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 most importantly, of course, food. The foodstuff is crucial to ensure that the dog is supplied with all the important nutrients and remains in good health to live a long dog’s life. But it is often not so simple to find the right food for your own dog. Just like humans, it is also important to consider a balanced diet. In addition, the wide range of offers in the trade can cause confusion. Various questions arise: What nutritional requirements does the dog have and in what quantity? Which in turn food is ideal at which age? Is usually dry or wet food the right choice for your four-legged friend? And just how much should the dog be provided? What may cause deficiency symptoms?
Inside the following best premium 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 clarify how much food a puppy needs. In addition, you will understand which foods dogs cannot endure and exactly how you can recognise a food allergy.
Below is a list of the best premium dog food:
- CESAR Pouch Selection in Sauce, Fresh Adult Wet Dog Food Pouches in Delicious... — £32.99
- Pero 10649 Premium Dry Dog Food 15 kilograms — £35.17
- The Hunger of the Wolf Dry Dog Food - For Adult Dogs and Small or Medium... — £37.70
-
Arden Grange Puppy/Junior Dry Dog Food Rich in Fresh Chicken, 12 kg
—
£49.28
£52.89 -
Lily's Kitchen Chicken and Duck Countryside Casserole - Grain Free Adult Dry...
—
£52.89
£58.10 - Pippa & Max's 50% Duck, Sweet Potato & Orange - Premium 'Grain Free' Dried... — £53.99
- Arden Grange Adult Premium Dry Dog Food Rich in Fresh Chicken and Rice, 12 kg — £54.49
- Wolf of Wilderness Adult “Green Fields” - Lamb, Premium Complete Dry Dog Food... — £56.18
- Simpsons Premium Adult Sensitive Duck & Potato Dry Dog Food - 12kg — £80.73
- 2 x 12kg Simpsons Premium Adult Sensitive Salmon and Potato Dry Dog Food... — £129.00
After hours researching and comparing all models on the market, Life my Dog finds out the Best premium dog food of 2024. We would recommend using Arden Grange Adult Premium Dry Dog Food Rich in Fresh Chicken and Rice, 12 kg as it is one of the best products currently available in market.
Top 10 Best premium dog food
Best premium dog food
Arden Grange Adult Premium Dry Dog Food Rich in Fresh Chicken and Rice, 12 kg
Features
- A complete, super premium pet food for adult dogs
- Generous levels of fresh chicken make this a highly palatable and digestible diet which may be particularly beneficial for fussy eaters; The recipe is also maize free to suit dogs with an allergy or intolerance to this ingredient
- 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
Wolf of Wilderness Adult “Green Fields” - Lamb, Premium Complete Dry Dog Food 100% Grain and Gluten Free Enriched with Fruits of the Forest, Wild Herbs and Roots 12 kg
Features
| Size | 12 kg (Pack of 1) |
Pippa & Max's 50% Duck, Sweet Potato & Orange - Premium 'Grain Free' Dried Dog Food Adult - 10kg
Features
- 100% GRAIN FREE YUMMY PREMIUM DOG FOOD - Being GRAIN FREE, this COMPLETE DRY DOG FOOD is easy to digest resulting in FEWER TOILET RUNS and DECREASED FLATULENCE for your dog. Grain Free dog food can also REDUCE THE SYMPTOMS OF ALLERGIES in your dog such as itching, patchy coat, hair loss and upset stomachs.
- VETERINARY APPROVED FRESHLY FORMULATED RECIPES - All our recipes have been approved by TRAINED VETS as we always want to be confident that your puppy, adult or senior dog is getting the VERY BEST AND MOST BALANCED NUTRITIONAL MEAL. We use only the FRESHEST AND PUREST INGREDIENTS in our formulas which deliver BENEFICIAL & NUTRIENT RICH FOOD in every bite.
- NO ARTIFICIAL COLOURS, FLAVOURINGS OR PRESERVATIVES - We produce all our pet food using only the most NATURAL OF INGREDIENTS. This means that our DRIED HEALTHY DOG FOOD uses NATURAL PRESERVATIVES to maintain the FRESHEST AND HEALTHIEST of pet foods SUITABLE FOR ALL TYPES OF DOGS including domestic or working dogs.
