Only the best for the dog – regarding to this motto, many dog owners lovingly care for their pets. The four-legged friends need attention and profession, but especially, of course, food. The food is crucial to ensure that the dog is supplied with all the important nutrients and remains in health to live a long dog’s life. But it is often not so simple to find the right food for your own dog. 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 does the dog have in addition to what quantity? Which food is ideal at which age? Is usually dry or damp food the right choice for your four-legged friend? And exactly how much should the dog be given? What can cause deficiency symptoms?
In the following best dry dog food for gastrointestinal problems, we present 10 products. You can expect information about which ingredients the foods contain and for which pet dogs the products are suitable. Inside our guide, we describe the types of dog food, go into some of the ingredients and make clear how much food your dog needs. In addition, you will understand which foods dogs cannot put up with and how you can recognise a food allergy.
Below is a list of the best dry dog food for gastrointestinal problems:
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Pooch & Mutt - Health & Digestion, Complete Dry Dog Food (Grain Free), Salmon...
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£15.04
£15.99 - ROYAL CANIN Gastro Intestinal Lf Dog Food, 1.5 kg — £20.10
- Autarky Hypoallergenic Delicious Chicken Dry Dog Food with Added Herbs, 12 kg — £27.99
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PRO PLAN VETERINARY DIETS EN Gastrointestinal Dry Dog Food 5 kg
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£36.00
£40.50 -
Arden Grange Sensitive Adult Dry Dog Food Grain Free with Fresh Ocean White...
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£38.00
£38.99 -
Lily's Kitchen Chicken and Duck Countryside Casserole - Grain Free Adult Dry...
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£52.19
£58.10 -
PRO PLAN VETERINARY DIETS HA Hypoallergenic Dry Dog Food 11 kg
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£55.89
£58.37 - Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Dry Dog Food Fibre Response 7.5 Kg — £59.19
- PRO PLAN VETERINARY DIETS DRM Dermatosis Dry Dog Food 12 kg — £65.48
- Royal Canin Gastrointestinal Puppy Dry Dog Food, 10 kg — £71.39
After hours researching and comparing all models on the market, Life my Dog finds out the Best dry dog food for gastrointestinal problems of 2024. We would recommend using PRO PLAN VETERINARY DIETS EN Gastrointestinal Dry Dog Food 5 kg as it is our top pick for you.
Top 10 Best dry dog food for gastrointestinal problems
Best dry dog food for gastrointestinal problems
PRO PLAN VETERINARY DIETS EN Gastrointestinal Dry Dog Food 5 kg
£36.00
Features
- Low fat; Help minimise fat maldigestion
- MCFAs with a special fat source (coconut oil) high in Medium Chain Fatty Acids (MCFAs) for easy gut digestion and absorption#; # Calculated following NRC 2006 equations
- Low residue, highly digestible ingredients to help promote high nutrient absorption and reduce workload on the compromised gut
- MCFAs with a special fat source (coconut oil) high in Medium Chain Fatty Acids (MCFAs) for easy gut digestion and absorption#; # Calculated following NRC 2006 equations
- Low residue, highly digestible ingredients to help promote high nutrient absorption and reduce workload on the compromised gut
Pooch & Mutt - Health & Digestion, Complete Dry Dog Food (Grain Free), Salmon and Sweet Potato, 2kg
£15.04
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
PRO PLAN VETERINARY DIETS HA Hypoallergenic Dry Dog Food 11 kg
£55.89
Features
- Single hydrolysed protein with low molecular weight to help avoid allergic responses
- Purified carbohydrates sources to help avoid allergic responses
- With omega-3 fatty acids to help maximise the natural anti-inflammatory process
Autarky Hypoallergenic Delicious Chicken Dry Dog Food with Added Herbs, 12 kg
Features
- Delicious chicken offers naturally balanced hypoallergenic dog food for adult active dogs; the diet is packed with high levels of essential fatty acids and B vitamins to give dogs a healthy coat and skin and boost scenting ability
- 20 percent protein, 12 percent fat, this diet has been designed to keep a dogs energy at a maintained level
- The diet is wheat gluten and soya free making the diet a good option for dogs with a sensitive stomach; prebiotics are also included to support digestive health
- The diet includes taurine and carnitine which helps to keep hearts healthy while the addition of herbs and natural antioxidants support the immune system
- Formulated by a leading canine nutritionist, delicious chicken is naturally hypoallergenic with no artificial colours, flavours or preservatives
PRO PLAN VETERINARY DIETS DRM Dermatosis Dry Dog Food 12 kg
Features
- Skin support: increased levels of high quality protein, zinc and vitamins to help support skin constuction and health.
