Only the best for the dog – according to this motto, many dog owners lovingly care for their pets. The four-legged friends need attention and occupation, but 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. Comparable 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 what quantity? Which in turn food is suitable at which age? Is definitely dry or moist food the right choice for your four-legged friend? And exactly how much should the dog be provided? What causes deficiency symptoms?
Inside the following best dry dog food for labrador retrievers, we present 10 products. We offer information about which ingredients the foods contain and for which pet dogs the products are suitable. Within our guide, we describe the types of dog food, go into some of the constituents and describe how much food a dog needs. In addition, you will see 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 labrador retrievers:
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Royal Canin Dog Food Labrador/Retriever 30 Dry Mix 3kg
—
£21.00
£23.75 - Royal Canin Dog Food Golden Retriever Junior 29 Dry Mix 3kg — £26.98
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Eukanuba Dry Dog Food Nutrition Labrador Retriever Chicken, 12 kg (Packaging...
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£31.14
£36.64 -
Applaws Complete and Grain Free Dry Dog Food, Senior All Breed Chicken 7.5 kg
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£33.89
£40.29 - Royal Canin Dog Food Labrador/Retriever 30 Dry Mix 12kg — £66.99
- ROYAL CANIN Labrador Retriever Adult 5+ Dry Dog Food - 12kg — £72.86
- Royal Canin Golden Retriever Junior 29 Dry Mix 12 kg — £72.99
- ROYAL CANIN Dog Food Labrador/Retriever Junior 33 Dry Mix 12kg — £73.82
- ROYAL CANIN Labrador Retriever Adult Dry Dog Food For 15 Months or Older -... — £143.80
- ROYAL CANIN Labrador Retriever 12kg — £67.00
After hours researching and comparing all models on the market, Life my Dog finds out the Best dry dog food for labrador retrievers of 2024. We would recommend using ROYAL CANIN Labrador Retriever Adult 5+ Dry Dog Food – 12kg as it is a hight quality product.
Top 10 Best dry dog food for labrador retrievers
Best dry dog food for labrador retrievers
ROYAL CANIN Labrador Retriever Adult 5+ Dry Dog Food - 12kg
Features
- ROYAL CANIN Labrador Retriever Adult 5+ Dry Dog Food - 12kg
- Product type: PET FOOD
ROYAL CANIN Labrador Retriever Adult Dry Dog Food For 15 Months or Older - Bundle Pack - 2 X 12 kg
Features
- ROYAL CANIN Labrador Retriever Adult Dry Dog Food For 15 Months or Older - Bundle Pack - 2 X 12 kg
- Brand: ROYAL CANIN
- Size: 12 kg (Pack of 1)
- Product Type: Pet Food
Royal Canin Dog Food Labrador/Retriever 30 Dry Mix 12kg
Features
- For Labrador/Retrievers over 15 months of age
- Helps maintain ideal weight
- Supports strong bone structure
- Promotes beautiful and healthy waterproof coat
- Vision support
Royal Canin Dog Food Labrador/Retriever 30 Dry Mix 3kg
£21.00
Features
- For Labrador/Retrievers over 15 months of age
- Helps maintain ideal weight
- Supports strong bone structure
- Promotes beautiful and healthy waterproof coat
- Vision support
Eukanuba Dry Dog Food Nutrition Labrador Retriever Chicken, 12 kg (Packaging may vary)
£31.14
Features
- Helps naturally to burn fat while preserving lean muscle, with L-carnitine
- Formulated to help support healthy joints with added glucosamine and chondroitin sulphate
- Formulated to support a healthy heart with L-carnitine and natural taurine
- Clinically proven to reduce tartar build-up in 28 days reduces plaque and maintains strong teeth
- Promotes healthy skin and radiant coat with clinically proven optimal ratio of omega six and three fatty acids
ROYAL CANIN Dog Food Labrador/Retriever Junior 33 Dry Mix 12kg
Features
- For Labrador/Retrievers up to 15 months
- Ensures healthy development
- Avoids excess weight gain
- Prebiotics and psyllium
- Strong natural defences
ROYAL CANIN Labrador Retriever 12kg
Features
- Royal Canin
- Labrador Retriever
- Complete Food for Adult Dogs
Royal Canin Dog Food Golden Retriever Junior 29 Dry Mix 3kg
Features
- For Golden Retrievers under 15 months of age
- Skin and coat defence
- Targeted digestive safety
- Osteo-articular support
- Strong natural defences
Applaws Complete and Grain Free Dry Dog Food, Senior All Breed Chicken 7.5 kg
£33.89
Features
- 75% free run chicken, 25% vegetables and natural extracts. High meat content promotes the development of lean muscle tissue.
