Only the best for the dog – relating to this saying, many dog owners lovingly care for their pets. The four-legged friends need attention and profession, but 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 simple to find 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 will the dog have and in what quantity? Which food is ideal where age? Is dry or wet food the right choice for your four-legged friend? And how much should the dog be given? What causes deficiency symptoms?
In the following best dry raw dog food, we present 10 products. You can expect 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 constituents and explain how much food your dog needs. In addition, you will learn which foods dogs cannot endure and how you can recognise a food allergy.
Below is a list of the best dry raw dog food:
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Pets Purest Sprats Dog Treats & Cat Snack - 100% Natural Air-Dried Fish Treat...
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£7.64
£8.99 -
Walker & Drake 2kg Chicken, Complete Natural Dry Dog Food, Hypoallergenic,...
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£14.99
£16.80 -
Walker & Drake 2kg Ocean Fish, Complete Natural Dry Dog Food, Hypoallergenic,...
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£15.99
£17.80 -
Walker & Drake 2kg Duck, Complete Natural Dry Dog Food, Hypoallergenic, Grain...
—
£16.99
£18.60 - Beco Cod & Haddock with Kale and Chickpeas - 2kg - Natural & Grain Free... — £18.00
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Forthglade Complementary Natural Wet Dog Food - Grain Free Just Variety Pack...
—
£20.49
£22.20 -
Lily's Kitchen Chicken and Duck Countryside Casserole - Grain Free Adult Dry...
—
£46.97
£58.10 -
Walker & Drake Cold Pressed Dog Food - Chicken - 10kg Bag - The Best Dry...
—
£53.16
£58.99 - Crave Dry Dog Food Natural for dogs – High Protein & Grain-Free – Turkey &... — £64.97
- Cold Pressed Complete - Chicken & Sweet Potato Pie | Raw Dog Food diet | All...
After hours researching and comparing all models on the market, Life my Dog finds out the Best dry raw dog food of 2024. We would recommend using Walker & Drake 2kg Duck, Complete Natural Dry Dog Food, Hypoallergenic, Grain & Gluten Free as it is a hight quality product.
Top 10 Best dry raw dog food
Best dry raw dog food
Walker & Drake 2kg Duck, Complete Natural Dry Dog Food, Hypoallergenic, Grain & Gluten Free
£16.99
Features
- A COMPLETE NUTRITION COLD PRESSED DOG FOOD: high in meat content with ‘superfood’ vegetables & botanicals. Our cold pressed method keeps natural enzymes and vitamins locked in as well as retaining fibre and molecular structures, and most important, dogs love the taste!
- HIGH IN MEAT CONTENT (42%) AND RICH IN VEGETABLES AND BOTANICALS. The meat in is of human grade and only sourced from DEFRA approved suppliers. To create a food that is a complete nutrition diet we’ve used an extensive blend of vegetables & fruit including sweet potato, peas, carrot, tomato, and apple. In addition we’ve added botanicals for both taste and health benefits such as cranberry, green tea and marigold powder. The result, a no junk blend of yummy ingredients that your dog will love!
- HYPOALLERGENIC. GRAIN & GLUTEN FREE. It contains less of the ingredients commonly associated with causing allergic reactions. A dog with a sensitive tummy, itchy ears or feet, or runny eyes could be suffering from a food intolerance or allergy. A hypoallergenic dog food is a good place to start when trying to get to the cause of these symptoms. Our dog food is free from the ingredients that are commonly associated with food allergy problems – wheat, beef, dairy, rye, oats, barley, rice etc.
- PROMOTES GOOD GUT HEALTH. Walker & Drake Cold Pressed dog food by its very nature is gentle on tummies and great for gut health. The Cold Pressing technique and the lower temperatures we use are the key to locking in natural enzymes and vitamins, as well as retaining fibre and molecular structures. And, that fact that is breaks down quicker in the gut than extruded kibble means it does not cause bloating. We’ve also included ingredients such as FOS Inulin and Yucca for gut health.
- FOR ALL LIFE STAGES dog food. Our food meets the nutritional requirements for both growth and reproduction as well as maintenance diets. Generally, puppies will consume more calories for their weight than adult dogs because they are still growing and need extra nutrition to grow and develop into healthy adult dogs. Active dogs may also require more calories to maintain their ideal body weight. Use our feeding guide as a starting point but if you are not sure just get in touch with us.
Cold Pressed Complete - Chicken & Sweet Potato Pie | Raw Dog Food diet | All Natural Dog Food | Hypoallergenic | Grain Free
Features
| Size | 1 kg (Pack of 1) |
Walker & Drake Cold Pressed Dog Food - Chicken - 10kg Bag - The Best Dry Alternative To Raw Food
£53.16
Features
- A COMPLETE NUTRITION COLD PRESSED DOG FOOD: high in meat content with ‘superfood’ vegetables & botanicals. Our cold pressed method keeps natural enzymes and vitamins locked in as well as retaining fibre and molecular structures, and most important, dogs love the taste!
