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 profession, but especially, of course, food. The food 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 multitude of offers in the trade can cause confusion. Various questions arise: What nutritional requirements does the dog have and what quantity? Which in turn food is ideal at which age? Is dry or wet food the right choice for your four-legged friend? And just how much should the dog be provided? What can cause deficiency symptoms?
In the following best dog food for working cocker spaniels, we present 10 products. We provide information about which ingredients the foods contain and for which pups the products are suitable. In our guide, we describe the types of dog food, go into some of the ingredients and describe how much food a dog needs. In addition, you will understand which foods dogs cannot tolerate and exactly how you can recognise a food allergy.
Below is a list of the best dog food for working cocker spaniels:
- Algoods Working Dog Food Complete Dry Dog Food Chicken Flavour, 10 Kg — £11.99
- Dr John Gold Complete Dry Dog Food, Chicken with Vegetables, 15 kg — £21.89
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Gilbertson & Page Dr. John Puppy Chicken Recipe Dry Dog Food with Omega-3s -...
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£22.27
£23.99 - Royal Canin Dog Food Cocker Spaniel Dry Mix 3kg — £23.94
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Eukanuba Dry Dog Food Nutrition with Cocker Spaniel, 7.5 kg
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£31.99
£34.98 - Skinner's Field & Trial Complete Dry Adult Working Dog Food Duck and Rice, 15 kg — £39.87
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Eukanuba Adult Dog Food for Medium Dogs Rich in Fresh Chicken, 12 kg
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£40.51
£44.99 -
Royal Canin Dog Food Cocker Spaniel 12 Kg
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£64.52
£70.32 - ROYAL CANIN Cocker Spaniel 3kg — £30.00
- Royal Canin Dog Food Cocker Spaniel For Healthy Skin And Coat — £68.91
After hours researching and comparing all models on the market, Life my Dog finds out the Best dog food for working cocker spaniels of 2024. We would recommend using Royal Canin Dog Food Cocker Spaniel For Healthy Skin And Coat as it is our top pick for you.
Top 10 Best dog food for working cocker spaniels
Best dog food for working cocker spaniels
Royal Canin Dog Food Cocker Spaniel For Healthy Skin And Coat
Features
- Royal Canin
- Complete Dry Dog Food for Adult Dogs
- Breed: Cocker Spaniel
- Size: 12kg
Royal Canin Dog Food Cocker Spaniel Dry Mix 3kg
Features
- For Cocker Spaniels over 12 months of age
- Healthy skin and beautiful coat
- Weight management
- Vision support
- Cardiac tone
ROYAL CANIN Cocker Spaniel 3kg
Features
- Royal Canin
- Cocker Spaniel
- Complete Dry Food for Adult Dogs
Eukanuba Dry Dog Food Nutrition with Cocker Spaniel, 7.5 kg
£31.99
Features
- Higher level of prebiotics to help promote digestive health
- Tailored level of L-Carnitine to help naturally burn fat
- L-Carnitine and natural Taurine, important nutrients for a healthy heart
- No artificial preservatives, flavours or colourants added
- 100 percent complete and balanced
Royal Canin Dog Food Cocker Spaniel 12 Kg
£64.52
Features
- Pet food for Dogs
- Dry food
- Recommended for Dogs above 12 months
Algoods Working Dog Food Complete Dry Dog Food Chicken Flavour, 10 Kg
Features
- VAT Free
- Specially formulated for working dogs
- Added vitamins and minerals
- Complete food with Chicken
- Ideal for an active, healthy life
Gilbertson & Page Dr. John Puppy Chicken Recipe Dry Dog Food with Omega-3s - Complete Nutrition for Puppies of Sporting Breeds - 10kg Bag
£22.27
Features
- Item display weight: 10000.0 grams. Age range description: Young.
Dr John Gold Complete Dry Dog Food, Chicken with Vegetables, 15 kg
Features
- TASTY CHICKEN AND VEGETABLES — Dr. John Gold Rich in Chicken with Vegetables is a perfectly balanced dry dog food with meat juices for a delicious flavour! The perfect diet for adult and senior dogs that enjoy regular and increased activity
- COMPLETE NUTRITION — we use only the finest ingredients in a nutritious formula that contains 20% protein, 9% fat and slow energy release carbohydrates to assist with condition, stamina and hunger prevention! No artificial colours, flavours or sugars
- HEALTHY SKIN, JOINTS & COAT — our balanced formula contains yucca extract for joint support, crunchy kibble to help keep teeth clean, essential oil for healthy skin and a shiny coat, and vitamins A, D3 and E!
