Best overall dog food

The particular best for the dog – according to this saying, many dog owners lovingly care for their pets. The four-legged friends need attention and job, but especially, of course, food. The food 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 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 multitude of offers in the trade can cause confusion. Different questions arise: What nutritional requirements does the dog have in addition to what quantity? Which food is ideal at which age? Is definitely dry or wet food the right choice for your four-legged friend? And how much should the dog be provided? What may cause deficiency symptoms?

Inside the following best overall dog food, we present 10 products. We offer information about which ingredients the foods contain and for which pet dogs the products are suitable. Within our guide, we describe the types of dog food, go into some of the constituents and describe how much food a dog needs. In addition, you will see which foods dogs cannot endure and how you can recognise a food allergy.

Below is a list of the best overall dog food:

After hours researching and comparing all models on the market, Life my Dog finds out the Best overall dog food of 2024. We would recommend using PRO PLAN Optibalance Medium Adult Dry Dog Food Chicken 14kg, transparent as it is available at a resonable price.

Top 10 Best overall dog food

Best overall dog food

PRO PLAN Optibalance Medium Adult Dry Dog Food Chicken 14kg, transparent

£64.89
£50.10
30 new from £50.10
Amazon.co.uk
as of September 21, 2023 12:15 am

Features

  • OPTIBALANCE is a combination of specific nutrients that are balanced at levels to promote overall health.
  • Key nutrients to help support your dog's active lifestyle and help support healthy joints.
  • Supports a healthy skin and lustrous coat
  • Specially formulated with nutrients for strong teeth and healthy gums
  • This highly palatable recipe is made with high quality ingredients, with chicken as No.1 ingredient, offering great taste dogs love.

Arden Grange Senior Dry Dog Food with Fresh Chicken and Rice, 12 kg

£50.98
30 new from £47.95
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as of September 21, 2023 12:15 am

Features

  • A complete, super premium pet food for older dogs
  • Containing significantly higher levels of joint supplements than our standard diets to help keep our seniors more mobile into their golden years; Also lower in fat to help prevent weight gain in less active dogs
  • Free from artificial colours, flavours and preservatives
  • Containing a unique blend of nutrients and natural supplements to help promote the optimum health, vitality and condition of your pet; Including, prebiotics to aid digestion, joint supplements, essential fatty acids to promote a healthy skin and coat, cranberries for urinary tract health, powerful natural antioxidants plus added vitamins and minerals to help support immune system and dental health
  • Naturally hypoallergenic so you won't find any wheat gluten, beef, soya or dairy products in our recipes; This may reduce the risk of dietary intolerances and allergies that cause digestive disorders and skin complaints

Wellness CORE Original, Dog Food Dry, Grain Free - Turkey & Chicken, 10 kg

£45.99
£40.00
5 new from £40.00
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as of September 21, 2023 12:15 am

Features

  • HEALTHY DIGESTIVE SYSTEM: Our Wellness CORE Adult Original is easy to digest and contains prebiotic fibre and probiotics, providing your furry friend with a healthy digestive system!
  • STRENGTHENING HIPS AND JOINTS: The mobility of adult dogs will be supported by guaranteed amounts of glucosamine, chondroitin sulphate and controlled sodium levels.
  • FRESH MEAT AS MAIN INGREDIENT: The dry dog food contains fresh turkey and chicken, for a tasty meal with every bowl!
  • LOW CARBS AND NO FILLERS: Our recipes are grain-free, supporting a high-protein and a meat-rich nutrition for your dog.
  • NATURAL HYPOALLERGENIC DOG FOOD: Our product does not contain cereals, gluten, eggs, artificial colours, flavours or preservatives.