- HIGH IN MEAT CONTENT (42%) AND RICH IN VEGETABLES AND BOTANICALS. The meat in is of human grade and only sourced from DEFRA approved suppliers. To create a food that is a complete nutrition diet we’ve used an extensive blend of vegetables & fruit including sweet potato, peas, carrot, tomato, and apple. In addition we’ve added botanicals for both taste and health benefits such as cranberry, green tea and marigold powder. The result, a no junk blend of yummy ingredients that your dog will love!
- HYPOALLERGENIC. GRAIN & GLUTEN FREE. It contains less of the ingredients commonly associated with causing allergic reactions. A dog with a sensitive tummy, itchy ears or feet, or runny eyes could be suffering from a food intolerance or allergy. A hypoallergenic dog food is a good place to start when trying to get to the cause of these symptoms. Our dog food is free from the ingredients that are commonly associated with food allergy problems – wheat, beef, dairy, rye, oats, barley, rice etc.
- PROMOTES GOOD GUT HEALTH. Walker & Drake Cold Pressed dog food by its very nature is gentle on tummies and great for gut health. The Cold Pressing technique and the lower temperatures we use are the key to locking in natural enzymes and vitamins, as well as retaining fibre and molecular structures. And, that fact that is breaks down quicker in the gut than extruded kibble means it does not cause bloating. We’ve also included ingredients such as FOS Inulin and Yucca for gut health.
- FOR ALL LIFE STAGES dog food. Our food meets the nutritional requirements for both growth and reproduction as well as maintenance diets. Generally, puppies will consume more calories for their weight than adult dogs because they are still growing and need extra nutrition to grow and develop into healthy adult dogs. Active dogs may also require more calories to maintain their ideal body weight. Use our feeding guide as a starting point but if you are not sure just get in touch with us.
Walker & Drake 2kg Chicken, Complete Natural Dry Dog Food, Hypoallergenic, Grain & Gluten Free
£14.99
Features
- A COMPLETE NUTRITION COLD PRESSED DOG FOOD: high in meat content with ‘superfood’ vegetables & botanicals. Our cold pressed method keeps natural enzymes and vitamins locked in as well as retaining fibre and molecular structures, and most important, dogs love the taste!
- HIGH IN MEAT CONTENT (42%) AND RICH IN VEGETABLES AND BOTANICALS. The meat in is of human grade and only sourced from DEFRA approved suppliers. To create a food that is a complete nutrition diet we’ve used an extensive blend of vegetables & fruit including sweet potato, peas, carrot, tomato, and apple. In addition we’ve added botanicals for both taste and health benefits such as cranberry, green tea and marigold powder. The result, a no junk blend of yummy ingredients that your dog will love!
- HYPOALLERGENIC. GRAIN & GLUTEN FREE. It contains less of the ingredients commonly associated with causing allergic reactions. A dog with a sensitive tummy, itchy ears or feet, or runny eyes could be suffering from a food intolerance or allergy. A hypoallergenic dog food is a good place to start when trying to get to the cause of these symptoms. Our dog food is free from the ingredients that are commonly associated with food allergy problems – wheat, beef, dairy, rye, oats, barley, rice etc.
- PROMOTES GOOD GUT HEALTH. Walker & Drake Cold Pressed dog food by its very nature is gentle on tummies and great for gut health. The Cold Pressing technique and the lower temperatures we use are the key to locking in natural enzymes and vitamins, as well as retaining fibre and molecular structures. And, that fact that is breaks down quicker in the gut than extruded kibble means it does not cause bloating. We’ve also included ingredients such as FOS Inulin and Yucca for gut health.
- FOR ALL LIFE STAGES dog food. Our food meets the nutritional requirements for both growth and reproduction as well as maintenance diets. Generally, puppies will consume more calories for their weight than adult dogs because they are still growing and need extra nutrition to grow and develop into healthy adult dogs. Active dogs may also require more calories to maintain their ideal body weight. Use our feeding guide as a starting point but if you are not sure just get in touch with us.
Walker & Drake 2kg Ocean Fish, Complete Natural Dry Dog Food, Hypoallergenic, Grain & Gluten Free with Omega 3 & 6
£15.99
Features
- A COMPLETE NUTRITION COLD PRESSED DOG FOOD: high in meat content (including Omega 3 & 6) with ‘superfood’ vegetables & botanicals. Our cold pressed method keeps natural enzymes and vitamins locked in as well as retaining fibre and molecular structures, and most important, dogs love the taste!
