The particular best for the dog – according to this saying, many dog owners lovingly care for their pets. The four-legged friends need attention and occupation, but above all, of course, food. The foodstuff 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. Similar to humans, it is also important to consider a balanced diet. In addition, the wide variety of offers in the trade can cause confusion. Different questions arise: What nutritional requirements will the dog have and in what quantity? Which food is appropriate 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 may cause deficiency symptoms?
In the following best fresh dog food, we present 10 products. We provide information about which ingredients the foods contain and for which dogs the products are suitable. Within our guide, we describe the types of dog food, go into some of the ingredients and clarify how much food a puppy needs. In addition, you will learn which foods dogs cannot put up with and how you can recognise a food allergy.
Below is a list of the best fresh dog food:
- Cesar Deliciously Fresh Wet Dog Food in Sauce for Adult Dogs, 12 x 100g — £12.99
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Harringtons Grain Free Wet Dog Food Mixed Flavours 16x400g
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£21.99
£27.85 - Pooch & Mutt - Wet Dog Food (Grain Free), Complete & Fresh, Turkey & Chicken... — £24.00
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IAMS for Vitality Small/Medium Breed Adult Dry Dog Food with Fresh Chicken,...
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£25.00
£32.95 - Pooch & Mutt - Wet Dog Food (Grain Free), Complete & Fresh, Pumpkin & Pea,... — £34.35
- Pooch & Mutt - Wet Dog Food (Grain Free), Complete & Fresh, Mixed Flavours,... — £42.00
- Arden Grange Adult Performance Dry Dog Food with Fresh Chicken and Rice, 12 kg — £48.00
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Lily's Kitchen Chicken and Duck Countryside Casserole - Grain Free Adult Dry...
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£52.89
£58.10 - Pets Love Fresh - Simply Chicken Fresh Dog Food - 100% Natural Chubb Roll for...
- Pets Love Fresh - Simply Beef Fresh Dog Food - 100% Natural Chubb Roll for...
After hours researching and comparing all models on the market, Life my Dog finds out the Best fresh dog food of 2024. We would recommend using Pooch & Mutt – Wet Dog Food (Grain Free), Complete & Fresh, Mixed Flavours, 12x375g as it is one of the best products currently available in market.
Top 10 Best fresh dog food
Best fresh dog food
Pooch & Mutt - Wet Dog Food (Grain Free), Complete & Fresh, Mixed Flavours, 12x375g
Features
- A 12 pack assortment of wet dog food flavours to find the best for your dog
- Premium, grain free complete wet dog food
- Contains a new and improved recipe that includes local sourced fresh meat and vegetables from British farms
- With 100% recyclable packaging, cartons have an 80% lower global warming potential than cans
- Free from grain, cereal, gluten and GM produce
Pets Love Fresh - Simply Chicken Fresh Dog Food - 100% Natural Chubb Roll for Dogs, No Artificial Flavours - 3kg
Features
- COMPLETE NATURAL NUTRITION - No ingredients you can’t pronounce. Everything a dog needs for a balanced nutritionally complete diet.
- MADE WITH BRITISH CHICKEN - No processed rubbish. This delicious recipe contains 70% human grade chicken meat that would normally be sold in supermarkets.
- FUSSY DOGS LOVE IT - Gently cooked, high quality natural ingredients make our food easier to digest and tasty. Clean bowls all round.
- VET & NUTRITIONIST APPROVED - Developed with vets, nutritionists, dieticians & owners to provide as much nutritional benefit for dogs as possible.
- DELIVERED FROZEN FRESH - No preservatives needed. Delivered frozen fresh so all the goodness makes it fresh to your dog's bowl.