- Complete, hypoallergenic & balanced recipe with no added sugar and added coconut oil, promoting a healthy weight and helping with the aging process.
- Natural Omega 3 & 6 for a healthy, shiny coat and brain development.
- Grain free recipe for easier digestion and relief of grain related allergies.
- Contains natural pre-biotic and pro-biotic promoting protective and friendly bacteria in the gut.
Royal Canin Golden Retriever Junior 29 Dry Mix 12 kg
Features
- For Golden Retrievers under 15 months of age
- Skin and coat defence
- Targeted digestive safety
- Osteo-articular support
- Strong natural defences
Only the best for the dog – regarding to this saying, many dog owners lovingly care for their pets. The four-legged friends need attention and job, 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 good health to live a long dog’s life. But it is often not so easy to find the right food for your own dog. Similar to humans, it is also important to consider a balanced diet. In addition, the multitude of offers in the trade can cause confusion. Various questions arise: What nutritional requirements will the dog have and in what quantity? Which in turn food is suitable at which age? Is dry or moist food the right choice for your four-legged friend? And how much should the dog be fed? What may cause deficiency symptoms?
Inside the following dog food comparison, we present 14 products. You can expect information about which ingredients the foods contain and for which dogs the products are suitable. 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 just how you can recognise a food allergy.
The different types of dog food easily
Just as every person has their own own health needs, every dog’s preferences are different. The choice of food that goes into the dog’s bowl should be made according to various factors. These include the breed, activity and health of the dog. Age group also plays a role.
Puppies are growing and need special nutrients. In addition, their gastrointestinal system is not yet as efficient. An adult dog needs carbs, fats, oils, proteins and minerals. His dog food should be balanced. Older dogs have a slow metabolism and are no much longer as active. Therefore, they want less energy, i. e. calories. However , the dog food should be easy to break down and contain a lot of proteins. In addition, the types of food vary in terms of composition, way of development and consistency.
Structure – complete or complementary food?
A complete feed includes all the nutrition the dog needs on a daily basis. The percentage of proteins, fatty acids, nutritional supplements is different according to the product. The ingredients should be adapted to age, activity and possible allergies of the four-legged friend. A whole food can be dry or cast food. Supplementary foods are not sufficient per to provide the dog with all the important nutrition. These can be flakes that the dog owner combines into the food or treats. The declaration shows what it is.
Type of production
– Dry food and wet food available in dog or cat shops and supermarkets usually comes from professional production. This kind of is the most frequent kind of dog food. Industrially produced wet food is often completed cans or small aluminium trays. Together with the latter, one pan is sufficient for one portion. Nevertheless, some manufacturers of professional dog food use genetically revised raw materials and additives.
Industrially produced dog food has a long corner life. With a few conditions, this dog food can be stored unopened for quite some time with no loss of quality.
– Natural dog food only uses raw materials that come from grow, animal or other natural sources – unaltered or prepared. The food should never contain any chemically synthesised additives. Yet , certain synthetic vitamins and minerals are permitted. In terms of packaging, there is often hardly any difference compared to professional food: natural dog food is packaged in containers or as dry out food.
– Organic and natural dog food must comply with tighter guidelines regarding ingredients. For example, the product must not contain numerous substances such as genetically modified ingredients, hormones and pesticides. You will find dissimilarities between the various natural dog foods: “100 per penny organic” means that no undesirable elements have been highly processed. With all the claim “organic”, the constituents in the organic food are 95 per penny organic. If it claims “made with organic”, the product contains 70 per penny organic and natural ingredients. Organic and natural food is available as dry and wet food.
