The particular best for the dog – relating 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 meals 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 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. Various questions arise: What nutritional requirements does the dog have in addition to what quantity? Which usually food is suitable at which age? Is usually dry or damp food the right choice for your four-legged friend? And exactly how much should the dog be provided? What may cause deficiency symptoms?
In the following best organic dog food for small dogs, we present 10 products. You can expect information about which ingredients the foods contain and for which pet dogs the products are suitable. In our guide, we describe the types of dog food, go into some of the ingredients and clarify how much food a dog needs. In addition, you will understand which foods dogs cannot tolerate and exactly how you can recognise a food allergy.
Below is a list of the best organic dog food for small dogs:
- Lily's Kitchen Puppy Recipe Chicken and Salmon Natural Grain Free Complete... — £9.49
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Wellness CORE Small Breed Low Fat/Healthy Weight Dog Food Dry, Grain Free -...
—
£9.99
£11.99 - Royal Canin for Small Breed Wet Dog Food Mini Adult 12*85g 1 - 10kg Adult... — £12.18
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Applaws Complete and Grain Free Dry Dog Food Small/Medium breed Adult Chicken...
—
£12.29
£14.49 - Lily's Kitchen Puppy Recipe With Turkey, Duck and Kale Wet Dog Food (10 x 150 g) — £14.90
- Burns Pet Natural Nutrition Adult & Senior Wet Dog Food Organic Chicken,... — £16.28
- Lily's Kitchen Puppy Recipe Organic Wet Dog Food, 11 x 150 g — £22.00
- HiLife Banquet - Wet Dog Food - Flaked Chicken Breast, Rice, Liver, Veg -... — £25.50
- Edgard & Cooper Natural Wet Dog Food - Grain Free, High in Protein & Healthy... — £28.90
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Applaws Natural Complete Dry Dog Food for Adult Small/Medium Breed Dogs,...
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£30.29
£35.69
After hours researching and comparing all models on the market, Life my Dog finds out the Best organic dog food for small dogs of 2024. We would recommend using Edgard & Cooper Natural Wet Dog Food – Grain Free, High in Protein & Healthy (Organic Beef, 100g (Pack of 17)) as it is our top pick for you.
Top 10 Best organic dog food for small dogs
Best organic dog food for small dogs
Edgard & Cooper Natural Wet Dog Food - Grain Free, High in Protein & Healthy (Organic Beef, 100g (Pack of 17))
Features
- PACKED WITH ORGANIC FRESH MEAT: There's no processed meat or meat meal in our wet adult dog food.
- GRAIN FREE: Our irresistible organic wet dog food recipe is grain free.
- ZERO PAWPRINT PLAN: Our cups are completely recyclable - We believe in doing right by nature and preserving our future by keeping our environmental pawprint as small as possible
- FRIENDS STICK TOGETHER. We donate 10% of our profits to the Dog Care Clinic in Sri Lanka, so your purchase supports a brilliant project that gives stray dogs a second chance.
Burns Pet Natural Nutrition Adult & Senior Wet Dog Food Organic Chicken, Carrots & Organic Brown Rice 6 x 395gm
Features
- Developed by Veterinary Surgeon John Burns
- Made with natural ingredients
- Contains organic brown rice
- Hypoallergenic
- Highly digestible
Applaws Complete and Grain Free Dry Dog Food Small/Medium breed Adult Chicken with Lamb 2 kg
£12.29
Features
- 75% chicken with lamb, 25% vegetables and natural extracts. High meat content promotes the development of lean muscle tissue.
- Complete, hypoallergenic & balanced recipe with no added sugar and low carbohydrates, promoting a healthy weight and reducing the chance of obseity.
- Natural Omega 3 & 6 for a healthy, shiny coat and brain development.
- Grain free recipe for easier digestion and relief of grain related allergies.
- Contains natural pre-biotic and pro-biotic promoting protective and friendly bacteria in the gut.
