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 occupation, but above all, 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 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 in addition to what quantity? Which food is suitable where age? Is definitely dry or wet food the right choice for your four-legged friend? And how much should the dog be fed? What can cause deficiency symptoms?
In the following best natural dog food for small breeds, we present 10 products. We offer information about which ingredients the foods contain and for which dogs the products are suitable. In our guide, we describe the types of dog food, go into some of the ingredients and explain how much food a puppy needs. In addition, you will understand which foods dogs cannot put up with and exactly how you can recognise a food allergy.
Below is a list of the best natural dog food for small breeds:
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Applaws Natural, Complete Dog Dry Food Small/Medium Breed Adult Chicken 2kg
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£12.98
£16.59 - James Wellbeloved Complete Dry Adult Small Breed Dog Food Lamb and Rice, 1.5 kg — £13.90
- Barking Heads Dry Dog Food for Small Breeds - Bowl Lickin' Chicken - 100%... — £17.90
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Burns Natural Nutrition Senior + Complete Dry Dog Food For Toy & Small Breeds...
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£29.79
£33.01 - Applaws Natural Complete Dry Dog Food for Adult Small/Medium Breed Dogs,... — £35.69
- Barking Heads Little Paws - Dry Dog Food for Small Breeds - Beef Waggington... — £35.99
- Applaws Natural, Complete and Grain Free Dry Dog Puppy Food, Chicken for... — £37.85
- Clinivet Adult Small Breed Super Premium Natural Hypoallergenic Complete Dry... — £57.50
- Vitalin The Natural Choice Complete Dry Grain Free Adult Small Breed Dog...
- Barking Heads Dry Dog Food for Small Breeds - Doggylicious Duck - 100%...
After hours researching and comparing all models on the market, Life my Dog finds out the Best natural dog food for small breeds of 2024. We would recommend using Applaws Natural Complete Dry Dog Food for Adult Small/Medium Breed Dogs, Chicken, 7.5 kg (Pack of 1) as it is available at a resonable price.
Top 10 Best natural dog food for small breeds
Best natural dog food for small breeds
Applaws Natural Complete Dry Dog Food for Adult Small/Medium Breed Dogs, Chicken, 7.5 kg (Pack of 1)
Features
- 75% Chicken, Made with high quality protein meat, natural ingredients, and added vitamins and minerals for a complete food. Suitable for all small and medium dog breeds
- Grain free recipe for easier digestion, weight management and relief of grain related allergies
- Natural source of Omega-6 to support joint health and a shiny coat and skin. Natural, high-quality ingredients help with sensitive stomach and fussy eaters
- Complete, hypoallergenic, and balanced recipe with added pre-biotic and pro-biotics to give dogs their daily nutrition. Specially formulated to support the health and wellbeing of all dogs
- Chicken 7.5kg Bag
Burns Natural Nutrition Senior + Complete Dry Dog Food For Toy & Small Breeds Chicken & Brown Rice 6kg
£29.79
Features
- A big bag of delicious senior dog food for promoting optimum health in elderly dogs who still love to make a meal out of dinnertime
- Chicken and brown rice flavour – the pawfect recipe for older pooches
- Our Burns senior food is packed with an abundance of nutrients, such as salmon oil for healthy joints and healthy brains
- Our senior dry dog food contains measured amounts of protein and fat
- Developed by our founder, veterinary surgeon John Burns, who started creating paw-fect pet food in 1993
Vitalin The Natural Choice Complete Dry Grain Free Adult Small Breed Dog Food, Chicken, 6 kg
Features
- Proudly made in our own UK factory with locally sourced ingredients from British Farms used wherever possible
- Contains 26% British Chicken – A high quality and highly digestible protein that aids the growth, development and maintenance of body tissues
- Made with Potato an alternative, healthy carbohydrate source for pets that require a wheat gluten free option
- Contains Natural Botanicals – These include nutrient rich fruits and vegetables delivering much needed vitamins, minerals and natural antioxidants keeping your dog as fit and healthy as possible
- Holistic Nutrition – this offers your dog a complete, nutritious meal. You won’t need to feed them anything else!
