The particular best for the dog – relating to this saying, many dog owners lovingly care for their pets. The four-legged friends need attention and occupation, but most importantly, of course, food. The food is crucial to ensure that the dog is supplied with all the important nutrients and remains in health to live a long dog’s life. But it is often not so simple to find the right food for your own dog. Similar to humans, it is also important to consider a balanced diet. In addition, the wide variety of offers in the trade can cause confusion. Different questions arise: What nutritional requirements will the dog have and in what quantity? Which in turn food is suitable where age? Is usually dry or moist food the right choice for your four-legged friend? And exactly how much should the dog be given? What causes deficiency symptoms?
Inside the following best dry dog food for firm stools, we present 10 products. We offer information about which ingredients the foods contain and for which dogs the products are suitable. In our guide, we describe the types of dog food, go into some of the constituents and describe how much food a puppy needs. In addition, you will learn which foods dogs cannot endure and just how you can recognise a food allergy.
Below is a list of the best dry dog food for firm stools:
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Scrumbles Natural Dry Dog Food, Grain Free Recipe with Fresh Salmon, for...
—
£10.00
£12.00 -
Pooch & Mutt - Health & Digestion, Complete Dry Dog Food (Grain Free), Salmon...
—
£11.00
£15.99 - Wellness CORE Small Breed Ocean Dog Food Dry - Salmon with tuna recipe, 1.5 kg — £12.49
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Vet's Kitchen - Grain Free - Complete Dry Dog Food - Sensitive Care Pork and...
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£13.00
£15.00 -
Gilbertson & Page Dr. John Wheat-Free Hypoallergenic Lamb with Rice Dry Dog...
—
£25.49
£29.49 -
HARRINGTONS Dog Food Complete Lamb and Rice Dry Mix, 15 kg
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£29.00
£29.89 -
Burgess Sensitive Dry Dog Food Lamb, 12.5 kg
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£34.99
£41.99 -
Lily's Kitchen Chicken and Duck Countryside Casserole - Grain Free Adult Dry...
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£46.97
£58.10 - Crave Dry Dog Food Natural for dogs – High Protein & Grain-Free – Lamb &... — £55.10
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Arden Grange Sensitive Adult Dry Dog Food Grain Free, Fresh Ocean White Fish...
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£62.56
£64.99
After hours researching and comparing all models on the market, Life my Dog finds out the Best dry dog food for firm stools of 2024. We would recommend using Pooch & Mutt – Health & Digestion, Complete Dry Dog Food (Grain Free), Salmon and Sweet Potato, 2kg as it is our top pick for you.
Top 10 Best dry dog food for firm stools
Best dry dog food for firm stools
Pooch & Mutt - Health & Digestion, Complete Dry Dog Food (Grain Free), Salmon and Sweet Potato, 2kg
£11.00
Features
- Designed to help dogs with poor or sensitive digestion
- Premium, grain free complete dry dog food
- Includes prebiotics to aid the balance of good bacteria
- Single source protein with 45% lean salmon
- Free from grain, cereal , gluten, GM produce, artificial flavours, colours and preservatives
Lily's Kitchen Chicken and Duck Countryside Casserole - Grain Free Adult Dry Dog Food (7 kg)
£46.97
Features
- Keep your pooch happy with this bag of complete and balanced food, made to a grain-free recipe* for dogs 4 months+
- This dry dog food is made with natural ingredients including freshly prepared meat and offal. We’re talking 31% fresh chicken and 8% freshly prepared duck with prebiotics to help encourage healthy digestion
- Why not try the rest of our delicious dog food, all made with natural ingredients. From wholesome wet food to delicious organic options, treats, recipes with one source of animal protein, and more, each suitable for small, medium and large dogs
