The particular best for the dog – according to this saying, many dog owners lovingly care for their pets. The four-legged friends need attention and profession, but most importantly, of course, food. The meals is crucial to ensure that the dog comes with all the important nutrition and remains in health to live a long dog’s life. But it is often not so no problem finding 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. Numerous questions arise: What nutritional requirements will the dog have and in what quantity? Which food is suitable at which age? Is dry or moist food the right choice for your four-legged friend? And how much should the dog be given? What can cause deficiency symptoms?
In the following best dog food for weight loss and joints, we present 10 products. You can expect information about which ingredients the foods contain and for which pet dogs the products are suitable. Inside our guide, we describe the types of dog food, go into some of the ingredients and explain how much food a dog needs. In addition, you will see which foods dogs cannot endure and exactly how you can recognise a food allergy.
Below is a list of the best dog food for weight loss and joints:
- Pooch & Mutt - Slim & Slender, Complete Dry Dog Food (Grain Free), Chicken... — £14.80
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Pooch & Mutt - Health & Digestion, Complete Dry Dog Food (Grain Free), Salmon...
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£14.80
£15.99 - Autarky Hypoallergenic Mature Lite Delicious Chicken Dry Dog Food for Senior... — £28.30
- Eukanuba Daily Care Dry Dog Food With Fresh Chicken For Overweight And... — £35.99
- Eukanuba Dry Dog Food Adult Weight Control with Large Breed Chicken,15 kg — £38.99
- Hills Prescription Diet Dog Weight + Food Croquet Joint Health for Dog... — £39.40
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Arden Grange Adult Dry Dog Food Light with Fresh Chicken and Rice, 12 kg
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£39.75
£44.99 - Burns Pet Weight Control Complete Dry Adult and Senior Dog Food Chicken, 15 kg — £52.50
- Hills Prescription Diet Dog Weight + Joint Health Food for Dogs Chickens 12 kg — £71.27
- Natural Trainer Ideal Weight, Medium and Large Adult Dog Food with White...
After hours researching and comparing all models on the market, Life my Dog finds out the Best dog food for weight loss and joints of 2024. We would recommend using Eukanuba Daily Care Dry Dog Food With Fresh Chicken For Overweight And Sterilised Adult Dogs as it is a hight quality product.
Top 10 Best dog food for weight loss and joints
Best dog food for weight loss and joints
Eukanuba Daily Care Dry Dog Food With Fresh Chicken For Overweight And Sterilised Adult Dogs
Features
- Glucosamine & chondroitin to help maintain healthy joints & support active mobility
- Includes L-carnitine for healthy weight management
- Special kibble shape together with unique DentaDefense to help keep teeth clean and healthy
- Rich in chicken to help support lean muscles
- Prebiotic FOS and beet pulp to help support healthy digestion
Hills Prescription Diet Dog Weight + Food Croquet Joint Health for Dog Chicken 4 kg
Features
- Croquettes for dogs that combine overweight problems and osteoarthritis problems.
- Hill's Prescription Diet Canine Metabolic + Mobility is a specially formulated food for supporting joint metabolism in the event of osteoarthritis, overweight/obese adult dogs and weight maintenance after damping. Properties: - Support for joint metabolism in the case of osteoarthritis in the adult dog; whitening of overweight and obese dogs; weight maintenance after damping.
- JOINT HEALTH - Clinically proven nutrition to improve dogs' ability to run, walk and jump in just 21 days. - Helps stop the osteoarthritis cycle and represents an alternative to Glucosamine & Chondroitin Sulfate supplementation. - Using EPA to preserve cartilage health in dogs illustrates Hill's leading role in state-of-the-art fatty acid technology. - Fresh Pack System protects fatty acids and maintains quality. Weight Management - Clinically proven nutrition to reduce body weight by 13% in 60 days. * - 88% of animals fed with this food lost weight in two months at home. * - Metabolic + Mobility nutrition is clinically proven to act regardless of the dog's energy expenditure profile, activating its inherent natural ability to burn excess fat and change its calorie consumption. - Clinically proven nutrition to prevent weight recovery as a result of a slimming program. * - As soon as the ideal weight is achieved, the recommended amounts of food should be adjusted to maintain the shape weight. Safe for long term power supply.