- HIGH IN MEAT CONTENT (42%) AND RICH IN VEGETABLES AND BOTANICALS. The meat in is of human grade and only sourced from DEFRA approved suppliers. To create a food that is a complete nutrition diet we’ve used an extensive blend of vegetables & fruit including sweet potato, peas, carrot, tomato, and apple. In addition we’ve added botanicals for both taste and health benefits such as cranberry, green tea and marigold powder. The result, a no junk blend of yummy ingredients that your dog will love!
- HYPOALLERGENIC. GRAIN & GLUTEN FREE. It contains less of the ingredients commonly associated with causing allergic reactions. A dog with a sensitive tummy, itchy ears or feet, or runny eyes could be suffering from a food intolerance or allergy. A hypoallergenic dog food is a good place to start when trying to get to the cause of these symptoms. Our dog food is free from the ingredients that are commonly associated with food allergy problems – wheat, beef, dairy, rye, oats, barley, rice etc.
- PROMOTES GOOD GUT HEALTH. Walker & Drake Cold Pressed dog food by its very nature is gentle on tummies and great for gut health. The Cold Pressing technique and the lower temperatures we use are the key to locking in natural enzymes and vitamins, as well as retaining fibre and molecular structures. And, that fact that is breaks down quicker in the gut than extruded kibble means it does not cause bloating. We’ve also included ingredients such as FOS Inulin and Yucca for gut health.
- FOR ALL LIFE STAGES dog food. Our food meets the nutritional requirements for both growth and reproduction as well as maintenance diets. Generally, puppies will consume more calories for their weight than adult dogs because they are still growing and need extra nutrition to grow and develop into healthy adult dogs. Active dogs may also require more calories to maintain their ideal body weight. Use our feeding guide as a starting point but if you are not sure just get in touch with us.
Lily's Kitchen Chicken and Duck Countryside Casserole - Grain Free Adult Dry Dog Food (7 kg)
£46.97
Features
- Keep your pooch happy with this bag of complete and balanced food, made to a grain-free recipe* for dogs 4 months+
- This dry dog food is made with natural ingredients including freshly prepared meat and offal. We’re talking 31% fresh chicken and 8% freshly prepared duck with prebiotics to help encourage healthy digestion
- Why not try the rest of our delicious dog food, all made with natural ingredients. From wholesome wet food to delicious organic options, treats, recipes with one source of animal protein, and more, each suitable for small, medium and large dogs
- As a B Corp company, we are committed to our target to be fully recyclable by 2025. To find out more about our sustainable initiatives, and how we use our business as a force for good! Visit our brand store
- Here at Lily’s Kitchen, we make proper dog food and cat food made with natural ingredients and freshly prepared meat and offal. Only the best for your furry family
Pets Purest Sprats Dog Treats & Cat Snack - 100% Natural Air-Dried Fish Treat for Dogs, Puppy, Cats, Kitten & Senior. Pure Healthy Grain, Gluten & Lactose Free Hypoallergenic Raw Pet Food (100g)
£7.64
Features
- RAW & HEALTHY TREATS: Treat your canine or cat to a pure and delicious reward snack that isn't associated with the problems of unhealthier cat dog chew products. Fish is the only ingredient making it a pet safe alternative for a good boy or girl.
- JUNK FREE: There are no additives, colourings, preservatives, sugar or grain in any of our natural dog chews. Itching, digestive pain, obesity and allergic reactions are all symptoms that can be associated with unhealthy pet treats, but not ours.
- 100% NATURAL: Unlike rawhide chews that use chemical based air drying for reduced drying times, we use a chemical free air drying process that is better for your animal. You can have total peace of mind with our cat and dog friendly healthy treats.
- PET HEALTH: Our pet meat munchies only contain fish, making them grain, gluten & lactose free treats for dogs on a raw food diet. These hypoallergenic dog snacks are great for training, and help cause less plaque tartar build up in teeth and gums.
- PREMIUM QUALITY: Our fish sprats for dogs and cats are expertly dried using low temperatures to lock in vitamins, minerals and that aroma goodness. We are so confident that your pet will love our omega treats, we offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
Beco Cod & Haddock with Kale and Chickpeas - 2kg - Natural & Grain Free Complete Dry Dog Food
Features
- LOW FAT, HIGH OMEGAS | This recipe is low fat and packed with omega 3 and omega 6. Which makes it great for your dog's eyesight as well as helping to support healthy joints and a shiny coat.
- NUTRITIOUS SUPERFOODS | Packed with fresh meat & vegetables, including Kale, Chickpeas and Broccoli. This recipe is gently digestible and low in fat. What’s more, we’ve added extra vitamins & minerals to help keep your dog happy and healthy.
- COOKED LOW & SLOW | We slow-cook our meals between 90 - 120˚C so every bite contains the same protein, vitamins, oils and flavours of the original ingredients. Not only does that mean they’re delicious, it provides a diet that has all the nutrients of a meal served fresh, with the convenience of dry food.