- As a B Corp company, we are committed to our target to be fully recyclable by 2025. To find out more about our sustainable initiatives, and how we use our business as a force for good! Visit our brand store
- Here at Lily’s Kitchen, we make proper dog food and cat food made with natural ingredients and freshly prepared meat and offal. Only the best for your furry family
Burgess Sensitive Dry Dog Food Lamb, 12.5 kg
£34.99
Features
- We’ve changed the look, but we still have the same trusted recipe for your sensitive dogs
- Burgess Sensitive dog food is made without many of the typical ingredients that can cause sensitivities for dogs
- Burgess Sensitive dry dog food lamb is formulated to support a sensitive tummy
- Builds strong bones and joints
- Helps to grow a glossy, shiny coat
Crave Dry Dog Food Natural for dogs – High Protein & Grain-Free – Lamb & Beef, 3x 2.8kg
Features
- Natural ingredients and a flavour your dog won't be able to say no to. Satisfy their nature with Crave lamb and beef dry dog food / Premium quality, meaty kibble for adult dogs
- Heavy protein-rich kibble, with real pieces of meat designed to help support strong and healthy muscles / High in lamb and beef, free from maize, wheat, soya and dairy
- A healthy four legged friend needs a meal created for them, the way nature intended - respect the animal inside with Crave / Grain free, complete dog food for small, large and senior breeds
- Flavoursome ingredients, tasty meat and natural proteins without artificial colours or flavours / Kibble designed for pets with digestive/digestion problems
- Items delivered: 3 x Crave Lamb and Beef 2.8 kg dry food pouches / Developed and designed for adult cats / Delicious dry pet food with 60 percent animal sources
Wellness CORE Small Breed Ocean Dog Food Dry - Salmon with tuna recipe, 1.5 kg
Features
- HEALTHY SKIN AND SHINY COAT: Our CORE Small Breed Adult Ocean perfectly supports a healthy skin and shiny coat for your small breed dog thanks to the omega-3 fatty acids from salmon.
- FRESH FISH AS MAIN INGREDIENT: Our dry dog food contains a pure fish formula to support your small breed dog’s sensitive stomach.
- HEALTHY DIGESTIVE SYSTEM: Our Wellness CORE Small Breed Adult Ocean for smaller dogs is easy to digest and contains prebiotic fibre and probiotics, providing your furry friend with a healthy digestive system!
- LOW CARBS AND NO FILLERS: Our recipes are grain-free, supporting a high-protein and a meat-rich nutrition for your small breed dog.
- ORAL HYGIENE: Our CORE Small Breed Adult Ocean crunchy kibbles are smaller than the original kibbles making them perfect for smaller mouths. These kibbles help reduce the plaque build-up of your dog’s teeth. For a healthy oral hygiene!
Vet's Kitchen - Grain Free - Complete Dry Dog Food - Sensitive Care Pork and Potato - Advanced Nutrition for your Adult Dog - 2.2kg
£13.00
Features
- Included components: Dry Dog Kibble
- GRAIN FREE - suitable for your sensitive adult dog, recipe formulated without the use of cereals or grains for easy digestion
- NOVEL PROTEIN - 33% British pork, a lesser used protein in dog food which makes it best for dogs with allergies or intolerances
- ADDED GOODNESS - Omega 3 & 6 for healthy skin and coat plus Glucosamine and Chondroitin for joint health
- NATURALLY NUTRITIOUS - tasty recipes combining our veterinary expertise, nutritional research and the highest quality ingredients for a complete, nutritious diet
Scrumbles Natural Dry Dog Food, Grain Free Recipe with Fresh Salmon, for Adults and Senior Breeds, 2 kg Bag
£10.00
Features
- This complete dry dog food is made with 50% Salmon, essential vitamins and minerals and added probiotics
- It is made entirely of all natural ingredients, and has no added sugars, salts nor any derivatives, fillers or artificial nonsense
- If that wasn’t enough, this delicious grain free recipe is free from gluten AND contains slippery elm for sensitive tummies
- Scrumbles makes pet food that dogs love. We ONLY use responsibly sourced ingredients and human grade meat!
- Our delicious dog foods and treats are made in the UK and Ireland by our independent, family company and packed in recyclable packaging. Because we love animals as much as you do!
