The particular best for the dog – according to this slogan, many dog owners lovingly care for their pets. The four-legged friends need attention and job, but above all, of course, food. The meals is crucial to ensure that the dog is supplied with all the important nutrients and remains in health to live a long dog’s life. But it is often not so simple to find the right food for your own dog. Just like humans, it is also important to consider a balanced diet. In addition, the multitude of offers in the trade can cause confusion. Different questions arise: What nutritional requirements does the dog have and in what quantity? Which usually food is appropriate at which age? Is usually dry or moist food the right choice for your four-legged friend? And how much should the dog be provided? What can cause deficiency symptoms?
In the following best high performance dog food, we present 10 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 ingredients and make clear how much food your dog needs. In addition, you will learn which foods dogs cannot tolerate and how you can recognise a food allergy.
Below is a list of the best high performance dog food:
- KIM YUAN Touch Screen Cut Resistant Kitchen Safety Gloves High Performance... — £9.99
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Alpha Junior and Active Dog Field Nuggets Complete Dry Dog Food, 15 kg
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£28.98
£33.99 -
Buddy & Lola Dog Weight Gainer Supplement - Great for Fussy Eaters, Helps...
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£29.97
£39.99 -
Alpha Hi Performance Wheat Gluten Free Complete Dry Dog Food, 15 kg
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£38.99
£42.49 - The Hunger of the Wolf Dry Dog Food - For Adult, Working Dogs and All Breeds... — £39.99
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Crave Dry Dog Food Natural for dogs – High Protein & Grain-Free – Lamb &...
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£39.99
£53.25 - PRO PLAN Performance Adult Dry Dog Food Chicken 14kg — £52.89
- Crave Wet Dog Food Natural for dogs Turkey & Chicken in Loaf 10x 300g
- Beau Superfood 2kg English Country Duck Dog Food - 65% High Protein Premium...
- The Hunger of the Wolf Dry Dog Food - For Adult Dogs and Small or Medium...
After hours researching and comparing all models on the market, Life my Dog finds out the Best high performance dog food of 2024. We would recommend using Alpha Hi Performance Wheat Gluten Free Complete Dry Dog Food, 15 kg as it is our top pick for you.
Top 10 Best high performance dog food
Best high performance dog food
Alpha Hi Performance Wheat Gluten Free Complete Dry Dog Food, 15 kg
£38.99
Features
- Gluten free
- Wheat free
- Ideal for high performance dogs
- High protein
- Complete feed
Features
- Natural ingredients and a flavour that your dog can't say no to. Satisfy their nature with Crave Chicken and Turkey pate / Premium quality, moist meaty pate loaf
- Heavy protein-rich food with pieces of meat designed to help build strong muscles and keep your dog healthy / Dual flavour pate high in chicken and turkey, 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, all in a convenient tray design / Designed for pets with digestive/digestion problems
- Items delivered: 10 x Crave Chicken and Turkey pate 300 g trays / Developed and designed for adult dogs / Delicious wet pet food with 65 percent animal sources
PRO PLAN Performance Adult Dry Dog Food Chicken 14kg
Features
- Contains OPTIPOWER, a combination of key nutrients that helps support rapid muscle recovery and joint health.
- Increased endurance for highly active and working dogs thanks to higher protein and fat levels.
- A combination of key nutrients that helps support healthy joints for your dog's active lifestyle.
- Specially formulated to aid rapid muscle recovery.
- Provides all the nutrients your gestating/lactating bitch needs.
The Hunger of the Wolf Dry Dog Food - For Adult, Working Dogs and All Breeds - 14 Kilograms, High Calorie, High Energy Formula
Features
- High protein (32%) and fat (21%) content - this food has been specially developed to meet the nutritional requirements of active, sporting and working dogs.
- Contains plant extracts: Rosemarinus, Vitis, Curcuma, Citrus, Eugenia - powerful antioxidants which slow down cell damage and the aging process.
- No added gluten, free of soya and chemical dyes. No artificial preservatives. Only natural antioxidants.
- The real label - 300 g of dried chicken in 1 kg of food corresponds to 1140 g of fresh meat. In The Hunger of The Wolf dog food we use a meal or dried meat so we do not claim very high content of raw meat only to make the labels look much better to the consumer than they really are. Raw meat may contain 70%-90% water. For example chicken meal is simply fresh chicken that has already been cooked to remove moisture – this makes it a much more highly-concentrated source of protein.