- 50% DUCK (INCLUDING 28% FRESHLY PREPARED DUCK) A HIGH PROTEIN SOURCE - Rich in AMINO ACIDS, VITAMINS & MINERALS this pet food is a natural, traditionally sourced HIGHLY DIGESTIBLE PROTEIN meal.
- ENHANCED WITH OMEGA 3 & VITAMINS - An excellent source of EPA & DHA to SUPPORT COGNITIVE FUNCTION, VISUAL DEVELOPMENT & help REDUCE THE INFLAMMATION RESPONSE.
2 x 12kg Simpsons Premium Adult Sensitive Salmon and Potato Dry Dog Food Multibuy
Features
| Part Number | SSA12-2 |
| Size | 2 kg (Pack of 1) |
Arden Grange Puppy/Junior Dry Dog Food Rich in Fresh Chicken, 12 kg
£49.28
Features
- A complete, super premium pet food for small and medium breed puppies and adolescent dogs; Formulated with the optimal balance of vitamins and minerals to encourage steady, healthy growth and development
- With a generous helping of fresh chicken included to provide a delicious and easily digestible source of protein
- 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
Pero 10649 Premium Dry Dog Food 15 kilograms
Features
- Pero Premium 15kg
- Foods - Dog - Dry Working / Racing
CESAR Pouch Selection in Sauce, Fresh Adult Wet Dog Food Pouches in Delicious Sauce with Succulent Meats and Vegetables, 2 x (24 x 100g)
Features
- CESAR deliciously fresh 100% complete wet dog food pouches, filled with a tasty combination of either beef & carrots, chicken & vegetables, lamb & peas or turkey & carrots, in a tasty sauce
- Each meal consists of a tried and tested dog-friendly recipe with mouth-watering moist selected meats, tasty vegetables, vitamins and minerals, combined with a sauce that dogs just can't resist
- Wet food pouches lock in the freshness of our ingredients and we don't add any sugar, artificial colours or flavours, just great tasting, gently cooked, natural food that your dog will crave more of
- Happy dogs make happy homes and with CESAR pouches, your four-legged friend will look forward to mealtimes like never before, these succulent meals can be served on their own or with dry dog food
- Items delivered: 48 pouches of CESAR Pouch Selection in Sauce, 12 x Beef & Carrots, 12 x Chicken & Vegetables, 12 x Lamb & Peas and 12 x Turkey & Carrots, 100% complete tasty wet dog food
Simpsons Premium Adult Sensitive Duck & Potato Dry Dog Food - 12kg
Features
- Foods - Dog - Dry Adult
Lily's Kitchen Chicken and Duck Countryside Casserole - Grain Free Adult Dry Dog Food (7 kg)
£52.89
Features
- Keep your pooch happy and healthy with this complete and balanced, grain-free recipe dry food for dogs 4 months+
- This dog food is made with natural ingredients including freshly prepared meat and offal. We’re talking 31% fresh chicken and 8% freshly prepared duck, steamed cooked for gentle digestion
- Once your woofer has devoured their dry food, why not try the rest of our delicious dog food made with natural ingredients. From wet food, dental and treats. Our natural food is suitable for small, medium and large dogs
- As a B Corp company, we are committed to our target to be fully recyclable by 2025. To find out more about our sustainable initiatives, and how we use our business as a force for good! Visit our brandstore
- Here at Lily’s Kitchen, we make proper food using responsibly sourced ingredients and freshly prepared meat and offal, so we can provide your pet with wholesome, natural food. Only the best for your furry family
The Hunger of the Wolf Dry Dog Food - For Adult Dogs and Small or Medium Breeds - 14 Kilograms, Formula with Chicken, Vitamin C and Vitamin E
Features
- Ideal for adult dogs of small and medium breeds - the size, structure and shape of these kibbles are adapted to suit small and medium dog breeds.
- Healthy formula - contains essential amino acids for tissue recovery, all-round good health and also Vitamins E and C which increase immunity, enhance cell protection and regeneration.
- No added gluten, free of soya and chemical dyes. No artificial preservatives. Only natural antioxidants.
