The particular best for the dog – relating to this motto, 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 health to live a long dog’s life. But it is often not so no problem finding the right food for your own dog. Similar to humans, it is also important to consider a balanced diet. In addition, the multitude of offers in the trade can cause confusion. Different questions arise: What nutritional requirements does the dog have in addition to what quantity? Which in turn food is suitable from which age? Is usually dry or damp food the right choice for your four-legged friend? And exactly how much should the dog be fed? What causes deficiency symptoms?
Inside the following best dry dog food for chow chows, we present 10 products. You can expect information about which ingredients the foods contain and for which pups the products are suitable. Within our guide, we describe the types of dog food, go into some of the constituents and describe how much food your dog needs. In addition, you will understand which foods dogs cannot tolerate and how you can recognise a food allergy.
Below is a list of the best dry dog food for chow chows:
- James Wellbeloved Complete Dry Adult Small Breed Dog Food Duck and Rice, 1.5 kg — £14.99
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PRO PLAN DOG Puppy Medium Dry Dog Food Chicken 3kg
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£17.62
£22.89 - Edgard & Cooper Organic Adult Dog Dry Food - Beef & Chicken 2.5kg - Fresh... — £22.99
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Royal Canin French Bulldog Puppy Breed Specific Dry Dog Food, 3 lb. bag
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£28.48
£30.33 - BETA Puppy Dry Dog Food Turkey & Lamb, 14kg — £37.29
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Pooch & Mutt - Health & Digestion, Complete Dry Dog Food (Grain Free), Salmon...
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£54.49
£59.99 -
James Wellbeloved Complete Dry Senior Dog Food Lamb and Vegetables, 10 kg
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£55.97
£75.09 - PRO PLAN Optibalance Medium Adult Dry Dog Food Chicken 3kg (Pack of 4) — £71.96
- PRO PLAN Sensitive Robust Large Dry Dog Food Salmon 14kg — £72.75
- Lakes Original Puppy 2kg Chicken & Rice Dog Food - Veterinary Approved,...
After hours researching and comparing all models on the market, Life my Dog finds out the Best dry dog food for chow chows of 2024. We would recommend using BETA Puppy Dry Dog Food Turkey & Lamb, 14kg as it is available at a resonable price.
Top 10 Best dry dog food for chow chows
Best dry dog food for chow chows
BETA Puppy Dry Dog Food Turkey & Lamb, 14kg
Features
- Turkey is #1 ingredient RICH IN TURKEY AND WITH LAMB
- No added artificial colours, flavours or preservatives
- Made with selected natural ingredients. Made in the UK.(RECYCLING INFORMATION:Recycle at Large Supermarkets
- With a natural prebiotic proven to help support digestive health
- Dual shape and size kibbles
Lakes Original Puppy 2kg Chicken & Rice Dog Food - Veterinary Approved, Sensitive, Kibble for Adult Dogs & All Breeds - Wheat-Free, Naturally Hypoallergenic, Complete Dry Dog Food
Features
- VETERINARY APPROVED – Lakes Original Chicken & Rice is veterinary approved to provide your dog with a natural source of energy, whilst offering them a diet filled with premium natural ingredients.
- SENSITIVE TO STOMACHS – Lakes Original contains rice which is helps dogs with sensitive stomachs. It is a great source of dietary fibre that maintains normalintestinal transit time, plus contains Yucca extract which helps reduce faecal odour.
- EVERYDAY HEALTH & WELLBEING – Lakes Original complete dry dog food is rich in essential amino acids, vitamins & minerals to help maintain a healthy immune system. Contains Omega 3 & 6 essential fatty acids, Zinc and Biotin to help maintain a healthy skin & coat. No Added Artificial Colours & Preservatives.
- WHEAT FREE & NATURALLY HYPOALLERGENIC - All Lakes Original veterinary dry dog food are 100% beef, pork, wheat, dairy and soya free which makes it easier to digest. This also helps your dog's health with reduced allergy reactions, flatulence, upset stomachs, discomfort, inflammation, itchiness, skin/coat issues and hair loss.
- 100 YEARS OF UK HERITAGE & EXPERTISE – Lakes Original (previoulsy known as Super Premium) is a WCF brand, who develop high quality, complete dry food to aid your dog's health and wellbeing. WCF's experience stems back to 1911 in the rural natural beauty of the Lake District, selling dog food through their Cumbrian stores to thousands of loyal customers.
