The particular best for the dog – regarding to this saying, many dog owners lovingly care for their pets. The four-legged friends need attention and occupation, but above all, of course, food. The food is crucial to ensure that the dog comes with all the important nutrients and remains in good health to live a long dog’s life. But it is often not so no problem finding the right food for your own dog. Just like humans, it is also important to consider a balanced diet. In addition, the wide variety of offers in the trade can cause confusion. Different questions arise: What nutritional requirements does the dog have and what quantity? Which in turn food is suitable at which age? Is dry or wet food the right choice for your four-legged friend? And exactly how much should the dog be fed? What causes deficiency symptoms?
In the following best dry dog food for active dogs, we present 10 products. We provide 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 ingredients and explain how much food a dog needs. In addition, you will learn which foods dogs cannot endure and how you can recognise a food allergy.
Below is a list of the best dry dog food for active dogs:
- Skinner’s Field & Trial Crunchy 2.5kg – Complete Dry Adult Dog Food, For... — £7.89
- Skinner’s Field & Trial Working 23, 2.5kg – Complete Dry Adult Dog Food, For... — £10.64
- Skinner’s Field & Trial Duck & Rice 2.5kg – Complete Dry Adult Dog Food,... — £11.19
- Burgess Supadog Active Chicken and Beef dry dog food for working dogs 15 kg — £26.85
- Gilbertson & Page Dr. John Titanium Chicken with Vegetables and Green-Lipped... — £27.49
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Alpha Junior and Active Dog Field Nuggets Complete Dry Dog Food, 15 kg
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£28.98
£33.99 -
Skinner’s Field & Trial Light & Senior 15kg – Complete Dry Dog Food, Ideal...
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£41.00
£44.29 - Burns Pet Nutrition Hypoallergenic Complete Dry Dog Food Adult and Senior Dog... — £53.99
- Royal Canin Puppy/Junior Dry Dog Food Giant Active 8-18/24 Months (>45kg) 15kg — £75.41
- Vitalin Complete Dry Adult Active Working Dog Food Chicken, 15 kg
After hours researching and comparing all models on the market, Life my Dog finds out the Best dry dog food for active dogs of 2024. We would recommend using Royal Canin Puppy/Junior Dry Dog Food Giant Active 8-18/24 Months (>45kg) 15kg as it is available at a resonable price.
Top 10 Best dry dog food for active dogs
Best dry dog food for active dogs
Royal Canin Puppy/Junior Dry Dog Food Giant Active 8-18/24 Months (>45kg) 15kg
Features
| Part Number | 2565 |
| Model | 2565 |
| Size | 15 kg (Pack of 1) |
Burgess Supadog Active Chicken and Beef dry dog food for working dogs 15 kg
Features
- Burgess Supadog Active with Chicken and Beef is a complete dry dog food for active working dogs
- Contains 25 Percent protein to help support healthy muscles
- Balanced carbohydrates for energy throughout the working day
- Made with highly digestible ingredients to help support healthy digestion
- Contains calcium and phosphorous to help support healthy teeth and bones
Skinner’s Field & Trial Working 23, 2.5kg – Complete Dry Adult Dog Food, For Very Active Dogs, with Beef
Features
- DIETARY NEEDS - Field & Trial Working 23 contains beef meat meal while mixed cereals provide digestible carbohydrates and a range of other nutrients to support day-to-day activity for dogs with a consistent activity level of moderate to high intensity.
- 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 Working 23 is a nutritionally complete dog food, specially formulated to support dogs with a moderate to high activity level. With a protein level of 23% and a fat level of 10%, Working 23 supports the day-to-day energetic requirements for working and active dogs of all breeds. “Packaging may vary”.
Features
- Give your dog the best with Vitalin active working dog food, a high-quality dry adult dog food providing a nutritionally complete and balanced meal.
- Our quality protein sources give your dog a complete and balanced meal. Packed with nutrient-rich botanicals and joint supplements to support your dog's overall health and wellbeing.
- Don't settle for less when it comes to your dog's nutrition. Trust Vitalin Adult to provide your dog with the best quality dog food available.