HARRINGTONS Dog Food Complete Lamb and Rice Dry Mix, 15 kg
£29.00
Features
- 1. THE NATURAL CHOICE - At Harringtons, we believe every dog deserves natural food that's balanced, wholesome and tasty. From puppies to seniors to special diets, we make a range that's perfect for you
- 2. RICH IN LAMB - Harringtons Lamb & Rice Dry Dog Food 15kg is a complete adult dog food that has been carefully formulated using all natural ingredients to provide wholesome nutrition for your dog
- 3. NO NASTIES - The #1 ingredient in our dry dog food is meat, for a nutritionally balanced meal. And we never use artificial colour and flavours or added wheat
- 4. CARING FOR THE ENVIRONMENT - As part of our efforts to keep packaging to a minimum and help send less packaging waste to landfill, this pack is 100% polyethylene and can be recycled
- 5. MADE IN THE UK – Harringtons dog food is proudly made by ourselves right here in the UK and has been family run since 1923
Arden Grange Sensitive Adult Dry Dog Food Grain Free, Fresh Ocean White Fish and Potato, 12 kg
£62.56
Features
- A complete, super premium pet food for adult dogs with particularly sensitive skin or digestion
- This gentle recipe excludes grains and cereals and contains fresh ocean white fish as an easily digestible source of protein which is naturally high in omega-3 essential fatty acids
- It includes our superfood blend of fruits and plant extracts which consists of citrus extracts to help reduce inflammation and support the immune system; dried fruit extracts containing antioxidants which can help protect against free radicals; cranberries for urinary tract health; curcumin for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties; black pepper to help increase the absorption time of curcumin into the body
- All of our diets contain a blend of nutrients and natural supplements to help promote the optimum health, vitality and condition of your pet; These include prebiotics to aid digestion; joint supplements; sustainably sourced krill to help promote a healthy skin and coat; plus added vitamins and minerals to help support your pet’s dental health; High quality ingredients are selected to create our diets and we do not include any artificial colours, flavours or preservatives
- All our products are naturally hypoallergenic so you won’t find any wheat gluten, beef, soya or dairy products in any of our recipes; This may reduce the risk of dietary intolerances and allergies that can cause digestive disorders and skin complaints
Gilbertson & Page Dr. John Wheat-Free Hypoallergenic Lamb with Rice Dry Dog Food - Complete Nutrition for Adult and Senior Dogs with Sensitive Digestion - 15kg Bag
£25.49
Features
- TASTY WHEAT-FREE LAMB WITH RICE — Dr. John Hypoallergenic Lamb with Rice is a perfectly balanced wheat, dairy and soy-free dry dog food with a delicious flavour that dogs love! Ideal for adult and senior dogs with sensitive stomachs
- COMPLETE NUTRITION — we use only the finest ingredients in a nutritious formula that contains 21% protein, 10.5% fat and wholegrain cereals for slow energy release — no artificial colours, flavours or sugars!
- HEALTHY SKIN, JOINTS & COAT — our balanced formula contains yucca extract for joint support, antioxidants for a healthy immune system, 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!
Only the best for the dog – according to this saying, many dog owners lovingly care for their pets. The four-legged friends need attention and profession, but above all, of course, food. The meals 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. Numerous questions arise: What nutritional requirements will the dog have in addition to what quantity? Which food is suitable at which age? Is dry or damp food the right choice for your four-legged friend? And just how much should the dog be given? What can cause deficiency symptoms?
Inside the following dog food comparison, we present 14 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 describe how much food your dog needs. In addition, you will understand which foods dogs cannot endure and just how you can recognise a food allergy.
The different types of dog food easily
Merely as every person has their 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 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 for a longer time as active. As a result, they require less energy, i. e. calories from fat. Yet , the dog food should be easy to process and contain a lot of proteins. In addition, the types of food vary in words of composition, way of production and consistency.
Composition – complete or complementary food?
A complete feed contains all the nutrients the dog needs every day. The percentage 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. An entire food can be dry or wet food. Supplementary meals are not sufficient in themselves to provide the dog with all the important nutrients. These can be flakes that the dog owner mixes into the food or treats. The declaration shows what it is.
Type of production
– Dry food and wet food available in family pet shops and supermarkets usually comes from commercial production. This kind of is the most typical form of dog food. Industrially produced wet food is often completed cans or small aluminium trays. With the latter, one bowl 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 rack life. By 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 highly processed. The food must not contain any chemically synthesised additives. Nevertheless , certain synthetic minerals and vitamins are permitted. In terms of packaging, there is often hardly any difference compared to industrial food: natural dog food is packaged in cups or as dry food.
– Organic dog food must comply with stricter guidelines regarding substances. For example, the product must not contain numerous substances such as genetically revised ingredients, hormones and pesticides. You will find variations between the various natural dog foods: “100 per dollar organic” means that no undesirable ingredients have been processed. With all the claim “organic”, the constituents in the organic and natural food are 95 per penny organic. Whether it claims “made with organic”, the product contains 70 per penny organic and natural ingredients. Organic food is available as dry and wet food.
