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 occupation, but most importantly, of course, food. The meals is crucial to ensure that the dog comes with all the important nutrition and remains in health to live a long dog’s life. But it is often not so no problem finding the right food for your own dog. 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 does the dog have and in what quantity? Which in turn food is appropriate at which age? Is usually dry or wet food the right choice for your four-legged friend? And exactly how much should the dog be fed? What causes deficiency symptoms?
Inside the following best food to feed a 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 explain how much food a dog needs. In addition, you will learn which foods dogs cannot endure and just how you can recognise a food allergy.
Below is a list of the best food to feed a dog:
- Why You NEED to Feed Your Dog a Raw Food Diet: A Complete Introduction for... — £7.71
- Pet Slow Feeder Dog Bowl, Slow Eating Dog Bowl Fun Puzzle Feeding Bowl Bloat... — £11.99
- SUOXU Puppy Slow Feed Bowl, Stainless Steel Metal Dog Bowls，Puppy Weaning... — £14.99
- Pilot Imports Pet Dry Food Storage Bin Container Dog Cat Animal Bird Seeds... — £14.99
- Neater Pet Brands Slow Feeder Bowl Stainless Steel - Dog Bowls to Slow Down... — £14.99
- HH Home Hut Pet Food Storage Container 32L Dog Cat Animal Bin 16 KG Dry Feed... — £19.95
- Green Pet Boredom Buster Slow Feeder Dog Mat Treat Dispensing Mat(Perfect for...
- Set of 2 Pet Storage Container Plastic Animal Dog Dry Food 3LTR Animal Pet...
- Lickimat Classic Soother, Slow Feeder for Dogs, Boredom and Anxiety Reducer;...
- VEGCOO Slow Feeder Dog Bowl, Bloat Stop Dog Food Bowl with Feeding Spoon...
After hours researching and comparing all models on the market, Life my Dog finds out the Best food to feed a dog of 2024. We would recommend using Why You NEED to Feed Your Dog a Raw Food Diet: A Complete Introduction for Beginners as it is a hight quality product.
Top 10 Best food to feed a dog
![Green Pet Boredom Buster Slow Feeder Dog Mat Treat Dispensing Mat(Perfect for Dog Food, Dog Treats, Yogurt, or Peanut Butter) [Fun Alternative to a Slow Feed Dog Bowl] 4PCS](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51OKfiTyBPL._SL160_.jpg)
Best food to feed a dog
Why You NEED to Feed Your Dog a Raw Food Diet: A Complete Introduction for Beginners
1 used from £7.70
Features
| Is Adult Product | |
| Release Date | 2018-08-24T00:00:01Z |
| Edition | second |
| Language | English |
| Number Of Pages | 152 |
| Publication Date | 2018-08-24T00:00:01Z |
SUOXU Puppy Slow Feed Bowl, Stainless Steel Metal Dog Bowls，Puppy Weaning Bowl Puppy Dish Can be Used for Multiple Puppies to Eat Water Bowl and Dog Food Bowl at The Same Time (34cm/13.3in)
Features
- 【Puppy Dish Large diameter】size: 26cm, Capacity: 1.0 L / 33.8oz,Puppy slow eating bowl 30cm can provide enough feeding space for up to 5 puppies, 34cm can accommodate 7 puppies
- 【Safety】 Slow Eating stainless steel puppy bowl, the edge of the bowl is polished, very smooth, and will not harm the puppy
- 【Easy to clean】 puppy bowls only need to be washed with water, finely polished and smooth stainless steel bowls, washed as bright as new
- 【Thoughtful Design】The short side design of the puppy weaning bowl is very friendly to puppies and cats, perfect for puppies to share food or water. The bump in the middle of the dog food bowl prevents the puppy from sitting in the middle of the food
- 【Risk-free purchase】The dog bowl kit has passed strict quality inspection. If you are not satisfied, you can replace or refund-if you have any questions, please contact us first and we will solve your problem as soon as possible
![Green Pet Boredom Buster Slow Feeder Dog Mat Treat Dispensing Mat(Perfect for Dog Food, Dog Treats, Yogurt, or Peanut Butter) [Fun Alternative to a Slow Feed Dog Bowl] 4PCS](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51OKfiTyBPL._SS520_.jpg)
Green Pet Boredom Buster Slow Feeder Dog Mat Treat Dispensing Mat(Perfect for Dog Food, Dog Treats, Yogurt, or Peanut Butter) [Fun Alternative to a Slow Feed Dog Bowl] 4PCS
Features
| Part Number | HE0670-Q |
| Color | Green |
Set of 2 Pet Storage Container Plastic Animal Dog Dry Food 3LTR Animal Pet Dog Puppy Food Biscuits Treats Feed Storage Bin Box Airtight
Features
- A slim rectangular dry food storage container for practical storage of food for your pet dog and puppies. This matte finish container has filling marks ranging from 0.5L to 3L and an airtight two way access lid so that you don't have to open the whole container up and can take out measured quantities of food.