- A delicious taste your dog will love - by creating this dog food we remembered about ancestors of dogs - wolves, which are true carnivores, therefore, the main ingredient of our food is always meat.
Buddy & Lola Dog Weight Gainer Supplement - Great for Fussy Eaters, Helps Build Muscle, Aids Recovery From Injury - A Must Have For Rescue And Re-homed Dogs Who Need to Put on Weight
£29.97
Features
- THE ULTIMATE DOG FOOD SUPPLEMENT: Our yummy chicken flavoured powered supplement is formulated with essential nutrients and high calorie proteins to help your dog gain healthy mass and weight. Highly recommended for PICKY EATERS, UNDERWEIGHT DOGS, RESCUE DOGS, BULLY BREEDS. Simply add the powder to your dog's food and monitor the results over the next few weeks.
- MAXIMIZE ENERGY: We understand how important energy and proteins are for building your dog's muscle mass and weight. Proteins are also essential for the ongoing development of lean muscles in dogs and that's why we have developed this awesome weight gainer dog supplement that will maximize protein intake for the optimum health of your dog.
- A MUST HAVE FOR RESCUE AND RE-HOMED DOGS: Our weight gainer for dogs is formulated to help improve muscle endurance, muscle recovery, muscle performance, and muscle building. It is also formulated to provide essential nutrients to add healthy weight and promote overall muscle strength in dogs and to immensely reduce muscle fatigue. A must-have for RESCUE and RE-HOMED dogs that need to increase mass.
- PERFECT FOR PUPPIES & NURSING MOTHERS: Great for a nursing mother and puppies to promote growth and development of body tissue. Helps to support ATP levels, normalize blood glucose levels, promotes muscle recovery after a long walk or prolonged workout and contains healthy fats to support healthy skin and shiny coats.
- MADE IN UK: 100% WE CARE PASSIONATELY ABOUT your dog’s health and the wellbeing of dogs is our primary motivator. We use this product on our own re-homed dogs with great results. All the ingredients used in formulating this special powdered supplement for dogs are strictly subject to guidelines. We have consistent quality standards which we can stand by hand on heart.
Crave Dry Dog Food Natural for dogs – High Protein & Grain-Free – Lamb & Beef, 3x 2.8kg
£39.99
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
KIM YUAN Touch Screen Cut Resistant Kitchen Safety Gloves High Performance Food Grade Level 5 Protection,Hand safety for Oyster Shucking, Fish Fillet Processing, Meat Cutting M 1 Pair
Features
- High Performance Protection ▶ Note!!!2 Pack means 1 Pair .Durability with the highest level of cut resistant material，with level 5 cut resistance certification - 10 times stronger than normal gloves.
- COMFORTABLE TO WEAR ▶ High quality elastic material will keep dirt and debris out of the inside of the glove, and the inside would not prick the hand, it gives you a natural & flexible experience.
- Lightweight and Practical ▶ Each pair of gloves only have 53g, it's dexterous and lightweight to use.
- WIDE RANGE APPLICATION ▶ These work gloves can be used widely such as kitchen, security, outdoor, gardening, disassembling of cardboard, driving, carpentry, cooking, grass cutting, DIY, disposal processing, experiment, earthquake relief disaster prevention
- 90 days money back guarantee ▶ 100% satisfaction guaranteed: If the gloves are defective or damaged within 90 days, we will exchange or fully refund, so can confident purchase with KIM YUAN gloves.
Alpha Junior and Active Dog Field Nuggets Complete Dry Dog Food, 15 kg
£28.98
Features
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- 0
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Beau Superfood 2kg English Country Duck Dog Food - 65% High Protein Premium Kibble for Adult Dogs & All Breed Sizes – Naturally Hypoallergenic, Grain Free, Complete Dry Dog Food
Features
- 65% TOTAL DUCK CONTENT – Beau Superfoods premium dry dog food is high in protein and contains a minimum of 35% freshly prepared Duck. Duck is a lean, nutrient-dense protein source. It is a responsibly sourced and highly digestible source of protein. It is also rich in collagen which helps maintain healthy joints and skin.