Royal Canin French Bulldog Puppy Breed Specific Dry Dog Food, 3 lb. bag
£28.48
Features
- Royal Canin French Bulldog Puppy dry dog food is designed to meet the nutritional needs of purebred French Bulldogs 8 weeks to 12 months old
- Exclusive tailor-made kibble helps a French Bulldog easily pick up and chew their food
- Helps protect a puppy’s developing immune system and natural defenses with an exclusive complex of antioxidants including vitamin E
- Reinforces the skin barrier with essential nutrients to support healthy skin and wrinkles
- Helps reduce gas and stool odor with highly digestible proteins and precise fiber content
PRO PLAN Sensitive Robust Large Dry Dog Food Salmon 14kg
Features
- Selected protein sources for sensitive dogs
- Clinically proven to help support healthy skin
- Helps support healthy joints
- Contains high quality protein from salmon
- Clinically proven to help support healthy skin
PRO PLAN Optibalance Medium Adult Dry Dog Food Chicken 3kg (Pack of 4)
Features
- Complete food for small and miniature adult dogs
- Formulated for total dental hygiene
- Helps maintain a healthy heart
- A specially adapted nutrient concentration to support the rapid metabolism of small dogs
- A combination of key nutrients that helps maintain healthy joints for your dog's active lifestyle
James Wellbeloved Complete Dry Adult Small Breed Dog Food Duck and Rice, 1.5 kg
Features
- Hypoallergenic dog food for pets with sensitivities, selected natural ingredients, no added artificial flavours, colours, or antioxidants
- Adult small breed dog food with a single source animal protein recipe excludes common allergens beef, pork, soya, eggs, dairy and wheat with natural prebiotics for mature dogs' healthy digestion
- Dog food dry with vitamin E and minerals to support the immune system, omega 6 fatty acids and zinc to promote healthy skin and coat
- Duck meal – A delicious source of protein with essential minerals brown and white rice a highly digestible carbohydrate, linseed a great source of omega 3
- Chicory extract – A source of prebiotic inulin helping to maintain the gut flora, yucca a natural deodoriser for less smelly poos, smaller kibble for small breed dogs' smaller mouths
Pooch & Mutt - Health & Digestion, Complete Dry Dog Food (Grain Free), Salmon and Sweet Potato, 10kg
£54.49
Features
- Premium, grain free complete dry dog food
- To help dogs with poor or sensitive digestion
- Includes prebiotics to aid the balance of good bacteria
- Single source protein with 45% Salmon
- Free from Grain, Cereal , Gluten, GM produce, Artificial flavours, colours and preservatives
PRO PLAN DOG Puppy Medium Dry Dog Food Chicken 3kg
£17.62
Features
- Enables puppies' developing immune system to react efficiently
- Specific ingredient to help support natural defences and long term health
- Formulated for total Dental Care
- A combination of key nutrients that helps to support healthy joints for puppies’ active lifestyle
- Made with high quality pieces of chicken
Edgard & Cooper Organic Adult Dog Dry Food - Beef & Chicken 2.5kg - Fresh Meat, Gluten Free & High Protein
Features
- 2.5kg NATURALLY TASTY DOG FOOD: PACKED WITH LOTS OF FRESH MEAT filled with quality and tasty protein (no meat meal, no overprocessed or dried meat), Non-GMO - We cook ingredients with care to preserve their flavour and natural nutrients. Suitable for adult neutered or unneutered dogs of all breeds and sizes. With a GRAIN FREE and GLUTEN FREE range, our dry food is perfect for sensitive stomachs, and contains PRE-BIOTICS for a healthy gut.
- KIBBLES PACKED WITH FRESH MEAT: This grain free dog food recipe is rich in fresh & irresistibly tasty venison & free-run duck, a less common source of protein that also helps REDUCE SKIN IRRITATION and supports STRONG MUSCLES. In this recipe, APPLE, BEETROOT, PEAR, BLUEBERRY and COWBERRY provide FIBER, VITAMINS A, C, K, essential ANTIOXIDANTS, CALCIUM.
