The particular best for the dog – relating 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 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 no problem finding the right food for your own dog. Just like humans, it is also important to consider a balanced diet. In addition, the wide range of offers in the trade can cause confusion. Numerous questions arise: What nutritional requirements does the dog have in addition to what quantity? Which usually food is suitable where age? Is dry or wet food the right choice for your four-legged friend? And just how much should the dog be given? What causes deficiency symptoms?
Inside the following best dry dog food in south africa, we present 10 products. We provide information about which ingredients the foods contain and for which pet dogs the products are suitable. In 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 understand which foods dogs cannot endure and how you can recognise a food allergy.
Below is a list of the best dry dog food in south africa:
- Robinsons Focus Benefit Drops Lemon, Lime & Ginseng with Vitamin B3 and Zinc... — £3.00
- Just Catnip – 100% Natural Catnip for Cats, Grown in South Africa |... — £6.95
- Algoods Working Dog Food Complete Dry Dog Food Chicken Flavour, 10 Kg — £11.99
- Scrumbles Natural Dry Dog Food, Gluten Free Recipe With Fresh Chicken, For... — £12.00
- Vegan dog food from Benevo. Complete vegan dry dog food. Wheat free dried... — £14.48
- 250g Traditional Droewors Sticks Low Calorie High Protein Snacks Healthy... — £15.15
- IAMS for Vitality Small/Medium Breed Adult Dry Dog Food with Fresh Chicken, 5 kg — £17.00
- Autarky Hypoallergenic Delicious Chicken Dry Dog Food with Added Herbs, 12 kg — £26.99
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HARRINGTONS Dog Food Complete Lamb and Rice Dry Mix, 15 kg
—
£29.00
£29.89 - V-dog Vegan Dog Food. Complete dry dog food. Traditional Flakes non-gm,... — £49.14
After hours researching and comparing all models on the market, Life my Dog finds out the Best dry dog food in south africa of 2024. We would recommend using Autarky Hypoallergenic Delicious Chicken Dry Dog Food with Added Herbs, 12 kg as it is available at a resonable price.
Top 10 Best dry dog food in south africa
Best dry dog food in south africa
Autarky Hypoallergenic Delicious Chicken Dry Dog Food with Added Herbs, 12 kg
Features
- Delicious chicken offers naturally balanced hypoallergenic dog food for adult active dogs; the diet is packed with high levels of essential fatty acids and B vitamins to give dogs a healthy coat and skin and boost scenting ability
- 20 percent protein, 12 percent fat, this diet has been designed to keep a dogs energy at a maintained level
- The diet is wheat gluten and soya free making the diet a good option for dogs with a sensitive stomach; prebiotics are also included to support digestive health
- The diet includes taurine and carnitine which helps to keep hearts healthy while the addition of herbs and natural antioxidants support the immune system
- Formulated by a leading canine nutritionist, delicious chicken is naturally hypoallergenic with no artificial colours, flavours or preservatives
HARRINGTONS Dog Food Complete Lamb and Rice Dry Mix, 15 kg
£29.00
Features
- 1. THE NATURAL CHOICE - At Harringtons, we believe every dog deserves natural food that's balanced, wholesome and tasty. From puppies to seniors to special diets, we make a range that's perfect for you
- 2. RICH IN LAMB - Harringtons Lamb & Rice Dry Dog Food 15kg is a complete adult dog food that has been carefully formulated using all natural ingredients to provide wholesome nutrition for your dog
- 3. NO NASTIES - The #1 ingredient in our dry dog food is meat, for a nutritionally balanced meal. And we never use artificial colour and flavours or added wheat
- 4. CARING FOR THE ENVIRONMENT - As part of our efforts to keep packaging to a minimum and help send less packaging waste to landfill, this pack is 100% polyethylene and can be recycled
- 5. MADE IN THE UK – Harringtons dog food is proudly made by ourselves right here in the UK and has been family run since 1923
250g Traditional Droewors Sticks Low Calorie High Protein Snacks Healthy Snack Drywors Boerewors Sausage South African Food Low Sugar Snacks Gym Snacks Workout Snacks by the Biltong Man
Features
- BEEF SNACK WITH SOUTH AFRICAN SOUL - Devour each bite of our moreish premium Tasty Traditional droëwors sticks. Made with a delicious blend of herbs and spices from our South African family recipe, our droëwors is a perfectly spiced dried sausage snack that will become your new favourite
- THE BILTONG MAN WAY - Only the best cuts of grass-fed Scottish and Irish Beef are grounded coarsely then marinated using the mouth-watering flavours of black pepper, cloves and coriander. It’s then air-dried to a perfectly balanced moisture content that will delight your taste buds
- HIGH PROTEIN SNACK - Our droëwors is a healthy protein source for pre or post-workout. Packed with nutrients including essential fats, vitamins and iron. It’s perfect for low iron sufferers, sportspeople and the diet conscious. Get a boost of nutrients from this tasty meaty snack!
