The particular best for the dog – relating to this motto, many dog owners lovingly care for their pets. The four-legged friends need attention and profession, but most importantly, of course, food. The food is crucial to ensure that the dog 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 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 multitude of offers in the trade can cause confusion. Different questions arise: What nutritional requirements will the dog have and in what quantity? Which food is ideal where age? Is definitely dry or damp 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 food for a sick dog, we present 10 products. You can expect information about which ingredients the foods contain and for which pet dogs the products are suitable. Within our guide, we describe the types of dog food, go into some of the constituents and describe how much food your dog needs. In addition, you will see which foods dogs cannot endure and how you can recognise a food allergy.
Below is a list of the best food for a sick dog:
-
Vet's Kitchen - Grain Free - Complete Dry Dog Food - Sensitive Care Pork and...
—
£14.50
£15.00 -
Lily's Kitchen Adult Recovery Recipe Wet Dog Food (6 x 400 g)
—
£16.99
£19.50 - Algoods Working Dog Food Complete Dry Dog Food Chicken Flavour, 10 Kg — £20.83
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HiLife BANQUET - Wet Dog Food - Flaked Chicken Breast, Rice & Tuna/Chicken...
—
£22.25
£25.50 -
Alpha Sensitive Complete Dry Dog Food Chicken and Rice, 15 kg
—
£28.99
£35.69 -
Chappie Dog Food Cans Favourites, 24 x 412g
—
£31.82
£37.88 - PURINA PRO PLAN VETERINARY DIETS HA Hypoallergenic Dry Dog Food 3 kg — £35.49
- Wellness CORE Original, Dog Food Dry, Grain Free - Turkey & Chicken, 10 kg — £45.99
- Arden Grange Adult Dry Dog Food with Fresh Salmon and Rice, 12 kg — £52.99
- PRO PLAN Optiweight Light Sterilised Adult Dry Dog Food Chicken 14kg,... — £56.98
After hours researching and comparing all models on the market, Life my Dog finds out the Best food for a sick dog of 2024. We would recommend using Lily’s Kitchen Adult Recovery Recipe Wet Dog Food (6 x 400 g) as it is available at a resonable price.
Top 10 Best food for a sick dog
Best food for a sick dog
Lily's Kitchen Adult Recovery Recipe Wet Dog Food (6 x 400 g)
£16.99
Features
- A nutritionally complete, gentle recipe, perfect for dogs recovering from illness
- A soothing combination of ingredients including 50% fresh chicken, banana and potato
- Contains bananas which contain potassium and soluble fibre to help digestion
- Contains FOS & MOS, great for supporting a healthy digestive system
- Natural ingredients with no added sugar
Chappie Dog Food Cans Favourites, 24 x 412g
£31.82
Features
- Complete pet food for adult dogs
- 100% complete and balanced dog food developed with vets
- No artificial colours, flavours and no added sugar, eggs, dairy, red meat or soya
- Contains all of the essential nutrients that your dog requires to keep him in top condition every single day
- Rich in white fish
PRO PLAN Optiweight Light Sterilised Adult Dry Dog Food Chicken 14kg, transparent
Features
- OPTIWEIGHT is proven effective for healthy weight loss and weight maintenance
- Low fat - Proven to support healthy weight loss and maintain lean body mass
- Helps to support Healthy Joints
- Helps reduce the feeling of hunger
- Helps prevent future weight gain ` through lean body maintenance, encouraging calorie burning.
Arden Grange Adult Dry Dog Food with Fresh Salmon and Rice, 12 kg
Features
- Arden Grange adult rich in fresh pork & rice is a complete, super premium pet food for normally active adult dogs
- Free from artificial colours, flavours and preservatives; Containing a unique blend of nutrients and natural supplements to help promote the optimum health, vitality and condition of your dog
- Including prebiotics to aid digestion, joint supplements, essential fatty acids to promote a healthy skin and coat, cranberries for urinary tract health, antioxidants and added vitamins and minerals to help support immune system and dental health
- Naturally hypoallergenic so you won't find any wheat gluten, beef soya or dairy products; This may reduce the risk of dietary intolerances and allergies that can cause digestive disorders and skin complaints
Wellness CORE Original, Dog Food Dry, Grain Free - Turkey & Chicken, 10 kg
Features
- HEALTHY DIGESTIVE SYSTEM: Our Wellness CORE Adult Original is easy to digest and contains prebiotic fibre and probiotics, providing your furry friend with a healthy digestive system!