- RESPONSIBLY SOURCED | The cod & haddock in this recipe is wild caught and fully traceable.
- GRAIN FREE | Some dogs struggle to digest certain grains, which results in gas, itchy skin or unpleasant poops. We avoid that by using vegetables and superfoods instead of grains, making every mouthful really delicious and easy to digest.
Crave Dry Dog Food Natural for dogs – High Protein & Grain-Free – Turkey & Chicken, 3x 2.8kg
Features
- Natural ingredients and a flavour your dog won't be able to say no to. Satisfy their nature with Crave turkey and chicken dry dog food / Premium quality, meaty kibble for adult dogs
- Heavy protein-rich kibble, with real pieces of meat designed to help support strong and healthy muscles / High in turkey and chicken, free from maize, wheat, soya and dairy
- A healthy four legged friend needs a meal created for them, the way nature intended - respect the animal inside with Crave / Grain free, complete dog food for small, large and senior breeds
- Flavoursome ingredients, tasty meat and natural proteins without artificial colours or flavours / Kibble designed for pets with digestive/digestion problems
- Items delivered: 3 x Crave Turkey and Chicken 2.8 kg dry food pouches / Developed and designed for adult cats / Delicious dry pet food with 60 percent animal sources
Forthglade Complementary Natural Wet Dog Food - Grain Free Just Variety Pack (12 x 395g) Trays - Chicken, Lamb & Beef
£20.49
Features
- WET DOG FOOD VARIETY PACK: 12 X 395 g trays of grain free dog food in 3 flavours your dog will love: 4x Chicken, 4x Lamb and 4x Beef
- NATURAL INGREDIENTS: Bursting with goodness and made using natural ingredients, with added vitamins, minerals & botanicals, gently steamed to retain as much natural flavour and goodness as possible
- FOOD FOR HAPPY DOGS: Grain-free & hypoallergenic recipe, which means it's kind & gentle on your dog's tummy and easy to digest. Made using our high quality recipe with 90% chicken, lamb or beef
- COMPLEMENTARY DOG FOOD: Perfect for tailoring mealtimes, for a balanced meal add a good quality mixer such as our natural dry food, or mix with carbohydrates like pasta or brown rice & vegetables
- MADE IN DEVON: Forthglade have over 50 years of making natural, nutritious recipes with high-quality ingredients, no nasties and gentle cooking methods
The particular best for the dog – according to this slogan, many dog owners lovingly care for their pets. The four-legged friends need attention and occupation, but most importantly, of course, food. The foodstuff is crucial to ensure that the dog is supplied with all the important nutrients and remains in good health to live a long dog’s life. But it is often not so easy to find the right food for your own dog. Similar to humans, it is also important to consider a balanced diet. In addition, the wide range of offers in the trade can cause confusion. Numerous questions arise: What nutritional requirements does the dog have and what quantity? Which in turn food is suitable where age? Is dry or wet food the right choice for your four-legged friend? And exactly how much should the dog be given? What can cause deficiency symptoms?
In the following dog food comparison, we present 14 products. You can expect information about which ingredients the foods contain and for which pet dogs the products are suitable. Inside our guide, we describe the types of dog food, go into some of the constituents and describe how much food your dog needs. In addition, you will learn which foods dogs cannot endure and just how you can recognise a food allergy.
The different types of dog food at a glance
Simply as every person has their own health needs, every dog’s preferences are different. The choice of food that will go into the dog’s bowl should be made according to various factors. These include the breed, activity and health of the dog. Age also plays a role.
Puppies are growing and need special nutrients. In addition, their gastrointestinal system is not yet as efficient. An adult dog needs sugars, fats, oils, healthy proteins and minerals. His dog food should be balanced. More mature dogs have a slow metabolism and are no longer as active. As a result, they want less energy, i. e. calories. Nevertheless , the dog food should be easy to process and include a great deal of proteins. In addition, the types of food fluctuate in words of composition, way of development and consistency.
Structure – complete or complementary food?
A complete feed includes all the nutrients the dog needs on a daily basis. The percentage of proteins, fatty acids, vitamins and minerals varies according to the product. The ingredients should be adapted to the age, activity and possible allergies of the four-legged friend. A whole food can be dry or wet food. Supplementary foods are not sufficient in themselves 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.
Type of production
– Dry food and wet food available in dog or cat shops and food markets usually comes from professional production. This kind of is the most typical type 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. However, some manufacturers of professional dog food use genetically altered raw materials and additives.
Industrially produced dog food has a long corner life. With a few exclusions, 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 must not contain any chemically synthesised additives. Nevertheless , certain synthetic minerals and vitamins are permitted. In phrases of packaging, there is often hardly any difference compared to professional food: natural dog food is packaged in cups or as dry food.
