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 job, but most importantly, of course, food. The meals is crucial to ensure that the dog comes with all the important nutrients and remains in health to live a long dog’s life. But it is often not so simple to find the right food for your own dog. Similar to humans, it is also important to consider a balanced diet. In addition, the multitude of offers in the trade can cause confusion. Various questions arise: What nutritional requirements will the dog have and in what quantity? Which usually food is suitable at which age? Is definitely 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 best dry dog food for pregnant dogs, we present 10 products. We offer information about which ingredients the foods contain and for which pups the products are suitable. Within our guide, we describe the types of dog food, go into some of the ingredients and describe how much food your dog needs. In addition, you will understand which foods dogs cannot tolerate and just how you can recognise a food allergy.
Below is a list of the best dry dog food for pregnant dogs:
- PRO PLAN VETERINARY DIETS Canine OM Obesity Management Dry Dog Food 3kg — £19.88
-
BETA Puppy Dry Dog Food Turkey & Lamb, 14kg
—
£31.39
£32.99 -
Pro Plan VETERINARY DIETS NF Renal Function Dry Dog Food 400g (Case of 12)
—
£31.79
£36.00 - Burns Pet Nutrition Hypoallergenic Complete Dry Dog Food Puppy Mini Chicken... — £37.08
-
Crave Dry Dog Food Natural for dogs – High Protein & Grain-Free – Turkey &...
—
£39.99
£53.52 - The Hunger of the Wolf Dry Dog Food - For Adult, Working Dogs and All Breeds... — £41.90
-
Lily's Kitchen Chicken and Duck Countryside Casserole - Grain Free Adult Dry...
—
£52.79
£58.10 - Hill's Science Plan Puppy Medium Dry Dog Food Chicken Flavour 14kg — £58.35
- Burns Pet Nutrition Hypoallergenic Complete Dry Dog Food Puppy Original... — £60.73
- The Hunger of the Wolf Dry Dog Food - For Puppies or Junior Dogs and Large or...
After hours researching and comparing all models on the market, Life my Dog finds out the Best dry dog food for pregnant dogs of 2024. We would recommend using Crave Dry Dog Food Natural for dogs – High Protein & Grain-Free – Turkey & Chicken, 3x 2.8kg as it is one of the best products currently available in market.
Top 10 Best dry dog food for pregnant dogs
Best dry dog food for pregnant dogs
Crave Dry Dog Food Natural for dogs – High Protein & Grain-Free – Turkey & Chicken, 3x 2.8kg
£39.99
Features
- Natural ingredients and a flavour your dog won't be able to say no to. Satisfy their nature with Crave turkey and chicken dry dog food / Premium quality, meaty kibble for adult dogs
- Heavy protein-rich kibble, with real pieces of meat designed to help support strong and healthy muscles / High in turkey and chicken, free from maize, wheat, soya and dairy
- A healthy four legged friend needs a meal created for them, the way nature intended - respect the animal inside with Crave / Grain free, complete dog food for small, large and senior breeds
- Flavoursome ingredients, tasty meat and natural proteins without artificial colours or flavours / Kibble designed for pets with digestive/digestion problems
- Items delivered: 3 x Crave Turkey and Chicken 2.8 kg dry food pouches / Developed and designed for adult cats / Delicious dry pet food with 60 percent animal sources
BETA Puppy Dry Dog Food Turkey & Lamb, 14kg
£31.39
Features
- ^ Beta Puppy Dry Dog Food Turkey and Lamb 1 x 14kg Pack ^ Turkey as the No.1 Ingredient & with Lamb, made with selected natural ingredients and with no added artificial colours, flavours, and preservatives. ^ With Natural Prebiotic, proven to help improve Digestive Health ^ Dual shape and size kibbles for slower chewing ^ Tailored nutrition for growing puppies. Also suitable for gestation and lactation and for adult toy dogs. ^ No - It doesn't require instructions/directions/manual ^ 14kg
Hill's Science Plan Puppy Medium Dry Dog Food Chicken Flavour 14kg
Features
| Part Number | gh78 |
| Size | 14 kg (Pack of 1) |
PRO PLAN VETERINARY DIETS Canine OM Obesity Management Dry Dog Food 3kg
Features
- High protein to help promote loss of body fat while maintaining lean muscles during weight loss
- Low calorie: reduced levels of fat to help reduce the number of calories consumed
- Glucose control: high in complex carbohydrates and fibre to help even out blood sugar levels throughout the day, reducing hunger pangs and helping dog feel fuller for longer
- Ensure one's dog gets all the nutrients they need and help them to feel full whilst reducing their calorie intake
Burns Pet Nutrition Hypoallergenic Complete Dry Dog Food Puppy Original Chicken and Rice 12 kg
Features
- Made with natural ingredients
- Developed by Veterinary Surgeon, John Burns
- Based on our bestselling Original range
- Healthy growth and development
- Healthy skin and coat
The Hunger of the Wolf Dry Dog Food - For Adult, Working Dogs and All Breeds - 14 Kilograms, High Calorie, High Energy Formula
Features
- High protein (32%) and fat (21%) content - this food has been specially developed to meet the nutritional requirements of active, sporting and working dogs.