- A HEALTHY WELL BALANCED COMPOSITION : Our simple, healthy recipes are developed by experts to provide optimal nutrition from natural ingredients. It's as if your dog had his own personal trainer! For a healthy, complete and balanced diet, our tasty recipes include a tasty mix of fresh meat & nutritious offal, plus fibre-rich fruits & vegetables.
- EDGARD & COOPER'S VALUES: 01 JOYFUL FOOD: Our naturally, tasty recipes are packed with lots of fresh meat and healthy ingredients, cooked with care to preserve taste and nutrients 02 PLAY NICE WITH NATURE: From our paper-based packaging, to our commitment to achieve Zero Carbon by 2025, we're on a mission to be the world's most sustainable pet brand 03 FRIENDS STICK TOGETHER : We donate 1% of our sales to our INDEPENDENT FOUNDATION to end the suffering of dogs and cats worldwide.
- OUR ADVICE: 01 TRANSITION TO NATURAL FOOD : Over 4 days, gradually increase the amount of Edgard & Cooper food in his bowl, while decreasing the amount of regular food - 02 WATER : Make sure fresh water is available at all times, especially at meal times - 03 STORAGE : Close their kibble bag tightly and store it in a cool, dry place, away from direct light. Once opened, it will stay fresh for three months.
James Wellbeloved Complete Dry Senior Dog Food Lamb and Vegetables, 10 kg
£55.97
Features
- Hypoallergenic dog food for pets with sensitivities, selected natural ingredients, no added artificial flavours, colours, or antioxidants
- Grain free senior dog food with a single source animal protein recipe excludes common allergens beef, pork, soya, eggs, dairy and wheat easy to digest for pets with grain sensitivities
- Dog food dry with vitamin E and minerals to support mature dogs' immune system, with essential amino acids to help maintain healthy hearts
- Fish meal – A delicious source of protein with essential minerals, peas a natural source of protein, potato a highly digestible carbohydrate
- Grain free dog food with chicory extract, a source of prebiotic inulin helping to maintain the gut flora, yucca a natural deodoriser for less smelly poos, chondroitin and glucosamine, generally believed to support healthy joints
Only the best for the dog – relating to this slogan, many dog owners lovingly care for their pets. The four-legged friends need attention and job, but especially, of course, food. The food is crucial to ensure that the dog is supplied with all the important nutrients and remains in good health to live a long dog’s life. But it is often not so simple to find the right food for your own dog. Comparable to humans, it is also important to consider a balanced diet. In addition, the wide range of offers in the trade can cause confusion. Various questions arise: What nutritional requirements will the dog have and what quantity? Which food is ideal where age? Is usually dry or damp food the right choice for your four-legged friend? And just how much should the dog be fed? 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 ingredients and explain how much food your dog needs. In addition, you will learn which foods dogs cannot tolerate and how you can recognise a food allergy.
The different types of dog food easily
Simply 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 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 tract is not yet as efficient. An adult dog needs carbohydrates, fats, oils, healthy proteins and minerals. His dog food should be balanced. More mature dogs have a slow metabolism and are no much longer as active. Therefore, they need less energy, i. e. calories. However , the dog food should be easy to process and include a whole lot of proteins. In addition, the types of food differ in phrases of composition, method of creation and consistency.
Formula – complete or complementary food?
A complete feed contains all the nutrients the dog needs on a regular basis. The portion of proteins, fatty acids, nutritional supplements differs depending 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 foods are not sufficient in themselves to provide the dog with all the crucial nutrition. These can be flakes that the dog owner combines into the food or treats. The declaration shows what it is.
Type of production
– Dry food and wet food available in pet shops and grocery stores usually comes from professional production. This kind of is the most typical type of dog food. Industrially produced wet food is often filled in cans or small aluminium trays. With all the latter, one dish is sufficient for one portion. On the other hand, some manufacturers of industrial dog food use genetically altered raw materials and additives.
Industrially produced dog food has a long corner life. By conditions, this dog food can be stored unopened for many years without the loss of quality.
– Natural dog food only uses raw materials that come from plant, animal or other natural sources – unaltered or prepared. The food should not contain any chemically synthesised additives. However , certain synthetic minerals and vitamins are permitted. In phrases of packaging, there is often almost no difference compared to industrial food: natural dog food is packaged in cans or as dried out food.