Barking Heads Dry Dog Food for Small Breeds - Doggylicious Duck - 100% Natural Free-Run Duck with Hypoallergenic Ingredients, Grain-Free Recipe, 4 kg
Features
- 100% NATURAL FREE-RUN DUCK - Our Dogglicious Duck dry dog food recipe is made for small breeds using dry dog food is made with 100% natural free-run duck blended with sweet potato, peas & herbs, this delicious duck dinner will set tails wagging!
- NATURAL INGREDIENTS - This dry dog food recipe is made using only the best quality, natural ingredients. Free from artificial colours, flavours and preservatives
- NATURALLY HYPOALLERGENIC AND grain-free - These dog biscuits are made using a sensitive formula ensuring a grain-free, hypoallergenic dog food for your canine companion!
- BOOSTS IMMUNE SYSTEM - This pet food boosts your furry friend's immune system and has everything you need to feed a happy, healthy dog
- APPROVED BY VETS - Our natural dog food is approved by vets for adult dogs of small breeds
Applaws Natural, Complete Dog Dry Food Small/Medium Breed Adult Chicken 2kg
£12.98
Features
- 75% Chicken, Made with high quality protein meat, natural ingredients, and added vitamins and minerals for a complete food. Suitable for all small and medium dog breeds
- Grain free recipe for easier digestion, weight management and relief of grain related allergies
- Natural source of Omega-6 to support joint health and a shiny coat and skin. Natural, high-quality ingredients help with sensitive stomach and fussy eaters
- Complete, hypoallergenic, and balanced recipe with added pre-biotic and pro-biotics to give dogs their daily nutrition. Specially formulated to support the health and wellbeing of all dogs
- Chicken 2kg Bag
Clinivet Adult Small Breed Super Premium Natural Hypoallergenic Complete Dry Dog Food - Rich in Protein and Vitamins, 14kg
Features
- Formulated without wheat, beef, lamb and soya products, particularly suitable for sensitive stomachs
- With fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) to protect against indigestion and promote a healthy gut environment
- With Vitamin C, Beta-Carotene and Selenium Yeast to aid the body's immune system
- With essential oils from fish and linseed for a shiny coat and healthy skin
- A balanced Omega 6 to Omega 3 ratio to aid cardiovascular and immune function
Barking Heads Dry Dog Food for Small Breeds - Bowl Lickin' Chicken - 100% Natural Chicken with No Artificial Flavours, Good for Healthy Digestion and Joint Health, 1.5 kg
Features
- 100% NATURAL FREE-RUN CHICKEN - Our Bowl Lickin' Chicken dry dog food is made 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!
- GLUTEN FREE, NATURAL INGREDIENTS - This small dog food recipe is made using only the best quality, natural ingredients. Free from gluten, artificial colours, flavours, and preservatives
- NATURALLY HYPOALLERGENIC AND GLUTEN FREE - These dog biscuits are made using a sensitive formula ensuring a hypoallergenic dog food for your canine companion!
- BOOSTS IMMUNE SYSTEM - This pet food boosts your furry friend's immune system and has everything you need to feed a happy, healthy small dog
- APPROVED BY VETS - Our natural dog food is approved by vets for adult dogs of a small breed
Applaws Natural, Complete and Grain Free Dry Dog Puppy Food, Chicken for Small/Medium Breed Puppies, 7.5 kg
Features
- 75% Chicken, Made with high quality protein meat, natural ingredients, and added vitamins and minerals for a complete food. Suitable for all small and medium Puppy breeds
- Grain free recipe for easier digestion, weight management and relief of grain related allergies
- Natural source of Omega-6 to support joint health and a shiny coat and skin. Natural, high-quality ingredients help with sensitive stomach and fussy eaters
- Complete, hypoallergenic, and balanced recipe with added pre-biotic and pro-biotics to give dogs their daily nutrition. Specially formulated to support the health and wellbeing of all dogs
- Chicken 7.5kg Bag
Barking Heads Little Paws - Dry Dog Food for Small Breeds - Beef Waggington with Chicken - 100 Percent Natural Grain-Free Recipe (4 x 1 kg)
Features
- Complete dog food - for small adult dogs up to 10 kg. It includes a generous portion of sweet potato, tomato, carrot and herbs
- Natural ingredients - this dry dog food recipe is made using only the ideal quality, natural ingredients. Free from artificial colours, flavours and preservatives
- Grain-free, natural ingredients - this dry dog food recipe is made using only the ideal quality, natural ingredients. Free from artificial colours, flavours and preservatives
- Boosts immune system - this dog food boosts your furry friend's immune system and has everything you need to feed a happy, healthy dog
- Approved by vets - natural dog food is approved by vets for adult dogs of all breeds
James Wellbeloved Complete Dry Adult Small Breed Dog Food Lamb and Rice, 1.5 kg
