The particular best for the dog – relating to this slogan, many dog owners lovingly care for their pets. The four-legged friends need attention and profession, but especially, of course, food. The foodstuff is crucial to ensure that the dog comes with all the important nutrition and remains in good health to live a long dog’s life. But it is often not so no problem finding the right food for your own dog. Comparable 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 will the dog have and what quantity? Which usually food is ideal where age? Is definitely dry or wet food the right choice for your four-legged friend? And how much should the dog be given? What causes deficiency symptoms?
Inside the following best healthy dry dog food, we present 10 products. We offer information about which ingredients the foods contain and for which pet dogs the products are suitable. In our guide, we describe the types of dog food, go into some of the ingredients and make clear how much food a dog needs. In addition, you will see which foods dogs cannot tolerate and just how you can recognise a food allergy.
Below is a list of the best healthy dry dog food:
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Wellness CORE Small Breed Low Fat/Healthy Weight Dog Food Dry, Grain Free -...
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£9.99
£11.99 -
Vegan dog food from Benevo. Complete vegan dry dog food. Wheat free dried...
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£11.99
£13.99 - Vet's Kitchen Dry Dog Food, Healthy Weight/ Chicken/ 3 kg — £16.40
- Eukanuba Dry Dog Food Daily with Chicken, Care Adult Sensitive Skin, 12 kg — £38.29
- Wellness CORE Low Fat/Healthy Weight Dog Food Dry, Grain Free - Turkey, 10 kg — £45.99
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Lily's Kitchen Chicken and Duck Countryside Casserole - Grain Free Adult Dry...
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£52.89
£58.10 -
Lily's Kitchen Lamb Shepherd's Pie - Grain Free Adult Dry Dog Food (7 kg)
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£54.00
£58.10 -
Barking Heads Dry Dog Food for Large Breeds - Bowl Lickin' Chicken - 100%...
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£60.49
£79.99 - Pooch & Mutt - Calm & Relaxed, Complete Dry Dog Food (Grain Free), Turkey and...
- Pooch & Mutt - Health & Digestion, Complete Dry Dog Food (Grain Free), Salmon...
After hours researching and comparing all models on the market, Life my Dog finds out the Best healthy dry dog food of 2024. We would recommend using Lily’s Kitchen Chicken and Duck Countryside Casserole – Grain Free Adult Dry Dog Food (7 kg) as it is our top pick for you.
Top 10 Best healthy dry dog food
Best healthy dry dog food
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
Vet's Kitchen Dry Dog Food, Healthy Weight/ Chicken/ 3 kg
Features
- LOW FAT - tasty and nutritious and now 20% less fat compared to our other products, perfect for dogs needing help with their weight management
- HEALTHY WEIGHT LOSS - extra L-Carnitine promotes fat breakdown whilst increased fibre from wholesome brown rice may reduce hunger levels
- FREE FROM - wheat, beef, soya, dairy and other ingredients known to cause digestive problems with dogs Hypoallergenic recipe for healthier dogs
- ADDED GOODNESS - Glucosamine and Chondroitin for improved mobility, healthier joints and happier active dogs full of energy
- INDEPENDENT - British company with your pet's health at the heart of what we do. Recipes inspired by Vets and built on research and expertise
Vegan dog food from Benevo. Complete vegan dry dog food. Wheat free dried kibble, hypoallergenic & healthy. Holistic & non-gm 2kg bag
£11.99
Features
- COMPLETE DOG FOOD. Benevo Dog Original dog food contains all the nutrients an adult dog needs including a wide range of vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids, without the need for supplements or slaughterhouse meat. Benevo Dog Original also contains added Taurine and L-Carnitine and a prebiotic FOS to aid digestion.
- SENSITIVE DOG FOOD. Our non-gm wheat free, meat free and dairy free recipe is free from common allergens including meat proteins and wheat gluten making it a great hypoallergenic option for dogs with a sensitive tummy.