– Meanwhile, vegan and vegetarian dog food is available too on the market. This dog food will not contain meat and still provides the dog with the important nutrients. Nevertheless , vegetarian and vegan dog food contains a lot of fruit and vegetables and grains, which can cause problems if the dog is intolerant.
– A special form of dog food is BARF. The abbreviation stands for “biologically species-appropriate raw feeding”. This species-appropriate method of feeding raw food is based on the dog’s ancestor – the wolf. When ever barfing, the dog is fed uncooked fresh meat, often coupled with raw, pureed fruit or fruit and vegetables. Whether this method is actually healthier is debatable. Since the meals are put together individually, barfing much more suitable for experienced pet owners who have analyzed the diet program of their four-legged friends in detail.
There are manufacturers who advertise that their dog food is of food quality. This is 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 types of are supposed to provide the food the smell and taste. Some dog lovers also avoid dog or cat food/dog food from factory farming.
Difference between extruded and cold-pressed dried fodder
Dried dog food is produced by the cold-pressing or extrusion process:
1. Cold-pressed dog food is made by first drying the raw materials and then grinding and blending them. A roller presses this mass through the openings of a carol wall. Shaped and compacted chunks of feed come away the other side. Throughout the dog food production process, temperature ranges of about 90 degrees Celsius are made, which obviously contradicts the word cold hitting. However , temperatures are still significantly lower than those utilized in extrusion.
2. In the extrusion process, the ingredients for your dog food are exposed to great heat. Many nutrients are lost during this manufacturing process. These types of need to be artificially added to the foodstuff after processing. During processing, the dough-like extruded feed is conveyed through nozzles at high pressure. Feed produced in this way swells significantly when liquid is added.
Both methods have advantages and disadvantages: Because the nutrients have not yet been broken down, a dog can digest the cold-pressed food normally, little by little. In addition, the food contains more natural substances. In case the four-legged friend has problems with the gastrointestinal area and a disturbed digestion, extruded dog food can be more tolerable for him. In this dog food, the starch has already been broken down during heating. However, the manufacturing process is only a secondary factor in figuring out the tolerability and quality of the meals. The most important thing is the quality of the unprocessed trash.
Which is better – wet food or dry food?
There is certainly wet and dry dog food on the market. The two types of dog food differ in their water content.
Dry food consists of hardly any water and therefore has a longer shelf life . usually several years. Dogs that are fed dry food have to chew up more and thus teach their teeth. Consuming dry food is nearly like brushing your dog’s teeth. To get dogs that drink little, feeding dried out food can be considered a disadvantage. They can become dehydrated if they are fed only dry food. Therefore, it is important to provide the dog with enough water. The advantages and disadvantages of dry food at a glance:
Pros
- Long shelf life
- Less costly than damp food
- Easier to feed on the go
- Easy to store
- Almost germ-free due to heating system during production
- More eco-friendly than processed food
Cons
- Frequently less acceptable to your dog
- The dog’s person is deprived of water, so it has to drink more.
- Can lead to overweight quicker if it is not a diet food
- Risk of mould or temperato formation if stored incorrectly
Wet dog food has a high water content. The wet food is usually portioned in tins or small bowls. Often one package of wet food corresponds to one meal. Various dogs like moist food much better than dry food. In contrast to dry food, wet food for dogs – once exposed – can only be kept for a few days. It must be used up within 2 days of opening. Below we have summarised the huge benefits and disadvantages of wet food:
Pros
- High acceptance by most four-legged friends
- Packed in helpful servings
- 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, wet food cannot be stored perfectly
- Major dogs need more space for storage
- Even more difficult to transport and feed on the move
- Wet food smells more powerful
- Costs more than dry food
- Generates more waste
This is not possible to make a general statement about which type of dog food is ideal for your dog. The dog in the end decides which dog food it likes and which variety it prefers. To find out which type of dog food your pet likes better and which this individual tolerates better, you should try away both types.
Some dog owners change between wet and dry food. The following applies to both types of food: It should only be given as a main meal, never as a treat in between meals. This can lead to overfeeding of the dog.
How much various meats and how many sugars and nutrients belong 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 includes healthy ingredients and nutrients – regardless of whether it is wet food or dry food. The best composition of your dog food is also crucial for good digestion and the health of the four-legged good friend.