Arden Grange Adult Dry Dog Food Salmon & Rice, Fish, 2 Kg

£13.99
£13.00
24 new from £10.80
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as of September 21, 2023 12:15 am

Features

  • Arden Grange adult rich in fresh pork & rice is a complete, super premium pet food for normally active adult dogs
  • Free from artificial colours, flavours and preservatives; Containing a unique blend of nutrients and natural supplements to help promote the optimum health, vitality and condition of your dog
  • Including prebiotics to aid digestion, joint supplements, essential fatty acids to promote a healthy skin and coat, cranberries for urinary tract health, antioxidants and added vitamins and minerals to help support immune system and dental health
  • Naturally hypoallergenic so you won't find any wheat gluten, beef soya or dairy products; This may reduce the risk of dietary intolerances and allergies that can cause digestive disorders and skin complaints

Lily's Kitchen Duck, Salmon and Venison Natural Grain Free Complete Adult Dry Dog Food (7 kg)

£58.10
£49.58
9 new from £49.58
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as of September 21, 2023 12:15 am

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

Burgess Sensitive Dry Dog Food Salmon, 12.5 kg

£41.99
£35.99
24 new from £34.00
Free shipping
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as of September 21, 2023 12:15 am

Features

  • We’ve changed our look, but we still have the same trusted recipe for your sensitive dogs
  • Burgess Sensitive is a dry dog food made without many of the typical ingredients that can cause sensitivities for dogs
  • Burgess Sensitive Dog Food Salmon is formulated to support a sensitive tummy
  • Builds strong bones and joints
  • Helps to grow a glossy, shiny coat

Arkwrights Chicken Dry Dog Food 15 Kg

£20.47
45 new from £16.99
Amazon.co.uk
as of September 21, 2023 12:15 am

Features

  • TASTY CHICKEN DRY FOOD — Arkwrights Complete with Chicken provides balanced nutrition and plenty of energy for working and sporting adult dogs, with a tasty chicken flavour that'll have them licking the bowl clean!
  • COMPLETE NUTRITION — we use only the finest ingredients in a nutritious formula that contains 18% protein, 7% fat and wholegrain cereals for slow energy release — no artificial colours, flavours or sugars!
  • PACKED WITH BENEFICIAL INGREDIENTS — our balanced formula contains crunchy kibble to help keep teeth clean, antioxidants for a healthy immune system, and vitamins A, D3 and E!
  • FEEDING GUIDE — serve dry or with water or gravy as preferred. When feeding for the first time, introduce the food gradually over a few days, adjusting the amount based on your dog’s condition and activity. See pack for full details
  • UK MADE FOR OVER 150 YEARS — we’ve been creating premium dog food blends in the UK with the finest-quality UK-sourced ingredients since 1873, helping to enhance the health and happiness of your dog!

PRO PLAN Small and Mini Adult Dry Dog Food Chicken and Rice 7kg

£41.99
£37.25
14 new from £37.24
Amazon.co.uk
as of September 21, 2023 12:15 am

Features

  • OPTIBALANCE is a combination of specific nutrients that are balanced at levels to promote overall health.
  • Specifically adapted nutrient concentration to support the fast metabolism of small dogs
  • A combination of key nutrients that helps to support healthy joints for your dog’s active lifestyle
  • Helps maintain your dog's healthy heart.
  • Specially formulated for dental care.

Forthglade Complete Natural Wet Dog Food - Brown Rice Variety Pack (12 x 395 g) Trays - 4 x Turkey, 4 x Lamb and 4 x Chicken

£22.25
£19.89
27 new from £19.89
Free shipping
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as of September 21, 2023 12:15 am

Features

  • WET DOG FOOD VARIETY PACK: 12 X 395g trays of brown rice wet dog food in 3 flavours your dog will love: 4x Turkey, 4x Lamb and 4x Chicken with brown rice & vegetables
  • NATURAL INGREDIENTS: Bursting with goodness and made using natural ingredients, with added vitamins, minerals & botanicals, gently steamed to retain as much natural flavour and goodness as possible
  • FOOD FOR HAPPY DOGS: Brown rice is naturally nutrient-rich and a good source of dietary fibre; Made using our high quality recipe with 75% turkey, lamb or chicken
  • COMPLETE DOG FOOD: A complete and balanced meal containing everything your dog needs to stay happy and healthy. Free from junk, fillers and artificial colours, flavours and preservatives
  • VOTED BEST WET DOG FOOD 2023 YOUR DOG MAGAZINE: Award winning dog food proudly made at Forthglade's factory in the heart of Devon

James Wellbeloved Complete Dry Puppy Junior Dog Food Turkey and Vegetable, 1.5 kg