Burns Pet Nutrition Hypoallergenic Complete Dry Dog Food Adult and Senior Dog Active For Working Dogs Chicken and Rice 12 kg
Features
- Contains increased calories for active dogs
- Contains high levels of Omega 3 to improve brain function
- Hypoallergenic
- No wheat, soya, beef and dairy
- Highly digestible so less to clear up
Skinner’s Field & Trial Crunchy 2.5kg – Complete Dry Adult Dog Food, For Active Dogs, Greedy Eaters, High Energy
Features
- DIETARY NEEDS - Field & Trial Working 26 is a nutritionally complete dog food, specially formulated to support dogs who are regularly working at a moderate to high activity intensity. With its slightly larger cubed kibble, Working 26 can be a good choice to slow down greedy eaters, so they have to ‘crunch’ it.
- 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 Working 26 contains chicken meat meal and digestible carbohydrate sources to provide energy for instant use during periods of intense activity. “Packaging may vary”.
Alpha Junior and Active Dog Field Nuggets Complete Dry Dog Food, 15 kg
£28.98
Features
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- 0
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Gilbertson & Page Dr. John Titanium Chicken with Vegetables and Green-Lipped Mussel Dry Dog Food - Complete Nutrition for Active Adult and Junior Dogs - 15kg Bag
Features
- TASTY CHICKEN WITH VEGETABLES — Dr. John Titanium Chicken with Vegetables and green-lipped mussel is a balanced dry dog food packed with higher nutrient levels and tasty meat juices. Perfect for active adult and junior dogs over 4 months old
- HIGH LEVEL NUTRITION — we use only the finest ingredients in a nutritious formula that contains 25% protein, 15% fat and wholegrain cereals for slow energy release — no added artificial colours, flavours or sugars
- HEALTHY SKIN, JOINTS & COAT — our balanced formula contains New Zealand green-lipped mussel and 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
Skinner’s Field & Trial Light & Senior 15kg – Complete Dry Dog Food, Ideal for Older, Overweight or Less Active Dogs
£41.00
Features
- DIETARY NEEDS - Field & Trial Light & Senior is a nutritionally complete dog food, specially developed and formulated for any dog that requires a less energy dense diet. Typically, older or less active dogs or those predisposed to weight gain. It has a wheat gluten free formulation, made with easily digestible chicken and contains enhanced levels of Glucosamine and Chondroitin to help support the joints.
- 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.
- LIGHT & SENIOR - Field & Trial Light & Senior is an oval shaped kibble to aid in feelings of fullness, is less energy dense than other diets and has reduced protein and fat levels to support weight loss and ongoing weight maintenance. “Packaging may vary”.
Skinner’s Field & Trial Duck & Rice 2.5kg – Complete Dry Adult Dog Food, Sensitive, Hypoallergenic, For Active Dogs
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 slogan, many dog owners lovingly care for their pets. The four-legged friends need attention and job, but above all, of course, food. The foodstuff is crucial to ensure that the dog comes with all the important nutrition and remains in good 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 range of offers in the trade can cause confusion. Various questions arise: What nutritional requirements will the dog have in addition to what quantity? Which usually food is ideal where age? Is usually dry or wet food the right choice for your four-legged friend? And exactly how much should the dog be given? What may cause deficiency symptoms?
In the following dog food comparison, we present 14 products. We offer 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 clarify how much food a puppy needs. In addition, you will see which foods dogs cannot tolerate and just how you can recognise a food allergy.
The different types of dog food at a glance
Merely as every person has their own own dietary needs, every dog’s preferences are different. The choice of food that will go into the dog’s bowl should be made 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, proteins and minerals. His dog food should be balanced. Older dogs have a slow metabolism and are no for a longer time as active. Therefore, they want less energy, i. e. calorie consumption. Nevertheless , the dog food should be easy to digest and contain a great deal of proteins. In addition, the types of food differ in terms of composition, way of creation and consistency.
Formula – complete or complementary food?
A complete feed consists of all the nutrients the dog needs every day. The percentage of proteins, fatty acids, minerals and vitamins is different based 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 cast food. Supplementary meals are not sufficient per to provide the dog with all the crucial nutrients. These can be flakes that the dog owner combines into the food or treats. The declaration shows what it is.