- A diet in line with its physiological needs is the essential condition of your pet's health. A prescription food is intended to meet a precise therapeutic objective that can only be defined by a veterinarian after examination of the animal.
Natural Trainer Ideal Weight, Medium and Large Adult Dog Food with White Meat, 12 kg
Features
- Helps maintain an ideal weight with 36% less fat**, L-carnitine and low calorie content. Its specially adapted formula contains plant fibre, minerals and prickly pear leaf extract to help reduce fat absorption. **Compared to
- Satiating ingredients: thanks to plant fibres such as lignocellulose, wheat bran and pea fibre.
- Supports vitality: Thanks to spirulina seaweed, proteins, minerals and vitamins that help support your dog’s vitality.
- Wellness of the joints: Thanks to the omega-3 from flax seeds and seaweed, boswellia serrata and magnesium, which help take care of the joints.
Eukanuba Dry Dog Food Adult Weight Control with Large Breed Chicken,15 kg
Features
- Slim: 30% less fat than Eukanuba large breed adult diet
- Agility: Helps support healthy joints with natural source of glucosamine and chondroitin sulphate
- Mighty: Helps reduce body fat while preserving lean muscle with L-carnitine
- Dental: Clinically proven to reduce tartar build-up in 28 days. Reduces plaque and maintains strong teeth
- 100% complete and balanced. No artificial flavours or colourants added
Hills Prescription Diet Dog Weight + Joint Health Food for Dogs Chickens 12 kg
Features
| Part Number | 52742000633 |
| Model | 52742000633 |
| Release Date | 2017-02-28T00:00:01Z |
| Size | 12 kg (Pack of 1) |
| Language | Italian |
Burns Pet Weight Control Complete Dry Adult and Senior Dog Food Chicken, 15 kg
Features
- Hypo-allergenic
- Alternative to veterinary and prescription diets
- Highly digestible
- Promotes good health and behavious
- Revisits the traditional way of eating
Pooch & Mutt - Slim & Slender, Complete Dry Dog Food (Grain Free), Chicken and Sweet Potato, 2kg
Features
- Designed to help dogs that are overweight to promote a slim and slender body composition
- Premium, grain free complete dry dog food
- Includes sweet potato as digestion-aiding fibre and pea protein to lower hunger
- Single source protein with 45% lean chicken
- Free from grain, cereal , gluten, GM produce, artificial flavours, colours and preservatives
Autarky Hypoallergenic Mature Lite Delicious Chicken Dry Dog Food for Senior Dogs, 12 kg
Features
- Naturally hypoallergenic
- Added glucosamine for joint support
- Prebiotics for digestive health
- Taurine and carnitine for a healthy heart
- Omega fatty acids for coat and skin
Arden Grange Adult Dry Dog Food Light with Fresh Chicken and Rice, 12 kg
£39.75
Features
- A complete, super premium pet food for adult dogs that are overweight or prone to weight gain
- Lower in calories and fat than our standard adult diets with the addition of L-carnitine may help to increase the conversion of fat to energy and maintain lean body mass
- Free from artificial colours, flavours and preservatives; Containing a unique blend of nutrients and natural supplements to help promote the optimum health, vitality and condition of your pet
- Including, prebiotics to aid digestion, joint supplements, essential fatty acids to promote a healthy skin and coat, cranberries for urinary tract health, powerful natural antioxidants plus added vitamins and minerals to help support immune system and dental health
- Naturally hypoallergenic so you won't find any wheat gluten, beef, soya or dairy products in our recipes; This may reduce the risk of dietary intolerances and allergies that cause digestive disorders and skin complaints
Pooch & Mutt - Health & Digestion, Complete Dry Dog Food (Grain Free), Salmon and Sweet Potato, 2kg
£14.80
Features
- Designed to help dogs with poor or sensitive digestion
- Premium, grain free complete dry dog food
- Includes prebiotics to aid the balance of good bacteria
- Single source protein with 45% lean salmon
- Free from grain, cereal , gluten, GM produce, artificial flavours, colours and preservatives
Only the best for the dog – relating to this motto, many dog owners lovingly care for their pets. The four-legged friends need attention and job, but especially, 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 simple to find the right food for your own dog. Similar to humans, it is also important to consider a balanced diet. In addition, the wide variety of offers in the trade can cause confusion. Different questions arise: What nutritional requirements does the dog have and what quantity? Which food is ideal from which age? Is dry or moist food the right choice for your four-legged friend? And just how much should the dog be provided? What can cause deficiency symptoms?