- POCKET SIZED TREAT - This keto and banting diet snack is conveniently packed in ready-to-eat packages - ideal for on-the-go snacking. Each 250g bag is carefully packed, sealed and labelled to ensure the highest quality and long-lasting freshness. To be stored in a cool and dry place
- RESPECT THE BEEF - The Biltong Man is a family business focused on making premium quality biltong from the heart and soul with practical health benefits. We pride ourselves on making a proudly British product that's ethically sourced - respect the beef, assure the quality!
Scrumbles Natural Dry Dog Food, Gluten Free Recipe With Fresh Chicken, For Adults And Senior Breeds, 2 kg Bag
Features
- Made with 60% free run chicken, essential vitamins and minerals and added probiotics
- Made entirely of all natural ingredients, and has no added sugars, salts nor any derivatives, fillers or artificial nonsense
- This delicious recipe is hypoallergenic recipe is free from gluten, wheat and dairy
- Contains slippery elm which is perfect for adult and senior dogs with sensitive stomachs
- Made in the UK and Ireland, packed in recyclable packaging
Robinsons Focus Benefit Drops Lemon, Lime & Ginseng with Vitamin B3 and Zinc - With Real Fruit Juice - No Artificial Colours - No Added Sugar - Perfect for Travel - 66ml
Features
- MENTAL FOCUS A great tasting and refreshing super strength squash drink, that contains Vitamin B3 and Zinc to help reset the mind
- MAKES 20 SERVINGS Makes 20 tasty drinks, anywhere and reseals tightly to prevent spills during travel
- LOW CALORIE, NO ADDED SUGAR With no more than 3 calories per 250ml glass, No added sugar containing only naturally occurring sugars
- NO ARTIFICIAL COLOURS OR FLAVOURING Suitable for vegetarians and vegans
- A zesty drop with vitamin B3 and Zinc. Vitamin B3 contributes to normal psychological function
IAMS for Vitality Small/Medium Breed Adult Dry Dog Food with Fresh Chicken, 5 kg
Features
- IAMS for Vitality with fresh chicken for large breed puppies is a 100% complete and balanced pet food that nourishes your puppy's healthy vitality & Supporting 7 signs of healthy vitality
- Contains DHA to promote healthy brain development & With high quality animal protein and essential minerals to support healthy growth
- Contains antioxidant blend with vitamin C & E to help the immune system & Enriched with essential minerals and vitamin D to support strong bones
- Crunchy kibbles and tailored mineral levels for healthy teeth
- Tailored fibre blend including prebiotics and beet pulp for healthy digestion
Vegan dog food from Benevo. Complete vegan dry dog food. Wheat free dried kibble, hypoallergenic & healthy. Holistic & non-gm 2kg bag
Features
- [ NUTRITION YOU CAN TRUST ] With crucial fatty acids, prebiotics, and non-animal taurine, Benevo Vegan Dog Food is your one-stop solution for nurturing your dog’s growth. Plus, you’re supporting their well-being without the need for slaughterhouse meat!
- [ FOR SENSITIVE TUMS ] Our wheat-free, meat-free, and dairy-free recipe is designed with your dog's sensitive tummy in mind. Free from meat proteins & wheat gluten, this dog kibble is an ideal choice for pooches with dietary sensitivities.