– Meanwhile, vegan and vegetarian dog food is also available on the market. This dog food will not contain meat but still provides the dog with the important nutrients. Yet , vegan and vegan dog food contains a lot of fresh vegetables and grains, which can issues if the dog is intolerant.
– A special form of dog food is BARF. The abbreviation is short for “biologically species-appropriate organic feeding”. This species-appropriate method of nourishing raw food is based on the dog’s ancestor – the wolf. When barfing, the dog is fed uncooked fresh meat, often coupled with raw, pureed fruit or vegetables. Whether this method is actually much healthier is debatable. Considering that the meals are put together individually, barfing is far more ideal for experienced dog 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 an assertion 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 supply the food an improved smell and taste. Some dog lovers also avoid family pet food/dog food from factory farming.
Big difference between extruded and cold-pressed dried hitch
Dried dog food is produced by the cold-pressing or extrusion process:
1. Cold-pressed dog food is produced by first drying the natural materials and then grinding and combining them. A tool presses this mass through the openings of a drum wall. Shaped and compacted chunks of feed come out the other part. During the dog food production process, temps of approximately 90 degrees Celsius are produced, which obviously contradicts the word cold pressing. Yet , temperatures are still significantly lower than those used in extrusion.
2. In the extrusion process, the ingredients for your canine food are exposed to great heat. Many nutrients are lost during this manufacturing process. These kinds of must be artificially added to the food after processing. During control, the dough-like extruded feed is conveyed through nozzles at high pressure. Feed produced in this way swells substantially when liquid is added.
Both methods have advantages and disadvantages: Because the nutrients have not yet been damaged down, a dog can digest the cold-pressed food normally, slowly and gradually. In addition, the food includes more natural substances. In case the four-legged good friend has problems with the gastrointestinal area and a disrupted digestion, extruded dog food can be more tolerable for him. In this dog food, the starch has already been broken down during heating. Nevertheless, the manufacturing process is only an extra factor in determining the tolerability and quality of the food. The most important thing is the quality of the unprocessed trash.
Which is better – damp food or dried out food?
There is certainly moist and dry dog food on the market. The two types of dog food differ in their water content.
Dry food includes very little water and therefore has a longer shelf life – often several years. Dogs that are fed dry food have to chew up more and so train their teeth. Eating dry food is practically like brushing your dog’s teeth. To get dogs that drink little, feeding dry out food can be a disadvantage. They can become dehydrated if they are given only dry food. Therefore, it is important to provide the dog with enough water. The huge benefits and disadvantages of dry food at a glance:
Pros
- Long shelf life
- Less costly than cast food
- Easier to feed on the go
- Easy to store
- Almost germ-free due to heat during production
- More environmentally friendly than canned food
Cons
- Often less acceptable to your dog
- The dog’s body is deprived of water, so it has to drink more.
- Can lead to overweight more quickly if it is not a 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. Generally one package of wet food corresponds to one meal. A large number of dogs like moist food much better than dry food. In contrast to dry food, wet food for dogs – once opened up – can only be kept for a few days and nights. It ought to be used up within 2 days and nights of opening. Under we have summarised the advantages and down sides of wet food:
Pros
- High popularity by most four-legged friends
- Packed in helpful helpings
- 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, damp food cannot be stored well
- Major dogs need to know more space for storage
- Even more difficult to move and feed on the move
- Wet food smells more intense
- Costs more than dry food
- Creates more waste
It is not possible to make a general statement about which type of dog food is well suited for your dog. The dog eventually makes a decision which dog food it likes and which variety it prefers. To find out which type of dog food your pet likes better and which he tolerates better, you should try away both types.
Several dog owners switch between wet and dry food. The following pertains to both types of food: It should just be given as a main meal, never as a treat in between meals. This can lead to overfeeding of your dog.
How much meat and how many carbs and nutrients fit in in dog food?
The standard of the dog food plays a major role in a balanced and healthy diet. It is important that the dog food contains healthy ingredients and nutrients – regardless of whether it is wet food or dry food. The best composition of your canine food is also crucial for good digestion and the health of the four-legged friend.
Just how much meat should the food contain?