- The MAXIMUM CAPACITY of each container is 3 LITRES. DIMENSIONS of the container are – H: 21.5cm x 19.5cm x 12.5cm. It is ideal for storing dry dog food, dog biscuits, treats and more. This dog food storage container is Microwave Safe, Freezer Safe (up to -20°c) and Dishwasher Safe.
- Set of 2 food storage containers
- EASY TO USE FEATURES – Due to the wide rectangular structure, the two way access lid will make this container easy to use. As there are filling marks on the side of the container, when stock is running low you can easily open the whole lid for wide access in refilling the container without spillages. Whereas for daily use, you lift open the tab within the lid and take out your required amount.
- DURABLE PLASTIC DRY FOOD STORAGE CONTAINER – This animal food storage container is made from strong plastic ideal for everyday use and can be great to take along small quantities of animal food during outdoor trips/adventures. This container is made from Food Grade Plastic, hence all food stored will always remain safe to consume.
Lickimat Classic Soother, Slow Feeder for Dogs, Boredom and Anxiety Reducer; Perfect for Food, Treats, Yogurt, or Peanut Butter. Fun Alternative to a Slow Feed Dog Bowl, Green
Features
- Reduces anxiety, boredom and destructive behaviour - LickiMat helps soothe your pet by releasing endorphins when licking. Safe alternative for your dog to lick. Ideal for stressful times such as vet visits, bath time, nail clippers, injury recovery as well as thunderstorms and fireworks.
- Recommended by vets and trainers - Redirect all licking habits and it’s the perfect tool to reduce crate training time. Works with all kinds of treats and food, from yogurt, peanut butter and spreadable treats to raw, wet, dry and liquid foods, so your pet can enjoy a small amount of food. LickiMats are a perfect delivery system for supplements, medications and treats. Strengthen good behaviour and replace anxiety with a long-lasting treat. Perfect for crate training.
- Dental Health - LickiMat's textured surface promotes a pleasant licking effect that generates saliva and protects your pet's teeth and gums. Removes food particles and odour-causing bacteria from your pet's tongue, promotes healthier teeth, gums and fresher breath.
- Serve healthy treats - Serve yogurt, peanut butter, purees, spreads and all kinds of organic and healthy treats. The food settles on the surface of the mat, dramatically slowing down the feeding process and prolonging the enjoyment. Fewer calories, healthier treats and longer duration. Three surface patterns: LickiMat Playdate (squares) is perfect for small dry food, raw meat or fish. LickiMat Soother (dots) for runny food and Buddy (crosses) for coarse, spreadable treats.
- Environmentally friendly and safe: Silicone-free. Please supervise your pet. This is not a chew toy. Please supervise your pet. If you have a puppy or a chewer, please order a LickiMat Tuff. The Tuff range is stronger and also 100% dishwasher safe.
Pilot Imports Pet Dry Food Storage Bin Container Dog Cat Animal Bird Seeds Storage Box Tub (Orange)
Features
- TIDY AND CLEAN - Inside this animal feed bin, large amounts of pet food are protected from moisture, always clean and tidy
- SCOOP INCLUDED - The lid of the pet feeding storage container holds the spoon to pick up the food that is provided.
- MADE TO LAST - The dog food containers are made of high-density polyethylene resistant to the weight of food stored inside
- TILTING LID - The tilting lid of the plastic storage bin is designed to have food immediately available at hand
- Size 41.5cm Length x 54.5cm Height x 25cm Depth
HH Home Hut Pet Food Storage Container 32L Dog Cat Animal Bin 16 KG Dry Feed 23KG Seed With food scoop
Features
- The Pet Food Container is ideal for storing dried pet food, suitable for dog and cat biscuits, birdseed, dry Rabbit food, Pond fish pellets and more. Inside this animal feed bin, large amounts of pet food are protected from moisture, always clean and tidy.