Features
- Hypoallergenic dog food for pets with sensitivities, selected natural ingredients, no added artificial flavours, colours, or antioxidants
- Adult small breed dog food with a single source animal protein recipe excludes common allergens beef, pork, soya, eggs, dairy and wheat with natural prebiotics for mature dogs' healthy digestion
- Dog food dry with vitamin E and minerals to support the immune system, omega 6 fatty acids and zinc to promote healthy skin and coat
- Lamb meal – A delicious source of protein with essential minerals brown and white rice a highly digestible carbohydrate, linseed a great source of omega 3
- Chicory extract – A source of prebiotic inulin helping to maintain the gut flora, yucca a natural deodoriser for less smelly poos, smaller kibble for small breed dogs' smaller mouths
Only the 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 most importantly, of course, food. The foodstuff is crucial to ensure that the dog comes with all the important nutrients and remains in good health to live a long dog’s life. But it is often not so 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 wide variety of offers in the trade can cause confusion. Different questions arise: What nutritional requirements will the dog have and in what quantity? Which usually food is appropriate from which age? Is definitely dry or moist food the right choice for your four-legged friend? And exactly how much should the dog be fed? What can cause deficiency symptoms?
In the following dog food comparison, we present 14 products. We provide information about which ingredients the foods contain and for which pups the products are suitable. Within our guide, we describe the types of dog food, go into some of the constituents and explain how much food a dog needs. In addition, you will learn which foods dogs cannot tolerate and just how you can recognise a food allergy.
The different types of dog food quickly
Just as every person has their own own dietary needs, every dog’s preferences are different. The choice of food that will go into the dog’s bowl should come in 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, protein and minerals. His dog food should be balanced. Old dogs have a slow metabolism and are no for a longer time as active. Consequently, they want less energy, i. e. calorie consumption. Yet , the dog food should be easy to process and contain a great deal of proteins. In addition, the types of food vary in conditions of composition, method of development and consistency.
Composition – complete or complementary food?
A complete feed consists of all the nutrients the dog needs on a daily basis. The proportion of proteins, fatty acids, vitamins and minerals varies based on the product. The ingredients should be adapted to age, activity and possible allergies of the four-legged friend. A whole food can be dry or damp food. Supplementary foods are not sufficient in themselves to provide the dog with all the vital nutrition. These can be flakes that the dog owner combines into the food or treats. The declaration shows what it is.
Type of production
– Dry food and wet food available in pet shops and food markets usually comes from business production. This 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. However, some manufacturers of industrial dog food use genetically revised raw materials and additives.
Industrially produced dog food has a long rack life. By exceptions, this dog food can be stored unopened for several years with no loss of quality.
– Natural dog food only uses raw materials that come from grow, animal or other natural sources – unaltered or prepared. The food should not contain any chemically synthesised additives. Nevertheless , certain synthetic nutritional supplements are permitted. In terms of packaging, there is often hardly any difference compared to industrial food: natural dog food is packaged in cups or as dry out food.
– Organic and natural dog food must comply with stricter guidelines regarding ingredients. For example, the product should not contain numerous substances such as genetically revised ingredients, hormones and pesticides. You will find differences between the various organic dog foods: “100 per cent organic” means that no undesirable ingredients have been prepared. With all the claim “organic”, the ingredients in the organic food are 95 per penny organic. If it says “made with organic”, the product consists of 70 per penny natural ingredients. Organic and natural food is available as dry and wet food.
– Meanwhile, vegan and vegetarian dog food is also available on the market. This kind of dog food would not contain meat and still provides the dog with the important nutrients. Nevertheless , vegan and vegan dog food contains a lot of fresh vegetables and grains, which can issues if the dog is intolerant.
