The particular best for the dog – according to this slogan, many dog owners lovingly care for their pets. The four-legged friends need attention and occupation, but especially, of course, food. The food is crucial to ensure that the dog comes with all the important nutrients and remains in good health to live a long dog’s life. But it is often not so easy to find the right food for your own dog. 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. Different questions arise: What nutritional requirements will the dog have and in what quantity? Which usually food is ideal at which age? Is dry or moist food the right choice for your four-legged friend? And exactly how much should the dog be given? What can cause deficiency symptoms?
In the following best food to feed my dog, we present 10 products. We offer information about which ingredients the foods contain and for which pups the products are suitable. Inside our guide, we describe the types of dog food, go into some of the constituents and clarify how much food a dog needs. In addition, you will see which foods dogs cannot endure and how you can recognise a food allergy.
Below is a list of the best food to feed my dog:
- Dinner for Dogs — £1.99
- Tasty Treats for Happy Dogs — £8.99
- Neater Pet Brands Slow Feeder Bowl Stainless Steel - Dog Bowls to Slow Down... — £14.99
- My Recipes Journal for My Dog: Recipe notebook to write in your dog food recipes
- Raw Feeding Guide For Dogs: Tips On How To Feed Your Dog Raw In The Healthy... — £6.54
- Homemade Dog Food Recipes: Start Feeding Your Dog Homemade Food: Homemade Dog... — £6.55
- Feed My Pooch Advanced Joint Supplement - High Strength Chewable Tablets with...
- DIABETIC DOG DIET: The Comprehensive Guide on Diabetic Dog Care With... — £2.95
- PLCatis Slow Feeding Dog Bowl Feeder Non-Skid Safe Dog Bowls to Slow Down...
- Me and My Pets Slow Feed Dog Bowl - Choice of Size and Colour — £2.99
After hours researching and comparing all models on the market, Life my Dog finds out the Best food to feed my dog of 2024. We would recommend using Me and My Pets Slow Feed Dog Bowl – Choice of Size and Colour as it is our top pick for you.
Top 10 Best food to feed my dog
Best food to feed my dog
Me and My Pets Slow Feed Dog Bowl - Choice of Size and Colour
Features
- Me & My Pets Slow Feed Dog Bowl - Suitable for all puppies & dogs
- Available in choice size - Medium or large & colour - Cream, green or grey
- Interior feeding obstacles encourage your pet to eat/drink at a slower pace - Prevents gulping & allows food to be digested easily - Also helps to stop bloating& great for tackling bad eating habits
- Non slip base - Dishwasher friendly
- Dimensions: medium - Inner rim diameter: 13.5cm / outer diameter: 18cm / large - Inner rim diameter: 16cm / outer diameter: 22cm
PLCatis Slow Feeding Dog Bowl Feeder Non-Skid Safe Dog Bowls to Slow Down Eating Better Digestion Slow Feeding Eating Dog Bowl Plastic Pink Dog Food Bowl for Preventing Choking Bloating Healthy Eating
Features
- SLOW DOWN EATING TIME- More ridged and deeper grooves design making dogs eating 10-times slower with this slow feeder dog bowl than normal bowls. Even the greediest dogs can eat at a slower pace, this allows the food to digest more effectively.
- SAFE DURABLE MATERIAL- These dog slow feeder made of quality pet-safe PP material which is food-safe, harmless, durable, recyclable, nontoxic, BPA free, PVC free or phthalates free to keep your puppy safe.
- NON-SKID BASE- Made of heavy duty plastic material the non-slip base is stable enough so the slow feeder bowl won’t sliding around at mealtime performed well on all surfaces. Even excited dogs are able to eat their meals without food spilling.
- MEDIUM SIZE PET FEEDER- Bowl width 20cm, height around 5cm, wide and low, making it hard for your dog to top over. Recommend for small to medium dogs, cats, hold a good amount of food around 2 cups. Works for both dry and wet food.
- SUITABLE AND WASHABLE - It may be tough to clean all the nooks and crannies but the slow eating dog bowl is dishwasher safe, cleanup will be easier. Warm tips: they need to be washed regularly so bacteria doesn't build up and cause problems.
