Only the best for the dog – according to this motto, many dog owners lovingly care for their pets. The four-legged friends need attention and job, but most importantly, of course, food. The food is crucial to ensure that the dog is supplied with all the important nutrients and remains in health to live a long dog’s life. But it is often not so easy to find the right food for your own dog. 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 food is appropriate where age? Is definitely dry or moist food the right choice for your four-legged friend? And exactly how much should the dog be fed? What causes deficiency symptoms?
In the following best food for lactating dog, we present 10 products. We offer 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 make clear how much food a dog needs. In addition, you will learn which foods dogs cannot endure and exactly how you can recognise a food allergy.
Below is a list of the best food for lactating dog:
- Arden Grange Weaning Puppy Dry Dog Food, Chicken, 2 Kg — £13.50
- Arden Grange Adult Prestige Dry Dog Food, Chicken, 2 Kg — £13.50
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Forthglade Complete Natural Wet Dog Food - Brown Rice Variety Pack (12 x 395...
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£19.89
£22.25 - PRO PLAN Medium Puppy Sensitive Skin Dry Dog Food Salmon 3kg — £20.99
- Chudleys Working Crunch Complete Dry Dog Food with Joint Care Package, 14 kg — £29.84
- Natures Menu Country Hunter Dog Food Can Beef with Superfoods (6 x 600g) — £31.36
- BETA Puppy Dry Dog Food Turkey & Lamb, 14kg — £34.99
- Chudleys Working Crunch Complete Dry Dog Food with Joint Care Package, 15 kg — £39.99
- PRO PLAN Performance Adult Dry Dog Food Chicken 14kg — £46.99
- Skinner’s Get Out & Go! Flying Start Puppy Wet Dog Food, 390g x 18 Packs -...
After hours researching and comparing all models on the market, Life my Dog finds out the Best food for lactating dog of 2024. We would recommend using Arden Grange Weaning Puppy Dry Dog Food, Chicken, 2 Kg as it is a hight quality product.
Top 10 Best food for lactating dog
Best food for lactating dog
Arden Grange Weaning Puppy Dry Dog Food, Chicken, 2 Kg
Features
- A complete, super premium pet food for weaning puppies of around 3 weeks of age; Also suitable for pregnant and lactating bitches
- A high calorie diet with just the right balance of calcium, phosphorus and vitamin D that puppies need during this rapid growth stage; This delicious kibble is also ideal for soaking to make a highly digestible porridge
- 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
BETA Puppy Dry Dog Food Turkey & Lamb, 14kg
Features
- ^ Beta Puppy Dry Dog Food Turkey and Lamb 1 x 14kg Pack ^ Turkey as the No.1 Ingredient & with Lamb, made with selected natural ingredients and with no added artificial colours, flavours, and preservatives. ^ With Natural Prebiotic, proven to help improve Digestive Health ^ Dual shape and size kibbles for slower chewing ^ Tailored nutrition for growing puppies. Also suitable for gestation and lactation and for adult toy dogs. ^ No - It doesn't require instructions/directions/manual ^ 14kg
Natures Menu Country Hunter Dog Food Can Beef with Superfoods (6 x 600g)
Features
- Complete and Nutritionally Balanced
- Contains No Meat Meals or Meat Derivatives
- Free from artificial colours, flavours and preservatives
- Gently cooked to retain nutrients
- Human Grade Meat
Chudleys Working Crunch Complete Dry Dog Food with Joint Care Package, 14 kg
Features
- Working crunch is designed to help maintain stamina and performance for active dogs within a delicious poultry dinner
- 24 percent protein, 15 percent fat, increased fat and high quality protein to support a dog's endurance
- Contains taurine and carnitine for a healthy heart and enhanced fat utilisation for stamina
- Nutritional support for the digestive system, skin and coat
- Joint care package and Omega 3 fatty acids for a healthy musculoskeletal system
Chudleys Working Crunch Complete Dry Dog Food with Joint Care Package, 15 kg
Features
- Working crunch is designed to help maintain stamina and performance for active dogs within a delicious poultry dinner