- [ 27.5% PLANT-BASED PROTEIN ] Each bowl of pet food is packed with plant-based protein to fuel your dog’s active lifestyle. With 27.5% protein in every bowl, you can rely on Benevo dog food to keep noses wet & tails wagging.
- [ TRUSTED FOR OVER A DECADE ] Proudly made in the UK, Benevo Vegan Dog food is formulated to meet the European nutritional levels set out by FEDIAF, making it the perfect choice for your pampered pooch. With over 15 years experience, we put your dog’s health and happiness first.
- [ PETA & VEGAN SOCIETY APPROVED ] As a vegan-owned company, we are proud to be approved by PETA, the Vegan Society UK, and Vegetarian Society UK. Plus, we have consistently maintained an ethical company score of 100/100 since 2016!
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
Just Catnip – 100% Natural Catnip for Cats, Grown in South Africa | Sustainably Farmed and Ethically Cultivated Cat Toy & Cat Treat | The Perfect Cat Nip Gift for Eco-friendly Animal Lovers!
Features
- Irresistible Attraction: Watch your furry friend’s excitement and mental stimulation as they're irresistibly attracted to their toys, scratching post, and bedding, infused with our catnip. It's the secret to turning any spot into their favourite hangout, ensuring they're joyfully engaged and entertained.
- Pure Joy, Naturally: Discover the purest form of happiness for your feline friend with our organic catnip. Free from chemicals, it's the safest way to boost your cat's spirits and well-being.
- Grown with Love: Our catnip grass comes from the heart of South Africa, where it's sustainably cultivated on our family farm, Bushwillow’s Estate. Each leaf is hand-picked with care, ensuring your cat receives the most potent and lovingly grown cat treat.
- Safety Meets Happiness: We believe in the joy of play without any worries. Our cat nip is completely safe and non-toxic, enjoy peace of mind knowing your cat is having fun safely.
- Unforgettable Playtimes: Designed to capture your cat's senses and offer endless hours of fun. The resealable pouch ensures lasting freshness, making each playtime as enjoyable as the first. Keep your cat endlessly entertained and mentally stimulated, turning ordinary days into extraordinary adventures.
V-dog Vegan Dog Food. Complete dry dog food. Traditional Flakes non-gm, hypoallergenic kibble for large and small breeds. Meat-free, holistic dried food for over 40 years. 15kg
Features
- Complete Dog Food: V-Dog Traditional Flake food contains all the nutrients an adult dog needs to thrive including a balanced range of vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids. Our vegan dog foods was established in 1980 in the UK and is free from meat by-products and dairy.
- Sensitive Dog Food: Our meat free and dairy free recipe is also free from some allergens including meat proteins making V-dog a hypoallergenic option for dogs with a sensitive tummy.
- Formulated by Animal Nutritionists: Dogs are omnivores and can survive on both plant and animal based diets, V-dog is formulted by professional animal nutritionists to allow dogs to thrive, rather than just survive, on a meat-free diet.
- Certified Veggie Dog Food: V-dog is checked and certified by the UK Vegan Society and Vegetarian Society. V-dog is also a PeTA approved cruelty-free brand.
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 profession, but especially, of course, food. The meals 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. 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 will the dog have and in what quantity? Which usually food is suitable from which age? Is usually dry or wet food the right choice for your four-legged friend? And exactly how much should the dog be fed? What can cause deficiency symptoms?
Inside the following dog food comparison, we present 14 products. We provide 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 clarify how much food a puppy needs. In addition, you will see which foods dogs cannot tolerate and just how you can recognise a food allergy.
The different types of dog food at a glance
Merely as every person has their own nutritional needs, every dog’s preferences are different. The choice of food that will go into the dog’s bowl should come in according to various factors. These include the breed, activity and health of the dog. Grow older also plays a role.