- PLUS 20% NATURAL SUPERFOODS – Beau Superfoods natural dry dog food boasts a blend of Parsnip (Vitamin B3 for metabolism, energy and playing), Orange (Vitamin C or boosted immune system), Asparagus (Iron to support circulatory system), Beetroot (Dietary Fibre to normalise gastrointestinal transit time) and Pumpkin (Vitamin B3 for metabolism) will keep your dog active and healthy.
- EVERYDAY HEALTH & WELLBEING - Beau Superfoods complete dry dog food is rich in essential amino acids, vitamins & minerals to help maintain a healthy immune system. Contains Omega 3 & 6 essential fatty acids, Zinc and Biotin to help maintain a healthy skin & coat, plus pre-biotics MOS and FOS which are beneficial for the growth of healthy gut bacteria and support digestion. No Added Artificial Colours & Preservatives.
- GRAIN FREE & NATURALLY HYPOALLERGENIC - All Beau Superfoods caring dry dog food are 100% grain, gluten, wheat and dairy free which makes it easier to digest. This also helps your dog's health with reduced allergy reactions, flatulence, upset stomachs, discomfort, inflammation, itchiness, skin/coat issues and hair loss.
- 100 YEARS OF UK HERITAGE & EXPERTISE - Beau Superfoods is a WCF brand, who develop high quality, complete dry food to aid your dog's health and wellbeing. WCF's experience stems back to 1911 in the rural natural beauty of the Lake District, selling dog food through their Cumbrian stores to thousands of loyal customers.
The Hunger of the Wolf Dry Dog Food - For Adult Dogs and Small or Medium Breeds - 3 Kilograms, Formula with Chicken, Vitamin C and Vitamin E
Features
- Ideal for adult dogs of small and medium breeds - the size, structure and shape of these kibbles are adapted to suit small and medium dog breeds.
- Healthy formula - contains essential amino acids for tissue recovery, all-round good health and also Vitamins E and C which increase immunity, enhance cell protection and regeneration.
- No added gluten, free of soya and chemical dyes. No artificial preservatives. Only natural antioxidants.
- The real label - 280 g of chicken meal in 1 kg of food corresponds to 1120 g of fresh meat. In The Hunger of The Wolf dog food we use a meal so we do not claim very high content of raw meat only to make the labels look much better to the consumer than they really are. Raw meat may contain 70%-90% water. For example chicken meal is simply fresh chicken that has already been cooked to remove moisture – this makes it a much more highly-concentrated source of protein.
- A delicious taste your dog will love - by creating this dog food we remembered about ancestors of dogs - wolves, which are true carnivores, therefore, the main ingredient of our food is always meat.
The particular best for the dog – according to this motto, many dog owners lovingly care for their pets. The four-legged friends need attention and job, but above all, of course, food. The food is crucial to ensure that the dog is supplied with all the important nutrition and remains in good health to live a long dog’s life. But it is often not so simple to find the right food for your own dog. Just like humans, it is also important to consider a balanced diet. In addition, the wide variety of offers in the trade can cause confusion. Different questions arise: What nutritional requirements does the dog have and what quantity? Which food is ideal at which age? Is definitely dry or wet food the right choice for your four-legged friend? And exactly how much should the dog be fed? What causes deficiency symptoms?
In 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. Inside our guide, we describe the types of dog food, go into some of the ingredients and explain how much food a puppy needs. In addition, you will understand which foods dogs cannot endure and how you can recognise a food allergy.
The different types of dog food quickly
Merely as every person has their own own nutritional needs, every dog’s preferences are different. The choice of food that will go into the dog’s bowl should be 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 gastrointestinal system is not yet as efficient. An adult dog needs carbs, fats, oils, proteins and minerals. His dog food should be balanced. More mature dogs have a slow metabolism and are no much longer as active. Consequently, they want less energy, i. e. calories from fat. Nevertheless , the dog food should be easy to process and include a whole lot of proteins. In addition, the types of food differ in words of composition, method of development and consistency.
Formula – complete or complementary food?
A complete feed consists of all the nutrients the dog needs every day. The portion of proteins, fatty acids, vitamins and minerals differs according to 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 in themselves to provide the dog with all the important nutrients. These can be flakes that the dog owner combines into the food or treats. The declaration shows what.