Just how much meat should the food contain?
Dogs are descended from wolves – that is why their digestive tract is similar to those of predators. So first and foremost, the supply of meat is important. However , this is not the only thing that matters. Unlike the wolf, the dog was domesticated by humans, and its needs and genetics have changed. This also applies to digestion. For example, the dog’s digestive chemical can now break down starch, which means that the four-legged friend can also digest herb food in smaller quantities.
To start with, meat provides the dog with protein. The four-legged friend needs protein for the muscles, bones, strong tissues, healthy teeth and nerves and provide energy for its activities. As a result, senior dogs have a lower necessary protein requirement because they are no longer as active as young or adult animals. In general, experts say that dog food should contain between 50 and 70 percent meat. But other ingredients are important too. If dog owners feed only meats for their four-legged friends, this may lead to digestive problems, stress on the kidneys and liver due to excess protein and deficiency symptoms.
Vitamins, minerals and carbs in dog food?
A balanced dog diet also contains nutrients that are not present in meat – for example , vitamins and nutrients found in fruits and veggies, or fatty stomach acids from healthy natural oils. The four-legged friend also needs sugars. Wolves, for example, eat the stomach and intestinal material of prey pets, now and then also berries and grass.
Dogs convert starch from grain, potatoes and cereals into energy and require it for their intestinal flora. On the other hand, the need for carbohydrates is low. Fillers from grow waste such as press residues from oil production, sections, husks or straw tend to be added to the feed. Top quality carbohydrates are found 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 food should contain these substances only moderately. How much should be in the dog food will depend on how much the dog moves. Lamb and poultry fats are saturated fatty acids. They are stored in the body as emergency rations and are meant as a book for bad times. Meat and veg oil contain condensed omega-6 fatty acids and unsaturated fatty acids. Omega-3 natural oils, which are found in fish, are extremely valuable for cellular metabolism.
What should take the dog food? Dog food should consist of 50 to 70 % lean meat or muscle meat or fish with high-quality proteins. In addition, there ought to be about 20 to 50 % high-quality carbohydrates for energy production and fruit, vegetables or herbs for the necessary vitamins and minerals. The proportion of offal should be a maximum of 10 percent. Offal provides valuable nutrients such as vitamin h or iron. Good quality oils such as salmon oil or linseed oil improve nutrient absorption and ensure a functioning cardiovascular system, a shiny layer and healthy skin.
How do i recognise high-quality dog food?
Doggie food sold in UK must be labelled with certain mandatory information. These include:
– Address and name of the manufacturer
– Date of manufacture or best-before time of the dog food
– Identity of the food
– 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 instance , statements such as “with cereals” and “vegetable by-products”. A semi-open declaration data the individual uncooked materials, however, not their percentage. The start declaration gives the formula in pct and the respective resources of raw materials. When reading the food label, dog owners should also note the following:
1. Many manufacturers split the definition of feed into individual organizations. The reason for this is that the large total quantity appears smaller. For example, maize becomes maize starch, maize feed meal, maize flour, maize gluten or source. The cereal components provide carbohydrates and saturate well, but should not be included in too large amounts.
2. The elements in the give food to are listed in descending order regarding to their volume. The further forward an ingredient is listed on the label, the higher its proportion. On the other hand, this implies: Only a little proportion of an ingredient that is listed far down the list is included in the feed.
Other aspects by which dog owners recognise the quality of the food are:
– Meat content of 50 to 70 per cent
– Grain and vegetable content between 25 and 50 percent
– Balanced substances with all the necessary vitamins and minerals
– Zero use of flavor 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 nutrition in a dog food is listed under the definition of “analytical ingredients”. We now have summarised these in the table:
| Component | Quantity required | Tasks | Information and special features |
| Crude protein | 20 to 25 percent in dry food 8 to 10 percent in wet food | Builds the body’s own tissue such as muscles and bones Strengthening skin and organs Enzymes, blood and hormones also need protein | High-quality protein comes mainly from muscle meat. Low-quality protein is found in slaughterhouse waste |
| Crude ash | 5 to 8 per cent or a maximum of 10 per cent for dry food. Less than 2 percent for wet feed | Supply of inorganic substances such as magnesium, calcium, zinc or silicic acid | Formed after combustion of the feed Proportion should be balanced Sometimes cheap but unnecessary bone meal products are added |
| Crude fibre | 2 to 3 percent for dry food 0.2 to 5 percent for wet food | Support of digestion Stimulation of intestinal activity Strengthens healthy intestinal flora Influences consistency and shape of dog faeces | Proportion of dietary fibre Too high a proportion can lead to flatulence and large quantities of faeces Rumen is filled with raw fibre Otherwise in the form of vegetables and fruit |
| Crude fat | At least 15 percent in dry food for active dogs 12 to 15 percent for dry food for dogs with normal to less exercise 1 percent for wet food | Provides energy Ensure healthy skin and shiny coat | High-quality products include salmon oil, linseed oil, cod oil, pumpkin seed oil and hemp oil. |
The other possible ingredients in dog food are explained below:
1. The value for meat and pet by-products indicates the meat content in the dog food. Manufacturers often do not declare exactly what is engaged. 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, our bones, hooves, blood or beaks.