Dogs are originated from wolves – that is why their digestive tract is similar to those of predators. So to start with, the supply of meat is important. Nevertheless , this is not the only thing that matters. Unlike the wolf, the dog was domesticated by humans, as well as 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, meaning the four-legged friend can also digest flower food in smaller quantities.
First and foremost, various meats provides the dog with protein. The four-legged friend needs protein for the muscles, bones, strong tissues, healthy the teeth and nerves also to provide energy for its activities. As a result, senior dogs have a lower necessary protein requirement because they are not as active as young or adult animals. In general, experts declare dog food should contain between 50 and 70 percent meat. But other ingredients are important too. If dog owners feed only various meats to their four-legged friends, this could lead to a problem with digestion, stress on the kidneys and liver due to excess protein and deficiency symptoms.
Vitamin supplements, minerals and carbohydrates in dog food?
A balanced dog diet also contains nutrients that are not seen in meat – for instance , vitamins and mineral deposits found in fruits and veggies, or fatty stomach acids from healthy oils. The four-legged good friend also needs carbs. Wolves, for example, eat the abdomen and intestinal material of prey animals, now and then also berries and grass.
Dogs convert starch from hemp, potatoes and cereals into energy and need it for their intestinal flora. 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. Superior 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 meals should contain these substances only moderately. How much should take the dog food will depend on how much the pet moves. Lamb and poultry body fat are saturated oily acids. They can be stored in the body as emergency portion and are designed as a reserve for bad times. Meat and veg oil contain over loaded omega-6 fatty stomach acids and unsaturated oily acids. Omega-3 oils, which are found in fish, are extremely valuable for cell metabolism.
What should maintain the dog food? Dog food should include 50 to 70 percent lean meat or muscle meat or fish with high-quality proteins. In addition, there ought to be about 20 to 50 per cent high-quality carbohydrates for energy production and fruit, vegetables or herbs for the necessary minerals and vitamins. The proportion of offal should be a more 10 percent. Offal provides valuable nutrition such as biotin or iron. Very good quality oils such as salmon oil or linseed oil based improve nutrient absorption and ensure a functioning cardiovascular system, a shiny coating and healthy skin area.
How can I recognise high-quality dog food?
Doggie food sold in UK must be labelled with certain mandatory information. These kinds of include:
– Talk about and name of the manufacturer
– Date of produce or best-before date of the dog food
– Identity of the foodstuff
– 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 data the individual natural materials, but not their percentage. The start declaration provides 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 word materials into individual groups. The reason for this is that the large total quantity appears smaller. For example, maize becomes maize starch, maize feed food, maize flour, maize gluten or source. The cereal components provide carbohydrates and saturate well, but really should not be included in too large volumes.
2. The ingredients in the feed are listed in descending order relating to their amount. The further forwards an ingredient is listed on the label, the higher its proportion. Alternatively, this implies: Only a tiny proportion of an ingredient that is listed far throughout 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 veg content between 25 and 50 percent
– Balanced substances with all the necessary vitamins and minerals
– Very little use of flavour enhancers
These nutrition make a good dog food
The dog’s organism does not have any trouble digesting good dog food. Indications of this are almost odourless faeces, high vitality and a shiny coat. The proportion of nutrition in a dog food is detailed under the word “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 canine food. Producers often do not declare exactly what is included. It can 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 instance , hair, bone fragments, 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 oil fruits. They are partially health- and digestion-promoting food components.
4. Technological additives are preservatives, separating and binding agents, stabilisers, thickening and solidifying agents and acid regulators. Some of these are important. These include, for instance , emulsifiers and natural antioxidants. Emulsifiers ensure an uniform regularity of oil and water. Natural antioxidants are to prevent rancid fat.
5. Nutritional additives are intended to support the health of the four-legged friend. They should be 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 tract flora or digestive enzymes.
7. Sensory additives are utilized to influence the appearance and taste of the dog food. They will 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 inflammation. Additionally, it may shorten the life expectancy of the animal. Frequently , too much food is the reason for overweight. But age, sex and breed also be involved. Especially Cocker Spaniels, Labrador Retrievers and King Charles tend to become overweight. Occasionally the use of food items for deiting should be considered.