– Organic dog food must comply with tighter guidelines regarding ingredients. For example, the product must not contain numerous substances such as genetically modified ingredients, hormones and pesticides. You will find dissimilarities between the various organic dog foods: “100 per dollar organic” means that no undesirable elements have been processed. With all the claim “organic”, the ingredients in the organic food are 95 per penny organic. If it claims “made with organic”, the product consists of 70 per penny 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 will not contain meat but still provides the dog with the important nutrients. However , vegan and vegan dog food contains a lot of fruit and vegetables and grains, which can cause problems if the dog is intolerant.
– An exclusive form of dog food is BARF. The abbreviation is short 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 coupled with raw, pureed fruit or fresh vegetables. Whether this method is actually healthier is debatable. Because the meals are assembled individually, barfing is far more suitable for experienced pet owners who have analyzed the diet of their four-legged friends in detail.
There are manufacturers who advertise that their dog food is of food quality. This kind of 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 kinds of are supposed to provide the food a better smell and taste. Some dog lovers also avoid dog or cat 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 uncooked materials and then grinding and mixing them. A tool 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 approximately 90 levels Celsius are produced, which obviously contradicts the term cold hitting. Nevertheless , temperatures are still significantly lower than those employed in extrusion.
2. In the extrusion process, the ingredients for the dog food are exposed to great heat. Many nutrients are lost during this manufacturing process. These types of have to be artificially added to the foodstuff after processing. During control, the dough-like extruded feed is communicated through nozzles at high pressure. Give food to 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 includes more natural elements. In case the four-legged friend has problems with the gastrointestinal tract and an annoyed digestion, extruded dog food can be more tolerable for him. In this dog food, the starch has already been broken down during heating. However, the manufacturing process is only a secondary factor in figuring out the tolerability and quality of the foodstuff. The most important thing is the quality of the recycleables.
Which is better – damp food or dry out food?
There exists wet and dry dog food on the market. The two types of dog food differ in their water content.
Dry food consists of hardly any water and therefore has a longer shelf life . usually several years. Dogs that are fed dry food have to chew more and thus train their teeth. Eating dry food is almost like brushing your dog’s teeth. Intended for dogs that drink little, feeding dry out 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 advantages and disadvantages of dry food at a glance:
Pros
- Long shelf life
- More affordable than damp food
- Easier to feed on the go
- Easy to store
- Almost germ-free due to heating during production
- Even more green than canned food
Cons
- Frequently less acceptable to the 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 food items for deiting
- Risk of mould or mite formation if stored incorrectly
Wet dog food has a high water content. The wet food is usually portioned in tins or small bowls. Frequently one package of wet food compares to one meal. A large number of dogs like damp food much better than dry food. In contrast to dry food, damp food for canines – once exposed – can only be kept for a few days. It should be used up within 2 days of opening. Under we have summarised the benefits and down sides of wet food:
Pros
- High popularity by most four-legged friends
- Packed in handy portions
- Mainly because of the high water content in wet food, your canine does not need so much additional liquid.
- If necessary, medication can be administered with the wet food.
Cons
- After opening, moist food cannot be stored perfectly
- Good sized dogs need to know more space for storage
- Even more difficult to hold and feed on the move
- Wet food smells more intense
- Costs more than dry food
- Produces more waste
It is not possible to make a general statement about which type of dog food is suited to your dog. Your 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 he tolerates better, you should try away both types.
Several dog owners swap 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 exactly how many sugars and nutrients are supposed to be in dog food?
The quality 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 best composition of the dog food is also crucial for good digestion and the health of the four-legged good friend.
Just how much meat should the food contain?
Dogs are originated from wolves – that is why their digestive tract is similar to that of predators. So to start with, the supply 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 digestive function. For example, the dog’s digestive enzyme are now able to break down starch, meaning the four-legged friend can also digest plant food in smaller quantities.
