now and then also berries and grass.
Dogs convert starch from rice, potatoes and cereals into energy and require it for their intestinal flora. Nevertheless, the need for carbohydrates is low. Fillers from grow waste such as press residues from oil production, sections, husks or hay are often added to the feed. Top quality carbohydrates are normally found in rice, potatoes, millet, maize, amaranth or buckwheat.
Animal fat provide the dog with twice as much energy as proteins. To prevent overweight, the meals should contain these chemicals only moderately. How much should take the dog food will depend on how much the animal moves. Lamb and poultry fat are saturated fatty acids. They may be stored in the body as emergency portion and are designed as a reserve for bad times. Meat and vegetable oil contain over loaded omega-6 fatty acids and unsaturated fatty acids. Omega-3 natural oils, which are seen in fish, are extremely valuable for cellular metabolism.
What should maintain the dog food? Dog food should include 50 to 70 pct lean meat or muscle meat or fish with high-quality proteins. In addition, there should be about 20 to 50 pct high-quality carbohydrates for energy production and fruit, vegetables or herbs for the necessary nutritional supplements. The proportion of offal should be a maximum of 10 percent. Offal provides valuable nutrition such as biotin or iron. Good quality oils such as salmon oil or linseed fat improve nutrient ingestion and ensure a functioning cardiovascular system, a shiny layer and healthy skin.
How can I recognise superior quality dog food?
Puppy food sold in UK must be labelled with certain mandatory information. These kinds of include:
– Treat and name of the manufacturer
– Date of manufacture or best-before day of the dog food
– Name of the food
– 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 groups. These are, for instance , statements such as “with cereals” and “vegetable by-products”. A semi-open declaration lists the individual natural materials, but not their percentage. The open up declaration provides formula in per cent and the respective resources of raw materials. When reading the food label, dog owners should also note the following:
1. Many manufacturers split the word grain into individual organizations. The reason for this is that the large total quantity appears smaller. For example, maize becomes maize starch, maize feed meal, maize flour, maize gluten or grain. The cereal components provide carbohydrates and saturate well, but must not be included in too large quantities.
2. The ingredients in the give food to are listed in descending order regarding to their amount. The further forward an ingredient is listed on the label, the higher its proportion. Alternatively, what this means is: Only a tiny 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 veggie content between 25 and 50 percent
– Balanced substances with all the necessary vitamins and minerals
– No use of flavour enhancers
These nutrition make a good dog food
The dog’s organism does not have any 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 outlined under the term “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 pet by-products indicates the meat content in the dog food. Manufacturers 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. Fish as well as by-products include fish fillets, bone fragments and fish mind.
3. Plant by-products include, for example, vegetables, cereals and pulses and olive oil fruits. They are partially health- and digestion-promoting food components.
4. Technological additives are preservatives, separating and binding agents, stabilisers, thickening and solidifying agents and acid regulators. Some of these are important. These include, for instance , emulsifiers and natural antioxidants. Emulsifiers ensure an uniform uniformity of oil and water. Natural vitamin antioxidants 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 influence the dog’s performance and health – such as stabilisers for the intestinal tract 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 increasing 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 swelling. Additionally, it may shorten the life expectancy of the animal. Often , too much food is the reason for overweight. But age, sex and breed also play a role. Especially Cocker Spaniels, Labrador Retrievers and King Charles often become overweight. At times the use of food items for deiting should be considered.
How much food does my dog need?
If the four-legged friend gets more energy than he utilizes, he can become overweight. Therefore, it is very important to give dogs the right amount of food. Just how much pet food a dog needs will depend on 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. A dog that moves a lot burns more calories. If the dog is not so active, it burns fewer calories and has a slower metabolism. Accordingly, he needs less food.
Age: Younger dogs continue to be growing and are often more curious and lively. They usually have a higher energy requirement than older dogs. It is a good idea to reduce the number of food a little each year. For old dogs, there are senior foods that are reduced 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 kinds of include cardiovascular problems, thyroid disease, joint disease and diabetes. When ever dogs are recovering from illness, they need more pet food.
Hormone balance: A dog’s hormone levels can climb or fall, changing energy needs. For example , 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 caloric content of your dog food. A higher calorie content means a lower amount of food is needed. Additionally, dog owners can use the following rules of thumb as a guide:
– The daily amount of food for an adult and healthy dog with an ordinary activity level should be about 2 to 3 pct 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 movements a lot or is coping with an illness should be fed more. His necessary food amount per day is up to 5 pct of his body weight.
– Snacks should not exceed 10 % of the daily food requirement.