DIABETIC DOG DIET: The Comprehensive Guide on Diabetic Dog Care With Diligence As Pet and Lots More
Features
| Is Adult Product | |
| Release Date | 2022-02-07T17:14:41.282-00:00 |
| Language | English |
| Number Of Pages | 11 |
| Publication Date | 2022-02-07T17:14:41.282-00:00 |
| Format | Kindle eBook |
Features
| Release Date | 2019-12-05T00:00:00.000Z |
| Language | English |
| Number Of Pages | 128 |
| Publication Date | 2019-12-05T00:00:00.000Z |
| Format | Kindle eBook |
Features
| Release Date | 2012-09-11T00:00:00.000Z |
| Language | English |
| Number Of Pages | 192 |
| Publication Date | 2012-09-11T00:00:00.000Z |
| Format | Kindle eBook |
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.
Feed My Pooch Advanced Joint Supplement - High Strength Chewable Tablets with Glucosamine, Chondroitin, MSM, Green Lipped Mussel, Turmeric, Vitamin C & E, Omega 3 & 6
Features
| Language | Italian |
Homemade Dog Food Recipes: Start Feeding Your Dog Homemade Food: Homemade Dog Food Recipes Your Dog Will Love
1 used from £17.00
Features
| Is Adult Product | |
| Release Date | 2021-07-22T00:00:01Z |
| Language | English |
| Number Of Pages | 54 |
| Publication Date | 2021-07-22T00:00:01Z |
Raw Feeding Guide For Dogs: Tips On How To Feed Your Dog Raw In The Healthy Way: Beginners Guide To Raw Food Diet For Dogs
1 used from £17.00
Features
| Is Adult Product | |
| Release Date | 2021-07-24T00:00:01Z |
| Language | English |
| Number Of Pages | 36 |
| Publication Date | 2021-07-24T00:00:01Z |
My Recipes Journal for My Dog: Recipe notebook to write in your dog food recipes
Features
| Is Adult Product | |
| Release Date | 2022-02-04T00:00:01Z |
| Language | English |
| Number Of Pages | 108 |
| Publication Date | 2022-02-04T00:00:01Z |
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 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 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 wide range 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 definitely dry or damp food the right choice for your four-legged friend? And exactly how much should the dog be provided? What may cause deficiency symptoms?
In 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 ingredients and explain how much food a puppy needs. In addition, you will see which foods dogs cannot tolerate and just how you can recognise a food allergy.
The different types of dog food at a glance
Merely as every person has their own own health needs, every dog’s preferences are different. The choice of food that moves 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 digestive tract is not yet as efficient. An adult dog needs carbohydrates, fats, oils, proteins and minerals. His dog food should be balanced. More mature dogs have a slow metabolism and are no much longer as active. Therefore, they require less energy, i. e. calorie consumption. Nevertheless , the dog food should be easy to break down and include a whole lot of proteins. In addition, the types of food fluctuate in phrases of composition, technique of production and consistency.
Structure – complete or complementary food?
A complete feed includes all the nutrition the dog needs on a regular basis. The percentage of proteins, fatty acids, vitamins and minerals differs according to the product. The ingredients should be adapted to age, activity and possible allergies of the four-legged friend. A whole food can be dry or cast food. Supplementary meals are not sufficient per to provide the dog with all the crucial nutrition. These can be flakes that the dog owner combines into the food or treats. The declaration shows what it is.
Type of production
– Dry food and wet food available in family pet shops and food markets usually comes from industrial production. This kind of is the most common type of dog food. Industrially produced wet food is often completed cans or small aluminium trays. With all the latter, one pan is sufficient for one portion. Nevertheless, some manufacturers of professional dog food use genetically altered raw materials and additives.
Industrially produced dog food has a long shelf life. With a few conditions, this dog food can be stored unopened for many years with no loss of quality.
– Natural dog food only uses raw materials that come from herb, animal or other natural sources – unaltered or processed. The food should not contain any chemically synthesised additives. Yet , certain synthetic nutritional supplements are permitted. In phrases of packaging, there is often extremely little difference compared to business food: natural dog food is packaged in cans or as dry out food.
