Only the best for the dog – regarding 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 is supplied with all the important nutrients and remains in health to live a long dog’s life. But it is often not so simple to find the right food for your own dog. Similar to humans, it is also important to consider a balanced diet. In addition, the wide range of offers in the trade can cause confusion. Numerous questions arise: What nutritional requirements does 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 may cause deficiency symptoms?
In the following best grain free dry 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 describe how much food your dog needs. In addition, you will learn which foods dogs cannot endure and how you can recognise a food allergy.
Below is a list of the best grain free dry dog food:
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Scrumbles Natural Dry Dog Food, Grain Free Recipe with Fresh Salmon, for...
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£10.00
£12.00 -
Pooch & Mutt - Calm & Relaxed, Complete Dry Dog Food (Grain Free), Turkey and...
—
£14.79
£15.99 -
Pooch & Mutt - Health & Digestion, Complete Dry Dog Food (Grain Free), Salmon...
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£14.79
£15.99 -
Crave Dry Dog Food Natural for dogs – High Protein & Grain-Free – Lamb &...
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£38.99
£53.25 - Vitalin The Natural Choice Complete Dry Grain Free Adult Dog Food Duck and... — £44.64
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Skinner’s Field & Trial Grain Free Chicken & Sweet Potato 15kg – Complete Dry...
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£45.25
£56.09 -
Harringtons Complete Grain Free Hypoallergenic Chicken & Sweet Potato Dry Dog...
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£51.53
£56.00 - Arden Grange Sensitive Adult Dry Dog Food Grain Free, Fresh Ocean White Fish... — £63.99
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Autarky Grain Free Tantalising Turkey and Potato Hypoallergenic Dry Dog Food...
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£32.90
£36.99 -
Autarky Hypoallergenic Delicious Chicken Dry Dog Food with Added Herbs, 12 kg
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£18.65
£23.29
After hours researching and comparing all models on the market, Life my Dog finds out the Best grain free dry dog food of 2024. We would recommend using Harringtons Complete Grain Free Hypoallergenic Chicken & Sweet Potato Dry Dog Food 15kg as it is our top pick for you.
Top 10 Best grain free dry dog food
Best grain free dry dog food
Harringtons Complete Grain Free Hypoallergenic Chicken & Sweet Potato Dry Dog Food 15kg
£51.53
Features
- Grain Free Formulation for Sensitive Digestions
- With Freshly Prepared Chicken, A Good Source of Protein
- No Soya, Dairy, Egg, Beef, Pork or Added Wheat
- Beet Pulp & Chicory to Help Promote A Healthy Digestive System
- Balanced Ratio of Omega 6 & 3 Oils for A Glossy Coat
Autarky Hypoallergenic Delicious Chicken Dry Dog Food with Added Herbs, 12 kg
£18.65
Features
- Delicious chicken offers naturally balanced hypoallergenic dog food for adult active dogs; the diet is packed with high levels of essential fatty acids and B vitamins to give dogs a healthy coat and skin and boost scenting ability
- 20 percent protein, 12 percent fat, this diet has been designed to keep a dogs energy at a maintained level
- The diet is wheat gluten and soya free making the diet a good option for dogs with a sensitive stomach; prebiotics are also included to support digestive health
- The diet includes taurine and carnitine which helps to keep hearts healthy while the addition of herbs and natural antioxidants support the immune system
- Formulated by a leading canine nutritionist, delicious chicken is naturally hypoallergenic with no artificial colours, flavours or preservatives
Autarky Grain Free Tantalising Turkey and Potato Hypoallergenic Dry Dog Food with Mobility Joint Support, 12 kg
£32.90
Features
- Tantalising turkey and potato is a grain free and hypoallergenic complete dog food which features a joint care package made up of olive extract, green lipped mussel, marine algae and glucosamine to give active dogs the support they need
- 27 percent protein, 14 percent fat, naturally balanced energy levels for working and highly active dogs