Puppies are growing and need special nutrients. In addition, their digestive system is not yet as efficient. An adult dog needs carbohydrates, fats, oils, healthy proteins and minerals. His dog food should be balanced. Old dogs have a slow metabolism and are no much longer as active. Therefore, they require less energy, i. e. calories from fat. Nevertheless , the dog food should be easy to break down and include a whole lot of proteins. In addition, the types of food vary in words of composition, technique of creation and consistency.
Composition – complete or complementary food?
A complete feed contains all the nutrients the dog needs every day. The portion of proteins, fatty acids, nutritional supplements varies with respect to the product. The ingredients should be adapted to age, activity and possible allergies of the four-legged friend. A whole food can be dry or cast food. Supplementary meals are not sufficient in themselves to provide the dog with all the crucial nutrients. 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 dog or cat shops and supermarkets usually comes from professional production. This is the most frequent type of dog food. Industrially produced wet food is often filled in cans or small aluminium trays. With all the latter, one bowl is sufficient for one portion. Nevertheless, some manufacturers of commercial dog food use genetically altered raw materials and additives.
Industrially produced dog food has a long shelf life. By conditions, 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 herb, animal or other natural sources – unaltered or highly processed. The food should not contain any chemically synthesised additives. Yet , certain synthetic nutritional supplements are permitted. In terms of packaging, there is often almost no difference compared to business food: natural dog food is packaged in cans or as dry out food.
– Organic dog food must comply with harsher guidelines regarding elements. For example, the product must not contain numerous substances such as genetically altered ingredients, hormones and pesticides. You will find variations between the various organic and natural dog foods: “100 per dollar organic” means that no undesirable ingredients have been processed. With the claim “organic”, the ingredients in the organic and natural food are 95 per cent organic. If it claims “made with organic”, the product consists of 70 per cent natural ingredients. Organic and natural food is available as dry and wet food.
– Meanwhile, vegan and vegetarian dog food is also available on the market. This dog food would not contain meat but still provides the dog with the important nutrients. Nevertheless , vegan and vegan dog food contains a lot of fruit and vegetables and grains, which can issues if the dog is intolerant.
– A unique form of dog food is BARF. The abbreviation is short for “biologically species-appropriate natural feeding”. This species-appropriate method of feeding raw food is based on the dog’s ancestor – the wolf. When ever barfing, the dog is fed uncooked fresh meat, often combined with raw, pureed fruit or vegetables. Whether this method is actually more healthy is debatable. Since the meals are merged individually, barfing much more suitable for experienced dog owners who have studied the diet of their four-legged friends in detail.
There are manufacturers who advertise that their dog food is of food quality. This kind of is an assertion 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 preference. Some dog fans also avoid dog or cat 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 produced by first drying the natural materials and then grinding and blending them. A painting tool presses this mass through the opportunities of a drum wall. Shaped and compacted chunks of feed come away the other aspect. Through the dog food production process, temps of around 90 degrees Celsius are made, which obviously contradicts the definition of cold pressing. Yet , temperatures are still significantly lower than those utilized in extrusion.
2. In the extrusion process, the ingredients for your dog food are exposed to great heat. Many nutrients are lost during this manufacturing process. These types of need to be artificially added to the foodstuff after processing. During processing, the dough-like extruded feed is presented through nozzles at high pressure. Give food to produced in this way swells significantly 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 normally, slowly and gradually. In addition, the food includes more natural substances. 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 merely an extra factor in figuring out the tolerability and quality of the foodstuff. The most important thing is the quality of the unprocessed trash.
Which is better – wet food or dried out food?
There exists wet and dry dog food on the market. The two types of dog food differ in their water content.
