Only the best for the dog – relating to this saying, many dog owners lovingly care for their pets. The four-legged friends need attention and profession, but most importantly, of course, food. The food is crucial to ensure that the dog comes with all the important nutrition 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. Various questions arise: What nutritional requirements does the dog have and what quantity? Which usually food is ideal at which age? Is usually dry or wet 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 best dry dog food for labradors, we present 10 products. You can expect information about which ingredients the foods contain and for which pups the products are suitable. Inside our guide, we describe the types of dog food, go into some of the ingredients and clarify 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 labradors:
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BETA Puppy Large Breed Dry Dog Food Turkey 14kg
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£28.29
£33.89 - Royal Canin Dog Food Labrador/Retriever 30 Dry Mix 3kg — £29.00
- Eukanuba Dry Dog Food Nutrition Labrador Retriever Chicken, 12 kg (Packaging... — £38.99
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Harringtons Complete Grain Free Hypoallergenic Chicken & Sweet Potato Dry Dog...
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£40.86
£56.00 - Eukanuba Dry Dog Food Mature and Senior Large Breed Chicken, 15 kg — £52.99
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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 - Royal Canin Dog Food Labrador/Retriever 30 Dry Mix 12kg — £68.41
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ROYAL CANIN Dog Food Labrador/Retriever Junior 33 Dry Mix 12kg
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£68.49
£73.82 - ROYAL CANIN Labrador Retriever Adult 5+ Dry Dog Food - 12kg — £74.79
- ROYAL CANIN Labrador Retriever Adult Dry Dog Food For 15 Months or Older -... — £141.95
After hours researching and comparing all models on the market, Life my Dog finds out the Best dry dog food for labradors of 2024. We would recommend using Eukanuba Dry Dog Food Nutrition Labrador Retriever Chicken, 12 kg (Packaging may vary) as it is one of the best products currently available in market.
Top 10 Best dry dog food for labradors
Best dry dog food for labradors
Eukanuba Dry Dog Food Nutrition Labrador Retriever Chicken, 12 kg (Packaging may vary)
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 Labrador Retriever Adult 5+ Dry Dog Food - 12kg
Features
- Royal Canin Labrador Retriever Adult 5 Dry Dog Food 12Kg
- ROYAL CANIN Labrador Retriever Adult 5 Dry Dog Food 12kg
- Brand: ROYAL CANIN
- cranberry
- 12 kg Pack of 1
Royal Canin Dog Food Labrador/Retriever 30 Dry Mix 3kg
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 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 Royal Canin Labrador Retriever Adult Dry Dog Food For 15 Months Or Older Bundle Pack 2 X 12 Kg 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 Labrador Retriever Adult Dry Dog Food For 15 Months or Older Bundle Pack 2 X 12 kg
- Brand: ROYAL CANIN
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 Junior 33 Dry Mix 12kg
£68.49
Features
- For Labrador/Retrievers up to 15 months
- Ensures healthy development
- Avoids excess weight gain
- Prebiotics and psyllium
- Strong natural defences
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
Eukanuba Dry Dog Food Mature and Senior Large Breed Chicken, 15 kg
Features
- Vitality: Helps support the natural defenses of an aging dog with optimal levels of beta-carotene and vitamin E
- Agility: Tailored protein and fat for less stress on joints for mature and seniors large breed dogs
- Bones: Clinically proven to promote strong bones, with calcium
- Dental: Clinically proven to reduce tartar build-up in 28 days. Reduces plaque and maintains strong teeth
- 100% complete and balanced. No artificial flavours or colourants added
BETA Puppy Large Breed Dry Dog Food Turkey 14kg
£28.29
Features
- Turkey is #1 ingredient. RICH IN TURKEY
- No added artificial colours, flavours or preservatives
- Made with selected natural ingredients. Made in the UK.(RECYCLING INFORMATION:Recycle at Large Supermarkets)
- With a natural prebiotic proven to help support digestive health
- Dual shape and size kibbles
Harringtons Complete Grain Free Hypoallergenic Chicken & Sweet Potato Dry Dog Food 15kg
£40.86
Features
- NEW UPGRADED RECIPE - Now even more tasty & nutritious, with freshly-prepared meat, veg, botanicals, vitamins & minerals in every bite
- MEAT FIRST - Meat is the No.1 ingredient, providing a great source of natural protein for energy, growth & repair
- FRESHCOOK - We've added a delicious homemade chicken gravy to our kibble to make our recipe even tastier.