- Packed with natural antioxidants and beneficial herbs to support the immune system and loaded with prebiotics to look after digestion
- Wheat gluten and soya free making it suitable for dogs with sensitivities and allergies to reduces chances of skin and digestive issues; the diet also includes zinc and B vitamins to promote a healthy coat and skin
- All autarky dog food diets offer 100 percent natural goodness with added herbs, which makes the dry dog food highly palatable whether sampled dry or soaked with water or gravy
Pooch & Mutt - Calm & Relaxed, Complete Dry Dog Food (Grain Free), Turkey and Sweet Potato, 2kg
£14.79
Features
- Designed to help anxious dogs stay calm and relaxed
- Premium, grain free complete dry dog food
- Includes chamomile, l-tryptophan, prebiotics and brewers yeast
- Single source protein with 45% lean turkey
- Free from grain, cereal , gluten, GM produce, artificial flavours, colours and preservatives
Arden Grange Sensitive Adult Dry Dog Food Grain Free, Fresh Ocean White Fish and Potato, 12 kg
Features
- A complete, super premium pet food for adult dogs with particularly sensitive skin or digestion
- This gentle recipe excludes grains and cereals and contains fresh ocean white fish as an easily digestible source of protein which is naturally high in omega-3 essential fatty acids
- It includes our superfood blend of fruits and plant extracts which consists of citrus extracts to help reduce inflammation and support the immune system; dried fruit extracts containing antioxidants which can help protect against free radicals; cranberries for urinary tract health; curcumin for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties; black pepper to help increase the absorption time of curcumin into the body
- All of our diets contain a blend of nutrients and natural supplements to help promote the optimum health, vitality and condition of your pet; These include prebiotics to aid digestion; joint supplements; sustainably sourced krill to help promote a healthy skin and coat; plus added vitamins and minerals to help support your pet’s dental health; High quality ingredients are selected to create our diets and we do not include any artificial colours, flavours or preservatives
- All our products are naturally hypoallergenic so you won’t find any wheat gluten, beef, soya or dairy products in any of our recipes; This may reduce the risk of dietary intolerances and allergies that can cause digestive disorders and skin complaints
Skinner’s Field & Trial Grain Free Chicken & Sweet Potato 15kg – Complete Dry Adult Dog Food, For Dogs with Intolerance to Grains
£45.25
Features
- DIETARY NEEDS - Field & Trial Grain Free Chicken & Sweet Potato is a nutritionally complete dog food, specially formulated to support the requirements of a range of active dogs, while removing grain-based sources of carbohydrates. This may be of benefit to those dogs with sensitivities or intolerances to grains.
- HERITAGE BRAND - The Stradbroke Mill in Suffolk has been in the Skinner family for seven generations and has been manufacturing complete dog foods since the early 1970s.
- NUTRITIONALLY COMPLETE - Skinner’s Field & Trial now offers a range of 19 nutritionally complete diets for active and working dogs of every age, breed and activity level.
- NATURAL INGREDIENTS - Skinner’s does not add any artificial colouring, flavours or preservatives to any of our products, where possible we try and use locally sourced ingredients surrounding our Suffolk mill.
- SENSITIVE SUPPORT - Field & Trial Grain Free Chicken & Sweet Potato contains highly digestible chicken and contains essential fats from linseeds to support energy output as well as coat and skin condition, it is formulated without wheat, maize, barley or oats. “Packaging may vary”.
Scrumbles Natural Dry Dog Food, Grain Free Recipe with Fresh Salmon, for Adults and Senior Breeds, 2 kg Bag
£10.00
Features
- This complete dry dog food is made with 50% Salmon, essential vitamins and minerals and added probiotics
- It is made entirely of all natural ingredients, and has no added sugars, salts nor any derivatives, fillers or artificial nonsense
- If that wasn’t enough, this delicious grain free recipe is free from gluten AND contains slippery elm for sensitive tummies
- Scrumbles makes pet food that dogs love. We ONLY use responsibly sourced ingredients and human grade meat!