- STRENGTHENING HIPS AND JOINTS: The mobility of adult dogs will be supported by guaranteed amounts of glucosamine, chondroitin sulphate and controlled sodium levels.
- FRESH MEAT AS MAIN INGREDIENT: The dry dog food contains fresh turkey and chicken, for a tasty meal with every bowl!
- LOW CARBS AND NO FILLERS: Our recipes are grain-free, supporting a high-protein and a meat-rich nutrition for your dog.
- NATURAL HYPOALLERGENIC DOG FOOD: Our product does not contain cereals, gluten, eggs, artificial colours, flavours or preservatives.
PURINA PRO PLAN VETERINARY DIETS HA Hypoallergenic Dry Dog Food 3 kg
Features
- - Hypoallergenic elimination diet for food trials - Long-term management of food allergy - Dermatitis and/or gastroenteritis associated with food allergy - Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) - Food intolerance - Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI)* - Hyperlipidaemia* - Lymphangiectasia* - Malabsorption* - Protein losing enteropathy - Chronic diarrhoea* - Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO)*
- Single hydrolysed protein with low molecular weight to help avoid allergic responses.
- Purified carbohydrates sources to help avoid allergic responses
- With omega-3 fatty acids to help maximise the natural anti-inflammatory processes.
- Provides a lipid energy source which is much easier1 to digest and absorb Contains MCFAs (medium-chain fatty acids)
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
Alpha Sensitive Complete Dry Dog Food Chicken and Rice, 15 kg
£28.99
Features
- Gluten free
- Wheat free
- Nutritionally formulated for sensitive stomachs
- Easy soak for sensitive teeth and gums
- 20% protein
HiLife BANQUET - Wet Dog Food - Flaked Chicken Breast, Rice & Tuna/Chicken Breast, Rice & Pumpkin - Natural Ingredients, 30 Pouches x 100g
£22.25
Features
- HILIFE BANQUET WET FOOD FOR DOGS: The HiLife Banquet wet dog food range has been created using only human-grade ingredients and absolutely no artificial additives. The range includes a choice of 4 delicious all-natural recipes in mouth-watering jelly that your dog is sure to love.
- A GREAT SOURCE OF PROTEIN, FIBRE, VITAMINS & ANTIOXIDANTS: Chicken Breast is a great source of protein, which is easy on the digestive system and rich in vitamins and minerals, and not only is our Tuna certified Dolphin-safe it is a great source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids. Pumpkin also provides fibre, and is rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants to help pets with healthy digestion.
- 100% NATURAL INGREDIENTS: Only the very best quality ingredients go into our HiLife Dog and & Cat Recipes - our HiLife Banquet wet dog food pouches are made from 100% natural ingredients and absolutely no artificial colours, flavours or preservatives.
- A COMPLEMENTARY PET FOOD FOR ADULT DOGS: HiLife Banquet Pouches are a complementary pet food for adult dogs, and can be used every day as a treat or topping within a balanced diet. To ensure balanced nutrition, feed your dog a selection of products from the HiLife range but do remember to monitor total food intake.
- HILIFE - OUR STORY: HiLife is a British run business, and for over 30 years, we've been delighting the nation's pets with nutritious and delicious meals. As pet owners ourselves, we understand just how important our canine companions and feline friends can be. We're proud of our pet food because it matters.