Type of production
– Dry food and wet food available in pet shops and food markets usually comes from business production. This is the most frequent form of dog food. Industrially produced wet food is often completed cans or small aluminium trays. Together with the latter, one pan is sufficient for one portion. On the other hand, some manufacturers of industrial dog food use genetically revised raw materials and additives.
Industrially produced dog food has a long rack life. With a few exceptions, this dog food can be stored unopened for many years with no loss of quality.
– Natural dog food only uses raw materials that come from herb, 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 hardly any difference compared to professional food: natural dog food is packaged in cups or as dried out food.
– Organic dog food must comply with tighter guidelines regarding ingredients. For example, the product should never contain numerous substances such as genetically revised ingredients, hormones and pesticides. You will discover dissimilarities between the various natural dog foods: “100 per dollar organic” means that no undesirable elements have been processed. Together with the claim “organic”, the ingredients in the organic food are 95 per cent organic. If it states “made with organic”, the product consists of 70 per dollar organic ingredients. Organic food is available as dry and wet food.
– Meanwhile, vegan and vegetarian dog food is available too on the market. This kind of dog food will not contain meat and still provides the dog with the important nutrients. Nevertheless , veggie and vegan dog food contains a lot of fresh vegetables and grains, which can issues if the dog is intolerant.
– An exclusive form of dog food is BARF. The abbreviation is short for “biologically species-appropriate raw feeding”. This species-appropriate method of feeding raw food is based on the dog’s ancestor – the wolf. Once barfing, the dog is fed natural fresh meat, often coupled with raw, pureed fruit or vegetables. Whether this method is actually much healthier is debatable. Considering that the meals are put together individually, barfing is more well suited for experienced pet owners who have learned the diet of their four-legged friends in detail.
There are manufacturers who advertise that their dog food is of food quality. This is a statement 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 the smell and preference. Some dog fans also avoid family pet 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 natural materials and then grinding and combining them. A roller presses this mass through the spaces of a carol wall. Shaped and compacted chunks of feed come away the other side. Throughout the dog food production process, temperature ranges of about 90 degrees Celsius are produced, which obviously contradicts the word cold pressing. Yet , temperatures are still significantly lower than those employed in extrusion.
2. In the extrusion process, the ingredients for your canine food are exposed to high temperatures. Many nutrients are lost during this manufacturing process. These kinds of must be artificially added to the foodstuff after processing. During processing, the dough-like extruded feed is presented through nozzles at high pressure. Nourish produced in this way swells significantly when liquid is added.
Both methods have advantages and disadvantages: Because the nutrients have not yet been busted down, a dog can digest the cold-pressed food obviously, little by little. In addition, the food contains more natural ingredients. If the four-legged good friend has problems with the gastrointestinal system 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 just an extra factor in determining the tolerability and quality of the meals. The most important thing is the quality of the raw materials.
Which is better – moist food or dry out food?
There exists moist and dry dog food on the market. The two types of dog food differ in their water content.
Dry food contains almost no water and therefore has a longer shelf life . usually several years. Dogs that are fed dry food have to chew up more and therefore train their teeth. Ingesting dry food is nearly like brushing your dog’s teeth. To get dogs that drink little, feeding dry food can become 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 huge benefits and disadvantages of dry food at a glance:
Pros
- Long shelf life
- Less costly than cast food
- Easier to feed on the go
- Easy to store
- Almost germ-free due to heating system during production
- Even more eco-friendly than processed food
Cons
- Often less acceptable to your canine
- 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 paziente 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 corresponds to one meal. Many dogs like wet food much better than dry food. In contrast to dry food, damp food for puppies – once opened – can only be kept for a few days and nights. It ought to be used up within 2 days and nights of opening. Below we have summarised the huge benefits and drawbacks of wet food:
Pros
- High approval by most four-legged friends
- Packed in useful portions
- Mainly 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, damp food cannot be stored well
- Large dogs need more space for storage
- More difficult to move and feed on the move
- Wet food smells more intense
- Costs more than dry food
- Creates more waste
This is not possible to make a general statement about which type of dog food is ideal for your dog. Your canine in the end makes a decision 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.
