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 above all, of course, food. The food 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 simple to find the right food for your own dog. Similar to humans, it is also important to consider a balanced diet. In addition, the wide range of offers in the trade can cause confusion. Numerous questions arise: What nutritional requirements will the dog have and in what quantity? Which food is appropriate 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 may cause deficiency symptoms?
Inside the following best nutritious dry dog food, we present 10 products. You can expect information about which ingredients the foods contain and for which dogs the products are suitable. Inside our guide, we describe the types of dog food, go into some of the constituents and make clear how much food your dog needs. In addition, you will learn which foods dogs cannot endure and how you can recognise a food allergy.
Below is a list of the best nutritious dry dog food:
- Canine Ketchup - Original Flavoured Ketchup for Dogs – 1 x 425g Bottle -... — £12.28
-
Pooch & Mutt - Slim & Slender, Complete Dry Dog Food (Grain Free), Chicken...
—
£12.37
£15.99 -
Pooch & Mutt - Joint Care, Complete Dry Dog Food (Grain Free), Salmon and...
—
£12.74
£15.99 - Canine Ketchup - Ketchup for Dogs Variety Pack - Original, Cheese & Peanut... — £19.99
- Laughing Dog - Naturally 5 Adult Complete Beef - Wheat Gluten Free Dry Dog... — £21.96
- Scrumbles Natural Dry Dog Food, Gluten Free Recipe With Fresh Chicken, For... — £29.99
-
Lily's Kitchen Puppy Recipe Chicken, Salmon and Peas Complete Dry Dog Food (7...
—
£49.99
£58.10 -
Lily's Kitchen Duck, Salmon and Venison Natural Grain Free Complete Adult Dry...
—
£51.69
£58.10 -
Lily's Kitchen Chicken and Duck Countryside Casserole - Grain Free Adult Dry...
—
£52.29
£58.10 -
Lily's Kitchen Lamb Shepherd's Pie - Grain Free Adult Dry Dog Food (7 kg)
—
£53.99
£58.10
After hours researching and comparing all models on the market, Life my Dog finds out the Best nutritious dry dog food of 2024. We would recommend using Canine Ketchup – Ketchup for Dogs Variety Pack – Original, Cheese & Peanut Flavour – 3 x 425g Bottles -Perfect for Dry Dog Food & Healthy + Nutritious ! as it is available at a resonable price.
Top 10 Best nutritious dry dog food
Best nutritious dry dog food
Canine Ketchup - Ketchup for Dogs Variety Pack - Original, Cheese & Peanut Flavour – 3 x 425g Bottles -Perfect for Dry Dog Food & Healthy + Nutritious !
Features
- DELICIOUS DOG FOOD TOPPER: Our Canine Ketchup is a flavorful and nutritious dog food topper that will make mealtime exciting for your furry friend. It enhances the taste and flavour of all dry dog food and comes in three delicious flavours - Original, Cheese & Peanut Butter.
- PERFECT FOR FUSSY EATERS: Specifically designed for dogs who are picky with their dry food, Canine Ketchup will entice even the most reluctant eaters. If your dog has a decreased appetite, it acts as an effective appetite stimulant, encouraging them to finish their meals.
- NATURAL, HEALTHY & NUTRITIOUS: Our Canine Ketchup is packed with natural fruit & vegetables and is free from grain, artificial flavours, colours & preservatives. The perfect treat for every dog’s meal - squirt some on and they will love mealtimes!
- VERSATILE & CONVENIENT: Use our dog food topper as a tasty addition to dry food or mix it with wet food to create a delightful gravy that your dog will love. Dog chews are made more even enjoyable with some canine ketchup on!
- WINNER - “BEST NEW DOG PRODUCT 2020”- Canine Ketchup is the winner of UK’s top pet show - PATS. Lovingly made in the UK by dog lovers & stamped with the paw of approval.
Canine Ketchup - Original Flavoured Ketchup for Dogs – 1 x 425g Bottle - Perfect for Dry Dog Food to Enhance your Dogs Meals - Healthy Nutritious Natural Treat for your Dogs Extra Enjoyment !
Features
- DELICIOUS DOG FOOD TOPPER: Our Canine Ketchup is a flavorful and nutritious dog food topper that will make mealtime exciting for your furry friend. It enhances the taste and flavour of all dry dog food and comes in three delicious flavours - Original, Cheese & Peanut Butter.