- FEEDING GUIDE — serve dry or with water or gravy as preferred. When feeding for the first time, introduce the food gradually over a few days, adjusting the amount based on your dog’s condition and activity. See pack for full details
- UK MADE FOR OVER 150 YEARS — we’ve been creating premium dog food blends in the UK with the finest-quality UK-sourced ingredients since 1873, helping to enhance the health and happiness of your dog!
Eukanuba Adult Dog Food for Medium Dogs Rich in Fresh Chicken, 12 kg
£40.51
Features
- Tailored adult dog food with fresh chicken for medium breed dogs in a resealable bag
- Improved formula for the healthy digestion and optimal body condition of your dog
- A hexagon kibble shape which improves palatability
- Contains DentaDefense to reduce tartar build-up and maintain strong clean teeth
- At least 25 percent of factory’s energy is generated from own wind turbine
Skinner's Field & Trial Complete Dry Adult Working Dog Food Duck and Rice, 15 kg
Features
- DIETARY NEEDS - Field & Trial Duck & Rice contains highly digestible duck meat meal and is formulated without wheat, maize or barley. Rice provides a highly digestible carbohydrate source to provide instant energy use during periods of intense activity.
- HERITAGE BRAND - The Stradbroke Mill in Suffolk has been in the Skinner family for seven generations and has been manufacturing complete dog foods since the early 1970s.
- NUTRITIONALLY COMPLETE - Skinner’s Field & Trial now offers a range of 19 nutritionally complete diets for active and working dogs of every age, breed and activity level.
- NATURAL INGREDIENTS - Skinner’s does not add any artificial colouring, flavours or preservatives to any of our products, where possible we try and use locally sourced ingredients surrounding our Suffolk mill.
- ACTIVE DOGS - Field & Trial Duck & Rice has been carefully developed with a protein level of 22% and a fat level of 11% to support the energetic requirements of a range of active dogs, such as working gundogs, agility dogs and active pet dogs. “Packaging may vary”.
The particular best for the dog – according to this motto, many dog owners lovingly care for their pets. The four-legged friends need attention and occupation, but especially, of course, food. The meals is crucial to ensure that the dog is supplied with all the important nutrition and remains in good health to live a long dog’s life. But it is often not so easy to find the right food for your own dog. Just like humans, it is also important to consider a balanced diet. In addition, the wide range of offers in the trade can cause confusion. Various questions arise: What nutritional requirements does the dog have and what quantity? Which food is ideal where age? Is dry or wet food the right choice for your four-legged friend? And just how much should the dog be fed? What may cause deficiency symptoms?
In the following dog food comparison, we present 14 products. You can expect information about which ingredients the foods contain and for which dogs the products are suitable. In our guide, we describe the types of dog food, go into some of the ingredients and explain how much food a puppy needs. In addition, you will see which foods dogs cannot endure and how you can recognise a food allergy.
The different types of dog food easily
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 come in 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 sugars, fats, oils, protein and minerals. His dog food should be balanced. More mature dogs have a slow metabolism and are no for a longer time as active. As a result, they require less energy, i. e. calories. Yet , the dog food should be easy to digest and include a whole lot of proteins. In addition, the types of food fluctuate in conditions of composition, technique of development and consistency.
Structure – complete or complementary food?
A complete feed consists of all the nutrients the dog needs on a daily basis. The proportion of proteins, fatty acids, vitamins and minerals differs based on the product. The ingredients should be adapted to age, activity and possible allergies of the four-legged friend. A whole food can be dry or damp food. Supplementary meals are not sufficient in themselves to provide the dog with all the crucial nutrition. 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 business production. This kind of is the most common form of dog food. Industrially produced wet food is often filled in cans or small aluminium trays. Together with the latter, one bowl is sufficient for one portion. However, some manufacturers of professional dog food use genetically modified raw materials and additives.
Industrially produced dog food has a long corner life. By exceptions, this dog food can be stored unopened for several years without any loss of quality.