Several dog owners swap between wet and dry food. The following pertains 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 your canine.
How much meats and how many carbs and nutrients are supposed to be in dog food?
The quality of the dog food plays a major role in a balanced and healthy diet. It is important that the dog food consists of healthy ingredients and nutrients – no matter of whether it is wet food or dry food. The right 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. Nevertheless , 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 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.
First and foremost, meats provides the dog with protein. The four-legged friend needs protein for their muscles, bones, strong tissues, healthy tooth and nerves and 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 declare dog food should contain between 50 and 70 percent meat. But other ingredients are also important. If dog owners feed only various meats with 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.
Nutritional vitamins, minerals and sugars in dog food?
A balanced dog diet also includes nutrients that are not found in meat – for instance , vitamins and minerals found in vegetables and fruit, or fatty stomach acids from healthy natural oils. The four-legged friend also needs carbohydrates. Wolves, for example, eat the belly and intestinal contents of prey pets or animals, now and then also berries and grass.
Dogs convert starch from hemp, potatoes and cereals into energy and need it for their intestinal flora. However, the need for carbohydrates is low. Fillers from plant waste such as press residues from oil production, stalks, husks or hay are often added to the feed. Top 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 meals should contain these chemicals only moderately. How much should maintain the dog food depends on how much the animal moves. Lamb and poultry body 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 veg oil contain saturated omega-6 fatty stomach acids and unsaturated oily acids. Omega-3 oils, which are seen in fish, are extremely valuable for cell metabolism.
What should be in the dog food? Dog food should include 50 to 70 pct lean meat or muscle meat or fish with high-quality proteins. In addition, there ought to be about 20 to 50 per cent 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 nutrients such as vitamin h or iron. Good quality oils such as salmon oil or linseed oil improve nutrient ingestion and ensure a functioning cardiovascular system, a shiny coating and healthy pores and skin.
How can I recognise superior quality dog food?
Doggie food sold in UK must be labelled with certain mandatory information. These types of include:
– Treat and name of the manufacturer
– Date of make or best-before date of the dog food
– Name 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 teams. These are, for example , statements such as “with cereals” and “vegetable by-products”. A semi-open declaration data the individual raw materials, although not their percentage. The open up declaration provides structure in per cent and the respective sources of raw materials. When reading the food label, dog owners should also note the following:
1. Many manufacturers split the word feed into individual groups. 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 feed are listed in descending order relating to their volume. The further forwards an ingredient is listed on the label, the greater its proportion. Alternatively, what this means is: Only a little proportion of an ingredient that is listed far down the list is within 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 elements with all the necessary vitamins and minerals
– Very little use of flavour enhancers
These nutrients 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 detailed under the term “analytical ingredients”. We certainly have summarised these in the table:
| Component | Quantity required | Tasks | Information and special features |
| Crude protein | 20 to 25 percent in dry food 8 to 10 percent in wet food | Builds the body’s own tissue such as muscles and bones Strengthening skin and organs Enzymes, blood and hormones also need protein | High-quality protein comes mainly from muscle meat. Low-quality protein is found in slaughterhouse waste |
| Crude ash | 5 to 8 per cent or a maximum of 10 per cent for dry food. Less than 2 percent for wet feed | Supply of inorganic substances such as magnesium, calcium, zinc or silicic acid | Formed after combustion of the feed Proportion should be balanced Sometimes cheap but unnecessary bone meal products are added |
| Crude fibre | 2 to 3 percent for dry food 0.2 to 5 percent for wet food | Support of digestion Stimulation of intestinal activity Strengthens healthy intestinal flora Influences consistency and shape of dog faeces | Proportion of dietary fibre Too high a proportion can lead to flatulence and large quantities of faeces Rumen is filled with raw fibre Otherwise in the form of vegetables and fruit |
| Crude fat | At least 15 percent in dry food for active dogs 12 to 15 percent for dry food for dogs with normal to less exercise 1 percent for wet food | Provides energy Ensure healthy skin and shiny coat | High-quality products include salmon oil, linseed oil, cod oil, pumpkin seed oil and hemp oil. |
The other possible ingredients in dog food are explained below:
1. The value for meat and pet by-products indicates the meat content in your dog food. Manufacturers often do not declare just what is included. It could be high-quality muscle meat or offal as well as low-quality offal. The latter includes, among other things, jerky, rumen or chaps. Animal by-products include, for example , hair, bone fragments, hooves, blood or beaks.