- NO NASTIES - Our recipe contains no artificial colours or flavours, no dairy, no soya and no added wheat. No nasties. No surprises.
- CARBON-NEGATIVE - We're proud to be the UK's first carbon-negative pet food company. We generate our own electricity, and source locally
The particular best for the dog – according to this saying, many dog owners lovingly care for their pets. The four-legged friends need attention and job, but above all, of course, food. The meals is crucial to ensure that the dog comes with all the important nutrients and remains in good health to live a long dog’s life. But it is often not so no problem finding the right food for your own dog. 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 does the dog have and what quantity? Which food is suitable where 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?
In 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. Within 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 learn which foods dogs cannot tolerate and how you can recognise a food allergy.
The different types of dog food easily
Merely as every person has their own own health needs, every dog’s preferences are different. The choice of food that moves into the dog’s bowl should come in according to various factors. These include the breed, activity and health of the dog. Age also plays a role.
Puppies are growing and need special nutrients. In addition, their digestive system is not yet as efficient. An adult dog needs carbohydrates, fats, oils, healthy proteins and minerals. His dog food should be balanced. Older dogs have a slow metabolism and are no longer as active. Therefore, they require less energy, i. e. calorie consumption. Nevertheless , the dog food should be easy to digest and contain a whole lot of proteins. In addition, the types of food fluctuate in conditions of composition, technique of development and consistency.
Structure – complete or complementary food?
A complete feed consists of all the nutrition the dog needs on a regular basis. The percentage of proteins, fatty acids, minerals and vitamins varies with respect to 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 foods are not sufficient in themselves to provide the dog with all the important nutrition. These can be flakes that the dog owner blends 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 business production. This kind of is the most common kind of dog food. Industrially produced wet food is often completed cans or small aluminium trays. With all the latter, one pan is sufficient for one portion. On the other hand, some manufacturers of commercial dog food use genetically revised raw materials and additives.
Industrially produced dog food has a long corner life. By exclusions, 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 must not contain any chemically synthesised additives. However , certain synthetic nutritional supplements are permitted. In terms of packaging, there is often hardly any difference compared to professional food: natural dog food is packaged in cups or as dry out food.
– Organic dog food must comply with harsher guidelines regarding ingredients. For example, the product should never contain numerous substances such as genetically modified ingredients, hormones and pesticides. You will discover variations between the various natural dog foods: “100 per dollar organic” means that no undesirable substances have been highly processed. Together with the claim “organic”, the ingredients in the natural food are 95 per dollar organic. Whether it claims “made with organic”, the product consists of 70 per dollar organic and natural ingredients. Organic and natural food is available as dry and wet food.
– Meanwhile, vegan and vegetarian dog food is available too on the market. This kind of dog food will not contain meat but still provides the dog with the important nutrients. Yet , veggie and vegan dog food contains a lot of fruit and vegetables and grains, which can cause problems if the dog is intolerant.
– An exclusive form of dog food is BARF. The abbreviation is short for “biologically species-appropriate 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 fresh vegetables. Whether this method is actually more healthy is debatable. Because the meals are put together individually, barfing is far more suited to experienced pet owners who have analyzed the diet of their four-legged friends in detail.
There are manufacturers who advertise that their dog food is of food quality. This 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 supply the food a much better smell and flavor. Some dog fans also avoid family pet food/dog food from factory farming.
Big difference between extruded and cold-pressed dried fodder
Dried dog food is produced by the cold-pressing or extrusion process:
1. Cold-pressed dog food is made by first drying the raw materials and then grinding and combining them. A roller presses this mass through the openings of a drum wall. Shaped and compacted chunks of feed come away the other part. During the dog food production process, temps of approximately 90 levels Celsius are made, which obviously contradicts the term cold pressing. Nevertheless , temperatures are still significantly lower than those employed in extrusion.