- Low antigen: selected and limited number of protein sources to help minimise discomfort associated with food.
- Omega-3 fatty acids to help maximise natural anti-inflammatory processes.
- Low antigen: selected and limited number of protein sources to help minimise discomfort associated with food.
- Omega-3 fatty acids to help maximise natural anti-inflammatory processes.
Lily's Kitchen Chicken and Duck Countryside Casserole - Grain Free Adult Dry Dog Food (7 kg)
£52.19
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
Arden Grange Sensitive Adult Dry Dog Food Grain Free with Fresh Ocean White Fish and Potato, 6 kg
£38.00
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
Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Dry Dog Food Fibre Response 7.5 Kg
Features
- Nutrients which support a balanced digestive system.
- Feed with a high dietary fibre content.
- Epa/dha to help maintain a healthy digestive system.
- A patented synergistic complex of antioxidants to help neutralise free radicals.
Royal Canin Gastrointestinal Puppy Dry Dog Food, 10 kg
Features
- Complete dietetic food for dogs - Specific for puppies
- Dry food
ROYAL CANIN Gastro Intestinal Lf Dog Food, 1.5 kg
Features
- Gastro
- Dog food
- Dry food
Only the best for the dog – regarding to this motto, many dog owners lovingly care for their pets. The four-legged friends need attention and job, but most importantly, of course, food. The meals is crucial to ensure that the dog is supplied with all the important nutrition and remains in health to live a long dog’s life. But it is often not so no problem finding the right food for your own dog. Just like humans, it is also important to consider a balanced diet. In addition, the wide range of offers in the trade can cause confusion. Numerous questions arise: What nutritional requirements will the dog have and what quantity? Which in turn food is ideal from which age? Is definitely dry or wet food the right choice for your four-legged friend? And how much should the dog be given? What can cause deficiency symptoms?
Inside the following dog food comparison, we present 14 products. We offer information about which ingredients the foods contain and for which pet dogs the products are suitable. Inside our guide, we describe the types of dog food, go into some of the ingredients and describe how much food a puppy 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 quickly
Just as every person has their own health needs, every dog’s preferences are different. The choice of food that moves into the dog’s bowl should be made according to various factors. These include the breed, activity and health of the dog. 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, protein and minerals. His dog food should be balanced. Older dogs have a slow metabolism and are no much longer as active. Therefore, they need less energy, i. e. calories from fat. Yet , the dog food should be easy to digest and include a lot of proteins. In addition, the types of food differ in phrases of composition, technique of production and consistency.
Structure – complete or complementary food?
A complete feed consists of all the nutrients the dog needs on a daily basis. The percentage of proteins, fatty acids, nutritional supplements differs with respect to the product. The ingredients should be adapted to the age, activity and possible allergies of the four-legged friend. A complete food can be dry or damp food. Supplementary foods 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.
Type of production
– Dry food and wet food available in dog or cat shops and supermarkets usually comes from professional production. This is the most common kind of dog food. Industrially produced wet food is often completed cans or small aluminium trays. With the latter, one dish is sufficient for one portion. Nevertheless, some manufacturers of industrial dog food use genetically revised 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 without the loss of quality.
– Natural dog food only uses raw materials that come from plant, animal or other natural sources – unaltered or processed. The food should never contain any chemically synthesised additives. Nevertheless , certain synthetic nutritional supplements are permitted. In phrases of packaging, there is often almost no difference compared to professional food: natural dog food is packaged in cups or as dried out food.