- 24 percent protein, 15 percent fat, increased fat and high quality protein to support a dog's endurance
- Contains taurine and carnitine for a healthy heart and enhanced fat utilisation for stamina
- Nutritional support for the digestive system, skin and coat
- Joint care package and Omega 3 fatty acids for a healthy musculoskeletal system
Arden Grange Adult Prestige Dry Dog Food, Chicken, 2 Kg
Features
- A complete, super premium pet food for adult dogs with increased energy requirements such as working dogs, underweight, pregnant or lactating
- This higher calorie product contains a generous helping of fresh chicken in a delicious energy dense and easily digestible kibble
- The higher protein and fat levels help to promote excellent skin and coat condition; A firm favourite in the show dog fraternity
- 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
PRO PLAN Medium Puppy Sensitive Skin Dry Dog Food Salmon 3kg
Features
- Complete food for medium sized dogs and puppies with sensitive skin
- Purina Pro Plan Puppy is the dry food also suitable for pregnant or lactating dogs
- Purina Pro Plan Dog, croquettes rich in salmon without added preservatives and dyes
- Purina dog kibble in the 3 kg pack
Skinner’s Get Out & Go! Flying Start Puppy Wet Dog Food, 390g x 18 Packs - Complete Puppy & Junior Food, Grain & Gluten Free Recipe, Chicken + Superfood Boost
Features
- DIETARY NEEDS - Get Out & Go! Flying Start Puppy Wet Dog Food is a healthy, nutritionally balanced first dog food. Highly digestible grain & gluten free recipe it’s the perfect start for your puppy. Suitable from weaning until your puppy is ready to move onto an adult diet, usually between 6-12 months. Also suitable for pregnant and lactating bitches.
- NUTRITIONALLY COMPLETE - Our Wet Food is an irresistible combination of protein-rich chicken and egg base with a boost of superfood ingredients including green beans, spinach and blueberries. Its balanced recipe provides the perfect mix of protein, fat and carbohydrates to support the high energy demands of your growing puppy. Along with immune boosting vitamins. Our wet food is gently steamed to lock in tasty nutrients.
- WHOLESOME INGREDIENTS - The Get Out & Go! Range has been created using superfoods and whole, natural ingredients specially formulated to ensure peak health for your dog. With no grains or gluten, it’s perfectly balanced for dogs who may benefit from a sensitive diet. Designed for dogs who lead an active lifestyle (with their owners!) - from weekend adventures, to long runs and intrepid trails.
- A GREENER FUTURE - All our wet food packaging are produced in fully recyclable tetra pack cartons. We employ from the local community, and many of our staff walk to work. We work closely with local farmers and are proud of our community brand.
- HERITAGE BRAND - This new Get Out & Go! range comes from the producers of Skinner’s Field & Trial. Skinner’s have been making working dog food for 50 years. Over the last five decades, we have established incredible loyalty, built on our deep-rooted family values, heritage & trust.
Forthglade Complete Natural Wet Dog Food - Brown Rice Variety Pack (12 x 395 g) Trays - 4 x Turkey, 4 x Lamb and 4 x Chicken
£19.89
Features
- WET DOG FOOD VARIETY PACK: 12 X 395g trays of brown rice wet dog food in 3 flavours your dog will love: 4x Turkey, 4x Lamb and 4x Chicken with brown rice & vegetables
- 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: Brown rice is naturally nutrient-rich and a good source of dietary fibre; Made using our high quality recipe with 75% turkey, lamb or chicken
- COMPLETE DOG FOOD: A complete and balanced meal containing everything your dog needs to stay happy and healthy. Free from junk, fillers and artificial colours, flavours and preservatives
- VOTED BEST WET DOG FOOD 2023 YOUR DOG MAGAZINE: Award winning dog food proudly made at Forthglade's factory in the heart of Devon
PRO PLAN Performance Adult Dry Dog Food Chicken 14kg
Features
- Contains OPTIPOWER, a combination of key nutrients that helps support rapid muscle recovery and joint health.
