Only the best for the dog – regarding to this slogan, many dog owners lovingly care for their pets. The four-legged friends need attention and job, but especially, 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 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. Numerous questions arise: What nutritional requirements will the dog have and in what quantity? Which food is appropriate where age? Is usually dry or moist food the right choice for your four-legged friend? And exactly how much should the dog be fed? What may cause deficiency symptoms?
Inside the following best dry dog food for working dogs, 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 constituents and explain how much food a dog needs. In addition, you will understand which foods dogs cannot tolerate and how you can recognise a food allergy.
Below is a list of the best dry dog food for working dogs:
- Algoods Working Dog Food Complete Dry Dog Food Chicken Flavour, 10 Kg — £11.99
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Breederpack Complete Dry Working Dog Food, 15 kg
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£18.29
£19.97 - Baileys Horse Feeds Adult Complete Dry Working Dog Food Bites Chicken, 15 kg — £18.59
- Burgess Supadog Active Chicken and Beef dry dog food for working dogs 15 kg — £26.85
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BETA Dry Dog Food Working Dog Chicken 14kg, transparent
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£28.19
£35.85 -
Arkwrights Complete Dry Dog Food 2 pack (30kg) - 1 x 15kg Beef & 1 x 15kg...
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£37.98
£39.98 - Skinner's Field & Trial Complete Dry Adult Working Dog Food Duck and Rice, 15 kg — £39.87
- Chudleys Working Crunch Complete Dry Dog Food with Joint Care Package, 15 kg — £39.99
- Skinner’s Field & Trial Salmon & Rice 15kg – Complete Dry Adult Working Dog... — £40.99
- Vitalin Complete Dry Adult Active Working Dog Food Chicken, 15 kg
After hours researching and comparing all models on the market, Life my Dog finds out the Best dry dog food for working dogs of 2024. We would recommend using Vitalin Complete Dry Adult Active Working Dog Food Chicken, 15 kg as it is our top pick for you.
Top 10 Best dry dog food for working dogs
Best dry dog food for working dogs
Features
- Give your dog the best with Vitalin active working dog food, a high-quality dry adult dog food providing a nutritionally complete and balanced meal.
- Our quality protein sources give your dog a complete and balanced meal. Packed with nutrient-rich botanicals and joint supplements to support your dog's overall health and wellbeing.
- Don't settle for less when it comes to your dog's nutrition. Trust Vitalin Adult to provide your dog with the best quality dog food available.
Algoods Working Dog Food Complete Dry Dog Food Chicken Flavour, 10 Kg
Features
- VAT Free
- Specially formulated for working dogs
- Added vitamins and minerals
- Complete food with Chicken
- Ideal for an active, healthy life
BETA Dry Dog Food Working Dog Chicken 14kg, transparent
£28.19
Features
- Rich in Chicken
- 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
Baileys Horse Feeds Adult Complete Dry Working Dog Food Bites Chicken, 15 kg
Features
- Healthy extruded bites with real chicken
- All breeds of adult dogs
- Its quality protein helps build muscle tone
- Tasty extruded nuggets
- Supports sustained activity and general good health and well-being.
Skinner's Field & Trial Complete Dry Adult Working Dog Food Duck and Rice, 15 kg
Features
- DIETARY NEEDS - Field & Trial Duck & Rice contains highly digestible duck meat meal and is formulated without wheat, maize or barley. Rice provides a highly digestible carbohydrate source to provide instant energy use during periods of intense activity.
- HERITAGE BRAND - The Stradbroke Mill in Suffolk has been in the Skinner family for seven generations and has been manufacturing complete dog foods since the early 1970s.
- NUTRITIONALLY COMPLETE - Skinner’s Field & Trial now offers a range of 19 nutritionally complete diets for active and working dogs of every age, breed and activity level.
- NATURAL INGREDIENTS - Skinner’s does not add any artificial colouring, flavours or preservatives to any of our products, where possible we try and use locally sourced ingredients surrounding our Suffolk mill.
- ACTIVE DOGS - Field & Trial Duck & Rice has been carefully developed with a protein level of 22% and a fat level of 11% to support the energetic requirements of a range of active dogs, such as working gundogs, agility dogs and active pet dogs. “Packaging may vary”.