Type of production
– Dry food and wet food available in family pet shops and food markets usually comes from industrial production. This kind of is the most common form of dog food. Industrially produced wet food is often filled in cans or small aluminium trays. With the latter, one pan is sufficient for one portion. On the other hand, some manufacturers of industrial dog food use genetically modified raw materials and additives.
Industrially produced dog food has a long shelf life. By conditions, 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 should not contain any chemically synthesised additives. Nevertheless , certain synthetic minerals and vitamins are permitted. In words of packaging, there is often hardly any difference compared to commercial food: natural dog food is packaged in cans or as dried out food.
– Organic dog food must comply with stricter guidelines regarding ingredients. For example, the product must not contain numerous substances such as genetically altered ingredients, hormones and pesticides. You will find variations between the various organic and natural dog foods: “100 per penny organic” means that no undesirable elements have been prepared. Together with the claim “organic”, the constituents in the natural food are 95 per penny organic. If it says “made with organic”, the product involves 70 per penny natural ingredients. Organic 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 does not contain meat but still provides the dog with the important nutrients. Yet , vegetarian 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 means “biologically species-appropriate natural feeding”. This species-appropriate method of nourishing raw food is based on the dog’s ancestor – the wolf. When barfing, the dog is fed raw fresh meat, often coupled with raw, pureed fruit or fresh vegetables. Whether this method is actually healthier is debatable. Because the meals are put together individually, barfing is far more suited to experienced dog 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 an assertion that needs 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 better smell and preference. Some dog lovers also avoid dog or cat food/dog food from factory farming.
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 made 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 part. Throughout the dog food production process, temperature ranges of about 90 degrees Celsius are made, which obviously contradicts the word cold depressing. However , temperatures are still significantly lower than those employed in extrusion.
2. In the extrusion process, the ingredients for the dog food are exposed to high temperatures. Many nutrients are lost during this manufacturing process. These types of must be artificially added to the meals after processing. During digesting, the dough-like extruded feed is conveyed through nozzles at high pressure. Give food to produced in this way swells considerably when liquid is added.
Both methods have advantages and disadvantages: Because the nutrients have not yet been damaged down, a dog can digest the cold-pressed food normally, slowly and gradually. In addition, the food contains more natural substances. In case the four-legged 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. On the other hand, the manufacturing process is only an extra factor in figuring out the tolerability and quality of the foodstuff. The most important thing is the quality of the raw materials.
Which is better – moist food or dried out food?
There is certainly moist and dry dog food on the market. The two types of dog food differ in their water content.
Dry food contains very little water and therefore has a longer shelf life . usually several years. Dogs that are fed dry food have to munch more and therefore teach their teeth. Eating dry food is almost like brushing your dog’s teeth. To get dogs that drink little, feeding dry food can become a disadvantage. They can become dehydrated if they are given only dry food. Therefore, it is important to provide the dog with enough water. The benefits and disadvantages of dry food at a glance:
Pros
- Long shelf life
- Less expensive than damp food
- Easier to feed on the go
- Easy to store
- Almost germ-free due to heating during production
- More environmentally friendly than canned food
Cons
- Generally less acceptable to your canine
- The dog’s body is deprived of water, so it has to drink more.
- Can lead to overweight more quickly if it is not a food items for deiting
- Risk of mould or mite formation if stored incorrectly
Wet dog food has a high water content. The wet food is usually portioned in tins or small bowls. Generally one package of wet food corresponds to one meal. Many dogs like wet food much better than dry food. In contrast to dry food, damp food for canines – once exposed – can only be kept for a few days and nights. It must be used up within 2 days and nights of opening. Beneath we have summarised the benefits and drawbacks of wet food:
Pros
- High popularity by most four-legged friends
- Packed in useful helpings
- 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, moist food cannot be stored very well
- Large dogs need to know more space for storage
- More difficult to move and feed on the move
- Wet food smells more powerful
- Costs more than dry food
- Generates more waste
This is not possible to make a general statement about which type of dog food is suited to your dog. The dog finally decides which dog food it likes and which variety it prefers. To find out which type of dog food your pet likes better and which he tolerates better, you should try out both types.