- The real label - 280 g of chicken meal in 1 kg of food corresponds to 1120 g of fresh meat. In The Hunger of The Wolf dog food we use a meal so we do not claim very high content of raw meat only to make the labels look much better to the consumer than they really are. Raw meat may contain 70%-90% water. For example chicken meal is simply fresh chicken that has already been cooked to remove moisture – this makes it a much more highly-concentrated source of protein.
- A delicious taste your dog will love - by creating this dog food we remembered about ancestors of dogs - wolves, which are true carnivores, therefore, the main ingredient of our food is always meat.
The particular best for the dog – relating to this slogan, many dog owners lovingly care for their pets. The four-legged friends need attention and job, but above all, of course, food. The foodstuff is crucial to ensure that the dog is supplied with all the important nutrients and remains in health to live a long dog’s life. But it is often not so easy to find 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. Numerous questions arise: What nutritional requirements does the dog have in addition to what quantity? Which in turn food is appropriate at which age? Is definitely dry or damp food the right choice for your four-legged friend? And how much should the dog be given? What can cause deficiency symptoms?
In the following dog food comparison, we present 14 products. We provide information about which ingredients the foods contain and for which dogs the products are suitable. Within our guide, we describe the types of dog food, go into some of the ingredients and make clear how much food your dog needs. In addition, you will learn which foods dogs cannot tolerate and exactly how you can recognise a food allergy.
The different types of dog food at a glance
Merely as every person has their own own dietary needs, every dog’s preferences are different. The choice of food that moves into the dog’s bowl should be produced 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 tract is not yet as efficient. An adult dog needs carbohydrates, fats, oils, healthy proteins and minerals. His dog food should be balanced. More mature dogs have a slow metabolism and are no for a longer time as active. Consequently, they require less energy, i. e. calories. However , the dog food should be easy to break down and contain a lot of proteins. In addition, the types of food differ in words of composition, method of production and consistency.
Formula – complete or complementary food?
A complete feed consists of all the nutrition the dog needs every day. The proportion of proteins, fatty acids, vitamins and minerals varies according to the product. The ingredients should be adapted to age, activity and possible allergies of the four-legged friend. An entire food can be dry or damp food. Supplementary foods are not sufficient per to provide the dog with all the crucial nutrition. These can be flakes that the dog owner blends into the food or treats. The declaration shows what it is.
Type of production
– Dry food and wet food available in family pet shops and grocery stores 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. Together with the latter, one dish is sufficient for one portion. However, some manufacturers of commercial dog food use genetically modified raw materials and additives.
Industrially produced dog food has a long shelf life. With a few conditions, this dog food can be stored unopened for several years with no loss of quality.
– Natural dog food only uses raw materials that come from plant, animal or other natural sources – unaltered or highly processed. The food must not contain any chemically synthesised additives. Yet , certain synthetic minerals and vitamins are permitted. In conditions of packaging, there is often hardly any difference compared to commercial food: natural dog food is packaged in cups or as dry out food.
– Organic and natural dog food must comply with stricter guidelines regarding substances. For example, the product should not contain numerous substances such as genetically modified ingredients, hormones and pesticides. You will discover dissimilarities between the various organic and natural dog foods: “100 per penny organic” means that no undesirable ingredients have been prepared. With the claim “organic”, the ingredients in the natural food are 95 per penny organic. If it claims “made with organic”, the product includes 70 per cent 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 , vegetarian and vegan dog food contains a lot of fresh vegetables and grains, which can issues if the dog is intolerant.
– A special form of dog food is BARF. The abbreviation is short for “biologically species-appropriate natural feeding”. This species-appropriate method of feeding raw food is based on the dog’s ancestor – the wolf. Once barfing, the dog is fed raw fresh meat, often combined with raw, pureed fruit or fruit and vegetables. Whether this method is actually more healthy is debatable. Since the meals are assembled individually, barfing is far more well suited for experienced pet owners who have studied 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 statement that needs to be treated with caution. There is no such thing as food-grade dog or cat food. This also applies to dog food. You should also watch out for attractants and flavour enhancers in dog food. These are supposed to give the food a much better smell and taste. Some dog lovers also avoid family 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 raw materials and then grinding and blending them. A painting tool presses this mass through the openings of a carol wall. Shaped and compacted chunks of feed come away the other part. Through the dog food production process, temperature ranges of around 90 degrees Celsius are generated, which obviously contradicts the definition of cold depressing. However , temperatures are still significantly lower than those utilized in extrusion.