- Our delicious dog foods and treats are made in the UK and Ireland by our independent, family company and packed in recyclable packaging. Because we love animals as much as you do!
Vitalin The Natural Choice Complete Dry Grain Free Adult Dog Food Duck and Potato, 12 kg
Features
- Proudly made in our own UK factory with locally sourced ingredients from British Farms used wherever possible
- Contains 26% British Duck – A high quality protein that aids the growth, development and maintenance of body tissues
- Made with Potato an alternative, healthy carbohydrate source for pets that require a wheat gluten free option
- Contains Natural Botanicals – These include nutrient rich fruits and vegetables delivering much needed vitamins, minerals and natural antioxidants keeping your dog as fit and healthy as possible
- Holistic Nutrition – this offers your dog a complete, nutritious meal. You won’t need to feed them anything else!
Pooch & Mutt - Health & Digestion, Complete Dry Dog Food (Grain Free), Salmon and Sweet Potato, 2kg
£14.79
Features
- Designed to help dogs with poor or sensitive digestion
- Premium, grain free complete dry dog food
- Includes prebiotics to aid the balance of good bacteria
- Single source protein with 45% lean salmon
- Free from grain, cereal , gluten, GM produce, artificial flavours, colours and preservatives
Crave Dry Dog Food Natural for dogs – High Protein & Grain-Free – Lamb & Beef, 3x 2.8kg
£38.99
Features
- Natural ingredients and a flavour your dog won't be able to say no to. Satisfy their nature with Crave lamb and beef dry dog food / Premium quality, meaty kibble for adult dogs
- Heavy protein-rich kibble, with real pieces of meat designed to help support strong and healthy muscles / High in lamb and beef, free from maize, wheat, soya and dairy
- A healthy four legged friend needs a meal created for them, the way nature intended - respect the animal inside with Crave / Grain free, complete dog food for small, large and senior breeds
- Flavoursome ingredients, tasty meat and natural proteins without artificial colours or flavours / Kibble designed for pets with digestive/digestion problems
- Items delivered: 3 x Crave Lamb and Beef 2.8 kg dry food pouches / Developed and designed for adult cats / Delicious dry pet food with 60 percent animal sources
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 profession, but especially, 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 simple to find the right food for your own dog. Similar to humans, it is also important to consider a balanced diet. In addition, the wide variety of offers in the trade can cause confusion. Various questions arise: What nutritional requirements will the dog have and what quantity? Which food is appropriate where age? Is definitely dry or damp food the right choice for your four-legged friend? And how much should the dog be given? What causes deficiency symptoms?
Inside the following dog food comparison, we present 14 products. You can expect information about which ingredients the foods contain and for which dogs the products are suitable. In our guide, we describe the types of dog food, go into some of the constituents and make clear how much food a puppy needs. In addition, you will see 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 health needs, every dog’s preferences are different. The choice of food that goes 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. Older dogs have a slow metabolism and are no much longer as active. As a result, they want less energy, i. e. calories. 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 terms of composition, technique of development and consistency.
Structure – complete or complementary food?
A complete feed includes all the nutrients the dog needs on a daily basis. The percentage of proteins, fatty acids, nutritional supplements varies depending 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 wet food. Supplementary foods are not sufficient per to provide the dog with all the vital nutrition. These can be flakes that the dog owner mixes into the food or treats. The declaration shows what it is.
Type of production
– Dry food and wet food available in pet shops and supermarkets usually comes from business production. This is the most typical kind of dog food. Industrially produced wet food is often completed cans or small aluminium trays. With the latter, one pan is sufficient for one portion. However, some manufacturers of commercial dog food use genetically modified raw materials and additives.
Industrially produced dog food has a long shelf life. By exclusions, this dog food can be stored unopened for quite some time without the 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. However , certain synthetic nutritional supplements are permitted. In phrases of packaging, there is often almost no difference compared to industrial food: natural dog food is packaged in cans or as dry out food.