Vet's Kitchen - Grain Free - Complete Dry Dog Food - Sensitive Care Pork and Potato - Advanced Nutrition for your Adult Dog - 2.2kg
£14.50
Features
- Included components: Dry Dog Kibble
- GRAIN FREE - suitable for your sensitive adult dog, recipe formulated without the use of cereals or grains for easy digestion
- NOVEL PROTEIN - 33% British pork, a lesser used protein in dog food which makes it best for dogs with allergies or intolerances
- ADDED GOODNESS - Omega 3 & 6 for healthy skin and coat plus Glucosamine and Chondroitin for joint health
- NATURALLY NUTRITIOUS - tasty recipes combining our veterinary expertise, nutritional research and the highest quality ingredients for a complete, nutritious diet
Only the best for the dog – according 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 foodstuff 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. Just like humans, it is also important to consider a balanced diet. In addition, the wide variety of offers in the trade can cause confusion. Numerous questions arise: What nutritional requirements will the dog have in addition to what quantity? Which usually food is appropriate at which age? Is dry or damp food the right choice for your four-legged friend? And how much should the dog be provided? What causes deficiency symptoms?
In the following dog food comparison, we present 14 products. We offer information about which ingredients the foods contain and for which dogs the products are suitable. Inside our guide, we describe the types of dog food, go into some of the constituents and describe how much food a dog needs. In addition, you will see which foods dogs cannot tolerate and how you can recognise a food allergy.
The different types of dog food easily
Just as every person has their own own nutritional 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 group also plays a role.
Puppies are growing and need special nutrients. In addition, their gastrointestinal system is not yet as efficient. An adult dog needs carbohydrates, fats, oils, protein and minerals. His dog food should be balanced. More mature dogs have a slow metabolism and are no longer as active. Therefore, they want less energy, i. e. calories from fat. Yet , the dog food should be easy to break down and include a whole lot of proteins. In addition, the types of food differ in phrases of composition, method of development and consistency.
Structure – complete or complementary food?
A complete feed includes all the nutrients the dog needs on a daily basis. The proportion of proteins, fatty acids, minerals and vitamins varies with respect to the product. The ingredients should be adapted to the age, activity and possible allergies of the four-legged friend. A complete food can be dry or wet food. Supplementary meals are not sufficient per to provide the dog with all the crucial nutrition. These can be flakes that the dog owner combines into the food or treats. The declaration shows what.
Type of production
– Dry food and wet food available in family pet shops and food markets usually comes from professional production. This is the most common kind of dog food. Industrially produced wet food is often filled in cans or small aluminium trays. With the latter, one bowl is sufficient for one portion. On the other hand, some manufacturers of commercial dog food use genetically modified raw materials and additives.
Industrially produced dog food has a long rack life. With a few conditions, this dog food can be stored unopened for several years with no 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. Nevertheless , certain synthetic vitamins and minerals are permitted. In conditions of packaging, there is often hardly any difference compared to business food: natural dog food is packaged in cups or as dried out food.
– Organic dog food must comply with stricter guidelines regarding elements. For example, the product should not contain numerous substances such as genetically altered ingredients, hormones and pesticides. You will find differences between the various natural dog foods: “100 per cent organic” means that no undesirable ingredients have been processed. Together with the claim “organic”, the constituents in the natural food are 95 per penny organic. If this states “made with organic”, the product consists of 70 per penny organic and natural ingredients. Organic food is available as dry and wet food.
– Meanwhile, vegan and vegetarian dog food is also available on the market. This kind of dog food would not contain meat but still provides the dog with the important nutrients. However , veggie and vegan dog food contains a lot of fresh vegetables and grains, which can cause problems if the dog is intolerant.
– An exclusive form of dog food is BARF. The abbreviation stands for “biologically species-appropriate organic feeding”. This species-appropriate method of nourishing raw food is based on the dog’s ancestor – the wolf. When ever barfing, the dog is fed natural fresh meat, often coupled with raw, pureed fruit or fresh vegetables. Whether this method is actually healthier is debatable. Since the meals are merged individually, barfing much more well suited for experienced pet owners who have analyzed the diet of their four-legged friends in detail.
There are manufacturers who advertise that their dog food is of food quality. This 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 provide the food the smell and preference. Some dog enthusiasts also avoid pet food/dog food from factory farming.