2. In the extrusion process, the ingredients for your canine food are exposed to high temperatures. Many nutrients are lost during this manufacturing process. These types of must be artificially added to the foodstuff after processing. During processing, the dough-like extruded feed is communicated through nozzles at high pressure. Give food to produced in this way swells significantly when liquid is added.
Both methods have advantages and disadvantages: Because the nutrients have not yet been damaged down, a dog can digest the cold-pressed food naturally, slowly and gradually. In addition, the food contains more natural ingredients. If the four-legged friend has problems with the gastrointestinal system 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. However, the manufacturing process is just a supplementary factor in figuring out the tolerability and quality of the food. The most important thing is the quality of the recycleables.
Which is better – damp food or dry food?
There exists moist and dry dog food on the market. The two types of dog food differ in their water content.
Dry food includes hardly any water and therefore has a longer shelf life . usually several years. Dogs that are fed dry food have to chew up more and therefore teach their teeth. Ingesting dry food is nearly like brushing your dog’s teeth. Intended for dogs that drink little, feeding dry food can be considered a disadvantage. They can become dehydrated if they are provided only dry food. Therefore, it is important to provide the dog with enough water. The advantages and disadvantages of dry food at a glance:
Pros
- Long shelf life
- Less expensive than wet food
- Easier to feed on the go
- Easy to store
- Almost germ-free due to heating during production
- More environmentally friendly than processed food
Cons
- Generally less acceptable to the dog
- The dog’s person is deprived of water, so it has to drink more.
- Can lead to overweight more quickly if it is not a food items for deiting
- Risk of mould or temperato formation if stored incorrectly
Wet dog food has a high water content. The wet food is usually portioned in tins or small bowls. Generally one package of wet food corresponds to one meal. Various dogs like wet food much better than dry food. In contrast to dry food, wet food for canines – once exposed – can only be kept for a few times. It must be used up within 2 days of opening. Beneath we have summarised the benefits and down sides of wet food:
Pros
- High approval by most four-legged friends
- Packed in convenient portions
- Because of the high water content in wet food, the dog 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 perfectly
- Good sized dogs need to know more space for storage
- Even more difficult to transport 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 well suited for your dog. The dog ultimately chooses which dog food it likes and which variety it prefers. To find out which type of dog food your puppy likes better and which this individual tolerates better, you should try away both types.
Several dog owners switch between wet and dry food. The following relates to both types of food: It should just be given as a main meal, never as a treat in between meals. This kind of can lead to overfeeding of your dog.
How much various meats and how many carbs and nutrients belong in dog food?
The quality of the dog food plays a major role in a balanced and proper diet. It is important that the dog food includes healthy ingredients and nutrients – no matter of whether it is wet food or dry food. The right composition of your dog food is also crucial for good digestion and the health of the four-legged good friend.
Just how much meat should the food contain?
Dogs are originated from wolves – that is why their digestive system is similar to those of predators. Therefore above all, the resource of meat is important. Yet , 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 digestive function. For example, the dog’s digestive chemical are now able to break down starch, meaning that the four-legged friend can also digest plant food in smaller quantities.
First and foremost, meat provides the dog with protein. The four-legged friend needs protein for their muscles, bones, strong tissues, healthy tooth and nerves and provide energy for its activities. Therefore, senior dogs have a lower protein requirement because they are not as lively as young or adult animals. In general, experts admit dog food should contain between 50 and 70 per cent meat. But other ingredients are also important. If dog owners feed only various meats for their four-legged friends, this may lead to an issue with digestion, stress on the kidneys and liver due to excess protein and deficiency symptoms.
Nutritional vitamins, minerals and sugars in dog food?