Applaws Natural Complete Dry Dog Food for Adult Small/Medium Breed Dogs, Chicken, 7.5 kg (Pack of 1)
£30.29
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
Royal Canin for Small Breed Wet Dog Food Mini Adult 12*85g 1 - 10kg Adult Dogs Hypoallergenic Dog Food 10 Months - 12 Years Old Protects Skin And Coat Enhanced Palatability
Features
- WET FOOD FOR SMALL DOGS ROYAL CANIN Mini Adult in Gravy is for dogs between the ages of 10 months and 12 years weighing up to 10 kg
- SPECIAL FORMULA The formula of ROYAL CANIN Mini Adult in Gravy can help support your dogs health with special nutrients.
- ADJUSTED ENERGY CONTENT The carefully adjusted energy content of ROYAL CANIN Mini Adult in Gravy can help maintain the ideal weight of small dogs.
- OMEGA3 FATTY ACIDS ROYAL CANIN Mini Adult in Gravy contains nutrients like the omega3 fatty acids EPA and DHA which can help support your adult dogs skin and coat health
- COMPOSITION Meat and animal byproducts grains oils and fats vegetable byproducts minerals sugars.
Lily's Kitchen Puppy Recipe Organic Wet Dog Food, 11 x 150 g
Features
- Nutritionally complete and natural wet food for puppies (8 weeks +)
- Freshly prepared with proper meat: 28 Percent chicken, 12 Percent pork, 10 Percent beef and 7 Percent fish
- All natural, certified organic ingredients
- This puppy food packed with wholesome vegetables and herbs
- No derivatives, preservatives or fillers - natural and healthy dog food
Lily's Kitchen Puppy Recipe With Turkey, Duck and Kale Wet Dog Food (10 x 150 g)
Features
- Nutritionally complete, grain free and natural wet food for puppies (8 weeks +)
- Freshly prepared with proper meat: 41 Percent turkey and 20 Percent duck
- Contains wholesome fruits and vegetables for extra nourishment
- Suitable for puppies 8+ weeks
- No derivatives, preservatives or fillers - natural and healthy dog food
Wellness CORE Small Breed Low Fat/Healthy Weight Dog Food Dry, Grain Free - Turkey, 1.5 kg
£9.99
Features
- SUPPORTS IDEAL WEIGHT: Our CORE Small Breed Adult Low Fat helps your small breed dog with the support of an ideal weight in a healthy way with 30% less fat than our CORE Original.
- ORAL HYGIENE: Our CORE Small Breed Adult Low Fat crunchy kibbles are smaller than the original kibbles making them perfect for smaller mouths. These kibbles help reduce the plaque build-up of your dog’s teeth. For a healthy oral hygiene!
- FRESH MEAT AS MAIN INGREDIENT: The dry dog food contains fresh turkey, for a tasty meal with every bowl!
- HEALTHY DIGESTIVE SYSTEM: Our Wellness CORE Small Breed Adult Low Fat is easy to digest and contains prebiotic fibre and probiotics, providing your furry friend with a healthy digestive system!
- LOW CARBS AND NO FILLERS: Our recipes are grain-free, supporting a high-protein and a meat-rich nutrition for your small breed dog.
Lily's Kitchen Puppy Recipe Chicken and Salmon Natural Grain Free Complete Dry Dog Food (1 kg)
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
HiLife Banquet - Wet Dog Food - Flaked Chicken Breast, Rice, Liver, Veg - 100% Natural Ingredients, 30 Pouches x 100g
Features
- HILIFE BANQUET WET FOOD FOR DOGS: The HiLife Banquet wet dog food range has been created using only human-grade ingredients and absolutely no artificial additives. The range includes a choice of 4 delicious all-natural recipes in mouth-watering jelly that your dog is sure to love.
- A GREAT SOURCE OF PROTEIN & VITAMINS: Chicken Breast is a great source of protein, which is easy on the digestive system and rich in vitamins and minerals. Liver is packed with nutrients and a firm favourite for dogs, whilst being rich in essential vitamins and minerals including Iron and Vitamin A which promotes healthy muscle development.