How much food does my dog need?
In the event the four-legged friend gets more energy than he consumes, he can become overweight. Therefore, it is very important to give canines the necessary food. How much pet food a dog needs depends on various factors. In addition to the breed, the next aspects are relevant, for example:
Activity level: How much the four-legged good friend moves determines the amount of energy it burns. A dog that moves a lot burns more calories. If the dog is not so active, it burns fewer calories and has a slower metabolism. Consequently, he needs less food.
Age: Young dogs remain growing and tend to be more curious and energetic. They usually have a higher energy requirement than old dogs. It is a good idea to reduce the number of food a little each year. For old dogs, there are senior foods that are lower in body fat and contain important additives. For smaller dogs you need to change at the age of 10 to 12 years, for large dogs as soon as 7 to 8 years.
Diseases: Several diseases influence a dog’s food or energy requirements. These include cardiovascular problems, thyroid disease, osteo-arthritis and diabetes. When ever dogs are recovering from illness, they need more pet food.
Hormone balance: A dog’s hormonal levels can climb or fall, changing energy needs. For instance , dogs have different energy needs when they are pregnant or change their coat.
To find out what amount of food is right for your dog, look at the calorie content of the dog food. A higher calorie content means a lesser amount of food is needed. Additionally, pet owners can use the subsequent rules of thumb as a guide:
– The daily amount of food for an adult and healthy dog with an ordinary activity level should be about 2 to 3 pct of the dog’s weight.
– If the dog is older and does not exercise as much, a daily food amount of 2 per cent of the body weight is usually sufficient.
– A dog that moves a lot or is recovering from an illness should be fed more. His necessary food amount per day is up to 5 per cent of his body weight.
– Snacks should not exceed 10 percent of the daily food requirement.
Anyone who is unsure about the right amount of food should talk to a vet and/or a nutritionist.
How can I recognise a food allergic reaction?
The most typical 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 trigger allergic reactions. What a dog might be allergic to include, for example , me llaman, animal proteins from poultry, pork or beef, and cause.
What is the difference between an allergic reaction 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 allergy or intolerance rarely occurs in dogs. Mostly it is an intolerance. This is not triggered by the immune system.
– Feasible symptoms of allergies and intolerances
– Possible symptoms of a food allergy or food intolerance include itching, vomiting, stomach pain, flatulence, diarrhoea, loss of fur, redness and frequent scratching.
– Symptoms might not exactly show up soon after feeding the food. Sometimes they only appear a few hours or days later.
However, the symptoms do not necessarily have to indicate an allergy or intolerance or intolerance. That they can also be caused by another disease. In the event your dog has these symptoms, you ought to have the cause cleared up with 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 exemption diet. However, this involves a fine deal of effort.
What is an exclusion 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 has not eaten before. Pet owners should change the dog food bit by bit. Following your food change, your dog is fed the new food for a number of weeks.
When the dog’s condition boosts and the symptoms no more occur, a provocation test is carried out. Here, the dog owner has to feed his four-legged friend one substance at a time, 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 eradication diet is something that dog owners can do themselves. However, it is a good idea to consult a professional or speak to the vet beforehand.
Consistent action is crucial during an different diet. The dog must not be given chews, treats or leftovers during this time.
What should I do if my dog has an allergy?
If this turns out that your four-legged friend has a food allergy or food intolerance, the dog should no longer eat the allergy-causing chemicals. The selected pet food must therefore not contain any substances that your dog cannot tolerate. The same applies to treats and everything dog snacks between meals.
If absolutely nothing changes, patience is called for: sometimes it calls for some time until the symptoms of an intolerance or allergy or intolerance no longer occur. Sometimes they only disappear completely weeks after the change in food.
What is grain-free dog food?
Doggie food often includes grains. Included in this are whole wheat, barley and rye, for example. Embryon have an important function: they are a source of carbohydrates and energy. However, an excessive amount of it causes obesity and sometimes to digestive problems. There is also grain-free dog food. Instead of grain, it contains option ingredients such as potatoes and legumes, which also provide carbohydrates to the dog.