2. Fish as well as its by-products include fish fillets, bone fragments and fish minds.
3. Plant by-products include, for example, vegetables, cereals and pulses and oil fruits. They can be to some extent health- and digestion-promoting food components.
4. Technological additives are preservatives, separating and binding agents, stabilisers, thickening and gelling agents and acid regulators. A few of these are important. These include, for example , emulsifiers and natural antioxidants. Emulsifiers ensure an uniform regularity 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 good friend. They should be contained in the right formula, for example as vitamins, provitamins, amino acids and search for elements.
6. Zootechnical additives can be added to the feed to impact the dog’s performance and health – such as stabilisers for the intestinal tract flora or digestive enzymes.
7. Physical additives are employed to influence the appearance and taste of your canine food. That they include flavourings and colourings.
Overweight dogs suffer! Obesity is a growing problem in dogs with serious health consequences. That can lead to diseases of bodily organs, puts stress on bones, joints and the cardiovascular system, and promotes irritation. 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 usually become overweight. Occasionally the use of diet food should be considered.
How much food does my dog need?
In the event the four-legged friend gets more energy than he consumes, he can become overweight. Therefore, it is crucial to give puppies the right amount of food. How much pet food a dog needs is determined by various factors. In addition to the breed, the next aspects are relevant, for example:
Activity level: How much the four-legged 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 and has a slower metabolism. Consequently, he needs less food.
Age: Younger dogs are still growing and are often more curious and lively. They usually have a higher energy requirement than more mature dogs. It truly is highly recommended to reduce the quantity of food a little each year. For older dogs, there are senior foods that are reduced fat and contain important additives. For smaller dogs you need to change at the age group of 10 to 12 years, for large dogs around 7 to 8 years.
Diseases: A few diseases influence a dog’s food or energy requirements. These types of include cardiovascular problems, thyroid disease, osteo-arthritis and diabetes. Once dogs are coping with illness, they need more pet food.
Hormone balance: A dog’s hormone levels can surge or fall, changing energy needs. For instance , dogs have different energy needs when they are conceived or change their coat.
To find out just how much food is right for your dog, look at the caloric content of your dog food. A higher calorie content means a lesser 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 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 percent of the body weight is usually sufficient.
– A dog that movements a lot or is recovering from an illness should be fed more. His necessary food amount per day is up to 5 per cent of his body weight.
– Snacks should not exceed 10 percent of the daily food requirement.
Any individual who is unsure about the right amount of food should talk to a vet and/or a nutritionist.
Just how can I recognise a food allergy or intolerance?
The most frequent allergies in dogs are flea allergy and food allergy. Possible causes of an allergy are, for instance , stress, unwanted organisms and pollen. In addition, the protein-containing substances in a feed can trigger allergic reactions. Things that a dog might be allergic to include, for example , 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 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.
– Feasible symptoms of allergies and intolerances
– Possible symptoms of a food allergy or food intolerance include itching, vomiting, abs pain, flatulence, diarrhoea, loss of fur, redness and frequent scratching.
– Symptoms may not show up immediately after feeding the food. Sometimes they only appear a few hours or days later.
On the other hand, the symptoms do not really have to indicate an allergic reaction or intolerance. They will can even be caused by another disease. In the event that your dog has these symptoms, you ought to have the cause cleared up by a vet. The vet can also determine an allergy or intolerance or an intolerance, for instance , through an allergy test. Additionally, it is possible to handle an exclusion 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 supply of protein and carbs. These sources must be ingredients that the four-legged friend hasn’t eaten before. Dog owners should change the dog food bit by bit. Following the food change, the dog is fed the new food for several weeks.