– Natural dog food only uses raw materials that come from plant, animal or other natural sources – unaltered or prepared. The food must not contain any chemically synthesised additives. However , certain synthetic vitamins and minerals are permitted. In conditions of packaging, there is often almost no difference compared to industrial food: natural dog food is packaged in containers or as dried out food.
– Organic dog food must comply with tighter guidelines regarding substances. For example, the product should not contain numerous substances such as genetically modified ingredients, hormones and pesticides. There are dissimilarities between the various organic and natural dog foods: “100 per cent organic” means that no undesirable substances have been prepared. With all the claim “organic”, the constituents in the organic and natural food are 95 per cent organic. Whether it states “made with organic”, the product contains 70 per penny organic and natural ingredients. Organic and natural food is available as dry and wet food.
– Meanwhile, vegan and vegetarian dog food is available too on the market. This kind of dog food does not contain meat but still provides the dog with the important nutrients. Yet , vegan and vegan dog food contains a lot of vegetables and grains, which can cause problems if the dog is intolerant.
– A unique form of dog food is BARF. The abbreviation stands for “biologically species-appropriate natural feeding”. This species-appropriate method of nourishing raw food is based on the dog’s ancestor – the wolf. Once barfing, the dog is fed raw fresh meat, often along with raw, pureed fruit or fresh vegetables. Whether this method is actually more healthy is debatable. Since the meals are assembled individually, barfing is far more suited to experienced dog owners who have studied the diet program of their four-legged friends in detail.
There are manufacturers who advertise that their dog food is of food quality. This is an assertion that needs to be treated with caution. There is no such thing as food-grade dog or cat food. This also applies to dog food. You should also watch out for attractants and flavour enhancers in dog food. These types of are supposed to supply the food an improved smell and taste. Some dog lovers also avoid pet food/dog food from factory farming.
Difference between extruded and cold-pressed dried hitch
Dried dog food is produced by the cold-pressing or extrusion process:
1. Cold-pressed dog food is made by first drying the natural materials and then grinding and mixing them. A tool presses this mass through the openings of a drum wall. Shaped and compacted chunks of feed come out the other part. During the dog food production process, temperatures of approximately 90 levels Celsius are produced, which obviously contradicts the term cold depressing. Yet , temperatures are still significantly lower than those utilized in extrusion.
2. In the extrusion process, the ingredients for your dog food are exposed to high temperatures. Many nutrients are lost during this manufacturing process. These kinds of have to be artificially added to the food after processing. During processing, the dough-like extruded feed is conveyed through nozzles at high pressure. Nourish produced in this way swells significantly when liquid is added.
Both methods have advantages and disadvantages: Because the nutrients have not yet been damaged down, a dog can digest the cold-pressed food naturally, little by little. In addition, the food includes more natural substances. If the four-legged friend has problems with the gastrointestinal tract and a disturbed digestion, extruded dog food can be more tolerable for him. In this dog food, the starch has already been broken down during heating. Nevertheless, the manufacturing process is only a supplementary factor in deciding the tolerability and quality of the food. The most important thing is the quality of the unprocessed trash.
Which is better – damp food or dry food?
There is certainly moist and dry dog food on the market. The two types of dog food differ in their water content.
Dry food consists of hardly any water and therefore has a longer shelf life – often several years. Dogs that are fed dry food have to chew up more and therefore train their teeth. Eating dry food is practically like brushing your dog’s teeth. To get dogs that drink little, feeding dried out food can be a disadvantage. They can become dehydrated if they are 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
- More affordable than wet food
- Easier to feed on the go
- Easy to store
- Almost germ-free due to heating during production
- More green than canned food
Cons
- Generally less acceptable to the dog
- The dog’s body is deprived of water, so it has to drink significantly more.
- Can lead to overweight more quickly if it is not a diet food
- Risk of mould or temperato formation if stored incorrectly
Wet dog food has a high water content. The wet food is usually portioned in tins or small bowls. Often one package of wet food compares to one meal. Various dogs like damp food much better than dry food. In contrast to dry food, damp food for canines – once opened – can only be kept for a few days. It must be used up within 2 days of opening. Beneath we have summarised the advantages and drawbacks of wet food:
Pros
- High acceptance by most four-legged friends
- Packed in useful portions
- Because 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
- Major dogs need more space for storage
- Even more difficult to hold and feed on the move
- Wet food smells more extreme
- Costs more than dry food
- Generates more waste
It is not possible to make a general statement about which type of dog food is suitable for your dog. Your dog ultimately makes a decision which dog food it likes and which variety it prefers. To find out which type of dog food your pet likes better and which he tolerates better, you should try out both types.