Inside the following dog food comparison, we present 14 products. We provide information about which ingredients the foods contain and for which dogs the products are suitable. In our guide, we describe the types of dog food, go into some of the constituents and explain how much food a dog needs. In addition, you will learn which foods dogs cannot tolerate and just how you can recognise a food allergy.
The different types of dog food quickly
Merely as every person has their own own dietary needs, every dog’s preferences are different. The choice of food that moves into the dog’s bowl should be made according to various factors. These include the breed, activity and health of the dog. Age also plays a role.
Puppies are growing and need special nutrients. In addition, their digestive system is not yet as efficient. An adult dog needs carbohydrates, fats, oils, protein and minerals. His dog food should be balanced. Old dogs have a slow metabolism and are no longer as active. As a result, they require less energy, i. e. calories. However , the dog food should be easy to digest and contain a lot of proteins. In addition, the types of food vary in phrases of composition, way of creation and consistency.
Structure – complete or complementary food?
A complete feed contains all the nutrients the dog needs every day. The portion of proteins, fatty acids, minerals and vitamins is different depending on the product. The ingredients should be adapted to the age, activity and possible allergies of the four-legged friend. An entire food can be dry or damp food. Supplementary foods are not sufficient per to provide the dog with all the vital nutrients. These can be flakes that the dog owner blends into the food or treats. The declaration shows what it is.
Type of production
– Dry food and wet food available in pet shops and supermarkets usually comes from commercial production. This is the most common type of dog food. Industrially produced wet food is often filled in cans or small aluminium trays. With all the latter, one pan 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 rack life. With a few exclusions, this dog food can be stored unopened for quite some time without any loss of quality.
– Natural dog food only uses raw materials that come from grow, animal or other natural sources – unaltered or processed. The food must not contain any chemically synthesised additives. However , certain synthetic minerals and vitamins are permitted. In conditions of packaging, there is often hardly any difference compared to industrial food: natural dog food is packaged in cups or as dry food.
– Organic and natural dog food must comply with harsher guidelines regarding elements. For example, the product should never contain numerous substances such as genetically altered ingredients, hormones and pesticides. There are variations between the various organic dog foods: “100 per cent organic” means that no undesirable substances have been highly processed. With the claim “organic”, the ingredients in the organic food are 95 per penny organic. If it says “made with organic”, the product consists of 70 per cent natural ingredients. Organic food is available as dry and wet food.
– Meanwhile, vegan and vegetarian dog food is available too on the market. This dog food does not contain meat but still provides the dog with the important nutrients. Nevertheless , 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 organic feeding”. This species-appropriate method of feeding raw food is based on the dog’s ancestor – the wolf. When barfing, the dog is fed uncooked fresh meat, often coupled with raw, pureed fruit or vegetables. Whether this method is actually much healthier is debatable. Since the meals are assembled individually, barfing is more well suited for experienced dog owners who have analyzed this diet of their four-legged friends in detail.
There are manufacturers who advertise that their dog food is of food quality. This is a declaration that should be treated with caution. There is no such thing as food-grade pet food. This also applies to dog food. You should also watch out for attractants and flavour enhancers in dog food. These are supposed to give the food a much better smell and flavor. Some dog fans also avoid dog or cat food/dog food from factory farming.