– Organic dog food must comply with harsher guidelines regarding substances. For example, the product must not contain numerous substances such as genetically altered ingredients, hormones and pesticides. There are distinctions between the various organic dog foods: “100 per penny organic” means that no undesirable ingredients have been highly processed. With all the claim “organic”, the constituents in the natural food are 95 per cent organic. If this claims “made with organic”, the product includes 70 per dollar 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 kind of dog food does not contain meat but still provides the dog with the important nutrients. Yet , veggie and vegan dog food contains a lot of vegetables and grains, which can issues if the dog is intolerant.
– A special form of dog food is BARF. The abbreviation stands for “biologically species-appropriate raw feeding”. This species-appropriate method of feeding raw food is based on the dog’s ancestor – the wolf. Once barfing, the dog is fed natural fresh meat, often coupled with raw, pureed fruit or vegetables. Whether this method is actually healthier is debatable. Since the meals are put together individually, barfing much more suitable for experienced dog owners who have studied the diet of their four-legged friends in detail.
There are manufacturers who advertise that their dog food is of food quality. This is a statement that ought to be treated with caution. There is no such thing as food-grade dog or cat food. This also applies to dog food. You should also watch out for attractants and flavour enhancers in dog food. These are supposed to give the food an improved smell and preference. Some dog enthusiasts also avoid pet 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 produced by first drying the raw materials and then grinding and blending them. A painting tool presses this mass through the spaces of a carol wall. Shaped and compacted chunks of feed come out the other part. Throughout the dog food production process, temperatures of approximately 90 levels Celsius are produced, which obviously contradicts the word cold hitting. Nevertheless , temperatures are still significantly lower than those used in extrusion.
2. In the extrusion process, the ingredients for the dog food are exposed to high temperatures. Many nutrients are lost during this manufacturing process. These types of have to be artificially added to the foodstuff after processing. During processing, the dough-like extruded feed is conveyed through nozzles at high pressure. Give food to produced in this way swells substantially when liquid is added.
Both methods have advantages and disadvantages: Because the nutrients have not yet been busted down, a dog can digest the cold-pressed food normally, little by little. In addition, the food contains more natural elements. In the event the four-legged good friend has problems with the gastrointestinal system and an annoyed digestion, extruded dog food can be more tolerable for him. In this dog food, the starch has already been broken down during heating. On the other hand, the manufacturing process is only a secondary factor in figuring out the tolerability and quality of the food. The most important thing is the quality of the raw materials.
Which is better – moist food or dried 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 almost no water and therefore has a longer shelf life . usually several years. Dogs that are fed dry food have to chew up more and thus coach their teeth. Eating dry food is nearly like brushing your dog’s teeth. For dogs that drink little, feeding dry out food can be considered a disadvantage. They can become dehydrated if they are provided only dry food. Therefore, it is important to provide the dog with enough water. The huge benefits and disadvantages of dry food at a glance:
Pros
- Long shelf life
- Less costly than wet food
- Easier to feed on the go
- Easy to store
- Almost germ-free due to heating during production
- Even more green than processed food
Cons
- Generally less acceptable to your canine
- The dog’s person is deprived of water, so it has to drink significantly more.
- Can lead to overweight faster 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 corresponds to one meal. Various dogs like wet food much better than dry food. In contrast to dry food, damp food for canines – once exposed – can only be kept for a few times. It must be used up within 2 days of opening. Below we have summarised the benefits and drawbacks of wet food:
Pros
- High approval by most four-legged friends
- Packed in useful servings
- 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, wet food cannot be stored very well
- Good sized dogs need more space for storage
- More difficult to transport and feed on the move
- Wet food smells more intense
- Costs more than dry food
- Creates more waste
That is not possible to make a general statement about which type of dog food is suitable 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 swap between wet and dry food. The following relates to both types of food: It should be given as a main meal, never as a treat in between meals. This kind of can lead to overfeeding of your canine.
How much meat and how many carbs and nutrients are supposed to be in dog food?
The standard of the dog food plays a major role in a balanced and proper diet. It is important that the dog food consists of healthy ingredients and nutrients – 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.
How much meat should the food contain?