Pooch & Mutt - Wet Dog Food (Grain Free), Complete & Fresh, Turkey & Chicken 12x375g
Features
- A 12 pack of turkey and chicken flavoured wet dog food
- Premium, grain free complete wet dog food
- Contains a new and improved recipe that includes local sourced fresh meat and vegetables from British farms
- With 100% recyclable packaging, cartons have an 80% lower global warming potential than cans
- Free from grain, cereal, gluten and GM produce
Cesar Deliciously Fresh Wet Dog Food in Sauce for Adult Dogs, 12 x 100g
Features
- This wet dog food in sauce is carefully prepared into single pouches, providing a healthy, delicious and fresh meal with sauces that will have your canine friend craving for more
- Lovingly created to be both delicious and well-balanced for everyday enjoyment, individual portions of this wet dog food provide a moist, fresh meal each time; you can rely on Cesar dog food in sauce
- Cesar wet dog food pouches are high quality recipes made with carefully selected ingredients that you would expect from a luxury dog food
- CESAR understands how the experiences you share with your dog bring you closer together; handy single dog food trays with mouth-watering sauces help keep your dog keen and interested
- Delicious Cesar meal and sauce dog food pouches contain no added sugar, artificial flavours or artificial colours
Harringtons Grain Free Wet Dog Food Mixed Flavours 16x400g
£21.99
Features
- 1. THE NATURAL CHOICE - At Harringtons, we believe every dog deserves natural food that's balanced, wholesome and tasty. From puppies to seniors to special diets, we make a range that's perfect for you.
- 2. GRAIN FREE - Harringtons wet dog food is a complete grain-free dog food providing balanced nutrition for all dogs age 8 weeks and above.
- 3. DELICIOUS FLAVOURS – The Mixed 16x400g wet dog food multi-pack contains 4 tasty flavours for your dog to enjoy – 4x Turkey, 4x Salmon, 4x Chicken & 4x Duck.
- 4. UNIQUE FRESHCOOK METHOD - Our meat's so good, it's graded for humans. We freshly prepare it, cook it gently to lock in nutrition and flavour, then add vitamins and minerals.
- 5. MADE IN THE UK – Harringtons dog food is proudly made by ourselves right here in the UK and has been family run since 1923.
Pooch & Mutt - Wet Dog Food (Grain Free), Complete & Fresh, Pumpkin & Pea, 12x375g
Features
- A 12 pack of Chicken ,pumpkin and pea flavoured wet dog food
- Premium, grain free complete wet dog food
- Contains a new and improved recipe that includes local sourced fresh meat and vegetables from British farms
- With 100% recyclable packaging, cartons have an 80% lower global warming potential than cans
- Free from grain, cereal, gluten and GM produce
Lily's Kitchen Chicken and Duck Countryside Casserole - Grain Free Adult Dry Dog Food (7 kg)
£52.89
Features
- Keep your pooch happy and healthy with this complete and balanced, grain-free recipe dry food for dogs 4 months+
- This dog food is made with natural ingredients including freshly prepared meat and offal. We’re talking 31% fresh chicken and 8% freshly prepared duck, steamed cooked for gentle digestion
- Once your woofer has devoured their dry food, why not try the rest of our delicious dog food made with natural ingredients. From wet food, dental and treats. Our natural food is suitable for small, medium and large dogs
- As a B Corp company, we are committed to our target to be fully recyclable by 2025. To find out more about our sustainable initiatives, and how we use our business as a force for good! Visit our brandstore
- Here at Lily’s Kitchen, we make proper food using responsibly sourced ingredients and freshly prepared meat and offal, so we can provide your pet with wholesome, natural food. Only the best for your furry family
Pets Love Fresh - Simply Beef Fresh Dog Food - 100% Natural Chubb Roll for Dogs, No Artificial Flavours - 3kg
Features
- COMPLETE NATURAL NUTRITION - No ingredients you can’t pronounce. Everything a dog needs for a balanced nutritionally complete diet.
- MADE WITH BRITISH BEEF - No processed rubbish. This meaty recipe contains 62% human grade British beef mixed with iron rich beef heart and liver.
- FUSSY DOGS LOVE IT - Gently cooked, high quality natural ingredients make our food easier to digest and tasty. Clean bowls all round.
- VET & NUTRITIONIST APPROVED - Developed with vets, nutritionists, dieticians & owners to provide as much nutritional benefit for dogs as possible.
- DELIVERED FROZEN FRESH - No preservatives needed. Delivered frozen fresh so all the goodness makes it fresh to your dog's bowl.