Dry food includes very little water and therefore has a longer shelf life – often several years. Dogs that are fed dry food have to munch more and thus coach their teeth. Consuming dry food is practically like brushing your dog’s teeth. For dogs that drink little, feeding dry out food can be a disadvantage. They can become dehydrated if they are given only dry food. Therefore, it is important to provide the dog with enough water. The advantages and disadvantages of dry food at a glance:
Pros
- Long shelf life
- Less costly than wet food
- Easier to feed on the go
- Easy to store
- Almost germ-free due to heating system during production
- Even more environmentally friendly than processed food
Cons
- Frequently less acceptable to your dog
- The dog’s body 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 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. Many dogs like moist food much better than dry food. In contrast to dry food, wet food for dogs – once opened up – can only be kept for a few times. It should be used up within 2 days and nights of opening. Below we have summarised the huge benefits and disadvantages of wet food:
Pros
- High approval by most four-legged friends
- Packed in helpful portions
- Since of the high water content in wet food, the 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 well
- Large dogs need more space for storage
- Even more difficult to transport and feed on the move
- Wet food smells more extreme
- Costs more than dry food
- Generates more waste
This is not possible to make a general statement about which type of dog food is ideal for your dog. Your canine ultimately chooses 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 away both types.
Some dog owners change between wet and dry food. The following applies to both types of food: It should 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 meats and just how many carbohydrates and nutrients fit in in dog food?
The standard of the dog food plays a major role in a balanced and healthy diet. It is important that the dog food consists of healthy ingredients and nutrients – no matter of whether it is wet food or dry food. The proper 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 descended from wolves – that is why their digestive area is similar to regarding predators. Therefore above all, the source 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 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, which means that the four-legged friend can also digest flower food in smaller quantities.
Above all, meats provides the dog with protein. The four-legged friend needs protein for its muscles, bones, strong tissues, healthy teeth and nerves also to provide energy for its activities. Consequently, senior dogs have a lower proteins requirement because they are no longer as lively as young or adult animals. In general, experts admit dog food should contain between 50 and 70 percent meat. But other ingredients are important too. If dog owners feed only meat for 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.
Vitamin supplements, minerals and carbohydrates in dog food?
A well-balanced dog diet also includes nutrients that are not present in meat – for example , vitamins and minerals found in vegetables and fruit, or fatty stomach acids from healthy natural oils. The four-legged friend also needs carbs. Wolves, for example, eat the belly and intestinal items of prey pets, now and then also berries and grass.
Dogs convert starch from grain, potatoes and cereals into energy and want it for their intestinal flora. However, the need for carbohydrates is low. Fillers from plant waste such as press residues from oil production, sections, husks or hay tend to be added to the feed. High-quality carbohydrates are located 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 food should contain these chemicals only in moderation. How much should take the dog food depends on how much the animal moves. Lamb and poultry body fat are saturated oily acids. They are stored in the body as emergency ration and are meant as a book for bad times. Meat and veg oil contain condensed omega-6 fatty acids and unsaturated oily acids. Omega-3 oils, which are found in fish, are extremely valuable for cellular metabolism.
What should be in the dog food? Dog food should consist of 50 to 70 per cent lean meat or muscle meat or fish with top quality proteins. In addition, there ought to be about 20 to 50 per cent high-quality carbohydrates for energy production and fruit, vegetables or herbs for the necessary minerals and vitamins. The proportion of offal should be a more 10 percent. Offal provides valuable nutrients such as vitamin h or iron. Very good quality oils such as salmon essential oil or linseed oil based improve nutrient absorption and ensure a functioning cardiovascular system, a shiny coat and healthy skin.
How do i recognise top quality dog food?
Puppy food sold in UK must be labelled with certain mandatory information. These include:
– Address and name of the manufacturer
– Date of make or best-before time of the dog food
– Identity of the food
– 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 example , statements such as “with cereals” and “vegetable by-products”. A semi-open declaration prospect lists the individual uncooked materials, however, not their percentage. The open up declaration gives the formula in per cent and the respective resources of raw materials. When reading the food label, dog owners should also note the following:
1. Many manufacturers split the term 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 source. The cereal components provide carbohydrates and saturate well, but must not be included in too large quantities.
2. The elements in the feed are listed in descending order regarding to their volume. The further forward an ingredient is listed on the label, the higher its proportion. Alternatively, this means: Only a little proportion of an ingredient that is listed far down 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 ingredients with all the necessary vitamins and minerals
– Zero use of flavor enhancers
These nutrition make a good dog food
The dog’s organism has no trouble digesting good dog food. Signs of this are almost odourless faeces, high vitality and a shiny coat. The proportion of nutrients in a dog food is 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 pet by-products indicates the meat content in your dog food. Manufacturers often do not declare exactly what is included. It could be high-quality muscle meat or offal as well as low-quality offal. The latter includes, among other things, dried meats, rumen or chaps. Animal by-products include, for instance , hair, bone fragments, hooves, blood or beaks.