- WHEAT FREE RECIPE. Benevo Dog Original dried adult dog food is formulated to meet the European nutritional levels set out by FEDIAF making it suitable for most dog breeds. Our ingredients are carefully milled before mixing to avoid whole grains which are hard to digest. An added Prebiotic also aids digestion and omega oils provide a source of essential fatty acids.
- IS MEAT FREE DOG FOOD NATURAL? Dogs are classed as omnivores, so like us humans, they can survive and thrive on a plant-based diet too. Studies suggest dogs split from wolves around 20,000-40,000 years ago and they were domesticated between 15,000-30,000 year ago. So they have lived with humans co-existing on the same foods ever since. So yes, professional meat-free food for dogs is fine and as natural as giving them a name, buying them birthday presents and having them on a lead 🙂
- WHY YOU'RE THE BEST! Buying Benevo is a choice for a better and more sustainable World. That makes you our hero! As for Benevo Dog Original: Made in the UK, Benevo Dog Original has kept 1000's of dogs across the World happy and healthy for the last 15 years. Approved. PETA approved cruelty-free brand. Vegan owned company with an ethical company score of 100/100 every year since 2016.
Wellness CORE Small Breed Low Fat/Healthy Weight Dog Food Dry, Grain Free - Turkey, 1.5 kg
£9.99
Features
- SUPPORTS IDEAL WEIGHT: Our CORE Small Breed Adult Low Fat helps your small breed dog with the support of an ideal weight in a healthy way with 30% less fat than our CORE Original.
- ORAL HYGIENE: Our CORE Small Breed Adult Low Fat crunchy kibbles are smaller than the original kibbles making them perfect for smaller mouths. These kibbles help reduce the plaque build-up of your dog’s teeth. For a healthy oral hygiene!
- FRESH MEAT AS MAIN INGREDIENT: The dry dog food contains fresh turkey, for a tasty meal with every bowl!
- HEALTHY DIGESTIVE SYSTEM: Our Wellness CORE Small Breed Adult Low Fat is easy to digest and contains prebiotic fibre and probiotics, providing your furry friend with a healthy digestive system!
- LOW CARBS AND NO FILLERS: Our recipes are grain-free, supporting a high-protein and a meat-rich nutrition for your small breed dog.
Pooch & Mutt - Calm & Relaxed, Complete Dry Dog Food (Grain Free), Turkey and Sweet Potato, 2kg
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
Wellness CORE Low Fat/Healthy Weight Dog Food Dry, Grain Free - Turkey, 10 kg
Features
- SUPPORTS IDEAL WEIGHT: Our CORE Adult Low Fat helps your dog with the support of an ideal weight in a healthy way with 30% less fat than our CORE Original.
- FRESH MEAT AS MAIN INGREDIENT: The dry dog food contains fresh turkey, for a tasty meal with every bowl!
- HEALTHY DIGESTIVE SYSTEM: Our Wellness CORE Adult Low Fat is easy to digest and contains prebiotic fibre and probiotics, providing your furry friend with a healthy digestive system!
- LOW CARBS AND NO FILLERS: Our recipes are grain-free, supporting a high-protein and a meat-rich nutrition for your dog.
- STRENGTHENING HIPS AND JOINTS: The mobility of adult dogs will be supported by guaranteed amounts of glucosamine, chondroitin sulphate and controlled sodium levels.
Barking Heads Dry Dog Food for Large Breeds - Bowl Lickin' Chicken - 100% Natural Chicken with No Artificial Flavours, Good for Healthy Digestion and Joint Health for Large Breeds, 12 kg
£60.49
Features
- 100% NATURAL FREE-RUN CHICKEN - Our Bowl Lickin' Chicken dry dog food is made for large breed dogs with 100% natural free-run chicken blended with a seriously yummy combination of garden veg and herbs, this chicken dinner isn’t called “Bowl Lickin” for nothing!