– Organic dog food must comply with stricter guidelines regarding substances. For example, the product must not contain numerous substances such as genetically modified ingredients, hormones and pesticides. You will discover distinctions between the various organic dog foods: “100 per dollar organic” means that no undesirable elements have been highly processed. With all the claim “organic”, the constituents in the organic food are 95 per dollar organic. If this states “made with organic”, the product contains 70 per cent natural ingredients. Organic food is available as dry and wet food.
– Meanwhile, vegan and vegetarian dog food is available too on the market. This kind of dog food will not contain meat but still provides the dog with the important nutrients. Yet , vegetarian and vegan dog food contains a lot of vegetables and grains, which can issues if the dog is intolerant.
– A unique form of dog food is BARF. The abbreviation stands for “biologically species-appropriate natural feeding”. This species-appropriate method of nourishing raw food is based on the dog’s ancestor – the wolf. Once 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. Because the meals are put together individually, barfing is more well suited for experienced pet owners who have analyzed the diet program of their four-legged friends in detail.
There are manufacturers who advertise that their dog food is of food quality. This is an assertion that should be treated with caution. There is no such thing as food-grade 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 provide the food an improved smell and taste. 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 uncooked materials and then grinding and mixing them. A painting tool presses this mass through the opportunities of a carol wall. Shaped and compacted chunks of feed come away the other side. Through the dog food production process, temperature ranges of about 90 levels Celsius are produced, which obviously contradicts the definition of cold depressing. However , temperatures are still significantly lower than those employed in extrusion.
2. In the extrusion process, the ingredients for the dog food are exposed to high temperatures. Many nutrients are lost during this manufacturing process. These kinds of need to be artificially added to the food after processing. During processing, the dough-like extruded feed is presented through nozzles at high pressure. Nourish produced in this way swells substantially 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 naturally, slowly and gradually. In addition, the food contains more natural elements. In case the four-legged friend has problems with the gastrointestinal system and an annoyed digestion, extruded dog food can be more tolerable for him. In this dog food, the starch has already been broken down during heating. Nevertheless, the manufacturing process is only a secondary factor in figuring out the tolerability and quality of the food. The most important thing is the quality of the raw materials.
Which is better – moist food or dried out food?
There is moist and dry dog food on the market. The two types of dog food differ in their water content.
Dry food contains hardly any water and therefore has a longer shelf life . usually several years. Dogs that are fed dry food have to chew more and so coach their teeth. Eating dry food is almost like brushing your dog’s teeth. To get dogs that drink little, feeding dry food can be a disadvantage. They can become dehydrated if they are provided only dry food. Therefore, it is important to provide the dog with enough water. The advantages and disadvantages of dry food at a glance:
Pros
- Long shelf life
- More affordable than wet food
- Easier to feed on the go
- Easy to store
- Almost germ-free due to heat during production
- Even more eco-friendly than canned food
Cons
- Frequently less acceptable to your canine
- The dog’s person is deprived of water, so it has to drink significantly more.
- Can lead to overweight faster if it is not a food items for deiting
- Risk of mould or mite formation if stored incorrectly
Wet dog food has a high water content. The wet food is usually portioned in tins or small bowls. Frequently one package of wet food compares to one meal. A large number of dogs like wet food much better than dry food. In contrast to dry food, damp food for puppies – once opened – can only be kept for a few days. It should be used up within 2 times of opening. Under we have summarised the benefits and disadvantages of wet food:
Pros
- High popularity by most four-legged friends
- Packed in convenient servings
- 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, damp food cannot be stored perfectly
- Good sized dogs need more space for storage
- Even more difficult to transport and feed on the move
- Wet food smells more intense
- Costs more than dry food
- Generates more waste
This is not possible to make a general statement about which type of dog food is well suited for your dog. The dog in the end decides which dog food it likes and which variety it prefers. To find out which type of dog food your puppy likes better and which he tolerates better, you should try out both types.
A few dog owners swap between wet and dry food. The following pertains 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 the dog.
How much meat and just how many carbohydrates and nutrients belong in dog food?
The quality of the dog food plays a major role in a balanced and nutritious 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 right composition of your dog food is also crucial for good digestion and the health of the four-legged friend.
Simply how much meat should the food contain?
Dogs are descended from wolves – that is why their digestive tract is similar to that of predators. Thus first and foremost, 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 can now break down starch, which means that the four-legged friend can also digest herb food in smaller quantities.
First and foremost, various meats provides the dog with protein. The four-legged friend needs protein for their muscles, bones, strong tissues, healthy the teeth and nerves and provide energy for its activities. As a result, senior dogs have a lower protein requirement because they are no longer as energetic 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 various meats for their four-legged friends, this could lead to a problem with digestion, stress on the kidneys and liver due to excess protein and deficiency symptoms.
Vitamin supplements, minerals and carbohydrates in dog food?