– An exclusive 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. Once barfing, the dog is fed natural fresh meat, often coupled with raw, pureed fruit or fresh vegetables. Whether this method is actually healthier is debatable. Considering that the meals are put together individually, barfing is far more ideal for experienced pet owners who have analyzed the diet of their four-legged friends in detail.
There are manufacturers who advertise that their dog food is of food quality. This 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 give the food a better smell and taste. Some dog fans also avoid dog or cat food/dog food from factory farming.
Difference between extruded and cold-pressed dried fodder
Dried dog food is produced by the cold-pressing or extrusion process:
1. Cold-pressed dog food is created by first drying the raw materials and then grinding and combining them. A tool presses this mass through the spaces of a drum wall. Shaped and compacted chunks of feed come away the other part. During the dog food production process, temperature ranges of approximately 90 levels Celsius are produced, which obviously contradicts the term cold hitting. Nevertheless , temperatures are still significantly lower than those utilized in extrusion.
2. In the extrusion process, the ingredients for your dog food are exposed to great heat. Many nutrients are lost during this manufacturing process. These types of must be artificially added to the food after processing. During processing, the dough-like extruded feed is presented 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 damaged down, a dog can digest the cold-pressed food naturally, little by little. In addition, the food contains more natural ingredients. If the four-legged good friend has problems with the gastrointestinal system and a disturbed digestion, extruded dog food can be more tolerable for him. In this dog food, the starch has already been broken down during heating. However, the manufacturing process is merely an extra factor in determining the tolerability and quality of the food. The most important thing is the quality of the raw materials.
Which is better – wet food or dry out food?
There is wet and dry dog food on the market. The two types of dog food differ in their water content.
Dry food contains hardly any water and therefore has a longer shelf life – often several years. Dogs that are fed dry food have to chew up more and therefore train their teeth. Eating dry food is practically like brushing your dog’s teeth. Intended for dogs that drink little, feeding dried out food can be 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 advantages and disadvantages of dry food at a glance:
Pros
- Long shelf life
- Less expensive than wet food
- Easier to feed on the go
- Easy to store
- Almost germ-free due to heating system during production
- Even more eco-friendly than refined food
Cons
- Generally less acceptable to your canine
- The dog’s person 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 paziente formation if stored incorrectly
Wet dog food has a high water content. The wet food is usually portioned in tins or small bowls. Frequently one package of wet food compares to one meal. Many dogs like damp food much better than dry food. In contrast to dry food, moist food for puppies – once exposed – can only be kept for a few times. It should be used up within 2 times of opening. Under we have summarised the huge benefits and drawbacks of wet food:
Pros
- High popularity by most four-legged friends
- Packed in useful servings
- Because of the high water content in wet food, your dog 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 perfectly
- Good sized dogs need to know more space for storage
- More difficult to transport and feed on the move
- Wet food smells more powerful
- Costs more than dry food
- Generates more waste
That is not possible to make a general statement about which type of dog food is suitable for your dog. The dog ultimately makes a decision 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.
A few dog owners swap between wet and dry food. The following relates to both types of food: It should just be given as a primary meal, never as a treat in between meals. This can lead to overfeeding of your canine.
How much meats and exactly how many sugars and nutrients fit in in dog food?
The quality of the dog food plays a major role in a balanced and proper diet. It is important that the dog food includes healthy ingredients and nutrients – irrespective of whether it is wet food or dry food. The best composition of your canine food is also crucial for good digestion and the health of the four-legged good friend.
Just how much meat should the food contain?
Dogs are descended from wolves – that is why their digestive area is similar to those of predators. Thus above all, the source of meat is important. However , this is not the only thing that matters. Unlike the wolf, the dog was domesticated by humans, and its needs and genetics have changed. This also applies to digestion. For example, the dog’s digestive chemical are now able to break down starch, meaning that the four-legged friend can also digest plant food in smaller quantities.