Burgess Supadog Active Chicken and Beef dry dog food for working dogs 15 kg
Features
- Burgess Supadog Active with Chicken and Beef is a complete dry dog food for active working dogs
- Contains 25 Percent protein to help support healthy muscles
- Balanced carbohydrates for energy throughout the working day
- Made with highly digestible ingredients to help support healthy digestion
- Contains calcium and phosphorous to help support healthy teeth and bones
Breederpack Complete Dry Working Dog Food, 15 kg
£18.29
Features
- Age_Range_Description: All Life Stages
Arkwrights Complete Dry Dog Food 2 pack (30kg) - 1 x 15kg Beef & 1 x 15kg Chicken - Complete Nutrition for Working and Sporting Adult Dogs
£37.98
Features
- TASTY BEEF & CHICKEN DRY FOOD — Arkwrights Complete with Beef and Complete with Chicken provide balanced nutrition and plenty of energy for working and sporting adult dogs, with a plenty of flavour that'll have them licking the bowl clean
- COMPLETE NUTRITION — we use only the finest ingredients in a nutritious formula that contains 18% protein, 7% fat and wholegrain cereals for slow energy release — no artificial colours, flavours or sugars
- PACKED WITH BENEFICIAL INGREDIENTS — our balanced formula contains crunchy kibble to help keep teeth clean, antioxidants for a healthy immune system, and vitamins A, D3 and E
- FEEDING GUIDE — serve dry or with water or gravy as preferred. When feeding for the first time, introduce the food gradually over a few days, adjusting the amount based on your dog’s condition and activity. See pack for full details
- UK MADE FOR OVER 150 YEARS — we’ve been creating premium dog food blends in the UK with the finest-quality UK-sourced ingredients since 1873, helping to enhance the health and happiness of your dog
Chudleys Working Crunch Complete Dry Dog Food with Joint Care Package, 15 kg
Features
- Working crunch is designed to help maintain stamina and performance for active dogs within a delicious poultry dinner
- 24 percent protein, 15 percent fat, increased fat and high quality protein to support a dog's endurance
- Contains taurine and carnitine for a healthy heart and enhanced fat utilisation for stamina
- Nutritional support for the digestive system, skin and coat
- Joint care package and Omega 3 fatty acids for a healthy musculoskeletal system
Skinner’s Field & Trial Salmon & Rice 15kg – Complete Dry Adult Working Dog Food, Gentle Digestion, Glossy Coat
Features
- DIETARY NEEDS - Field & Trial Salmon & Rice is a nutritionally complete sensitive food, specially formulated to be free from wheat, maize, barley, poultry, beef and soya. It is made with sustainably sourced salmon and whole rice ideal to promote skin and coat condition.
- HERITAGE BRAND - The Stradbroke Mill in Suffolk has been in the Skinner family for seven generations and has been manufacturing complete dog foods since the early 1970s.
- NUTRITIONALLY COMPLETE - Skinner’s Field & Trial now offers a range of 19 nutritionally complete diets for active and working dogs of every age, breed and activity level.
- NATURAL INGREDIENTS - Skinner’s does not add any artificial colouring, flavours or preservatives to any of our products, where possible we try and use locally sourced ingredients surrounding our Suffolk mill.
- ACTIVE DOGS - Field & Trial Salmon & Rice is a complete food specially developed and formulated to support active dogs who are regularly working or exercising at a moderate activity intensity.
The particular 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 especially, of course, food. The food 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. Comparable to humans, it is also important to consider a balanced diet. In addition, the wide range of offers in the trade can cause confusion. Various questions arise: What nutritional requirements does the dog have in addition to what quantity? Which in turn food is appropriate where age? Is definitely dry or moist food the right choice for your four-legged friend? And just 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. Inside our guide, we describe the types of dog food, go into some of the constituents and make clear how much food a puppy needs. In addition, you will understand which foods dogs cannot endure and how you can recognise a food allergy.
The different types of dog food at a glance
Simply as every person has their own nutritional needs, every dog’s preferences are different. The choice of food that moves into the dog’s bowl should be made according to various factors. These include the breed, activity and health of the dog. 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, protein and minerals. His dog food should be balanced. More mature dogs have a slow metabolism and are no much longer as active. As a result, they need less energy, i. e. calories from fat. Yet , the dog food should be easy to break down and include a great deal of proteins. In addition, the types of food fluctuate in conditions of composition, technique of development and consistency.
Formula – complete or complementary food?
A complete feed contains all the nutrients the dog needs on a daily basis. The portion 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 meals are not sufficient per to provide the dog with all the essential 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 family pet shops and food markets usually comes from professional production. This is the most frequent kind of dog food. Industrially produced wet food is often filled in cans or small aluminium trays. With all the latter, one dish is sufficient for one portion. On the other hand, some manufacturers of business dog food use genetically altered raw materials and additives.