Big 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 raw materials and then grinding and mixing them. A painting tool presses this mass through the openings of a carol wall. Shaped and compacted chunks of feed come away the other side. Throughout the dog food production process, temperatures of around 90 levels Celsius are made, which obviously contradicts the term cold pressing. Nevertheless , 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 kinds of must be artificially added to the foodstuff after processing. During digesting, the dough-like extruded feed is communicated through nozzles at high pressure. Feed produced in this way swells significantly 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. In case the four-legged friend has problems with the gastrointestinal system and a disturbed digestion, extruded dog food can be more tolerable for him. In this dog food, the starch has already been broken down during heating. Nevertheless, the manufacturing process is merely a secondary factor in determining the tolerability and quality of the foodstuff. The most important thing is the quality of the recycleables.
Which is better – moist food or dry food?
There exists damp 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 munch more and so teach their teeth. Consuming dry food is nearly like brushing your dog’s teeth. For dogs that drink little, feeding dried out food can become 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 huge benefits and disadvantages of dry food at a glance:
Pros
- Long shelf life
- Less costly than damp food
- Easier to feed on the go
- Easy to store
- Almost germ-free due to heating system during production
- More environmentally friendly than refined food
Cons
- Generally less acceptable to your dog
- The dog’s body is deprived of water, so it has to drink more.
- Can lead to overweight more quickly if it is not a diet food
- 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. Generally one package of wet food compares to one meal. Various dogs like moist food much better than dry food. In contrast to dry food, moist food for canines – once exposed – can only be kept for a few days. It should be used up within 2 times of opening. Under we have summarised the huge benefits and disadvantages of wet food:
Pros
- High acceptance by most four-legged friends
- Packed in convenient portions
- 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, damp food cannot be stored perfectly
- Good sized dogs need more space for storage
- Even more difficult to move and feed on the move
- Wet food smells more extreme
- Costs more than dry food
- Produces more waste
This is not possible to make a general statement about which type of dog food is suited to your dog. The dog eventually decides which dog food it likes and which variety it prefers. To find out which type of dog food your dog likes better and which this individual tolerates better, you should try away both types.
Several dog owners switch between wet and dry food. The following relates to both types of food: It should be given as a primary meal, never as a treat in between meals. This can lead to overfeeding of the dog.
How much meat and how many carbohydrates and nutrients fit in 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 – irrespective of whether it is wet food or dry food. The proper composition of your canine food is also crucial for good digestion and the health of the four-legged good friend.
Simply how much meat should the food contain?
Dogs are descended from wolves – that is why their digestive area is similar to that of predators. So to start with, the source of meat is important. Yet , this is not the only thing that matters. Unlike the wolf, the dog was domesticated by humans, and its needs and genetics have changed. This also applies to digestion. For example, the dog’s digestive enzyme can now break down starch, meaning that the four-legged friend can also digest flower food in smaller quantities.
Above all, meat provides the dog with protein. The four-legged friend needs protein for their muscles, bones, strong tissues, healthy tooth and nerves and also to provide energy for its activities. Therefore, senior dogs have a lower necessary protein requirement because they are not as energetic as young or adult animals. In general, experts declare dog food should contain between 50 and 70 % meat. But other ingredients are also important. If dog owners feed only meat with their four-legged friends, this could lead to digestive problems, stress on the kidneys and liver due to excess protein and deficiency symptoms.
Nutritional vitamins, minerals and carbohydrates in dog food?
A balanced dog diet also includes nutrients that are not present in meat – for instance , vitamins and mineral deposits found in vegetables and fruit, or fatty acids from healthy herbal oils. The four-legged good friend also needs carbohydrates. Wolves, for example, eat the belly 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 require 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 in many cases are added to the feed. High-quality carbohydrates are found in rice, potatoes, millet, maize, amaranth or buckwheat.