A few dog owners change between wet and dry food. The following applies to both types of food: It should be given as a main meal, never as a treat in between meals. This kind of can lead to overfeeding of your dog.
How much meats and exactly how many carbohydrates 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 consists of healthy ingredients and nutrients – no matter of whether it is wet food or dry food. The right composition of your dog food is also crucial for good digestion and the health of the four-legged friend.
How much meat should the food contain?
Dogs are descended from wolves – that is why their digestive tract is similar to regarding predators. So first and foremost, the source of meat is important. Yet , this is not the only thing that matters. Unlike the wolf, the dog was domesticated by humans, as well as needs and genetics have changed. This also applies to digestion. For example, the dog’s digestive enzyme can now break down starch, which means that the four-legged friend can also digest flower food in smaller quantities.
To start with, meats provides the dog with protein. The four-legged friend needs protein for its muscles, bones, strong tissues, healthy teeth and nerves and provide energy for its activities. Therefore, senior dogs have a lower necessary protein 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 percent meat. But other ingredients are important too. If dog owners feed only meat with their four-legged friends, this could lead to a problem with digestion, stress on the kidneys and liver due to excess protein and deficiency symptoms.
Vitamins, minerals and carbs in dog food?
A balanced dog diet also contains nutrients that are not present in meat – for instance , vitamins and nutrients found in vegetables and fruit, or fatty stomach acids from healthy herbal oils. The four-legged good friend also needs carbohydrates. Wolves, for example, eat the abdomen and intestinal material of prey pets or animals, now and then also berries and grass.
Dogs convert starch from hemp, potatoes and cereals into energy and want it for their intestinal flora. Nevertheless, the need for carbohydrates is low. Fillers from grow waste such as press residues from oil production, sections, husks or straw tend to be added to the feed. 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 foodstuff should contain these chemicals only moderately. 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 portion and are designed as a reserve for bad times. Meat and veggie oil contain condensed omega-6 fatty stomach acids and unsaturated oily acids. Omega-3 oils, which are seen in fish, are extremely valuable for cellular metabolism.
What should maintain the dog food? Dog food should contain 50 to 70 per cent lean meat or muscle meat or fish with superior quality proteins. In addition, there ought to be about 20 to 50 pct high-quality carbohydrates for energy production and fruit, vegetables or herbs for the necessary nutritional supplements. The proportion of offal should be a more 10 percent. Offal provides valuable nutrition such as biotin or iron. Great quality oils such as salmon essential oil or linseed fat improve nutrient ingestion and ensure a functioning cardiovascular system, a shiny coating and healthy skin area.
How do i recognise top quality dog food?
Dog food sold in UK must be labelled with certain mandatory information. These types of include:
– Address and name of the manufacturer
– Date of manufacture 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 claims are permitted: A closed declaration only indicates ingredient types. These are, for instance , statements such as “with cereals” and “vegetable by-products”. A semi-open declaration prospect lists the individual raw materials, although not their percentage. The open up declaration provides composition 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 term materials 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 must not be included in too large quantities.
2. The elements in the give food to are listed in descending order according to their volume. The further forwards an ingredient is listed on the label, the greater its proportion. Conversely, this implies: Only a small proportion of an ingredient that is listed far over the list is contained 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 flavor enhancers
These nutrients 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 nutrients in a dog food is listed under the definition of “analytical ingredients”. We have summarised these in the table:
| Component | Quantity required | Tasks | Information and special features |
| Crude protein | 20 to 25 percent in dry food 8 to 10 percent in wet food | Builds the body’s own tissue such as muscles and bones Strengthening skin and organs Enzymes, blood and hormones also need protein | High-quality protein comes mainly from muscle meat. Low-quality protein is found in slaughterhouse waste |
| Crude ash | 5 to 8 per cent or a maximum of 10 per cent for dry food. Less than 2 percent for wet feed | Supply of inorganic substances such as magnesium, calcium, zinc or silicic acid | Formed after combustion of the feed Proportion should be balanced Sometimes cheap but unnecessary bone meal products are added |
| Crude fibre | 2 to 3 percent for dry food 0.2 to 5 percent for wet food | Support of digestion Stimulation of intestinal activity Strengthens healthy intestinal flora Influences consistency and shape of dog faeces | Proportion of dietary fibre Too high a proportion can lead to flatulence and large quantities of faeces Rumen is filled with raw fibre Otherwise in the form of vegetables and fruit |
| Crude fat | At least 15 percent in dry food for active dogs 12 to 15 percent for dry food for dogs with normal to less exercise 1 percent for wet food | Provides energy Ensure healthy skin and shiny coat | High-quality products include salmon oil, linseed oil, cod oil, pumpkin seed oil and hemp oil. |
The other possible ingredients in dog food are explained below:
1. The value for meat and animal by-products indicates the meat content in your canine food. Producers often do not declare just what is involved. It can be high-quality muscle meat or offal as well as low-quality offal. The latter includes, among other things, jerky, rumen or chaps. Animal by-products include, for example , hair, our bones, hooves, blood or beaks.