- Increased endurance for highly active and working dogs thanks to higher protein and fat levels.
- A combination of key nutrients that helps support healthy joints for your dog's active lifestyle.
- Specially formulated to aid rapid muscle recovery.
- Provides all the nutrients your gestating/lactating bitch needs.
Only the best for the dog – according to this slogan, many dog owners lovingly care for their pets. The four-legged friends need attention and profession, but especially, of course, food. The meals is crucial to ensure that the dog is supplied with all the important nutrition 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. Similar to humans, it is also important to consider a balanced diet. In addition, the wide variety of offers in the trade can cause confusion. Different questions arise: What nutritional requirements does the dog have in addition to what quantity? Which in turn food is appropriate where age? Is usually dry or wet food the right choice for your four-legged friend? And just how much should the dog be given? What can cause deficiency symptoms?
Inside the following dog food comparison, we present 14 products. We provide information about which ingredients the foods contain and for which dogs the products are suitable. 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 put up with and exactly how you can recognise a food allergy.
The different types of dog food easily
Just as every person has their own own health needs, every dog’s preferences are different. The choice of food that will go into the dog’s bowl should be produced according to various factors. These include the breed, activity and health of the dog. Age group also plays a role.
Puppies are growing and need special nutrients. In addition, their gastrointestinal system is not yet as efficient. An adult dog needs carbohydrates, fats, oils, proteins and minerals. His dog food should be balanced. Older dogs have a slow metabolism and are no longer as active. Therefore, they need less energy, i. e. calorie consumption. Yet , the dog food should be easy to process and include a whole lot of proteins. In addition, the types of food fluctuate in phrases of composition, way of creation and consistency.
Composition – complete or complementary food?
A complete feed includes all the nutrients the dog needs on a daily basis. The percentage of proteins, fatty acids, nutritional supplements varies based on the product. The ingredients should be adapted to the age, activity and possible allergies of the four-legged friend. An entire food can be dry or cast food. Supplementary foods are not sufficient in themselves to provide the dog with all the important nutrients. These can be flakes that the dog owner mixes into the food or treats. The declaration shows what it is.
Type of production
– Dry food and wet food available in pet shops and food markets usually comes from professional production. This kind of is the most typical kind of dog food. Industrially produced wet food is often completed cans or small aluminium trays. With all the latter, one bowl is sufficient for one portion. However, some manufacturers of professional dog food use genetically revised raw materials and additives.
Industrially produced dog food has a long corner life. By exclusions, this dog food can be stored unopened for quite some time with no loss of quality.
– Natural dog food only uses raw materials that come from grow, animal or other natural sources – unaltered or prepared. The food should not contain any chemically synthesised additives. Yet , certain synthetic minerals and vitamins are permitted. In phrases of packaging, there is often extremely little difference compared to business food: natural dog food is packaged in cups or as dry out food.
– Organic dog food must comply with tighter guidelines regarding ingredients. For example, the product should not contain numerous substances such as genetically altered ingredients, hormones and pesticides. You will discover variations between the various organic dog foods: “100 per penny organic” means that no undesirable substances have been processed. With all the claim “organic”, the constituents in the organic food are 95 per penny organic. Whether it states “made with organic”, the product contains 70 per dollar natural ingredients. Organic and natural food is available as dry and wet food.
– Meanwhile, vegan and vegetarian dog food is available too on the market. This dog food would not contain meat and still provides the dog with the important nutrients. Nevertheless , vegetarian and vegan dog food contains a lot of fruit and vegetables and grains, which can issues if the dog is intolerant.
– An exclusive form of dog food is BARF. The abbreviation is short for “biologically species-appropriate raw feeding”. This species-appropriate method of nourishing raw food is based on the dog’s ancestor – the wolf. When 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. Because the meals are merged individually, barfing is more suitable for experienced pet owners who have learned 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 a statement that needs to be treated with caution. There is no such thing as food-grade pet food. This also applies to dog food. You should also watch out for attractants and flavour enhancers in dog food. These kinds of are supposed to provide the food the smell and taste. Some dog fans also avoid pet food/dog food from factory farming.