- Contains plant extracts: Rosemarinus, Vitis, Curcuma, Citrus, Eugenia - powerful antioxidants which slow down cell damage and the aging process.
- No added gluten, free of soya and chemical dyes. No artificial preservatives. Only natural antioxidants.
- The real label - 300 g of dried chicken in 1 kg of food corresponds to 1140 g of fresh meat. In The Hunger of The Wolf dog food we use a meal or dried meat so we do not claim very high content of raw meat only to make the labels look much better to the consumer than they really are. Raw meat may contain 70%-90% water. For example chicken meal is simply fresh chicken that has already been cooked to remove moisture – this makes it a much more highly-concentrated source of protein.
- A delicious taste your dog will love - by creating this dog food we remembered about ancestors of dogs - wolves, which are true carnivores, therefore, the main ingredient of our food is always meat.
Burns Pet Nutrition Hypoallergenic Complete Dry Dog Food Puppy Mini Chicken and Rice 6 kg
Features
- Made with natural ingredients
- Developed by Veterinary Surgeon John Burns
- Specially formulated for toy and small breed puppies
- Smaller kibble for smaller mouths
- Healthy growth and development
Pro Plan VETERINARY DIETS NF Renal Function Dry Dog Food 400g (Case of 12)
£31.79
Features
- Contains a guaranteed level of a unique strain of live probiotics (SF68)
- Helps support intestinal health and balance
- Helps to support a healthy immune system
- Helps support intestinal health and balance
- Helps to support a healthy immune system
The Hunger of the Wolf Dry Dog Food - For Puppies or Junior Dogs and Large or Giant Breeds - 14 Kilograms, Formula with High Content of Poultry Meat
Features
- Ideal for puppy growth - chondroitin and glucosamine content helps the musculoskeletal system to develop properly, Beta-glucans, MOS and FOS strengthen the immune system.
- Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids help prevent the development of skin disorders.
- No added gluten, free of soya and chemical dyes. No artificial preservatives. Only natural antioxidants.
- The real label - 295 g of chicken meal in 1 kg of food corresponds to 1180 g of fresh meat. In The Hunger of The Wolf dog food we use a meal so we do not claim very high content of raw meat only to make the labels look much better to the consumer than they really are. Raw meat may contain 70%-90% water. For example chicken meal is simply fresh chicken that has already been cooked to remove moisture – this makes it a much more highly-concentrated source of protein.
- A delicious taste your dog will love - by creating this dog food we remembered about ancestors of dogs - wolves, which are true carnivores, therefore, the main ingredient of our food is always meat.