- PERFECT FOR FUSSY EATERS: Specifically designed for dogs who are picky with their dry food, Canine Ketchup will entice even the most reluctant eaters. If your dog has a decreased appetite, it acts as an effective appetite stimulant, encouraging them to finish their meals.
- NATURAL, HEALTHY & NUTRITIOUS: Our Canine Ketchup is packed with natural fruit & vegetables and is free from grain, artificial flavours, colours & preservatives. The perfect treat for every dog’s meal - squirt some on and they will love mealtimes!
- VERSATILE & CONVENIENT: Use our dog food topper as a tasty addition to dry food or mix it with wet food to create a delightful gravy that your dog will love. Dog chews are made more even enjoyable with some canine ketchup on!
- WINNER - “BEST NEW DOG PRODUCT 2020”- Canine Ketchup is the winner of UK’s top pet show - PATS. Lovingly made in the UK by dog lovers & stamped with the paw of approval.
Lily's Kitchen Puppy Recipe Chicken, Salmon and Peas Complete Dry Dog Food (7 kg)
£49.99
Features
- Give your pup the healthiest start in life with this dry bag of complete, natural food brimming with freshly prepared meat and offal, with wholesome ingredients like glucosamine and chondroitin to help support healthy, growing joints
- We’ve also used other freshly prepared ingredients including nutritious organs, vegetables and fruit in this puppy dry dog food, and an array of nutritious botanical herbs. This natural food provides gentle digestion, too
- Our selection of treats, dry, wet and organic dog food is made with freshly prepared meat and offal, and naturally nutritious, wholesome ingredients. You can also find food for allergic dogs for those with meat intolerances
- As a B Corp company, we are committed to our target to be fully recyclable by 2025. To find out more about our sustainable initiatives, and how we use our business as a force for good! Visit our brandstore
- Here at Lily’s Kitchen, we make proper food using responsibly sourced ingredients and freshly prepared meat and offal, so we can provide your pet with wholesome, natural food. Only the best for your furry family
Lily's Kitchen Chicken and Duck Countryside Casserole - Grain Free Adult Dry Dog Food (7 kg)
£52.29
Features
- Keep your pooch happy and healthy with this complete and balanced, grain-free recipe dry food for dogs 4 months+
- This dog food is made with natural ingredients including freshly prepared meat and offal. We’re talking 31% fresh chicken and 8% freshly prepared duck, steamed cooked for gentle digestion
- Once your woofer has devoured their dry food, why not try the rest of our delicious dog food made with natural ingredients. From wet food, dental and treats. Our natural food is suitable for small, medium and large dogs
- As a B Corp company, we are committed to our target to be fully recyclable by 2025. To find out more about our sustainable initiatives, and how we use our business as a force for good! Visit our brandstore
- Here at Lily’s Kitchen, we make proper food using responsibly sourced ingredients and freshly prepared meat and offal, so we can provide your pet with wholesome, natural food. Only the best for your furry family
Lily's Kitchen Lamb Shepherd's Pie - Grain Free Adult Dry Dog Food (7 kg)
£53.99
Features
- Nutritionally complete, grain free dry food for adult dogs 4 months +
- Made with proper meat - 27% freshly prepared lamb and 5% lamb liver
- This is our lowest fat recipe, with added L-carnitine to support the breakdown of fats helping your dog stay in shape
- We’ve balanced the omega 3 and 6 in this recipe to help your dog’s skin and fur stay healthy, shiny and soft
- Natural ingredients with no added sugar
Lily's Kitchen Duck, Salmon and Venison Natural Grain Free Complete Adult Dry Dog Food (7 kg)
£51.69
Features
- This grain-free recipe dry dog food uses freshly prepared meat such as duck, salmon and venison. Made with carefully chosen fruits and vegetables. With no artificial flavourings it’s bursting with wholesome, natural goodness. For adult dogs 4 months+
- Made with natural ingredients, this dog food recipe also has glucosamine and chondroitin for bone and joint support, prebiotics to help support gentle digestion, as well as essential nutrients
- For more healthy dog food - look no further. From organic suppers and treats, our recipes include freshly prepared meat and offal made properly (that means no meat meal or rendered meat) and vibrant vegetables. For small, medium, large dogs alike
- As a B Corp company, we are committed to our target to be fully recyclable by 2025. To find out more about our sustainable initiatives, and how we use our business as a force for good! Visit our brandstore
- Here at Lily’s Kitchen, we make proper food using responsibly sourced ingredients and freshly prepared meat and offal, so we can provide your pet with wholesome, natural food. Only the best for your furry family
Scrumbles Natural Dry Dog Food, Gluten Free Recipe With Fresh Chicken, For Adults And Senior Breeds, 2 kg Bag
Features
- Made with 60% free run chicken, essential vitamins and minerals and added probiotics
- Made entirely of all natural ingredients, and has no added sugars, salts nor any derivatives, fillers or artificial nonsense
- This delicious recipe is hypoallergenic recipe is free from gluten, wheat and dairy
- Contains slippery elm which is perfect for adult and senior dogs with sensitive stomachs
- Made in the UK and Ireland, packed in recyclable packaging
Laughing Dog - Naturally 5 Adult Complete Beef - Wheat Gluten Free Dry Dog Food with No Added Artificial Colours, Hypoallergenic, 2 x 2 kg
Features
- 5 SIMPLE INGREDIENTS - Beef, barley, alfalfa, rice and rapeseed oil are the five naturally simple and nourishing ingredients that make this dog food complete and balanced for your four-legged friend.