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 created by first drying the natural materials and then grinding and mixing them. A tool presses this mass through the spaces of a carol wall. Shaped and compacted chunks of feed come away the other part. Through the dog food production process, temperatures of around 90 degrees Celsius are generated, which obviously contradicts the term cold hitting. Yet , temperatures are still significantly lower than those used in extrusion.
2. In the extrusion process, the ingredients for the dog food are exposed to great heat. Many nutrients are lost during this manufacturing process. These types of need to be artificially added to the meals after processing. During control, the dough-like extruded feed is communicated through nozzles at high pressure. Give food to produced in this way swells substantially when liquid is added.
Both methods have advantages and disadvantages: Because the nutrients have not yet been damaged down, a dog can digest the cold-pressed food normally, slowly and gradually. In addition, the food contains more natural elements. If the four-legged good friend has problems with the gastrointestinal tract and a disturbed digestion, extruded dog food can be more tolerable for him. In this dog food, the starch has already been broken down during heating. On the other hand, the manufacturing process is merely a secondary factor in deciding the tolerability and quality of the foodstuff. The most important thing is the quality of the unprocessed trash.
Which is better – moist food or dried out food?
There exists damp and dry dog food on the market. The two types of dog food differ in their water content.
Dry food contains almost no water and therefore has a longer shelf life – often several years. Dogs that are fed dry food have to munch more and thus train their teeth. Ingesting dry food is almost like brushing your dog’s teeth. To get dogs that drink little, feeding dried out food can become 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 huge benefits and disadvantages of dry food at a glance:
Pros
- Long shelf life
- Less costly than cast food
- Easier to feed on the go
- Easy to store
- Almost germ-free due to heating system during production
- More environmentally friendly than refined food
Cons
- Generally less acceptable to the dog
- The dog’s person is deprived of water, so it has to drink more.
- Can lead to overweight faster 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. Various dogs like wet food much better than dry food. In contrast to dry food, damp food for dogs – once opened up – can only be kept for a few times. It should be used up within 2 times of opening. Under we have summarised the huge benefits and drawbacks of wet food:
Pros
- High popularity by most four-legged friends
- Packed in helpful portions
- 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 well
- Large dogs need to know more space for storage
- More difficult to move and feed on the move
- Wet food smells more powerful
- Costs more than dry food
- Creates more waste
It is not possible to make a general statement about which type of dog food is suited to your dog. Your dog in the end makes a decision which dog food it likes and which variety it prefers. To find out which type of dog food your dog likes better and which this individual tolerates better, you should try out both types.
Several dog owners change between wet and dry food. The following relates to both types of food: It should only be given as a primary meal, never as a treat in between meals. This can lead to overfeeding of the dog.
How much meat and just how many carbs and nutrients are supposed to be in dog food?
The caliber 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 your dog food is also crucial for good digestion and the health of the four-legged good friend.
Simply how much meat should the food contain?
Dogs are descended from wolves – that is why their digestive system is similar to regarding predators. Therefore above all, the supply of meat is important. Yet , this is not the only thing that matters. Unlike the wolf, the dog was domesticated by humans, and its needs and genetics have changed. This also applies to digestion. For example, the dog’s digestive enzyme are now able to break down starch, meaning the four-legged friend can also digest flower food in smaller quantities.
First and foremost, various meats provides the dog with protein. The four-legged friend needs protein for the muscles, bones, strong tissues, healthy the teeth and nerves and to provide energy for its activities. Therefore, senior dogs have a lower proteins requirement because they are no longer as energetic as young or adult animals. In general, experts say that dog food should contain between 50 and 70 % meat. But other ingredients are important too. If dog owners feed only meat with their four-legged friends, this can lead to a problem with digestion, stress on the kidneys and liver due to excess protein and deficiency symptoms.
Nutritional vitamins, minerals and carbs in dog food?
A balanced dog diet also contains nutrients that are not present in meat – for example , vitamins and mineral deposits found in fruits and veggies, or fatty acids from healthy herbal oils. The four-legged friend also needs sugars. Wolves, for example, eat the belly and intestinal material of prey animals, 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 herb waste such as press residues from oil production, stalks, husks or hay are often added to the feed. Top quality carbohydrates are located in rice, potatoes, millet, maize, amaranth or buckwheat.