– Organic 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 discover variations between the various organic dog foods: “100 per cent organic” means that no undesirable ingredients have been prepared. With the claim “organic”, the constituents in the organic and natural food are 95 per cent organic. Whether it states “made with organic”, the product includes 70 per penny natural ingredients. Organic and natural food is available as dry and wet food.
– Meanwhile, vegan and vegetarian dog food is available too on the market. This dog food would not contain meat and still provides the dog with the important nutrients. Nevertheless , veggie and vegan dog food contains a lot of fruit and vegetables and grains, which can cause problems if the dog is intolerant.
– A special form of dog food is BARF. The abbreviation stands for “biologically species-appropriate natural feeding”. This species-appropriate method of feeding raw food is based on the dog’s ancestor – the wolf. When ever barfing, the dog is fed uncooked fresh meat, often along 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 far more ideal for experienced pet owners who have learned 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 statement 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 kinds of are supposed to provide the food a much better smell and taste. Some dog enthusiasts also avoid dog or cat 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 created by first drying the natural materials and then grinding and mixing them. A roller presses this mass through the spaces of a drum wall. Shaped and compacted chunks of feed come out the other aspect. During the dog food production process, temps of approximately 90 degrees Celsius are made, which obviously contradicts the term cold pressing. Nevertheless , temperatures are still significantly lower than those utilized 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 must be artificially added to the food after processing. During processing, 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 naturally, little by little. In addition, the food consists of more natural substances. If the four-legged good friend has problems with the gastrointestinal system and a disrupted 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 foodstuff. The most important thing is the quality of the raw materials.
Which is better – moist food or dry out food?
There is certainly wet 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 up more and so teach their teeth. Eating dry food is practically like brushing your dog’s teeth. To get dogs that drink little, feeding dry out food can be considered a disadvantage. They can become dehydrated if they are fed 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
- Less costly than wet food
- Easier to feed on the go
- Easy to store
- Almost germ-free due to heating system during production
- More green than refined food
Cons
- Frequently less acceptable to the dog
- The dog’s person 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 mite 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. A large number of dogs like moist food much better than dry food. In contrast to dry food, moist food for canines – once exposed – can only be kept for a few times. It ought to be used up within 2 days of opening. Beneath we have summarised the huge benefits and disadvantages of wet food:
Pros
- High approval by most four-legged friends
- Packed in convenient helpings
- Mainly 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 very well
- Major dogs need more space for storage
- More difficult to hold and feed on the move
- Wet food smells more extreme
- Costs more than dry food
- Generates more waste
This is not possible to make a general statement about which type of dog food is ideal for your dog. Your canine eventually chooses 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 away both types.
Several dog owners swap between wet and dry food. The following pertains 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 meats and exactly how many sugars and nutrients belong in dog food?
The caliber of the dog food plays a major role in a balanced and healthy diet. It is important that the dog food includes healthy ingredients and nutrients – no matter of whether it is wet food or dry food. The proper composition of your dog food is also crucial for good digestion and the health of the four-legged good friend.
Simply how much meat should the food contain?
Dogs are descended from wolves – that is why their digestive tract is similar to that of predators. Therefore first and foremost, the supply of meat is important. However , this is not the only thing that matters. Unlike the wolf, the dog was domesticated by humans, and its needs and genetics have changed. This also applies to 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.
First and foremost, meats provides the dog with protein. The four-legged friend needs protein for its muscles, bones, strong tissues, healthy the teeth and nerves and also to provide energy for its activities. As a result, senior dogs have a lower proteins requirement because they are no longer as active as young or adult animals. In general, experts say that dog food should contain between 50 and 70 pct meat. But other ingredients are also important. If dog owners feed only meat to their four-legged friends, this could lead to an issue 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 present in meat – for example , vitamins and mineral deposits found in vegetables and fruit, or fatty acids from healthy herbal oils. The four-legged good friend also needs carbs. Wolves, for example, eat the stomach and intestinal contents 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. However, the need for carbohydrates is low. Fillers from grow waste such as press residues from oil production, sections, husks or straw are often added to the feed. Top quality carbohydrates are found in rice, potatoes, millet, maize, amaranth or buckwheat.