– Organic and natural dog food must comply with harsher guidelines regarding ingredients. For example, the product should never contain numerous substances such as genetically altered ingredients, hormones and pesticides. You will find dissimilarities between the various organic and natural dog foods: “100 per penny organic” means that no undesirable ingredients have been highly processed. Together with the claim “organic”, the ingredients in the organic food are 95 per dollar organic. If this states “made with organic”, the product involves 70 per cent organic 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 kind of dog food will not contain meat and still provides the dog with the important nutrients. Nevertheless , veggie and vegan dog food contains a lot of vegetables and grains, which can cause problems if the dog is intolerant.
– An exclusive form of dog food is BARF. The abbreviation stands for “biologically species-appropriate 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 raw fresh meat, often coupled with raw, pureed fruit or fresh vegetables. Whether this method is actually more healthy is debatable. Since the meals are assembled individually, barfing much more ideal for experienced pet owners who have studied this diet of their four-legged friends in detail.
There are manufacturers who advertise that their dog food is of food quality. This is a declaration that ought 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 are supposed to provide the food the smell and taste. Some dog lovers also avoid dog or cat food/dog food from factory farming.
Difference between extruded and cold-pressed dried fodder
Dried dog food is produced by the cold-pressing or extrusion process:
1. Cold-pressed dog food is created by first drying the uncooked materials and then grinding and mixing them. A tool presses this mass through the openings of a carol wall. Shaped and compacted chunks of feed come out the other side. During the dog food production process, temperatures of around 90 certifications Celsius are produced, which obviously contradicts the definition of cold hitting. Yet , temperatures are still significantly lower than those used in extrusion.
2. In the extrusion process, the ingredients for your dog food are exposed to great heat. Many nutrients are lost during this manufacturing process. These have to be artificially added to the food after processing. During digesting, the dough-like extruded feed is conveyed through nozzles at high pressure. Give food to produced in this way swells significantly when liquid is added.
Both methods have advantages and disadvantages: Because the nutrients have not yet been busted down, a dog can digest the cold-pressed food obviously, little by little. In addition, the food consists of more natural ingredients. In the event the four-legged good friend has problems with the gastrointestinal tract and an annoyed digestion, extruded dog food can be more tolerable for him. In this dog food, the starch has already been broken down during heating. Nevertheless, the manufacturing process is only an extra factor in identifying the tolerability and quality of the food. The most important thing is the quality of the recycleables.
Which is better – wet food or dry out food?
There exists damp and dry dog food on the market. The two types of dog food differ in their water content.
Dry food includes hardly any water and therefore has a longer shelf life . usually several years. Dogs that are fed dry food have to chew more and therefore teach their teeth. Consuming dry food is almost like brushing your dog’s teeth. For dogs that drink little, feeding dry 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 benefits and disadvantages of dry food at a glance:
Pros
- Long shelf life
- More affordable than wet food
- Easier to feed on the go
- Easy to store
- Almost germ-free due to heat during production
- More eco-friendly than processed food
Cons
- Often less acceptable to the dog
- The dog’s body is deprived of water, so it has to drink significantly more.
- Can lead to overweight quicker 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. A large number of dogs like wet food much better than dry food. In contrast to dry food, wet food for canines – once exposed – can only be kept for a few days and nights. It must be used up within 2 days of opening. Under we have summarised the benefits and disadvantages of wet food:
Pros
- High popularity by most four-legged friends
- Packed in convenient 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, damp food cannot be stored well
- Large dogs need to know more space for storage
- Even more difficult to move and feed on the move
- Wet food smells more intense
- Costs more than dry food
- Generates more waste
That is not possible to make a general statement about which type of dog food is suitable for your dog. Your canine eventually 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 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 primary meal, never as a treat in between meals. This kind of can lead to overfeeding of your canine.
How much meat and how many carbs and nutrients belong in dog food?
The caliber of the dog food plays a major role in a balanced and proper diet. It is important that the dog food contains healthy ingredients and nutrients – regardless 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 good friend.
Simply how much meat should the food contain?
Dogs are originated from wolves – that is why their digestive system is similar to regarding predators. Thus to start with, the supply 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 digestion. For example, the dog’s digestive enzyme can now break down starch, which means that the four-legged friend can also digest plant food in smaller quantities.