Animal fat provide the dog with twice as much energy as proteins. To prevent overweight, the food should contain these chemicals only moderately. How much should maintain the dog food depends on how much the dog moves. Lamb and poultry fats are saturated fatty acids. They are stored in the body as emergency rations and are designed as a book for bad times. Meat and vegetable 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 contain 50 to 70 percent lean meat or muscle meat or fish with superior quality proteins. In addition, there ought to be about 20 to 50 percent 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. Very good quality oils such as salmon oil or linseed oil based improve nutrient absorption and ensure a functioning cardiovascular system, a shiny coating and healthy pores and skin.
How can I recognise superior quality dog food?
Dog food sold in UK must be labelled with certain mandatory information. These kinds of include:
– Talk about and name of the manufacturer
– Date of produce or best-before time of the dog food
– Brand of the foodstuff
– Net weight
– Moisture content for canned food
With regard to the ingredients of the feed, various assertions are permitted: A closed declaration only indicates ingredient types. These are, for example , statements such as “with cereals” and “vegetable by-products”. A semi-open declaration prospect lists the individual natural materials, however, not their percentage. The open declaration provides structure in % and the respective resources of raw materials. When reading the food label, dog owners should also note the following:
1. Many manufacturers split the term materials into individual organizations. The reason for this is that the large total quantity appears smaller. For example, maize becomes maize starch, maize feed food, maize flour, maize gluten or source. The cereal components provide carbohydrates and saturate well, but should not be included in too large amounts.
2. The ingredients in the supply are listed in descending order relating to their amount. The further ahead an ingredient is listed on the label, the better its proportion. On the other hand, this means: Only a little proportion of an ingredient that is listed far over 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 ingredients with all the necessary vitamins and minerals
– Very little use of taste enhancers
These nutrition make a good dog food
The dog’s organism does not have trouble digesting good dog food. Signs of this are almost odourless faeces, high vitality and a shiny coat. The proportion of nutrients in a dog food is detailed under the definition of “analytical ingredients”. We now have summarised these in the table:
| Component | Quantity required | Tasks | Information and special features |
| Crude protein | 20 to 25 percent in dry food 8 to 10 percent in wet food | Builds the body’s own tissue such as muscles and bones Strengthening skin and organs Enzymes, blood and hormones also need protein | High-quality protein comes mainly from muscle meat. Low-quality protein is found in slaughterhouse waste |
| Crude ash | 5 to 8 per cent or a maximum of 10 per cent for dry food. Less than 2 percent for wet feed | Supply of inorganic substances such as magnesium, calcium, zinc or silicic acid | Formed after combustion of the feed Proportion should be balanced Sometimes cheap but unnecessary bone meal products are added |
| Crude fibre | 2 to 3 percent for dry food 0.2 to 5 percent for wet food | Support of digestion Stimulation of intestinal activity Strengthens healthy intestinal flora Influences consistency and shape of dog faeces | Proportion of dietary fibre Too high a proportion can lead to flatulence and large quantities of faeces Rumen is filled with raw fibre Otherwise in the form of vegetables and fruit |
| Crude fat | At least 15 percent in dry food for active dogs 12 to 15 percent for dry food for dogs with normal to less exercise 1 percent for wet food | Provides energy Ensure healthy skin and shiny coat | High-quality products include salmon oil, linseed oil, cod oil, pumpkin seed oil and hemp oil. |
The other possible ingredients in dog food are explained below:
1. The value for meat and canine by-products indicates the meat content in your dog food. Manufacturers often do not declare precisely what is involved. It may be high-quality muscle meat or offal as well as low-quality offal. The latter includes, among other things, dried meats, rumen or chaps. Animal by-products include, for instance , hair, bone fragments, hooves, blood or beaks.
2. Fish as well as its by-products include fish fillets, our bones and fish heads.
3. Plant by-products include, for example, vegetables, cereals and pulses and oil fruits. They can be partially health- and digestion-promoting food components.
4. Technological additives are preservatives, separating and binding agents, stabilisers, thickening and solidifying agents and level of acidity regulators. Some of these are important. These include, for example , emulsifiers and natural antioxidants. Emulsifiers ensure an uniform regularity of oil and water. Natural antioxidants are to prevent rancid fat.
5. Nutritional additives are intended to support the health of the four-legged good friend. They should be within the right composition, for example as vitamins, provitamins, amino acids and search for elements.