- HEALTHY COATS - This dry dog food is combined with a well-balanced blend of naturally delicious ingredients as well as omega 3 and 6 to help maintain healthy skin and glossy coats.
- NATURALLY SOURCED INGREDIENTS - Our dog food has no added wheat or wheat gluten, soya, dairy, egg, sugar or potato.
- SINGLE SPECIES RECIPE - A complete and balanced recipe with 100% beef for healthy digestion, immunity, joints, teeth and bones.
- NO NASTIES - Five nourishing ingredients. No added artificial flavours, colours or preservatives. Vitamins A & E: antioxidants to help support health and immunity.
Pooch & Mutt - Slim & Slender, Complete Dry Dog Food (Grain Free), Chicken and Sweet Potato, 2kg
£12.37
Features
- Designed to help dogs that are overweight to promote a slim and slender body composition
- Premium, grain free complete dry dog food
- Includes sweet potato as digestion-aiding fibre and pea protein to lower hunger
- Single source protein with 45% lean chicken
- Free from grain, cereal , gluten, GM produce, artificial flavours, colours and preservatives
Pooch & Mutt - Joint Care, Complete Dry Dog Food (Grain Free), Salmon and Sweet Potato, 2kg
£12.74
Features
- Designed to help dogs with mobility issues (including arthritis, hip/elbow dysplasia) and for dogs that are highly active
- Premium, grain free complete dry dog food
- Includes linseed, alfalfa, yucca , rosehip rosa canina, glucosamine and chondroitin and green lipped mussel perna canaliculus
- Single source protein with 45% lean salmon
- Free from grain, cereal , gluten, GM produce, artificial flavours, colours and preservatives
The particular best for the dog – regarding 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 foodstuff 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 easy 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. Numerous questions arise: What nutritional requirements will the dog have in addition to what quantity? Which food is suitable from which age? Is dry or moist food the right choice for your four-legged friend? And how much should the dog be given? What can cause deficiency symptoms?
Inside the following dog food comparison, we present 14 products. We provide information about which ingredients the foods contain and for which dogs the products are suitable. Inside our guide, we describe the types of dog food, go into some of the constituents and describe how much food a puppy needs. In addition, you will learn which foods dogs cannot put up with and just how you can recognise a food allergy.
The different types of dog food quickly
Just as every person has their own own health needs, every dog’s preferences are different. The choice of food that goes into the dog’s bowl should 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 sugars, fats, oils, healthy proteins and minerals. His dog food should be balanced. Older dogs have a slow metabolism and are no much longer as active. Therefore, they need less energy, i. e. calorie consumption. However , the dog food should be easy to process and include a great deal of proteins. In addition, the types of food vary in words of composition, technique of creation and consistency.
Formula – complete or complementary food?
A complete feed consists of all the nutrients the dog needs on a daily basis. The portion of proteins, fatty acids, nutritional supplements varies depending on the product. The ingredients should be adapted to the age, activity and possible allergies of the four-legged friend. An entire food can be dry or cast 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 blends into the food or treats. The declaration shows what it is.
Type of production
– Dry food and wet food available in family pet shops and supermarkets usually comes from commercial production. This kind of is the most typical kind of dog food. Industrially produced wet food is often filled in cans or small aluminium trays. With all 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 plant, animal or other natural sources – unaltered or prepared. The food must not contain any chemically synthesised additives. Yet , certain synthetic minerals and vitamins are permitted. In terms of packaging, there is often almost no difference compared to commercial food: natural dog food is packaged in cups or as dried out food.