A well-balanced dog diet also contains nutrients that are not found in meat – for instance , vitamins and minerals found in fruits and veggies, or fatty acids from healthy oils. The four-legged friend also needs carbohydrates. Wolves, for example, eat the stomach and intestinal material of prey animals, now and then also berries and grass.
Dogs convert starch from rice, potatoes and cereals into energy and want it for their intestinal flora. On the other hand, the need for carbohydrates is low. Fillers from grow waste such as press residues from oil production, sections, husks or hay in many cases are added to the feed. Top quality carbohydrates are normally found in rice, potatoes, millet, maize, amaranth or buckwheat.
Animal fat provide the dog with twice as much energy as proteins. To prevent overweight, the food should contain these chemicals only moderately. How much should be in the dog food will depend on how much the pet moves. Lamb and poultry body fat are saturated fatty acids. They are stored in the body as emergency portion and are intended as a book for bad times. Meat and vegetable oil contain condensed omega-6 fatty acids and unsaturated oily acids. Omega-3 herbal oils, which are present in fish, are extremely valuable for cell metabolism.
What should be in the dog food? Dog food should consist of 50 to 70 percent lean meat or muscle meat or fish with high-quality proteins. In addition, there ought to be about 20 to 50 pct high-quality carbohydrates for energy production and fruit, vegetables or herbs for the necessary minerals and vitamins. The proportion of offal should be a maximum of 10 percent. Offal provides valuable nutrition such as vitamin h or iron. Very good quality oils such as salmon olive oil or linseed oil improve nutrient consumption and ensure a functioning cardiovascular system, a shiny coat and healthy skin.
How could i recognise superior quality dog food?
Dog food sold in UK must be labelled with certain mandatory information. These types of include:
– Treat and name of the manufacturer
– Date of make or best-before time of the dog food
– Identity of the foodstuff
– Net weight
– Moisture content for canned food
With regard to the ingredients of the feed, various statements 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 start declaration gives the structure in % and the respective resources of raw materials. When reading the food label, dog owners should also note the following:
1. Many manufacturers split the definition of materials 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 volumes.
2. The elements in the supply are listed in descending order relating to their amount. The further forwards an ingredient is listed on the label, the better its proportion. Alternatively, this means: Only a tiny proportion of an ingredient that is listed far down the list is contained in the feed.
Other aspects by which dog owners recognise the quality of the food are:
– Meat content of 50 to 70 per cent
– Grain and veggie content between 25 and 50 percent
– Balanced elements with all the necessary vitamins and minerals
– Very little use of flavour enhancers
These nutrients 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 detailed under the word “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 canine food. Manufacturers often do not declare just what is included. It can be high-quality muscle meat or offal as well as low-quality offal. The latter includes, among other things, jerky, rumen or chaps. Animal by-products include, for instance , hair, bone fragments, hooves, blood or beaks.
2. Seafood as well as by-products include fish fillets, bone fragments and fish heads.
3. Plant by-products include, for example, vegetables, cereals and pulses and oil fruits. They can be to some extent health- and digestion-promoting food components.
4. Technological additives are preservatives, separating and binding agents, stabilisers, thickening and solidifying agents and acidity regulators. A few of these are important. These include, for instance , emulsifiers and natural antioxidants. Emulsifiers ensure an uniform regularity 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 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 influence the dog’s performance and health – such as stabilisers for the intestinal tract flora or digestive enzymes.
7. Physical additives are employed to influence the appearance and taste of the dog food. They will include flavourings and colourings.
Overweight dogs suffer! Obesity is an increasing 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. Often , too much food is the reason for overweight. But age, sex and breed also may play a role. Especially Cocker Spaniels, Labrador Retrievers and King Charles tend to become overweight. Sometimes the use of diet food should be considered.
How much food does my dog need?
If the four-legged friend gets more energy than he uses, he can become overweight. Therefore, it is vital to give canines the necessary food. How much pet food a dog needs depends on various factors. In addition to the breed, the next aspects are relevant, for example:
Activity level: How much the four-legged friend moves determines the amount of energy it burns. A puppy that moves a lot burns more calories. If the dog is not so active, it burns fewer calories from fat and has a slower metabolism. Appropriately, he needs less food.
Age: Younger dogs are still growing and are often more curious and energetic. They usually have a higher energy requirement than older dogs. It truly is advisable to reduce the quantity of food a little annually. For old dogs, there are senior foods that are lower in 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 early as 7 to 8 years.
Diseases: Several diseases influence a dog’s food or energy requirements. These include cardiovascular problems, thyroid disease, joint disease and diabetes. When dogs are coping with illness, they need more pet food.
Hormone balance: A dog’s hormonal levels can surge or fall, changing energy needs. For example , dogs have different energy needs when they are conceived or change their coat.
To find out just how much 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, pet owners can use the following 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 per cent of the dog’s weight.
– If the dog is older and does not exercise as much, a daily food amount of 2 percent 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 pct of his body weight.