Animal fats provide the dog with twice as much energy as proteins. To prevent overweight, the food should contain these chemicals only moderately. How much should be in the dog food depends upon how much the animal moves. Lamb and poultry fats are saturated oily acids. They are stored in the body as emergency ration and are meant as a book for bad times. Meat and veggie oil contain condensed omega-6 fatty acids and unsaturated oily acids. Omega-3 oils, which are found in fish, are extremely valuable for cellular metabolism.
What should take the dog food? Dog food should contain 50 to 70 per cent lean meat or muscle meat or fish with top quality proteins. In addition, there should 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 more 10 percent. Offal provides valuable nutrients such as biotin or iron. Very good quality oils such as salmon oil or linseed fat improve nutrient ingestion and ensure a functioning cardiovascular system, a shiny coat and healthy pores and 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:
– Talk about and name of the manufacturer
– Date of manufacture or best-before day of the dog food
– Name of the meals
– Net weight
– Moisture content for canned food
With regard to the ingredients of the feed, various claims are permitted: A closed declaration only indicates ingredient teams. These are, for instance , statements such as “with cereals” and “vegetable by-products”. A semi-open declaration data the individual uncooked materials, however, not their percentage. The open declaration provides the formula in per cent and the respective options of raw materials. When reading the food label, dog owners should also note the following:
1. Many manufacturers split the definition of feed into individual organizations. The reason for this is that the large total quantity appears smaller. For example, maize becomes maize starch, maize feed food, maize flour, maize gluten or feed. The cereal components provide carbohydrates and saturate well, but should not be included in too large quantities.
2. The elements in the give food to are listed in descending order regarding to their quantity. The further forwards an ingredient is listed on the label, the higher its proportion. Alternatively, this means: Only a little 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 veg content between 25 and 50 percent
– Balanced ingredients with all the necessary vitamins and minerals
– Zero use of flavour enhancers
These nutrition make a good dog food
The dog’s organism does not have trouble digesting good dog food. Indications of this are almost odourless faeces, high vitality and a shiny coat. The proportion of nutrition in a dog food is outlined under the word “analytical ingredients”. We certainly have summarised these in the table:
| Component | Quantity required | Tasks | Information and special features |
| Crude protein | 20 to 25 percent in dry food 8 to 10 percent in wet food | Builds the body’s own tissue such as muscles and bones Strengthening skin and organs Enzymes, blood and hormones also need protein | High-quality protein comes mainly from muscle meat. Low-quality protein is found in slaughterhouse waste |
| Crude ash | 5 to 8 per cent or a maximum of 10 per cent for dry food. Less than 2 percent for wet feed | Supply of inorganic substances such as magnesium, calcium, zinc or silicic acid | Formed after combustion of the feed Proportion should be balanced Sometimes cheap but unnecessary bone meal products are added |
| Crude fibre | 2 to 3 percent for dry food 0.2 to 5 percent for wet food | Support of digestion Stimulation of intestinal activity Strengthens healthy intestinal flora Influences consistency and shape of dog faeces | Proportion of dietary fibre Too high a proportion can lead to flatulence and large quantities of faeces Rumen is filled with raw fibre Otherwise in the form of vegetables and fruit |
| Crude fat | At least 15 percent in dry food for active dogs 12 to 15 percent for dry food for dogs with normal to less exercise 1 percent for wet food | Provides energy Ensure healthy skin and shiny coat | High-quality products include salmon oil, linseed oil, cod oil, pumpkin seed oil and hemp oil. |
The other possible ingredients in dog food are explained below:
1. The value for meat and animal by-products indicates the meat content in the dog food. Companies often do not declare exactly what is involved. It may be high-quality muscle meat or offal as well as low-quality offal. The latter includes, among other things, dried meats, rumen or chaps. Animal by-products include, for example , hair, our bones, hooves, blood or beaks.