Lily's Kitchen Chicken and Duck Countryside Casserole - Grain Free Adult Dry Dog Food (7 kg)
£52.79
Features
- Keep your pooch happy and healthy with this complete and balanced, grain-free recipe dry food for dogs 4 months+
- This dog food is made with natural ingredients including freshly prepared meat and offal. We’re talking 31% fresh chicken and 8% freshly prepared duck, steamed cooked for gentle digestion
- Once your woofer has devoured their dry food, why not try the rest of our delicious dog food made with natural ingredients. From wet food, dental and treats. Our natural food is 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 brandstore
- Here at Lily’s Kitchen, we make proper food using responsibly sourced ingredients and freshly prepared meat and offal, so we can provide your pet with wholesome, natural food. Only the best for your furry family
The particular 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 especially, of course, food. The meals is crucial to ensure that the dog comes with all the important nutrients and remains in health to live a long dog’s life. But it is often not so 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 wide range of offers in the trade can cause confusion. Various questions arise: What nutritional requirements will the dog have in addition to what quantity? Which usually food is appropriate from which age? Is definitely dry or wet 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 dog food comparison, we present 14 products. We offer information about which ingredients the foods contain and for which 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 a dog needs. In addition, you will see which foods dogs cannot tolerate and exactly how you can recognise a food allergy.
The different types of dog food quickly
Just as every person has their own own health needs, every dog’s preferences are different. The choice of food that will go into the dog’s bowl should be produced 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 digestive tract is not yet as efficient. An adult dog needs carbs, fats, oils, protein and minerals. His dog food should be balanced. Old dogs have a slow metabolism and are no much longer as active. Consequently, they require less energy, i. e. calorie consumption. Nevertheless , the dog food should be easy to digest and include a whole lot of proteins. In addition, the types of food vary in terms of composition, technique of production and consistency.
Structure – complete or complementary food?
A complete feed includes all the nutrition the dog needs on a regular basis. The proportion of proteins, fatty acids, minerals and vitamins is different according to the product. The ingredients should be adapted to the age, activity and possible allergies of the four-legged friend. A whole food can be dry or damp food. Supplementary meals are not sufficient in themselves to provide the dog with all the important nutrition. These can be flakes that the dog owner mixes into the food or treats. The declaration shows what it is.
Type of production
– Dry food and wet food available in pet shops and grocery stores usually comes from industrial production. This is the most common type 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. Nevertheless, some manufacturers of commercial dog food use genetically modified raw materials and additives.
Industrially produced dog food has a long corner life. By exceptions, this dog food can be stored unopened for quite some time without any loss of quality.
– Natural dog food only uses raw materials that come from plant, animal or other natural sources – unaltered or prepared. The food must not contain any chemically synthesised additives. Yet , certain synthetic minerals and vitamins are permitted. In conditions of packaging, there is often extremely little difference compared to commercial food: natural dog food is packaged in cups or as dry out food.
– Organic and natural dog food must comply with stricter guidelines regarding ingredients. For example, the product should not contain numerous substances such as genetically revised ingredients, hormones and pesticides. You will discover differences between the various natural dog foods: “100 per dollar organic” means that no undesirable substances have been processed. With the claim “organic”, the constituents in the organic food are 95 per penny organic. Whether it says “made with organic”, the product includes 70 per dollar organic 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. Nevertheless , vegan and vegan dog food contains a lot of vegetables and grains, which can cause problems if the dog is intolerant.
– A unique form of dog food is BARF. The abbreviation means “biologically species-appropriate raw feeding”. This species-appropriate method of nourishing raw food is based on the dog’s ancestor – the wolf. Once barfing, the dog is fed natural fresh meat, often along with raw, pureed fruit or fresh vegetables. Whether this method is actually much healthier is debatable. Considering that the meals are assembled individually, barfing is 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 an assertion that ought to be treated with caution. There is no such thing as food-grade pet food. This also applies to dog food. You should also watch out for attractants and flavour enhancers in dog food. These kinds of are supposed to give the food an improved smell and flavor. Some dog fans also avoid dog or cat 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 mixing them. A roller 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, temperatures of around 90 certifications 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 the dog food are exposed to great heat. Many nutrients are lost during this manufacturing process. These need to be artificially added to the meals 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 damaged down, a dog can digest the cold-pressed food obviously, slowly and gradually. In addition, the food contains more natural substances. In the event the four-legged good friend has problems with the gastrointestinal system and a disturbed digestion, extruded dog food can be more tolerable for him. In this dog food, the starch has already been broken down during heating. On the other hand, the manufacturing process is only a secondary factor in identifying the tolerability and quality of the foodstuff. The most important thing is the quality of the raw materials.