Dogs are descended from wolves – that is why their digestive area is similar to regarding predators. Therefore above all, the resource of meat is important. However , this is not the only thing that matters. Unlike the wolf, the dog was domesticated by humans, as well as its needs and genetics have changed. This also applies to digestive function. For example, the dog’s digestive chemical are now able to break down starch, which means that the four-legged friend can also digest herb 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 the teeth and nerves also to provide energy for its activities. Consequently, 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 per cent meat. But other ingredients are important too. If dog owners feed only various meats for their four-legged friends, this could lead to an issue with digestion, stress on the kidneys and liver due to excess protein and deficiency symptoms.
Vitamins, minerals and sugars in dog food?
A well-balanced dog diet also includes nutrients that are not seen in meat – for instance , vitamins and mineral deposits found in fruits and veggies, or fatty acids from healthy natural oils. The four-legged good friend also needs carbs. Wolves, for example, eat the abdomen and intestinal items of prey pets, now and then also berries and grass.
Dogs convert starch from hemp, potatoes and cereals into energy and need it for their intestinal flora. However, the need for carbohydrates is low. Fillers from herb waste such as press residues from oil production, stalks, husks or hay tend to be added to the feed. Superior quality carbohydrates are found in rice, potatoes, millet, maize, amaranth or buckwheat.
Animal fat provide the dog with twice as much energy as proteins. To prevent overweight, the food should contain these chemicals only in moderation. How much should maintain the dog food is determined by how much the animal moves. Lamb and poultry body fat are saturated oily acids. They are stored in the body as emergency rations and are meant as a reserve for bad times. Meat and vegetable oil contain condensed omega-6 fatty stomach acids and unsaturated oily acids. Omega-3 oils, which are seen in fish, are extremely valuable for cell metabolism.
What should be in the dog food? Dog food should consist of 50 to 70 percent lean meat or muscle meat or fish with superior quality proteins. In addition, there should 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. Great quality oils such as salmon essential oil or linseed fat improve nutrient absorption and ensure a functioning cardiovascular system, a shiny layer and healthy skin area.
How do i recognise high-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 time of the dog food
– Name of the meals
– Net weight
– Moisture content for canned food
With regard to the ingredients of the feed, various claims are permitted: A closed declaration only indicates ingredient types. These are, for example , statements such as “with cereals” and “vegetable by-products”. A semi-open declaration lists the individual uncooked materials, but not their percentage. The open up declaration gives the structure in per cent and the respective sources of raw materials. When reading the food label, dog owners should also note the following:
1. Many manufacturers split the word feed into individual organizations. The reason for this is that the large total quantity appears smaller. For example, maize becomes maize starch, maize feed food, maize flour, maize gluten or source. The cereal components provide carbohydrates and saturate well, but should not be included in too large amounts.
2. The substances in the give food to are listed in descending order according to their volume. The further ahead an ingredient is listed on the label, the better its proportion. Alternatively, this implies: Only a small proportion of an ingredient that is listed far down the list is contained in the feed.
Other aspects by which dog owners recognise the quality of the food are:
– Meat content of 50 to 70 per cent
– Grain and vegetable content between 25 and 50 percent
– Balanced ingredients with all the necessary vitamins and minerals
– Very little use of taste enhancers
These nutrition make a good dog food
The dog’s organism does not have any trouble digesting good dog food. Signs of this are almost odourless faeces, high vitality and a shiny coat. The proportion of nutrients in a dog food is detailed under the term “analytical ingredients”. We certainly have summarised these in the table:
| Component | Quantity required | Tasks | Information and special features |
| Crude protein | 20 to 25 percent in dry food 8 to 10 percent in wet food | Builds the body’s own tissue such as muscles and bones Strengthening skin and organs Enzymes, blood and hormones also need protein | High-quality protein comes mainly from muscle meat. Low-quality protein is found in slaughterhouse waste |
| Crude ash | 5 to 8 per cent or a maximum of 10 per cent for dry food. Less than 2 percent for wet feed | Supply of inorganic substances such as magnesium, calcium, zinc or silicic acid | Formed after combustion of the feed Proportion should be balanced Sometimes cheap but unnecessary bone meal products are added |
| Crude fibre | 2 to 3 percent for dry food 0.2 to 5 percent for wet food | Support of digestion Stimulation of intestinal activity Strengthens healthy intestinal flora Influences consistency and shape of dog faeces | Proportion of dietary fibre Too high a proportion can lead to flatulence and large quantities of faeces Rumen is filled with raw fibre Otherwise in the form of vegetables and fruit |
| Crude fat | At least 15 percent in dry food for active dogs 12 to 15 percent for dry food for dogs with normal to less exercise 1 percent for wet food | Provides energy Ensure healthy skin and shiny coat | High-quality products include salmon oil, linseed oil, cod oil, pumpkin seed oil and hemp oil. |
The other possible ingredients in dog food are explained below:
1. The value for meat and pet by-products indicates the meat content in your dog food. Manufacturers often do not declare precisely what is included. It could be high-quality muscle meat or offal as well as low-quality offal. The latter includes, among other things, dried meats, rumen or chaps. Animal by-products include, for example , hair, our bones, hooves, blood or beaks.