First and foremost, meat provides the dog with protein. The four-legged friend needs protein for their muscles, bones, strong tissues, healthy teeth and nerves and to provide energy for its activities. As a result, senior dogs have a lower necessary protein requirement because they are no longer as energetic as young or adult animals. In general, experts say that dog food should contain between 50 and 70 pct meat. But other ingredients are important too. If dog owners feed only various meats for their four-legged friends, this can lead to an issue with digestion, 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 found in meat – for instance , vitamins and nutrients found in vegetables and fruit, or fatty acids from healthy natural oils. The four-legged good friend also needs carbohydrates. Wolves, for example, eat the abdomen and intestinal material 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. Nevertheless, the need for carbohydrates is low. Fillers from plant waste such as press residues from oil production, sections, husks or hay tend to be added to the feed. High-quality carbohydrates are located in rice, potatoes, millet, maize, amaranth or buckwheat.
Animal body fat provide the dog with twice as much energy as proteins. To prevent overweight, the foodstuff should contain these substances only less often. Just how much should be in the dog food depends on how much the pet 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 veg oil contain over loaded omega-6 fatty acids and unsaturated fatty acids. Omega-3 oils, which are seen in fish, are extremely valuable for cellular metabolism.
What should maintain the dog food? Dog food should contain 50 to 70 pct lean meat or muscle meat or fish with top 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 biotin or iron. Very good quality oils such as salmon essential oil or linseed oil based improve nutrient consumption and ensure a functioning cardiovascular system, a shiny coating and healthy skin area.
How do i recognise top quality dog food?
Puppy food sold in UK must be labelled with certain mandatory information. These include:
– Treat and name of the manufacturer
– Date of make or best-before date of the dog food
– Brand of the food
– Net weight
– Moisture content for canned food
With regard to the ingredients of the feed, various statements are permitted: A closed declaration only indicates ingredient groups. These are, for example , statements such as “with cereals” and “vegetable by-products”. A semi-open declaration prospect lists the individual raw materials, however, not their percentage. The start declaration gives the composition in percent and the respective options of raw materials. When reading the food label, dog owners should also note the following:
1. Many manufacturers split the definition of grain into individual organizations. The reason for this is that the large total quantity appears smaller. For example, maize becomes maize starch, maize feed food, maize flour, maize gluten or grain. The cereal components provide carbohydrates and saturate well, but must not be included in too large amounts.
2. The ingredients in the supply are listed in descending order according to their quantity. The further ahead an ingredient is listed on the label, the greater its proportion. On the other hand, this implies: Only a little proportion of an ingredient that is listed far throughout 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 vegetable content between 25 and 50 percent
– Balanced elements with all the necessary vitamins and minerals
– No use of taste enhancers
These nutrients make a good dog food
The dog’s organism has no trouble digesting good dog food. Signs of this are almost odourless faeces, high vitality and a shiny coat. The proportion of nutrients in a dog food is outlined under the term “analytical ingredients”. We 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 your dog food. Companies often do not declare just what is included. 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, bone fragments, hooves, blood or beaks.
2. Fish and its by-products include fish fillets, bones and fish heads.
3. Plant by-products include, for example, vegetables, cereals and pulses and essential oil fruits. They may 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 acidity regulators. Many of these are important. These include, for instance , emulsifiers and natural antioxidants. Emulsifiers ensure an uniform uniformity of oil and water. Natural vitamin antioxidants are to prevent rancid fat.
5. Nutritional additives are intended to support the health of the four-legged friend. They should be within the right structure, for example as vitamins, provitamins, amino acids and track elements.
6. Zootechnical additives can be added to the feed to influence the dog’s performance and health – such as stabilisers for the intestinal flora or digestive : enzymes.
7. Physical additives are used to influence the appearance and taste of your canine food. They include flavourings and colourings.
Overweight puppies suffer! Obesity is a growing problem in dogs with serious health consequences. This can lead to diseases of internal organs, puts stress on bones, joints and the cardiovascular system, and promotes irritation. 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 tend to become overweight. Sometimes 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 consumes, he can become overweight. Therefore, it is crucial to give dogs the right amount of food. Just how much pet food a dog needs is determined by various factors. In addition to the breed, the next aspects are relevant, for example:
Activity level: How much the four-legged good friend moves determines the amount of energy it burns. A 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. Appropriately, he needs less food.
Age: Young dogs continue to be growing and are often more curious and energetic. They usually have a higher energy requirement than old dogs. It truly is highly recommended to reduce the quantity of food a little every year. For old dogs, there are senior foods that are reduced excess 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 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 hormonal levels can surge or fall, changing energy needs. For instance , 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 calorie 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 an ordinary 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 % of the body weight is usually sufficient.