– Organic and natural dog food must comply with tighter guidelines regarding elements. For example, the product should not contain numerous substances such as genetically altered ingredients, hormones and pesticides. There are dissimilarities between the various organic and natural dog foods: “100 per penny organic” means that no undesirable substances have been prepared. With the claim “organic”, the ingredients in the organic and natural food are 95 per dollar organic. If it states “made with organic”, the product contains 70 per penny organic ingredients. Organic and natural food is available as dry and wet food.
– Meanwhile, vegan and vegetarian dog food is available too on the market. This dog food does not contain meat but still provides the dog with the important nutrients. However , vegan and vegan dog food contains a lot of fresh vegetables and grains, which can cause problems if the dog is intolerant.
– An exclusive form of dog food is BARF. The abbreviation is short for “biologically species-appropriate raw feeding”. This species-appropriate method of nourishing raw food is based on the dog’s ancestor – the wolf. When barfing, the dog is fed natural fresh meat, often coupled with raw, pureed fruit or fresh vegetables. Whether this method is actually more healthy is debatable. Considering that the meals are put together individually, barfing is more suitable for experienced dog owners who have learned the diet program of their four-legged friends in detail.
There are manufacturers who advertise that their dog food is of food quality. This is a statement that ought to be treated with caution. There is no such thing as food-grade dog or cat food. This also applies to dog food. You should also watch out for attractants and flavour enhancers in dog food. These are supposed to supply the food an improved smell and preference. Some dog fans also avoid family pet food/dog food from factory farming.
Big difference between extruded and cold-pressed dried fodder
Dried dog food is produced by the cold-pressing or extrusion process:
1. Cold-pressed dog food is produced by first drying the raw materials and then grinding and mixing them. A roller presses this mass through the openings of a drum wall. Shaped and compacted chunks of feed come away the other side. Through the dog food production process, temperature ranges of around 90 degrees Celsius are generated, which obviously contradicts the definition of cold hitting. Yet , temperatures are still significantly lower than those employed in extrusion.
2. In the extrusion process, the ingredients for your dog food are exposed to high temperatures. Many nutrients are lost during this manufacturing process. These kinds of must be artificially added to the foodstuff after processing. During processing, the dough-like extruded feed is conveyed through nozzles at high pressure. Feed produced in this way swells considerably when liquid is added.
Both methods have advantages and disadvantages: Because the nutrients have not yet been damaged down, a dog can digest the cold-pressed food naturally, little by little. In addition, the food includes more natural substances. In case the four-legged friend has problems with the gastrointestinal tract and a disrupted digestion, extruded dog food can be more tolerable for him. In this dog food, the starch has already been broken down during heating. Nevertheless, the manufacturing process is only a supplementary factor in identifying the tolerability and quality of the foodstuff. The most important thing is the quality of the recycleables.
Which is better – wet food or dry food?
There is moist and dry dog food on the market. The two types of dog food differ in their water content.
Dry food consists of very little water and therefore has a longer shelf life . usually several years. Dogs that are fed dry food have to chew up more and therefore teach their teeth. Ingesting dry food is practically like brushing your dog’s teeth. To get dogs that drink little, feeding dried out food can be a disadvantage. They can become dehydrated if they are fed only dry food. Therefore, it is important to provide the dog with enough water. The advantages and disadvantages of dry food at a glance:
Pros
- Long shelf life
- Less costly than cast food
- Easier to feed on the go
- Easy to store
- Almost germ-free due to heating during production
- More environmentally friendly than canned food
Cons
- Frequently less acceptable to the dog
- 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 temperato 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. Various dogs like wet food much better than dry food. In contrast to dry food, moist food for canines – once opened – can only be kept for a few times. It should be used up within 2 times of opening. Below 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, wet 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 extreme
- Costs more than dry food
- Generates more waste
It is not possible to make a general statement about which type of dog food is well suited for your dog. The dog finally makes a decision which dog food it likes and which variety it prefers. To find out which type of dog food your puppy likes better and which this individual tolerates better, you should try out both types.
A few dog owners switch between wet and dry food. The following pertains to both types of food: It should only be given as a main meal, never as a treat in between meals. This kind of can lead to overfeeding of the dog.
How much meats and how many sugars and nutrients fit in in dog food?