When the dog’s condition enhances and the symptoms no longer occur, a provocation test is carried out. Here, the dog owner has to feed his four-legged friend one substance at a time, which could be the trigger for the allergy symptoms. Above time, a list is made of substances that the dog can put up with or that cause allergic reactions in him. An removal diet is something that pet owners can do themselves. However, it is recommended to check with a professional or speak with the vet ahead of time.
Consistent action is vital during an different diet. The dog really should not be given chews, treats or left over spots during this period.
What should I do if my dog has an allergy?
Whether it turns out that your four-legged friend has a food allergy or food intolerance, the dog should no more eat the allergy-causing substances. The selected family pet food must therefore not contain any substances that your canine cannot tolerate. The same applies to treats and all dog snacks between meals.
If practically nothing changes, patience is necesary: sometimes it needs a while until the symptoms of an intolerance or allergy or intolerance no longer take place. Sometimes they only disappear completely weeks following your change in food.
What is grain-free dog food?
Doggie food often contains grains. Included in this are wheat or grain, barley and rye, for example. Embryon have an important function: they are a source of carbohydrates and energy. However, too much of it contributes to obesity and sometimes to digestive problems. There is also grain-free dog food. Instead of feed, it contains option ingredients such as potatoes and dried beans, which also provide carbohydrates to the dog.
Grain-free dog food usually makes digestion easier and it is also ideal for more sensitive dogs. However , it is not necessarily required to use a grain-free dog food. Dogs are omnivores and are able to digest vegetable protein. Some types of feed are also specifically easy to digest. Included in this are maize and rice, for example. In some instances, however, it makes sense or is necessary to use a dog food without materials. This is especially true if the dog is allergic to food containing cereals.
In the event you want to give your dog 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 canines can’t tolerate. Several of them are even poisonous for dogs. These include, for example, onions, organic cabbage and natural pork. Onions can be fatal, based on the size of the onion and the dog. For a medium-sized dog, even a medium-sized onion can be extremely dangerous. If the dog eats raw cabbage, it can get abdomen cramps or unwanted gas. Raw pork could retain the Aujeszky virus, which causes fatal disease. Other foods and drinks that pups should never eat include:
- Delicious chocolate
- Raw taters
- Fruit
- Sultanas
- Fruits pits
- Raw pulses
- Macadamia nuts
- Bitter walnuts
- Raw eggs
- Some types of avocado
- Birch sugar and xylitol
- Cream and milk
- Caffeinated drinks, such as caffeine
- Alcohol
Furthermore, nicotine is dangerous for dogs. Consequently, caution is suggested in rain puddles, for example: Cigarette residues are available in them. Ashtrays should be placed in such a way that the dog cannot reach them.
If a dog has eaten food that is dangerous because of it, you should contact the doctor or the veterinary emergency service directly. At the same time, maintain 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 out for signs of poisoning. It could be necessary to take the dog to a veterinary clinic or drive it to the vet. Symptoms that may occur with poisoning include:
- Excessive salivation
- Excessive thirst
- Nausea
- Diarrhoea
- Cramps
- Restlessness
- Shortness of breath
To prevent your dog from eating incompatible foods, dog owners should make sure that relatives and acquaintances do not feed them such foods. 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 Royal Canin Puppy/Junior Dry Dog Food Giant Active 8-18/24 Months (>45kg) 15kg.
Royal Canin Puppy/Junior Dry Dog Food Giant Active 8-18/24 Months (>45kg) 15kg
Video about best dry dog food for active dogs
FAQ – Frequently asked questions about dog food
Finally, we answer some important and frequently asked questions about dog food.
What should I look for in dog food for puppies?
Puppies need 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 8 weeks. The components and substances of puppy dog food are specially created for growing dogs. This is because a baby dog’s immune system, bones, muscles, coat and teeth first have to develop.
With puppy dog dog food, the focus is on nutrient intake. Over all, the pup food must contain certain essential minerals and vitamins. So that the puppy’s digestive 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 slowly and gradually increased.
When should I start using dog food for adult dogs?