Industrially produced dog food has a long shelf life. With a few conditions, this dog food can be stored unopened for quite some time without the loss of quality.
– Natural dog food only uses raw materials that come from herb, animal or other natural sources – unaltered or highly processed. The food should not contain any chemically synthesised additives. Yet , certain synthetic vitamins and minerals are permitted. In phrases of packaging, there is often almost no difference compared to commercial food: natural dog food is packaged in cups or as dried out food.
– Organic and natural dog food must comply with harsher guidelines regarding substances. For example, the product should never contain numerous substances such as genetically altered ingredients, hormones and pesticides. There are distinctions between the various organic and natural dog foods: “100 per cent organic” means that no undesirable substances have been highly processed. Together with the claim “organic”, the ingredients in the natural food are 95 per cent organic. If this states “made with organic”, the product consists of 70 per penny organic 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 cause problems 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 feeding raw food is based on the dog’s ancestor – the wolf. Once barfing, the dog is fed natural fresh meat, often combined with raw, pureed fruit or vegetables. Whether this method is actually more healthy is debatable. Since the meals are assembled individually, barfing is far more suited to experienced dog 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 an assertion that needs 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 are supposed to provide the food a better smell and preference. Some dog enthusiasts also avoid 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 uncooked materials and then grinding and blending them. A roller presses this mass through the opportunities of a carol wall. Shaped and compacted chunks of feed come away the other side. Throughout the dog food production process, temperatures of around 90 degrees Celsius are produced, which obviously contradicts the definition of cold hitting. Nevertheless , temperatures are still significantly lower than those employed in extrusion.
2. In the extrusion process, the ingredients for your dog food are exposed to high temperatures. Many nutrients are lost during this manufacturing process. These types of need to be artificially added to the foodstuff after processing. During digesting, the dough-like extruded feed is communicated through nozzles at high pressure. Nourish produced in this way swells considerably when liquid is added.
Both methods have advantages and disadvantages: Because the nutrients have not yet been busted down, a dog can digest the cold-pressed food normally, little by little. In addition, the food contains more natural substances. In case the four-legged friend has problems with the gastrointestinal tract and a disturbed digestion, extruded dog food can be more tolerable for him. In this dog food, the starch has already been broken down during heating. However, the manufacturing process is merely a supplementary factor in identifying the tolerability and quality of the food. The most important thing is the quality of the raw materials.
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 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 so teach their teeth. Eating 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 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 expensive than cast food
- Easier to feed on the go
- Easy to store
- Almost germ-free due to heating during production
- More green than canned food
Cons
- Often less acceptable to your dog
- The dog’s person is deprived of water, so it has to drink more.
- Can lead to overweight quicker if it is not a food items for deiting
- 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 compares to one meal. A large number of dogs like damp food much better than dry food. In contrast to dry food, damp food for canines – once opened up – can only be kept for a few times. It must be used up within 2 days of opening. Beneath we have summarised the huge benefits and down sides of wet food:
Pros
- High approval by most four-legged friends
- Packed in helpful helpings
- Mainly because 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, wet food cannot be stored very well
- Good sized dogs need more space for storage
- Even more difficult to move and feed on the move
- Wet food smells more powerful
- Costs more than dry food
- Generates more waste
It is not possible to make a general statement about which type of dog food is suited to your dog. Your canine in the end makes a decision which dog food it likes and which variety it prefers. To find out which type of dog food your dog likes better and which he tolerates better, you should try away both types.
A few dog owners switch between wet and dry food. The following relates to both types of food: It should be given as a main meal, never as a treat in between meals. This kind of can lead to overfeeding of your dog.
How much various meats and just how many carbs and nutrients are supposed to be in dog food?
The standard of the dog food plays a major role in a balanced and proper diet. It is important that the dog food consists of healthy ingredients and nutrients – irrespective of whether it is wet food or dry food. The right composition of the dog 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. Thus first and foremost, the resource of meat is important. However , this is not the only thing that matters. Unlike the wolf, the dog was domesticated by humans, as well as 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 plant food in smaller quantities.