6. Zootechnical additives can be added to the feed to effect the dog’s performance and health – such as stabilisers for the intestinal tract flora or digestive : enzymes.
7. Sensory additives are widely-used to influence the appearance and taste of your canine food. They will include flavourings and colourings.
Overweight canines suffer! Obesity is a growing 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 irritation. Additionally, it may shorten the life expectancy of the animal. Often , too much food is the reason for overweight. Yet age, sex and breed also be involved. Especially Cocker Spaniels, Labrador Retrievers and King Charles usually become overweight. At times the use of diet food should be considered.
How much food does my dog need?
In the event that the four-legged friend gets more energy than he uses, he can become overweight. Therefore, it is crucial to give puppies the necessary food. How much pet food a dog needs depends on various factors. In addition to the breed, the next aspects are relevant, for example:
Activity level: How much the four-legged 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. Consequently, he needs less food.
Age: Younger dogs remain growing and are often more curious and active. They usually have a higher energy requirement than more mature dogs. It is advisable to reduce the quantity of food a little each year. For old dogs, there are senior foods that are lower in 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 as soon as 7 to 8 years.
Diseases: Some diseases influence a dog’s food or energy requirements. These types of include cardiovascular problems, thyroid disease, osteo-arthritis and diabetes. When dogs are coping with illness, they need more pet food.
Hormone balance: A dog’s hormone levels can rise or fall, changing energy needs. For 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 food content of your dog food. A higher calorie content means a lesser amount of food is needed. Additionally, pet 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 % of the dog’s weight.
– If the dog is older and does not exercise as much, a daily food amount of 2 per cent of the body weight is usually sufficient.
– A dog that moves a lot or is recovering from an illness should be fed more. His necessary food amount per day is up to 5 pct of his body weight.
– Snacks should not exceed 10 percent of the daily food requirement.
Any person who is unsure about the right amount of food should talk to a vet and/or a nutritionist.
How can I identify a food allergic reaction?
The most common allergies in dogs are flea allergy and food allergy. Possible causes of an allergy are, for example , stress, parasites 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 , soy, animal proteins from poultry, pork or beef, and grains.
What is the difference between an allergy or intolerance and an intolerance?
– An allergy is a hypersensitivity reaction by the dog’s immune system. It reacts strongly against a certain substance. A true food allergic reaction rarely occurs in dogs. Mostly it is an intolerance. This is not triggered by the immune system.
– Likely indications of allergies and intolerances
– Possible symptoms of a food allergy or food intolerance include irritation, vomiting, belly pain, flatulence, diarrhoea, lack of fur, redness and frequent scratching.
– Symptoms may well not show up immediately after feeding the food. Sometimes they only appear a few hours or days later.
Nevertheless, the symptoms do not really have to indicate an allergic reaction or intolerance. That they can be caused by another disease. In the event that your dog has these symptoms, you need to have the cause cleared up with a vet. The vet can also determine an allergic reaction or an intolerance, for instance , through an allergy test. Alternatively, it is possible to handle an exemption diet. However, this involves a number of effort.
What is an exemption diet?
In an exclusion diet, the owner feeds the four-legged friend only one special source of protein and carbohydrates. These sources must be ingredients that the four-legged friend hasn’t eaten before. Pet owners should change the dog food bit by bit. Following the food change, your dog is fed the new food for many weeks.
When the dog’s condition enhances 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, that could be the trigger for the allergies. Above time, a list is made of substances that the dog can tolerate or that cause allergic reactions in him. An removal diet is something that pet owners can do themselves. On the other hand, it is recommended to check with a professional or talk to the vet in advance.
Consistent action is vital during an exclusion diet. The dog should not be given chews, treats or outstanding during this time period.
What should I do if my dog has an allergy?
Whether it turns out that your four-legged friend has a food allergy or food intolerance, the dog should no more eat the allergy-causing chemicals. The selected pet food must therefore not contain any substances that your dog cannot tolerate. The same applies to treats and all dog snacks between meals.