Grain-free dog food usually makes digestion easier and it is also suitable for more sensitive dogs. However , it is not necessarily necessary to use a grain-free dog food. Dogs are omnivores and are able to digest vegetable protein. A few types of materials are also especially easy to break down. Included in this are maize and rice, for example. In some instances, however, it makes sense or is necessary to use a dog food without feed. This is especially true if your dog is allergic to food containing cereals.
If you want to give your dog a dog food with grain, you should make sure that the grain content is not too high and that the product has a balanced recipe.
What can dogs not tolerate?
There are a lot of foods that puppies can’t tolerate. Some of them are actually poisonous for dogs. These include, for example, onions, natural cabbage and raw pork. Onions can be fatal, based on the size of the onion and your canine. For a medium-sized dog, even a medium-sized onion can be extremely dangerous. If a dog eats raw cabbage, it can get belly cramps or flatulence. Raw pork could develop the Aujeszky computer virus, which causes fatal condition. Other foods and drinks that pups should never eat include:
- Chocolates
- Raw potatoes
- Grapes
- Sultanas
- Fruits starts
- Raw signal
- Macadamia nuts
- Bitter walnuts
- Raw eggs
- Some types of avocado
- Birch sugar and xylitol
- Cream and milk
- Caffeinated drinks, such as espresso
- Alcohol
Furthermore, nicotine is dangerous for dogs. Consequently, caution is recommended in rain puddles, for example: Cigarette residues are available in them. Ashtrays should always be located in such a way that the dog cannot reach them.
If a dog has eaten food that is dangerous because of it, you should contact the doctor or maybe the veterinary unexpected emergency service directly. Meanwhile, keep the dog in a secure 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 could occur with poisoning include:
- Extreme salivation
- Excessive desire
- Throwing up
- Diarrhoea
- Aches
- Uneasyness
- Shortness of breath
To prevent your canine from eating incompatible foods, dog owners should make sure that family members 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 of the side of the trail.
The best choice is the ROYAL CANIN Labrador Retriever Adult 5+ Dry Dog Food – 12kg.
ROYAL CANIN Labrador Retriever Adult 5+ Dry Dog Food - 12kg
- ROYAL CANIN Labrador Retriever Adult 5+ Dry Dog Food - 12kg
- Product type: PET FOOD
Video about best dry dog food for labrador retrievers
FAQ – Common questions about dog food
Finally, we answer some important and frequently asked questions about dog food.
What should I actually look for in dog food for puppies?
Puppies desire a different dog food than adult canines. Once they are weaned from their mother, puppy food is on the menu. This is usually the situation after about 2 months. The components and ingredients of puppy dog food are specially designed for growing canines. This is because a baby dog’s immune system, bones, muscles, coat and teeth first have to produce.
With puppy dog dog food, the focus is on nutrient intake. Previously mentioned all, the puppy dog food must contain certain essential nutritional supplements. So that the puppy’s digestive system is not overtaxed, the food for puppies also has a lower food volume than your dog food for adult quadrupeds. In the beginning, young dogs should be given small portions several times a day, which are then slowly increased.
When should I start using dog food for adult dogs?
This depends upon the breed of dog: Promising small to medium breeds are considered grownups from 9 to 12 months of age. For large breeds, it is recommended to give adult food to dogs from 12 to 15 months of age. For very large breeds, it is advised to give adult food a little later – from 18 to 24 months.
When should my dog be given food for older persons?
For small puppies, the difference 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 breeds are considered mature at 7 to 8 years old. In addition to age, the dog’s condition of health is also an important criterion. It is highly 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 snug container. Glass or plastic containers without plasticisers are best. Packaging with a metal layer on the inside is also recommended for storing dried food. The container or packaging should be stored in a dry and not too warm place. Otherwise the meals can become “sticky” and lose its preference and nutrients. At worst, mould can develop.
Precisely what is barfing?