2. Fish as well as by-products include fish fillets, bone fragments and fish heads.
3. Plant by-products include, for example, vegetables, cereals and pulses and olive oil fruits. They can be to some extent health- and digestion-promoting food components.
4. Technological additives are preservatives, separating and binding agents, stabilisers, thickening and gelling agents and acid regulators. Some 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 friend. They should be contained in the right composition, for example as vitamins, provitamins, amino acids and trace elements.
6. Zootechnical additives can be added to the feed to effect the dog’s performance and health – such as stabilisers for the digestive tract flora or digestive enzymes.
7. Physical additives are used to influence the appearance and taste of your canine food. That they include flavourings and colourings.
Overweight dogs suffer! Obesity is an increasing problem in dogs with serious health consequences. It can lead to diseases of bodily organs, puts stress on bones, joints and the cardiovascular system, and promotes swelling. It may also shorten the life expectancy of the animal. Often , too much food is the reason for overweight. Yet age, sex and breed also play a role. Especially Cocker Spaniels, Labrador Retrievers and King Charles tend to become overweight. Sometimes the use of food items for deiting should be considered.
How much food does my dog need?
In the event the four-legged friend gets more energy than he consumes, he can become overweight. Therefore, it is very important to give dogs the right amount of food. How much pet food a dog needs depends upon various factors. In addition to the breed, the following aspects are relevant, for example:
Activity level: How much the four-legged friend moves determines the amount of energy it burns. A puppy that moves a lot burns more calories. If the dog is not so active, it burns fewer calorie consumption and has a slower metabolism. Accordingly, he needs less food.
Age: Younger dogs remain growing and tend to be more curious and lively. They usually have a higher energy requirement than older dogs. It truly is a good idea to reduce the quantity of food a little every year. For old dogs, there are senior foods that are reduced fat and contain important additives. For smaller dogs you need to change at the era of 10 to 12 years, for large dogs around 7 to 8 years.
Diseases: Several diseases influence a dog’s food or energy requirements. These types 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 with child or change their coat.
To find out what amount of food is right for your dog, look at the caloric content of the dog food. A higher calorie content means a reduced amount of food is needed. Additionally, dog owners can use the following guidelines as a guide:
– The daily amount of food for an adult and healthy dog with a normal activity level should be about 2 to 3 per cent of the dog’s weight.
– If the dog is older and does not exercise as much, a daily food amount of 2 % of the body weight is usually sufficient.
– A dog that movements a lot or is recovering from an illness should be fed more. His necessary food amount per day is up to 5 pct of his body weight.
– Snacks should not exceed 10 % of the daily food requirement.
Any person who is unsure about the right amount of food should talk to a vet and/or a nutritionist.
How can I recognise a food allergy?
The most frequent allergies in dogs are flea allergy and food allergy. Possible causes of the allergy are, for example , stress, parasites and pollen. In addition, the protein-containing substances in a feed can induce allergic reactions. Things that 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 genuine food allergic reaction rarely occurs in dogs. Mostly it is an intolerance. This is not triggered by the immune system.
– Possible symptoms of allergies and intolerances
– Possible symptoms of a food allergy or food intolerance include irritation, vomiting, abs pain, flatulence, diarrhoea, loss of fur, redness and frequent scratching.
– Symptoms may not show up immediately after feeding the food. Sometimes they only appear a few hours or days later.