£12.29
27 new from £9.75
Free shipping
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as of September 21, 2023 12:15 am

Features

  • Hypoallergenic dog food for pets with sensitivities, selected natural ingredients, no added artificial flavours, colours, or antioxidants
  • Grain free puppy and Junior dog food with a single source animal protein recipe excludes common allergens beef, pork, soya, eggs, dairy and wheat with natural prebiotics for mature dogs' healthy digestion
  • Dog food dry with vitamin E and minerals to support growing dogs' immune system, balanced calcium and phosphorus to support healthy growth
  • Turkey meal - A delicious source of protein with essential minerals, peas a natural source of protein, potato a highly digestible carbohydrate
  • Chicory extract – A source of prebiotic inulin helping to maintain the gut flora, yucca a natural deodoriser for less smelly poos, smaller kibble for puppies' smaller mouths

The particular best for the dog – regarding to this slogan, many dog owners lovingly care for their pets. The four-legged friends need attention and job, but most importantly, of course, food. The food is crucial to ensure that the dog 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. Similar to humans, it is also important to consider a balanced diet. In addition, the wide variety of offers in the trade can cause confusion. Different questions arise: What nutritional requirements will the dog have and in what quantity? Which in turn food is appropriate at which age? Is usually dry or wet 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 dog food comparison, we present 14 products. We provide information about which ingredients the foods contain and for which pups the products are suitable. Inside our guide, we describe the types of dog food, go into some of the ingredients and clarify how much food a puppy needs. In addition, you will see which foods dogs cannot tolerate and exactly how you can recognise a food allergy.

The different types of dog food quickly

Just as every person has their own nutritional needs, every dog’s preferences are different. The choice of food that will go into the dog’s bowl should be produced according to various factors. These include the breed, activity and health of the dog. Age 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 for a longer time as active. As a result, they want less energy, i. e. calories from fat. Nevertheless , the dog food should be easy to process and contain a lot of proteins. In addition, the types of food differ in conditions of composition, way of development and consistency.

Formula – complete or complementary food?

A complete feed includes all the nutrition the dog needs on a daily basis. The percentage of proteins, fatty acids, nutritional supplements differs depending on the product. The ingredients should be adapted to the age, activity and possible allergies of the four-legged friend. A whole food can be dry or cast food. Supplementary meals are not sufficient per to provide the dog with all the important nutrients. These can be flakes that the dog owner combines into the food or treats. The declaration shows what it is.

Type of production

– Dry food and wet food available in pet shops and supermarkets usually comes from industrial 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 the latter, one bowl is sufficient for one portion. Nevertheless, some manufacturers of business dog food use genetically revised raw materials and additives.

Industrially produced dog food has a long rack life. With a few conditions, this dog food can be stored unopened for many years without any loss of quality.

– Natural dog food only uses raw materials that come from grow, animal or other natural sources – unaltered or prepared. The food should never contain any chemically synthesised additives. Nevertheless , certain synthetic nutritional supplements are permitted. In terms of packaging, there is often hardly any difference compared to business food: natural dog food is packaged in cups or as dry food.

– Organic and natural dog food must comply with tighter guidelines regarding ingredients. For example, the product must not contain numerous substances such as genetically modified ingredients, hormones and pesticides. There are variations between the various organic and natural dog foods: “100 per cent organic” means that no undesirable ingredients have been processed. With the claim “organic”, the constituents in the organic and natural food are 95 per cent organic. If this says “made with organic”, the product involves 70 per dollar organic and natural ingredients. Organic and natural food is available as dry and wet food.

– Meanwhile, vegan and vegetarian dog food is also available on the market. This kind of dog food does not contain meat and still provides the dog with the important nutrients. Nevertheless , veggie and vegan dog food contains a lot of fruit and vegetables and grains, which can issues if the dog is intolerant.

– A special form of dog food is BARF. The abbreviation stands for “biologically species-appropriate natural feeding”. This species-appropriate method of nourishing raw food is based on the dog’s ancestor – the wolf. When ever barfing, the dog is fed uncooked fresh meat, often coupled with raw, pureed fruit or fruit and vegetables. Whether this method is actually more healthy is debatable. Since the meals are assembled individually, barfing much more suited to experienced pet owners who have learned this diet of their four-legged friends in detail.