IAMS for Vitality Small/Medium Breed Adult Dry Dog Food with Fresh Chicken, 12 kg
£25.00
Features
- IAMS for Vitality with fresh chicken for small and medium breed adult dogs is a 100% complete and balanced pet food that nourishes your dog's healthy vitality & Supporting 7 signs of healthy vitality
- Tailored fibre blend including prebiotics and beet pulp for healthy digestion & With high quality animal protein and essential minerals to help maintain strong muscles
- Contains Omega 3 & 6 to support healthy skin and shiny coat & Enriched with essential minerals and vitamin D to support strong bones
- Crunchy kibbles and tailored mineral levels to help reduce tartar build up for healthy teeth
- Contains antioxidant blend with vitamin C & E to help the immune system
Arden Grange Adult Performance Dry Dog Food with Fresh Chicken and Rice, 12 kg
Features
- A complete, super premium pet food for active adult dogs; Containing potent natural antioxidants and supplements including quercetin; grape seed extract and green tea
- These help to protect your dog and prevent 'wear and tear' by inhibiting the action of destructive free radicals released during stress or strenuous exercise
- Free from artificial colours, flavours and preservatives; Containing a unique blend of nutrients and natural supplements to help promote the optimum health, vitality and condition of your dog
- Including prebiotics to aid digestion, joint supplements, essential fatty acids to promote a healthy skin and coat, cranberries for urinary tract health, antioxidants and added vitamins and minerals to help support immune system and dental health
- Naturally hypoallergenic so you won't find any wheat gluten, beef soya or dairy products; This may reduce the risk of dietary intolerances and allergies that can cause digestive disorders and skin complaints
The particular best for the dog – according to this motto, many dog owners lovingly care for their pets. The four-legged friends need attention and profession, but most importantly, of course, food. The meals is crucial to ensure that the dog is supplied with all the important nutrients and remains in health to live a long dog’s life. But it is often not so easy to find the right food for your own dog. Similar to humans, it is also important to consider a balanced diet. In addition, the multitude of offers in the trade can cause confusion. Various questions arise: What nutritional requirements does the dog have in addition to what quantity? Which food is ideal where age? Is usually dry or damp food the right choice for your four-legged friend? And how much should the dog be provided? What causes deficiency symptoms?
In the following dog food comparison, we present 14 products. You can expect information about which ingredients the foods contain and for which pups the products are suitable. Within our guide, we describe the types of dog food, go into some of the ingredients and clarify how much food a puppy needs. In addition, you will understand which foods dogs cannot tolerate and exactly how you can recognise a food allergy.
The different types of dog food quickly
Simply as every person has their own nutritional needs, every dog’s preferences are different. The choice of food that goes into the dog’s bowl should be made according to various factors. These include the breed, activity and health of the dog. Age also plays a role.
Puppies are growing and need special nutrients. In addition, their digestive system is not yet as efficient. An adult dog needs carbohydrates, fats, oils, protein and minerals. His dog food should be balanced. Old dogs have a slow metabolism and are no much longer as active. Consequently, they need less energy, i. e. calorie consumption. Nevertheless , the dog food should be easy to break down and contain a whole lot of proteins. In addition, the types of food fluctuate in conditions of composition, method of development and consistency.
Structure – complete or complementary food?
A complete feed contains all the nutrition the dog needs on a daily basis. The portion of proteins, fatty acids, nutritional supplements differs depending on 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 damp food. Supplementary meals are not sufficient per to provide the dog with all the important nutrition. These can be flakes that the dog owner combines into the food or treats. The declaration shows what.
Type of production
– Dry food and wet food available in pet shops and food markets usually comes from industrial production. This kind of is the most common kind of dog food. Industrially produced wet food is often completed cans or small aluminium trays. Together with the latter, one dish is sufficient for one portion. However, some manufacturers of industrial dog food use genetically modified raw materials and additives.
Industrially produced dog food has a long rack life. With a few exclusions, this dog food can be stored unopened for several years with no loss of quality.
– Natural dog food only uses raw materials that come from grow, animal or other natural sources – unaltered or processed. The food must not contain any chemically synthesised additives. However , certain synthetic nutritional supplements are permitted. In words of packaging, there is often hardly any difference compared to commercial food: natural dog food is packaged in cans or as dry food.
– Organic dog food must comply with tighter guidelines regarding substances. For example, the product must not contain numerous substances such as genetically modified ingredients, hormones and pesticides. You will find distinctions between the various organic and natural dog foods: “100 per dollar organic” means that no undesirable substances have been highly processed. Together with the claim “organic”, the constituents in the natural food are 95 per cent organic. Whether it says “made with organic”, the product consists of 70 per cent natural ingredients. Organic food is available as dry and wet food.