2. Fish as well as by-products include fish fillets, bone fragments and fish mind.
3. Plant by-products include, for example, vegetables, cereals and pulses and olive oil fruits. They are partly 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 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 included in the right composition, 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 tract flora or digestive : enzymes.
7. Sensory additives are employed to influence the appearance and taste of the dog food. That they include flavourings and colourings.
Overweight dogs suffer! Obesity is a growing problem in dogs with serious health consequences. That can lead to diseases of bodily organs, puts stress on bones, joints and the cardiovascular system, and promotes swelling. It can also shorten the life expectancy of the animal. Often , too much food is the reason for overweight. But age, sex and breed also may play a role. Especially Cocker Spaniels, Labrador Retrievers and King Charles tend to become overweight. Sometimes the use of food items for deiting should be considered.
How much food does my dog need?
In the event the four-legged good friend gets more energy than he consumes, he can become overweight. Therefore, it is very important to give dogs the right amount of food. How much pet food a dog needs depends upon 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. Your dog that moves a lot burns more calories. If the dog is not so active, it burns fewer calories from fat and has a slower metabolism. Accordingly, he needs less food.
Age: Young dogs remain growing and tend to be more curious and active. They usually have a higher energy requirement than more mature dogs. It truly is advisable to reduce the amount 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 age group of 10 to 12 years, for large dogs as early as 7 to 8 years.
Diseases: Some diseases influence a dog’s food or energy requirements. These types of include cardiovascular problems, thyroid disease, joint disease and diabetes. Once dogs are recovering from illness, they need more pet food.
Hormone balance: A dog’s hormonal levels can rise or fall, changing energy needs. For example , dogs have different energy needs when they are conceived or change their coat.
To find out just how much food is right for your dog, look at the calorie content of your canine food. A higher calorie content means a lower amount of food is needed. Additionally, dog owners can use the subsequent rules of thumb as a guide:
– The daily amount of food for an adult and healthy dog with a normal activity level should be about two to three % 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 % of his body weight.
– Snacks should not exceed 10 % of the daily food requirement.
Any person who is not sure about the right amount of food should talk to a vet and a nutritionist.
How can I recognise a food allergic reaction?
The most common allergies in dogs are flea allergy and food allergy. Possible sets off of an 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 example , me llaman, animal proteins from poultry, pork or beef, and grains.
What is the between an allergy and an intolerance?
– An allergy is a hypersensitivity effect by the dog’s immune system. It reacts strongly against a certain compound. A true food allergic reaction rarely occurs in dogs. Mostly it is an intolerance. This is not triggered by the immune system.
– Likely 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 might not exactly show up immediately after feeding the food. Sometimes they only appear a few hours or days later.
On the other hand, the symptoms do certainly not have to indicate an allergic reaction or intolerance. That they can also be caused by another disease. If your dog has these symptoms, you should have the cause cleared up by a vet. The vet can also determine an allergy or an intolerance, for example , through an allergy test. Additionally, it is possible to handle an exclusion diet. However, this involves a fine deal of effort.
What is an different diet?
In an exclusion diet, the owner feeds the four-legged friend only one special way to obtain protein and carbohydrates. These sources must be ingredients that the four-legged good friend have not eaten before. Pet owners should change the dog food bit by little. After the food change, the dog is fed the new food for a number of weeks.