2. Seafood and its by-products include fish fillets, bones and fish heads.
3. Plant by-products include, for example, vegetables, cereals and pulses and olive 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 level of acidity regulators. A few of these are important. These include, for instance , 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 within the right composition, for example as vitamins, provitamins, amino acids and search for elements.
6. Zootechnical additives can be added to the feed to impact the dog’s performance and health – such as stabilisers for the intestinal flora or digestive : enzymes.
7. Physical additives are employed to influence the appearance and taste of your canine food. They include flavourings and colourings.
Overweight puppies suffer! Obesity is an expanding problem in dogs with serious health consequences. It can lead to diseases of internal organs, puts stress on bones, joints and the cardiovascular system, and promotes inflammation. It can also shorten the life expectancy of the animal. Frequently , too much food is the reason for overweight. Yet age, sex and breed also play a role. Especially Cocker Spaniels, Labrador Retrievers and King Charles usually become overweight. Sometimes the use of diet food should be considered.
How much food does my dog need?
If the four-legged good friend gets more energy than he consumes, he can become overweight. Therefore, it is vital to give canines the right amount of food. How much pet food a dog needs depends on various factors. In addition to the breed, the subsequent aspects are relevant, for example:
Activity level: How much the four-legged 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: More youthful dogs continue to be growing and are often more curious and energetic. They usually have a higher energy requirement than old dogs. It really is a good idea to reduce the amount of food a little every year. For older dogs, there are senior foods that are reduced body fat and contain important additives. For smaller dogs you need to change at the era of 10 to 12 years, for large dogs around 7 to 8 years.
Diseases: Some diseases influence a dog’s food or energy requirements. These kinds of include cardiovascular problems, thyroid disease, joint disease and diabetes. When 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 pregnant or change their coat.
To find out just how much food is right for your dog, look at the caloric content of your canine food. A higher calorie content means a lesser amount of food is needed. Additionally, dog owners can use the next rules of thumb as a guide:
– The daily amount of food for an adult and healthy dog with a regular activity level should be about 2 to 3 pct of the dog’s weight.
– If the dog is older and does not exercise as much, a daily food amount of 2 % of the body weight is usually sufficient.
– A dog that techniques a lot or is coping with 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 pct of the daily food requirement.
Any person who is unsure about the right amount of food should talk to a vet and a nutritionist.
How can I recognize a food allergy or intolerance?
The most frequent allergies in dogs are flea allergy and food allergy. Possible causes of the allergy are, for instance , stress, unwanted organisms and pollen. In addition, the protein-containing substances in a feed can induce 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 between an allergic reaction and an intolerance?
– An allergy is a hypersensitivity effect by the dog’s immune system. This reacts strongly against a certain compound. A genuine food allergy or intolerance rarely occurs in dogs. Mostly it is an intolerance. This is not triggered by the immune system.
– Possible symptoms of allergies and intolerances
– Possible symptoms of a food allergy or food intolerance include itchiness, vomiting, belly pain, flatulence, diarrhoea, loss in fur, redness and frequent scratching.
– Symptoms may not show up soon after feeding the food. Sometimes they only appear a few hours or days later.
Nevertheless, the symptoms do not really have to indicate an allergy or intolerance or intolerance. They will can also be caused by another disease. In the event that your dog has these symptoms, you need to have the cause cleared up with a vet. The vet can also determine an allergy or intolerance or an intolerance, for instance , through an allergy test. Alternatively, it is possible to undertake an exemption diet. However, this involves a number of effort.