To start with, various meats provides the dog with protein. The four-legged friend needs protein for the muscles, bones, strong tissues, healthy teeth and nerves and provide energy for its activities. Consequently, senior dogs have a lower proteins requirement because they are not as lively as young or adult animals. In general, experts admit dog food should contain between 50 and 70 % meat. But other ingredients are also important. If dog owners feed only meats for their four-legged friends, this can lead to a problem with digestion, stress on the kidneys and liver due to excess protein and deficiency symptoms.
Vitamin supplements, minerals and carbs in dog food?
A well-balanced dog diet also contains nutrients that are not found in meat – for example , vitamins and mineral deposits found in vegetables and fruit, or fatty stomach acids from healthy oils. The four-legged friend also needs carbohydrates. Wolves, for example, eat the belly and intestinal contents of prey pets or animals, now and then also berries and grass.
Dogs convert starch from grain, potatoes and cereals into energy and require 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 straw tend to be added to the feed. High-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 foodstuff should contain these chemicals only less often. Just how much should maintain the dog food depends upon how much the animal moves. Lamb and poultry body fat are saturated fatty acids. They may be stored in the body as emergency portion and are meant as a hold for bad times. Meat and veggie oil contain over loaded omega-6 fatty stomach acids and unsaturated oily acids. Omega-3 herbal oils, which are found in fish, are extremely valuable for cell metabolism.
What should take the dog food? Dog food should consist of 50 to 70 percent lean meat or muscle meat or fish with superior quality proteins. In addition, there should be about 20 to 50 per cent 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 nutrients such as vitamin h or iron. Great quality oils such as salmon essential oil or linseed oil improve nutrient ingestion and ensure a functioning cardiovascular system, a shiny coating and healthy pores and skin.
How could i recognise top 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 make 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 assertions are permitted: A closed declaration only indicates ingredient teams. These are, for instance , statements such as “with cereals” and “vegetable by-products”. A semi-open declaration lists the individual uncooked materials, however, not their percentage. The open up declaration gives the formula in pct and the respective sources of raw materials. When reading the food label, dog owners should also note the following:
1. Many manufacturers split the term grain into individual groupings. 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 amounts.
2. The elements in the feed are listed in descending order according to their quantity. The further forward 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 throughout 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
– Zero use of flavor enhancers
These nutrition make a good dog food
The dog’s organism does not have trouble digesting good dog food. Signs of this are almost odourless faeces, high vitality and a shiny coat. The proportion of nutrition in a dog food is listed under the 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 animal by-products indicates the meat content in the dog food. Companies often do not declare exactly what is included. 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. Seafood and its by-products include fish fillets, bone fragments and fish heads.
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 solidifying agents and acid regulators. Many of these are important. These include, for example , emulsifiers and natural antioxidants. Emulsifiers ensure an uniform uniformity of oil and water. Natural antioxidants are to prevent rancid fat.
5. Nutritional additives are intended to support the health of the four-legged good friend. They should be contained in the right structure, for example as vitamins, provitamins, amino acids and trace elements.
6. Zootechnical additives can be added to the feed to effect the dog’s performance and health – such as stabilisers for the digestive tract flora or digestive enzymes.
7. Physical additives are used to influence the appearance and taste of your canine food. That they include flavourings and colourings.
Overweight puppies suffer! Obesity is an expanding problem in dogs with serious health consequences. It can lead to diseases of bodily organs, puts stress on bones, joints and the cardiovascular system, and promotes irritation. 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 play a role. Especially Cocker Spaniels, Labrador Retrievers and King Charles often become overweight. Sometimes the use of food items for deiting should be considered.
How much food does my dog need?
If the four-legged good friend gets more energy than he consumes, he can become overweight. Therefore, it is very important to give canines the right amount of food. How much pet food a dog needs depends upon 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 calorie consumption and has a slower metabolism. Consequently, he needs less food.
Age: Younger dogs are still growing and are often more curious and active. They usually have a higher energy requirement than older dogs. It is recommended to reduce the number of food a little annually. For old dogs, there are senior foods that are lower in body fat and contain important additives. For smaller dogs it is time to change at the age 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 include cardiovascular problems, thyroid disease, osteo-arthritis and diabetes. Once dogs are recovering from illness, they need more pet food.
Hormone balance: A dog’s hormonal levels can rise or fall, changing energy needs. For 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 caloric content of your canine food. A higher calorie content means a lower amount of food is needed. Additionally, dog owners can use the following rules of thumb as a guide:
– The daily amount of food for an adult and healthy dog with a regular activity level should be about two to three % of the dog’s weight.
– If the dog is older and does not exercise as much, a daily food amount of 2 per cent 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.