2. Seafood and its by-products include fish fillets, bones and fish minds.
3. Plant by-products include, for example, vegetables, cereals and pulses and olive oil fruits. They may be partially health- and digestion-promoting food components.
4. Technological additives are preservatives, separating and binding agents, stabilisers, thickening and solidifying agents and acidity regulators. A few of these are important. These include, for instance , emulsifiers and natural antioxidants. Emulsifiers ensure an uniform consistency of oil and water. Natural antioxidants are to prevent rancid fat.
5. Nutritional additives are intended to support the health of the four-legged good friend. They should be included 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 the dog food. They include flavourings and colourings.
Overweight canines suffer! Obesity is an increasing problem in dogs with serious health consequences. It can lead to diseases of internal organs, puts stress on bones, joints and the cardiovascular system, and promotes inflammation. Additionally, it may shorten the life expectancy of the animal. Frequently , too much food is the reason for overweight. Nevertheless age, sex and breed also may play a role. Especially Cocker Spaniels, Labrador Retrievers and King Charles usually become overweight. At times the use of diet food should be considered.
How much food does my dog need?
In the event the four-legged friend gets more energy than he uses, he can become overweight. Therefore, it is crucial to give puppies the right amount of food. How much pet food a dog needs is determined by various factors. In addition to the breed, the following aspects are relevant, for example:
Activity level: How much the four-legged good 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 calorie consumption and has a slower metabolism. Consequently, he needs less food.
Age: Young dogs remain growing and are often more curious and active. They usually have a higher energy requirement than old dogs. It really is a good idea to reduce the number of food a little annually. For old dogs, there are senior foods that are lower in body fat and contain important additives. For smaller dogs you need to change at the age of 10 to 12 years, for large dogs as soon as 7 to 8 years.
Diseases: Some diseases influence a dog’s food or energy requirements. These include cardiovascular problems, thyroid disease, osteo-arthritis and diabetes. Once dogs are recovering from illness, they need more pet food.
Hormone balance: A dog’s hormonal levels can rise or fall, changing energy needs. For instance , dogs have different energy needs when they are with child or change their coat.
To find out just how much food is right for your dog, look at the caloric 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 a regular 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 movements a lot or is recovering from an illness should be fed more. His necessary food amount per day is up to 5 per cent of his body weight.
– Snacks should not exceed 10 percent of the daily food requirement.
Anyone who is not sure about the right amount of food should talk to a vet and a nutritionist.
Just how can I recognize a food allergy or intolerance?
The most frequent allergies in dogs are flea allergy and food allergy. Possible sets off of the allergy are, for example , 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 example , mi nombre es, animal proteins from poultry, pork or beef, and grains.
What is the difference between an allergy and an intolerance?
– An allergy is a hypersensitivity response by the dog’s immune system. This reacts strongly against a certain substance. A true food allergy or intolerance rarely occurs in dogs. Mostly it is an intolerance. This is not triggered by the immune system.
– Feasible indications of allergies and intolerances
– Possible symptoms of a food allergy or food intolerance include itchiness, vomiting, belly pain, flatulence, diarrhoea, lack of fur, redness and frequent scratching.
– Symptoms may well not show up right after feeding the food. Sometimes they only appear a few hours or days later.
On the other hand, the symptoms do certainly not have to indicate an allergic reaction or intolerance. They can even be caused by another disease. In the event that your dog has these symptoms, you should have the cause solved by a vet. The vet can also determine an allergy or intolerance or an intolerance, for instance , through an allergy test. On the other hand, it is possible to handle an exemption diet. However, this involves a fine deal of effort.
What is an exemption diet?
