Only the best for the dog – regarding to this saying, many dog owners lovingly care for their pets. The four-legged friends need attention and profession, but above all, of course, food. The foodstuff is crucial to ensure that the dog is supplied with all the important nutrition and remains in health to live a long dog’s life. But it is often not so easy to find the right food for your own dog. Similar to humans, it is also important to consider a balanced diet. In addition, the wide range of offers in the trade can cause confusion. Various questions arise: What nutritional requirements will the dog have and what quantity? Which food is suitable at which age? Is dry or damp food the right choice for your four-legged friend? And just how much should the dog be given? What may cause deficiency symptoms?
Inside the following best protein dog food, we present 10 products. We offer information about which ingredients the foods contain and for which dogs the products are suitable. Inside our guide, we describe the types of dog food, go into some of the constituents and make clear how much food a puppy needs. In addition, you will see which foods dogs cannot tolerate and just how you can recognise a food allergy.
Below is a list of the best protein dog food:
- Edgard & Cooper Natural Wet Dog Food - Grain Free, High in Protein & Healthy... — £8.53
- Pets Purest Natural Dog Treat Chews - 100% Healthy Air-Dried Pork & Beef... — £8.99
- Edgard & Cooper Grain Free Adult Dog Dry Food - Venison & Duck 700g - Fresh... — £11.80
- Lakes Heritage 2kg Angus Beef Dog Food – 50% High Protein Premium Kibble for... — £15.49
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Forthglade Complete Natural Wet Dog Food - Grain Free Variety Pack (12 x...
—
£19.89
£22.25 -
AATU 80/20 Dry Dog Food, Chicken, High Protein, Grain Free Recipe, No...
—
£19.99
£21.99 -
Crave Dry Dog Food Natural for dogs – High Protein & Grain-Free – Turkey &...
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£38.99
£53.52 - Alpha Hi Performance Wheat Gluten Free Complete Dry Dog Food, 15 kg — £38.99
- PRO PLAN VETERINARY DIETS HA Hypoallergenic Dry Dog Food 11 kg — £59.42
- Beau Superfood 2kg English Country Duck Dog Food - 65% High Protein Premium...
After hours researching and comparing all models on the market, Life my Dog finds out the Best protein dog food of 2024. We would recommend using AATU 80/20 Dry Dog Food, Chicken, High Protein, Grain Free Recipe, No Artificial Ingredients, 1.5 kg as it is a hight quality product.
Top 10 Best protein dog food
Best protein dog food
AATU 80/20 Dry Dog Food, Chicken, High Protein, Grain Free Recipe, No Artificial Ingredients, 1.5 kg
£19.99
Features
- 80% FREE-RUN CHICKEN - Our 80/20 dry dog food combines 80% fresh free-run chicken with a 20% blend of our Super-8 mix of fruit and veg for a delicious meal your dog will enjoy every time. For 1kg of finished product we use 2.5kg of raw ingredients.
- MADE USING OUR 'SUPER-8' FOR VITAL NUTRIENTS - Our dry dog food includes a tasty and nutritious bespoke combination of 8 Vegetables - 8 Fruits - 8 Herbs - 8 Botanicals & spices carefully blended to give your pet all of the vitamins and minerals that they need.
- FREE FROM GRAIN - Our natural - high-quality grain free dry dog food is free from grain to minimise allergic reactions and is ideal for dogs with sensitive digestions.
- AIDS HEALTHY JOINTS AND BALANCE - Our tasty dry dog food is made using Glucosamine - Chondroitin and MSM for healthy joints. We also add Probiotics as an aid for a healthy gut.
- HANDCRAFTED IN SMALL BATCHES USING NATURAL INGREDIENTS - Naturally made without artificial colours - preservatives - flavours and without GM ingredients. All our recipes are made with fresh - raw meat or fish and then cooked with our unique ‘Low and Slow’ method - which helps ensure efficient digestion of the animal proteins.