– Snacks should not exceed 10 percent of the daily food requirement.
Any individual who is not sure about the right amount of food should talk to a vet and/or a nutritionist.
Just how can I recognize a food allergy or intolerance?
The most common allergies in dogs are flea allergy and food allergy. Possible triggers of your allergy are, for example , stress, unwanted organisms and pollen. In addition, the protein-containing substances in a feed can induce allergic reactions. Things 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 allergy and an intolerance?
– An allergy is a hypersensitivity reaction by the dog’s immune system. It reacts strongly against a certain substance. A true food allergy rarely occurs in dogs. Mostly it is an intolerance. This is not triggered by the immune system.
– Likely symptoms of allergies and intolerances
– Possible symptoms of a food allergy or food intolerance include irritation, vomiting, belly pain, flatulence, diarrhoea, lack of fur, redness and frequent scratching.
– Symptoms may not show up right after feeding the food. Sometimes they only appear a few hours or days later.
On the other hand, the symptoms do certainly not have to indicate an allergic reaction or intolerance. That they can be caused by another disease. In the event that your dog has these symptoms, you need to have the cause solved by a vet. The vet can also determine an allergic reaction or an intolerance, for instance , through an allergy test. On the other hand, it is possible to undertake an different diet. However, this involves a lot of effort.
What is an exemption diet?
In an exclusion diet, the owner feeds the four-legged friend only one special way to obtain protein and carbs. These sources must be ingredients that the four-legged friend have not eaten before. Pet owners should change the dog food bit by little. After the food change, your dog is fed the new food for several weeks.
When the dog’s condition increases and the symptoms no longer occur, a provocation test is carried out. Here, the dog owner has to feed his four-legged friend one substance at a time, that could be the trigger for the allergic reactions. Above time, a list is made of substances that the dog can put up with or that cause allergic reactions in him. An eradication diet is something that dog owners can do themselves. On the other hand, it is highly recommended to check with a professional or speak to the vet ahead of time.
Consistent action is essential during an exclusion diet. The dog really should not be given chews, treats or left over spots 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 longer eat the allergy-causing substances. The selected family pet food must therefore not contain any substances that your dog cannot tolerate. The same goes to treats and all dog snacks between meals.
If absolutely nothing changes, patience is necesary: sometimes it takes some time until the symptoms of an intolerance or allergic reaction no longer happen. Sometimes they only disappear completely months following your change in food.
Precisely what is grain-free dog food?
Doggie food often consists of grains. These include wheat or grain, barley and rye, for example. Grain have an important function: they are a source of carbohydrates and energy. However, an excessive amount of it causes 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 dried beans, which also provide carbohydrates to the dog.
Grain-free dog food usually makes digestion easier and is also suited to more sensitive dogs. Nevertheless , it is not necessarily necessary to use a grain-free dog food. Dogs are omnivores and are able to process vegetable protein. Some types of materials are also especially easy to digest. Such as 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 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 puppies can’t tolerate. Some of them are actually poisonous for canines. These include, for example, onions, raw cabbage and raw pork. Onions can be fatal, according to the size of the onion and the dog. For a medium-sized dog, even a medium-sized onion can be extremely dangerous. If the dog eats raw cabbage, it can get belly cramps or unwanted gas. Raw pork could retain the Aujeszky virus, which in turn causes fatal disease. Other foods and drinks that pups should never eat include:
- Chocolates
- Raw potatoes
- Fruit
- Sultanas
- Fruits pits
- Raw signal
- Macadamia nuts
- Bitter walnuts
- Raw eggs
- Some types of avocado
- Birch sugars and xylitol
- Cream and milk
- Caffeinated drinks, such as coffee
- Alcohol
Furthermore, nicotine is dangerous for dogs. Therefore, caution is suggested 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 because of it, you should contact the vet or maybe the veterinary unexpected emergency service directly. Meanwhile, keep the 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 might be necessary to take the dog to a veterinary clinic or drive it to the vet. Symptoms that may occur with poisoning include:
- Abnormal salivation
- Excessive thirst
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Aches
- Uneasyness
- Shortness of breath
To prevent your dog from eating incompatible foods, dog owners should make sure that relatives and acquaintances do not feed them such foods. Found in addition, it is necessary to train the dog well so that it does not constantly eat anything from the side of the trail.
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- A COMPLETE NUTRITION COLD PRESSED DOG FOOD: high in meat content with ‘superfood’ vegetables & botanicals. Our cold pressed method keeps natural enzymes and vitamins locked in as well as retaining fibre and molecular structures, and most important, dogs love the taste!
Video about best dry raw dog food
FAQ – Common questions about dog food
Finally, we answer some important and frequently asked questions about dog food.
What should I 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 truth after about 8 weeks. The components and elements of puppy dog food are specially created for growing puppies. This is because a baby dog’s immune system, bones, muscles, coat and teeth first have to build up.