2. In the extrusion process, the ingredients for the dog food are exposed to high temperatures. 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 communicated through nozzles at high pressure. Feed produced in this way swells considerably 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 naturally, little by little. In addition, the food contains more natural ingredients. If the four-legged 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 a secondary factor in deciding the tolerability and quality of the meals. The most important thing is the quality of the unprocessed trash.
Which is better – wet food or dried out food?
There is wet and dry dog food on the market. The two types of dog food differ in their water content.
Dry food includes almost no water and therefore has a longer shelf life . usually several years. Dogs that are fed dry food have to chew more and so teach their teeth. Eating dry food is practically like brushing your dog’s teeth. For dogs that drink little, feeding dry out food can become 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
- Even more green than processed food
Cons
- Frequently less acceptable to the dog
- 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 paziente 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 compares to one meal. Various dogs like moist food much better than dry food. In contrast to dry food, wet food for puppies – once exposed – can only be kept for a few times. It must be used up within 2 days of opening. Under we have summarised the huge benefits and disadvantages of wet food:
Pros
- High approval by most four-legged friends
- Packed in convenient portions
- Since of the high water content in wet food, your dog does not need so much additional liquid.
- If necessary, medication can be administered with the wet food.
Cons
- After opening, damp food cannot be stored very well
- Major dogs need to know more space for storage
- Even more difficult to transport and feed on the move
- Wet food smells more extreme
- Costs more than dry food
- Creates more waste
It is not possible to make a general statement about which type of dog food is suitable for your dog. Your canine ultimately 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 out both types.
Several 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 kind of can lead to overfeeding of your dog.
How much various meats and exactly how many sugars and nutrients are supposed to be in dog food?
The quality of the dog food plays a major role in a balanced and healthy diet. It is important that the dog food includes healthy ingredients and nutrients – irrespective of whether it is wet food or dry food. The proper composition of your dog food is also crucial for good digestion and the health of the four-legged good friend.
Simply how much meat should the food contain?
Dogs are descended from wolves – that is why their digestive area is similar to those of predators. Thus above all, 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 enzyme can now break down starch, which means that the four-legged friend can also digest herb food in smaller quantities.
Above all, meats provides the dog with protein. The four-legged friend needs protein for the muscles, bones, strong tissues, healthy the teeth and nerves and provide energy for its activities. Consequently, senior dogs have a lower necessary protein requirement because they are no longer as lively as young or adult animals. In general, experts declare dog food should contain between 50 and 70 pct meat. But other ingredients are important too. If dog owners feed only various meats for their four-legged friends, this could lead to an issue with digestion, stress on the kidneys and liver due to excess protein and deficiency symptoms.
Nutritional vitamins, minerals and sugars in dog food?
A balanced dog diet also contains nutrients that are not present in meat – for example , vitamins and mineral deposits found in vegetables and fruit, or fatty acids from healthy oils. The four-legged good friend also needs sugars. Wolves, for example, eat the abdomen and intestinal material of prey pets or animals, now and then also berries and grass.
Dogs convert starch from grain, 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, sections, husks or hay in many cases are added to the feed. High-quality carbohydrates are located in rice, potatoes, millet, maize, amaranth or buckwheat.
Animal fat provide the dog with twice as much energy as proteins. To prevent overweight, the foodstuff should contain these substances only moderately. Just how much should maintain the dog food is determined by how much the dog moves. Lamb and poultry body fat are saturated fatty acids. They may be stored in the body as emergency ration and are meant as a reserve for bad times. Meat and veggie oil contain condensed omega-6 fatty stomach acids and unsaturated oily acids. Omega-3 herbal oils, which are present in fish, are extremely valuable for cellular metabolism.