Beau Superfood 2kg English Country Duck Dog Food - 65% High Protein Premium Kibble for Adult Dogs & All Breed Sizes – Naturally Hypoallergenic, Grain Free, Complete Dry Dog Food
Features
- 65% TOTAL DUCK CONTENT – Beau Superfoods premium dry dog food is high in protein and contains a minimum of 35% freshly prepared Duck. Duck is a lean, nutrient-dense protein source. It is a responsibly sourced and highly digestible source of protein. It is also rich in collagen which helps maintain healthy joints and skin.
- PLUS 20% NATURAL SUPERFOODS – Beau Superfoods natural dry dog food boasts a blend of Parsnip (Vitamin B3 for metabolism, energy and playing), Orange (Vitamin C or boosted immune system), Asparagus (Iron to support circulatory system), Beetroot (Dietary Fibre to normalise gastrointestinal transit time) and Pumpkin (Vitamin B3 for metabolism) will keep your dog active and healthy.
- EVERYDAY HEALTH & WELLBEING - Beau Superfoods complete dry dog food is rich in essential amino acids, vitamins & minerals to help maintain a healthy immune system. Contains Omega 3 & 6 essential fatty acids, Zinc and Biotin to help maintain a healthy skin & coat, plus pre-biotics MOS and FOS which are beneficial for the growth of healthy gut bacteria and support digestion. No Added Artificial Colours & Preservatives.
- GRAIN FREE & NATURALLY HYPOALLERGENIC - All Beau Superfoods caring dry dog food are 100% grain, gluten, wheat and dairy free which makes it easier to digest. This also helps your dog's health with reduced allergy reactions, flatulence, upset stomachs, discomfort, inflammation, itchiness, skin/coat issues and hair loss.
- 100 YEARS OF UK HERITAGE & EXPERTISE - Beau Superfoods is a WCF brand, who develop high quality, complete dry food to aid your dog's health and wellbeing. WCF's experience stems back to 1911 in the rural natural beauty of the Lake District, selling dog food through their Cumbrian stores to thousands of loyal customers.
Crave Dry Dog Food Natural for dogs – High Protein & Grain-Free – Turkey & Chicken, 3x 2.8kg
£38.99
Features
- Natural ingredients and a flavour your dog won't be able to say no to. Satisfy their nature with Crave turkey and chicken dry dog food / Premium quality, meaty kibble for adult dogs
- Heavy protein-rich kibble, with real pieces of meat designed to help support strong and healthy muscles / High in turkey and chicken, free from maize, wheat, soya and dairy
- A healthy four legged friend needs a meal created for them, the way nature intended - respect the animal inside with Crave / Grain free, complete dog food for small, large and senior breeds
- Flavoursome ingredients, tasty meat and natural proteins without artificial colours or flavours / Kibble designed for pets with digestive/digestion problems
- Items delivered: 3 x Crave Turkey and Chicken 2.8 kg dry food pouches / Developed and designed for adult cats / Delicious dry pet food with 60 percent animal sources
Edgard & Cooper Natural Wet Dog Food - Grain Free, High in Protein & Healthy (Multipack, 100g (Pack of 6))
Features
- Pet Things - Fur, Hair, Fins & Feathers!
Lakes Heritage 2kg Angus Beef Dog Food – 50% High Protein Premium Kibble for Adult Dogs & All Breed Sizes – Naturally Hypoallergenic, Grain Free, Complete Dry Dog Food with 45% Vegetables
Features
- 50% TOTAL ANGUS BEEF CONTENT – Lakes Heritage premium dry dog food is high in protein and contains a minimum of 28% freshly prepared beef. It is a responsibly sourced and highly digestible source of protein. We do not put any unnecessary fillers in our dog food!
- PLUS 50% VEGETABLES – Lakes Heritage natural dry dog food boasts a blend of Peas, Sweet Potato, Potato, Linseed and Beet to keep your dog active and healthy. It is one of the most natural and complete dry dog foods on the market with no added artificial colours or preservatives.