– Meanwhile, vegan and vegetarian dog food is also available on the market. This kind of dog food will not contain meat but still provides the dog with the important nutrients. Nevertheless , veggie and vegan dog food contains a lot of fruit and vegetables and grains, which can cause problems if the dog is intolerant.
– An exclusive form of dog food is BARF. The abbreviation is short for “biologically species-appropriate organic feeding”. This species-appropriate method of feeding 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 vegetables. Whether this method is actually more healthy is debatable. Considering that the meals are put together individually, barfing is more well suited for experienced dog owners who have analyzed the diet of their four-legged friends in detail.
There are manufacturers who advertise that their dog food is of food quality. This kind of is an assertion that ought to be treated with caution. There is no such thing as food-grade dog or cat food. This also applies to dog food. You should also watch out for attractants and flavour enhancers in dog food. These types of are supposed to give the food a much better smell and preference. Some dog enthusiasts also avoid dog or cat food/dog food from factory farming.
Big difference between extruded and cold-pressed dried fodder
Dried dog food is produced by the cold-pressing or extrusion process:
1. Cold-pressed dog food is created by first drying the uncooked materials and then grinding and blending them. A roller presses this mass through the openings of a carol wall. Shaped and compacted chunks of feed come out the other part. Throughout the dog food production process, temps of approximately 90 certifications Celsius are made, which obviously contradicts the term cold pressing. Yet , temperatures are still significantly lower than those used in extrusion.
2. In the extrusion process, the ingredients for the dog food are exposed to great heat. Many nutrients are lost during this manufacturing process. These types of need to be artificially added to the food after processing. During processing, the dough-like extruded feed is conveyed through nozzles at high pressure. Feed produced in this way swells considerably 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 obviously, slowly and gradually. In addition, the food contains more natural ingredients. If the four-legged friend has problems with the gastrointestinal area 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 just a secondary factor in identifying the tolerability and quality of the meals. The most important thing is the quality of the recycleables.
Which is better – damp food or dried out food?
There is certainly damp and dry dog food on the market. The two types of dog food differ in their water content.
Dry food contains hardly any water and therefore has a longer shelf life . usually several years. Dogs that are fed dry food have to munch more and so coach their teeth. Eating dry food is almost like brushing your dog’s teeth. For dogs that drink little, feeding dried out food can be considered a disadvantage. They can become dehydrated if they are provided only dry food. Therefore, it is important to provide the dog with enough water. The huge benefits and disadvantages of dry food at a glance:
Pros
- Long shelf life
- More affordable than cast food
- Easier to feed on the go
- Easy to store
- Almost germ-free due to heating system during production
- More green than refined 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 diet food
- Risk of mould or temperato formation if stored incorrectly
Wet dog food has a high water content. The wet food is usually portioned in tins or small bowls. Often one package of wet food compares to one meal. Many dogs like wet food much better than dry food. In contrast to dry food, damp food for dogs – once exposed – can only be kept for a few days and nights. It ought to be used up within 2 times of opening. Under we have summarised the huge benefits and disadvantages of wet food:
Pros
- High acceptance by most four-legged friends
- Packed in convenient servings
- 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 well
- Large dogs need more space for storage
- More difficult to transport and feed on the move
- Wet food smells more powerful
- Costs more than dry food
- Produces more waste
It is not possible to make a general statement about which type of dog food is well suited for your dog. Your canine ultimately decides which dog food it likes and which variety it prefers. To find out which type of dog food your puppy likes better and which this individual tolerates better, you should try out both types.
Several dog owners change between wet and dry food. The following applies to both types of food: It should only be given as a main meal, never as a treat in between meals. This kind of can lead to overfeeding of the dog.
How much various meats and just how many carbohydrates and nutrients belong in dog food?
The standard of the dog food plays a major role in a balanced and nutritious 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 friend.
How much meat should the food contain?
Dogs are originated from wolves – that is why their digestive system is similar to regarding predators. So above all, 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 its needs and genetics have changed. This also applies to digestive function. For example, the dog’s digestive enzyme can now break down starch, meaning the four-legged friend can also digest herb food in smaller quantities.