Anyone who is uncertain about the right amount of food should talk to a vet and/or a nutritionist.
How can I recognize a food allergy?
The most frequent allergies in dogs are flea allergy and food allergy. Possible sets off of your allergy are, for example , stress, parasitic organisms and pollen. In addition, the protein-containing substances in a feed can result in allergic reactions. What a dog might be allergic to include, for instance , me llaman, animal proteins from poultry, pork or beef, and grain.
What is the between an allergic reaction and an intolerance?
– An allergy is a hypersensitivity response by the dog’s immune system. This reacts strongly against a certain compound. A true food allergy rarely occurs in dogs. Mostly it is an intolerance. This is not triggered by the immune system.
– Likely indications of allergies and intolerances
– Possible symptoms of a food allergy or food intolerance include itchiness, vomiting, abs pain, flatulence, diarrhoea, loss of fur, redness and frequent scratching.
– Symptoms may not show up right after feeding the food. Sometimes they only appear a few hours or days later.
However, the symptoms do not necessarily have to indicate an allergic reaction or intolerance. That they may also be caused by another disease. In the event that your dog has these symptoms, you ought to have the cause cleared up with a vet. The vet can also determine an allergy or an intolerance, for example , through an allergy test. Additionally, it is possible to undertake an different 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 source of protein and carbs. These sources must be ingredients that the four-legged friend hasn’t eaten before. Pet owners should change the dog food bit by bit. After the food change, your dog is fed the new food for many weeks.
When the dog’s condition enhances and the symptoms will no longer occur, a provocation test is completed. Here, the dog owner has to feed his four-legged friend one substance at a time, which may be the trigger for the allergic reactions. Above time, a list is made of substances that the dog can tolerate or that cause allergic reactions in him. An elimination diet is something that pet owners can do themselves. Nevertheless, it is highly recommended to talk to a professional or speak to the vet in advance.
Consistent action is vital during an exemption diet. The dog really should not be given chews, treats or left over spots during this time period.
What should I do if my dog has an allergy?
If it turns out that your four-legged good friend has a food allergy or food intolerance, the dog should will no longer eat the allergy-causing chemicals. The selected family pet food must therefore not contain any substances that your canine cannot tolerate. The same goes to treats and everything dog snacks between meals.
If absolutely nothing changes, patience is called for: sometimes it takes some time until the symptoms of an intolerance or allergy or intolerance no longer occur. Sometimes they only disappear completely weeks following the change in food.
What is grain-free dog food?
Puppy food often includes 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 contributes to obesity and sometimes to digestive problems. There is also grain-free dog food. Instead of materials, 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 is also ideal for more sensitive dogs. However , it is not necessarily essential to use a grain-free dog food. Dogs are omnivores and are able to digest vegetable protein. Some types of grain are also particularly easy to break down. Such as maize and rice, for example. Sometimes, however, it makes sense or is necessary to use a dog food without grain. This is especially true if your dog is allergic to food containing cereals.
In the event you want to give your puppy a dog food with grain, you should make sure that the grain content is not too much and that the product has a balanced recipe.
What can dogs not tolerate?
There are a lot of foods that dogs can’t tolerate. Several of them are actually poisonous for canines. These include, for example, onions, natural cabbage and natural pork. Onions can be fatal, based on the size of the onion and your dog. For a medium-sized dog, even a medium-sized onion can be extremely dangerous. If the dog feeds on raw cabbage, it can get belly cramps or flatulence. Raw pork could contain the Aujeszky virus, that causes fatal illness. Other foods and drinks that dogs should never eat include:
- Chocolates
- Raw taters
- Fruit
- Sultanas
- Fruits pits
- Raw signal
- Macadamia nuts
- Bitter walnuts
- Raw ova
- Some types of avocado
- Birch sugar and xylitol
- Cream and milk
- Caffeinated drinks, such as coffee
- Alcohol
Furthermore, nicotine is dangerous for dogs. Consequently, caution is suggested in rain puddles, for example: Cigarette residues are located in them. Ashtrays should be located in such a way that the dog cannot reach them.
If a dog has eaten food that is dangerous for it, you should contact the doctor or maybe the veterinary emergency service directly. At the same time, keep your dog in a safe environment. Nevertheless, despite all the concern for the dog’s life, the following applies: Stay calm and watch out for signs of poisoning. It might be necessary to take the dog to a veterinary clinic or drive it to the vet. Symptoms that can occur with poisoning include:
- Excessive salivation
- Excessive being thirsty
- Throwing up
- Diarrhoea
- Aches
- Uneasyness
- Shortness of breath
To prevent the dog from eating incompatible foods, dog owners should make sure that family 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 from the side of the trail.