What should be in the dog food? Dog food should contain 50 to 70 percent lean meat or muscle meat or fish with high-quality proteins. In addition, there should be about 20 to 50 pct high-quality carbohydrates for energy production and fruit, vegetables or herbs for the necessary nutritional supplements. The proportion of offal should be a maximum of 10 percent. Offal provides valuable nutrition such as biotin or iron. Good quality oils such as salmon olive oil or linseed fat improve nutrient consumption and ensure a functioning cardiovascular system, a shiny layer and healthy skin area.
How could i recognise high-quality dog food?
Puppy food sold in UK must be labelled with certain mandatory information. These types of include:
– Treat and name of the manufacturer
– Date of produce or best-before date of the dog food
– Name of the foodstuff
– Net weight
– Moisture content for canned food
With regard to the ingredients of the feed, various assertions are permitted: A closed declaration only indicates ingredient groups. These are, for example , statements such as “with cereals” and “vegetable by-products”. A semi-open declaration data the individual natural materials, however, not their percentage. The start declaration provides structure 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 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 feed. The cereal components provide carbohydrates and saturate well, but should not be included in too large amounts.
2. The ingredients in the supply are listed in descending order according to their amount. 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 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 veg content between 25 and 50 percent
– Balanced ingredients with all the necessary vitamins and minerals
– No use of taste enhancers
These nutrition make a good dog food
The dog’s organism has no trouble digesting good dog food. Indications of this are almost odourless faeces, high vitality and a shiny coat. The proportion of nutrients in a dog food is detailed under the term “analytical ingredients”. We 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 canine by-products indicates the meat content in your dog food. Companies often do not declare precisely what is engaged. 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 example , hair, bone fragments, hooves, blood or beaks.
2. Seafood and its by-products include fish fillets, bone fragments and fish minds.
3. Plant by-products include, for example, vegetables, cereals and pulses and oil fruits. They 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. A few of these are important. These include, for example , 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 impact the dog’s performance and health – such as stabilisers for the intestinal tract flora or digestive enzymes.
7. Physical additives are used to influence the appearance and taste of your dog food. They will include flavourings and colourings.
Overweight canines suffer! Obesity is a growing problem in dogs with serious health consequences. That can lead to diseases of bodily organs, puts stress on bones, joints and the cardiovascular system, and promotes irritation. It can also shorten the life expectancy of the animal. Frequently , too much food is the reason for overweight. Nevertheless age, sex and breed also play a role. Especially Cocker Spaniels, Labrador Retrievers and King Charles usually become overweight. Occasionally the use of diet food should be considered.
How much food does my dog need?
In the event that the four-legged good friend gets more energy than he uses, he can become overweight. Therefore, it is crucial to give puppies the necessary food. Just how much pet food a dog needs depends upon various factors. In addition to the breed, the following aspects are relevant, for example:
Activity level: How much the four-legged good 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 calorie consumption and has a slower metabolism. Appropriately, he needs less food.
Age: Younger dogs continue to be growing and in many cases are more curious and lively. They usually have a higher energy requirement than older dogs. It really is highly recommended to reduce the number of food a little each year. For old dogs, there are senior foods that are reduced fat and contain important additives. For smaller dogs it is time to change at the age of 10 to 12 years, for large dogs around 7 to 8 years.
Diseases: A few diseases influence a dog’s food or energy requirements. These types of include cardiovascular problems, thyroid disease, joint disease and diabetes. When dogs are recovering from illness, they need more pet food.
Hormone balance: A dog’s hormonal levels can surge or fall, changing energy needs. For example , dogs have different energy needs when they are with child 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, dog owners can use the next guidelines 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 % of the dog’s weight.
– If the dog is older and does not exercise as much, a daily food amount of 2 % of the body weight is usually sufficient.
– A dog that movements a lot or is coping with an illness should be fed more. His necessary food amount per day is up to 5 per cent of his body weight.
– Snacks should not exceed 10 pct of the daily food requirement.
Any person who is not sure about the right amount of food should talk to a vet and/or a nutritionist.
How can I identify a food allergy or intolerance?