The quality of the dog food plays a major role in a balanced and nutritious diet. It is important that the dog food includes healthy ingredients and nutrients – no matter of whether it is wet food or dry food. The best composition of 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 originated from wolves – that is why their digestive tract is similar to those of predators. So first and foremost, the supply of meat is important. Nevertheless , this is not the only thing that matters. Unlike the wolf, the dog was domesticated by humans, as well as 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.
First and foremost, meats provides the dog with protein. The four-legged friend needs protein for their muscles, bones, strong tissues, healthy teeth and nerves and also to provide energy for its activities. As a result, senior dogs have a lower necessary protein requirement because they are not as energetic as young or adult animals. In general, experts admit dog food should contain between 50 and 70 pct meat. But other ingredients are important too. If dog owners feed only meats with their four-legged friends, this may lead to an issue with digestion, stress on the kidneys and liver due to excess protein and deficiency symptoms.
Vitamin supplements, minerals and carbs in dog food?
A balanced dog diet also includes nutrients that are not seen in meat – for instance , vitamins and minerals found in fruits and veggies, or fatty stomach acids from healthy natural oils. The four-legged good friend also needs sugars. Wolves, for example, eat the abdomen and intestinal material of prey pets, now and then also berries and grass.
Dogs convert starch from rice, potatoes and cereals into energy and need it for their intestinal flora. Nevertheless, the need for carbohydrates is low. Fillers from plant waste such as press residues from oil production, stalks, husks or straw tend to be added to the feed. Top quality carbohydrates are normally 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 meals should contain these chemicals only in moderation. Just how much should take the dog food depends upon how much the dog moves. Lamb and poultry fat are saturated fatty acids. They may be stored in the body as emergency rations and are designed as a reserve for bad times. Meat and veggie oil contain condensed omega-6 fatty acids and unsaturated fatty acids. Omega-3 herbal oils, which are present in fish, are extremely valuable for cellular metabolism.
What should be in the dog food? Dog food should include 50 to 70 pct lean meat or muscle meat or fish with superior quality proteins. In addition, there ought to be about 20 to 50 percent 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 nutrition such as vitamin h or iron. Very good quality oils such as salmon oil or linseed oil improve nutrient ingestion and ensure a functioning cardiovascular system, a shiny coating and healthy pores and skin.
How could i recognise high-quality dog food?
Doggie food sold in UK must be labelled with certain mandatory information. These include:
– Address and name of the manufacturer
– Date of make or best-before date of the dog food
– Name 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 groups. These are, for example , statements such as “with cereals” and “vegetable by-products”. A semi-open declaration data the individual uncooked materials, but not their percentage. The open up declaration gives the structure in per cent and the respective sources of raw materials. When reading the food label, dog owners should also note the following:
1. Many manufacturers split the term feed into individual groupings. The reason for this is that the large total quantity appears smaller. For example, maize becomes maize starch, maize feed meals, maize flour, maize gluten or feed. The cereal components provide carbohydrates and saturate well, but really should not be included in too large quantities.
2. The elements in the feed are listed in descending order according to their amount. The further ahead an ingredient is listed on the label, the better its proportion. Conversely, this implies: Only a little proportion of an ingredient that is listed far throughout the list is included in the feed.
Other aspects by which dog owners recognise the quality of the food are:
– Meat content of 50 to 70 per cent
– Grain and veggie content between 25 and 50 percent
– Balanced elements with all the necessary vitamins and minerals
– No use of taste enhancers
These nutrition make a good dog food
The dog’s organism does not have trouble digesting good dog food. Signs of this are almost odourless faeces, high vitality and a shiny coat. The proportion of nutrients in a dog food is listed under the term “analytical ingredients”. We now have summarised these in the table:
| Component | Quantity required | Tasks | Information and special features |
| Crude protein | 20 to 25 percent in dry food 8 to 10 percent in wet food | Builds the body’s own tissue such as muscles and bones Strengthening skin and organs Enzymes, blood and hormones also need protein | High-quality protein comes mainly from muscle meat. Low-quality protein is found in slaughterhouse waste |
| Crude ash | 5 to 8 per cent or a maximum of 10 per cent for dry food. Less than 2 percent for wet feed | Supply of inorganic substances such as magnesium, calcium, zinc or silicic acid | Formed after combustion of the feed Proportion should be balanced Sometimes cheap but unnecessary bone meal products are added |
| Crude fibre | 2 to 3 percent for dry food 0.2 to 5 percent for wet food | Support of digestion Stimulation of intestinal activity Strengthens healthy intestinal flora Influences consistency and shape of dog faeces | Proportion of dietary fibre Too high a proportion can lead to flatulence and large quantities of faeces Rumen is filled with raw fibre Otherwise in the form of vegetables and fruit |
| Crude fat | At least 15 percent in dry food for active dogs 12 to 15 percent for dry food for dogs with normal to less exercise 1 percent for wet food | Provides energy Ensure healthy skin and shiny coat | High-quality products include salmon oil, linseed oil, cod oil, pumpkin seed oil and hemp oil. |
The other possible ingredients in dog food are explained below:
1. The value for meat and pet by-products indicates the meat content in your dog food. Manufacturers often do not declare just what is involved. It could be high-quality muscle meat or offal as well as low-quality offal. The latter includes, among other things, dried meats, rumen or chaps. Animal by-products include, for example , hair, 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 essential oil fruits. They are partly 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. A few of these are important. These include, for instance , emulsifiers and natural antioxidants. Emulsifiers ensure an uniform regularity 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 structure, for example as vitamins, provitamins, amino acids and search for elements.