- WHEAT FREE, NATURAL INGREDIENTS - This large dog food recipe is made using only the best quality, natural ingredients. Free from wheat, artificial colours, flavours, and preservatives
- AIDS JOINT HEALTH - This pet food is made using a formula to support your dogs joints and helping to ensure healthy bones
- BOOSTS IMMUNE SYSTEM - This pet food boosts your furry friend's immune system and has everything you need to feed a happy, healthy large dog
- APPROVED BY VETS - Our natural dog food is approved by vets for adult dogs of a large breed
Pooch & Mutt - Health & Digestion, Complete Dry Dog Food (Grain Free), Salmon and Sweet Potato, 2kg
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
Lily's Kitchen Lamb Shepherd's Pie - Grain Free Adult Dry Dog Food (7 kg)
£54.00
Features
- Nutritionally complete, grain free dry food for adult dogs 4 months +
- Made with proper meat - 27% freshly prepared lamb and 5% lamb liver
- This is our lowest fat recipe, with added L-carnitine to support the breakdown of fats helping your dog stay in shape
- We’ve balanced the omega 3 and 6 in this recipe to help your dog’s skin and fur stay healthy, shiny and soft
- Natural ingredients with no added sugar
Eukanuba Dry Dog Food Daily with Chicken, Care Adult Sensitive Skin, 12 kg
Features
- Hypoallergenic*: single source of protein (fish)
- Natural sources of omega 6 and 3 for healthy skin & coat
- Special kibble shape together with unique DentaDefense to help keep teeth clean and healthy
- Rich in fish - A natural source of high quality protein to help support lean muscles
- Prebiotic FOS and beet pulp to help support healthy digestion
The particular best for the dog – relating to this saying, many dog owners lovingly care for their pets. The four-legged friends need attention and job, but most importantly, of course, food. The food is crucial to ensure that the dog comes with all the important nutrition 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 will the dog have and in what quantity? Which usually food is suitable at which age? Is usually dry or moist food the right choice for your four-legged friend? And just how much should the dog be provided? What can cause deficiency symptoms?
Inside the following dog food comparison, we present 14 products. We offer information about which ingredients the foods contain and for which pups 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 your dog needs. In addition, you will learn which foods dogs cannot put up with and just how you can recognise a food allergy.
The different types of dog food easily
Simply as every person has their own own health needs, every dog’s preferences are different. The choice of food that moves into the dog’s bowl should be produced according to various factors. These include the breed, activity and health of the dog. Grow older 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 sugars, fats, oils, healthy proteins and minerals. His dog food should be balanced. Old dogs have a slow metabolism and are no longer as active. As a result, they need less energy, i. e. calories. Yet , the dog food should be easy to digest and include a great deal of proteins. In addition, the types of food differ in conditions of composition, method of creation and consistency.
Formula – complete or complementary food?
A complete feed consists of all the nutrients the dog needs on a daily basis. The portion of proteins, fatty acids, vitamins and minerals is different based on the product. The ingredients should be adapted to the age, activity and possible allergies of the four-legged friend. A complete food can be dry or damp food. Supplementary foods are not sufficient in themselves to provide the dog with all the essential 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 dog or cat shops and food markets usually comes from industrial production. This is the most common type of dog food. Industrially produced wet food is often completed cans or small aluminium trays. With all the latter, one dish is sufficient for one portion. On the other hand, some manufacturers of business dog food use genetically modified raw materials and additives.
Industrially produced dog food has a long shelf life. With a few exclusions, this dog food can be stored unopened for quite some time with no loss of quality.
– Natural dog food only uses raw materials that come from grow, animal or other natural sources – unaltered or highly processed. The food must not contain any chemically synthesised additives. However , certain synthetic nutritional supplements are permitted. In conditions of packaging, there is often almost no difference compared to industrial food: natural dog food is packaged in cups or as dried out food.