The most frequent allergies in dogs are flea allergy and food allergy. Possible causes of your allergy are, for instance , stress, parasites and pollen. In addition, the protein-containing substances in a feed can trigger allergic reactions. Ingredients that a dog might be allergic to include, for example , mi nombre es, animal proteins from poultry, pork or beef, and grains.
What is the between an allergy or intolerance and an intolerance?
– An allergy is a hypersensitivity reaction by the dog’s immune system. It reacts strongly against a certain material. A real food allergic reaction 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, stomach pain, flatulence, diarrhoea, loss in fur, redness and frequent scratching.
– Symptoms may not show up immediately after feeding the food. Sometimes they only appear a few hours or days later.
However, the symptoms do certainly not have to indicate an allergy or intolerance. They will can even be caused by another disease. If your dog has these symptoms, you ought to have the cause clarified 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 exclusion diet. However, this involves a number of effort.
What is an exemption diet?
In an exclusion diet, the owner feeds the four-legged friend only one special source of protein and carbs. These sources must be ingredients that the four-legged good friend hasn’t eaten before. Pet owners should change the dog food bit by little. Following the food change, your canine is fed the new food for several weeks.
When the dog’s condition enhances and the symptoms will no longer occur, a provocation test is performed. Here, the dog owner has to feed his four-legged friend one substance at a time, that could be the trigger for the allergies. Above time, a list is made of substances that the dog can put up with or that cause allergic reactions in him. An elimination diet is something that pet owners can do themselves. Nevertheless, it is highly recommended to talk to a professional or talk to the vet in advance.
Consistent action is vital during an exemption diet. The dog must not be given chews, treats or left over spots during this time 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 pet food must therefore not contain any substances that the dog cannot tolerate. The same applies to treats and all dog snacks between meals.
If nothing changes, patience is necesary: sometimes it needs some time until the symptoms of an intolerance or allergic reaction no longer happen. Sometimes they only disappear completely a few months following the change in food.
What is grain-free dog food?
Dog food often consists of grains. Included in this are whole wheat, barley and rye, for example. Grains have an important function: they are a source of carbohydrates and energy. However, too much of it results in obesity and sometimes to digestive problems. There is also grain-free dog food. Instead of feed, 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 suited to more sensitive dogs. Nevertheless , it is not necessarily necessary to use a grain-free dog food. Dogs are omnivores and are able to process vegetable protein. Several types of feed are also particularly easy to break down. Such as 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.
In the event that you want to give your puppy a dog food with grain, you should make sure that the grain content is not too much and that the product has a balanced recipe.
What can dogs not tolerate?
There are a lot of foods that dogs can’t tolerate. Several of them are actually poisonous for canines. These include, for example, onions, natural cabbage and natural pork. Onions can be fatal, with respect to 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 consumes raw cabbage, it can get belly cramps or flatulence. Raw pork could retain the Aujeszky disease, that causes fatal condition. Other foods and drinks that pet dogs must not eat include:
- Delicious chocolate
- Raw potatoes
- Vineyard
- Sultanas
- Fresh fruit starts
- Raw pulses
- Macadamia nuts
- Bitter almonds
- Raw eggs
- Some types of avocado
- Birch sugar and xylitol
- Cream and milk
- Caffeinated drinks, such as caffeine
- Alcohol
Furthermore, nicotine is dangerous for dogs. As a result, caution is advised in rain messes, for example: Cigarette residues are located in them. Ashtrays should be put 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 doctor or the veterinary unexpected emergency service directly. In the mean time, keep your dog in a safe environment. On the other hand, despite all the concern for the dog’s life, the following applies: Stay calm and watch to signs of poisoning. It could 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 being thirsty
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Aches
- Trouble sleeping
- Shortness of breath
To prevent the dog from eating incompatible foods, dog owners should make sure that family members and acquaintances do not feed them such foods. In addition, it is necessary to train the dog well so that it does not constantly eat anything off of the side of the road.
The best choice is the Eukanuba Dry Dog Food Nutrition Labrador Retriever Chicken, 12 kg (Packaging may vary).