Which is better – damp food or dry food?
There exists damp and dry dog food on the market. The two types of dog food differ in their water content.
Dry food consists of very little water and therefore has a longer shelf life – often several years. Dogs that are fed dry food have to munch more and therefore train their teeth. Consuming dry food is practically like brushing your dog’s teeth. Intended for dogs that drink little, feeding dry out food can become a disadvantage. They can become dehydrated if they are 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
- More affordable than damp food
- Easier to feed on the go
- Easy to store
- Almost germ-free due to heating during production
- More environmentally friendly than canned food
Cons
- Generally less acceptable to your dog
- The dog’s person is deprived of water, so it has to drink significantly more.
- Can lead to overweight more quickly if it is not a diet food
- 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. Often one package of wet food corresponds to one meal. Many dogs like moist food much better than dry food. In contrast to dry food, wet food for canines – once opened – can only be kept for a few times. It ought to be used up within 2 times of opening. Under we have summarised the benefits and disadvantages of wet food:
Pros
- High approval by most four-legged friends
- Packed in convenient helpings
- Since 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 well
- Major dogs need more space for storage
- Even more difficult to move and feed on the move
- Wet food smells more extreme
- Costs more than dry food
- Creates more waste
That is not possible to make a general statement about which type of dog food is suited to your dog. Your canine in the end decides which dog food it likes and which variety it prefers. To find out which type of dog food your puppy likes better and which he tolerates better, you should try out both types.
Several dog owners change between wet and dry food. The following pertains to both types of food: It should only be given as a primary 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 belong 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 proper composition of your canine 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 system is similar to regarding predators. Thus 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, and its needs and genetics have changed. This also applies to digestion. 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.
To start with, meat provides the dog with protein. The four-legged friend needs protein for its muscles, bones, strong tissues, healthy the teeth and nerves and to provide energy for its activities. As a result, senior dogs have a lower protein requirement because they are not as lively as young or adult animals. In general, experts admit dog food should contain between 50 and 70 pct meat. But other ingredients are important too. If dog owners feed only various meats to their four-legged friends, this may lead to an issue with digestion, stress on the kidneys and liver due to excess protein and deficiency symptoms.
Vitamins, minerals and carbs in dog food?
A balanced dog diet also includes nutrients that are not seen in meat – for instance , vitamins and nutrients found in fruits and veggies, or fatty stomach acids from healthy oils. The four-legged good friend also needs carbohydrates. Wolves, for example, eat the belly and intestinal material of prey pets or animals, now and then also berries and grass.
Dogs convert starch from rice, potatoes and cereals into energy and require it for their intestinal flora. Nevertheless, the need for carbohydrates is low. Fillers from grow waste such as press residues from oil production, stalks, husks or hay are often added to the feed. High-quality carbohydrates are normally 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 foodstuff should contain these chemicals only moderately. Just how much should be in the dog food is determined by how much the pet moves. Lamb and poultry fat are saturated oily acids. They may be stored in the body as emergency portion and are intended as a book for bad times. Meat and vegetable oil contain over loaded omega-6 fatty stomach acids and unsaturated fatty acids. Omega-3 herbal oils, which are seen in fish, are extremely valuable for cellular metabolism.
What should take the dog food? Dog food should consist of 50 to 70 percent lean meat or muscle meat or fish with top quality proteins. In addition, there should be about 20 to 50 percent high-quality carbohydrates for energy production and fruit, vegetables or herbs for the necessary minerals and vitamins. The proportion of offal should be a maximum of 10 percent. Offal provides valuable nutrition such as biotin or iron. Great quality oils such as salmon olive oil or linseed oil based improve nutrient consumption and ensure a functioning cardiovascular system, a shiny coating and healthy skin area.
How can I recognise top quality dog food?
Dog food sold in UK must be labelled with certain mandatory information. These types of include:
– Talk about and name of the manufacturer
– Date of produce or best-before date of the dog food
– Identity of the food
– 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 raw materials, although not their percentage. The open up declaration gives the 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 grain 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 feed. The cereal components provide carbohydrates and saturate well, but should not be included in too large volumes.