There are manufacturers who advertise that their dog food is of food quality. This is a declaration 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 better smell and preference. Some dog fans also avoid pet 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 made by first drying the uncooked materials and then grinding and combining them. A roller presses this mass through the opportunities of a drum wall. Shaped and compacted chunks of feed come out the other part. Throughout the dog food production process, temperatures of around 90 levels Celsius are produced, which obviously contradicts the word cold hitting. Nevertheless , temperatures are still significantly lower than those employed in extrusion.

2. In the extrusion process, the ingredients for the dog food are exposed to great heat. Many nutrients are lost during this manufacturing process. These types of need to be artificially added to the foodstuff after processing. During digesting, the dough-like extruded feed is conveyed through nozzles at high pressure. Feed produced in this way swells substantially when liquid is added.

£13.00
£13.99
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Both methods have advantages and disadvantages: Because the nutrients have not yet been busted down, a dog can digest the cold-pressed food naturally, little by little. In addition, the food contains more natural elements. If the four-legged good friend has problems with the gastrointestinal system and a disrupted digestion, extruded dog food can be more tolerable for him. In this dog food, the starch has already been broken down during heating. On the other hand, the manufacturing process is merely a supplementary factor in identifying the tolerability and quality of the food. The most important thing is the quality of the recycleables.

Which is better – wet food or dry out food?

There is certainly moist and dry dog food on the market. The two types of dog food differ in their water content.

Dry food includes very little water and therefore has a longer shelf life – often several years. Dogs that are fed dry food have to chew up more and so train their teeth. Eating dry food is nearly like brushing your dog’s teeth. To get dogs that drink little, feeding dry out food can become a disadvantage. They can become dehydrated if they are provided only dry food. Therefore, it is important to provide the dog with enough water. The huge benefits and disadvantages of dry food at a glance:

Pros

  • Long shelf life
  • More affordable than wet food
  • Easier to feed on the go
  • Easy to store
  • Almost germ-free due to heating system during production
  • Even more eco-friendly than canned food

Cons

  • Frequently less acceptable to the dog
  • The dog’s person is deprived of water, so it has to drink more.
  • Can lead to overweight faster if it is not a food items for deiting
  • Risk of mould or mite formation if stored incorrectly

Wet dog food has a high water content. The wet food is usually portioned in tins or small bowls. Generally one package of wet food corresponds to one meal. Many dogs like moist food much better than dry food. In contrast to dry food, damp food for puppies – once exposed – can only be kept for a few times. It should be used up within 2 days of opening. Below we have summarised the benefits and drawbacks of wet food:

Pros

  • High popularity by most four-legged friends
  • Packed in helpful portions
  • Mainly because of the high water content in wet food, your canine does not need so much additional liquid.
  • If necessary, medication can be administered with the wet food.

Cons

  • After opening, damp food cannot be stored very well
  • Large 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
  • Produces more waste

This is not possible to make a general statement about which type of dog food is suited to your dog. Your canine in the end chooses which dog food it likes and which variety it prefers. To find out which type of dog food your dog likes better and which this individual tolerates better, you should try out both types.

Several dog owners swap between wet and dry food. The following pertains to both types of food: It should just be given as a primary meal, never as a treat in between meals. This can lead to overfeeding of the dog.

£35.99
£41.99
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How much various meats and just how many carbs and nutrients are supposed to be 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 – no matter 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 friend.

Just how much meat should the food contain?

Dogs are originated from wolves – that is why their digestive area is similar to that of predators. Thus above all, the source 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 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, which means that the four-legged friend can also digest herb food in smaller quantities.

Above all, various meats provides the dog with protein. The four-legged friend needs protein for the muscles, bones, strong tissues, healthy teeth and nerves and to provide energy for its activities. Therefore, senior dogs have a lower protein requirement because they are no longer as lively as young or adult animals. In general, experts admit dog food should contain between 50 and 70 percent meat. But other ingredients are important too. If dog owners feed only various meats with their four-legged friends, this could lead to a problem with digestion, stress on the kidneys and liver due to excess protein and deficiency symptoms.

Nutritional vitamins, minerals and carbohydrates in dog food?