Animal fats provide the dog with twice as much energy as proteins. To prevent overweight, the meals should contain these substances only moderately. How much should maintain the dog food depends upon how much the pet moves. Lamb and poultry fats are saturated oily acids. They may be stored in the body as emergency portion and are meant as a hold for bad times. Meat and veggie oil contain saturated omega-6 fatty acids and unsaturated oily acids. Omega-3 natural oils, which are present in fish, are extremely valuable for cell metabolism.
What should maintain the dog food? Dog food should contain 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 nutritional supplements. The proportion of offal should be a maximum of 10 percent. Offal provides valuable nutrition such as biotin or iron. Good quality oils such as salmon oil or linseed oil based improve nutrient ingestion and ensure a functioning cardiovascular system, a shiny coat and healthy pores and skin.
How could i recognise top quality dog food?
Puppy food sold in UK must be labelled with certain mandatory information. These types of include:
– Address and name of the manufacturer
– Date of produce or best-before date of the dog food
– Name of the meals
– Net weight
– Moisture content for canned food
With regard to the ingredients of the feed, various claims are permitted: A closed declaration only indicates ingredient teams. These are, for instance , statements such as “with cereals” and “vegetable by-products”. A semi-open declaration data the individual uncooked materials, but not their percentage. The open declaration provides the structure in pct and the respective options of raw materials. When reading the food label, dog owners should also note the following:
1. Many manufacturers split the word feed 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 feed. The cereal components provide carbohydrates and saturate well, but should not be included in too large quantities.
2. The elements in the give food to are listed in descending order regarding to their volume. The further ahead an ingredient is listed on the label, the better its proportion. On the other hand, this implies: Only a small proportion of an ingredient that is listed far throughout 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 substances with all the necessary vitamins and minerals
– No use of flavour enhancers
These nutrients 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 listed under the word “analytical ingredients”. We certainly have summarised these in the table:
| Component | Quantity required | Tasks | Information and special features |
| Crude protein | 20 to 25 percent in dry food 8 to 10 percent in wet food | Builds the body’s own tissue such as muscles and bones Strengthening skin and organs Enzymes, blood and hormones also need protein | High-quality protein comes mainly from muscle meat. Low-quality protein is found in slaughterhouse waste |
| Crude ash | 5 to 8 per cent or a maximum of 10 per cent for dry food. Less than 2 percent for wet feed | Supply of inorganic substances such as magnesium, calcium, zinc or silicic acid | Formed after combustion of the feed Proportion should be balanced Sometimes cheap but unnecessary bone meal products are added |
| Crude fibre | 2 to 3 percent for dry food 0.2 to 5 percent for wet food | Support of digestion Stimulation of intestinal activity Strengthens healthy intestinal flora Influences consistency and shape of dog faeces | Proportion of dietary fibre Too high a proportion can lead to flatulence and large quantities of faeces Rumen is filled with raw fibre Otherwise in the form of vegetables and fruit |
| Crude fat | At least 15 percent in dry food for active dogs 12 to 15 percent for dry food for dogs with normal to less exercise 1 percent for wet food | Provides energy Ensure healthy skin and shiny coat | High-quality products include salmon oil, linseed oil, cod oil, pumpkin seed oil and hemp oil. |
The other possible ingredients in dog food are explained below:
1. The value for meat and canine by-products indicates the meat content in your dog food. Manufacturers often do not declare exactly what is included. It can be high-quality muscle meat or offal as well as low-quality offal. The latter includes, among other things, dried meats, rumen or chaps. Animal by-products include, for instance , hair, bone fragments, hooves, blood or beaks.
2. Fish as well as by-products include fish fillets, bones and fish heads.
3. Plant by-products include, for example, vegetables, cereals and pulses and olive oil fruits. They can be partially health- and digestion-promoting food components.
4. Technological additives are preservatives, separating and binding agents, stabilisers, thickening and gelling 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 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 formula, for example as vitamins, provitamins, amino acids and track 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. Sensory additives are utilized to influence the appearance and taste of your canine food. They will include flavourings and colourings.