However, the symptoms do not really have to indicate an allergic reaction or intolerance. That they can even be caused by another disease. If your dog has these symptoms, you need to have the cause cleared up by a vet. The vet can also determine an allergy or intolerance or an intolerance, for example , through an allergy test. Additionally, it is possible to handle an exclusion diet. However, this involves a lot of effort.
What is an exclusion diet?
In an exclusion diet, the owner feeds the four-legged friend only one special way to obtain protein and carbohydrates. These sources must be ingredients that the four-legged friend have not eaten before. Dog owners should change the dog food bit by little. After the food change, the dog is fed the new food for many weeks.
When the dog’s condition boosts and the symptoms will 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 allergic reactions. Above time, a list is made of substances that the dog can tolerate or that cause allergic reactions in him. An elimination diet is something that dog owners can do themselves. On the other hand, it is advisable to seek advice from a professional or speak with the vet in advance.
Consistent action is vital during an exclusion diet. The dog really should not be given chews, treats or outstanding during this time period.
What should I do if my dog has an allergy?
If this turns out that your four-legged good friend has a food allergy or food intolerance, the dog should no longer eat the allergy-causing chemicals. The selected family pet food must therefore not contain any substances that your canine cannot tolerate. The same applies to treats and dog snacks between meals.
If absolutely nothing changes, patience is necesary: sometimes it needs a little while until the symptoms of an intolerance or allergy no longer happen. Sometimes they only disappear completely weeks following your change in food.
Precisely what is grain-free dog food?
Dog food often consists of grains. These include whole wheat, barley and rye, for example. Grain have an important function: they are a source of carbohydrates and energy. However, too much of it contributes to obesity and sometimes to a problem with digestion. There is also grain-free dog food. Instead of grain, 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 well suited for more sensitive dogs. However , it is not necessarily necessary to use a grain-free dog food. Dogs are omnivores and are able to break down vegetable protein. Some types of grain are also particularly easy to process. Included in this are maize and rice, for example. In some instances, however, it makes sense or is necessary to use a dog food without grain. This is especially true if your dog is allergic to food containing cereals.
If you want to give your puppy a dog food with grain, you should make sure that the grain content is not way too high and that the product has a balanced recipe.
What can dogs not tolerate?
There are a lot of foods that canines can’t tolerate. Some of them are actually poisonous for puppies. These include, for example, onions, natural cabbage and raw pork. Onions can be fatal, depending on the size of the onion and your dog. For a medium-sized dog, even a medium-sized onion can be extremely dangerous. When a dog feeds on raw cabbage, it can get stomach cramps or unwanted wind. Raw pork could develop the Aujeszky computer virus, which in turn causes fatal disease. Other foods and drinks that pups must not eat include:
- Chocolates
- Raw carrots
- Grapes
- Sultanas
- Fruits pits
- Raw pulses
- Macadamia nuts
- Bitter walnuts
- Raw eggs
- Some types of avocado
- Birch sugar 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 available in them. Ashtrays should always be put in such a way that your canine cannot reach them.
If a dog has eaten food that is dangerous because of it, you should contact the doctor and also the veterinary crisis service directly. Meanwhile, keep your dog in a safe 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 may occur with poisoning include:
- Extreme salivation
- Excessive being thirsty
- Nausea
- Diarrhoea
- Aches
- Uneasyness
- Shortness of breath
To prevent your dog from eating incompatible foods, dog owners should make sure that family members and acquaintances do not feed them such foods. Found in addition, it is necessary to train the dog well so that it does not constantly eat anything from the side of the street.
The best choice is the Alpha Hi Performance Wheat Gluten Free Complete Dry Dog Food, 15 kg.
Alpha Hi Performance Wheat Gluten Free Complete Dry Dog Food, 15 kg
- Gluten free
- Wheat free
- Ideal for high performance dogs
- High protein
- Complete feed
Video about best high performance dog food
FAQ – Frequently asked questions about dog food
Finally, we answer some important and frequently asked questions about dog food.
What should I actually look for in dog food for puppies?
Puppies have to have a different dog food than adult dogs. Once they are weaned from their mother, puppy food is on the menu. This is usually the case after about 2 months. The components and substances of puppy dog food are specially suitable for growing puppies. This is because a baby dog’s immune system, bones, muscles, coat and teeth first have to build up.