Above all, meat provides the dog with protein. The four-legged friend needs protein for its muscles, bones, strong tissues, healthy the teeth and nerves also to provide energy for its activities. Therefore, senior dogs have a lower protein requirement because they are no longer as lively as young or adult animals. In general, experts admit dog food should contain between 50 and 70 pct meat. But other ingredients are also important. If dog owners feed only meats for their four-legged friends, this can lead to an issue with digestion, stress on the kidneys and liver due to excess protein and deficiency symptoms.
Nutritional vitamins, minerals and sugars in dog food?
A well-balanced dog diet also contains nutrients that are not seen in meat – for instance , vitamins and mineral deposits 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 abdomen and intestinal material of prey animals, now and then also berries and grass.
Dogs convert starch from hemp, potatoes and cereals into energy and require 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, sections, husks or hay in many cases are added to the feed. Top quality carbohydrates are located in rice, potatoes, millet, maize, amaranth or buckwheat.
Animal body fat provide the dog with twice as much energy as proteins. To prevent overweight, the food should contain these chemicals only less often. Just how much should be in the dog food depends on how much the dog moves. Lamb and poultry body fat are saturated oily acids. They are stored in the body as emergency rations and are intended as a hold for bad times. Meat and vegetable oil contain condensed omega-6 fatty stomach acids and unsaturated oily acids. Omega-3 natural oils, which are present in fish, are extremely valuable for cellular metabolism.
What should be in the dog food? Dog food should consist of 50 to 70 percent lean meat or muscle meat or fish with top quality proteins. In addition, there should be about 20 to 50 per cent high-quality carbohydrates for energy production and fruit, vegetables or herbs for the necessary nutritional supplements. The proportion of offal should be a maximum of 10 percent. Offal provides valuable nutrients such as vitamin h or iron. Great quality oils such as salmon olive oil or linseed oil improve nutrient ingestion and ensure a functioning cardiovascular system, a shiny layer and healthy skin.
How could i recognise high-quality dog food?
Doggie food sold in UK must be labelled with certain mandatory information. These kinds of include:
– Address and name of the manufacturer
– Date of manufacture or best-before time of the dog food
– Name of the food
– 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 instance , statements such as “with cereals” and “vegetable by-products”. A semi-open declaration data the individual uncooked materials, but not their percentage. The open declaration provides the formula in percent and the respective resources of raw materials. When reading the food label, dog owners should also note the following:
1. Many manufacturers split the word materials into individual groups. The reason for this is that the large total quantity appears smaller. For example, maize becomes maize starch, maize feed meals, maize flour, maize gluten or grain. The cereal components provide carbohydrates and saturate well, but should not be included in too large amounts.
2. The substances in the give food to are listed in descending order according to their quantity. The further forwards an ingredient is listed on the label, the better its proportion. Alternatively, this means: Only a tiny proportion of an ingredient that is listed far over 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 substances with all the necessary vitamins and minerals
– No use of flavour enhancers
These nutrients make a good dog food
The dog’s organism does not have any 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 now have summarised these in the table:
| Component | Quantity required | Tasks | Information and special features |
| Crude protein | 20 to 25 percent in dry food 8 to 10 percent in wet food | Builds the body’s own tissue such as muscles and bones Strengthening skin and organs Enzymes, blood and hormones also need protein | High-quality protein comes mainly from muscle meat. Low-quality protein is found in slaughterhouse waste |
| Crude ash | 5 to 8 per cent or a maximum of 10 per cent for dry food. Less than 2 percent for wet feed | Supply of inorganic substances such as magnesium, calcium, zinc or silicic acid | Formed after combustion of the feed Proportion should be balanced Sometimes cheap but unnecessary bone meal products are added |
| Crude fibre | 2 to 3 percent for dry food 0.2 to 5 percent for wet food | Support of digestion Stimulation of intestinal activity Strengthens healthy intestinal flora Influences consistency and shape of dog faeces | Proportion of dietary fibre Too high a proportion can lead to flatulence and large quantities of faeces Rumen is filled with raw fibre Otherwise in the form of vegetables and fruit |
| Crude fat | At least 15 percent in dry food for active dogs 12 to 15 percent for dry food for dogs with normal to less exercise 1 percent for wet food | Provides energy Ensure healthy skin and shiny coat | High-quality products include salmon oil, linseed oil, cod oil, pumpkin seed oil and hemp oil. |
The other possible ingredients in dog food are explained below:
1. The value for meat and canine by-products indicates the meat content in your dog food. Companies often do not declare just what is involved. It can be high-quality muscle meat or offal as well as low-quality offal. The latter includes, among other things, jerky, rumen or chaps. Animal by-products include, for instance , hair, our bones, hooves, blood or beaks.