In an exclusion diet, the owner feeds the four-legged friend only one special source of 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 dog is fed the new food for several weeks.
When the dog’s condition improves and the symptoms 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 allergy symptoms. More than 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. On the other hand, it is highly recommended to consult a professional or talk to the vet ahead of time.
Consistent action is essential during an exclusion diet. The dog should not be given chews, treats or left over spots during this time.
What should I do if my dog has an allergy?
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 chemicals. The selected family pet food must therefore not contain any substances that the dog cannot tolerate. The same goes to treats and everything dog snacks between meals.
If absolutely nothing changes, patience is necesary: sometimes it calls for some time until the symptoms of an intolerance or allergy or intolerance no longer occur. Sometimes they only disappear completely months following the change in food.
What is grain-free dog food?
Doggie food often includes grains. These include 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 contributes to obesity and sometimes to a problem with digestion. 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 it is also ideal for more sensitive dogs. However , it is not necessarily required to use a grain-free dog food. Dogs are omnivores and are able to digest vegetable protein. Some types of materials are also specifically 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 feed. This is especially true if your 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 too much and that the product has a balanced recipe.
What can dogs not tolerate?
There are a lot of foods that canines can’t tolerate. Several of them are even poisonous for puppies. These include, for example, onions, natural cabbage and organic pork. Onions can be fatal, depending on the size of the onion and your canine. For a medium-sized dog, even a medium-sized onion can be extremely dangerous. If the dog eats raw cabbage, it can get abdomen cramps or unwanted gas. Raw pork could retain the Aujeszky disease, that causes fatal disease. Other foods and drinks that pups must not eat include:
- Delicious chocolate
- Raw taters
- Grapes
- Sultanas
- Fresh fruit starts
- Raw signal
- Macadamia nuts
- Bitter walnuts
- Raw ovum
- Some types of avocado
- Birch sugars and xylitol
- Cream and milk
- Caffeinated drinks, such as espresso
- Alcohol
Furthermore, nicotine is dangerous for dogs. As a result, caution is suggested in rain puddles, for example: Cigarette residues are available in them. Ashtrays should be positioned in such a way that your dog cannot reach them.
If a dog has eaten food that is dangerous because of it, you should contact the doctor or the veterinary emergency service directly. In the mean time, maintain the dog in a secure environment. However, despite all the concern for the dog’s life, the following applies: Stay calm and watch to signs of poisoning. It may be necessary to take the dog to a veterinary clinic or drive it to the vet. Symptoms that could occur with poisoning include:
- Excessive salivation
- Excessive thirst
- Throwing up
- Diarrhoea
- Cramps
- Uneasyness
- Shortness of breath
To prevent your canine from eating incompatible foods, dog owners should make sure that family and acquaintances do not feed them such foods. In addition, it is necessary to train the dog well so that it does not constantly eat whatever off of the side of the road.
The best choice is the Harringtons Complete Grain Free Hypoallergenic Chicken & Sweet Potato Dry Dog Food 15kg.
Harringtons Complete Grain Free Hypoallergenic Chicken & Sweet Potato Dry Dog Food 15kg
- Grain Free Formulation for Sensitive Digestions
- With Freshly Prepared Chicken, A Good Source of Protein
- No Soya, Dairy, Egg, Beef, Pork or Added Wheat
- Beet Pulp & Chicory to Help Promote A Healthy Digestive System
Video about best grain free dry dog food
FAQ – Common questions about dog food
Finally, we answer some important and often asked questions about dog food.
What should I 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 situation after about 2 months. The components and substances of puppy dog food are specially created for growing puppies. This is because a baby dog’s immune system, bone fragments, muscles, coat and teeth first have to build up.
With pup dog food, the focus is on nutrient intake. Above all, the puppy food must contain certain essential vitamins and minerals. 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. Found in the beginning, young dogs should be given small portions several times a day, which are then slowly increased.
When should I start using dog food for adult dogs?