To start with, meat provides the dog with protein. The four-legged friend needs protein for their muscles, bones, strong tissues, healthy the teeth and nerves and 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 say that dog food should contain between 50 and 70 % meat. But other ingredients are also important. If dog owners feed only meat with their four-legged friends, this may lead to a problem with digestion, stress on the kidneys and liver due to excess protein and deficiency symptoms.
Nutritional vitamins, minerals and carbohydrates in dog food?
A well-balanced dog diet also includes nutrients that are not seen in meat – for instance , vitamins and minerals 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 items of prey pets, now and then also berries and grass.
Dogs convert starch from hemp, potatoes and cereals into energy and require it for their intestinal flora. Nevertheless, the need for carbohydrates is low. Fillers from grow waste such as press residues from oil production, stalks, husks or hay are often added to the feed. Top quality carbohydrates are found in rice, potatoes, millet, maize, amaranth or buckwheat.
Animal fat provide the dog with twice as much energy as proteins. To prevent overweight, the food should contain these substances only moderately. Just how much should be in the dog food will depend on how much the animal moves. Lamb and poultry fats are saturated oily acids. They are stored in the body as emergency rations and are intended as a hold for bad times. Meat and veggie oil contain over loaded omega-6 fatty acids and unsaturated oily 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 consist of 50 to 70 % 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 vitamins and minerals. The proportion of offal should be a more 10 percent. Offal provides valuable nutrients such as vitamin h or iron. Very good quality oils such as salmon olive oil or linseed oil improve nutrient consumption and ensure a functioning cardiovascular system, a shiny coating and healthy skin area.
How can I recognise superior quality dog food?
Puppy food sold in UK must be labelled with certain mandatory information. These types of include:
– Talk about and name of the manufacturer
– Date of produce or best-before day of the dog food
– Identity of the foodstuff
– 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 teams. These are, for instance , statements such as “with cereals” and “vegetable by-products”. A semi-open declaration prospect lists the individual natural materials, although not their percentage. The open declaration provides formula in per cent and the respective options of raw materials. When reading the food label, dog owners should also note the following:
1. Many manufacturers split the term grain into individual organizations. The reason for this is that the large total quantity appears smaller. For example, maize becomes maize starch, maize feed food, maize flour, maize gluten or feed. The cereal components provide carbohydrates and saturate well, but should not be included in too large quantities.
2. The substances in the feed are listed in descending order relating to their quantity. The further ahead an ingredient is listed on the label, the better its proportion. Conversely, this means: Only a tiny proportion of an ingredient that is listed far down 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 elements with all the necessary vitamins and minerals
– No use of flavor enhancers
These nutrients make a good dog food
The dog’s organism does not have any trouble digesting good dog food. Signs of this are almost odourless faeces, high vitality and a shiny coat. The proportion of nutrition in a dog food is detailed under the word “analytical ingredients”. We have summarised these in the table:
| Component | Quantity required | Tasks | Information and special features |
| Crude protein | 20 to 25 percent in dry food 8 to 10 percent in wet food | Builds the body’s own tissue such as muscles and bones Strengthening skin and organs Enzymes, blood and hormones also need protein | High-quality protein comes mainly from muscle meat. Low-quality protein is found in slaughterhouse waste |
| Crude ash | 5 to 8 per cent or a maximum of 10 per cent for dry food. Less than 2 percent for wet feed | Supply of inorganic substances such as magnesium, calcium, zinc or silicic acid | Formed after combustion of the feed Proportion should be balanced Sometimes cheap but unnecessary bone meal products are added |
| Crude fibre | 2 to 3 percent for dry food 0.2 to 5 percent for wet food | Support of digestion Stimulation of intestinal activity Strengthens healthy intestinal flora Influences consistency and shape of dog faeces | Proportion of dietary fibre Too high a proportion can lead to flatulence and large quantities of faeces Rumen is filled with raw fibre Otherwise in the form of vegetables and fruit |
| Crude fat | At least 15 percent in dry food for active dogs 12 to 15 percent for dry food for dogs with normal to less exercise 1 percent for wet food | Provides energy Ensure healthy skin and shiny coat | High-quality products include salmon oil, linseed oil, cod oil, pumpkin seed oil and hemp oil. |
The other possible ingredients in dog food are explained below:
1. The value for meat and canine by-products indicates the meat content in your canine food. Companies often do not declare just what is involved. It may 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. Seafood and its by-products include fish fillets, our bones and fish minds.