2. Fish as well as its by-products include fish fillets, bones and fish heads.
3. Plant by-products include, for example, vegetables, cereals and pulses and oil fruits. They are to some extent health- and digestion-promoting food components.
4. Technological additives are preservatives, separating and binding agents, stabilisers, thickening and solidifying agents and acidity regulators. Some of these are important. These include, for example , emulsifiers and natural antioxidants. Emulsifiers ensure an uniform uniformity of oil and water. Natural antioxidants are to prevent rancid fat.
5. Nutritional additives are intended to support the health of the four-legged friend. They should be contained in the right composition, for example as vitamins, provitamins, amino acids and track elements.
6. Zootechnical additives can be added to the feed to influence 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 dog food. They will include flavourings and colourings.
Overweight puppies suffer! Obesity is an expanding problem in dogs with serious health consequences. This can lead to diseases of bodily organs, puts stress on bones, joints and the cardiovascular system, and promotes swelling. It may also shorten the life expectancy of the animal. Frequently , too much food is the reason for overweight. Nevertheless age, sex and breed also be involved. Especially Cocker Spaniels, Labrador Retrievers and King Charles usually become overweight. Sometimes the use of diet food should be considered.
How much food does my dog need?
In the event that the four-legged good friend gets more energy than he utilizes, he can become overweight. Therefore, it is very important to give dogs the right amount of food. How much pet food a dog needs depends on various factors. In addition to the breed, the subsequent aspects are relevant, for example:
Activity level: How much the four-legged friend moves determines the amount of energy it burns. Your 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 remain growing and tend to be more curious and lively. They usually have a higher energy requirement than older dogs. It really is a good idea to reduce the amount of food a little annually. For old dogs, there are senior foods that are reduced fat and contain important additives. For smaller dogs it is time to change at the era of 10 to 12 years, for large dogs around 7 to 8 years.
Diseases: A few diseases influence a dog’s food or energy requirements. These kinds of include cardiovascular problems, thyroid disease, joint disease 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 instance , dogs have different energy needs when they are conceived or change their coat.
To find out what amount of food is right for your dog, look at the calorie content of the dog food. A higher calorie content means a lower 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 percent 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 pct of his body weight.
– Snacks should not exceed 10 % of the daily food requirement.
Any individual who is unsure about the right amount of food should talk to a vet and/or a nutritionist.
How can I recognise a food allergy?
The most common allergies in dogs are flea allergy and food allergy. Possible triggers of the allergy are, for example , stress, parasitic organisms and pollen. In addition, the protein-containing substances in a feed can trigger allergic reactions. What a dog might be allergic to include, for instance , soy, animal proteins from poultry, pork or beef, and grain.
What is the between an allergy or intolerance and an intolerance?
– An allergy is a hypersensitivity effect by the dog’s immune system. This reacts strongly against a certain compound. A real food allergy 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, belly pain, flatulence, diarrhoea, loss of fur, redness and frequent scratching.
– Symptoms may not show up soon after feeding the food. Sometimes they only appear a few hours or days later.
On the other hand, the symptoms do not necessarily have to indicate an allergy or intolerance or intolerance. That they may also be caused by another disease. In the event that your dog has these symptoms, you ought to have the cause cleared up by a vet. The vet can also determine an allergic reaction or an intolerance, for instance , through an allergy test. On the other hand, it is possible to handle an different 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 supply of protein and carbohydrates. These sources must be ingredients that the four-legged good friend has not eaten before. Dog owners should change the dog food bit by little bit. After the food change, your canine is fed the new food for several weeks.
When the dog’s condition enhances and the symptoms will no longer occur, a provocation test is performed. Here, the dog owner has to feed his four-legged friend one substance at a time, which could be the trigger for the allergies. Over time, a list is made of substances that the dog can put up with or that cause allergic reactions in him. An elimination diet is something that dog owners can do themselves. On the other hand, it is recommended to check with a professional or speak to the vet ahead of time.
Consistent action is vital during an exclusion diet. The dog should not be given chews, treats or left over spots during this 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 will no longer eat the allergy-causing substances. The selected family pet food must therefore not contain any substances that the dog cannot tolerate. The same applies to treats and everything dog snacks between meals.