Several dog owners change between wet and dry food. The following applies to both types of food: It should only 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 just 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 consists of healthy ingredients and nutrients – no matter of whether it is wet food or dry food. The best composition of your dog 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 descended from wolves – that is why their digestive area is similar to regarding predators. Therefore first and foremost, the resource of meat is important. However , this is not the only thing that matters. Unlike the wolf, the dog was domesticated by humans, and its needs and genetics have changed. This also applies to digestive function. For example, the dog’s digestive enzyme are now able to break down starch, meaning that the four-legged friend can also digest plant food in smaller quantities.
To start with, various meats provides the dog with protein. The four-legged friend needs protein for the muscles, bones, strong tissues, healthy teeth and nerves and to provide energy for its activities. Consequently, senior dogs have a lower protein requirement because they are no longer as lively as young or adult animals. In general, experts admit dog food should contain between 50 and 70 % meat. But other ingredients are also important. If dog owners feed only various meats with their four-legged friends, this may lead to digestive problems, stress on the kidneys and liver due to excess protein and deficiency symptoms.
Vitamins, minerals and carbs in dog food?
A well-balanced dog diet also contains nutrients that are not present in meat – for instance , vitamins and minerals found in vegetables and fruit, or fatty stomach acids from healthy oils. The four-legged friend also needs sugars. 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 rice, potatoes and cereals into energy and want it for their intestinal flora. Nevertheless, the need for carbohydrates is low. Fillers from herb waste such as press residues from oil production, stalks, husks or hay in many cases are added to the feed. Superior quality carbohydrates are found in rice, potatoes, millet, maize, amaranth or buckwheat.
Animal fats provide the dog with twice as much energy as proteins. To prevent overweight, the food should contain these substances only less often. How much should be in the dog food will depend on how much the dog moves. Lamb and poultry fats are saturated oily acids. They are stored in the body as emergency ration and are designed as a hold for bad times. Meat and veggie oil contain over loaded omega-6 fatty acids and unsaturated fatty acids. Omega-3 herbal oils, which are found in fish, are extremely valuable for cell metabolism.
What should be in the dog food? Dog food should include 50 to 70 per cent lean meat or muscle meat or fish with high-quality proteins. In addition, there ought to be about 20 to 50 % high-quality carbohydrates for energy production and fruit, vegetables or herbs for the necessary vitamins and minerals. The proportion of offal should be a more 10 percent. Offal provides valuable nutrition such as biotin or iron. Great quality oils such as salmon olive oil or linseed oil based improve nutrient ingestion and ensure a functioning cardiovascular system, a shiny coating and healthy skin area.
How can I recognise superior quality dog food?
Puppy food sold in UK must be labelled with certain mandatory information. These types of include:
– Talk about and name of the manufacturer
– Date of make or best-before day of the dog food
– Identity of the foodstuff
– Net weight
– Moisture content for canned food
With regard to the ingredients of the feed, various statements are permitted: A closed declaration only indicates ingredient types. These are, for instance , statements such as “with cereals” and “vegetable by-products”. A semi-open declaration lists the individual raw materials, although not their percentage. The open up declaration gives the composition in percent and the respective resources of raw materials. When reading the food label, dog owners should also note the following:
1. Many manufacturers split the definition of grain into individual organizations. The reason for this is that the large total quantity appears smaller. For example, maize becomes maize starch, maize feed food, maize flour, maize gluten or source. The cereal components provide carbohydrates and saturate well, but really should not be included in too large volumes.
2. The ingredients in the supply are listed in descending order regarding to their quantity. The further ahead an ingredient is listed on the label, the better its proportion. Conversely, this means: Only a little proportion of an ingredient that is listed far down the list is included in the feed.