First and foremost, various meats provides the dog with protein. The four-legged friend needs protein for its muscles, bones, strong tissues, healthy teeth and nerves and to provide energy for its activities. Consequently, senior dogs have a lower necessary protein requirement because they are not as energetic as young or adult animals. In general, experts declare dog food should contain between 50 and 70 % meat. But other ingredients are important too. If dog owners feed only meat with their four-legged friends, this may lead to a problem with digestion, stress on the kidneys and liver due to excess protein and deficiency symptoms.
Vitamins, minerals and carbohydrates in dog food?
A balanced dog diet also contains nutrients that are not found in meat – for instance , vitamins and nutrients found in vegetables and fruit, or fatty stomach acids from healthy herbal oils. The four-legged friend also needs carbohydrates. Wolves, for example, eat the stomach and intestinal items of prey pets, now and then also berries and grass.
Dogs convert starch from rice, potatoes and cereals into energy and need it for their intestinal flora. On the other hand, the need for carbohydrates is low. Fillers from herb waste such as press residues from oil production, stalks, husks or straw are often added to the feed. Top 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. Just how much should take the dog food depends on how much the pet moves. Lamb and poultry body fat are saturated fatty acids. They are stored in the body as emergency rations and are intended as a hold for bad times. Meat and veg oil contain condensed omega-6 fatty stomach acids and unsaturated fatty acids. Omega-3 herbal oils, which are present in fish, are extremely valuable for cell metabolism.
What should maintain the dog food? Dog food should include 50 to 70 percent lean meat or muscle meat or fish with superior quality proteins. In addition, there should be about 20 to 50 % high-quality carbohydrates for energy production and fruit, vegetables or herbs for the necessary nutritional supplements. The proportion of offal should be a maximum of 10 percent. Offal provides valuable nutrients such as biotin or iron. Great quality oils such as salmon essential oil or linseed fat improve nutrient absorption and ensure a functioning cardiovascular system, a shiny coating and healthy skin.
How can I recognise high-quality dog food?
Dog food sold in UK must be labelled with certain mandatory information. These include:
– Address and name of the manufacturer
– Date of produce or best-before day of the dog food
– Brand of the meals
– 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 types. These are, for example , statements such as “with cereals” and “vegetable by-products”. A semi-open declaration data the individual raw materials, although not their percentage. The start declaration gives the structure in per cent and the respective sources of raw materials. When reading the food label, dog owners should also note the following:
1. Many manufacturers split the definition of grain 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 grain. The cereal components provide carbohydrates and saturate well, but must not be included in too large quantities.
2. The substances in the feed are listed in descending order regarding to their volume. The further forward an ingredient is listed on the label, the higher its proportion. Conversely, this implies: 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 ingredients 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 nutrition in a dog food is detailed under the word “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 pet by-products indicates the meat content in your canine food. Companies often do not declare exactly what is engaged. It could be high-quality muscle meat or offal as well as low-quality offal. The latter includes, among other things, dried meats, rumen or chaps. Animal by-products include, for instance , hair, our bones, hooves, blood or beaks.
2. Fish and its by-products include fish fillets, our bones and fish heads.
3. Plant by-products include, for example, vegetables, cereals and pulses and olive oil fruits. They may be partly health- and digestion-promoting food components.
4. Technological additives are preservatives, separating and binding agents, stabilisers, thickening and solidifying agents and level of 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 anti-oxidants are to prevent rancid fat.
5. Nutritional additives are intended to support the health of the four-legged good friend. They should be within the right formula, for example as vitamins, provitamins, amino acids and track elements.
6. Zootechnical additives can be added to the feed to effect the dog’s performance and health – such as stabilisers for the digestive tract flora or digestive : enzymes.
7. Sensory additives are used to influence the appearance and taste of the dog food. They include flavourings and colourings.
Overweight canines suffer! Obesity is a growing problem in dogs with serious health consequences. That can lead to diseases of bodily organs, puts stress on bones, joints and the cardiovascular system, and promotes inflammation. It may also shorten the life expectancy of the animal. Often , too much food is the reason for overweight. But age, sex and breed also may play a role. Especially Cocker Spaniels, Labrador Retrievers and King Charles often become overweight. Occasionally the use of food items for deiting should be considered.