2. The elements 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. Conversely, this means: Only a tiny proportion of an ingredient that is listed far throughout the list is within the feed.
Other aspects by which dog owners recognise the quality of the food are:
– Meat content of 50 to 70 per cent
– Grain and veggie content between 25 and 50 percent
– Balanced elements with all the necessary vitamins and minerals
– Very little use of taste enhancers
These nutrients 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 nutrition in a dog food is outlined under the term “analytical ingredients”. We now have summarised these in the table:
| Component | Quantity required | Tasks | Information and special features |
| Crude protein | 20 to 25 percent in dry food 8 to 10 percent in wet food | Builds the body’s own tissue such as muscles and bones Strengthening skin and organs Enzymes, blood and hormones also need protein | High-quality protein comes mainly from muscle meat. Low-quality protein is found in slaughterhouse waste |
| Crude ash | 5 to 8 per cent or a maximum of 10 per cent for dry food. Less than 2 percent for wet feed | Supply of inorganic substances such as magnesium, calcium, zinc or silicic acid | Formed after combustion of the feed Proportion should be balanced Sometimes cheap but unnecessary bone meal products are added |
| Crude fibre | 2 to 3 percent for dry food 0.2 to 5 percent for wet food | Support of digestion Stimulation of intestinal activity Strengthens healthy intestinal flora Influences consistency and shape of dog faeces | Proportion of dietary fibre Too high a proportion can lead to flatulence and large quantities of faeces Rumen is filled with raw fibre Otherwise in the form of vegetables and fruit |
| Crude fat | At least 15 percent in dry food for active dogs 12 to 15 percent for dry food for dogs with normal to less exercise 1 percent for wet food | Provides energy Ensure healthy skin and shiny coat | High-quality products include salmon oil, linseed oil, cod oil, pumpkin seed oil and hemp oil. |
The other possible ingredients in dog food are explained below:
1. The value for meat and animal by-products indicates the meat content in your dog food. Producers often do not declare exactly what is engaged. It may 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, bones, hooves, blood or beaks.
2. Fish and its by-products include fish fillets, our bones 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 acidity regulators. Some of these are important. These include, for example , emulsifiers and natural antioxidants. Emulsifiers ensure an uniform consistency of oil and water. Natural anti-oxidants are to prevent rancid fat.
5. Nutritional additives are intended to support the health of the four-legged good friend. They should be included in the right composition, for example as vitamins, provitamins, amino acids and search for 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. Physical additives are employed to influence the appearance and taste of your dog food. That they include flavourings and colourings.
Overweight puppies suffer! Obesity is an increasing problem in dogs with serious health consequences. It can lead to diseases of internal organs, puts stress on bones, joints and the cardiovascular system, and promotes swelling. Additionally, it may shorten the life expectancy of the animal. Frequently , too much food is the reason for overweight. Nevertheless age, sex and breed also be involved. Especially Cocker Spaniels, Labrador Retrievers and King Charles usually 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 uses, he can become overweight. Therefore, it is vital to give dogs the necessary food. How much pet food a dog needs depends on various factors. In addition to the breed, the subsequent aspects are relevant, for example:
Activity level: How much the four-legged friend moves determines the amount of energy it burns. A puppy that moves a lot burns more calories. If the dog is not so active, it burns fewer calories from fat and has a slower metabolism. Appropriately, he needs less food.
Age: Younger dogs are still growing and are often more curious and lively. They usually have a higher energy requirement than old dogs. It is a good idea to reduce the number of food a little every year. For more mature dogs, there are senior foods that are reduced body fat and contain important additives. For smaller dogs you need to change at the era of 10 to 12 years, for large dogs as early as 7 to 8 years.
Diseases: Several diseases influence a dog’s food or energy requirements. These types of 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 surge or fall, changing energy needs. For example , 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 caloric content of your dog food. A higher calorie content means a lower amount of food is needed. Additionally, pet owners can use the following guidelines as a guide:
– The daily amount of food for an adult and healthy dog with an ordinary activity level should be about 2 to 3 % of the dog’s weight.
– If the dog is older and does not exercise as much, a daily food amount of 2 pct of the body weight is usually sufficient.