Overweight puppies suffer! Obesity is an expanding problem in dogs with serious health consequences. That can lead to diseases of internal organs, puts stress on bones, joints and the cardiovascular system, and promotes irritation. It may also shorten the life expectancy of the animal. Often , too much food is the reason for overweight. Yet age, sex and breed also play a role. Especially Cocker Spaniels, Labrador Retrievers and King Charles often become overweight. Sometimes the use of food items for deiting should be considered.
How much food does my dog need?
In the event the four-legged good friend gets more energy than he consumes, he can become overweight. Therefore, it is very important to give dogs the right amount of food. Just how much pet food a dog needs depends on various factors. In addition to the breed, the subsequent aspects are relevant, for example:
Activity level: How much the four-legged good 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. Consequently, he needs less food.
Age: Young dogs continue to be growing and are often more curious and lively. They usually have a higher energy requirement than old dogs. It truly is a good idea to reduce the quantity of food a little each year. For more mature dogs, there are senior foods that are lower in fat and contain important additives. For smaller dogs it is time 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 types of include cardiovascular problems, thyroid disease, osteo-arthritis and diabetes. When ever dogs are recovering from illness, they need more pet food.
Hormone balance: A dog’s hormone 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 what amount of food is right for your dog, look at the calorie content of your canine food. A higher calorie content means a lower 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 percent of the dog’s weight.
– If the dog is older and does not exercise as much, a daily food amount of 2 pct of the body weight is usually sufficient.
– A dog that techniques a lot or is coping with an illness should be fed more. His necessary food amount per day is up to 5 percent of his body weight.
– Snacks should not exceed 10 pct of the daily food requirement.
Anyone who is uncertain about the right amount of food should talk to a vet and/or a nutritionist.
Just how can I recognize a food allergic reaction?
The most frequent allergies in dogs are flea allergy and food allergy. Possible causes of an allergy are, for example , stress, parasitic organisms and pollen. In addition, the protein-containing substances in a feed can result in allergic reactions. Ingredients that a dog might be allergic to include, for example , me llaman, animal proteins from poultry, pork or beef, and grains.
What is the difference between an allergy and an intolerance?
– An allergy is a hypersensitivity response by the dog’s immune system. That reacts strongly against a certain material. A real food allergic reaction rarely occurs in dogs. Mostly it is an intolerance. This is not triggered by the immune system.
– Feasible symptoms of allergies and intolerances
– Possible symptoms of a food allergy or food intolerance include irritation, vomiting, abs pain, flatulence, diarrhoea, lack of fur, redness and frequent scratching.
– Symptoms may not show up immediately after feeding the food. Sometimes they only appear a few hours or days later.
On the other hand, the symptoms do certainly not have to indicate an allergic reaction or intolerance. They will can be caused by another disease. In the event that your dog has these symptoms, you need to have the cause cleared up with a vet. The vet can also determine an allergy or an intolerance, for instance , through an allergy test. Additionally, it is possible to carry out an exemption diet. However, this involves a lot of effort.
What is an different 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. Following the food change, your dog is fed the new food for a number of weeks.
When the dog’s condition improves and the symptoms no more occur, a provocation test is performed. Here, the dog owner has to feed his four-legged friend one substance at a time, that could be the trigger for the allergies. Above time, a list is made of substances that the dog can tolerate or that cause allergic reactions in him. An removal diet is something that pet owners can do themselves. Nevertheless, it is recommended to check with a professional or speak to the vet ahead of time.
Consistent action is crucial during an exemption diet. The dog should not be given chews, treats or left over spots during this time.
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 will no longer eat the allergy-causing chemicals. The selected pet food must therefore not contain any substances that your canine cannot tolerate. The same goes to treats and all dog snacks between meals.
If absolutely nothing changes, patience is called for: sometimes it takes a little while until the symptoms of an intolerance or allergic reaction no longer happen. Sometimes they only disappear completely months after the change in food.
What is grain-free dog food?