Other aspects by which dog owners recognise the quality of the food are:
– Meat content of 50 to 70 per cent
– Grain and vegetable content between 25 and 50 percent
– Balanced elements with all the necessary vitamins and minerals
– No use of taste enhancers
These nutrition make a good dog food
The dog’s organism does not have any trouble digesting good dog food. Indications of this are almost odourless faeces, high vitality and a shiny coat. The proportion of nutrients in a dog food is outlined under the definition of “analytical ingredients”. We 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 animal by-products indicates the meat content in the dog food. Companies often do not declare precisely what is involved. It can be high-quality muscle meat or offal as well as low-quality offal. The latter includes, among other things, jerky, rumen or chaps. Animal by-products include, for instance , hair, bones, hooves, blood or beaks.
2. Seafood and its by-products include fish fillets, our bones and fish heads.
3. Plant by-products include, for example, vegetables, cereals and pulses and olive 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 instance , emulsifiers and natural antioxidants. Emulsifiers ensure an uniform uniformity of oil and water. Natural antioxidants are to prevent rancid fat.
5. Nutritional additives are intended to support the health of the four-legged friend. They should be included in the right structure, 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 digestive 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 dogs suffer! Obesity is an increasing problem in dogs with serious health consequences. It can lead to diseases of internal organs, puts stress on bones, joints and the cardiovascular system, and promotes swelling. It may also 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 usually become overweight. Sometimes the use of food items for deiting should be considered.
How much food does my dog need?
In the event the four-legged good friend gets more energy than he uses, he can become overweight. Therefore, it is vital to give puppies the necessary food. How much pet food a dog needs will depend on various factors. In addition to the breed, the following aspects are relevant, for example:
Activity level: How much the four-legged friend moves determines the amount of energy it burns. A puppy 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. Appropriately, he needs less food.
Age: More youthful dogs continue to be growing and are often more curious and energetic. They usually have a higher energy requirement than more mature dogs. It really is a good idea to reduce the quantity of food a little every year. For older dogs, there are senior foods that are lower in excess fat and contain important additives. For smaller dogs it is time to change at the age group of 10 to 12 years, for large dogs as early as 7 to 8 years.
Diseases: A few diseases influence a dog’s food or energy requirements. These 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 surge or fall, changing energy needs. For example , dogs have different energy needs when they are pregnant or change their coat.
To find out just how much food is right for your dog, look at the food content of the dog food. A higher calorie content means a reduced 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 regular activity level should be about two to three percent of the dog’s weight.
– If the dog is older and does not exercise as much, a daily food amount of 2 pct of the body weight is usually sufficient.
– A dog that techniques a lot or is recovering from an illness should be fed more. His necessary food amount per day is up to 5 pct of his body weight.
– Snacks should not exceed 10 pct of the daily food requirement.
Anyone 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 frequent allergies in dogs are flea allergy and food allergy. Possible causes 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 , mi nombre es, animal proteins from poultry, pork or beef, and grain.
What is the difference between an allergy or intolerance and an intolerance?
– An allergy is a hypersensitivity effect by the dog’s immune system. This reacts strongly against a certain substance. A real food allergic reaction rarely occurs in dogs. Mostly it is an intolerance. This is not triggered by the immune system.
– Possible indications of allergies and intolerances
– Possible symptoms of a food allergy or food intolerance include itchiness, vomiting, stomach pain, flatulence, diarrhoea, lack of fur, redness and frequent scratching.
– Symptoms might not exactly show up soon after feeding the food. Sometimes they only appear a few hours or days later.
On the other hand, the symptoms do not necessarily have to indicate an allergy or intolerance. They may also be caused by another disease. If your dog has these symptoms, you should have the cause solved with a vet. The vet can also determine an allergy or intolerance or an intolerance, for example , through an allergy test. On the other hand, it is possible to carry out an different diet. However, this involves a fine deal of effort.
What is an exemption diet?
In an exclusion diet, the owner feeds the four-legged friend only one special supply of protein and sugars. These sources must be ingredients that the four-legged friend have not eaten before. Dog owners should change the dog food bit by little bit. Following the food change, your canine is fed the new food for many weeks.
When the dog’s condition improves and the symptoms no more occur, a provocation test is carried out. Here, the dog owner has to feed his four-legged friend one substance at a time, which may be the trigger for the allergy symptoms. More than time, a list is made of substances that the dog can put up with or that cause allergic reactions in him. An eradication diet is something that pet owners can do themselves. However, it is highly recommended to seek advice from a professional or speak to the vet beforehand.