With puppy dog food, the focus is on nutrient intake. Over all, the puppy dog 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 your canine food for adult quadrupeds. In the beginning, young dogs should be provided with small portions many times a day, which are then slowly increased.
When should I start using dog food for adult dogs?
This kind of will depend on the breed of dog: Promising small to medium breeds are viewed as older people from 9 to 12 months of age. For large breeds, it is recommended to give adult food to dogs from 12 to 15 months of age. For very large breeds, it is advised to give adult food a little later – from 18 to 24 months.
When should my dog be given food for older persons?
For small dogs, the enhancements made on 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 older at 7 to 8 years of age. In addition to age group, the dog’s state of health is also an important criterion. It is recommended to discuss the change of food with the vet.
What is the best way to store dry food?
The dry food should be kept in an snug container. Glass or plastic containers without plasticisers are best. Packaging with a metal layer on the inside is also recommended for storing dried food. The container or packaging should be stored in a dry and not too warm place. Otherwise the meals can become “sticky” and lose its taste and nutrients. At worst, mould can develop.
Precisely what is barfing?
The abbreviation BARF comes from the British 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 unprocessed food such as meat, offal and bones, supplemented with vegetables, fruit, herbal oils and carbohydrates for a balanced supply of nutrients. Meanwhile, compound and freeze-dried BARF food and deep-frozen meat can be purchased in the shops. Pet owners can add the other necessary components. However , you should advise 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. If the changeover is abrupt, sensitive canines in particular can quickly suffer from intestinal problems, a few of which may be considerable. A period of one week is usually recommended for your dog to get used to the new food.
The change of food should proceed as employs: On day 1 and 2, replace about a quarter of the dog’s usual food with the new food. On the 3 rd and fourth day, replace half with the new food. Within the fifth and sixth day, the proportion of the new dog food should be three quarters. On day 7, the move is complete.
If the dog reacts sensitively and, for example , gets diarrhoea in the first few days of the foodstuff 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 whatsoever, it is obviously not ideal for him. In cases like this, you should look for an option.
What should I do if my dog does not like dry food?
After that it makes sense to soak the dry food. This has several advantages: Dogs often eat the dry food beyond hunger because it swells in the stomach first. This makes it easier for them to become overweight and feel full. If the food has already inflamed in water, it fills the dog up faster and is easier to process. In addition, the dogs absorb more liquid with soaked dry food.
How fast do dogs digest dry food?
Puppies usually need up to 14 hours to digest dry food. The exact time depends, among other things, on the age and size of the dog and the quality of the food. A young dog usually has a faster metabolism than an old animal. The amount of food is important too. Tiny portions are digested more quickly than large amounts. In addition, insoluble fibers remain in the stomach for a shorter time than soluble fibres. Low-fat food also brings about 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?
There are quite a few manufacturers who carry out creature experiments to test the effects and tolerance of their newly developed types of food. PETA’s website publishes a listing 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 is i able to start nourishing a puppy?
During the first weeks of its life, a puppy is federal reserve breast milk by its mother. Sound food is usually eaten by pups from the 3rd or 4th week of life. During this time period, 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 with a liquid – for example with puppy milk. From the 6th to 7th week of life, the puppy is normally no longer fed with mother’s dairy.
Experts recommend soaking your dry puppy food with a water until the puppy is 5 or 6 months old. To get the puppy used to the harder food, mix in more and more non-soaked food pieces over time.
Making dog food yourself – will it make sense?
Making your own dog food takes more time and work than bought food. However, it really does have some advantages:
– If you make the dog food yourself, you can decide 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 taste.
– 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 might be sensible or required to prepare the food yourself. Before planning the meals, you should study the various substances. The foodstuff should be balanced and contain all the necessary nutrients. It is often a good idea 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 dogs. For example, onions and garlic should not be eaten by dogs.
What is hypoallergenic dog food?
Hypoallergenic dog food is especially suited to dogs with allergic reactions. It is adapted to the needs of such a four-legged friend and can be easily broken down by your dog. There is hypoallergenic dry food and allergies wet food on the market. That contains few or no substances that cause allergic reactions in dogs. Consequently, a hypoallergenic food reduces the risk that your canine will not tolerate it and that hypersensitive reactions will occur.
Usually there is only one source of necessary protein in such a product. This is usually an amazing meat, such as kangaroo or water buffalo. Normally, the protein source used very rarely causes an intolerance. Nevertheless, it cannot be ruled out that even hypoallergenic dog food can lead to allergies. This happens when there is a substance in the food that the four-legged friend cannot tolerate.
In addition to dogs with allergy symptoms, hypoallergenic food is ideal for four-legged friends with a sensitive gastrointestinal system. For these dogs, such a product can offer prevention of digestive problems.