- The lid of the pet feeding storage container holds the spoon to pick up the food that is provided.
- The tilting lid of the plastic storage bin is designed to have food immediately available at hand. The food containers are made of high-density polyethylene resistant to the weight of food stored inside.
- Perfect for keeping and storing large quantities of dried pet food and bird seed. Keeps pet food fresh and dry. Holds up to 16 kg of dry pet food (approx).
- Size: 56 height x 42 width x 26 depth cm
VEGCOO Slow Feeder Dog Bowl, Bloat Stop Dog Food Bowl with Feeding Spoon Cleaning Brush, Slow Eating Dog Bowl Interactive Fun Puzzle Feeder for Puppy Cat Pet (Green)
Features
- [PACKAGE INCLUDES]----The set comes with 1 slow feeder dog bowl, 1 cleaning brush and 1 plastic feeding spoon.the well equipped set is convenient for you to feed your pets and clean pet bowls.
- [QUALITY MATERIALS]----The slow feeding dog/cat bowl is made of high-quality PP material, which is safe and environmentally friendly. Your pets can use it without concerns.
- [NON-SLIP DESIGN]----With the 4 anti-slip tapes on bottom, the interesting puzzle feeder dog bowl can be fixed in place well. Besides,it can also avoid the noise caused by the bowl rubbing against floor.
- [DURABLE AND BITE-RESISTANT]----The exterior of the slow feeding bowl is durable and wear-resistant, so you don't need to worry about being bitten by pets.
- [DIGESTION-PROMOTING]----There is a puzzle inside the feeding bowl, which can effectively prolong the pet's eating time, prevent bloating, indigestion, and obesity, working great for pet's health.
Neater Pet Brands Slow Feeder Bowl Stainless Steel - Dog Bowls to Slow Down Eating - Fit Elevated Feeders (530 Grams)
Features
- Fits Inside the Neater Feeder Deluxe Large, Neater Feeder Express Medium to Large, & Other Elevated Feeder — Fits feeders with hole opening between 7.25" – 8”. Does NOT fit inside of any other size Neater Feeder Deluxe or Express than those listed.
- Capacity and Dimensions — Holds up to 3 cups of food when filled to the top of the middle of the bowl (without covering the paw print). Bowl measures 8.25" Diameter across the top and 2.75" High. Perfect for Medium to Large sized dog breeds.
- Slows Down Rapid Eaters — Eating too quickly can lead to indigestion, vomiting, bloat, and overeating. Using a slow feed bowl helps prevent your dog from the dreaded “scarf and barf.”
- Just Challenging Enough — Ever look at a slow feed bowl and think, how in the world will my dog get the food out of that? The idea is to slow your dog’s eating down, not to create unnecessary frustration. Our bowl is designed to slow them down without driving them crazy.
- Stainless Steel & Dishwasher Safe — This bowl is made of stainless steel and is dishwasher safe. Stainless steel is the preferred bowl material of many pet owners because it is durable, doesn’t hold odors, and doesn’t collect bacteria like some other dog bowl materials.
Pet Slow Feeder Dog Bowl, Slow Eating Dog Bowl Fun Puzzle Feeding Bowl Bloat Stop Dog Food Bowl Anti-vomiting Interactive Feeder Dog Maze Bowl Non Skid Black
Features
- Slow Feeder Dog Bowl - This slow feeding dog bowl is made of food-grade PP plastic, non-toxic, harmless, environmentally friendly, durable, recyclable, BPA-free, PVC-free, plasticizer-free, safe and healthy. Slow feeder is a bowl recommended by experts and veterinarians. It can effectively solve the problem of dogs eating too fast and prevent pets from obesity and indigestion. If your dog has stomach problems and eats too fast, we recommend you to use this bowl.
- Unique Spiral Design - Large Slow Food Dog Bowl adopts a unique spiral maze design, which gives the dog enough challenge, but does not cause frustration. It turns every meal into a happy foraging game for dogs. The dog bowl can perfectly slow down the dog's eating rate, so that dogs no longer gobble, no longer vomit or cough after meals, and prevent obesity, indigestion or bloating.