– A dog that movements a lot or is coping with an illness should be fed more. His necessary food amount per day is up to 5 pct of his body weight.
– Snacks should not exceed 10 per cent of the daily food requirement.
Any person who is not sure 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 common allergies in dogs are flea allergy and food allergy. Possible triggers of the allergy are, for instance , stress, parasites and pollen. In addition, the protein-containing substances in a feed can trigger allergic reactions. What 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 allergic reaction and an intolerance?
– An allergy is a hypersensitivity response by the dog’s immune system. It reacts strongly against a certain compound. A genuine 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 irritation, vomiting, stomach pain, flatulence, diarrhoea, loss in fur, redness and frequent scratching.
– Symptoms might not show up soon after feeding the food. Sometimes they only appear a few hours or days later.
However, the symptoms do certainly not have to indicate an allergic reaction or intolerance. They can 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 an intolerance, for example , through an allergy test. On the other hand, it is possible to handle an different diet. However, this involves a lot of effort.
What is an exclusion diet?
In an exclusion diet, the owner feeds the four-legged friend only one special source of protein and carbs. These sources must be ingredients that the four-legged friend hasn’t eaten before. Dog owners should change the dog food bit by little. Following the food change, the dog is fed the new food for many weeks.
When the dog’s condition increases and the symptoms will 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 may be the trigger for the allergies. More than time, a list is made of substances that the dog can put up with or that cause allergic reactions in him. An removal diet is something that dog owners can do themselves. However, it is a good idea to seek advice from a professional or speak to the vet ahead of time.
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?
Whether it turns out that your four-legged good friend has a food allergy or food intolerance, the dog should will no longer eat the allergy-causing substances. The selected family pet food must therefore not contain any substances that your dog cannot tolerate. The same applies to treats and everything dog snacks between meals.
If nothing changes, patience is necesary: sometimes it needs some time until the symptoms of an intolerance or allergic reaction no longer happen. Sometimes they only disappear completely a few months following your change in food.
Precisely what is grain-free dog food?
Puppy food often consists of grains. These include whole wheat, barley and rye, for example. Embryon have an important function: they are a source of carbohydrates and energy. However, an excessive amount of it causes obesity and sometimes to a problem with digestion. There is also grain-free dog food. Instead of feed, it contains alternate ingredients such as potatoes and legumes, which also provide carbohydrates to the dog.
Grain-free dog food usually makes digestion easier and is also well suited for more sensitive dogs. Nevertheless , it is not necessarily required to use a grain-free dog food. Dogs are omnivores and are able to process vegetable protein. A few types of feed are also especially easy to break down. These include 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.
If you want to give your puppy a dog food with grain, you should make sure that the grain content is not too much and that the product has a balanced recipe.
What can dogs not tolerate?
There are a lot of foods that dogs can’t tolerate. Some of them are actually 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 a dog feeds on raw cabbage, it can get belly cramps or flatulence. Raw pork could contain the Aujeszky virus, which causes fatal condition. Other foods and drinks that pups should never eat include:
- Chocolate
- Raw potatoes
- Vineyard
- Sultanas
- Fresh fruit starts
- Raw signal
- Macadamia nuts
- Bitter almonds
- Raw ovum
- Some types of avocado
- Birch sugars and xylitol
- Cream and milk
- Caffeinated drinks, such as coffee
- Alcohol
Furthermore, nicotine is dangerous for dogs. As a result, caution is suggested in rain puddles, for example: Cigarette residues can be found in them. Ashtrays should always be located in such a way that your canine cannot reach them.
If a dog has eaten food that is dangerous for it, you should contact the vet and also the veterinary crisis service directly. At the same 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 out for signs of poisoning. It might be necessary to take the dog to a veterinary clinic or drive it to the vet. Symptoms that may occur with poisoning include:
- Abnormal salivation
- Excessive being thirsty
- Throwing up
- Diarrhoea
- Cramps
- Uneasyness
- 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. In addition, it is necessary to train the dog well so that it does not constantly eat whatever from the side of the trail.
The best choice is the BETA Puppy Dry Dog Food Turkey & Lamb, 14kg.