3. Plant by-products include, for example, vegetables, cereals and pulses and oil fruits. They are to some extent health- and digestion-promoting food components.
4. Technological additives are preservatives, separating and binding agents, stabilisers, thickening and gelling agents and level of 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 vitamin antioxidants are to prevent rancid fat.
5. Nutritional additives are intended to support the health of the four-legged good friend. They should be within the right structure, 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 employed to influence the appearance and taste of the dog food. That they include flavourings and colourings.
Overweight dogs suffer! Obesity is an increasing problem in dogs with serious health consequences. This can lead to diseases of bodily organs, puts stress on bones, joints and the cardiovascular system, and promotes swelling. Additionally, it may 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 usually become overweight. At times the use of food items for deiting should be considered.
How much food does my dog need?
In the event the four-legged good friend gets more energy than he uses, he can become overweight. Therefore, it is crucial to give puppies the right amount of food. How much pet food a dog needs depends upon various factors. In addition to the breed, the subsequent aspects are relevant, for example:
Activity level: How much the four-legged friend moves determines the amount of energy it burns. 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: More youthful dogs are still growing and are often more curious and active. They usually have a higher energy requirement than older dogs. It truly is advisable to reduce the number of food a little each year. For older dogs, there are senior foods that are reduced excess fat and contain important additives. For smaller dogs it is time to change at the age of 10 to 12 years, for large dogs as early as 7 to 8 years.
Diseases: A few diseases influence a dog’s food or energy requirements. These include cardiovascular problems, thyroid disease, osteo-arthritis and diabetes. When ever dogs are recovering from illness, they need more pet food.
Hormone balance: A dog’s hormonal levels can surge 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 calorie content of your dog food. A higher calorie content means a reduced amount of food is needed. Additionally, dog owners can use the subsequent guidelines as a guide:
– The daily amount of food for an adult and healthy dog with an ordinary activity level should be about two to three percent 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 techniques a lot or is recovering from an illness should be fed more. His necessary food amount per day is up to 5 per cent of his body weight.
– Snacks should not exceed 10 percent of the daily food requirement.
Anyone who is uncertain about the right amount of food should talk to a vet and a nutritionist.
Just how can I recognise a food allergy?
The most frequent allergies in dogs are flea allergy and food allergy. Possible sets off of your allergy are, for instance , stress, parasitic organisms and pollen. In addition, the protein-containing substances in a feed can trigger allergic reactions. What a dog might be allergic to include, for instance , mi nombre es, animal proteins from poultry, pork or beef, and cause.
What is the difference between an allergy or intolerance 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.
– Feasible indications of allergies and intolerances
– Possible symptoms of a food allergy or food intolerance include irritation, vomiting, abs pain, flatulence, diarrhoea, lack of fur, redness and frequent scratching.
– Symptoms may not show up soon after feeding the food. Sometimes they only appear a few hours or days later.
Nevertheless, the symptoms do certainly not have to indicate an allergy or intolerance. They will can 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 allergic reaction or an intolerance, for example , through an allergy test. Additionally, it is possible to handle an exclusion diet. However, this involves a fine deal of effort.
What is an different diet?
In an exclusion diet, the owner feeds the four-legged friend only one special source of protein and carbohydrates. These sources must be ingredients that the four-legged good friend has not eaten before. Pet owners should change the dog food bit by bit. After the food change, your dog is fed the new food for a number of weeks.
When the dog’s condition boosts and the symptoms no more occur, a provocation test is performed. Here, the dog owner has to feed his four-legged friend one substance at a time, that could be the trigger for the allergy symptoms. Over 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. On the other hand, it is highly recommended to talk to a professional or speak to the vet ahead of time.
Consistent action is vital during an different diet. The dog should not be given chews, treats or outstanding during this time period.
What should I do if my dog has an allergy?
If it turns out that your four-legged friend has a food allergy or food intolerance, the dog should no more eat the allergy-causing substances. The selected family pet food must therefore not contain any substances that the dog cannot tolerate. The same applies to treats and all dog snacks between meals.