- EVERYDAY HEALTH & WELLBEING - Lakes Heritage complete dry dog food is rich in essential amino acids, vitamins & minerals to help maintain a healthy immune system. Contains Omega 3 essential fatty acids and Zinc to help maintain a healthy skin & coat, plus pre-biotics MOS and FOS which are beneficial for the growth of healthy gut bacteria and support digestion.
- GRAIN FREE & NATURALLY HYPOALLERGENIC - All Lakes Heritage caring dry dog food are 100% grain, gluten, wheat and dairy free which makes it easier to digest. This also helps your dog's health with reduced allergy reactions, flatulence, upset stomachs, discomfort, inflammation, itchiness, skin/coat issues and hair loss.
- 100 YEARS OF UK HERITAGE & EXPERTISE – Lakes Heritage 9previously Lakeland Heritage) is a WCF brand, who develop high quality, complete dry food to aid your dog's health and wellbeing. WCF's experience stems back to 1911 in the rural natural beauty of the Lake District, selling dog food through their Cumbrian stores to thousands of loyal customers.
Alpha Hi Performance Wheat Gluten Free Complete Dry Dog Food, 15 kg
Features
- Gluten free
- Wheat free
- Ideal for high performance dogs
- High protein
- Complete feed
Pets Purest Natural Dog Treat Chews - 100% Healthy Air-Dried Pork & Beef Sausage Meat Treats for Dogs, Puppy & Senior. Grain & Gluten Free Low Fat Raw Protein Dog Food Snack (200g)
Features
- RAW & HEALTHY DOG TREATS: Treat your canine to a delicious reward snack that isn't associated with the problems of unhealthier dog chew products. Pork & Beef are the only ingredients making it a perfect pet safe alternative for a good boy or girl
- JUNK FREE: There are no additives, colourings, preservatives, sugar or grain in our all natural dog chews. Itching, digestive pain, obesity and allergic reactions are all symptoms that can be associated with unhealthy doggie treats, but not ours
- 100% NATURAL: Unlike rawhide chews that use chemical based air drying for reduced drying times, we use a chemical free air drying process that is better for furry best friends. You can have total peace of mind with our dog friendly healthy treats
- PET HEALTH & TRAINING: Our beef and pork sausage meat munchies contain only two ingredients making them a grain, gluten & lactose free option for any dog on a raw food diet. These hypoallergenic dog gift treats are also suitable training treats too
- PREMIUM QUALITY: Our sausages for dogs are expertly dried using low temperatures to lock in vitamins, minerals and goodness along with an enhancing aroma. We are so confident that your dog will love these that we offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee
Edgard & Cooper Grain Free Adult Dog Dry Food - Venison & Duck 700g - Fresh Meat, High Protein, Hypoallergenic & Natural Ingredients
Features
- Made with 100 percent fresh venison and duck
- Healthy fruits, berries, garden vegetables and organic herbs
- Healthy goodies such as prebiotics
- Highly nutritious and easily digestible
- Packaging made out of 100 percent biodegradable materials
Forthglade Complete Natural Wet Dog Food - Grain Free Variety Pack (12 x 395g) Trays - Turkey, Lamb & Duck (packing may vary)
£19.89
1 used from £39.99
Features
- WET DOG FOOD VARIETY PACK: 12 x 395g trays in 3 flavours your dog will love: 4x Turkey with sweet potato & vegetables, 4x Lamb with butternut squash & vegetables and 4x Duck with potato & 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: Grain-free recipe making it easier to digest, which is great for sensitive tummies. Made using our high quality recipe with 75% turkey, lamb or duck
- 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
PRO PLAN VETERINARY DIETS HA Hypoallergenic Dry Dog Food 11 kg
Features
- Single hydrolysed protein with low molecular weight to help avoid allergic responses
- Purified carbohydrates sources to help avoid allergic responses
- With omega-3 fatty acids to help maximise the natural anti-inflammatory process
Only the best for the dog – regarding to this motto, many dog owners lovingly care for their pets. The four-legged friends need attention and occupation, but above all, of course, food. The foodstuff is crucial to ensure that the dog comes with all the important nutrition and remains in good health to live a long dog’s life. But it is often not so easy to find the right food for your own dog. 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 will the dog have and what quantity? Which in turn food is suitable where age? Is definitely dry or damp 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 dog food comparison, we present 14 products. We offer information about which ingredients the foods contain and for which pet dogs the products are suitable. Inside 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 see which foods dogs cannot endure and how you can recognise a food allergy.