2. Fish as well as by-products include fish fillets, our bones and fish minds.
3. Plant by-products include, for example, vegetables, cereals and pulses and olive oil fruits. They can be partly health- and digestion-promoting food components.
4. Technological additives are preservatives, separating and binding agents, stabilisers, thickening and solidifying agents and acidity regulators. Some of these are important. These include, for instance , emulsifiers and natural antioxidants. Emulsifiers ensure an uniform uniformity of oil and water. Natural vitamin antioxidants are to prevent rancid fat.
5. Nutritional additives are intended to support the health of the four-legged friend. They should be within the right structure, for example as vitamins, provitamins, amino acids and search for 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 employed to influence the appearance and taste of your canine food. That they include flavourings and colourings.
Overweight dogs suffer! Obesity is a growing 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 inflammation. It may also shorten the life expectancy of the animal. Frequently , too much food is the reason for overweight. Yet age, sex and breed also be involved. Especially Cocker Spaniels, Labrador Retrievers and King Charles often become overweight. Occasionally the use of food items for deiting should be considered.
How much food does my dog need?
If the four-legged friend gets more energy than he consumes, he can become overweight. Therefore, it is crucial to give puppies the right amount of food. How much pet food a dog needs is determined by various factors. In addition to the breed, the next aspects are relevant, for example:
Activity level: How much the four-legged 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 continue to be growing and in many cases are more curious and energetic. They usually have a higher energy requirement than older dogs. It really is recommended to reduce the amount of food a little annually. For old dogs, there are senior foods that are lower in excess fat and contain important additives. For smaller dogs you need to change at the age group of 10 to 12 years, for large dogs as soon as 7 to 8 years.
Diseases: A few diseases influence a dog’s food or energy requirements. These include cardiovascular problems, thyroid disease, osteo-arthritis and diabetes. When ever dogs are recovering from illness, they need more pet food.
Hormone balance: A dog’s hormone levels can rise or fall, changing energy needs. For instance , dogs have different energy needs when they are conceived or change their coat.
To find out what amount of food is right for your dog, look at the calorie content of your canine food. A higher calorie content means a reduced amount of food is needed. Additionally, pet owners can use the subsequent 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 moves a lot or is coping with an illness should be fed more. His necessary food amount per day is up to 5 % of his body weight.
– Snacks should not exceed 10 percent of the daily food requirement.
Anyone who is uncertain about the right amount of food should talk to a vet and a nutritionist.
Just how can I recognise a food allergy?
The most common allergies in dogs are flea allergy and food allergy. Possible sets off of the allergy are, for example , stress, parasitic organisms and pollen. In addition, the protein-containing substances in a feed can induce allergic reactions. Ingredients that 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 response by the dog’s immune system. It reacts strongly against a certain substance. A real food allergy rarely occurs in dogs. Mostly it is an intolerance. This is not triggered by the immune system.
– Likely indications of allergies and intolerances
– Possible symptoms of a food allergy or food intolerance include itching, vomiting, abs pain, flatulence, diarrhoea, lack of fur, redness and frequent scratching.
– Symptoms might not exactly show up right after feeding the food. Sometimes they only appear a few hours or days later.
On the other hand, the symptoms do not really have to indicate an allergic reaction or intolerance. That they can even be caused by another disease. In the event your dog has these symptoms, you should have the cause cleared up by a vet. The vet can also determine an allergy or an intolerance, for instance , through an allergy test. Additionally, it is possible to carry out 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 has not eaten before. Pet owners should change the dog food bit by little. Following the food change, the dog is fed the new food for many weeks.
When the dog’s condition improves and the symptoms no more occur, a provocation test is completed. Here, the dog owner has to feed his four-legged friend one substance at a time, that could be the trigger for the allergies. Over 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 consult a professional or speak to the vet beforehand.