A well-balanced dog diet also includes nutrients that are not found in meat – for instance , vitamins and minerals found in vegetables and fruit, or fatty stomach acids from healthy herbal oils. The four-legged good friend also needs carbs. Wolves, for example, eat the belly and intestinal items of prey pets or 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. On the other hand, the need for carbohydrates is low. Fillers from grow waste such as press residues from oil production, stalks, husks or straw tend to be added to the feed. High-quality carbohydrates are normally found in rice, potatoes, millet, maize, amaranth or buckwheat.

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Animal body fat provide the dog with twice as much energy as proteins. To prevent overweight, the foodstuff should contain these substances only in moderation. Just how much should be in the dog food depends on how much the animal moves. Lamb and poultry fats are saturated oily acids. They are stored in the body as emergency portion and are meant as a hold for bad times. Meat and veg oil contain saturated omega-6 fatty stomach acids and unsaturated oily acids. Omega-3 oils, which are found in fish, are extremely valuable for cell metabolism.

What should maintain the dog food? Dog food should consist of 50 to 70 % lean meat or muscle meat or fish with high-quality proteins. In addition, there should be about 20 to 50 per cent high-quality carbohydrates for energy production and fruit, vegetables or herbs for the necessary vitamins and minerals. The proportion of offal should be a maximum of 10 percent. Offal provides valuable nutrition such as biotin or iron. Very good quality oils such as salmon oil or linseed oil improve nutrient absorption and ensure a functioning cardiovascular system, a shiny coat and healthy skin.

How can I recognise top quality dog food?

Puppy food sold in UK must be labelled with certain mandatory information. These types of include:

– Address and name of the manufacturer
– Date of produce or best-before date of the dog food
– Identity of the foodstuff
– Net weight
– Moisture content for canned food

With regard to the ingredients of the feed, various statements are permitted: A closed declaration only indicates ingredient types. These are, for example , statements such as “with cereals” and “vegetable by-products”. A semi-open declaration prospect lists the individual natural materials, but not their percentage. The open declaration gives the composition in % and the respective resources of raw materials. When reading the food label, dog owners should also note the following:

1. Many manufacturers split the definition of feed into individual groups. 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 ingredients in the feed are listed in descending order according to their quantity. The further forward an ingredient is listed on the label, the greater 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 veg content between 25 and 50 percent
– Balanced ingredients with all the necessary vitamins and minerals
– Zero use of taste enhancers

These nutrition make a good dog food

The dog’s organism has no trouble digesting good dog food. Signs of this are almost odourless faeces, high vitality and a shiny coat. The proportion of nutrients in a dog food is outlined under the definition of “analytical ingredients”. We have summarised these in the table:

ComponentQuantity requiredTasksInformation and special features
Crude protein20 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 ash5 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 acidFormed after combustion of the feed

Proportion should be balanced

Sometimes cheap but unnecessary bone meal products are added

Crude fibre2 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 fatAt least 15 percent in dry food for active dogs

12 to 15 percent for dry food for dogs with normal to less exercise

1 percent for wet food

Provides energy

Ensure healthy skin and shiny coat

High-quality products include salmon oil, linseed oil, cod oil, pumpkin seed oil and hemp oil.

The other possible ingredients in dog food are explained below:

1. The value for meat and animal by-products indicates the meat content in the dog 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 instance , hair, bone fragments, hooves, blood or beaks.

2. Seafood as well as by-products include fish fillets, bones and fish heads.

3. Plant by-products include, for example, vegetables, cereals and pulses and oil fruits. They are to some extent health- and digestion-promoting food components.

4. Technological additives are preservatives, separating and binding agents, stabilisers, thickening and gelling agents and acid regulators. Many of these are important. These include, for instance , emulsifiers and natural antioxidants. Emulsifiers ensure an uniform consistency of oil and water. Natural vitamin antioxidants are to prevent rancid fat.

5. Nutritional additives are intended to support the health of the four-legged good friend. They should be included in the right composition, for example as vitamins, provitamins, amino acids and track elements.

6. Zootechnical additives can be added to the feed to effect the dog’s performance and health – such as stabilisers for the digestive tract flora or digestive : enzymes.