6. Zootechnical additives can be added to the feed to effect the dog’s performance and health – such as stabilisers for the intestinal 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 puppies suffer! Obesity is a growing problem in dogs with serious health consequences. That can lead to diseases of internal organs, puts stress on bones, joints and the cardiovascular system, and promotes irritation. It may also shorten the life expectancy of the animal. Frequently , too much food is the reason for overweight. Nevertheless age, sex and breed also play a role. Especially Cocker Spaniels, Labrador Retrievers and King Charles tend to become overweight. Occasionally the use of diet food should be considered.
How much food does my dog need?
In the event that the four-legged good friend gets more energy than he uses, he can become overweight. Therefore, it is very important to give dogs the necessary food. Just how much pet food a dog needs will depend on various factors. In addition to the breed, the next 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 calories from fat and has a slower metabolism. Consequently, he needs less food.
Age: Younger dogs continue to be growing and are often more curious and lively. They usually have a higher energy requirement than more mature dogs. It is a good idea to reduce the number of food a little each year. For old dogs, there are senior foods that are reduced excess 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: Some diseases influence a dog’s food or energy requirements. These kinds of include cardiovascular problems, thyroid disease, osteo-arthritis and diabetes. When dogs are recovering from illness, they need more pet food.
Hormone balance: A dog’s hormonal levels can climb or fall, changing energy needs. For instance , dogs have different energy needs when they are conceived or change their coat.
To find out what amount of food is right for your dog, look at the caloric content of the dog food. A higher calorie content means a reduced amount of food is needed. Additionally, pet owners can use the subsequent rules of thumb as a guide:
– The daily amount of food for an adult and healthy dog with an ordinary activity level should be about two to three % of the dog’s weight.
– If the dog is older and does not exercise as much, a daily food amount of 2 pct of the body weight is usually sufficient.
– A dog that movements a lot or is coping with 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 per cent of the daily food requirement.
Any individual who is not sure about the right amount of food should talk to a vet and a nutritionist.
Just how can I recognize a food allergy?
The most frequent allergies in dogs are flea allergy and food allergy. Possible causes of an allergy are, for instance , stress, parasitic organisms and pollen. In addition, the protein-containing substances in a feed can trigger allergic reactions. Ingredients that a dog might be allergic to include, for example , mi nombre es, animal proteins from poultry, pork or beef, and grains.
What is the between an allergy and an intolerance?
– An allergy is a hypersensitivity effect by the dog’s immune system. That reacts strongly against a certain compound. A true food allergy or intolerance rarely occurs in dogs. Mostly it is an intolerance. This is not triggered by the immune system.
– Feasible indications of allergies and intolerances
– Possible symptoms of a food allergy or food intolerance include itchiness, vomiting, abdominal pain, flatulence, diarrhoea, lack of fur, redness and frequent scratching.
– Symptoms may well not show up soon after feeding the food. Sometimes they only appear a few hours or days later.
However, the symptoms do certainly not have to indicate an allergic reaction or intolerance. They will may also be caused by another disease. In the event that your dog has these symptoms, you need to have the cause clarified 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 undertake an exclusion diet. However, this involves a lot of effort.
What is an exemption diet?
In an exclusion diet, the owner feeds the four-legged friend only one special source of protein and 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. Following the food change, your canine is fed the new food for several weeks.
When the dog’s condition increases and the symptoms no longer occur, a provocation test is performed. Here, the dog owner has to feed his four-legged friend one substance at a time, which may be the trigger for the allergies. Above time, a list is made of substances that the dog can endure or that cause allergic reactions in him. An eradication diet is something that pet owners can do themselves. On the other hand, it is highly recommended to consult a professional or speak to the vet ahead of time.