– Organic and natural dog food must comply with tighter guidelines regarding substances. For example, the product should never contain numerous substances such as genetically altered ingredients, hormones and pesticides. You will find distinctions between the various organic dog foods: “100 per dollar organic” means that no undesirable ingredients have been processed. Together with the claim “organic”, the ingredients in the natural food are 95 per cent organic. If this states “made with organic”, the product involves 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 kind of dog food would not contain meat and still provides the dog with the important nutrients. However , vegetarian and vegan dog food contains a lot of fresh vegetables and grains, which can issues 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 barfing, the dog is fed raw fresh meat, often combined with raw, pureed fruit or fruit and vegetables. Whether this method is actually more healthy is debatable. Considering that the meals are assembled individually, barfing is more suitable for experienced dog owners who have studied 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 are supposed to provide the food a 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 hitch
Dried dog food is produced by the cold-pressing or extrusion process:
1. Cold-pressed dog food is created by first drying the raw materials and then grinding and combining them. A roller presses this mass through the opportunities of a carol wall. Shaped and compacted chunks of feed come away the other part. Through the dog food production process, temps of about 90 levels Celsius are generated, which obviously contradicts the word cold depressing. However , temperatures are still significantly lower than those utilized in extrusion.
2. In the extrusion process, the ingredients for your canine food are exposed to great heat. Many nutrients are lost during this manufacturing process. These types of need to be artificially added to the foodstuff after processing. During processing, the dough-like extruded feed is conveyed through nozzles at high pressure. Nourish produced in this way swells substantially when liquid is added.
Both methods have advantages and disadvantages: Because the nutrients have not yet been busted down, a dog can digest the cold-pressed food obviously, slowly and gradually. In addition, the food consists of more natural ingredients. If the four-legged good friend has problems with the gastrointestinal area 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 a supplementary factor in deciding the tolerability and quality of the meals. The most important thing is the quality of the raw materials.
Which is better – moist food or dry food?
There is damp and dry dog food on the market. The two types of dog food differ in their water content.
Dry food includes very little water and therefore has a longer shelf life . usually several years. Dogs that are fed dry food have to munch more and so train their teeth. Ingesting dry food is almost like brushing your dog’s teeth. To get dogs that drink little, feeding dried out food can become 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 benefits and disadvantages of dry food at a glance:
Pros
- Long shelf life
- Less costly than cast food
- Easier to feed on the go
- Easy to store
- Almost germ-free due to heat during production
- Even more eco-friendly than canned food
Cons
- Frequently less acceptable to your dog
- The dog’s body is deprived of water, so it has to drink significantly more.
- Can lead to overweight more quickly 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 corresponds to one meal. Many dogs like damp food much better than dry food. In contrast to dry food, damp food for dogs – once opened up – can only be kept for a few days and nights. It must be used up within 2 days and nights of opening. Below we have summarised the advantages and down sides of wet food:
Pros
- High approval by most four-legged friends
- Packed in handy servings
- Since of the high water content in wet food, the dog does not need so much additional liquid.
- If necessary, medication can be administered with the wet food.
Cons
- After opening, damp food cannot be stored well
- Large dogs need more space for storage
- Even more difficult to hold and feed on the move
- Wet food smells more intense
- Costs more than dry food
- Generates more waste
That is not possible to make a general statement about which type of dog food is well suited for your dog. Your canine in the end chooses which dog food it likes and which variety it prefers. To find out which type of dog food your dog likes better and which this individual tolerates better, you should try out both types.
Some dog owners switch between wet and dry food. The following relates 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 your dog.
How much various meats and exactly how many carbs and nutrients belong in dog food?
The standard 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 best composition of the dog food is also crucial for good digestion and the health of the four-legged good friend.
How much meat should the food contain?
Dogs are originated from wolves – that is why their digestive system is similar to regarding 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, 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, which means that the four-legged friend can also digest plant food in smaller quantities.
Above all, meats provides the dog with protein. The four-legged friend needs protein for their muscles, bones, strong tissues, healthy the teeth and nerves also to provide energy for its activities. Therefore, senior dogs have a lower proteins requirement because they are not as lively as young or adult animals. In general, experts declare dog food should contain between 50 and 70 per cent meat. But other ingredients are also important. If dog owners feed only meat to their four-legged friends, this may lead to an issue with digestion, stress on the kidneys and liver due to excess protein and deficiency symptoms.
Vitamins, minerals and sugars in dog food?
A well-balanced dog diet also includes nutrients that are not seen in meat – for example , vitamins and minerals found in fruits and veggies, or fatty stomach acids from healthy natural oils. The four-legged friend also needs carbohydrates. Wolves, for example, eat the stomach and intestinal items of prey animals, now and then also berries and grass.