7. Sensory additives are used to influence the appearance and taste of your canine food. They will include flavourings and colourings.

Overweight canines suffer! Obesity is a growing problem in dogs with serious health consequences. It can lead to diseases of internal organs, puts stress on bones, joints and the cardiovascular system, and promotes swelling. It can also shorten the life expectancy of the animal. Often , too much food is the reason for overweight. Nevertheless age, sex and breed also be involved. Especially Cocker Spaniels, Labrador Retrievers and King Charles often become overweight. Sometimes the use of diet food should be considered.

How much food does my dog need?

If the four-legged good friend gets more energy than he utilizes, he can become overweight. Therefore, it is crucial to give canines the right amount of food. How much pet food a dog needs is determined by various factors. In addition to the breed, the following aspects are relevant, for example:

Activity level: How much the four-legged friend moves determines the amount of energy it burns. A dog that moves a lot burns more calories. If the dog is not so active, it burns fewer calories and has a slower metabolism. Consequently, he needs less food.

Age: Young dogs are still growing and in many cases are more curious and energetic. They usually have a higher energy requirement than old dogs. It is recommended to reduce the quantity 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 it is time to change at the era of 10 to 12 years, for large dogs around 7 to 8 years.

Diseases: Several diseases influence a dog’s food or energy requirements. These 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 hormone levels can climb or fall, changing energy needs. For instance , dogs have different energy needs when they are pregnant or change their coat.

To find out just how much food is right for your dog, look at the food content of your dog food. A higher calorie content means a lesser amount of food is needed. Additionally, pet owners can use the next 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 pct 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 percent of his body weight.
– Snacks should not exceed 10 percent of the daily food requirement.

Any person who is uncertain about the right amount of food should talk to a vet and a nutritionist.

How can I recognize a food allergy?

The most typical allergies in dogs are flea allergy and food allergy. Possible triggers of an allergy are, for example , stress, parasitic organisms and pollen. In addition, the protein-containing substances in a feed can induce allergic reactions. What 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 or intolerance and an intolerance?

– An allergy is a hypersensitivity effect by the dog’s immune system. It reacts strongly against a certain substance. A genuine food allergy or intolerance rarely occurs in dogs. Mostly it is an intolerance. This is not triggered by the immune system.

– Likely indications of allergies and intolerances

– Possible symptoms of a food allergy or food intolerance include irritation, vomiting, abdominal pain, flatulence, diarrhoea, loss in fur, redness and frequent scratching.

– Symptoms might 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 allergy or intolerance or intolerance. They may also be caused by another disease. If your dog has these symptoms, you ought to have the cause cleared up with a vet. The vet can also determine an allergy or an intolerance, for example , through an allergy test. Additionally, it is possible to carry out an exemption diet. However, this involves a fine deal of effort.

What is an different diet?

In an exclusion diet, the owner feeds the four-legged friend only one special supply of protein and carbohydrates. These sources must be ingredients that the four-legged friend hasn’t eaten before. Dog owners should change the dog food bit by little bit. Following the food change, your canine is fed the new food for many weeks.

When the dog’s condition increases and the symptoms no longer 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 allergic reactions. Above time, a list is made of substances that the dog can endure or that cause allergic reactions in him. An elimination diet is something that pet owners can do themselves. On the other hand, it is recommended to consult a professional or speak with the vet ahead of time.

Consistent action is crucial during an different diet. The dog should not be given chews, treats or outstanding during this time period.

What should I do if my dog has an allergy?

If this turns out that your four-legged friend has a food allergy or food intolerance, the dog should no more eat the allergy-causing substances. The selected family pet food must therefore not contain any substances that your canine cannot tolerate. The same goes to treats and everything dog snacks between meals.

If absolutely nothing changes, patience is necesary: sometimes it needs a little while until the symptoms of an intolerance or allergy no longer occur. Sometimes they only disappear completely a few months following your change in food.

Precisely what is grain-free dog food?

Doggie food often includes grains. Included in this are wheat, barley and rye, for example. Embryon have an important function: they are a source of carbohydrates and energy. However, an excessive amount of it contributes to obesity and sometimes to an issue with digestion. There is also grain-free dog food. Instead of materials, it contains alternate ingredients such as potatoes and dried beans, which also provide carbohydrates to the dog.