- 100% NATURAL INGREDIENTS: Only the very best quality ingredients go into our HiLife Dog and & Cat Recipes - our HiLife Banquet wet dog food pouches are made from 100% natural ingredients and absolutely no artificial colours, flavours or preservatives.
- A COMPLEMENTARY PET FOOD FOR ADULT DOGS: HiLife Banquet Pouches are a complementary pet food for adult dogs, and can be used every day as a treat or topping within a balanced diet. To ensure balanced nutrition, feed your dog a selection of products from the HiLife range but do remember to monitor total food intake.
- HILIFE - OUR STORY: HiLife is a British run business, and for over 30 years, we've been delighting the nation's pets with nutritious and delicious meals. As pet owners ourselves, we understand just how important our canine companions and feline friends can be. We're proud of our pet food because it matters.
The particular best for the dog – relating to this slogan, many dog owners lovingly care for their pets. The four-legged friends need attention and occupation, but above all, of course, food. The meals is crucial to ensure that the dog is supplied with all the important nutrition and remains in health to live a long dog’s life. But it is often not so easy to find the right food for your own dog. Similar to humans, it is also important to consider a balanced diet. In addition, the multitude of offers in the trade can cause confusion. Numerous questions arise: What nutritional requirements will the dog have and in what quantity? Which food is ideal at which age? Is usually dry or damp food the right choice for your four-legged friend? And just how much should the dog be given? What can cause deficiency symptoms?
In the following dog food comparison, we present 14 products. We offer information about which ingredients the foods contain and for which pups the products are suitable. In our guide, we describe the types of dog food, go into some of the ingredients and make clear how much food a puppy needs. In addition, you will learn which foods dogs cannot tolerate and how you can recognise a food allergy.
The different types of dog food quickly
Merely 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. Age group also plays a role.
Puppies are growing and need special nutrients. In addition, their digestive system is not yet as efficient. An adult dog needs sugars, fats, oils, proteins and minerals. His dog food should be balanced. Older dogs have a slow metabolism and are no longer as active. Consequently, they need less energy, i. e. calorie consumption. Yet , the dog food should be easy to process and contain a lot of proteins. In addition, the types of food fluctuate in conditions of composition, method of production and consistency.
Composition – complete or complementary food?
A complete feed contains all the nutrition the dog needs on a daily basis. The proportion 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. A complete food can be dry or cast food. Supplementary foods are not sufficient per to provide the dog with all the important 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 family pet shops and food markets usually comes from business production. This kind of is the most common kind of dog food. Industrially produced wet food is often completed cans or small aluminium trays. With the latter, one dish is sufficient for one portion. However, some manufacturers of business dog food use genetically revised raw materials and additives.
Industrially produced dog food has a long shelf life. With a few exceptions, 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 processed. The food should not contain any chemically synthesised additives. Nevertheless , certain synthetic nutritional supplements are permitted. In conditions of packaging, there is often almost no difference compared to business food: natural dog food is packaged in cans or as dry food.
– Organic dog food must comply with harsher guidelines regarding elements. For example, the product must not contain numerous substances such as genetically revised ingredients, hormones and pesticides. You will find variations between the various natural dog foods: “100 per dollar organic” means that no undesirable substances have been prepared. With all the claim “organic”, the constituents in the organic and natural food are 95 per penny organic. If this claims “made with organic”, the product consists of 70 per dollar natural ingredients. Organic food is available as dry and wet food.
– Meanwhile, vegan and vegetarian dog food is also available on the market. This dog food will not contain meat and still provides the dog with the important nutrients. However , veggie and vegan dog food contains a lot of 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 feeding raw food is based on the dog’s ancestor – the wolf. When barfing, the dog is fed uncooked fresh meat, often coupled with raw, pureed fruit or fresh vegetables. Whether this method is actually healthier is debatable. Since the meals are put together individually, barfing is more suitable for experienced dog owners who have analyzed the diet program of their four-legged friends in detail.