The best choice is the HiLife FEED ME! – Complete Dry Dog Food – Tasty Beef Cheese Vegetables – Soft, Moist & Meaty, 12kg.
HiLife FEED ME! - Complete Dry Dog Food - Tasty Beef Cheese Vegetables - Soft, Moist & Meaty, 12kg
- HILIFE FEED ME! SEMI-MOIST DOG FOOD - A great alternative to dry dog food, FEED ME! blends beef & chicken proteins with tasty cheese & vegetables, along with all the essential fatty acids, vitamins and minerals that, not only helps keep your dog healthy but, also gives them a food they will love to the bottom of their bowl.
Video about best dog food for staffy pups
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 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 case after about 2 months. The components and ingredients of puppy dog food are specially created for growing puppies. This is because a baby dog’s immune system, bones, muscles, coat and teeth first have to develop.
With puppy 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 the dog food for adult quadrupeds. In the beginning, young dogs should be provided with 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 believed older people from 9 to 12 months of age. For large breeds, it is recommended to give adult food to dogs from 12 to 15 months of age. For very large breeds, it is advised to give adult food a little later – from 18 to 24 months.
When should my dog be given food for seniors?
For small canines, the 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 of age. In addition to era, the dog’s state of health is also an important criterion. It is recommended to discuss the change of food with the vet.
Precisely 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 meals can become “sticky” and lose its flavor and nutrients. In the worst case, mould can develop.
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 raw feeding”. The species-appropriate diet is dependent on the eating habits of wild dogs. Ready-made food plays no role in barfeeding. Instead, the dog is fed unprocessed food such as meat, offal and bones, supplemented with vegetables, fruit, natural oils and carbohydrates for a well-balanced supply of nutrients. Meanwhile, substance and freeze-dried BARF food and deep-frozen meat are available in the shops. Dog owners can add the other necessary components. However , you should inform yourself well or seek advice from with experts.
What do I 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 digestive : problems, a few of that can be 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 3rd and fourth day, replace half with the new food. Within the fifth and sixth day, the proportion of the new dog food should be three 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 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 cases like this, you should look for an option.
What should We do if my dog would 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 case the food has already enlarged in water, it fills the dog up faster and is much easier to digest. In addition, the dogs absorb more liquid with drenched dry food.
How fast do dogs digest dry food?
Dogs usually need up to 14 hours to digest dried out food. The exact time depends, among other things, on the age and size of the dog and the quality of the food. A young dog usually has a faster metabolism than an old animal. The number of food is important too. Tiny portions are broken down 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. In addition , the more water the foodstuff 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?
You will discover 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 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 is i able to start feeding a puppy?
During the beginning of its life, a puppy is federal reserve breast milk by its mother. Solid food is usually eaten by puppies from the 3rd or 4th week of life. During this time period, the mother continually give food to her puppies with breast milk in parallel. To be able to accustom a puppy to dry food, it makes sense 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 fed with mother’s dairy.
Experts recommend soaking dry puppy food with a water 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 sound right?
Producing your own dog food takes more time and work than acquired food. However, it really does have some advantages:
– In the event you make the dog food yourself, you can determine 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 can be sensible or necessary to prepare the food yourself. Before preparing the food, you should study the various elements. The food should be balanced and contain all the necessary nutrients. It is sometimes advisable to talk to a vet in advance. Recipe ideas for dog food can be found on the web, for example.
Certain foods are unhealthy or toxic for puppies. For example, onions and garlic should not be ingested by dogs.
What is hypoallergenic dog food?
Hypoallergenic dog food is especially ideal for dogs with allergy symptoms. It truly is adapted to the needs of such a four-legged friend and can be easily broken down by your canine. There is hypoallergenic dried out food and hypoallergenic wet food on the market. This contains few or no substances that cause allergic reactions in dogs. Accordingly, a hypoallergenic food reduces the risk that your canine will not tolerate it and that sensitive reactions will happen.
Usually there is merely one way to obtain protein in such a product. This is usually an exotic meat, such as kangaroo or water buffalo. Normally, the protein source used very rarely causes an intolerance. Nevertheless, it cannot be ruled out that even hypoallergenic dog food can lead to allergic reactions. This happens when we have a substance in the foodstuff that the four-legged friend cannot put up with.
In addition to dogs with allergic reactions, hypoallergenic food is suitable for four-legged friends with a very sensitive gastrointestinal system. For these dogs, such a product can provide protection against digestive problems.