Grain-free dog food usually makes digestion easier and it is also suitable for more sensitive dogs. However , it is not necessarily essential to use a grain-free dog food. Dogs are omnivores and are able to break down vegetable protein. Some types of feed are also especially easy to process. Such as maize and rice, for example. In some cases, however, it makes sense or is necessary to use a dog food without feed. This is especially true if your canine is allergic to food containing cereals.

If you want to give your puppy a dog food with grain, you should make sure that the grain content is not way too high and that the product has a balanced recipe.

What can dogs not tolerate?

There are a lot of foods that 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 your canine. For a medium-sized dog, even a medium-sized onion can be extremely dangerous. If a dog feeds on raw cabbage, it can get stomach cramps or unwanted wind. Raw pork could contain the Aujeszky virus, which in turn causes fatal disease. Other foods and drinks that pups should never eat include:

  • Chocolates
  • Raw taters
  • Grapes
  • Sultanas
  • Fruit pits
  • Raw pulses
  • Macadamia nuts
  • Bitter walnuts
  • Raw eggs
  • Some types of avocado
  • Birch sugar and xylitol
  • Cream and milk
  • Caffeinated drinks, such as caffeine
  • Alcohol

Furthermore, nicotine is dangerous for dogs. As a result, caution is suggested in rain messes, for example: Cigarette residues are located in them. Ashtrays should always be positioned in such a way that your canine cannot reach them.

If a dog has eaten food that is dangerous because of it, you should contact the doctor and also the veterinary emergency service directly. Meanwhile, keep the dog in a safe environment. Nevertheless, despite all the concern for the dog’s life, the following applies: Stay calm and watch to signs of poisoning. It might be necessary to take the dog to a veterinary clinic or drive it to the vet. Symptoms that could occur with poisoning include:

  • Excessive salivation
  • Excessive thirst
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhoea
  • Cramps
  • Uneasyness
  • Shortness of breath

To prevent the dog from eating incompatible foods, dog owners should make sure that family members and acquaintances do not feed them such foods. Found in addition, it is crucial to train the dog well so that it does not constantly eat whatever off the side of the road.

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FAQ – Common questions about dog food

Finally, we answer some important and frequently 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 case after about 2 months. The components and elements of puppy dog food are specially suitable for growing dogs. This is because a baby dog’s immune system, bone fragments, muscles, coat and teeth first have to build up.

With pup dog food, the focus is on nutrient intake. Above all, the puppy food must contain certain essential nutritional supplements. So that the puppy’s digestive system is not overtaxed, the food for puppies also has a lower food volume than your dog food for adult quadrupeds. In the beginning, young dogs should be provided small portions several times a day, which are then slowly increased.

When should I start using dog food for adult dogs?

This kind of will depend on the breed of dog: Up-and-coming small to medium breeds are considered grown ups 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 era, the dog’s condition of health is also an important criterion. It is a good idea to discuss the change of food with the vet.

What is the best way to store dry food?

The dry food should be kept in an foolproof container. Glass or plastic containers without plasticisers are best. Packaging with a metal layer on the inside is also recommended for storing dried food. The container or packaging should be stored in a dry and not too warm place. Otherwise the meals can become “sticky” and lose its preference and nutrients. In the worst case, mould can develop.

What is barfing?

The abbreviation BARF comes from the British and means Born-Again Raw Feeder. The UK term means “biologically species-appropriate raw feeding”. The species-appropriate diet is founded on the eating habits of wild dogs. Ready-made food plays no role in barfeeding. Instead, the dog is fed whole food such as meat, offal and bones, supplemented with vegetables, fruit, herbal oils and carbohydrates for a well-balanced supply of nutrients. Meanwhile, chemical substance and freeze-dried BARF food and deep-frozen meat can be found in the shops. Pet owners can add the other necessary components. Nevertheless , you should inform yourself well or consult with experts.

What do I actually have to consider when changing my dog’s food?

The change of food must be done slowly. In the event that the changeover is abrupt, sensitive dogs in particular can quickly suffer from intestinal problems, some of which can be considerable. A time 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 3 rd and fourth day, replace half with the new food. On the fifth and sixth day, the proportion of the new dog food should be 3 quarters. On day 7, the conversion is complete.