When the dog’s condition improves and the symptoms no longer occur, a provocation test is completed. Here, the dog owner has to feed his four-legged friend one substance at a time, which could be the trigger for the allergy symptoms. Above time, a list is made of substances that the dog can tolerate or that cause allergic reactions in him. An removal diet is something that dog owners can do themselves. However, it is advisable to seek advice from a professional or talk to the vet ahead of time.
Consistent action is essential during an different diet. The dog really should not be given chews, treats or leftovers during this period.
What should I do if my dog has an allergy?
Whether it turns out that your four-legged friend has a food allergy or food intolerance, the dog should no more eat the allergy-causing substances. The selected family pet food must therefore not contain any substances that your dog cannot tolerate. The same goes to treats and everything dog snacks between meals.
If practically nothing changes, patience is necesary: sometimes it needs a while until the symptoms of an intolerance or allergy or intolerance no longer take place. Sometimes they only disappear completely weeks following the change in food.
What is grain-free dog food?
Dog food often contains grains. Included in this are wheat or grain, barley and rye, for example. Grains have an important function: they are a source of carbohydrates and energy. However, too much of it contributes to obesity and sometimes to a problem with digestion. There is also grain-free dog food. Instead of materials, it contains alternative ingredients such as potatoes and dried beans, which also provide carbohydrates to the dog.
Grain-free dog food usually makes digestion easier and is also ideal for more sensitive dogs. Nevertheless , it is not necessarily necessary to use a grain-free dog food. Dogs are omnivores and are able to break down vegetable protein. Some types of materials are also especially easy to process. Such as 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 canine 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 way too high and that the product has a balanced recipe.
What can dogs not tolerate?
There are a lot of foods that dogs can’t tolerate. Some of them are even poisonous for puppies. These include, for example, onions, organic cabbage and natural pork. Onions can be fatal, according to the size of the onion and your canine. For a medium-sized dog, even a medium-sized onion can be extremely dangerous. If the dog feeds on raw cabbage, it can get stomach cramps or flatulence. Raw pork could develop the Aujeszky virus, that causes fatal illness. Other foods and drinks that pet dogs should never eat include:
- Delicious chocolate
- Raw carrots
- Grapes
- Sultanas
- Fruit starts
- Raw signal
- Macadamia nuts
- Bitter almonds
- Raw eggs
- Some types of avocado
- Birch glucose and xylitol
- Cream and milk
- Caffeinated drinks, such as caffeine
- Alcohol
Furthermore, nicotine is dangerous for dogs. As a result, caution is advised in rain messes, for example: Cigarette residues are available in them. Ashtrays should always be positioned in such a way that your dog cannot reach them.
If a dog has eaten food that is dangerous for it, you should contact the vet or the veterinary unexpected emergency service directly. Meanwhile, keep your dog in a safe environment. However, 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:
- Excessive salivation
- Excessive thirst
- 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. Found in addition, it is crucial to train the dog well so that it does not constantly eat anything at all off the side of the street.
The best choice is the PRO PLAN VETERINARY DIETS EN Gastrointestinal Dry Dog Food 5 kg.
PRO PLAN VETERINARY DIETS EN Gastrointestinal Dry Dog Food 5 kg
- Low fat; Help minimise fat maldigestion
- MCFAs with a special fat source (coconut oil) high in Medium Chain Fatty Acids (MCFAs) for easy gut digestion and absorption#; # Calculated following NRC 2006 equations
Video about best dry dog food for gastrointestinal problems
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 desire a different dog food than adult puppies. Once they are weaned from their mother, puppy food is on the menu. This is usually the truth after about 8 weeks. The components and ingredients of puppy dog food are specially designed for growing puppies. This is because a baby dog’s immune system, bone fragments, muscles, coat and teeth first have to produce.
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 gastrointestinal system is not overtaxed, the food for puppies also has a lower food volume than your dog food for adult quadrupeds. Found in the beginning, young dogs should be provided with small portions many times a day, which are then slowly and gradually increased.
When should I start using dog food for adult dogs?
This is determined by the breed of dog: Up-and-coming small to medium breeds are viewed as adults from 9 to 12 months of age. For large breeds, it is recommended to give adult food to dogs from 12 to 15 months of age. For very large breeds, it is advised to give adult food a little later – from 18 to 24 months.