A balanced dog diet also contains nutrients that are not found in meat – for example , vitamins and nutrients found in vegetables and fruit, or fatty acids from healthy herbal oils. The four-legged good friend also needs carbohydrates. Wolves, for example, eat the stomach and intestinal contents of prey pets or animals, now and then also berries and grass.
Dogs convert starch from hemp, potatoes and cereals into energy and require it for their intestinal flora. Nevertheless, the need for carbohydrates is low. Fillers from herb waste such as press residues from oil production, stalks, husks or straw are often added to the feed. High-quality carbohydrates are found in rice, potatoes, millet, maize, amaranth or buckwheat.
Animal fats provide the dog with twice as much energy as proteins. To prevent overweight, the foodstuff should contain these substances only moderately. How much should be in the dog food depends on how much the pet moves. Lamb and poultry fat are saturated fatty acids. They may be stored in the body as emergency portion and are designed as a hold for bad times. Meat and vegetable oil contain condensed omega-6 fatty acids and unsaturated oily acids. Omega-3 natural oils, which are present in fish, are extremely valuable for cellular metabolism.
What should take the dog food? Dog food should consist of 50 to 70 percent lean meat or muscle meat or fish with superior quality proteins. In addition, there should be about 20 to 50 percent high-quality carbohydrates for energy production and fruit, vegetables or herbs for the necessary vitamins and minerals. The proportion of offal should be a more 10 percent. Offal provides valuable nutrition such as biotin or iron. Great quality oils such as salmon essential oil or linseed fat improve nutrient absorption and ensure a functioning cardiovascular system, a shiny coat and healthy skin.
How could i recognise superior quality dog food?
Doggie food sold in UK must be labelled with certain mandatory information. These include:
– Talk about and name of the manufacturer
– Date of make or best-before time of the dog food
– Name 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 lists the individual raw materials, however, not their percentage. The start declaration provides the formula in per cent and the respective options of raw materials. When reading the food label, dog owners should also note the following:
1. Many manufacturers split the word feed into individual organizations. The reason for this is that the large total quantity appears smaller. For example, maize becomes maize starch, maize feed food, maize flour, maize gluten or feed. The cereal components provide carbohydrates and saturate well, but really should not be included in too large volumes.
2. The elements in the supply are listed in descending order relating to their amount. The further forward an ingredient is listed on the label, the better its proportion. Conversely, what this means is: Only a tiny proportion of an ingredient that is listed far over 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 substances 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 nutrition in a dog food is detailed under the definition of “analytical ingredients”. We have summarised these in the table:
| Component | Quantity required | Tasks | Information and special features |
| Crude protein | 20 to 25 percent in dry food 8 to 10 percent in wet food | Builds the body’s own tissue such as muscles and bones Strengthening skin and organs Enzymes, blood and hormones also need protein | High-quality protein comes mainly from muscle meat. Low-quality protein is found in slaughterhouse waste |
| Crude ash | 5 to 8 per cent or a maximum of 10 per cent for dry food. Less than 2 percent for wet feed | Supply of inorganic substances such as magnesium, calcium, zinc or silicic acid | Formed after combustion of the feed Proportion should be balanced Sometimes cheap but unnecessary bone meal products are added |
| Crude fibre | 2 to 3 percent for dry food 0.2 to 5 percent for wet food | Support of digestion Stimulation of intestinal activity Strengthens healthy intestinal flora Influences consistency and shape of dog faeces | Proportion of dietary fibre Too high a proportion can lead to flatulence and large quantities of faeces Rumen is filled with raw fibre Otherwise in the form of vegetables and fruit |
| Crude fat | At least 15 percent in dry food for active dogs 12 to 15 percent for dry food for dogs with normal to less exercise 1 percent for wet food | Provides energy Ensure healthy skin and shiny coat | High-quality products include salmon oil, linseed oil, cod oil, pumpkin seed oil and hemp oil. |
The other possible ingredients in dog food are explained below:
1. The value for meat and pet by-products indicates the meat content in the dog food. Companies often do not declare precisely what is included. It can be high-quality muscle meat or offal as well as low-quality offal. The latter includes, among other things, dried meats, rumen or chaps. Animal by-products include, for instance , hair, our bones, hooves, blood or beaks.