Consistent action is vital during an exemption diet. The dog should not be given chews, treats or leftovers during this time.
What should I do if my dog has an allergy?
If it 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 pet food must therefore not contain any substances that your canine cannot tolerate. The same applies to treats and everything dog snacks between meals.
If absolutely nothing changes, patience is called for: sometimes it needs a little while until the symptoms of an intolerance or allergy no longer happen. Sometimes they only disappear completely a few months following your change in food.
Precisely what is grain-free dog food?
Puppy food often includes grains. Such as wheat, barley and rye, for example. Grains have an important function: they are a source of carbohydrates and energy. However, too much of it leads 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 dried beans, which also provide carbohydrates to the dog.
Grain-free dog food usually makes digestion easier and is also also ideal for more sensitive dogs. Yet , it is not necessarily essential to use a grain-free dog food. Dogs are omnivores and are able to digest vegetable protein. Some types of feed are also specifically easy to break down. Such as maize and rice, for example. Sometimes, however, it makes sense or is necessary to use a dog food without grain. This is especially true if the dog is allergic to food containing cereals.
If you want to give your dog a dog food with grain, you should make sure that the grain content is not too much and that the product has a balanced recipe.
What can dogs not tolerate?
There are a lot of foods that dogs can’t tolerate. Some of them are even poisonous for canines. These include, for example, onions, natural cabbage and raw pork. Onions can be fatal, depending on the size of the onion and the dog. For a medium-sized dog, even a medium-sized onion can be extremely dangerous. If a dog feeds on raw cabbage, it can get belly cramps or flatulence. Raw pork could develop the Aujeszky computer virus, that causes fatal disease. Other foods and drinks that pet dogs should never eat include:
- Chocolate
- Raw potatoes
- Vineyard
- Sultanas
- Fresh fruit starts
- Raw signal
- Macadamia nuts
- Bitter almonds
- Raw ova
- Some types of avocado
- Birch glucose and xylitol
- Cream and milk
- Caffeinated drinks, such as coffee
- Alcohol
Furthermore, nicotine is dangerous for dogs. Consequently, caution is suggested in rain puddles, for example: Cigarette residues can be found in them. Ashtrays should always be placed in such a way that the dog cannot reach them.
If a dog has eaten food that is dangerous because of it, you should contact the vet or maybe the veterinary unexpected emergency service directly. At the same time, maintain the dog in a secure environment. However, despite all the concern for the dog’s life, the following applies: Stay calm and watch to signs of poisoning. It may be necessary to take the dog to a veterinary clinic or drive it to the vet. Symptoms that could occur with poisoning include:
- Excessive salivation
- Excessive thirst
- Nausea
- Diarrhoea
- Cramps
- Restlessness
- Shortness of breath
To prevent the dog from eating incompatible foods, dog owners should make sure that family and acquaintances do not feed them such foods. In addition, it is necessary to train the dog well so that it does not constantly eat anything at all off of the side of the street.
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FAQ – Frequently asked questions about dog food
Finally, we answer some important and often asked questions about dog food.
What should I look for in dog food for puppies?
Puppies require a different dog food than adult dogs. Once they are weaned from their mother, puppy food is on the menu. This is usually the situation after about 2 months. The components and ingredients of puppy dog food are specially made for growing puppies. This is because a baby dog’s immune system, bone tissues, muscles, coat and teeth first have to develop.
With puppy dog dog food, the focus is on nutrient intake. Over all, the puppy dog 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 your canine food for adult quadrupeds. Found in the beginning, young dogs should be provided small portions several times a day, which are then slowly increased.
When should I start using dog food for adult dogs?
This is determined by the breed of dog: Up-and-coming small to medium breeds are believed older people from 9 to 12 months of age. For large breeds, it is recommended to give adult food to dogs from 12 to 15 months of age. For very large breeds, it is advised to give adult food a little later – from 18 to 24 months.
When should my dog be given food for elderly people?
For small puppies, the change in diet should take place between 10 and 12 years of age. For medium-sized dogs, it is time at 8 to 9 years. Large breeds are considered older at 7 to 8 years old. In addition to age, the dog’s condition of health is also an important criterion. It is recommended to discuss the change of food with the vet.
Precisely what is the best way to store dry food?