BETA Puppy Dry Dog Food Turkey & Lamb, 14kg
- Turkey is #1 ingredient RICH IN TURKEY AND WITH LAMB
- No added artificial colours, flavours or preservatives
- Made with selected natural ingredients. Made in the UK.(RECYCLING INFORMATION:Recycle at Large Supermarkets
Video about best dry dog food for chow chows
FAQ – Frequently asked questions about dog food
Finally, we answer some important and frequently asked questions about dog food.
What should We look for in dog food for puppies?
Puppies require a different dog food than adult dogs. Once they are weaned from their mother, puppy food is on the menu. This is usually the truth 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, bone tissues, muscles, coat and teeth first have to produce.
With puppy dog food, the focus is on nutrient intake. Previously mentioned all, the puppy food must contain certain essential minerals and vitamins. 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 provided small portions many times a day, which are then gradually increased.
When should I start using dog food for adult dogs?
This is determined by the breed of dog: Promising small to medium breeds are viewed as grown ups 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 dogs, 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 different breeds are considered older at 7 to 8 years old. In addition to era, 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.
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 food can become “sticky” and lose its preference 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 unprocessed food such as meat, offal and bones, supplemented with vegetables, fruit, herbal oils and carbohydrates for a well-balanced supply of nutrients. Meanwhile, chemical substance and freeze-dried BARF food and deep-frozen meat can be purchased in the shops. Pet owners can add the other necessary components. Yet , you should advise yourself well or consult with experts.
What do I have to consider when changing my dog’s food?
The change of food must be done slowly. If the changeover is abrupt, sensitive canines in particular can easily suffer from intestinal problems, a few of which may be 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 1 / 4 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 three quarters. On day 7, the conversion is complete.
If the dog responds sensitively and, for example , gets diarrhoea in the first few days of the meals change, you should extend the version phase and raise the addition of the new food only minimally. If your dog does not tolerate the new food whatsoever, it is obviously not ideal for him. In cases like this, you should look for an alternate.
What should I actually do if my dog will not like dry food?
Then it makes sense to soak the dry food. This kind of has several advantages: Dogs often eat the dry food beyond hunger because it swells in the stomach first. This makes it easier for them to become overweight and feel full. In case the food has already inflamed in water, it fills the dog up faster and is better to break down. In addition, the dogs absorb more liquid with condensed dry food.
How fast do dogs digest dry food?
Puppies usually need up to 14 several hours to digest dry 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 also important. Tiny portions are digested more quickly than large amounts. In addition, insoluble fibers 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 food is, the short the digestion time. Wet food is digested within 6 to 8 hours in mature dogs.
Are animal tests carried out for dog food?
There are quite a few manufacturers who carry out pet experiments to test the effects and tolerance of their newly developed types of food. PETA’s website publishes a listing 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 may i start nourishing 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 fed with mother’s milk.
Experts recommend soaking dry puppy food with a water until the pup is 5 or 6 months old. To get the puppy used to the harder food, mix in more and more non-soaked food pieces over time.
Making dog food yourself – does it seem sensible?
Producing your own dog food takes more time and work than bought food. However, it really does have some advantages:
– In the event you make the dog food yourself, you can decide for yourself which ingredients go into it.
– Dog owners range from the special needs of their four-legged good friend in the planning and adapt the meals to these and the dog’s preference.
– It is possible to make the food more varied for the dog.
If, for example , the dog is overweight, has to take medication or is intolerant to various foods, it may be sensible or essential to prepare the food yourself. Before organizing the food, you should study the various ingredients. The food should be balanced and contain all the necessary nutrients. It is sometimes recommended to talk to a vet in advance. Recipe ideas for dog food can be found on the Internet, for example.
Some foods are unhealthy or toxic for dogs. For example, onions and garlic should not be eaten 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. Right now there is hypoallergenic dry out food and allergies wet food on the market. It 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 take place.
Usually there is just one supply of protein in such a product. This is usually an exotic meat, such as kangaroo or water buffalo. Normally, the protein source used very rarely triggers an intolerance. However, it cannot be ruled out that even hypoallergenic dog food can lead to allergies. This kind of happens when there exists a substance in the meals 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 sensitive digestive tract. For these dogs, such a product can offer prevention of digestive problems.