2. Seafood as well as its by-products include fish fillets, bones and fish mind.
3. Plant by-products include, for example, vegetables, cereals and pulses and essential oil fruits. They can be to some extent health- and digestion-promoting food components.
4. Technological additives are preservatives, separating and binding agents, stabilisers, thickening and solidifying agents and acidity 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 friend. They should be within the right formula, for example as vitamins, provitamins, amino acids and trace elements.
6. Zootechnical additives can be added to the feed to effect the dog’s performance and health – such as stabilisers for the digestive tract flora or digestive : enzymes.
7. Sensory additives are employed to influence the appearance and taste of your dog food. They include flavourings and colourings.
Overweight dogs suffer! Obesity is a growing problem in dogs with serious health consequences. This can lead to diseases of internal organs, puts stress on bones, joints and the cardiovascular system, and promotes swelling. Additionally, it may shorten the life expectancy of the animal. Often , too much food is the reason for overweight. Nevertheless age, sex and breed also be involved. 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?
In the event that the four-legged friend gets more energy than he utilizes, he can become overweight. Therefore, it is crucial to give puppies the necessary food. Just how much pet food a dog needs is determined by various factors. In addition to the breed, the next aspects are relevant, for example:
Activity level: How much the four-legged friend moves determines the amount of energy it burns. Your dog that moves a lot burns more calories. If the dog is not so active, it burns fewer calories from fat and has a slower metabolism. Accordingly, he needs less food.
Age: More youthful dogs continue to be growing and are often more curious and active. They usually have a higher energy requirement than older dogs. It is highly recommended to reduce the amount of food a little each year. For older dogs, there are senior foods that are lower in excess fat and contain important additives. For smaller dogs you need to change at the age group of 10 to 12 years, for large dogs as soon as 7 to 8 years.
Diseases: Some diseases influence a dog’s food or energy requirements. These include cardiovascular problems, thyroid disease, osteo-arthritis and diabetes. When dogs are coping with illness, they need more pet food.
Hormone balance: A dog’s hormone levels can climb or fall, changing energy needs. For 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 calorie content of the dog food. A higher calorie content means a lower 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 percent 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 movements a lot or is recovering from an illness should be fed more. His necessary food amount per day is up to 5 pct of his body weight.
– Snacks should not exceed 10 % of the daily food requirement.
Any person who is not sure about the right amount of food should talk to a vet and a nutritionist.
Just how can I recognize a food allergic reaction?
The most frequent allergies in dogs are flea allergy and food allergy. Possible sets off of the allergy are, for example , stress, parasitic organisms and pollen. In addition, the protein-containing substances in a feed can trigger allergic reactions. Ingredients that a dog might be allergic to include, for instance , soy, animal proteins from poultry, pork or beef, and cause.
What is the between an allergic reaction and an intolerance?
– An allergy is a hypersensitivity reaction by the dog’s immune system. This reacts strongly against a certain material. 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 itchiness, vomiting, stomach pain, flatulence, diarrhoea, loss of fur, redness and frequent scratching.
– Symptoms may not show up immediately after feeding the food. Sometimes they only appear a few hours or days later.
On the other hand, the symptoms do not necessarily have to indicate an allergy or intolerance or intolerance. They may also be caused by another disease. In the event that your dog has these symptoms, you need to have the cause clarified by a vet. The vet can also determine an allergy or an intolerance, for example , through an allergy test. Additionally, it is possible to undertake an exemption diet. However, this involves a fine deal 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 hasn’t eaten before. Pet owners should change the dog food bit by little bit. After the food change, your canine is fed the new food for many weeks.
When the dog’s condition increases and the symptoms no more occur, a provocation test is performed. Here, the dog owner has to feed his four-legged friend one substance at a time, 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 dog owners can do themselves. Nevertheless, it is a good idea to check with a professional or talk to the vet ahead of time.
Consistent action is crucial during an exemption diet. The dog really should not be given chews, treats or outstanding during this time.
What should I do if my dog has an allergy?
Whether it turns out that your four-legged friend has a food allergy or food intolerance, the dog should no more eat the allergy-causing substances. The selected family pet food must therefore not contain any substances that your dog cannot tolerate. The same goes to treats and dog snacks between meals.