- Easy To Clean - The slow feeding dog bowl is made of high-strength PP plastic, which is sturdy and durable, so you don't have to worry about it being bitten by the dog. The smooth surface makes the dog bowl very easy to clean, and you can easily clean it in the dishwasher without too much time and effort from you. Before using the dishwasher, remember to remove the rubber feet at the bottom of the dog bowl to avoid losing it during the cleaning process.
- Anti-slip Effect - The slow feeding dog bowl has 6 rubber feet to hold it in place and prevent it from sliding around. The sides are slightly inclined to form a wider base and prevent it from tipping over. The rubber feet are fixed in a small groove around the edge of the bottom of the dog bowl. The rubber feet are detachable.
- Size & Color - The dog bowl is available in 8 colors: black, blue, pink, dark gray, light grey, purple, light purple and ink blue. Dog Bowl diameter: 9.6 inches / 24.4 cm. Height: 1.77 inches/4.5 cm. This slow bowl can hold about 3 cups of dry dog food. Slow feeding dog bowls are more suitable for medium and large dogs. Reminder: Not suitable for puppies and cats!
Only the best for the dog – relating to this motto, many dog owners lovingly care for their pets. The four-legged friends need attention and job, but especially, of course, food. The meals is crucial to ensure that the dog comes with all the important nutrition and remains in good health to live a long dog’s life. But it is often not so no problem finding the right food for your own dog. Similar to humans, it is also important to consider a balanced diet. In addition, the multitude of offers in the trade can cause confusion. Different questions arise: What nutritional requirements will the dog have and what quantity? Which in turn food is ideal from which age? Is usually dry or wet food the right choice for your four-legged friend? And exactly how much should the dog be given? What causes 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. In our guide, we describe the types of dog food, go into some of the ingredients and describe how much food a puppy needs. In addition, you will understand which foods dogs cannot endure and exactly how you can recognise a food allergy.
The different types of dog food easily
Merely 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. Grow older also plays a role.
Puppies are growing and need special nutrients. In addition, their digestive tract is not yet as efficient. An adult dog needs sugars, fats, oils, protein and minerals. His dog food should be balanced. Old dogs have a slow metabolism and are no for a longer time as active. Therefore, they need less energy, i. e. calorie consumption. Yet , the dog food should be easy to process and include a lot of proteins. In addition, the types of food vary in terms of composition, method of development and consistency.
Structure – complete or complementary food?
A complete feed contains all the nutrition the dog needs every day. The percentage of proteins, fatty acids, vitamins and minerals is different 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 damp food. Supplementary foods are not sufficient per to provide the dog with all the vital nutrients. These can be flakes that the dog owner mixes into the food or treats. The declaration shows what it is.
Type of production
– Dry food and wet food available in dog or cat shops and grocery stores usually comes from commercial production. This is the most common type of dog food. Industrially produced wet food is often filled in cans or small aluminium trays. With the latter, one pan is sufficient for one portion. On the other hand, some manufacturers of business dog food use genetically revised raw materials and additives.
Industrially produced dog food has a long corner life. By exceptions, this dog food can be stored unopened for many years without any loss of quality.
– Natural dog food only uses raw materials that come from grow, animal or other natural sources – unaltered or processed. The food must not contain any chemically synthesised additives. Yet , certain synthetic vitamins and minerals are permitted. In conditions of packaging, there is often hardly any difference compared to industrial food: natural dog food is packaged in cups or as dried out food.
– Organic and natural dog food must comply with tighter guidelines regarding elements. For example, the product should not contain numerous substances such as genetically revised ingredients, hormones and pesticides. You will find distinctions between the various organic and natural dog foods: “100 per penny organic” means that no undesirable ingredients have been prepared. With all the claim “organic”, the ingredients in the organic and natural food are 95 per cent organic. If this says “made with organic”, the product includes 70 per penny organic and natural ingredients. Organic food is available as dry and wet food.
– Meanwhile, vegan and vegetarian dog food is available too on the market. This dog food will not contain meat but still provides the dog with the important nutrients. Nevertheless , vegan and vegan dog food contains a lot of fresh vegetables and grains, which can issues if the dog is intolerant.