What is an exemption diet?
In an exclusion diet, the owner feeds the four-legged friend only one special way to obtain protein and sugars. These sources must be ingredients that the four-legged good friend have not eaten before. Dog owners should change the dog food bit by little bit. After the food change, your canine is fed the new food for many weeks.
When the dog’s condition enhances and the symptoms no more occur, a provocation test is completed. Here, the dog owner has to feed his four-legged friend one substance at a time, that could be the trigger for the allergy symptoms. Above time, a list is made of substances that the dog can tolerate or that cause allergic reactions in him. An elimination diet is something that dog owners can do themselves. On the other hand, it is advisable to talk to a professional or speak with the vet ahead of time.
Consistent action is crucial during an exclusion 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?
If it turns out that your four-legged good friend has a food allergy or food intolerance, the dog should 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 goes to treats and everything dog snacks between meals.
If practically nothing changes, patience is necesary: sometimes it takes 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?
Dog food often consists of grains. Such as wheat, barley and rye, for example. Grain have an important function: they are a source of carbohydrates and energy. However, too much of it contributes to obesity and sometimes to an issue with digestion. There is also grain-free dog food. Instead of grain, 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 well suited for more sensitive dogs. Yet , 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 grain are also particularly easy to break down. Included in this are maize and rice, for example. Sometimes, however, it makes sense or is necessary to use a dog food without materials. This is especially true if your dog is allergic to food containing cereals.
If you want to give your pet 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 even poisonous for puppies. These include, for example, onions, natural cabbage and raw pork. Onions can be fatal, based on the size of the onion and your dog. For a medium-sized dog, even a medium-sized onion can be extremely dangerous. If the dog eats raw cabbage, it can get abdomen cramps or unwanted gas. Raw pork could contain the Aujeszky virus, that causes fatal disease. Other foods and drinks that pups must not eat include:
- Chocolate
- Raw potatoes
- Vineyard
- Sultanas
- Fruit pits
- 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. Consequently, caution is advised in rain messes, for example: Cigarette residues are available in them. Ashtrays should be located in such a way that your dog cannot reach them.
If a dog has eaten food that is dangerous for this, you should contact the doctor and also the veterinary crisis service directly. At the same time, keep the dog in a safe environment. Nevertheless, despite all the concern for the dog’s life, the following applies: Stay calm and watch out for signs of poisoning. It may 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 desire
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Aches
- Uneasyness
- Shortness of breath
To prevent your canine from eating incompatible foods, dog owners should make sure that family and acquaintances do not feed them such foods. In addition, it is important to train the dog well so that it does not constantly eat anything at all off the side of the road.
The best choice is the Pooch & Mutt – Health & Digestion, Complete Dry Dog Food (Grain Free), Salmon and Sweet Potato, 2kg.
Pooch & Mutt - Health & Digestion, Complete Dry Dog Food (Grain Free), Salmon and Sweet Potato, 2kg
- Designed to help dogs with poor or sensitive digestion
- Premium, grain free complete dry dog food
- Includes prebiotics to aid the balance of good bacteria
- Single source protein with 45% lean salmon
- Free from grain, cereal , gluten, GM produce, artificial flavours, colours and preservatives
Video about best dry dog food for firm stools
FAQ – Common questions about dog food
Finally, we answer some important and often asked questions about dog food.
What should I actually look for in dog food for puppies?
Puppies need 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 8 weeks. The components and ingredients of puppy dog food are specially made for growing canines. This is because a baby dog’s immune system, bones, muscles, coat and teeth first have to build up.
With puppy dog food, the focus is on nutrient intake. Previously mentioned all, the pup food must contain certain essential vitamins and minerals. So that the puppy’s digestive system is not overtaxed, the food for puppies also has a lower food volume than the dog food for adult quadrupeds. In the beginning, young dogs should be provided with small portions a couple of times a day, which are then slowly and gradually increased.
When should I start using dog food for adult dogs?
This will depend on the breed of dog: Up-and-coming 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, its about time at 8 to 9 years. Large different breeds are considered senior at 7 to 8 years of age. In addition to age group, the dog’s express of health is also an important criterion. It is recommended 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 foolproof 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. In the worst case, mould can develop.
What is barfing?