Big difference between extruded and cold-pressed dried fodder
Dried dog food is produced by the cold-pressing or extrusion process:
1. Cold-pressed dog food is produced by first drying the raw materials and then grinding and combining them. A roller presses this mass through the openings of a drum wall. Shaped and compacted chunks of feed come away the other side. Throughout the dog food production process, temperature ranges of about 90 levels Celsius are made, which obviously contradicts the word cold depressing. Nevertheless , temperatures are still significantly lower than those utilized in extrusion.
2. In the extrusion process, the ingredients for your canine 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 digesting, the dough-like extruded feed is presented through nozzles at high pressure. Nourish produced in this way swells significantly 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 obviously, slowly and gradually. In addition, the food consists of more natural substances. In case the four-legged friend has problems with the gastrointestinal tract and a disturbed digestion, extruded dog food can be more tolerable for him. In this dog food, the starch has already been broken down during heating. However, the manufacturing process is just an extra factor in determining the tolerability and quality of the meals. The most important thing is the quality of the raw materials.
Which is better – damp food or dry food?
There is certainly damp and dry dog food on the market. The two types of dog food differ in their water content.
Dry food consists of very little water and therefore has a longer shelf life – often several years. Dogs that are fed dry food have to munch more and thus coach their teeth. Ingesting dry food is almost like brushing your dog’s teeth. For dogs that drink little, feeding dried out food can be a disadvantage. They can become dehydrated if they are given only dry food. Therefore, it is important to provide the dog with enough water. The advantages and disadvantages of dry food at a glance:
Pros
- Long shelf life
- Less costly than wet food
- Easier to feed on the go
- Easy to store
- Almost germ-free due to heating system during production
- More green than canned food
Cons
- Often less acceptable to your canine
- The dog’s body is deprived of water, so it has to drink more.
- Can lead to overweight faster if it is not a food items for deiting
- Risk of mould or temperato formation if stored incorrectly
Wet dog food has a high water content. The wet food is usually portioned in tins or small bowls. Generally one package of wet food compares to one meal. Various dogs like wet food much better than dry food. In contrast to dry food, damp food for dogs – once opened – can only be kept for a few times. It ought to be used up within 2 days and nights of opening. Below we have summarised the benefits and disadvantages of wet food:
Pros
- High acceptance by most four-legged friends
- Packed in helpful helpings
- Since of the high water content in wet food, the dog does not need so much additional liquid.
- If necessary, medication can be administered with the wet food.
Cons
- After opening, wet food cannot be stored perfectly
- Major dogs need 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
This is not possible to make a general statement about which type of dog food is ideal for your dog. The 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 puppy likes better and which he tolerates better, you should try away both types.
Several dog owners change between wet and dry food. The following applies to both types of food: It should be given as a main meal, never as a treat in between meals. This kind of can lead to overfeeding of your canine.
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 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 right composition of your dog food is also crucial for good digestion and the health of the four-legged friend.
How much meat should the food contain?
Dogs are originated from wolves – that is why their digestive area is similar to regarding predators. So 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 chemical can now break down starch, which means that the four-legged friend can also digest flower food in smaller quantities.
To start with, meat provides the dog with protein. The four-legged friend needs protein for the muscles, bones, strong tissues, healthy tooth and nerves and also to provide energy for its activities. As a result, senior dogs have a lower necessary protein requirement because they are no longer as energetic as young or adult animals. In general, experts declare dog food should contain between 50 and 70 per cent meat. But other ingredients are also important. If dog owners feed only meat for their four-legged friends, this can lead to an issue with digestion, stress on the kidneys and liver due to excess protein and deficiency symptoms.
Vitamin supplements, minerals and carbs in dog food?