Doggie food often includes grains. These include wheat, barley and rye, for example. Grain have an important function: they are a source of carbohydrates and energy. However, too much of it leads to obesity and sometimes to an issue with digestion. There is also grain-free dog food. Instead of feed, it contains alternative 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. Yet , it is not necessarily essential to use a grain-free dog food. Dogs are omnivores and are able to break down vegetable protein. A few types of materials are also particularly easy to process. These include maize and rice, for example. Sometimes, however, it makes sense or is necessary to use a dog food without feed. This is especially true if the dog is allergic to food containing cereals.
In the event you want to give your puppy a dog food with grain, you should make sure that the grain content is not too high and that the product has a balanced recipe.
What can dogs not tolerate?
There are a lot of foods that dogs can’t tolerate. Several of them are actually poisonous for canines. These include, for example, onions, raw cabbage and natural pork. Onions can be fatal, according to the size of the onion and your dog. For a medium-sized dog, even a medium-sized onion can be extremely dangerous. If the dog eats raw cabbage, it can get belly cramps or unwanted gas. Raw pork could retain the Aujeszky disease, which in turn causes fatal illness. Other foods and drinks that dogs should never eat include:
- Chocolates
- Raw potatoes
- Vineyard
- Sultanas
- Fresh fruit starts
- Raw pulses
- Macadamia nuts
- Bitter walnuts
- Raw ova
- Some types of avocado
- Birch sugars and xylitol
- Cream and milk
- Caffeinated drinks, such as espresso
- Alcohol
Furthermore, nicotine is dangerous for dogs. Therefore, caution is suggested in rain messes, for example: Cigarette residues can be found in them. Ashtrays should be placed 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 doctor and also the veterinary unexpected emergency service directly. At the same time, keep your dog in a safe environment. On the other hand, despite all the concern for the dog’s life, the following applies: Stay calm and watch to signs of poisoning. It may be necessary to take the dog to a veterinary clinic or drive it to the vet. Symptoms that could occur with poisoning include:
- Abnormal salivation
- Excessive being thirsty
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Aches
- Restlessness
- Shortness of breath
To prevent your canine from eating incompatible foods, dog owners should make sure that family members and acquaintances do not feed them such foods. In addition, it is necessary to train the dog well so that it does not constantly eat whatever from the side of the trail.
The best choice is the Lily’s Kitchen Adult Recovery Recipe Wet Dog Food (6 x 400 g).
Lily's Kitchen Adult Recovery Recipe Wet Dog Food (6 x 400 g)
- A nutritionally complete, gentle recipe, perfect for dogs recovering from illness
- A soothing combination of ingredients including 50% fresh chicken, banana and potato
- Contains bananas which contain potassium and soluble fibre to help digestion
Video about best food for a sick dog
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 canines. Once they are weaned from their mother, puppy food is on the menu. This is usually the case after about 8 weeks. The components and ingredients of puppy dog food are specially created for growing canines. This is because a baby dog’s immune system, bone tissues, muscles, coat and teeth first have to develop.
With pup dog food, the focus is on nutrient intake. Previously mentioned all, the pup food must contain certain essential minerals and vitamins. So that the puppy’s gastrointestinal system is not overtaxed, the food for puppies also has a lower food volume than your canine food for adult quadrupeds. Found in the beginning, young dogs should be given small portions a couple of times a day, which are then slowly increased.
When should I start using dog food for adult dogs?
This will depend on the breed of dog: Promising small to medium breeds are believed older people from 9 to 12 months of age. For large breeds, it is recommended to give adult food to dogs from 12 to 15 months of age. For very large breeds, it is advised to give adult food a little later – from 18 to 24 months.
When should my dog be given food for elderly people?
For small canines, 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 bread of dogs are considered senior at 7 to 8 years old. In addition to era, the dog’s state of health is also an important criterion. It is a good idea 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 foolproof container. Glass or plastic containers without plasticisers are best. Packaging with a metal layer on the inside is also recommended for storing dried food. The container or packaging should be stored in a dry and not too warm place. Otherwise the foodstuff can become “sticky” and lose its flavor and nutrients. At worst, mould can develop.
What is barfing?