– A dog that techniques a lot or is coping with an illness should be fed more. His necessary food amount per day is up to 5 per cent of his body weight.
– Snacks should not exceed 10 % of the daily food requirement.
Any individual 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 causes of an allergy are, for example , stress, unwanted organisms and pollen. In addition, the protein-containing substances in a feed can induce allergic reactions. What a dog might be allergic to include, for instance , me llaman, animal proteins from poultry, pork or beef, and grain.
What is the difference between an allergy and an intolerance?
– An allergy is a hypersensitivity effect by the dog’s immune system. It reacts strongly against a certain material. A true food allergy 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 itching, vomiting, abdominal pain, flatulence, diarrhoea, lack of 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 not necessarily have to indicate an allergy or intolerance or intolerance. That they can even be caused by another disease. In the event that your dog has these symptoms, you need to have the cause cleared up with a vet. The vet can also determine an allergy or intolerance or an intolerance, for example , through an allergy test. On the other hand, it is possible to carry out an exclusion diet. However, this involves a number 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 have not 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 increases 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, which may be the trigger for the allergic reactions. More than time, a list is made of substances that the dog can tolerate or that cause allergic reactions in him. An elimination diet is something that 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 essential during an exemption diet. The dog should not be given chews, treats or left over spots during this period.
What should I do if my dog has an allergy?
Whether it turns out that your four-legged friend has a food allergy or food intolerance, the dog should no longer eat the allergy-causing substances. The selected pet food must therefore not contain any substances that your canine cannot tolerate. The same goes to treats and dog snacks between meals.
If nothing changes, patience is called for: sometimes it takes some time until the symptoms of an intolerance or allergy no longer take place. Sometimes they only disappear completely weeks following the change in food.
Precisely what is grain-free dog food?
Doggie food often contains grains. Such as wheat or grain, 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 alternate 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 also ideal for more sensitive dogs. However , it is not necessarily essential to use a grain-free dog food. Dogs are omnivores and are able to digest vegetable protein. Several types of feed are also especially easy to break down. These include maize and rice, for example. In some cases, however, it makes sense or is necessary to use a dog food without materials. This is especially true if your dog is allergic to food containing cereals.
In the event 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 puppies can’t tolerate. Some of them are actually poisonous for puppies. These include, for example, onions, raw cabbage and organic pork. Onions can be fatal, according to the size of the onion and the dog. For a medium-sized dog, even a medium-sized onion can be extremely dangerous. If a dog consumes raw cabbage, it can get stomach cramps or unwanted gas. Raw pork could develop the Aujeszky virus, that causes fatal illness. Other foods and drinks that pet dogs must not eat include:
- Delicious chocolate
- Raw potatoes
- Grapes
- Sultanas
- Fresh fruit pits
- Raw pulses
- Macadamia nuts
- Bitter walnuts
- Raw ovum
- 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 puddles, for example: Cigarette residues can be found in them. Ashtrays should be positioned in such a way that the dog cannot reach them.
If a dog has eaten food that is dangerous for it, you should contact the doctor or maybe the veterinary emergency service directly. In the mean time, keep the dog in a safe environment. Nevertheless, despite all the concern for the dog’s life, the following applies: Stay calm and watch out for signs of poisoning. It could 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
- Vomiting
- 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 road.
The best choice is the Crave Dry Dog Food Natural for dogs – High Protein & Grain-Free – Turkey & Chicken, 3x 2.8kg.
Crave Dry Dog Food Natural for dogs – High Protein & Grain-Free – Turkey & Chicken, 3x 2.8kg
- Natural ingredients and a flavour your dog won't be able to say no to. Satisfy their nature with Crave turkey and chicken dry dog food / Premium quality, meaty kibble for adult dogs
- Heavy protein-rich kibble, with real pieces of meat designed to help support strong and healthy muscles / High in turkey and chicken, free from maize, wheat, soya and dairy
Video about best dry dog food for pregnant dogs
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 require a different dog food than adult dogs. Once they are weaned from their mother, puppy food is on the menu. This is usually the situation after about 8 weeks. The components and elements of puppy dog food are specially made for growing canines. This is because a baby dog’s immune system, bones, muscles, coat and teeth first have to produce.