There are manufacturers who advertise that their dog food is of food quality. This kind of is a statement that should be treated with caution. There is no such thing as food-grade dog or cat food. This also applies to dog food. You should also watch out for attractants and flavour enhancers in dog food. These kinds of are supposed to provide the food a much better smell and taste. Some dog lovers 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 uncooked materials and then grinding and blending them. A tool presses this mass through the spaces of a carol wall. Shaped and compacted chunks of feed come away the other part. Throughout the dog food production process, temps of about 90 certifications Celsius are generated, which obviously contradicts the term cold hitting. Yet , temperatures are still significantly lower than those used 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 need to be artificially added to the food after processing. During digesting, the dough-like extruded feed is conveyed through nozzles at high pressure. Nourish produced in this way swells significantly when liquid is added.
Both methods have advantages and disadvantages: Because the nutrients have not yet been broken down, a dog can digest the cold-pressed food naturally, little by little. In addition, the food includes more natural substances. In case the four-legged good friend has problems with the gastrointestinal tract and an annoyed 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 figuring out the tolerability and quality of the meals. The most important thing is the quality of the unprocessed trash.
Which is better – wet food or dry food?
There is damp and dry dog food on the market. The two types of dog food differ in their water content.
Dry food includes very little water and therefore has a longer shelf life . usually several years. Dogs that are fed dry food have to chew up more and thus teach their teeth. Eating dry food is almost like brushing your dog’s teeth. 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 benefits and disadvantages of dry food at a glance:
Pros
- Long shelf life
- Less costly than damp food
- Easier to feed on the go
- Easy to store
- Almost germ-free due to heat during production
- More green than canned 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 food items for deiting
- 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. Often one package of wet food corresponds to one meal. Various dogs like wet food much better than dry food. In contrast to dry food, damp 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 acceptance by most four-legged friends
- Packed in helpful portions
- Since 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 very well
- Major dogs need to know more space for storage
- Even more difficult to move and feed on the move
- Wet food smells more intense
- Costs more than dry food
- Creates more waste
That is not possible to make a general statement about which type of dog food is ideal for your dog. Your dog in the end makes a decision which dog food it likes and which variety it prefers. To find out which type of dog food your pet likes better and which he tolerates better, you should try away both types.
A few dog owners change between wet and dry food. The following relates to both types of food: It should be given as a main meal, never as a treat in between meals. This can lead to overfeeding of the dog.
How much meats and just how many sugars and nutrients fit in in dog food?
The caliber of the dog food plays a major role in a balanced and healthy diet. It is important that the dog food contains healthy ingredients and nutrients – irrespective of whether it is wet food or dry food. The proper composition of the dog food is also crucial for good digestion and the health of the four-legged good friend.
How much meat should the food contain?
Dogs are originated from wolves – that is why their digestive tract is similar to that of predators. Thus to start with, the supply of meat is important. Nevertheless , 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 the four-legged friend can also digest herb 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 protein requirement because they are not as energetic as young or adult animals. In general, experts say that dog food should contain between 50 and 70 percent meat. But other ingredients are important too. If dog owners feed only meat for their four-legged friends, this may lead to digestive problems, stress on the kidneys and liver due to excess protein and deficiency symptoms.
Nutritional vitamins, minerals and carbs in dog food?
A well-balanced dog diet also includes nutrients that are not present in meat – for instance , vitamins and minerals found in vegetables and fruit, or fatty stomach acids from healthy natural oils. The four-legged good friend also needs sugars. Wolves, for example, eat the abdomen and intestinal items of prey animals, now and then also berries and grass.
Dogs convert starch from grain, potatoes and cereals into energy and need it for their intestinal flora. Nevertheless, the need for carbohydrates is low. Fillers from grow waste such as press residues from oil production, sections, husks or hay are often added to the feed. Superior quality carbohydrates are located in rice, potatoes, millet, maize, amaranth or buckwheat.