Dogs convert starch from rice, potatoes and cereals into energy and want it for their intestinal flora. However, the need for carbohydrates is low. Fillers from herb waste such as press residues from oil production, sections, husks or straw in many cases are added to the feed. Superior quality carbohydrates are located in rice, potatoes, millet, maize, amaranth or buckwheat.
Animal fat provide the dog with twice as much energy as proteins. To prevent overweight, the foodstuff should contain these substances only less often. How much should be in the dog food is determined by how much the animal moves. Lamb and poultry fats are saturated fatty acids. They can be stored in the body as emergency ration and are designed as a reserve for bad times. Meat and veg oil contain over loaded omega-6 fatty acids and unsaturated fatty acids. Omega-3 herbal oils, which are found in fish, are extremely valuable for cellular metabolism.
What should maintain the dog food? Dog food should contain 50 to 70 % lean meat or muscle meat or fish with superior quality proteins. In addition, there should be about 20 to 50 % high-quality carbohydrates for energy production and fruit, vegetables or herbs for the necessary minerals and vitamins. The proportion of offal should be a maximum of 10 percent. Offal provides valuable nutrition such as vitamin h or iron. Great quality oils such as salmon oil or linseed oil based improve nutrient consumption and ensure a functioning cardiovascular system, a shiny layer and healthy skin area.
How can I recognise high-quality dog food?
Puppy food sold in UK must be labelled with certain mandatory information. These include:
– Treat and name of the manufacturer
– Date of produce or best-before date of the dog food
– Name of the food
– Net weight
– Moisture content for canned food
With regard to the ingredients of the feed, various statements are permitted: A closed declaration only indicates ingredient groups. These are, for example , statements such as “with cereals” and “vegetable by-products”. A semi-open declaration lists the individual uncooked materials, but not their percentage. The start declaration gives the formula in percent and the respective sources of raw materials. When reading the food label, dog owners should also note the following:
1. Many manufacturers split the word grain into individual groups. The reason for this is that the large total quantity appears smaller. For example, maize becomes maize starch, maize feed food, maize flour, maize gluten or source. The cereal components provide carbohydrates and saturate well, but really should not be included in too large amounts.
2. The substances in the supply are listed in descending order relating to their quantity. The further forwards an ingredient is listed on the label, the better its proportion. On the other hand, what this means is: Only a small proportion of an ingredient that is listed far throughout the list is within the feed.
Other aspects by which dog owners recognise the quality of the food are:
– Meat content of 50 to 70 per cent
– Grain and veg content between 25 and 50 percent
– Balanced substances with all the necessary vitamins and minerals
– Zero use of taste enhancers
These nutrients make a good dog food
The dog’s organism has no trouble digesting good dog food. Signs of this are almost odourless faeces, high vitality and a shiny coat. The proportion of nutrients in a dog food is detailed under the term “analytical ingredients”. We 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 pet by-products indicates the meat content in your canine food. Companies often do not declare exactly what is engaged. It can be high-quality muscle meat or offal as well as low-quality offal. The latter includes, among other things, dried meats, rumen or chaps. Animal by-products include, for example , hair, our bones, hooves, blood or beaks.
2. Fish as well as by-products include fish fillets, our bones and fish mind.
3. Plant by-products include, for example, vegetables, cereals and pulses and essential 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 gelling agents and acidity regulators. Some of these are important. These include, for instance , emulsifiers and natural antioxidants. Emulsifiers ensure an uniform regularity of oil and water. Natural anti-oxidants are to prevent rancid fat.
5. Nutritional additives are intended to support the health of the four-legged friend. They should be contained in the right structure, for example as vitamins, provitamins, amino acids and search for elements.
6. Zootechnical additives can be added to the feed to impact 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. That they include flavourings and colourings.