Consistent action is vital during an different diet. The dog should not be given chews, treats or leftovers 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 longer eat the allergy-causing substances. The selected pet food must therefore not contain any substances that the dog cannot tolerate. The same goes to treats and dog snacks between meals.
If practically nothing changes, patience is necesary: sometimes it takes a while until the symptoms of an intolerance or allergic reaction no longer happen. Sometimes they only disappear completely months following your change in food.
What is grain-free dog food?
Doggie food often contains grains. These include whole wheat, barley and rye, for example. Grains have an important function: they are a source of carbohydrates and energy. However, an excessive amount of it leads to obesity and sometimes to digestive problems. There is also grain-free dog food. Instead of materials, 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 suited to more sensitive dogs. However , it is not necessarily essential to use a grain-free dog food. Dogs are omnivores and are able to process vegetable protein. A few types of feed are also especially easy to break down. Included in this are maize and rice, for example. Sometimes, however, it makes sense or is necessary to use a dog food without grain. This is especially true if your dog is allergic to food containing cereals.
In the event that you want to give your dog a dog food with grain, you should make sure that the grain content is not way too high and that the product has a balanced recipe.
What can dogs not tolerate?
There are a lot of foods that dogs can’t tolerate. Some of them are actually poisonous for puppies. These include, for example, onions, organic cabbage and natural pork. Onions can be fatal, based on the size of the onion and your canine. For a medium-sized dog, even a medium-sized onion can be extremely dangerous. If a dog consumes raw cabbage, it can get stomach cramps or unwanted wind. Raw pork could develop the Aujeszky virus, that causes fatal disease. Other foods and drinks that pet dogs should not eat include:
- Chocolate
- Raw potatoes
- Grapes
- Sultanas
- Fresh fruit starts
- Raw signal
- Macadamia nuts
- Bitter almonds
- Raw ovum
- Some types of avocado
- Birch sugars and xylitol
- Cream and milk
- Caffeinated drinks, such as caffeine
- Alcohol
Furthermore, nicotine is dangerous for dogs. Therefore, caution is recommended in rain puddles, for example: Cigarette residues are located in them. Ashtrays should be positioned in such a way that your dog cannot reach them.
If a dog has eaten food that is dangerous for it, you should contact the doctor or maybe the veterinary crisis service directly. In the mean time, keep your dog in a secure environment. However, despite all the concern for the dog’s life, the following applies: Stay calm and watch to signs of poisoning. It may be necessary to take the dog to a veterinary clinic or drive it to the vet. Symptoms that can occur with poisoning include:
- Excessive salivation
- Excessive thirst
- Nausea
- Diarrhoea
- Aches
- Uneasyness
- 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. In addition, it is necessary to train the dog well so that it does not constantly eat anything at all off of the side of the trail.
The best choice is the Autarky Hypoallergenic Delicious Chicken Dry Dog Food with Added Herbs, 12 kg.
Autarky Hypoallergenic Delicious Chicken Dry Dog Food with Added Herbs, 12 kg
- Delicious chicken offers naturally balanced hypoallergenic dog food for adult active dogs; the diet is packed with high levels of essential fatty acids and B vitamins to give dogs a healthy coat and skin and boost scenting ability
Video about best dry dog food in south africa
FAQ – Common questions about dog food
Finally, we answer some important and frequently asked questions about dog food.
What should We look for in dog food for puppies?
Puppies need 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 2 months. The components and substances of puppy dog food are specially suitable for growing canines. This is because a baby dog’s immune system, bones, muscles, coat and teeth first have to build up.
With puppy dog dog food, the focus is on nutrient intake. Above all, the puppy food must contain certain essential minerals and vitamins. So that the puppy’s digestive tract is not overtaxed, the food for puppies also has a lower food volume than the dog food for adult quadrupeds. Found in the beginning, young dogs should be provided small portions several times a day, which are then slowly and gradually increased.
When should I start using dog food for adult dogs?
This kind of 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 elderly people?