If nothing changes, patience is necesary: sometimes it takes some time until the symptoms of an intolerance or allergy or intolerance no longer take place. Sometimes they only disappear completely a few months following the change in food.
Precisely what is grain-free dog food?
Dog food often includes grains. Included in this are wheat, barley and rye, for example. Grain have an important function: they are a source of carbohydrates and energy. However, an excessive amount of it contributes to obesity and sometimes to an issue with digestion. There is also grain-free dog food. Instead of grain, it contains alternative ingredients such as potatoes and dried beans, which also provide carbohydrates to the dog.
Grain-free dog food usually makes digestion easier and is also also well suited for more sensitive dogs. Nevertheless , it is not necessarily essential to use a grain-free dog food. Dogs are omnivores and are able to break down vegetable protein. A few types of grain are also particularly easy to process. Included in this are 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 canine is allergic to food containing cereals.
In the event you want to give your dog a dog food with grain, you should make sure that the grain content is not too high and that the product has a balanced recipe.
What can dogs not tolerate?
There are a lot of foods that dogs can’t tolerate. Some of them are actually poisonous for canines. These include, for example, onions, raw cabbage and natural pork. Onions can be fatal, according to the size of the onion and your dog. For a medium-sized dog, even a medium-sized onion can be extremely dangerous. When a dog consumes raw cabbage, it can get stomach cramps or unwanted gas. Raw pork could retain the Aujeszky disease, which causes fatal disease. Other foods and drinks that dogs should never eat include:
- Chocolate
- Raw potatoes
- Grapes
- Sultanas
- Fresh fruit pits
- Raw pulses
- Macadamia nuts
- Bitter almonds
- Raw eggs
- 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 can be found in them. Ashtrays should be located in such a way that your dog cannot reach them.
If a dog has eaten food that is dangerous because of it, you should contact the doctor or the veterinary crisis service directly. At the same time, keep your dog in a secure environment. However, despite all the concern for the dog’s life, the following applies: Stay calm and watch to signs of poisoning. It might be necessary to take the dog to a veterinary clinic or drive it to the vet. Symptoms that can occur with poisoning include:
- Extreme salivation
- Excessive being thirsty
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Cramps
- Restlessness
- Shortness of breath
To prevent your canine from eating incompatible foods, dog owners should make sure that relatives and acquaintances do not feed them such foods. In addition, it is necessary to train the dog well so that it does not constantly eat whatever off the side of the trail.
The best choice is the Applaws Natural Complete Dry Dog Food for Adult Small/Medium Breed Dogs, Chicken, 7.5 kg (Pack of 1).
Applaws Natural Complete Dry Dog Food for Adult Small/Medium Breed Dogs, Chicken, 7.5 kg (Pack of 1)
- 75% Chicken, Made with high quality protein meat, natural ingredients, and added vitamins and minerals for a complete food. Suitable for all small and medium dog breeds
- Grain free recipe for easier digestion, weight management and relief of grain related allergies
Video about best natural dog food for small breeds
FAQ – Common questions about dog food
Finally, we answer some important and frequently asked questions about dog food.
What should We look for in dog food for puppies?
Puppies need a different dog food than adult canines. Once they are weaned from their mother, puppy food is on the menu. This is usually the truth after about 2 months. The components and ingredients of puppy dog food are specially created for growing canines. This is because a baby dog’s immune system, bones, muscles, coat and teeth first have to develop.
With puppy dog dog food, the focus is on nutrient intake. Over all, the puppy food must contain certain essential nutritional supplements. So that the puppy’s digestive tract is not overtaxed, the food for puppies also has a lower food volume than the dog food for adult quadrupeds. Found in the beginning, young dogs should be provided small portions a couple of times a day, which are then slowly increased.
When should I start using dog food for adult dogs?
This is determined by the breed of dog: Small to medium breeds are considered adults from 9 to 12 months of age. For large breeds, it is recommended to give adult food to dogs from 12 to 15 months of age. For very large breeds, it is advised to give adult food a little later – from 18 to 24 months.
When should my dog be given food for seniors?