If the dog reacts sensitively and, for instance , gets diarrhoea in the first few days of the foodstuff change, you should extend the variation phase and increase 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 this instance, you should look for an alternative.

What should I do if my dog does not like dry food?

After that it makes sense to soak the dry food. This kind of has several advantages: Dogs often eat the dry food beyond hunger because it swells up in the stomach first. This makes it easier for them to become overweight and feel full. In the event the food has already inflamed in water, it fills the dog up faster and is easier to process. In addition, the dogs absorb more liquid with condensed dry food.

How quickly do dogs digest dry food?

Puppies usually need up to 14 hours to digest dry food. The exact time depends, among other things, on the age and size of the dog and the quality of the food. A young dog usually has a faster metabolism than an more mature animal. The number of food is also important. Little portions are broken down more quickly than large amounts. In addition, insoluble fibers remain in the stomach for a shorter time than soluble fibres. Low-fat food also leads to faster digestion. In addition , the more liquefied the meals is, the shorter the digestion time. Wet food is digested within 6 to 8 hours in adult dogs.

Are pet tests carried out for dog food?

You will discover quite a few manufacturers who carry out creature experiments to test the effects and tolerance of their newly developed types of food. PETA’s website publishes a set of manufacturers who do not test on animals.

Which manufacturers and brands produce dog food?

The best-known dog food manufacturers and dog food brands include, for instance , ROYAL CANIN, Josera and WOLFSBLUT. Other well-known manufacturers and brands are, for example:

– Bosch
– PRIMUM
– Pedigree
– RINTI
– Animonda
– MERA

When can I start feeding a puppy?

During the first weeks of its life, a puppy is given breast milk by its mother. Sound food is usually eaten by young puppies from the 3rd or 4th week of life. During this period, the mother continually feed her puppies with breast milk in parallel. To be able to accustom a puppy to dry food, it seems sensible to moisten or dilute it with some liquid – for example with puppy milk. From the 6th to 7th week of life, the puppy is normally will no longer fed with mother’s dairy.

Experts recommend soaking dry puppy food with a water until the puppy dog 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 sound right?

Producing your own dog food takes more time and work than bought food. However, it will have some advantages:

– In case you make the dog food yourself, you can make a decision for yourself which ingredients go into it.
– Dog owners range from the special needs of their four-legged friend in the preparation and adapt the food to these and the dog’s taste.
– It is possible to make the food more varied for the dog.

If, for instance , the dog is overweight, has to take medication or is intolerant to various foods, it may be sensible or essential to prepare the food yourself. Before planning the foodstuff, you should study the several ingredients. The food should be balanced and contain all the necessary nutrients. It is sometimes recommended to talk to a vet beforehand. Recipe ideas for dog food can be found on the net, for example.

Some foods are unhealthy or toxic for puppies. For example, onions and garlic should not be consumed by dogs.

Precisely what is hypoallergenic dog food?

Hypoallergenic dog food is especially well suited for dogs with allergies. It really is adapted to the needs of such a four-legged friend and can be easily digested by your dog. Presently there is hypoallergenic dry food and allergies wet food on the market. That contains few or no substances that often cause allergic reactions in dogs. Accordingly, a hypoallergenic food reduces the risk that your canine will not tolerate it and that hypersensitive reactions will occur.

Usually there is only one supply of protein in such a product. This is usually an unique meat, such as kangaroo or water buffalo. Normally, the protein source used very rarely triggers an intolerance. Nevertheless, it cannot be ruled out that even hypoallergenic dog food can lead to allergy symptoms. This happens when we have a substance in the foodstuff that the four-legged friend cannot tolerate.

In addition to dogs with allergy symptoms, hypoallergenic food is suitable for four-legged friends with a very sensitive gastrointestinal system. For these dogs, such a product provides protection against digestive problems.

James

James

Hi, my name is James, and the first thing I would like to say is thank you for stopping by my site.First of all, I'll tell you - I'm a regular person who loves dogs, and the main reason I decided to create a blog about dogs is because I got a dog a few years ago.

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