– A unique form of dog food is BARF. The abbreviation is short for “biologically species-appropriate raw feeding”. This species-appropriate method of feeding raw food is based on the dog’s ancestor – the wolf. Once barfing, the dog is fed raw fresh meat, often along with raw, pureed fruit or fruit and vegetables. Whether this method is actually much healthier is debatable. Because the meals are assembled individually, barfing is more suitable for experienced dog 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 kind of is a declaration that should 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 an improved smell and flavor. Some dog lovers also avoid family pet food/dog food from factory farming.
Big difference between extruded and cold-pressed dried hitch
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 out the other side. Through the dog food production process, temps of approximately 90 levels Celsius are made, which obviously contradicts the word 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 need to be artificially added to the foodstuff after processing. During control, the dough-like extruded feed is conveyed 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 broken down, a dog can digest the cold-pressed food normally, slowly and gradually. In addition, the food consists of more natural elements. If the four-legged good friend has problems with the gastrointestinal area 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. Nevertheless, the manufacturing process is just a supplementary factor in figuring out the tolerability and quality of the food. The most important thing is the quality of the recycleables.
Which is better – wet food or dried out food?
There is 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 . usually several years. Dogs that are fed dry food have to chew up more and thus teach their teeth. Ingesting dry food is nearly like brushing your dog’s teeth. Intended for dogs that drink little, feeding dry out food can be considered 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 expensive than damp food
- Easier to feed on the go
- Easy to store
- Almost germ-free due to heat during production
- More eco-friendly than refined food
Cons
- Generally less acceptable to the dog
- The dog’s body is deprived of water, so it has to drink more.
- Can lead to overweight more quickly 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. Often one package of wet food compares to one meal. Many dogs like moist food much better than dry food. In contrast to dry food, moist food for dogs – once opened up – can only be kept for a few days. It ought to be used up within 2 days of opening. Beneath we have summarised the huge benefits and down sides of wet food:
Pros
- High popularity by most four-legged friends
- Packed in handy portions
- Because of the high water content in wet food, your canine 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
- More difficult to transport and feed on the move
- Wet food smells more extreme
- Costs more than dry food
- Produces more waste
That is not possible to make a general statement about which type of dog food is ideal for your dog. Your dog ultimately decides 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 switch 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 can lead to overfeeding of the dog.
How much various meats and how many carbs and nutrients belong in dog food?
The quality of the dog food plays a major role in a balanced and proper diet. It is important that the dog food consists of healthy ingredients and nutrients – regardless 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 friend.
Just how much meat should the food contain?
Dogs are descended from wolves – that is why their digestive system is similar to those of predators. So to start with, the resource 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 needs and genetics have changed. This also applies to digestive function. For example, the dog’s digestive enzyme can now break down starch, meaning that the four-legged friend can also digest herb 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 provide energy for its activities. Consequently, 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 percent meat. But other ingredients are important too. If dog owners feed only meat with their four-legged friends, this may lead to digestive problems, stress on the kidneys and liver due to excess protein and deficiency symptoms.
Nutritional vitamins, minerals and carbs in dog food?
A well-balanced dog diet also contains nutrients that are not found in meat – for example , vitamins and nutrients found in fruits and veggies, or fatty stomach acids from healthy herbal oils. The four-legged good friend also needs sugars. Wolves, for example, eat the stomach and intestinal material of prey pets, now and then also berries and grass.
Dogs convert starch from rice, potatoes and cereals into energy and require it for their intestinal flora. However, the need for carbohydrates is low. Fillers from grow waste such as press residues from oil production, sections, husks or straw tend to be added to the feed. High-quality carbohydrates are found in rice, potatoes, millet, maize, amaranth or buckwheat.
Animal 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 take the dog food is determined by how much the animal moves. Lamb and poultry fat are saturated oily acids. They are stored in the body as emergency ration and are intended as a reserve for bad times. Meat and vegetable oil contain over loaded omega-6 fatty stomach acids and unsaturated oily acids. Omega-3 natural oils, which are found in fish, are extremely valuable for cellular metabolism.