Animal fats provide the dog with twice as much energy as proteins. To prevent overweight, the food should contain these substances only less often. How much should take the dog food will depend on how much the animal moves. Lamb and poultry fat are saturated fatty acids. They can be stored in the body as emergency ration and are intended as a hold for bad times. Meat and veg oil contain over loaded omega-6 fatty stomach acids and unsaturated oily acids. Omega-3 herbal oils, which are found in fish, are extremely valuable for cellular metabolism.
What should take the dog food? Dog food should include 50 to 70 per cent lean meat or muscle meat or fish with superior quality proteins. In addition, there ought to be about 20 to 50 % high-quality carbohydrates for energy production and fruit, vegetables or herbs for the necessary minerals and vitamins. The proportion of offal should be a maximum of 10 percent. Offal provides valuable nutrition such as vitamin h or iron. Good quality oils such as salmon olive oil or linseed oil based improve nutrient ingestion and ensure a functioning cardiovascular system, a shiny coating and healthy pores and skin.
How can I recognise top quality dog food?
Dog food sold in UK must be labelled with certain mandatory information. These kinds of include:
– Treat and name of the manufacturer
– Date of make or best-before day of the dog food
– Brand of the meals
– Net weight
– Moisture content for canned food
With regard to the ingredients of the feed, various assertions are permitted: A closed declaration only indicates ingredient teams. These are, for example , statements such as “with cereals” and “vegetable by-products”. A semi-open declaration prospect lists the individual raw materials, however, not their percentage. The start declaration provides composition in per cent and the respective options of raw materials. When reading the food label, dog owners should also note the following:
1. Many manufacturers split the word materials into individual organizations. 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 must not be included in too large volumes.
2. The substances in the give food to are listed in descending order according to their volume. The further forwards an ingredient is listed on the label, the higher its proportion. Conversely, this implies: Only a little 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 vegetable content between 25 and 50 percent
– Balanced elements with all the necessary vitamins and minerals
– Zero use of flavour enhancers
These nutrients make a good dog food
The dog’s organism does not have any trouble digesting good dog food. Indications of this are almost odourless faeces, high vitality and a shiny coat. The proportion of nutrition in a dog food is detailed under the term “analytical ingredients”. We certainly have summarised these in the table:
| Component | Quantity required | Tasks | Information and special features |
| Crude protein | 20 to 25 percent in dry food 8 to 10 percent in wet food | Builds the body’s own tissue such as muscles and bones Strengthening skin and organs Enzymes, blood and hormones also need protein | High-quality protein comes mainly from muscle meat. Low-quality protein is found in slaughterhouse waste |
| Crude ash | 5 to 8 per cent or a maximum of 10 per cent for dry food. Less than 2 percent for wet feed | Supply of inorganic substances such as magnesium, calcium, zinc or silicic acid | Formed after combustion of the feed Proportion should be balanced Sometimes cheap but unnecessary bone meal products are added |
| Crude fibre | 2 to 3 percent for dry food 0.2 to 5 percent for wet food | Support of digestion Stimulation of intestinal activity Strengthens healthy intestinal flora Influences consistency and shape of dog faeces | Proportion of dietary fibre Too high a proportion can lead to flatulence and large quantities of faeces Rumen is filled with raw fibre Otherwise in the form of vegetables and fruit |
| Crude fat | At least 15 percent in dry food for active dogs 12 to 15 percent for dry food for dogs with normal to less exercise 1 percent for wet food | Provides energy Ensure healthy skin and shiny coat | High-quality products include salmon oil, linseed oil, cod oil, pumpkin seed oil and hemp oil. |
The other possible ingredients in dog food are explained below:
1. The value for meat and canine by-products indicates the meat content in your canine food. Companies often do not declare precisely what is involved. It could 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, bones, hooves, blood or beaks.
2. Fish as well as its by-products include fish fillets, our bones and fish mind.
3. Plant by-products include, for example, vegetables, cereals and pulses and oil fruits. They can be 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. Many of these are important. These include, for instance , emulsifiers and natural antioxidants. Emulsifiers ensure an uniform regularity of oil and water. Natural anti-oxidants are to prevent rancid fat.
5. Nutritional additives are intended to support the health of the four-legged friend. They should be included in the right composition, for example as vitamins, provitamins, amino acids and trace elements.