If nothing changes, patience is called for: sometimes it needs some time until the symptoms of an intolerance or allergy or intolerance no longer happen. Sometimes they only disappear completely months after the change in food.
Precisely what is grain-free dog food?
Puppy food often contains grains. Included in this are wheat, barley and rye, for example. Grains have an important function: they are a source of carbohydrates and energy. However, too much of it results in obesity and sometimes to digestive problems. There is also grain-free dog food. Instead of materials, it contains option 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. Yet , it is not necessarily required to use a grain-free dog food. Dogs are omnivores and are able to process vegetable protein. A few types of materials are also particularly easy to process. These include maize and rice, for example. In some instances, however, it makes sense or is necessary to use a dog food without grain. This is especially true if your dog is allergic to food containing cereals.
In the event that you want to give your dog a dog food with grain, you should make sure that the grain content is not too much and that the product has a balanced recipe.
What can dogs not tolerate?
There are a lot of foods that canines can’t tolerate. Some of them are actually poisonous for puppies. These include, for example, onions, natural cabbage and raw pork. Onions can be fatal, according to the size of the onion and your dog. For a medium-sized dog, even a medium-sized onion can be extremely dangerous. If the dog consumes raw cabbage, it can get abdomen cramps or unwanted wind. Raw pork could contain the Aujeszky virus, which in turn causes fatal illness. Other foods and drinks that pet dogs must not eat include:
- Chocolate
- Raw potatoes
- Fruit
- Sultanas
- Fruit starts
- Raw pulses
- Macadamia nuts
- Bitter walnuts
- Raw ova
- Some types of avocado
- Birch sugar and xylitol
- Cream and milk
- Caffeinated drinks, such as coffee
- Alcohol
Furthermore, nicotine is dangerous for dogs. As a result, caution is advised in rain puddles, for example: Cigarette residues can be found in them. Ashtrays should be placed in such a way that the dog cannot reach them.
If a dog has eaten food that is dangerous for this, you should contact the doctor or maybe the veterinary crisis service directly. At the same time, 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 being thirsty
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Aches
- Restlessness
- Shortness of breath
To prevent your dog from eating incompatible foods, dog owners should make sure that relatives and acquaintances do not feed them such foods. Found in addition, it is important to train the dog well so that it does not constantly eat whatever from the side of the trail.
The best choice is the Pooch & Mutt – Wet Dog Food (Grain Free), Complete & Fresh, Mixed Flavours, 12x375g.
Pooch & Mutt - Wet Dog Food (Grain Free), Complete & Fresh, Mixed Flavours, 12x375g
- A 12 pack assortment of wet dog food flavours to find the best for your dog
- Premium, grain free complete wet dog food
- Contains a new and improved recipe that includes local sourced fresh meat and vegetables from British farms
Video about best fresh dog food
FAQ – Common questions about dog food
Finally, we answer some important and often asked questions about dog food.
What should We look for in dog food for puppies?
Puppies desire 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 2 months. The components and substances of puppy dog food are specially created for growing canines. This is because a baby dog’s immune system, bone fragments, muscles, coat and teeth first have to develop.
With puppy dog food, the focus is on nutrient intake. Previously mentioned all, the pup food must contain certain essential minerals and vitamins. So that the puppy’s gastrointestinal system is not overtaxed, the food for puppies also has a lower food volume than the dog food for adult quadrupeds. Found in the beginning, young dogs should be provided with small portions a couple of times a day, which are then slowly and gradually increased.
When should I start using dog food for adult dogs?
This kind of is determined by the breed of dog: Promising small to medium breeds are considered 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 seniors?
For small canines, the change in diet should take place between 10 and 12 years of age. For medium-sized dogs, it is time at 8 to 9 years. Large breeds are considered older at 7 to 8 years of age. In addition to age group, the dog’s express 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 retained in an snug container. Glass or plastic containers without plasticisers are best. Packaging with a metal layer on the inside is also recommended for storing dried food. The container or packaging should be stored in a dry and not too warm place. Otherwise the food can become “sticky” and lose its preference and nutrients. At worst, mould can develop.
What is barfing?