If practically nothing changes, patience is called for: sometimes it calls for a while until the symptoms of an intolerance or allergy no longer happen. Sometimes they only disappear completely weeks following the change in food.
What is grain-free dog food?
Dog food often contains grains. These include wheat, barley and rye, for example. Grain have an important function: they are a source of carbohydrates and energy. However, an excessive amount of it contributes to obesity and sometimes to a problem with digestion. There is also grain-free dog food. Instead of materials, it contains option ingredients such as potatoes and dried beans, which also provide carbohydrates to the dog.
Grain-free dog food usually makes digestion easier and is also also suited to more sensitive dogs. Nevertheless , it is not necessarily essential to use a grain-free dog food. Dogs are omnivores and are able to break down vegetable protein. A few types of feed are also specifically easy to break down. These include maize and rice, for example. In some instances, however, it makes sense or is necessary to use a dog food without feed. This is especially true if the 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 dogs can’t tolerate. Some of them are actually poisonous for puppies. These include, for example, onions, natural cabbage and organic 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 the dog feeds on raw cabbage, it can get stomach cramps or unwanted wind. Raw pork could retain the Aujeszky disease, which in turn causes fatal disease. Other foods and drinks that dogs should never eat include:
- Chocolate
- Raw carrots
- Vineyard
- Sultanas
- Fruit pits
- Raw pulses
- Macadamia nuts
- Bitter walnuts
- Raw eggs
- Some types of avocado
- Birch glucose and xylitol
- Cream and milk
- Caffeinated drinks, such as espresso
- Alcohol
Furthermore, nicotine is dangerous for dogs. Consequently, caution is recommended in rain messes, for example: Cigarette residues can be found in them. Ashtrays should always be placed in such a way that your canine cannot reach them.
If a dog has eaten food that is dangerous for this, you should contact the doctor and also the veterinary emergency service directly. Meanwhile, maintain the dog in a secure environment. However, despite all the concern for the dog’s life, the following applies: Stay calm and watch to signs of poisoning. It could be necessary to take the dog to a veterinary clinic or drive it to the vet. Symptoms that could occur with poisoning include:
- Extreme salivation
- Excessive thirst
- Nausea
- Diarrhoea
- Cramps
- Trouble sleeping
- Shortness of breath
To prevent your canine from eating incompatible foods, dog owners should make sure that family and acquaintances do not feed them such foods. Found in addition, it is important to train the dog well so that it does not constantly eat anything off of the side of the road.
The best choice is the Arden Grange Adult Premium Dry Dog Food Rich in Fresh Chicken and Rice, 12 kg.
Arden Grange Adult Premium Dry Dog Food Rich in Fresh Chicken and Rice, 12 kg
- A complete, super premium pet food for adult dogs
- Generous levels of fresh chicken make this a highly palatable and digestible diet which may be particularly beneficial for fussy eaters; The recipe is also maize free to suit dogs with an allergy or intolerance to this ingredient
Video about best premium dog food
FAQ – Frequently asked 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 need a different dog food than adult puppies. 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 ingredients of puppy dog food are specially made for growing canines. This is because a baby dog’s immune system, bones, muscles, coat and teeth first have to build up.
With pup dog food, the focus is on nutrient intake. Over all, the pup food must contain certain essential minerals and vitamins. So that the puppy’s digestive system is not overtaxed, the food for puppies also has a lower food volume than your canine food for adult quadrupeds. Found in the beginning, young dogs should be provided small portions many times a day, which are then slowly increased.
When should I start using dog food for adult dogs?
This kind of depends upon the breed of dog: Up-and-coming small to medium breeds are viewed as older people from 9 to 12 months of age. For large breeds, it is recommended to give adult food to dogs from 12 to 15 months of age. For very large breeds, it is advised to give adult food a little later – from 18 to 24 months.
When should my dog be given food for elderly people?
For small canines, the difference in diet should take place between 10 and 12 years of age. For medium-sized dogs, it is time at 8 to 9 years. Large different breeds are considered older at 7 to 8 years old. In addition to age, the dog’s state of health is also an important criterion. It is highly recommended to discuss the change of food with the vet.