6. Zootechnical additives can be added to the feed to effect the dog’s performance and health – such as stabilisers for the intestinal tract flora or digestive enzymes.
7. Physical additives are employed to influence the appearance and taste of the dog food. They will include flavourings and colourings.
Overweight dogs suffer! Obesity is an increasing problem in dogs with serious health consequences. That can lead to diseases of bodily organs, puts stress on bones, joints and the cardiovascular system, and promotes inflammation. It may also shorten the life expectancy of the animal. Frequently , too much food is the reason for overweight. Nevertheless age, sex and breed also may play a role. Especially Cocker Spaniels, Labrador Retrievers and King Charles usually become overweight. Sometimes the use of food items for deiting should be considered.
How much food does my dog need?
If the four-legged good friend gets more energy than he uses, he can become overweight. Therefore, it is crucial to give canines the right amount of food. How much pet food a dog needs will depend on 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 dog that moves a lot burns more calories. If the dog is not so active, it burns fewer calorie consumption and has a slower metabolism. Accordingly, he needs less food.
Age: Younger dogs are still growing and tend to be more curious and lively. They usually have a higher energy requirement than old dogs. It really is highly recommended to reduce the amount of food a little every year. For old dogs, there are senior foods that are reduced body fat and contain important additives. For smaller dogs you need to change at the age group of 10 to 12 years, for large dogs around 7 to 8 years.
Diseases: A few diseases influence a dog’s food or energy requirements. These types 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 your dog food. A higher calorie content means a lesser amount of food is needed. Additionally, dog 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 2 to 3 % of the dog’s weight.
– If the dog is older and does not exercise as much, a daily food amount of 2 per cent of the body weight is usually sufficient.
– A dog that moves a lot or is recovering from an illness should be fed more. His necessary food amount per day is up to 5 pct of his body weight.
– Snacks should not exceed 10 pct of the daily food requirement.
Any person who is unsure about the right amount of food should talk to a vet and/or a nutritionist.
Just how can I recognize a food allergy or intolerance?
The most typical allergies in dogs are flea allergy and food allergy. Possible sets off of your allergy are, for example , stress, parasites and pollen. In addition, the protein-containing substances in a feed can induce allergic reactions. Things that a dog might be allergic to include, for example , mi nombre es, animal proteins from poultry, pork or beef, and grains.
What is the difference between an allergy and an intolerance?
– An allergy is a hypersensitivity reaction by the dog’s immune system. This reacts strongly against a certain material. A true food allergy rarely occurs in dogs. Mostly it is an intolerance. This is not triggered by the immune system.
– Possible symptoms of allergies and intolerances
– Possible symptoms of a food allergy or food intolerance include itchiness, vomiting, belly pain, flatulence, diarrhoea, loss in fur, redness and frequent scratching.
– Symptoms may well not show up immediately after feeding the food. Sometimes they only appear a few hours or days later.
Nevertheless, the symptoms do certainly not have to indicate an allergic reaction or intolerance. That they can even be caused by another disease. In the event your dog has these symptoms, you should have the cause clarified by a vet. The vet can also determine an allergic reaction or an intolerance, for instance , through an allergy test. Additionally, it is possible to undertake an exclusion diet. However, this involves a number of effort.
What is an exemption diet?
In an exclusion diet, the owner feeds the four-legged friend only one special supply of protein and carbs. These sources must be ingredients that the four-legged friend have not eaten before. Pet owners should change the dog food bit by bit. Following the food change, your dog is fed the new food for several weeks.
When the dog’s condition enhances and the symptoms no more occur, a provocation test is completed. Here, the dog owner has to feed his four-legged friend one substance at a time, which may be the trigger for the allergy symptoms. Above time, a list is made of substances that the dog can put up with or that cause allergic reactions in him. An removal diet is something that dog owners can do themselves. Nevertheless, it is highly recommended to check with a professional or speak to the vet beforehand.
Consistent action is vital during an different diet. The dog really should not be given chews, treats or leftovers during this time period.