The dry food should be retained in an airtight container. Glass or plastic containers without plasticisers are best. Packaging with a metal layer on the inside is also recommended for storing dried food. The container or packaging should be stored in a dry and not too warm place. Otherwise the foodstuff can become “sticky” and lose its taste and nutrients. At worst, 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 based on the eating habits of wild dogs. Ready-made food plays no role in barfeeding. Instead, the dog is fed natural food such as meat, offal and bones, supplemented with vegetables, fruit, oils and carbohydrates for a balanced supply of nutrients. Meanwhile, substance and freeze-dried BARF food and deep-frozen meat can be found 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 actually have to consider when changing my dog’s food?
The change of food should be done slowly. In the event that the changeover is abrupt, sensitive canines in particular can easily suffer from digestive : problems, some of which may be considerable. A period of one week is usually recommended for your dog to get accustomed to the new food.
The change of food should proceed as comes after: On day 1 and 2, replace about a 1 / 4 of the dog’s usual food with the new food. On the 3rd and fourth day, replace half with the new food. On the fifth and sixth day, the proportion of the new dog food should be three quarters. On day 7, the conversion is complete.
If the dog responds sensitively and, for instance , gets diarrhoea in the first few days of the food change, you should extend the version phase and improve the addition of the new food only minimally. If your dog does not tolerate the new food whatsoever, it is obviously not suitable for him. In this instance, you should look for an option.
What should I actually do if my dog would not like dry food?
After that it makes sense to soak the dry food. This has several advantages: Dogs often eat the dry food beyond hunger because it swells up in the stomach first. This makes it easier for them to become overweight and feel full. In case the food has already enlarged in water, it fills the dog up faster and is better to process. In addition, the dogs absorb more liquid with soaked dry food.
How quickly do dogs break down dry food?
Puppies usually need up to 14 several hours to digest dry 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 important too. Tiny portions are broken down more quickly than large amounts. In addition, insoluble fibers remain in the stomach for a shorter time than soluble fibres. Less fat food also results in faster digestion. Additionally , the more water the foodstuff is, the shortest the digestion time. Wet food is digested within 6 to 8 hours in mature dogs.
Are pet tests carried out for dog food?
There are quite a few manufacturers who carry out animal experiments to test the effects and tolerance of their newly developed types of food. PETA’s website publishes a listing of manufacturers who do not test on animals.
Which manufacturers and brands produce dog food?
The best-known dog food manufacturers and dog food brands include, for instance , ROYAL CANIN, Josera and WOLFSBLUT. Other well-known manufacturers and brands are, for example:
– Bosch
– PRIMUM
– Pedigree
– RINTI
– Animonda
– MERA
Once is i able to start feeding a puppy?
During the first weeks of its life, a puppy is federal reserve breast milk by its mother. Sound food is usually eaten by pups from the 3rd or 4th week of life. During this time period, the mother is constantly on the nourish her puppies with breast milk in parallel. In order to accustom a puppy to dry food, it feels right to moisten or dilute it with some liquid – for example with puppy dog milk. From the 6th to 7th week of life, the puppy is normally no more provided with mother’s milk.
Experts recommend soaking your dry puppy food with a water 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 – will it sound right?
Producing your own dog food takes more time and work than bought food. However, it will incorporate some advantages:
– If you make the dog food yourself, you can determine for yourself which ingredients go into it.
– Puppy owners may include the special needs of their four-legged good friend in the planning 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 required to prepare the food yourself. Before organizing the food, you should study the various elements. The food should be balanced and contain all the necessary nutrients. It is often advisable to talk to a vet in advance. 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 consumed by dogs.
Precisely what is hypoallergenic dog food?
Hypoallergenic dog food is especially suited to dogs with allergy symptoms. It really is adapted to the needs of such a four-legged friend and can be easily digested by your canine. There is hypoallergenic dry food and allergies wet food on the market. That contains few or no substances that cause allergic reactions in dogs. Accordingly, a hypoallergenic food reduces the risk that your canine will not tolerate it and that sensitive reactions will happen.
Usually there is merely one supply of proteins in such a product. This is usually an exotic meat, such as kangaroo or normal water buffalo. Normally, the protein source used very rarely triggers an intolerance. Nevertheless, it cannot be ruled out that even hypoallergenic dog food can business lead to allergy symptoms. This happens when there exists a substance in the meals that the four-legged friend cannot endure.
In addition to dogs with allergies, hypoallergenic food is well suited for four-legged friends with a delicate gastrointestinal system. For these dogs, such a product provides protection against digestive problems.