The abbreviation BARF comes from the British and means Born-Again Raw Feeder. The UK term means “biologically species-appropriate natural feeding”. The species-appropriate diet is dependent on the eating habits of wild dogs. Ready-made food plays no role in barfeeding. Instead, the dog is fed unprocessed food such as meat, offal and bones, supplemented with vegetables, fruit, natural oils and carbohydrates for a well-balanced supply of nutrients. Meanwhile, compound and freeze-dried BARF food and deep-frozen meat are available in the shops. Pet owners can add the other necessary components. Yet , you should inform yourself well or talk to with experts.
What do I actually have to consider when changing my dog’s food?
The change of food should be done slowly. In the event the changeover is abrupt, sensitive puppies in particular can quickly suffer from intestinal problems, some of which may be 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 a quarter of the dog’s usual food with the new food. On the third and fourth day, replace half with the new food. Within the fifth and sixth day, the proportion of the new dog food should be three quarters. On day 7, the conversion is complete.
In the event that the dog acts sensitively and, for example , gets diarrhoea in the first few days of the food change, you should extend the variation phase and raise the addition of the new food only minimally. If your dog does not tolerate the new food whatsoever, it is obviously not well suited for him. In this case, you should look for an option.
What should I actually do if my dog will 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 so they can become overweight and feel full. In the event the food has already swollen in water, it fills the dog up faster and is better to process. In addition, the dogs absorb more liquid with soaked dry food.
How quickly do dogs process dry food?
Puppies usually need up to 14 hours to digest dry out food. The exact time depends, among other things, on the age and scale the dog and the caliber of the food. A young dog usually has a faster metabolism than an more mature animal. The amount of food is also important. Small portions are broken down more quickly than large amounts. In addition, insoluble muscles remain in the stomach for a shorter time than soluble fibres. Low-fat food also brings about faster digestion. In addition , the more water the foodstuff is, the shortest the digestion time. Wet food is digested within 6 to 8 hours in adult dogs.
Are pet tests carried out for dog food?
There are quite a few manufacturers who carry out pet 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 instance , ROYAL CANIN, Josera and WOLFSBLUT. Other well-known manufacturers and brands are, for example:
– Bosch
– PRIMUM
– Pedigree
– RINTI
– Animonda
– MERA
When may i start feeding a puppy?
During the first weeks of its life, a puppy is given breast milk by its mother. Solid food is usually eaten by pups from the 3rd or 4th week of life. During this period, the mother continually nourish her puppies with breast milk in parallel. To be able to accustom a puppy to dry food, it feels right to moisten or dilute it with a liquid – for example with puppy milk. From the 6th to 7th week of life, the puppy is normally no more fed with mother’s dairy.
Experts recommend soaking your dry puppy food with a liquid until the puppy dog 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 bought food. However, it will incorporate some advantages:
– In case you make the dog food yourself, you can make a decision for yourself which ingredients go into it.
– Dog owners may include the special needs of their four-legged good friend in the preparation and adapt the food to these and the dog’s flavor.
– It is possible to make the food more varied for the dog.
If, for example , the dog is overweight, has to take medication or is intolerant to various foods, it may be sensible or required to prepare the food yourself. Before preparing the foodstuff, you should study different ingredients. The meals should be balanced and contain all the necessary nutrients. It is highly recommended to talk to a vet beforehand. Recipe ideas for dog food can be found on the web, for example.
Some foods are unhealthy or toxic for canines. For example, onions and garlic should not be eaten by dogs.
Precisely what is hypoallergenic dog food?
Hypoallergenic dog food is especially well suited for dogs with allergy symptoms. It is adapted to the needs of such a four-legged friend and can be easily broken down by the dog. There is hypoallergenic dried out food and allergies wet food on the market. This contains few or no substances that cause allergic reactions in dogs. Consequently, a hypoallergenic food reduces the risk that your dog will not tolerate it and that allergic reactions will happen.
Usually there is just one way to obtain proteins in such a product. This is usually an exotic meat, such as kangaroo or water buffalo. Normally, the protein source used very rarely triggers an intolerance. However, it cannot be ruled out that even hypoallergenic dog food can business lead to allergy symptoms. This happens when there is a substance in the meals that the four-legged friend cannot tolerate.
In addition to dogs with allergy symptoms, hypoallergenic food is ideal for four-legged friends with a very sensitive digestive tract. For these dogs, such a product can provide protection against digestive problems.