Eukanuba Dry Dog Food Nutrition Labrador Retriever Chicken, 12 kg (Packaging may vary)
- 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
Video about best dry dog food for labradors
FAQ – Common questions about dog food
Finally, we answer some important and often asked questions about dog food.
What should We look for in dog food for puppies?
Puppies need a different dog food than adult canines. Once they are weaned from their mother, puppy food is on the menu. This is usually the truth after about 2 months. The components and elements of puppy dog food are specially made for growing dogs. 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 vitamins and minerals. So that the puppy’s digestive tract 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 provided 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 kind of depends upon the breed of dog: Promising small to medium breeds are believed 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 elderly people?
For small canines, 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 bread of dogs are considered older at 7 to 8 years of age. In addition to era, the dog’s express 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 airtight container. Glass or plastic containers without plasticisers are best. Packaging with a metal layer on the inside is also recommended for storing dried food. The container or packaging should be stored in a dry and not too warm place. Otherwise the foodstuff can become “sticky” and lose its flavor and nutrients. In the worst case, 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 dependent on the eating habits of wild dogs. Ready-made food plays no role in barfeeding. Instead, the dog is fed natural 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. However , you should advise yourself well or check with 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 that the changeover is abrupt, sensitive puppies in particular can easily suffer from intestinal problems, a few of which can 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 follows: On day 1 and 2, replace about a quarter 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 3 quarters. On day 7, the move is complete.
If 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 increase the addition of the new food only minimally. If your dog does not tolerate the new food in any way, it is obviously not ideal for him. In this case, you should look for an option.
What should We do if my dog would not like dry food?
Then it makes sense to soak the dry food. This has several advantages: Dogs often eat the dry food beyond hunger because it swells up in the stomach first. This makes it easier for them to become overweight and feel full. In case the food has already enlarged in water, it fills the dog up faster and is much easier to process. In addition, the dogs absorb more liquid with condensed dry food.
How fast do dogs process dry food?
Dogs 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 amount of food is also important. Little 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 brings about faster digestion. In addition , the more liquid the food is, the shorter the digestion time. Wet food is digested within 6 to 8 hours in adult dogs.
Are creature tests carried out for dog food?
You will find quite a few manufacturers who carry out animal experiments to test the effects and tolerance of their newly developed types of food. PETA’s website publishes a set 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 ever can I start feeding a puppy?
During the first weeks of its life, a puppy is fed breast milk by its mother. Stable 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. To be able to accustom a puppy to dry food, it feels right to moisten or dilute it with some liquid – for example with pup milk. From the 6th to 7th week of life, the puppy is normally no more provided with mother’s milk.
Experts recommend soaking dry puppy food with a liquid until the puppy 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 indeed it make sense?
Making your own dog food takes more time and work than acquired food. However, it really does have some advantages:
– In case you make the dog food yourself, you can determine for yourself which ingredients go into it.
– Dog owners can include the special needs of their four-legged good friend in the preparing and adapt the meals to these and the dog’s taste.
– 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 necessary to prepare the food yourself. Before organizing the meals, you should study the different substances. The foodstuff should be balanced and contain all the necessary nutrients. It is sometimes a good idea to talk to a vet beforehand. Recipe ideas for dog food can be found on the net, for example.
Some foods are unhealthy or toxic for puppies. For example, onions and garlic should not be eaten by dogs.
Precisely what is hypoallergenic dog food?
Hypoallergenic dog food is especially well suited for dogs with allergies. It truly is adapted to the needs of such a four-legged friend and can be easily digested by your canine. Presently there is hypoallergenic dry out food and hypoallergenic wet food on the market. That contains few or no substances that cause allergic reactions in dogs. Consequently, a hypoallergenic food reduces the risk that your dog will not tolerate it and that sensitive reactions will occur.
Usually there is just one supply of necessary protein in such a product. This is usually an unique 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 kind of happens when there is a substance in the foodstuff that the four-legged friend cannot tolerate.
In addition to dogs with allergies, hypoallergenic food is ideal for four-legged friends with a delicate digestive tract. For these dogs, such a product can provide prevention of digestive problems.