The abbreviation BARF comes from the English and means Born-Again Raw Feeder. The UK term means “biologically species-appropriate organic feeding”. The species-appropriate diet is based on the eating habits of wild dogs. Ready-made food plays no role in barfeeding. Instead, the dog is fed unprocessed food such as meat, offal and bones, supplemented with vegetables, fruit, oils and carbohydrates for a balanced supply of nutrients. Meanwhile, substance and freeze-dried BARF food and deep-frozen meat can be found in the shops. Dog owners can add the other necessary components. Yet , you should notify yourself well or seek advice from with experts.
What do I actually have to consider when changing my dog’s food?
The change of food must be done slowly. In the event the changeover is abrupt, sensitive canines in particular can quickly suffer from intestinal problems, a number of which may be considerable. An interval of one week is usually recommended for your dog to get used to the new food.
The change of food should proceed as employs: On day 1 and 2, replace about a 1 / 4 of the dog’s usual food with the new food. On the 3rd and fourth day, replace half with the new food. Around the fifth and sixth day, the proportion of the new dog food should be three quarters. On day 7, the changeover is complete.
In the event that the dog responds sensitively and, for example , gets diarrhoea in the first few days of the meals change, you should extend the version phase and raise the addition of the new food only minimally. If your dog does not tolerate the new food in any way, it is obviously not well suited for him. In this case, you should look for an option.
What should I do if my dog would 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 case the food has already swollen in water, it fills the dog up faster and is simpler to process. In addition, the dogs absorb more liquid with drenched dry food.
How quickly do dogs break down dry food?
Dogs usually need up to 14 several hours to digest dry out food. The exact time depends, among other things, on the age and scale the dog and the 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 brings about faster digestion. Additionally , the more liquid the foodstuff 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 pet experiments to test the effects and tolerance of their newly developed types of food. PETA’s website publishes a list of manufacturers who do not test on animals.
Which manufacturers and brands produce dog food?
The best-known dog food manufacturers and dog food brands include, for instance , ROYAL CANIN, Josera and WOLFSBLUT. Other well-known manufacturers and brands are, for example:
– Bosch
– PRIMUM
– Pedigree
– RINTI
– Animonda
– MERA
When may i start feeding a puppy?
During the first weeks of its life, a puppy is federal reserve breast milk by its mother. Stable food is usually eaten by pups from the 3rd or 4th week of life. During this time period, the mother is constantly on the nourish her puppies with breast milk in parallel. In order to accustom a puppy to dry food, it makes sense to moisten or dilute it which includes liquid – for example with pup milk. From the 6th to 7th week of life, the puppy is normally no more provided with mother’s dairy.
Experts recommend soaking dry puppy food with a water until the pup is 5 or 6 months old. To get the puppy used to the harder food, mix in more and more non-soaked food pieces over time.
Making dog food yourself – will it seem sensible?
Producing your own dog food takes more time and work than bought food. However, it does have some advantages:
– In case you make the dog food yourself, you can make a decision for yourself which ingredients go into it.
– Puppy owners can include the special needs of their four-legged friend in the planning 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 example , the dog is overweight, has to take medication or is intolerant to various foods, it can be sensible or required to prepare the food yourself. Before planning the food, you should study the different substances. The meals should be balanced and contain all the necessary nutrients. It is highly recommended to talk to a vet ahead of time. Recipe ideas for dog food can be found on the net, for example.
Some foods are unhealthy or toxic for canines. For example, onions and garlic should not be consumed by dogs.
What is hypoallergenic dog food?
Hypoallergenic dog food is especially ideal for dogs with allergies. It really is adapted to the needs of such a four-legged friend and can be easily digested by your canine. There is hypoallergenic dry food and allergies wet food on the market. It contains few or no substances that cause allergic reactions in dogs. Consequently, a hypoallergenic food reduces the risk that the dog will not tolerate it and that hypersensitive reactions will happen.
Usually there is just one source of proteins in such a product. This is usually an exotic meat, such as kangaroo or water buffalo. Normally, the protein source used very rarely triggers an intolerance. Nevertheless, it cannot be ruled out that even hypoallergenic dog food can lead to allergy symptoms. This happens when we have a substance in the food that the four-legged friend cannot endure.
In addition to dogs with allergic reactions, hypoallergenic food is suitable for four-legged friends with a sensitive gastrointestinal system. For these dogs, such a product can provide prevention of digestive problems.