Anyone who is not sure about the right amount of food should talk to a vet and a nutritionist.
How can I identify a food allergy or intolerance?
The most common allergies in dogs are flea allergy and food allergy. Possible causes of the allergy are, for example , stress, unwanted organisms and pollen. In addition, the protein-containing substances in a feed can result in allergic reactions. Ingredients that a dog might be allergic to include, for instance , mi nombre es, animal proteins from poultry, pork or beef, and cause.
What is the between an allergic reaction and an intolerance?
– An allergy is a hypersensitivity response by the dog’s immune system. That reacts strongly against a certain compound. A true food allergic reaction rarely occurs in dogs. Mostly it is an intolerance. This is not triggered by the immune system.
– Possible symptoms of allergies and intolerances
– Possible symptoms of a food allergy or food intolerance include irritation, vomiting, stomach pain, flatulence, diarrhoea, lack of fur, redness and frequent scratching.
– Symptoms may well not show up right after feeding the food. Sometimes they only appear a few hours or days later.
Nevertheless, the symptoms do certainly not have to indicate an allergy or intolerance. That they may also be caused by another disease. In the event your dog has these symptoms, you should have the cause clarified with a vet. The vet can also determine an allergy or an intolerance, for example , through an allergy test. On the other hand, it is possible to undertake 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 carbohydrates. These sources must be ingredients that the four-legged good friend has not eaten before. Dog owners should change the dog food bit by little bit. Following your food change, the dog is fed the new food for a number of weeks.
When the dog’s condition improves 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, which could be the trigger for the allergy symptoms. Above time, a list is made of substances that the dog can endure or that cause allergic reactions in him. An eradication diet is something that dog owners can do themselves. Nevertheless, it is advisable to seek advice from a professional or speak to the vet in advance.
Consistent action is essential during an different diet. The dog should not be given chews, treats or outstanding during this time period.
What should I do if my dog has an allergy?
If this turns out that your four-legged good 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 everything dog snacks between meals.
If practically nothing changes, patience is called for: sometimes it takes some time until the symptoms of an intolerance or allergic reaction no longer occur. Sometimes they only disappear completely weeks following your change in food.
Precisely what is grain-free dog food?
Dog food often consists of grains. These include wheat or grain, barley and rye, for example. Grains have an important function: they are a source of carbohydrates and energy. However, too much of it results in obesity and sometimes to an issue with digestion. There is also grain-free dog food. Instead of feed, it contains alternate ingredients such as potatoes and legumes, which also provide carbohydrates to the dog.
Grain-free dog food usually makes digestion easier and is also also well suited for more sensitive dogs. However , it is not necessarily necessary to use a grain-free dog food. Dogs are omnivores and are able to process vegetable protein. A few types of materials are also specifically easy to process. These include 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 the dog is allergic to food containing cereals.
If you want to give your pet a dog food with grain, you should make sure that the grain content is not too high and that the product has a balanced recipe.
What can dogs not tolerate?
There are a lot of foods that dogs can’t tolerate. Several of them are even poisonous for puppies. These include, for example, onions, organic cabbage and organic pork. Onions can be fatal, depending on the size of the onion and your canine. For a medium-sized dog, even a medium-sized onion can be extremely dangerous. If the dog eats raw cabbage, it can get stomach cramps or flatulence. Raw pork could retain the Aujeszky computer virus, which in turn causes fatal condition. Other foods and drinks that pet dogs must not eat include:
- Delicious chocolate
- Raw potatoes
- Grapes
- Sultanas
- Fruit pits
- Raw signal
- Macadamia nuts
- Bitter almonds
- Raw ova
- Some types of avocado
- Birch sugar and xylitol
- Cream and milk
- Caffeinated drinks, such as espresso
- Alcohol
Furthermore, nicotine is dangerous for dogs. Therefore, caution is suggested in rain messes, for example: Cigarette residues are located in them. Ashtrays should be placed 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 crisis service directly. Meanwhile, maintain the dog in a safe environment. Nevertheless, despite all the concern for the dog’s life, the following applies: Stay calm and watch to signs of poisoning. It might be necessary to take the dog to a veterinary clinic or drive it to the vet. Symptoms that could occur with poisoning include:
- Excessive salivation
- Excessive being thirsty
- Nausea
- Diarrhoea
- Cramps
- Trouble sleeping
- Shortness of breath
To prevent the dog from eating incompatible foods, dog owners should make sure that family and acquaintances do not feed them such foods. Found in addition, it is important 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 Vitalin Complete Dry Adult Active Working Dog Food Chicken, 15 kg.