This is determined by the breed of dog: Small to medium breeds are considered older people from 9 to 12 months of age. For large breeds, it is recommended to give adult food to dogs from 12 to 15 months of age. For very large breeds, it is advised to give adult food a little later – from 18 to 24 months.
When should my dog be given food for elderly people?
For small dogs, the change 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 different breeds are considered senior at 7 to 8 years old. In addition to era, the dog’s condition of health is also an important criterion. It is highly 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 kept 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 preference 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 unprocessed food such as meat, offal and bones, supplemented with vegetables, fruit, natural oils and carbohydrates for a balanced supply of nutrients. Meanwhile, compound and freeze-dried BARF food and deep-frozen meat are available in the shops. Dog owners can add the other necessary components. Yet , you should advise yourself well or seek advice from with experts.
What do We have to consider when changing my dog’s food?
The change of food must be done slowly. If the changeover is abrupt, sensitive puppies in particular can quickly suffer from intestinal problems, a number 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 follows: On day 1 and 2, replace about a 1 / 4 of the dog’s usual food with the new food. On the 3 rd and fourth day, replace half with the new food. On the fifth and sixth day, the proportion of the new dog food should be three quarters. On day 7, the changeover is complete.
In the event that the dog responds sensitively and, for instance , gets diarrhoea in the first few days of the food change, you should extend the adaptation 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 ideal for him. In this case, you should look for an alternative.
What should I actually do if my dog would not like dry food?
After that 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 case the food has already swollen 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 quickly do dogs process dry food?
Canines usually need up to 14 hours to digest dry food. The exact time depends, among other things, on the age and size of the dog and the caliber of the food. A young dog usually has a faster metabolism than an older animal. The amount of food is also important. Small portions are broken down more quickly than large amounts. In addition, insoluble fibers 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 meals is, the shortest the digestion time. Wet food is digested within 6 to 8 hours in mature dogs.
Are animal tests carried out for dog food?
There are quite a few manufacturers who carry out animal experiments to test the effects and tolerance of their newly developed types of food. PETA’s website publishes a 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
Once is i able to start nourishing a puppy?
During the first weeks of its life, a puppy is federal reserve breast milk by its mother. Stable food is usually eaten by young puppies from the 3rd or 4th week of life. During this time period, the mother continually nourish 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 will no longer fed with mother’s dairy.
Experts recommend soaking dry puppy food with a solution until the pup is 5 or 6 months old. To get the puppy used to the harder food, blend more and more non-soaked food pieces over time.
Making dog food yourself – will it seem sensible?
Producing your own dog food takes more time and work than bought food. However, it will incorporate some advantages:
– In the event you make the dog food yourself, you can decide for yourself which ingredients go into it.
– Puppy owners may include the special needs of their four-legged friend in the preparing and adapt the meals to these and the dog’s taste.
– It is possible to make the food more varied for the dog.
If, for instance , the dog is overweight, has to take medication or is intolerant to various foods, it may be sensible or required to prepare the food yourself. Before preparing the foodstuff, you should study the various ingredients. The foodstuff should be balanced and contain all the necessary nutrients. It is often recommended to talk to a vet in advance. Recipe ideas for dog food can be found on the web, 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 ideal for dogs with allergy symptoms. It really is adapted to the needs of such a four-legged friend and can be easily digested by your dog. There is hypoallergenic dry out food and allergies wet food on the market. That contains few or no substances that often cause allergic reactions in dogs. Accordingly, a hypoallergenic food reduces the risk that your canine will not tolerate it and that allergic reactions will take place.
Usually there is merely one supply of proteins in such a product. This is usually an unique meat, such as kangaroo or drinking 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 business lead to allergic reactions. This happens when we have a substance in the foodstuff that the four-legged friend cannot put up with.
In addition to dogs with allergy symptoms, hypoallergenic food is suitable for four-legged friends with a delicate digestive system. For these dogs, such a product can offer prevention of digestive problems.