A well-balanced dog diet also includes nutrients that are not seen in meat – for example , vitamins and minerals found in fruits and veggies, or fatty stomach acids from healthy oils. The four-legged good friend also needs carbohydrates. Wolves, for example, eat the stomach and intestinal material of prey pets or animals, now and then also berries and grass.
Dogs convert starch from grain, potatoes and cereals into energy and need 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 straw in many cases are added to the feed. Superior quality carbohydrates are located in rice, potatoes, millet, maize, amaranth or buckwheat.
Animal fat provide the dog with twice as much energy as proteins. To prevent overweight, the foodstuff should contain these chemicals only in moderation. How much should be in the dog food depends on how much the dog moves. Lamb and poultry fat are saturated oily acids. They may be stored in the body as emergency portion and are designed as a book for bad times. Meat and veg oil contain condensed omega-6 fatty stomach acids and unsaturated oily acids. Omega-3 natural oils, which are seen in fish, are extremely valuable for cellular metabolism.
What should maintain the dog food? Dog food should contain 50 to 70 % lean meat or muscle meat or fish with high-quality proteins. In addition, there should be about 20 to 50 percent high-quality carbohydrates for energy production and fruit, vegetables or herbs for the necessary vitamins and minerals. The proportion of offal should be a maximum of 10 percent. Offal provides valuable nutrients such as vitamin h or iron. Very good quality oils such as salmon essential oil or linseed oil improve nutrient consumption and ensure a functioning cardiovascular system, a shiny coat and healthy skin.
How do i recognise high-quality dog food?
Dog food sold in UK must be labelled with certain mandatory information. These include:
– Treat and name of the manufacturer
– Date of manufacture or best-before date of the dog food
– Identity of the food
– Net weight
– Moisture content for canned food
With regard to the ingredients of the feed, various 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 lists the individual raw materials, but not their percentage. The open up declaration gives the formula in pct and the respective sources of raw materials. When reading the food label, dog owners should also note the following:
1. Many manufacturers split the word grain into individual groups. The reason for this is that the large total quantity appears smaller. For example, maize becomes maize starch, maize feed meals, maize flour, maize gluten or source. The cereal components provide carbohydrates and saturate well, but must not be included in too large amounts.
2. The substances in the give food to are listed in descending order regarding to their volume. The further forward an ingredient is listed on the label, the greater its proportion. Alternatively, what this means is: Only a tiny proportion of an ingredient that is listed far throughout the list is included in the feed.
Other aspects by which dog owners recognise the quality of the food are:
– Meat content of 50 to 70 per cent
– Grain and veg content between 25 and 50 percent
– Balanced substances with all the necessary vitamins and minerals
– Very little use of taste 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 detailed under the term “analytical ingredients”. We now have summarised these in the table:
| Component | Quantity required | Tasks | Information and special features |
| Crude protein | 20 to 25 percent in dry food 8 to 10 percent in wet food | Builds the body’s own tissue such as muscles and bones Strengthening skin and organs Enzymes, blood and hormones also need protein | High-quality protein comes mainly from muscle meat. Low-quality protein is found in slaughterhouse waste |
| Crude ash | 5 to 8 per cent or a maximum of 10 per cent for dry food. Less than 2 percent for wet feed | Supply of inorganic substances such as magnesium, calcium, zinc or silicic acid | Formed after combustion of the feed Proportion should be balanced Sometimes cheap but unnecessary bone meal products are added |
| Crude fibre | 2 to 3 percent for dry food 0.2 to 5 percent for wet food | Support of digestion Stimulation of intestinal activity Strengthens healthy intestinal flora Influences consistency and shape of dog faeces | Proportion of dietary fibre Too high a proportion can lead to flatulence and large quantities of faeces Rumen is filled with raw fibre Otherwise in the form of vegetables and fruit |
| Crude fat | At least 15 percent in dry food for active dogs 12 to 15 percent for dry food for dogs with normal to less exercise 1 percent for wet food | Provides energy Ensure healthy skin and shiny coat | High-quality products include salmon oil, linseed oil, cod oil, pumpkin seed oil and hemp oil. |
The other possible ingredients in dog food are explained below:
1. The value for meat and canine by-products indicates the meat content in the dog food. Companies often do not declare just what is engaged. It may be high-quality muscle meat or offal as well as low-quality offal. The latter includes, among other things, dried meats, rumen or chaps. Animal by-products include, for example , hair, our bones, 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 oil fruits. They can be partly health- and digestion-promoting food components.