If absolutely nothing changes, patience is called for: sometimes it calls for some time until the symptoms of an intolerance or allergy no longer occur. Sometimes they only disappear completely weeks following the change in food.
What is grain-free dog food?
Dog food often includes grains. Included in this are 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 leads to obesity and sometimes to an issue with digestion. There is also grain-free dog food. Instead of materials, it contains option ingredients such as potatoes and dried beans, which also provide carbohydrates to the dog.
Grain-free dog food usually makes digestion easier and is also suitable for more sensitive dogs. Yet , it is not necessarily necessary to use a grain-free dog food. Dogs are omnivores and are able to break down vegetable protein. A few types of feed are also especially 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 grain. This is especially true if your canine is allergic to food containing cereals.
If you want to give your puppy a dog food with grain, you should make sure that the grain content is not too high and that the product has a balanced recipe.
What can dogs not tolerate?
There are a lot of foods that puppies can’t tolerate. Some of them are actually poisonous for dogs. These include, for example, onions, organic cabbage and raw pork. Onions can be fatal, with respect to the size of the onion and the dog. For a medium-sized dog, even a medium-sized onion can be extremely dangerous. When a dog consumes raw cabbage, it can get belly cramps or unwanted gas. Raw pork could develop the Aujeszky disease, which causes fatal disease. Other foods and drinks that pet dogs should not eat include:
- Delicious chocolate
- Raw taters
- Grapes
- Sultanas
- Fresh fruit starts
- Raw signal
- Macadamia nuts
- Bitter almonds
- Raw ovum
- Some types of avocado
- Birch sugar and xylitol
- Cream and milk
- Caffeinated drinks, such as caffeine
- Alcohol
Furthermore, nicotine is dangerous for dogs. Therefore, caution is recommended in rain messes, for example: Cigarette residues are located in them. Ashtrays should be located in such a way that your dog cannot reach them.
If a dog has eaten food that is dangerous for it, you should contact the doctor and also the veterinary unexpected emergency service directly. Meanwhile, 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 can occur with poisoning include:
- Excessive salivation
- Excessive thirst
- Throwing up
- Diarrhoea
- Cramps
- Restlessness
- Shortness of breath
To prevent the dog from eating incompatible foods, dog owners should make sure that relatives and acquaintances do not feed them such foods. Found in addition, it is important to train the dog well so that it does not constantly eat anything off of the side of the street.
The best choice is the Eukanuba Daily Care Dry Dog Food With Fresh Chicken For Overweight And Sterilised Adult Dogs.
Eukanuba Daily Care Dry Dog Food With Fresh Chicken For Overweight And Sterilised Adult Dogs
- Glucosamine & chondroitin to help maintain healthy joints & support active mobility
- Includes L-carnitine for healthy weight management
- Special kibble shape together with unique DentaDefense to help keep teeth clean and healthy
Video about best dog food for weight loss and joints
FAQ – Frequently asked questions about dog food
Finally, we answer some important and often asked questions about dog food.
What should We look for in dog food for puppies?
Puppies desire a different dog food than adult dogs. 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 elements of puppy dog food are specially made for growing canines. This is because a baby dog’s immune system, bones, muscles, coat and teeth first have to produce.
With puppy dog food, the focus is on nutrient intake. Previously mentioned all, the puppy dog food must contain certain essential vitamins and minerals. So that the puppy’s digestive tract is not overtaxed, the food for puppies also has a lower food volume than the dog food for adult quadrupeds. Found in the beginning, young dogs should be given small portions several times a day, which are then slowly and gradually increased.
When should I start using dog food for adult dogs?
This depends upon the breed of dog: Small to medium breeds are viewed as adults from 9 to 12 months of age. For large breeds, it is recommended to give adult food to dogs from 12 to 15 months of age. For very large breeds, it is advised to give adult food a little later – from 18 to 24 months.
When should my dog be given food for seniors?