How much food does my dog need?
In the event that the four-legged friend gets more energy than he consumes, he can become overweight. Therefore, it is very important to give dogs the necessary food. Just how much pet food a dog needs is determined by various factors. In addition to the breed, the next aspects are relevant, for example:
Activity level: How much the four-legged friend moves determines the amount of energy it burns. A dog that moves a lot burns more calories. If the dog is not so active, it burns fewer calories from fat and has a slower metabolism. Accordingly, he needs less food.
Age: Young dogs continue to be growing and tend to be more curious and lively. They usually have a higher energy requirement than more mature dogs. It truly is recommended to reduce the quantity of food a little annually. For old dogs, there are senior foods that are reduced fat and contain important additives. For smaller dogs you need to change at the era of 10 to 12 years, for large dogs as early as 7 to 8 years.
Diseases: Several diseases influence a dog’s food or energy requirements. These include cardiovascular problems, thyroid disease, osteo-arthritis and diabetes. When dogs are coping with illness, they need more pet food.
Hormone balance: A dog’s hormonal levels can rise or fall, changing energy needs. For example , dogs have different energy needs when they are with child or change their coat.
To find out what amount of food is right for your dog, look at the food content of your canine food. A higher calorie content means a reduced 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 an ordinary activity level should be about 2 to 3 % of the dog’s weight.
– If the dog is older and does not exercise as much, a daily food amount of 2 pct of the body weight is usually sufficient.
– A dog that techniques a lot or is recovering from an illness should be fed more. His necessary food amount per day is up to 5 percent of his body weight.
– Snacks should not exceed 10 percent of the daily food requirement.
Anyone who is uncertain about the right amount of food should talk to a vet and/or a nutritionist.
How can I identify a food allergic reaction?
The most common allergies in dogs are flea allergy and food allergy. Possible causes of your allergy are, for example , stress, parasitic organisms and pollen. In addition, the protein-containing substances in a feed can induce allergic reactions. What a dog might be allergic to include, for instance , soy, animal proteins from poultry, pork or beef, and cause.
What is the difference between an allergic reaction and an intolerance?
– An allergy is a hypersensitivity response by the dog’s immune system. It reacts strongly against a certain substance. A genuine food allergy or intolerance 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 irritation, vomiting, stomach pain, flatulence, diarrhoea, loss in fur, redness and frequent scratching.
– Symptoms might not show up right after feeding the food. Sometimes they only appear a few hours or days later.
However, the symptoms do certainly not have to indicate an allergy or intolerance or intolerance. That they can also be caused by another disease. In the event your dog has these symptoms, you ought to have the cause cleared up with a vet. The vet can also determine an allergic reaction or an intolerance, for example , through an allergy test. Additionally, it is possible to undertake an different diet. However, this involves a lot of effort.
What is an different diet?
In an exclusion diet, the owner feeds the four-legged friend only one special supply of protein and carbs. These sources must be ingredients that the four-legged friend have not eaten before. Dog owners should change the dog food bit by little. Following your food change, your dog is fed the new food for several weeks.
When the dog’s condition boosts and the symptoms no more occur, a provocation test is carried out. Here, the dog owner has to feed his four-legged friend one substance at a time, that could be the trigger for the allergic reactions. More than time, a list is made of substances that the dog can tolerate or that cause allergic reactions in him. An eradication diet is something that pet owners can do themselves. However, it is advisable to talk to a professional or talk to the vet beforehand.
Consistent action is essential during an exclusion diet. The dog must not be given chews, treats or left over spots during this time 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 longer eat the allergy-causing substances. The selected pet food must therefore not contain any substances that your dog cannot tolerate. The same goes to treats and all dog snacks between meals.
If absolutely nothing changes, patience is called for: sometimes it calls for some time until the symptoms of an intolerance or allergic reaction no longer occur. Sometimes they only disappear completely weeks following the change in food.
What is grain-free dog food?