The abbreviation BARF comes from the British and means Born-Again Raw Feeder. The UK term means “biologically species-appropriate raw feeding”. The species-appropriate diet is founded on the eating habits of wild dogs. Ready-made food plays no role in barfeeding. Instead, the dog is fed whole food such as meat, offal and bones, supplemented with vegetables, fruit, herbal oils and carbohydrates for a balanced supply of nutrients. Meanwhile, compound and freeze-dried BARF food and deep-frozen meat can be found in the shops. Pet owners can add the other necessary components. Nevertheless , you should notify yourself well or check with with experts.
What do I actually have to consider when changing my dog’s food?
The change of food should be done slowly. In the event the changeover is abrupt, sensitive dogs in particular can easily suffer from digestive problems, some of which is often considerable. A period of one week is usually recommended for your dog to get accustomed to the new food.
The change of food should proceed as follows: On day 1 and 2, replace about an one fourth of the dog’s usual food with the new food. On the 3rd and fourth day, replace half with the new food. Within the fifth and sixth day, the proportion of the new dog food should be three quarters. On day 7, the conversion is complete.
In the event that the dog acts sensitively and, for example , gets diarrhoea in the first few days of the meals change, you should extend the adaptation phase and increase the addition of the new food only minimally. If your dog does not tolerate the new food whatsoever, it is obviously not suitable for him. In this case, you should look for an alternative.
What should We do if my dog will not like dry food?
After that it makes sense to soak the dry food. This has several advantages: Dogs often eat the dry food beyond hunger because it swells in the stomach first. This makes it easier for them to become overweight and feel full. In the event the food has already enlarged in water, it fills the dog up faster and is better to digest. In addition, the dogs absorb more liquid with drenched dry food.
How fast do dogs break down dry food?
Puppies usually need up to 14 hours to digest dried out food. The exact time depends, among other things, on the age and size of the dog and the caliber of the food. A young dog usually has a faster metabolism than an older animal. The number of food is important too. Small portions are digested more quickly than large amounts. In addition, insoluble muscles remain in the stomach for a shorter time than soluble fibres. Low-fat food also leads to faster digestion. In addition , the more liquid the food is, the shortest the digestion time. Wet food is digested within 6 to 8 hours in adult dogs.
Are pet tests carried out for dog food?
You will discover 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 example , ROYAL CANIN, Josera and WOLFSBLUT. Other well-known manufacturers and brands are, for example:
– Bosch
– PRIMUM
– Pedigree
– RINTI
– Animonda
– MERA
Once may i start feeding a puppy?
During the first weeks of its life, a puppy is given breast milk by its mother. Solid food is usually eaten by young puppies from the 3rd or 4th week of life. During this time, the mother continues to feed her puppies with breast milk in parallel. In order to accustom a puppy to dry food, it feels right to moisten or dilute it with a liquid – for example with puppy milk. From the 6th to 7th week of life, the puppy is normally no longer fed with mother’s dairy.
Experts recommend soaking dry puppy food with a liquid until the puppy dog is 5 or 6 months old. To get the puppy used to the harder food, blend more and more non-soaked food pieces over time.
Making dog food yourself – does it seem sensible?
Making your own dog food takes more time and work than acquired food. However, it really does have some advantages:
– In the event you make the dog food yourself, you can decide for yourself which ingredients go into it.
– Doggie owners range from the special needs of their four-legged good friend in the preparing and adapt the foodstuff 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 might be sensible or essential to prepare the food yourself. Before planning the foodstuff, you should study different elements. The foodstuff 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 Internet, for example.
Certain foods are unhealthy or toxic for canines. For example, onions and garlic should not be eaten by dogs.
What is hypoallergenic dog food?
Hypoallergenic dog food is especially ideal for dogs with allergic reactions. It really is adapted to the needs of such a four-legged friend and can be easily digested by your canine. Right now there is hypoallergenic dried out food and allergies wet food on the market. It contains few or no substances that cause allergic reactions in dogs. Accordingly, a hypoallergenic food reduces the risk that your canine will not tolerate it and that allergic reactions will occur.
Usually there is only one supply of proteins in such a product. This is usually an amazing 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 business lead to allergy symptoms. This happens when there is a substance in the food that the four-legged friend cannot endure.
In addition to dogs with allergic reactions, hypoallergenic food is ideal for four-legged friends with a very sensitive digestive system. For these dogs, such a product can provide protection against digestive problems.