For small puppies, the change in diet should take place between 10 and 12 years of age. For medium-sized dogs, it is time at 8 to 9 years. Large bread of dogs are considered older at 7 to 8 years of age. In addition to age group, 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 snug container. Glass or plastic containers without plasticisers are best. Packaging with a metal layer on the inside is also recommended for storing dried food. The container or packaging should be stored in a dry and not too warm place. Otherwise the meals can become “sticky” and lose its taste and nutrients. At worst, 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 whole food such as meat, offal and bones, supplemented with vegetables, fruit, oils and carbohydrates for a well-balanced supply of nutrients. Meanwhile, chemical substance and freeze-dried BARF food and deep-frozen meat are available in the shops. Dog owners can add the other necessary components. Yet , you should notify yourself well or check with with experts.
What do I actually have to consider when changing my dog’s food?
The change of food should be done slowly. If the changeover is abrupt, sensitive puppies in particular can easily suffer from digestive : problems, a few of which is often considerable. An interval of one week is usually recommended for your dog to get accustomed to the new food.
The change of food should proceed as comes after: On day 1 and 2, replace about a quarter of the dog’s usual food with the new food. On the 3rd and fourth day, replace half with the new food. On the fifth and sixth day, the proportion of the new dog food should be 3 quarters. On day 7, the move is complete.
In the event the dog reacts sensitively and, for instance , gets diarrhoea in the first few days of the foodstuff change, you should extend the adaptation phase and raise 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 alternate.
What should I actually do if my dog will 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 in the stomach first. This makes it easier to allow them to become overweight and feel full. In the event the food has already enlarged in water, it fills the dog up faster and is better to digest. In addition, the dogs absorb more liquid with soaked dry food.
How fast do dogs process dry food?
Puppies usually need up to 14 hours to digest dry food. The exact time depends, among other things, on the age and scale the dog and the caliber of the food. A young dog usually has a faster metabolism than an old animal. The quantity of food is also important. Small portions are broken down more quickly than large amounts. In addition, insoluble muscles remain in the stomach for a shorter time than soluble fibres. Low-fat food also brings about faster digestion. Additionally , 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 find quite a few manufacturers who carry out pet experiments to test the effects and tolerance of their newly developed types of food. PETA’s website publishes a 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
When ever may i start feeding a puppy?
During the first weeks of its life, a puppy is given breast milk by its mother. Sound food is usually eaten by pups from the 3rd or 4th week of life. During this period, the mother is constantly on the feed her puppies with breast milk in parallel. In order to accustom a puppy to dry food, it feels right to moisten or dilute it with 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 solution until the puppy is 5 or 6 months old. To get the puppy used to the harder food, mix in more and more non-soaked food pieces over time.
Making dog food yourself – will it seem sensible?
Making your own dog food takes more time and work than bought food. However, it does have 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 food to these and the dog’s flavor.
– 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 might be sensible or essential to prepare the food yourself. Before planning the meals, you should study the various substances. The foodstuff should be balanced and contain all the necessary nutrients. It is often advisable to talk to a vet beforehand. Recipe ideas for dog food can be found on the web, for example.
Some foods are unhealthy or toxic for dogs. For example, onions and garlic should not be ingested by dogs.
What is hypoallergenic dog food?
Hypoallergenic dog food is especially suited to dogs with allergy symptoms. It is adapted to the needs of such a four-legged friend and can be easily digested by your dog. Presently there is hypoallergenic dried out food and allergies wet food on the market. This contains few or no substances that often cause allergic reactions in dogs. Accordingly, a hypoallergenic food reduces the risk that the dog will not tolerate it and that hypersensitive reactions will happen.
Usually there is only one source of necessary protein in such a product. This is usually an exotic meat, such as kangaroo or normal water buffalo. Normally, the protein source used very rarely triggers an intolerance. Nevertheless, it cannot be ruled out that even hypoallergenic dog food can lead to allergy symptoms. This happens when there is a substance in the foodstuff that the four-legged friend cannot endure.
In addition to dogs with allergy symptoms, hypoallergenic food is suited to four-legged friends with a sensitive gastrointestinal system. For these dogs, such a product provides protection against digestive problems.