What should maintain the dog food? Dog food should include 50 to 70 per cent lean meat or muscle meat or fish with superior quality proteins. In addition, there ought to be about 20 to 50 % 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 nutrients such as vitamin h or iron. Very good quality oils such as salmon olive oil or linseed fat improve nutrient ingestion and ensure a functioning cardiovascular system, a shiny layer 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 kinds of include:
– Treat and name of the manufacturer
– Date of produce or best-before day of the dog food
– Name of the foodstuff
– Net weight
– Moisture content for canned food
With regard to the ingredients of the feed, various assertions are permitted: A closed declaration only indicates ingredient types. These are, for example , statements such as “with cereals” and “vegetable by-products”. A semi-open declaration prospect lists the individual raw materials, but not their percentage. The start declaration gives the structure in percent 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 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 amounts.
2. The ingredients in the feed are listed in descending order relating to their amount. The further forwards an ingredient is listed on the label, the better its proportion. On the other hand, this implies: Only a little 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 vegetable content between 25 and 50 percent
– Balanced ingredients with all the necessary vitamins and minerals
– Very little use of flavor enhancers
These nutrition make a good dog food
The dog’s organism has no trouble digesting good dog food. Indications of this are almost odourless faeces, high vitality and a shiny coat. The proportion of nutrients in a dog food is listed under the term “analytical ingredients”. We have summarised these in the table:
| Component | Quantity required | Tasks | Information and special features |
| Crude protein | 20 to 25 percent in dry food 8 to 10 percent in wet food | Builds the body’s own tissue such as muscles and bones Strengthening skin and organs Enzymes, blood and hormones also need protein | High-quality protein comes mainly from muscle meat. Low-quality protein is found in slaughterhouse waste |
| Crude ash | 5 to 8 per cent or a maximum of 10 per cent for dry food. Less than 2 percent for wet feed | Supply of inorganic substances such as magnesium, calcium, zinc or silicic acid | Formed after combustion of the feed Proportion should be balanced Sometimes cheap but unnecessary bone meal products are added |
| Crude fibre | 2 to 3 percent for dry food 0.2 to 5 percent for wet food | Support of digestion Stimulation of intestinal activity Strengthens healthy intestinal flora Influences consistency and shape of dog faeces | Proportion of dietary fibre Too high a proportion can lead to flatulence and large quantities of faeces Rumen is filled with raw fibre Otherwise in the form of vegetables and fruit |
| Crude fat | At least 15 percent in dry food for active dogs 12 to 15 percent for dry food for dogs with normal to less exercise 1 percent for wet food | Provides energy Ensure healthy skin and shiny coat | High-quality products include salmon oil, linseed oil, cod oil, pumpkin seed oil and hemp oil. |
The other possible ingredients in dog food are explained below:
1. The value for meat and canine by-products indicates the meat content in your canine food. Producers often do not declare exactly what is engaged. It may 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, our bones and fish mind.
3. Plant by-products include, for example, vegetables, cereals and pulses and essential oil fruits. They are partially health- and digestion-promoting food components.
4. Technological additives are preservatives, separating and binding agents, stabilisers, thickening and solidifying agents and acid regulators. Some 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 effect the dog’s performance and health – such as stabilisers for the digestive tract flora or digestive : enzymes.
7. Physical additives are used to influence the appearance and taste of your canine food. That they include flavourings and colourings.
Overweight 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 swelling. Additionally, it may shorten the life expectancy of the animal. Often , too much food is the reason for overweight. Nevertheless age, sex and breed also be involved. 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 that the four-legged good friend gets more energy than he utilizes, he can become overweight. Therefore, it is vital to give puppies the right amount of food. Just how much pet food a dog needs depends upon various factors. In addition to the breed, the following 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 calorie consumption and has a slower metabolism. Consequently, he needs less food.
Age: More youthful dogs remain growing and tend to be more curious and active. They usually have a higher energy requirement than old dogs. It truly is recommended to reduce the number of food a little every year. For older 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: A few diseases influence a dog’s food or energy requirements. These include cardiovascular problems, thyroid disease, osteo-arthritis and diabetes. Once dogs are coping with illness, they need more pet food.
Hormone balance: A dog’s hormone levels can rise 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 dog food. A higher calorie content means a lower amount of food is needed. Additionally, dog owners can use the subsequent rules of thumb as a guide:
– The daily amount of food for an adult and healthy dog with an ordinary activity level should be about 2 to 3 pct of the dog’s weight.
– If the dog is older and does not exercise as much, a daily food amount of 2 % of the body weight is usually sufficient.
– A dog that movements a lot or is recovering from 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.
Anyone who is not sure about the right amount of food should talk to a vet and/or a nutritionist.