What should I do if my dog has an allergy?
Whether it turns out that your four-legged good friend has a food allergy or food intolerance, the dog should no more eat the allergy-causing substances. The selected pet food must therefore not contain any substances that your dog cannot tolerate. The same applies to treats and everything dog snacks between meals.
If practically nothing changes, patience is necesary: sometimes it calls for some time until the symptoms of an intolerance or allergy or intolerance no longer happen. Sometimes they only disappear completely months following your change in food.
What is grain-free dog food?
Dog food often consists of grains. These include whole wheat, barley and rye, for example. Grain have an important function: they are a source of carbohydrates and energy. However, an excessive amount of it results in obesity and sometimes to an issue with digestion. There is also grain-free dog food. Instead of feed, 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 suited to more sensitive dogs. However , it is not necessarily required to use a grain-free dog food. Dogs are omnivores and are able to process vegetable protein. Some types of feed are also particularly easy to process. Included in this are maize and rice, for example. In some instances, however, it makes sense or is necessary to use a dog food without grain. This is especially true if your dog is allergic to food containing cereals.
In the event you want to give your pet 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 canines can’t tolerate. Several of them are even poisonous for puppies. These include, for example, onions, raw cabbage and raw pork. Onions can be fatal, with respect to the size of the onion and your canine. For a medium-sized dog, even a medium-sized onion can be extremely dangerous. If the dog eats raw cabbage, it can get belly cramps or unwanted wind. Raw pork could develop the Aujeszky computer virus, which in turn causes fatal condition. Other foods and drinks that dogs should not eat include:
- Chocolate
- Raw carrots
- Fruit
- Sultanas
- Fruit starts
- Raw signal
- Macadamia nuts
- Bitter almonds
- Raw ovum
- Some types of avocado
- Birch sugar and xylitol
- Cream and milk
- Caffeinated drinks, such as espresso
- Alcohol
Furthermore, nicotine is dangerous for dogs. Therefore, caution is suggested in rain messes, for example: Cigarette residues can be found in them. Ashtrays should always be positioned 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 and also the veterinary emergency service directly. At the same time, keep the dog in a safe environment. Nevertheless, despite all the concern for the dog’s life, the following applies: Stay calm and watch out for signs of poisoning. It might be necessary to take the dog to a veterinary clinic or drive it to the vet. Symptoms that could occur with poisoning include:
- Abnormal salivation
- Excessive desire
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Aches
- Uneasyness
- 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 important to train the dog well so that it does not constantly eat anything at all from the side of the street.
The best choice is the Edgard & Cooper Natural Wet Dog Food – Grain Free, High in Protein & Healthy (Organic Beef, 100g (Pack of 17)).
Edgard & Cooper Natural Wet Dog Food - Grain Free, High in Protein & Healthy (Organic Beef, 100g (Pack of...
- PACKED WITH ORGANIC FRESH MEAT: There's no processed meat or meat meal in our wet adult dog food.
- GRAIN FREE: Our irresistible organic wet dog food recipe is grain free.
- ZERO PAWPRINT PLAN: Our cups are completely recyclable - We believe in doing right by nature and preserving our future by keeping our environmental pawprint as small as possible
Video about best organic dog food for small dogs
FAQ – Frequently asked questions about dog food
Finally, we answer some important and frequently asked questions about dog food.
What should I actually look for in dog food for puppies?
Puppies have to have a different dog food than adult puppies. 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 substances of puppy dog food are specially suitable for growing canines. 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. Previously mentioned all, the puppy dog food must contain certain essential nutritional supplements. So that the puppy’s gastrointestinal system is not overtaxed, the food for puppies also has a lower food volume than the dog food for adult quadrupeds. 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 kind of is determined by the breed of dog: Up-and-coming 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 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 mature at 7 to 8 years of age. In addition to age group, the dog’s express of health is also an important criterion. It is highly recommended to discuss the change of food with the vet.
Precisely what is the best way to store dry food?