When should my dog be given food for seniors?
For small puppies, the difference in diet should take place between 10 and 12 years of age. For medium-sized dogs, it is time at 8 to 9 years. Large breeds are considered mature at 7 to 8 years old. In addition to age group, the dog’s condition of health is also an important criterion. It is advisable to discuss the change of food with the vet.
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 foodstuff can become “sticky” and lose its flavor 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 natural feeding”. The species-appropriate diet is dependent on the eating habits of wild dogs. Ready-made food plays no role in barfeeding. Instead, the dog is fed whole food such as meat, offal and bones, supplemented with vegetables, fruit, natural oils and carbohydrates for a balanced supply of nutrients. Meanwhile, substance and freeze-dried BARF food and deep-frozen meat can be purchased in the shops. Dog owners can add the other necessary components. Yet , you should inform 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. In the event that the changeover is abrupt, sensitive canines in particular can easily suffer from intestinal problems, a few of that can be 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 comes after: On day 1 and 2, replace about a quarter of the dog’s usual food with the new food. On the 3 rd 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.
In the event the dog reacts sensitively and, for instance , gets diarrhoea in the first few days of the food change, you should extend the version phase and improve the addition of the new food only minimally. If your dog does not tolerate the new food whatsoever, it is obviously not suited to 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 has several advantages: Dogs often eat the dry food beyond hunger because it swells in the stomach first. This makes it easier to allow them to become overweight and feel full. In case the food has already enlarged in water, it fills the dog up faster and is better to process. In addition, the dogs absorb more liquid with drenched dry food.
How quickly do dogs process dry food?
Dogs usually need up to 14 hours to digest dry out food. The exact time depends, among other things, on the age and size of the dog and the standard of the food. A young dog usually has a faster metabolism than an older animal. The quantity of food is also important. Little portions are broken down 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 meals is, the short the digestion time. Wet food is digested within 6 to 8 hours in mature dogs.
Are pet tests carried out for dog food?
You will find quite a few manufacturers who carry out creature experiments to test the effects and tolerance of their newly developed types of food. PETA’s website publishes a 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 can I start nourishing a puppy?
During the first weeks of its life, a puppy is given breast milk by its mother. Stable food is usually eaten by puppies from the 3rd or 4th week of life. During this time period, the mother is constantly on the feed her puppies with breast milk in parallel. In order to accustom a puppy to dry food, it seems sensible to moisten or dilute it with a liquid – for example with puppy milk. From the 6th to 7th week of life, the puppy is normally no more fed with mother’s milk.
Experts recommend soaking dry puppy food with a liquid 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 make sense?
Producing your own dog food takes more time and work than acquired food. However, it does incorporate some advantages:
– If you make the dog food yourself, you can decide for yourself which ingredients go into it.
– Puppy owners range from the special needs of their four-legged friend in the preparation and adapt the foodstuff to these and the dog’s flavor.
– It is possible to make the food more varied for the dog.
If, for instance , the dog is overweight, has to take medication or is intolerant to various foods, it might be sensible or required to prepare the food yourself. Before preparing the meals, you should study the different elements. The food should be balanced and contain all the necessary nutrients. It is often highly recommended to talk to a vet ahead of time. Recipe ideas for dog food can be found on the web, for example.
Certain foods are unhealthy or toxic for dogs. For example, onions and garlic should not be ingested by dogs.
What is hypoallergenic dog food?
Hypoallergenic dog food is especially suited to dogs with allergy symptoms. It is adapted to the needs of such a four-legged friend and can be easily digested by your dog. Right now there is hypoallergenic dry out food and hypoallergenic wet food on the market. It contains few or no substances that often cause allergic reactions in dogs. Appropriately, a hypoallergenic food reduces the risk that your dog will not tolerate it and that sensitive reactions will take place.
Usually there is just one source of necessary protein in such a product. This is usually an amazing 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 tolerate.
In addition to dogs with allergies, hypoallergenic food is suitable for four-legged friends with a sensitive digestive tract. For these dogs, such a product provides protection against digestive problems.