Consistent action is essential during an exemption diet. The dog should not be given chews, treats or left over spots during this period.
What should I do if my dog has an allergy?
If it turns out that your four-legged friend has a food allergy or food intolerance, the dog should will no longer eat the allergy-causing substances. The selected pet food must therefore not contain any substances that your canine cannot tolerate. The same applies to treats and dog snacks between meals.
If practically nothing changes, patience is called for: sometimes it needs a little while until the symptoms of an intolerance or allergic reaction no longer happen. Sometimes they only disappear completely weeks following your change in food.
What is grain-free dog food?
Dog food often contains grains. These include wheat or grain, barley and rye, for example. Grains have an important function: they are a source of carbohydrates and energy. However, an excessive amount of it contributes to obesity and sometimes to an issue with digestion. There is also grain-free dog food. Instead of feed, it contains alternative ingredients such as potatoes and legumes, which also provide carbohydrates to the dog.
Grain-free dog food usually makes digestion easier and is also well suited for more sensitive dogs. However , it is not necessarily necessary to use a grain-free dog food. Dogs are omnivores and are able to process vegetable protein. Some types of feed are also particularly easy to process. These include maize and rice, for example. Sometimes, however, it makes sense or is necessary to use a dog food without feed. This is especially true if the dog is allergic to food containing cereals.
If you want to give your puppy a dog food with grain, you should make sure that the grain content is not way too high and that the product has a balanced recipe.
What can dogs not tolerate?
There are a lot of foods that dogs can’t tolerate. Several of them are even poisonous for puppies. These include, for example, onions, raw cabbage and raw pork. Onions can be fatal, according to the size of the onion and the dog. For a medium-sized dog, even a medium-sized onion can be extremely dangerous. If a dog eats raw cabbage, it can get abdomen cramps or unwanted wind. Raw pork could develop the Aujeszky disease, that causes fatal disease. Other foods and drinks that dogs should never eat include:
- Chocolate
- Raw carrots
- Grapes
- Sultanas
- Fruit starts
- 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 messes, for example: Cigarette residues are located in them. Ashtrays should be positioned 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 and also the veterinary crisis service directly. In the mean time, keep the dog in a secure environment. On the other hand, despite all the concern for the dog’s life, the following applies: Stay calm and watch to signs of poisoning. It could be necessary to take the dog to a veterinary clinic or drive it to the vet. Symptoms that could occur with poisoning include:
- Excessive salivation
- Excessive thirst
- Throwing up
- Diarrhoea
- Aches
- Trouble sleeping
- 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 necessary to train the dog well so that it does not constantly eat anything from the side of the road.
The best choice is the Royal Canin Dog Food Cocker Spaniel For Healthy Skin And Coat.
Royal Canin Dog Food Cocker Spaniel For Healthy Skin And Coat
- Royal Canin
- Complete Dry Dog Food for Adult Dogs
- Breed: Cocker Spaniel
- Size: 12kg
Video about best dog food for working cocker spaniels
FAQ – Common 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 desire a different dog food than adult puppies. Once they are weaned from their mother, puppy food is on the menu. This is usually the situation after about 2 months. The components and ingredients of puppy dog food are specially made for growing puppies. 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. Above all, the puppy dog food must contain certain essential vitamins and minerals. So that the puppy’s digestive system is not overtaxed, the food for puppies also has a lower food volume than your dog food for adult quadrupeds. In the beginning, young dogs should be provided with small portions several times a day, which are then gradually increased.
When should I start using dog food for adult dogs?
This will depend on the breed of dog: Small to medium breeds are 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 older persons?
For small puppies, the enhancements made on diet should take place between 10 and 12 years of age. For medium-sized dogs, its about time at 8 to 9 years. Large 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 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 kept in an snug container. Glass or plastic containers without plasticisers are best. Packaging with a metal layer on the inside is also recommended for storing dried food. The container or packaging should be stored in a dry and not too warm place. Otherwise the foodstuff can become “sticky” and lose its taste and nutrients. At worst, mould can develop.
Precisely what is barfing?