This kind of will depend on the breed of dog: Up-and-coming 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 elderly people?
For small canines, 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 breeds are considered senior at 7 to 8 years old. In addition to age group, the dog’s express of health is also an important criterion. It is a good idea 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 preference and nutrients. In the worst case, 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 raw feeding”. The species-appropriate diet is based on the eating habits of wild dogs. Ready-made food plays no role in barfeeding. Instead, the dog is fed unprocessed food such as meat, offal and bones, supplemented with vegetables, fruit, oils and carbohydrates for a balanced supply of nutrients. Meanwhile, compound 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 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 the changeover is abrupt, sensitive puppies in particular can easily suffer from intestinal problems, a number of which is often considerable. A time of one week is usually recommended for your dog to get used to the new food.
The change of food should proceed as comes after: 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 3 quarters. On day 7, the move is complete.
In the event that the dog acts sensitively and, for instance , gets diarrhoea in the first few days of the food change, you should extend the variation phase and increase the addition of the new food only minimally. If your dog does not tolerate the new food at all, it is obviously not suitable for him. In this case, you should look for an alternate.
What should I do if my dog will 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. In the event the food has already inflamed in water, it fills the dog up faster and is simpler to digest. In addition, the dogs absorb more liquid with condensed dry food.
How fast do dogs digest dry food?
Puppies usually need up to 14 hours to digest dry out food. The exact time depends, among other things, on the age and scale the dog and the standard of the food. A young dog usually has a faster metabolism than an old animal. The amount of food is important too. Little portions are 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 meals is, the shorter the digestion time. Wet food is digested within 6 to 8 hours in adult dogs.
Are animal tests carried out for dog food?
You will find quite a few manufacturers who carry out animal experiments to test the effects and tolerance of their newly developed types of food. PETA’s website publishes a list of manufacturers who do not test on animals.
Which manufacturers and brands produce dog food?
The best-known dog food manufacturers and dog food brands include, for example , ROYAL CANIN, Josera and WOLFSBLUT. Other well-known manufacturers and brands are, for example:
– Bosch
– PRIMUM
– Pedigree
– RINTI
– Animonda
– MERA
Once can I start 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 pups from the 3rd or 4th week of life. During this time, the mother continues to feed her puppies with breast milk in parallel. To be able to accustom a puppy to dry food, it seems sensible to moisten or dilute it which includes liquid – for example with puppy milk. From the 6th to 7th week of life, the puppy is normally no longer provided with mother’s milk.
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 – does it sound right?
Producing your own dog food takes more time and work than acquired food. However, it really does have some advantages:
– If you make the dog food yourself, you can determine for yourself which ingredients go into it.
– Doggie owners may include the special needs of their four-legged friend in the preparation and adapt the meals to these and the dog’s flavor.
– 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 may be sensible or essential to prepare the food yourself. Before preparing the foodstuff, you should study the different ingredients. The meals should be balanced and contain all the necessary nutrients. It is sometimes a good idea to talk to a vet in advance. Recipe ideas for dog food can be found on the net, for example.
Some foods are unhealthy or toxic for dogs. For example, onions and garlic should not be eaten by dogs.
Precisely what is hypoallergenic dog food?
Hypoallergenic dog food is especially suited to dogs with allergic reactions. It really is adapted to the needs of such a four-legged friend and can be easily digested by the dog. Presently there is hypoallergenic dried out food and hypoallergenic wet food on the market. It contains few or no substances that cause allergic reactions in dogs. Consequently, a hypoallergenic food reduces the risk that your canine will not tolerate it and that hypersensitive reactions will occur.
Usually there is only one supply of proteins in such a product. This is usually an unique meat, such as kangaroo or water buffalo. Normally, the protein source used very rarely causes an intolerance. Even so, it cannot be ruled out that even hypoallergenic dog food can lead to allergy symptoms. This kind of happens when we have a substance in the meals that the four-legged friend cannot put up with.
In addition to dogs with allergy symptoms, hypoallergenic food is suited to four-legged friends with a delicate gastrointestinal system. For these dogs, such a product can offer prevention of digestive problems.