Overweight puppies suffer! Obesity is a growing problem in dogs with serious health consequences. This can lead to diseases of internal organs, puts stress on bones, joints and the cardiovascular system, and promotes inflammation. It may also shorten the life expectancy of the animal. Frequently , too much food is the reason for overweight. Yet age, sex and breed also may play a role. Especially Cocker Spaniels, Labrador Retrievers and King Charles tend to 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 friend gets more energy than he consumes, he can become overweight. Therefore, it is very important to give puppies the necessary food. Just 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 good friend moves determines the amount of energy it burns. A puppy that moves a lot burns more calories. If the dog is not so active, it burns fewer calories and has a slower metabolism. Appropriately, he needs less food.
Age: More youthful dogs are still growing and in many cases are more curious and lively. They usually have a higher energy requirement than more mature dogs. It is a good idea to reduce the number of food a little annually. For older dogs, there are senior foods that are lower in fat and contain important additives. For smaller dogs you need to change at the age of 10 to 12 years, for large dogs as early as 7 to 8 years.
Diseases: Some diseases influence a dog’s food or energy requirements. These kinds of include cardiovascular problems, thyroid disease, osteo-arthritis and diabetes. Once dogs are coping with illness, they need more pet food.
Hormone balance: A dog’s hormone levels can climb or fall, changing energy needs. For example , dogs have different energy needs when they are conceived or change their coat.
To find out just how much food is right for your dog, look at the caloric content of the dog food. A higher calorie content means a lesser amount of food is needed. Additionally, pet owners can use the next guidelines 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 percent of the dog’s weight.
– If the dog is older and does not exercise as much, a daily food amount of 2 pct of the body weight is usually sufficient.
– A dog that techniques a lot or is coping with an illness should be fed more. His necessary food amount per day is up to 5 % of his body weight.
– Snacks should not exceed 10 pct of the daily food requirement.
Any person who is not sure about the right amount of food should talk to a vet and/or a nutritionist.
Just how can I recognize a food allergy?
The most frequent allergies in dogs are flea allergy and food allergy. Possible sets off of an allergy are, for instance , stress, unwanted 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 example , me llaman, animal proteins from poultry, pork or beef, and grains.
What is the between an allergic reaction and an intolerance?
– An allergy is a hypersensitivity response by the dog’s immune system. This reacts strongly against a certain compound. A real food allergy or intolerance rarely occurs in dogs. Mostly it is an intolerance. This is not triggered by the immune system.
– Possible indications of allergies and intolerances
– Possible symptoms of a food allergy or food intolerance include itchiness, vomiting, stomach pain, flatulence, diarrhoea, loss of fur, redness and frequent scratching.
– Symptoms might not show up immediately after feeding the food. Sometimes they only appear a few hours or days later.
Nevertheless, the symptoms do not necessarily have to indicate an allergy or intolerance or intolerance. They may also be caused by another disease. If your dog has these symptoms, you should have the cause solved with a vet. The vet can also determine an allergy or intolerance or an intolerance, for instance , through an allergy test. Additionally, it is possible to handle an exemption diet. However, this involves a number 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 sugars. These sources must be ingredients that the four-legged friend has not eaten before. Pet owners should change the dog food bit by little. Following your food change, your dog is fed the new food for many weeks.
When the dog’s condition improves and the symptoms no longer occur, a provocation test is carried out. 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 tolerate or that cause allergic reactions in him. An removal diet is something that pet owners can do themselves. Nevertheless, it is recommended to check with a professional or speak with the vet beforehand.
Consistent action is crucial during an different diet. The dog should not be given chews, treats or leftovers during this period.
What should I do if my dog has an allergy?
Whether it turns out that your four-legged friend has a food allergy or food intolerance, the dog should no longer eat the allergy-causing substances. The selected pet food must therefore not contain any substances that the dog cannot tolerate. The same applies to treats and everything dog snacks between meals.
If practically nothing changes, patience is called for: sometimes it calls for some time until the symptoms of an intolerance or allergy no longer happen. Sometimes they only disappear completely a few months after the change in food.
What is grain-free dog food?
Dog food often contains grains. These include wheat, barley and rye, for example. Embryon 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 alternative ingredients such as potatoes and legumes, which also provide carbohydrates to the dog.