The abbreviation BARF comes from the The english language and means Born-Again Raw Feeder. The UK term means “biologically species-appropriate natural feeding”. The species-appropriate diet is founded on the eating habits of wild dogs. Ready-made food plays no role in barfeeding. Instead, the dog is fed whole food such as meat, offal and bones, supplemented with vegetables, fruit, natural oils and carbohydrates for a balanced supply of nutrients. Meanwhile, chemical substance and freeze-dried BARF food and deep-frozen meat can be purchased in the shops. Pet owners can add the other necessary components. Yet , you should notify yourself well or seek advice from with experts.
What do I actually have to consider when changing my dog’s food?
The change of food should be done slowly. In the event that the changeover is abrupt, sensitive canines in particular can easily suffer from digestive : problems, a number of that can be considerable. A time of one week is usually recommended for your dog to get accustomed to the new food.
The change of food should proceed as follows: On day 1 and 2, replace about an one fourth of the dog’s usual food with the new food. On the third and fourth day, replace half with the new food. Around the fifth and sixth day, the proportion of the new dog food should be three quarters. On day 7, the changeover is complete.
In the event the dog reacts sensitively and, for example , gets diarrhoea in the first few days of the meals change, you should extend the variation phase and boost the addition of the new food only minimally. If your dog does not tolerate the new food in any way, it is obviously not ideal for him. In this instance, you should look for an alternative.
What should We do if my dog would not like dry food?
Then it makes sense to soak the dry food. This has several advantages: Dogs often eat the dry food beyond hunger because it swells up in the stomach first. This makes it easier to allow them to become overweight and feel full. If the food has already swollen in water, it fills the dog up faster and is better to break down. In addition, the dogs absorb more liquid with drenched dry food.
How quickly do dogs break down dry food?
Canines usually need up to 14 several hours to digest dry out 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 more mature animal. The amount of food is also important. Little portions are broken down more quickly than large amounts. In addition, insoluble fibres remain in the stomach for a shorter time than soluble fibres. Low-fat food also brings about faster digestion. Additionally , the more liquefied the foodstuff is, the shortest the digestion time. Wet food is digested within 6 to 8 hours in adult dogs.
Are creature tests carried out for dog food?
You will discover quite a few manufacturers who carry out creature experiments to test the effects and tolerance of their newly developed types of food. PETA’s website publishes a set of manufacturers who do not test on animals.
Which manufacturers and brands produce dog food?
The best-known dog food manufacturers and dog food brands include, for example , ROYAL CANIN, Josera and WOLFSBLUT. Other well-known manufacturers and brands are, for example:
– Bosch
– PRIMUM
– Pedigree
– RINTI
– Animonda
– MERA
When can I start feeding a puppy?
During the beginning of its life, a puppy is federal reserve breast milk by its mother. Sound food is usually eaten by pups from the 3rd or 4th week of life. During this time 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 seems sensible to moisten or dilute it which includes liquid – for example with puppy dog milk. From the 6th to 7th week of life, the puppy is normally will no longer given with mother’s milk.
Experts recommend soaking dry puppy food with a water until the puppy dog is 5 or 6 months old. To get the puppy used to the harder food, mix in more and more non-soaked food pieces over time.
Making dog food yourself – does indeed it seem sensible?
Making your own dog food takes more time and work than purchased food. However, it really does have some advantages:
– In the event you make the dog food yourself, you can determine for yourself which ingredients go into it.
– Puppy owners may include the special needs of their four-legged good friend in the planning and adapt the meals to these and the dog’s taste.
– It is possible to make the food more varied for the dog.
If, for instance , the dog is overweight, has to take medication or is intolerant to various foods, it might be sensible or required to prepare the food yourself. Before preparing the meals, you should study the different substances. The food 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.
Certain foods are unhealthy or toxic for puppies. For example, onions and garlic should not be consumed by dogs.
What is hypoallergenic dog food?
Hypoallergenic dog food is especially well suited for dogs with allergic reactions. It is adapted to the needs of such a four-legged friend and can be easily broken down by your canine. There is hypoallergenic dry out food and allergies wet food on the market. That 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 allergic reactions will happen.
Usually there is merely one supply of proteins in such a product. This is usually an unique meat, such as kangaroo or normal water buffalo. Normally, the protein source used very rarely causes an intolerance. However, it cannot be ruled out that even hypoallergenic dog food can lead to allergy symptoms. This kind of happens when there is a substance in the food 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 delicate gastrointestinal system. For these dogs, such a product can offer prevention of digestive problems.