For small puppies, the change in diet should take place between 10 and 12 years of age. For medium-sized dogs, its about time at 8 to 9 years. Large breeds are considered older at 7 to 8 years of age. In addition to era, the dog’s condition of health is also an important criterion. It is advisable to discuss the change of food with the vet.
Precisely what is the best way to store dry food?
The dry food should be retained 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 flavor and nutrients. At worst, mould can develop.
Precisely what is barfing?
The abbreviation BARF comes from the English and means Born-Again Raw Feeder. The UK term means “biologically species-appropriate natural feeding”. The species-appropriate diet is based on the eating habits of wild dogs. Ready-made food plays no role in barfeeding. Instead, the dog is fed whole food such as meat, offal and bones, supplemented with vegetables, fruit, natural oils and carbohydrates for a balanced supply of nutrients. Meanwhile, substance and freeze-dried BARF food and deep-frozen meat are available in the shops. Dog owners can add the other necessary components. Nevertheless , you should notify yourself well or talk to with experts.
What do We 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 digestive : problems, a number of which can be considerable. A period of one week is usually recommended for your dog to get accustomed to the new food.
The change of food should proceed as comes after: On day 1 and 2, replace about a 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 that the dog responds sensitively and, for instance , gets diarrhoea in the first few days of the meals change, you should extend the adaptation phase and increase the addition of the new food only minimally. If your dog does not tolerate the new food at all, it is obviously not ideal for him. In this instance, you should look for an option.
What should We do if my dog will not like dry food?
In that case it makes sense to soak the dry food. This kind of has several advantages: Dogs often eat the dry food beyond hunger because it swells in the stomach first. This makes it easier so they can become overweight and feel full. In case 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?
Canines 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 caliber of the food. A young dog usually has a faster metabolism than an older animal. The number of food is also important. Tiny portions are broken down more quickly than large amounts. In addition, insoluble muscles remain in the stomach for a shorter time than soluble fibres. Low-fat food also leads to faster digestion. Additionally , the more water the foodstuff 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 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 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 example , ROYAL CANIN, Josera and WOLFSBLUT. Other well-known manufacturers and brands are, for example:
– Bosch
– PRIMUM
– Pedigree
– RINTI
– Animonda
– MERA
Once can I start 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 pups from the 3rd or 4th week of life. During this time, the mother continually give food to her puppies with breast milk in parallel. In order to accustom a puppy to dry food, it makes sense 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 water 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 it sound right?
Producing your own dog food takes more time and work than purchased food. However, it does incorporate some advantages:
– If you make the dog food yourself, you can make a decision for yourself which ingredients go into it.
– Doggie owners can include the special needs of their four-legged friend in the planning and adapt the foodstuff to these and the dog’s flavor.
– It is possible to make the food more varied for the dog.
If, for example , the dog is overweight, has to take medication or is intolerant to various foods, it could be sensible or essential to prepare the food yourself. Before planning the food, you should study the different ingredients. The food should be balanced and contain all the necessary nutrients. It is often highly recommended to talk to a vet ahead of time. Recipe ideas for dog food can be found on the net, for example.
Certain foods are unhealthy or toxic for puppies. For example, onions and garlic should not be ingested by dogs.
What is hypoallergenic dog food?
Hypoallergenic dog food is especially suitable for dogs with allergies. It really is adapted to the needs of such a four-legged friend and can be easily broken down by the dog. Presently there is hypoallergenic dry out food and hypoallergenic wet food on the market. This contains few or no substances that cause allergic reactions in dogs. Accordingly, a hypoallergenic food reduces the risk that your dog will not tolerate it and that sensitive reactions will occur.
Usually there is merely one source of protein in such a product. This is usually an amazing meat, such as kangaroo or drinking water buffalo. Normally, the protein source used very rarely triggers an intolerance. Nevertheless, it cannot be ruled out that even hypoallergenic dog food can lead to allergy symptoms. This happens when we have a substance in the foodstuff that the four-legged friend cannot put up with.
In addition to dogs with allergy symptoms, hypoallergenic food is suitable for four-legged friends with a sensitive digestive tract. For these dogs, such a product can provide protection against digestive problems.