Grain-free dog food usually makes digestion easier and is also also suited to more sensitive dogs. Nevertheless , it is not necessarily required to use a grain-free dog food. Dogs are omnivores and are able to digest vegetable protein. Several types of materials are also particularly easy to process. Such as maize and rice, for example. Sometimes, however, it makes sense or is necessary to use a dog food without materials. This is especially true if your dog is allergic to food containing cereals.
In the event that 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 puppies can’t tolerate. Several of them are actually poisonous for puppies. These include, for example, onions, natural cabbage and raw pork. Onions can be fatal, based on the size of the onion and the dog. For a medium-sized dog, even a medium-sized onion can be extremely dangerous. If the dog eats raw cabbage, it can get belly cramps or unwanted gas. Raw pork could retain the Aujeszky disease, which causes fatal condition. Other foods and drinks that dogs must not eat include:
- Delicious chocolate
- Raw taters
- Fruit
- Sultanas
- Fruit pits
- Raw signal
- Macadamia nuts
- Bitter walnuts
- Raw ovum
- Some types of avocado
- Birch glucose and xylitol
- Cream and milk
- Caffeinated drinks, such as espresso
- Alcohol
Furthermore, nicotine is dangerous for dogs. Consequently, caution is advised in rain messes, for example: Cigarette residues are located in them. Ashtrays should always be located in such a way that your dog cannot reach them.
If a dog has eaten food that is dangerous for it, you should contact the vet and also the veterinary emergency service directly. Meanwhile, keep the dog in a secure environment. On the other hand, 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 may occur with poisoning include:
- Extreme salivation
- Excessive being thirsty
- Nausea
- Diarrhoea
- Aches
- Restlessness
- Shortness of breath
To prevent your dog from eating incompatible foods, dog owners should make sure that family and acquaintances do not feed them such foods. Found in addition, it is necessary to train the dog well so that it does not constantly eat anything off of the side of the road.
The best choice is the Lily’s Kitchen Chicken and Duck Countryside Casserole – Grain Free Adult Dry Dog Food (7 kg).
Lily's Kitchen Chicken and Duck Countryside Casserole - Grain Free Adult Dry Dog Food (7 kg)
- 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
Video about best healthy dry dog food
FAQ – Common questions about dog food
Finally, we answer some important and often asked questions about dog food.
What should I actually look for in dog food for puppies?
Puppies 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 elements of puppy dog food are specially designed for growing puppies. This is because a baby dog’s immune system, bone fragments, muscles, coat and teeth first have to build up.
With puppy dog food, the focus is on nutrient intake. Over all, the puppy 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 your dog food for adult quadrupeds. In the beginning, young dogs should be provided with small portions several times a day, which are then gradually increased.
When should I start using dog food for adult dogs?
This will depend on the breed of dog: Small to medium breeds are believed adults from 9 to 12 months of age. For large breeds, it is recommended to give adult food to dogs from 12 to 15 months of age. For very large breeds, it is advised to give adult food a little later – from 18 to 24 months.
When should my dog be given food for elderly people?
For small puppies, the difference in diet should take place between 10 and 12 years of age. For medium-sized dogs, it is time at 8 to 9 years. Large bread of dogs are considered senior at 7 to 8 years of age. 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 held in an airtight container. Glass or plastic containers without plasticisers are best. Packaging with a metal layer on the inside is also recommended for storing dried food. The container or packaging should be stored in a dry and not too warm place. Otherwise the foodstuff can become “sticky” and lose its preference and nutrients. In the worst case, mould can develop.
What is barfing?
The abbreviation BARF comes from the English and means Born-Again Raw Feeder. The UK term means “biologically species-appropriate raw feeding”. The species-appropriate diet is founded on the eating habits of wild dogs. Ready-made food plays no role in barfeeding. Instead, the dog is fed natural food such as meat, offal and bones, supplemented with vegetables, fruit, natural oils and carbohydrates for a balanced supply of nutrients. Meanwhile, compound and freeze-dried BARF food and deep-frozen meat can be purchased in the shops. Dog owners can add the other necessary components. Nevertheless , you should inform yourself well or talk to with experts.