For small puppies, the enhancements made on 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 old. In addition to age group, the dog’s express of health is also an important criterion. It is a good idea 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 foolproof container. Glass or plastic containers without plasticisers are best. Packaging with a metal layer on the inside is also recommended for storing dried food. The container or packaging should be stored in a dry and not too warm place. Otherwise the food can become “sticky” and lose its preference and nutrients. In the worst case, mould can develop.
What is barfing?
The abbreviation BARF comes from the British and means Born-Again Raw Feeder. The UK term means “biologically species-appropriate natural feeding”. The species-appropriate diet is based 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 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. However , 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 that the changeover is abrupt, sensitive canines in particular can quickly suffer from intestinal problems, a few of which can be considerable. A time of one week is usually recommended for your dog to get accustomed to the new food.
The change of food should proceed as employs: On day 1 and 2, replace about a 1 / 4 of the dog’s usual food with the new food. On the third and fourth day, replace half with the new food. Within the fifth and sixth day, the proportion of the new dog food should be three quarters. On day 7, the move is complete.
In the event that the dog reacts sensitively and, for example , gets diarrhoea in the first few days of the foodstuff change, you should extend the adaptation phase and improve 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 cases like this, you should look for an alternate.
What should I actually do if my dog does not like dry food?
In that case 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 so they can become overweight and feel full. In case the food has already swollen in water, it fills the dog up faster and is better to break down. In addition, the dogs absorb more liquid with drenched dry food.
How quickly do dogs digest dry food?
Canines usually need up to 14 several hours to digest dry out food. The exact time depends, among other things, on the age and scale the dog and the quality of the food. A young dog usually has a faster metabolism than an more mature animal. The quantity of food is also important. Little portions are broken down more quickly than large amounts. In addition, insoluble muscles remain in the stomach for a shorter time than soluble fibres. Low-fat food also results in faster digestion. Additionally , the more water the food is, the shortest the digestion time. Wet food is digested within 6 to 8 hours in mature dogs.
Are creature tests carried out for dog food?
You will find 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 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 example , ROYAL CANIN, Josera and WOLFSBLUT. Other well-known manufacturers and brands are, for example:
– Bosch
– PRIMUM
– Pedigree
– RINTI
– Animonda
– MERA
When can I start feeding a puppy?
During the first weeks of its life, a puppy is fed breast milk by its mother. Sound food is usually eaten by young puppies from the 3rd or 4th week of life. During this period, the mother is constantly on the feed her puppies with breast milk in parallel. In order to accustom a puppy to dry food, it seems sensible to moisten or dilute it with a liquid – for example with puppy dog milk. From the 6th to 7th week of life, the puppy is normally will no longer fed with mother’s dairy.
Experts recommend soaking dry puppy food with a water until the puppy 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 seem sensible?
Making your own dog food takes more time and work than bought food. However, it will have some advantages:
– In the event you make the dog food yourself, you can determine for yourself which ingredients go into it.
– Puppy owners range from the special needs of their four-legged friend in the preparation and adapt the meals to these and the dog’s taste.
– It is possible to make the food more varied for the dog.
If, for instance , the dog is overweight, has to take medication or is intolerant to various foods, it may be sensible or necessary to prepare the food yourself. Before preparing the foodstuff, you should study the various substances. The food should be balanced and contain all the necessary nutrients. It is sometimes highly recommended to talk to a vet beforehand. Recipe ideas for dog food can be found on the web, for example.
Certain foods are unhealthy or toxic for canines. 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 allergies. It truly is adapted to the needs of such a four-legged friend and can be easily broken down by your canine. There is hypoallergenic dry food and hypoallergenic wet food on the market. It contains few or no substances that often cause allergic reactions in dogs. Consequently, a hypoallergenic food reduces the risk that your dog will not tolerate it and that hypersensitive reactions will happen.
Usually there is only one supply of necessary protein in such a product. This is usually an unique meat, such as kangaroo or normal water buffalo. Normally, the protein source used very rarely causes an intolerance. Even so, it cannot be ruled out that even hypoallergenic dog food can business lead to allergic reactions. This happens when we have a substance in the food that the four-legged friend cannot put up with.
In addition to dogs with allergic reactions, hypoallergenic food is suitable for four-legged friends with a delicate digestive system. For these dogs, such a product provides prevention of digestive problems.