Puppy food often contains grains. Included in this are whole wheat, barley and rye, for example. Grains have an important function: they are a source of carbohydrates and energy. However, an excessive amount of it results in obesity and sometimes to digestive problems. There is also grain-free dog food. Instead of materials, 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 also suited to more sensitive dogs. Nevertheless , it is not necessarily required to use a grain-free dog food. Dogs are omnivores and are able to break down vegetable protein. Some types of feed are also particularly easy to process. Such as maize and rice, for example. In some cases, however, it makes sense or is necessary to use a dog food without materials. This is especially true if the dog is allergic to food containing cereals.
If you want to give your puppy a dog food with grain, you should make sure that the grain content is not way too high and that the product has a balanced recipe.
What can dogs not tolerate?
There are a lot of foods that dogs can’t tolerate. Some of them are actually poisonous for puppies. These include, for example, onions, organic cabbage and organic pork. Onions can be fatal, depending on the size of the onion and the dog. For a medium-sized dog, even a medium-sized onion can be extremely dangerous. If the dog consumes raw cabbage, it can get abdomen cramps or unwanted wind. Raw pork could contain the Aujeszky disease, which in turn causes fatal disease. Other foods and drinks that dogs must not eat include:
- Chocolates
- Raw taters
- Vineyard
- Sultanas
- Fruits starts
- Raw pulses
- Macadamia nuts
- Bitter almonds
- Raw ova
- Some types of avocado
- Birch glucose and xylitol
- Cream and milk
- Caffeinated drinks, such as caffeine
- Alcohol
Furthermore, nicotine is dangerous for dogs. Consequently, caution is recommended in rain puddles, for example: Cigarette residues are available in them. Ashtrays should always be located in such a way that the dog cannot reach them.
If a dog has eaten food that is dangerous for this, you should contact the doctor or the veterinary unexpected emergency service directly. In the mean time, keep the dog in a safe 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:
- Extreme salivation
- Excessive thirst
- Throwing up
- Diarrhoea
- Aches
- Trouble sleeping
- Shortness of breath
To prevent the dog from eating incompatible foods, dog owners should make sure that family members 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 anything at all off the side of the road.
The best choice is the Me and My Pets Slow Feed Dog Bowl – Choice of Size and Colour.
Me and My Pets Slow Feed Dog Bowl - Choice of Size and Colour
- Me & My Pets Slow Feed Dog Bowl - Suitable for all puppies & dogs
- Available in choice size - Medium or large & colour - Cream, green or grey
- Interior feeding obstacles encourage your pet to eat/drink at a slower pace - Prevents gulping & allows food to be digested easily - Also helps to stop bloating& great for tackling bad eating habits
Video about best food to feed my 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 need a different dog food than adult puppies. Once they are weaned from their mother, puppy food is on the menu. This is usually the truth after about 8 weeks. The components and substances of puppy dog food are specially suitable for growing dogs. This is because a baby dog’s immune system, bones, muscles, coat and teeth first have to build up.
With puppy dog dog food, the focus is on nutrient intake. Above all, the pup food must contain certain essential nutritional supplements. So that the puppy’s digestive tract is not overtaxed, the food for puppies also has a lower food volume than the dog food for adult quadrupeds. In the beginning, young dogs should be provided small portions a couple of times a day, which are then gradually increased.
When should I start using dog food for adult dogs?
This depends upon the breed of dog: Up-and-coming small to medium breeds are believed grown ups from 9 to 12 months of age. For large breeds, it is recommended to give adult food to dogs from 12 to 15 months of age. For very large breeds, it is advised to give adult food a little later – from 18 to 24 months.
When should my dog be given food for elderly people?
For small dogs, the difference in diet should take place between 10 and 12 years of age. For medium-sized dogs, its about time at 8 to 9 years. Large bread of dogs are considered mature at 7 to 8 years old. In addition to age group, the dog’s state of health is also an important criterion. It is recommended to discuss the change of food with the vet.
Precisely what is the best way to store dry food?
The dry food should be held in an airtight container. Glass or plastic containers without plasticisers are best. Packaging with a metal layer on the inside is also recommended for storing dried food. The container or packaging should be stored in a dry and not too warm place. Otherwise the foodstuff can become “sticky” and lose its flavor and nutrients. In the worst case, mould can develop.