The dry food should be held in an snug container. Glass or plastic containers without plasticisers are best. Packaging with a metal layer on the inside is also recommended for storing dried food. The container or packaging should be stored in a dry and not too warm place. Otherwise the foodstuff can become “sticky” and lose its preference and nutrients. In the worst case, mould can develop.
What is barfing?
The abbreviation BARF comes from the The english language and means Born-Again Raw Feeder. The UK term means “biologically species-appropriate organic feeding”. The species-appropriate diet is founded on the eating habits of wild dogs. Ready-made food plays no role in barfeeding. Instead, the dog is fed unprocessed food such as meat, offal and bones, supplemented with vegetables, fruit, oils and carbohydrates for a well-balanced supply of nutrients. Meanwhile, substance and freeze-dried BARF food and deep-frozen meat are available in the shops. Dog owners can add the other necessary components. However , you should notify yourself well or talk to with experts.
What do We 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 quickly suffer from digestive : problems, a few of that can be considerable. A period of one week is usually recommended for your dog to get used 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 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 3 quarters. On day 7, the changeover is complete.
In the event that the dog responds sensitively and, for example , gets diarrhoea in the first few days of the food 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 in any way, it is obviously not ideal for him. In cases like this, you should look for an alternate.
What should We do if my dog does not like dry food?
In that case 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 to allow them to become overweight and feel full. In the event the food has already swollen in water, it fills the dog up faster and is simpler to process. In addition, the dogs absorb more liquid with soaked dry food.
How quickly do dogs process dry food?
Canines usually need up to 14 hours to digest dry out food. The exact time depends, among other things, on the age and size of the dog and the standard of the food. A young dog usually has a faster metabolism than an old animal. The amount of food is important too. Tiny portions are digested more quickly than large amounts. In addition, insoluble muscles remain in the stomach for a shorter time than soluble fibres. Less fat food also brings about faster digestion. In addition , 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 listing of manufacturers who do not test on animals.
Which manufacturers and brands produce dog food?
The best-known dog food manufacturers and dog food brands include, for instance , ROYAL CANIN, Josera and WOLFSBLUT. Other well-known manufacturers and brands are, for example:
– Bosch
– PRIMUM
– Pedigree
– RINTI
– Animonda
– MERA
When may i start nourishing a puppy?
During the beginning of its life, a puppy is fed breast milk by its mother. Stable food is usually eaten by puppies from the 3rd or 4th week of life. During this time, the mother continually nourish 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 milk. From the 6th to 7th week of life, the puppy is normally no longer given with mother’s milk.
Experts recommend soaking dry puppy food with a water until the pup is 5 or 6 months old. To get the puppy used to the harder food, blend more and more non-soaked food pieces over time.
Making dog food yourself – will it seem sensible?
Producing your own dog food takes more time and work than acquired food. However, it really does have some advantages:
– In the event you make the dog food yourself, you can decide for yourself which ingredients go into it.
– Dog owners can include the special needs of their four-legged friend in the preparation and adapt the foodstuff 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 might be sensible or necessary to prepare the food yourself. Before preparing the food, you should study the several substances. The meals should be balanced and contain all the necessary nutrients. It is sometimes advisable to talk to a vet ahead of time. Recipe ideas for dog food can be found on the Internet, 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 suitable 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 dog. Presently there is hypoallergenic dry food and hypoallergenic wet food on the market. This contains few or no substances that cause allergic reactions in dogs. Accordingly, a hypoallergenic food reduces the risk that your dog will not tolerate it and that hypersensitive reactions will occur.
Usually there is merely one source of protein in such a product. This is usually an amazing meat, such as kangaroo or drinking water buffalo. Normally, the protein source used very rarely causes an intolerance. However, it cannot be ruled out that even hypoallergenic dog food can business lead to allergic reactions. This kind of happens when there is a substance in the foodstuff that the four-legged friend cannot endure.
In addition to dogs with allergic reactions, hypoallergenic food is suitable for four-legged friends with a delicate digestive tract. For these dogs, such a product can offer prevention of digestive problems.