Vitalin Complete Dry Adult Active Working Dog Food Chicken, 15 kg
- Give your dog the best with Vitalin active working dog food, a high-quality dry adult dog food providing a nutritionally complete and balanced meal.
- Our quality protein sources give your dog a complete and balanced meal. Packed with nutrient-rich botanicals and joint supplements to support your dog's overall health and wellbeing.
Video about best dry dog food for working dogs
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 dogs. Once they are weaned from their mother, puppy food is on the menu. This is usually the case after about 8 weeks. The components and ingredients of puppy dog food are specially designed for growing puppies. This is because a baby dog’s immune system, bones, muscles, coat and teeth first have to build up.
With pup dog food, the focus is on nutrient intake. Above 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 canine food for adult quadrupeds. In the beginning, young dogs should be given small portions many times a day, which are then gradually increased.
When should I start using dog food for adult dogs?
This is determined by the breed of dog: Small to medium breeds are believed grown ups from 9 to 12 months of age. For large breeds, it is recommended to give adult food to dogs from 12 to 15 months of age. For very large breeds, it is advised to give adult food a little later – from 18 to 24 months.
When should my dog be given food for seniors?
For small dogs, 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 different breeds are considered mature at 7 to 8 years old. In addition to age group, the dog’s express of health is also an important criterion. It is highly recommended to discuss the change of food with the vet.
Precisely 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 food can become “sticky” and lose its flavor and nutrients. At worst, mould can develop.
What is barfing?
The abbreviation BARF comes from the The english language and means Born-Again Raw Feeder. The UK term means “biologically species-appropriate natural feeding”. The species-appropriate diet is 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, 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 notify yourself well or talk to with experts.
What do I have to consider when changing my dog’s food?
The change of food should be done slowly. In the event that the changeover is abrupt, sensitive canines in particular can easily suffer from digestive : problems, a number of which may be considerable. A time of one week is usually recommended for your dog to get accustomed 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 3 rd 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 move is complete.
In the event the dog acts 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 whatsoever, it is obviously not suited to him. In cases like this, you should look for an option.
What should We do if my dog does 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 for them to become overweight and feel full. In the event the food has already enlarged in water, it fills the dog up faster and is better to process. In addition, the dogs absorb more liquid with soaked dry food.
How quickly do dogs break down dry food?
Dogs usually need up to 14 hours to digest dry out food. The exact time depends, among other things, on the age and size of the dog and the standard of the food. A young dog usually has a faster metabolism than an old animal. The quantity of food is important too. Small portions are digested more quickly than large amounts. In addition, insoluble muscles remain in the stomach for a shorter time than soluble fibres. Low-fat food also brings about faster digestion. In addition , the more liquid the meals is, the shortest the digestion time. Wet food is digested within 6 to 8 hours in mature dogs.
Are creature 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 ever may i start feeding a puppy?
During the beginning of its life, a puppy is fed breast milk by its mother. Sound food is usually eaten by 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 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 will no longer provided with mother’s milk.
Experts recommend soaking your dry puppy food with a liquid until the pup 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 seem sensible?
Making your own dog food takes more time and work than bought food. However, it does incorporate some advantages:
– If 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 food 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 required to prepare the food yourself. Before planning the foodstuff, you should study different ingredients. The meals should be balanced and contain all the necessary nutrients. It is sometimes advisable to talk to a vet beforehand. Recipe ideas for dog food can be found on the net, for example.
Certain foods are unhealthy or toxic for puppies. For example, onions and garlic should not be consumed by dogs.
Precisely what is hypoallergenic dog food?
Hypoallergenic dog food is especially suited to dogs with allergy symptoms. It is adapted to the needs of such a four-legged friend and can be easily digested by your canine. There is hypoallergenic dry food and hypoallergenic wet food on the market. That contains few or no substances that cause allergic reactions in dogs. Accordingly, a hypoallergenic food reduces the risk that your canine will not tolerate it and that allergic reactions will happen.
Usually there is merely one way to obtain necessary protein 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. However, it cannot be ruled out that even hypoallergenic dog food can lead to allergic reactions. This happens when there is a substance in the meals that the four-legged friend cannot tolerate.
In addition to dogs with allergy symptoms, hypoallergenic food is suited to four-legged friends with a delicate digestive tract. For these dogs, such a product provides protection against digestive problems.