Precisely 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 natural food such as meat, offal and bones, supplemented with vegetables, fruit, herbal oils and carbohydrates for a well-balanced supply of nutrients. Meanwhile, chemical substance and freeze-dried BARF food and deep-frozen meat can be purchased in the shops. Dog owners can add the other necessary components. Nevertheless , you should advise 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. In the event the changeover is abrupt, sensitive puppies in particular can easily suffer from digestive : problems, a number of that can be considerable. A time of one week is usually recommended for your dog to get used to the new food.
The change of food should proceed as comes after: 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. Around the fifth and sixth day, the proportion of the new dog food should be 3 quarters. On day 7, the move is complete.
In the event that the dog reacts sensitively and, for instance , gets diarrhoea in the first few days of the food 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 suitable for him. In this case, you should look for an option.
What should I do if my dog would not like dry food?
Then it makes sense to soak the dry food. This has several advantages: Dogs often eat the dry food beyond hunger because it swells in the stomach first. This makes it easier to allow them to become overweight and feel full. In case the food has already enlarged in water, it fills the dog up faster and is easier to process. In addition, the dogs absorb more liquid with soaked dry food.
How fast do dogs digest dry food?
Dogs 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 caliber of the food. A young dog usually has a faster metabolism than an more mature animal. The quantity of food is also important. Small 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 leads to faster digestion. In addition , the more liquefied the foodstuff is, the shorter the digestion time. Wet food is digested within 6 to 8 hours in adult dogs.
Are animal tests carried out for dog food?
You will discover quite a few manufacturers who carry out creature experiments to test the effects and tolerance of their newly developed types of food. PETA’s website publishes a listing of manufacturers who do not test on animals.
Which manufacturers and brands produce dog food?
The best-known dog food manufacturers and dog food brands include, for instance , ROYAL CANIN, Josera and WOLFSBLUT. Other well-known manufacturers and brands are, for example:
– Bosch
– PRIMUM
– Pedigree
– RINTI
– Animonda
– MERA
When is i able to start feeding a puppy?
During the beginning of its life, a puppy is given breast milk by its mother. Stable food is usually eaten by pups from the 3rd or 4th week of life. During this period, the mother continues to nourish her puppies with breast milk in parallel. In order to accustom a puppy to dry food, it seems sensible to moisten or dilute it which includes liquid – for example with puppy dog milk. From the 6th to 7th week of life, the puppy is normally no more provided with mother’s dairy.
Experts recommend soaking dry puppy food with a liquid 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 indeed it sound right?
Making your own dog food takes more time and work than acquired food. However, it will have some advantages:
– If you make the dog food yourself, you can make a decision for yourself which ingredients go into it.
– Doggie owners range from the special needs of their four-legged good friend in the preparing and adapt the meals to these and the dog’s taste.
– It is possible to make the food more varied for the dog.
If, for example , the dog is overweight, has to take medication or is intolerant to various foods, it could be sensible or required to prepare the food yourself. Before organizing the foodstuff, you should study different elements. The meals should be balanced and contain all the necessary nutrients. It is recommended to talk to a vet ahead of time. Recipe ideas for dog food can be found on the net, for example.
Certain foods are unhealthy or toxic for puppies. For example, onions and garlic should not be ingested by dogs.
Precisely what is hypoallergenic dog food?
Hypoallergenic dog food is especially suitable for dogs with allergy symptoms. It is adapted to the needs of such a four-legged friend and can be easily digested by the dog. There is hypoallergenic dried out food and allergies wet food on the market. That contains few or no substances that cause allergic reactions in dogs. Accordingly, a hypoallergenic food reduces the risk that your canine will not tolerate it and that hypersensitive reactions will happen.
Usually there is only one source of proteins in such a product. This is usually an unique meat, such as kangaroo or normal water buffalo. Normally, the protein source used very rarely causes an intolerance. Nevertheless, it cannot be ruled out that even hypoallergenic dog food can lead to allergic reactions. This happens when we have a substance in the food that the four-legged friend cannot endure.
In addition to dogs with allergy symptoms, hypoallergenic food is suited to four-legged friends with a sensitive gastrointestinal system. For these dogs, such a product can provide prevention of digestive problems.