Just how can I identify a food allergic reaction?
The most typical allergies in dogs are flea allergy and food allergy. Possible triggers of your allergy are, for instance , stress, unwanted organisms and pollen. In addition, the protein-containing substances in a feed can trigger allergic reactions. Ingredients that a dog might be allergic to include, for instance , me llaman, animal proteins from poultry, pork or beef, and cause.
What is the 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 substance. A genuine food allergic reaction rarely occurs in dogs. Mostly it is an intolerance. This is not triggered by the immune system.
– Likely indications of allergies and intolerances
– Possible symptoms of a food allergy or food intolerance include itchiness, 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.
However, the symptoms do not really have to indicate an allergic reaction or intolerance. They can even be caused by another disease. If your dog has these symptoms, you ought to have the cause clarified by a vet. The vet can also determine an allergy or intolerance or an intolerance, for example , through an allergy test. On the other hand, it is possible to carry out an exemption diet. However, this involves a number 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 hasn’t eaten before. Dog owners should change the dog food bit by little. After 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 completed. Here, the dog owner has to feed his four-legged friend one substance at a time, which may be the trigger for the allergic reactions. Above time, a list is made of substances that the dog can endure or that cause allergic reactions in him. An eradication diet is something that dog owners can do themselves. However, it is a good idea to consult a professional or talk to the vet in advance.
Consistent action is crucial during an exclusion diet. The dog must not be given chews, treats or outstanding during this time period.
What should I do if my dog has an allergy?
Whether it turns out that your four-legged good friend has a food allergy or food intolerance, the dog should no longer eat the allergy-causing chemicals. The selected pet food must therefore not contain any substances that your dog cannot tolerate. The same applies to treats and dog snacks between meals.
If practically nothing changes, patience is necesary: sometimes it needs a little while until the symptoms of an intolerance or allergy or intolerance no longer happen. Sometimes they only disappear completely weeks following your change in food.
What is grain-free dog food?
Puppy food often includes grains. These include whole wheat, barley and rye, for example. Grain have an important function: they are a source of carbohydrates and energy. However, too much of it contributes to obesity and sometimes to a problem with digestion. There is also grain-free dog food. Instead of feed, it contains alternative 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. However , it is not necessarily necessary to use a grain-free dog food. Dogs are omnivores and are able to process vegetable protein. Several types of materials are also specifically easy to digest. These include maize and rice, for example. In some cases, 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.
If you want to give your dog 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 canines can’t tolerate. Several of them are actually poisonous for puppies. These include, for example, onions, organic cabbage and natural pork. Onions can be fatal, based on the size of the onion and your dog. For a medium-sized dog, even a medium-sized onion can be extremely dangerous. When a dog feeds on raw cabbage, it can get abdomen cramps or unwanted wind. Raw pork could retain the Aujeszky disease, which in turn causes fatal illness. Other foods and drinks that dogs should not eat include:
- Delicious chocolate
- Raw potatoes
- Vineyard
- Sultanas
- Fruit starts
- Raw signal
- Macadamia nuts
- Bitter almonds
- Raw eggs
- Some types of avocado
- Birch glucose and xylitol
- Cream and milk
- Caffeinated drinks, such as coffee
- Alcohol
Furthermore, nicotine is dangerous for dogs. Consequently, caution is advised in rain puddles, for example: Cigarette residues are located in them. Ashtrays should always be located in such a way that your canine cannot reach them.
If a dog has eaten food that is dangerous for it, you should contact the doctor or maybe the veterinary crisis service directly. Meanwhile, keep the dog in a secure environment. Nevertheless, despite all the concern for the dog’s life, the following applies: Stay calm and watch out for signs of poisoning. It could 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
- Throwing up
- Diarrhoea
- Cramps
- Uneasyness
- Shortness of breath
To prevent your dog from eating incompatible foods, dog owners should make sure that family members and acquaintances do not feed them such foods. In addition, it is crucial to train the dog well so that it does not constantly eat anything at all off of the side of the road.
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Video about best food to feed a dog
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 have to have a different dog food than adult puppies. Once they are weaned from their mother, puppy food is on the menu. This is usually the case after about 8 weeks. The components and ingredients of puppy dog food are specially designed for growing canines. This is because a baby dog’s immune system, bone tissues, muscles, coat and teeth first have to produce.