4. Technological additives are preservatives, separating and binding agents, stabilisers, thickening and solidifying agents and acidity regulators. A few of these are important. These include, for instance , emulsifiers and natural antioxidants. Emulsifiers ensure an uniform uniformity of oil and water. Natural antioxidants are to prevent rancid fat.
5. Nutritional additives are intended to support the health of the four-legged 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 intestinal tract flora or digestive : enzymes.
7. Physical additives are employed to influence the appearance and taste of your canine food. They include flavourings and colourings.
Overweight canines suffer! Obesity is an increasing problem in dogs with serious health consequences. It can lead to diseases of internal organs, puts stress on bones, joints and the cardiovascular system, and promotes irritation. Additionally, it may shorten the life expectancy of the animal. Often , too much food is the reason for overweight. Yet age, sex and breed also be involved. Especially Cocker Spaniels, Labrador Retrievers and King Charles usually become overweight. Sometimes the use of diet food should be considered.
How much food does my dog need?
In the event that the four-legged good friend gets more energy than he uses, he can become overweight. Therefore, it is crucial to give canines the necessary food. Just how much pet food a dog needs will depend on various factors. In addition to the breed, the subsequent aspects are relevant, for example:
Activity level: How much the four-legged friend moves determines the amount of energy it burns. A dog that moves a lot burns more calories. If the dog is not so active, it burns fewer calories and has a slower metabolism. Accordingly, 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 more mature dogs. It really is a good idea to reduce the number of food a little annually. For old dogs, there are senior foods that are lower in body fat and contain important additives. For smaller dogs you need to change at the age of 10 to 12 years, for large dogs as early as 7 to 8 years.
Diseases: Several diseases influence a dog’s food or energy requirements. These kinds of include cardiovascular problems, thyroid disease, osteo-arthritis and diabetes. When dogs are coping with illness, they need more pet food.
Hormone balance: A dog’s hormonal levels can climb or fall, changing energy needs. For example , dogs have different energy needs when they are with child or change their coat.
To find out just how much food is right for your dog, look at the calorie content of your canine food. A higher calorie content means a lesser amount of food is needed. Additionally, dog owners can use the next rules of thumb as a guide:
– The daily amount of food for an adult and healthy dog with a normal activity level should be about two to three percent 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 techniques 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 % of the daily food requirement.
Any person 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?
The most common allergies in dogs are flea allergy and food allergy. Possible causes of an allergy are, for instance , stress, unwanted organisms and pollen. In addition, the protein-containing substances in a feed can result in allergic reactions. Ingredients that a dog might be allergic to include, for instance , mi nombre es, animal proteins from poultry, pork or beef, and grains.
What is the difference between an allergic reaction and an intolerance?
– An allergy is a hypersensitivity reaction by the dog’s immune system. It reacts strongly against a certain compound. 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 itchiness, vomiting, belly pain, flatulence, diarrhoea, loss of fur, redness and frequent scratching.
– Symptoms might 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 may also be caused by another disease. In the event your dog has these symptoms, you should have the cause clarified by a vet. The vet can also determine an allergy or an intolerance, for example , through an allergy test. Alternatively, it is possible to undertake an exemption diet. However, this involves a lot of effort.
What is an exclusion diet?
In an exclusion diet, the owner feeds the four-legged friend only one special supply of protein and carbohydrates. These sources must be ingredients that the four-legged friend has not eaten before. Pet owners should change the dog food bit by bit. Following the food change, your canine 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, which could be the trigger for the allergies. More than 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 dog owners can do themselves. On the other hand, it is a good idea to seek advice from a professional or speak with the vet ahead of time.