With puppy dog food, the focus is on nutrient intake. Above all, the pup food must contain certain essential nutritional supplements. 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. In the beginning, young dogs should be provided with small portions a couple of times a day, which are then slowly increased.
When should I start using dog food for adult dogs?
This is determined by the breed of dog: Promising small to medium breeds are believed older people 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 canines, the change in diet should take place between 10 and 12 years of age. For medium-sized dogs, it is time at 8 to 9 years. Large breeds are considered senior at 7 to 8 years of age. In addition to age, 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 snug container. Glass or plastic containers without plasticisers are best. Packaging with a metal layer on the inside is also recommended for storing dried food. The container or packaging should be stored in a dry and not too warm place. Otherwise the food can become “sticky” and lose its taste 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 natural feeding”. The species-appropriate diet is founded on the eating habits of wild dogs. Ready-made food plays no role in barfeeding. Instead, the dog is fed whole food such as meat, offal and bones, supplemented with vegetables, fruit, natural oils and carbohydrates for a well-balanced supply of nutrients. Meanwhile, compound and freeze-dried BARF food and deep-frozen meat can be found in the shops. Dog owners can add the other necessary components. Nevertheless , 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 dogs in particular can easily suffer from digestive problems, some of that can be considerable. A time 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 quarter of the dog’s usual food with the new food. On the third 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 move is complete.
In the event the dog acts sensitively and, for example , gets diarrhoea in the first few days of the food change, you should extend the adaptation phase and boost the addition of the new food only minimally. If your dog does not tolerate the new food at all, it is obviously not suitable for him. In this instance, you should look for an option.
What should I actually do if my dog will not like dry food?
In that case 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. If the food has already inflamed in water, it fills the dog up faster and is simpler to break down. In addition, the dogs absorb more liquid with drenched dry food.
How fast do dogs break down dry food?
Puppies usually need up to 14 several hours to digest dried 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 number of food is also important. Small portions are broken down more quickly than large amounts. In addition, insoluble fibres remain in the stomach for a shorter time than soluble fibres. Less fat food also brings about faster digestion. Additionally , the more liquefied the meals is, the short 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 discover quite a few manufacturers who carry out pet experiments to test the effects and tolerance of their newly developed types of food. PETA’s website publishes a 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 example , ROYAL CANIN, Josera and WOLFSBLUT. Other well-known manufacturers and brands are, for example:
– Bosch
– PRIMUM
– Pedigree
– RINTI
– Animonda
– MERA
When ever may i start nourishing a puppy?
During the beginning of its life, a puppy is given breast milk by its mother. Sound food is usually eaten by young puppies from the 3rd or 4th week of life. During this time period, the mother continually feed her puppies with breast milk in parallel. To be able to accustom a puppy to dry food, it seems sensible to moisten or dilute it with a liquid – for example with puppy milk. From the 6th to 7th week of life, the puppy is normally will no longer given with mother’s dairy.
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 – will it seem sensible?
Producing 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.
– Doggie owners range from the special needs of their four-legged good 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 instance , 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 preparing the meals, you should study the various ingredients. The foodstuff should be balanced and contain all the necessary nutrients. It is sometimes recommended 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 suitable for dogs with allergies. It is adapted to the needs of such a four-legged friend and can be easily broken down by your canine. Right now there is hypoallergenic dried out food and hypoallergenic wet food on the market. This contains few or no substances that cause allergic reactions in dogs. Consequently, a hypoallergenic food reduces the risk that your canine will not tolerate it and that hypersensitive reactions will occur.
Usually there is only one supply of protein in such a product. This is usually an exotic meat, such as kangaroo or drinking water buffalo. Normally, the protein source used very rarely causes an intolerance. Nevertheless, it cannot be ruled out that even hypoallergenic dog food can business lead to allergic reactions. This happens when there is a substance in the foodstuff that the four-legged friend cannot put up with.
In addition to dogs with allergies, hypoallergenic food is suited to four-legged friends with a delicate digestive tract. For these dogs, such a product can provide protection against digestive problems.