The abbreviation BARF comes from the The english language and means Born-Again Raw Feeder. The UK term means “biologically species-appropriate organic 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, oils and carbohydrates for a well-balanced supply of nutrients. Meanwhile, substance and freeze-dried BARF food and deep-frozen meat can be found in the shops. Pet owners can add the other necessary components. However , you should notify yourself well or check with with experts.
What do I actually have to consider when changing my dog’s food?
The change of food must be done slowly. In the event that the changeover is abrupt, sensitive puppies in particular can easily suffer from digestive : problems, a few of which is often considerable. An interval of one week is usually recommended for your dog to get used to the new food.
The change of food should proceed as follows: On day 1 and 2, replace about an one fourth 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 conversion is complete.
In the event that the dog reacts sensitively and, for instance , gets diarrhoea in the first few days of the foodstuff change, you should extend the adaptation phase and boost the addition of the new food only minimally. If your dog does not tolerate the new food at all, it is obviously not suitable for him. In this instance, you should look for an alternative.
What should I do if my dog does not like dry food?
In that case it makes sense to soak the dry food. This has several advantages: Dogs often eat the dry food beyond hunger because it swells in the stomach first. This makes it easier for them to become overweight and feel full. If the food has already inflamed in water, it fills the dog up faster and is much easier to digest. In addition, the dogs absorb more liquid with drenched dry food.
How fast do dogs process 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 standard of the food. A young dog usually has a faster metabolism than an more mature animal. The quantity of food is important too. Small portions are digested more quickly than large amounts. In addition, insoluble fibres remain in the stomach for a shorter time than soluble fibres. Low-fat food also brings about faster digestion. Additionally , the more water the food is, the shortest 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 creature experiments to test the effects and tolerance of their newly developed types of food. PETA’s website publishes a list of manufacturers who do not test on animals.
Which manufacturers and brands produce dog food?
The best-known dog food manufacturers and dog food brands include, for example , ROYAL CANIN, Josera and WOLFSBLUT. Other well-known manufacturers and brands are, for example:
– Bosch
– PRIMUM
– Pedigree
– RINTI
– Animonda
– MERA
When may i start feeding a puppy?
During the first weeks of its life, a puppy is given breast milk by its mother. Solid food is usually eaten by pups from the 3rd or 4th week of life. During this period, the mother continually nourish her puppies with breast milk in parallel. To be able to accustom a puppy to dry food, it seems sensible to moisten or dilute it with a liquid – for example with pup milk. From the 6th to 7th week of life, the puppy is normally no more provided with mother’s dairy.
Experts recommend soaking dry puppy food with a solution until the pup 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 sound right?
Making your own dog food takes more time and work than bought food. However, it really does incorporate some advantages:
– In case you make the dog food yourself, you can make a decision for yourself which ingredients go into it.
– Dog owners range from the special needs of their four-legged friend in the preparing and adapt the meals to these and the dog’s taste.
– It is possible to make the food more varied for the dog.
If, for instance , the dog is overweight, has to take medication or is intolerant to various foods, it could be sensible or required to prepare the food yourself. Before organizing the meals, you should study the several substances. The food should be balanced and contain all the necessary nutrients. It is sometimes highly recommended to talk to a vet ahead of time. Recipe ideas for dog food can be found on the Internet, for example.
Some foods are unhealthy or toxic for canines. For example, onions and garlic should not be eaten by dogs.
What is hypoallergenic dog food?
Hypoallergenic dog food is especially ideal for dogs with allergy symptoms. 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 out 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 the dog will not tolerate it and that sensitive reactions will happen.
Usually there is only one supply of necessary protein in such a product. This is usually an exotic meat, such as kangaroo or drinking water buffalo. Normally, the protein source used very rarely triggers an intolerance. Nevertheless, it cannot be ruled out that even hypoallergenic dog food can lead to allergic reactions. This happens when there exists a substance in the food that the four-legged friend cannot tolerate.
In addition to dogs with allergies, hypoallergenic food is suited to four-legged friends with a sensitive gastrointestinal system. For these dogs, such a product can offer protection against digestive problems.