Consistent action is vital during an exclusion diet. The dog really should not be given chews, treats or leftovers during this period.
What should I do if my dog has an allergy?
If it turns out that your four-legged friend has a food allergy or food intolerance, the dog should no more eat the allergy-causing substances. The selected pet food must therefore not contain any substances that your canine cannot tolerate. The same applies to treats and everything dog snacks between meals.
If nothing changes, patience is called for: sometimes it needs some time until the symptoms of an intolerance or allergy or intolerance no longer happen. Sometimes they only disappear completely a few months after the change in food.
Precisely what is grain-free dog food?
Dog food often includes grains. Included in this are wheat, barley and rye, for example. Grains have an important function: they are a source of carbohydrates and energy. However, too much of it leads to obesity and sometimes to digestive problems. 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 suitable for more sensitive dogs. However , it is not necessarily essential to use a grain-free dog food. Dogs are omnivores and are able to digest vegetable protein. Some types of feed are also particularly easy to digest. Included in this are maize and rice, for example. In some cases, 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 much and that the product has a balanced recipe.
What can dogs not tolerate?
There are a lot of foods that canines can’t tolerate. Several of them are actually poisonous for canines. These include, for example, onions, natural cabbage and natural pork. Onions can be fatal, depending on the size of the onion and your dog. For a medium-sized dog, even a medium-sized onion can be extremely dangerous. If a dog feeds on raw cabbage, it can get stomach cramps or flatulence. Raw pork could retain the Aujeszky disease, which in turn causes fatal condition. Other foods and drinks that dogs must not eat include:
- Chocolates
- Raw potatoes
- Vineyard
- Sultanas
- Fruits pits
- Raw signal
- Macadamia nuts
- Bitter walnuts
- Raw ova
- 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 messes, for example: Cigarette residues are located in them. Ashtrays should be placed in such a way that the dog cannot reach them.
If a dog has eaten food that is dangerous because of it, you should contact the doctor and also the veterinary crisis service directly. In the mean time, keep your dog in a secure environment. However, despite all the concern for the dog’s life, the following applies: Stay calm and watch to signs of poisoning. It may be necessary to take the dog to a veterinary clinic or drive it to the vet. Symptoms that can occur with poisoning include:
- Excessive salivation
- Excessive desire
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Aches
- Restlessness
- Shortness of breath
To prevent your canine from eating incompatible foods, dog owners should make sure that relatives and acquaintances do not feed them such foods. Found in addition, it is important to train the dog well so that it does not constantly eat whatever off of the side of the road.
The best choice is the Arden Grange Weaning Puppy Dry Dog Food, Chicken, 2 Kg.
Arden Grange Weaning Puppy Dry Dog Food, Chicken, 2 Kg
- A complete, super premium pet food for weaning puppies of around 3 weeks of age; Also suitable for pregnant and lactating bitches
- A high calorie diet with just the right balance of calcium, phosphorus and vitamin D that puppies need during this rapid growth stage; This delicious kibble is also ideal for soaking to make a highly digestible porridge
Video about best food for lactating dog
FAQ – Frequently asked questions about dog food
Finally, we answer some important and often asked questions about dog food.
What should I actually 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 situation after about 8 weeks. The components and elements of puppy dog food are specially designed for growing dogs. This is because a baby dog’s immune system, bone fragments, muscles, coat and teeth first have to produce.
With puppy dog dog food, the focus is on nutrient intake. Above all, the pup food must contain certain essential nutritional supplements. So that the puppy’s gastrointestinal system is not overtaxed, the food for puppies also has a lower food volume than your dog food for adult quadrupeds. Found in the beginning, young dogs should be provided with small portions several times a day, which are then slowly and gradually 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 viewed as adults 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 change in diet should take place between 10 and 12 years of age. For medium-sized dogs, it is time at 8 to 9 years. Large bread of dogs are considered mature at 7 to 8 years of age. In addition to age, 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 meals can become “sticky” and lose its taste and nutrients. In the worst case, 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 raw feeding”. The species-appropriate diet is dependent 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 well-balanced supply of nutrients. Meanwhile, compound and freeze-dried BARF food and deep-frozen meat are available in the shops. Dog owners can add the other necessary components. Yet , you should notify yourself well or seek advice from with experts.