With puppy dog food, the focus is on nutrient intake. Above all, the puppy dog 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 your canine food for adult quadrupeds. In the beginning, young dogs should be given small portions several times a day, which are then slowly and gradually increased.
When should I start using dog food for adult dogs?
This depends on the breed of dog: Small to medium breeds are viewed as 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 seniors?
For small dogs, 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 different breeds are considered mature at 7 to 8 years old. In addition to age group, the dog’s express of health is also an important criterion. It is highly recommended to discuss the change of food with the vet.
What is the best way to store dry food?
The dry food should be retained 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 meals can become “sticky” and lose its taste and nutrients. In the worst case, mould can develop.
Precisely what is barfing?
The abbreviation BARF comes from the British 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 whole food such as meat, offal and bones, supplemented with vegetables, fruit, oils and carbohydrates for a well-balanced supply of nutrients. Meanwhile, compound and freeze-dried BARF food and deep-frozen meat can be found in the shops. Dog owners can add the other necessary components. Yet , you should notify yourself well or seek advice from with experts.
What do I actually have to consider when changing my dog’s food?
The change of food must be done slowly. If the changeover is abrupt, sensitive dogs in particular can easily suffer from digestive problems, some of which may be 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 an one fourth of the dog’s usual food with the new food. On the 3 rd and fourth day, replace half with the new food. Around the fifth and sixth day, the proportion of the new dog food should be 3 quarters. On day 7, the conversion is complete.
If the dog responds sensitively and, for instance , gets diarrhoea in the first few days of the foodstuff change, you should extend the version phase and boost the addition of the new food only minimally. If your dog does not tolerate the new food at all, it is obviously not suited to him. In this instance, you should look for an alternate.
What should I do if my dog will 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 up in the stomach first. This makes it easier for them to become overweight and feel full. In case the food has already inflamed in water, it fills the dog up faster and is better to digest. In addition, the dogs absorb more liquid with soaked dry food.
How quickly do dogs digest dry food?
Canines usually need up to 14 hours to digest dry out 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 number of food is important too. Small portions are digested more quickly than large amounts. In addition, insoluble muscles 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 foodstuff is, the shortest the digestion time. Wet food is digested within 6 to 8 hours in adult dogs.
Are animal tests carried out for dog food?
There are quite a few manufacturers who carry out pet experiments to test the effects and tolerance of their newly developed types of food. PETA’s website publishes a set 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 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, 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 which includes liquid – for example with puppy milk. From the 6th to 7th week of life, the puppy is normally no more provided with mother’s dairy.
Experts recommend soaking dry puppy food with a liquid until the puppy dog 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 does incorporate some advantages:
– If you make the dog food yourself, you can determine for yourself which ingredients go into it.
– Doggie owners can include the special needs of their four-legged friend in the preparation and adapt the food to these and the dog’s flavor.
– It is possible to make the food more varied for the dog.
If, for instance , the dog is overweight, has to take medication or is intolerant to various foods, it might be sensible or necessary to prepare the food yourself. Before preparing the meals, you should study different elements. The foodstuff should be balanced and contain all the necessary nutrients. It is recommended to talk to a vet in advance. Recipe ideas for dog food can be found on the Internet, for example.
Certain foods are unhealthy or toxic for dogs. For example, onions and garlic should not be eaten by dogs.
What is hypoallergenic dog food?
Hypoallergenic dog food is especially ideal for dogs with allergy symptoms. It is adapted to the needs of such a four-legged friend and can be easily digested by your canine. There is hypoallergenic dried out food and allergies wet food on the market. This contains few or no substances that cause allergic reactions in dogs. Appropriately, a hypoallergenic food reduces the risk that the dog will not tolerate it and that hypersensitive reactions will occur.
Usually there is only one supply of necessary protein in such a product. This is usually an exotic meat, such as kangaroo or water buffalo. Normally, the protein source used very rarely triggers an intolerance. However, it cannot be ruled out that even hypoallergenic dog food can business lead to allergies. This kind of happens when there is a substance in the food that the four-legged friend cannot endure.
In addition to dogs with allergy symptoms, hypoallergenic food is suitable for four-legged friends with a delicate gastrointestinal system. For these dogs, such a product can offer protection against digestive problems.