What is the best way to store dry food?
The dry food should be kept 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 meals can become “sticky” and lose its taste and nutrients. At worst, mould can develop.
Precisely what is barfing?
The abbreviation BARF comes from the British and means Born-Again Raw Feeder. The UK term means “biologically species-appropriate natural 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 natural food such as meat, offal and bones, supplemented with vegetables, fruit, natural oils and carbohydrates for a balanced supply of nutrients. Meanwhile, chemical substance and freeze-dried BARF food and deep-frozen meat can be purchased in the shops. Pet owners can add the other necessary components. Yet , you should notify yourself well or consult with experts.
What do I 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 dogs in particular can quickly suffer from intestinal problems, some of that can be considerable. An interval of one week is usually recommended for your dog to get used to the new food.
The change of food should proceed as follows: On day 1 and 2, replace about a quarter of the dog’s usual food with the new food. On the 3 rd and fourth day, replace half with the new food. Around the fifth and sixth day, the proportion of the new dog food should be 3 quarters. On day 7, the move is complete.
In the event the dog reacts sensitively and, for example , gets diarrhoea in the first few days of the meals change, you should extend the adaptation 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 suited to him. In this case, you should look for an alternate.
What should I do if my dog does not like dry food?
After that it makes sense to soak the dry food. This has several advantages: Dogs often eat the dry food beyond hunger because it swells up in the stomach first. This makes it easier for them to become overweight and feel full. In case the food has already 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 fast do dogs break down 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 scale the dog and the quality of the food. A young dog usually has a faster metabolism than an older animal. The number of food is important too. 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. Less fat food also leads to faster digestion. Additionally , the more water the food is, the shorter the digestion time. Wet food is digested within 6 to 8 hours in adult dogs.
Are animal tests carried out for dog food?
You will find 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 list of manufacturers who do not test on animals.
Which manufacturers and brands produce dog food?
The best-known dog food manufacturers and dog food brands include, for example , ROYAL CANIN, Josera and WOLFSBLUT. Other well-known manufacturers and brands are, for example:
– Bosch
– PRIMUM
– Pedigree
– RINTI
– Animonda
– MERA
Once is i able to start nourishing a puppy?
During the first weeks of its life, a puppy is given breast milk by its mother. Sound food is usually eaten by puppies from the 3rd or 4th week of life. During this time, the mother continues to nourish her puppies with breast milk in parallel. In order to accustom a puppy to dry food, it seems sensible to moisten or dilute it which includes liquid – for example with puppy milk. From the 6th to 7th week of life, the puppy is normally will no longer given with mother’s milk.
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 seem sensible?
Producing your own dog food takes more time and work than bought food. However, it does incorporate some advantages:
– In case you make the dog food yourself, you can make a decision for yourself which ingredients go into it.
– Doggie owners range from the special needs of their four-legged good friend in the preparing and adapt the meals to these and the dog’s flavor.
– It is possible to make the food more varied for the dog.
If, for instance , the dog is overweight, has to take medication or is intolerant to various foods, it might be sensible or essential to prepare the food yourself. Before planning the foodstuff, you should study different elements. The food should be balanced and contain all the necessary nutrients. It is often a good idea to talk to a vet in advance. Recipe ideas for dog food can be found on the net, for example.
Some foods are unhealthy or toxic for canines. For example, onions and garlic should not be eaten 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 broken down by your dog. There is hypoallergenic dry food and hypoallergenic wet food on the market. This contains few or no substances that often cause allergic reactions in dogs. Accordingly, a hypoallergenic food reduces the risk that your dog will not tolerate it and that sensitive reactions will take place.
Usually there is just one source of necessary protein in such a product. This is usually an amazing meat, such as kangaroo or water buffalo. Normally, the protein source used very rarely triggers an intolerance. Even so, it cannot be ruled out that even hypoallergenic dog food can business lead to allergy symptoms. This happens when there exists a substance in the meals that the four-legged friend cannot put up with.
In addition to dogs with allergies, hypoallergenic food is well suited for four-legged friends with a delicate digestive system. For these dogs, such a product provides prevention of digestive problems.