What do I have to consider when changing my dog’s food?
The change of food should be done slowly. In the event that the changeover is abrupt, sensitive dogs in particular can easily suffer from digestive : problems, a number 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 employs: 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 changeover is complete.
In the event that the dog responds sensitively and, for instance , gets diarrhoea in the first few days of the foodstuff change, you should extend the version phase and increase the addition of the new food only minimally. If your dog does not tolerate the new food in any way, it is obviously not ideal for him. In this case, you should look for an option.
What should I actually do if my dog will not like dry food?
In that case it makes sense to soak the dry food. This kind of has several advantages: Dogs often eat the dry food beyond hunger because it swells in the stomach first. This makes it easier so they can become overweight and feel full. In case the food has already enlarged in water, it fills the dog up faster and is simpler to process. In addition, the dogs absorb more liquid with soaked dry food.
How quickly do dogs digest dry food?
Canines usually need up to 14 several 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 old animal. The quantity of food is also important. Small portions are digested more quickly than large amounts. In addition, insoluble fibers remain in the stomach for a shorter time than soluble fibres. Less fat food also brings about faster digestion. Additionally , the more liquid the food is, the shortest the digestion time. Wet food is digested within 6 to 8 hours in adult dogs.
Are animal tests carried out for dog food?
There are quite a few manufacturers who carry out animal experiments to test the effects and tolerance of their newly developed types of food. PETA’s website publishes a set of manufacturers who do not test on animals.
Which manufacturers and brands produce dog food?
The best-known dog food manufacturers and dog food brands include, for example , ROYAL CANIN, Josera and WOLFSBLUT. Other well-known manufacturers and brands are, for example:
– Bosch
– PRIMUM
– Pedigree
– RINTI
– Animonda
– MERA
Once can I start feeding a puppy?
During the first weeks of its life, a puppy is fed breast milk by its mother. Stable food is usually eaten by young puppies from the 3rd or 4th week of life. During this time, the mother is constantly on the give food to her puppies with breast milk in parallel. To be able to accustom a puppy to dry food, it makes sense to moisten or dilute it which includes liquid – for example with pup milk. From the 6th to 7th week of life, the puppy is normally no longer given with mother’s milk.
Experts recommend soaking your 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 make sense?
Making your own dog food takes more time and work than acquired food. However, it really does have some advantages:
– In case you make the dog food yourself, you can decide for yourself which ingredients go into it.
– Puppy owners range from the special needs of their four-legged good friend in the preparation and adapt the foodstuff to these and the dog’s flavor.
– It is possible to make the food more varied for the dog.
If, for example , the dog is overweight, has to take medication or is intolerant to various foods, it can be sensible or required to prepare the food yourself. Before planning the meals, you should study different substances. The food should be balanced and contain all the necessary nutrients. It is often advisable to talk to a vet beforehand. Recipe ideas for dog food can be found on the net, for example.
Some foods are unhealthy or toxic for puppies. For example, onions and garlic should not be consumed 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 digested by your canine. There is hypoallergenic dry out food and allergies wet food on the market. That contains few or no substances that often cause allergic reactions in dogs. Appropriately, a hypoallergenic food reduces the risk that your canine will not tolerate it and that allergic reactions will occur.
Usually there is just one supply of protein in such a product. This is usually an amazing meat, such as kangaroo or drinking water buffalo. Normally, the protein source used very rarely causes an intolerance. However, it cannot be ruled out that even hypoallergenic dog food can business lead to allergic reactions. This happens when there is a substance in the meals that the four-legged friend cannot tolerate.
In addition to dogs with allergies, hypoallergenic food is well suited for four-legged friends with a delicate digestive tract. For these dogs, such a product can provide prevention of digestive problems.