What do I have to consider when changing my dog’s food?
The change of food must be done slowly. In the event the changeover is abrupt, sensitive puppies in particular can quickly suffer from intestinal problems, some of which is often considerable. An interval of one week is usually recommended for your dog to get used to the new food.
The change of food should proceed as follows: 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. Around 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 the dog responds sensitively and, for example , gets diarrhoea in the first few days of the food change, you should extend the variation phase and boost 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 cases like this, you should look for an option.
What should We do if my dog does not like dry food?
Then it makes sense to soak the dry food. This kind of has several advantages: Dogs often eat the dry food beyond hunger because it swells up in the stomach first. This makes it easier for them to become overweight and feel full. In the event the food has already swollen in water, it fills the dog up faster and is easier to digest. In addition, the dogs absorb more liquid with soaked dry food.
How fast do dogs break down dry food?
Puppies usually need up to 14 several hours to digest dry out food. The exact time depends, among other things, on the age and size of the dog and the quality of the food. A young dog usually has a faster metabolism than an old animal. The quantity of food is also important. Small portions are broken down more quickly than large amounts. In addition, insoluble fibres remain in the stomach for a shorter time than soluble fibres. Less fat food also leads to faster digestion. In addition , the more liquefied the food is, the short the digestion time. Wet food is digested within 6 to 8 hours in adult dogs.
Are pet tests carried out for dog food?
You will discover 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 listing of manufacturers who do not test on animals.
Which manufacturers and brands produce dog food?
The best-known dog food manufacturers and dog food brands include, for instance , ROYAL CANIN, Josera and WOLFSBLUT. Other well-known manufacturers and brands are, for example:
– Bosch
– PRIMUM
– Pedigree
– RINTI
– Animonda
– MERA
When is i able to start nourishing a puppy?
During the beginning of its life, a puppy is given breast milk by its mother. Stable food is usually eaten by pups from the 3rd or 4th week of life. During this time, the mother continues to nourish her puppies with breast milk in parallel. In order to accustom a puppy to dry food, it makes sense 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 provided with mother’s milk.
Experts recommend soaking your dry puppy food with a water until the pup is 5 or 6 months old. To get the puppy used to the harder food, mix in more and more non-soaked food pieces over time.
Making dog food yourself – does indeed it make sense?
Producing your own dog food takes more time and work than purchased food. However, it will incorporate some advantages:
– If you make the dog food yourself, you can make a decision for yourself which ingredients go into it.
– Doggie owners may include the special needs of their four-legged friend in the preparation and adapt the food to these and the dog’s taste.
– It is possible to make the food more varied for the dog.
If, for example , the dog is overweight, has to take medication or is intolerant to various foods, it can be sensible or required to prepare the food yourself. Before preparing the meals, you should study the different ingredients. The foodstuff should be balanced and contain all the necessary nutrients. It is often highly recommended to talk to a vet beforehand. Recipe ideas for dog food can be found on the Internet, for example.
Some foods are unhealthy or toxic for dogs. For example, onions and garlic should not be ingested by dogs.
Precisely what is hypoallergenic dog food?
Hypoallergenic dog food is especially ideal for dogs with allergy symptoms. It truly is adapted to the needs of such a four-legged friend and can be easily digested by your canine. Right now there is hypoallergenic dry out food and allergies wet food on the market. That contains few or no substances that often cause allergic reactions in dogs. Appropriately, a hypoallergenic food reduces the risk that your dog will not tolerate it and that allergic reactions will happen.
Usually there is only one source of proteins in such a product. This is usually an unique meat, such as kangaroo or water buffalo. Normally, the protein source used very rarely causes an intolerance. Nevertheless, it cannot be ruled out that even hypoallergenic dog food can lead to allergy symptoms. This happens when we have a substance in the food that the four-legged friend cannot tolerate.
In addition to dogs with allergic reactions, hypoallergenic food is suited to four-legged friends with a delicate gastrointestinal system. For these dogs, such a product can provide prevention of digestive problems.