With puppy dog food, the focus is on nutrient intake. Over all, the puppy food must contain certain essential vitamins and minerals. 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 provided small portions several times a day, which are then slowly and gradually increased.
When should I start using dog food for adult dogs?
This is determined by the breed of dog: Up-and-coming small to medium breeds are believed 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 elderly people?
For small canines, the difference in diet should take place between 10 and 12 years of age. For medium-sized dogs, it is time at 8 to 9 years. Large bread of dogs are considered mature at 7 to 8 years old. In addition to age, the dog’s condition of health is also an important criterion. It is advisable to discuss the change of food with the vet.
Precisely what is the best way to store dry food?
The dry food should be kept 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 preference and nutrients. In the worst case, mould can develop.
What is barfing?
The abbreviation BARF comes from the English and means Born-Again Raw Feeder. The UK term means “biologically species-appropriate raw feeding”. The species-appropriate diet is founded on the eating habits of wild dogs. Ready-made food plays no role in barfeeding. Instead, the dog is fed natural food such as meat, offal and bones, supplemented with vegetables, fruit, oils and carbohydrates for a balanced supply of nutrients. Meanwhile, substance and freeze-dried BARF food and deep-frozen meat can be found in the shops. Dog owners can add the other necessary components. Nevertheless , you should inform yourself well or consult with experts.
What do I actually have to consider when changing my dog’s food?
The change of food must be done slowly. If the changeover is abrupt, sensitive dogs in particular can easily suffer from digestive problems, some of which is often considerable. A period of one week is usually recommended for your dog to get accustomed to the new food.
The change of food should proceed as employs: On day 1 and 2, replace about an one fourth of the dog’s usual food with the new food. On the 3rd 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 responds sensitively and, for instance , 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 in any way, it is obviously not well suited for him. In this instance, you should look for an alternative.
What should I do if my dog would 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 the event the food has already inflamed in water, it fills the dog up faster and is much easier to process. In addition, the dogs absorb more liquid with condensed dry food.
How quickly do dogs break down dry food?
Canines usually need up to 14 several hours to digest dried out food. The exact time depends, among other things, on the age and scale the dog and the standard 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 broken down 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 liquefied the foodstuff is, the shorter the digestion time. Wet food is digested within 6 to 8 hours in mature dogs.
Are pet 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 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 ever may i start nourishing a puppy?
During the first weeks of its life, a puppy is given breast milk by its mother. Solid food is usually eaten by puppies from the 3rd or 4th week of life. During this time, the mother continually give food to her puppies with breast milk in parallel. In order to accustom a puppy to dry food, it feels right to moisten or dilute it with some liquid – for example with pup milk. From the 6th to 7th week of life, the puppy is normally no longer provided with mother’s milk.
Experts recommend soaking your dry puppy food with a solution until the puppy is 5 or 6 months old. To get the puppy used to the harder food, blend more and more non-soaked food pieces over time.
Making dog food yourself – does it seem sensible?
Making your own dog food takes more time and work than purchased food. However, it does have some advantages:
– If you make the dog food yourself, you can determine for yourself which ingredients go into it.
– Dog owners can include the special needs of their four-legged good friend in the preparation 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 planning the food, you should study the various ingredients. The foodstuff should be balanced and contain all the necessary nutrients. It is advisable to talk to a vet in advance. Recipe ideas for dog food can be found on the Internet, for example.
Some foods are unhealthy or toxic for puppies. For example, onions and garlic should not be eaten by dogs.
Precisely what is hypoallergenic dog food?
Hypoallergenic dog food is especially suitable for dogs with allergies. It really is adapted to the needs of such a four-legged friend and can be easily digested by the dog. Right now 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. Appropriately, a hypoallergenic food reduces the risk that your dog will not tolerate it and that allergic reactions will take place.
Usually there is merely one source of necessary protein in such a product. This is usually an amazing meat, such as kangaroo or normal water buffalo. Normally, the protein source used very rarely causes an intolerance. Even so, it cannot be ruled out that even hypoallergenic dog food can lead to allergies. This kind of happens when there exists a substance in the meals that the four-legged friend cannot tolerate.
In addition to dogs with allergy symptoms, hypoallergenic food is suitable for four-legged friends with a very sensitive gastrointestinal system. For these dogs, such a product provides prevention of digestive problems.