The different types of dog food at a glance
Merely as every person has their own health 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 group also plays a role.
Puppies are growing and need special nutrients. In addition, their gastrointestinal system is not yet as efficient. An adult dog needs carbs, fats, oils, protein and minerals. His dog food should be balanced. More mature dogs have a slow metabolism and are no much longer as active. As a result, they want less energy, i. e. calorie consumption. Yet , the dog food should be easy to break down and include a whole lot of proteins. In addition, the types of food fluctuate in terms of composition, method of creation and consistency.
Formula – complete or complementary food?
A complete feed consists of all the nutrition the dog needs every day. The percentage 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. A complete food can be dry or wet food. Supplementary meals are not sufficient in themselves to provide the dog with all the important nutrition. These can be flakes that the dog owner combines into the food or treats. The declaration shows what it is.
Type of production
– Dry food and wet food available in family pet shops and food markets usually comes from business production. This kind of is the most frequent form of dog food. Industrially produced wet food is often completed cans or small aluminium trays. With the latter, one dish is sufficient for one portion. On the other hand, some manufacturers of professional dog food use genetically modified 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 plant, animal or other natural sources – unaltered or processed. The food must not contain any chemically synthesised additives. Yet , certain synthetic vitamins and minerals are permitted. In conditions of packaging, there is often hardly any difference compared to professional food: natural dog food is packaged in cans or as dry food.
– Organic dog food must comply with harsher guidelines regarding elements. For example, the product should not contain numerous substances such as genetically modified ingredients, hormones and pesticides. There are distinctions between the various organic dog foods: “100 per dollar organic” means that no undesirable elements have been highly processed. Together with the claim “organic”, the constituents in the natural food are 95 per penny organic. Whether it claims “made with organic”, the product includes 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 available too on the market. This dog food does not contain meat and still provides the dog with the important nutrients. Yet , vegetarian and vegan dog food contains a lot of fruit and vegetables and grains, which can cause problems if the dog is intolerant.
– A special form of dog food is BARF. The abbreviation stands for “biologically species-appropriate organic 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 natural fresh meat, often along with raw, pureed fruit or fresh vegetables. Whether this method is actually healthier is debatable. Since the meals are assembled individually, barfing much more ideal for experienced pet owners who have learned the diet program of their four-legged friends in detail.
There are manufacturers who advertise that their dog food is of food quality. This is a statement that should be treated with caution. There is no such thing as food-grade dog or cat food. This also applies to dog food. You should also watch out for attractants and flavour enhancers in dog food. These kinds of are supposed to provide the food a much better smell and flavor. Some dog fans also avoid dog or cat food/dog food from factory farming.
Big difference between extruded and cold-pressed dried fodder
Dried dog food is produced by the cold-pressing or extrusion process:
1. Cold-pressed dog food is produced by first drying the uncooked materials and then grinding and combining them. A roller presses this mass through the openings of a carol wall. Shaped and compacted chunks of feed come out the other aspect. Through the dog food production process, temps of about 90 degrees Celsius are made, which obviously contradicts the definition of cold pressing. Yet , temperatures are still significantly lower than those utilized in extrusion.
2. In the extrusion process, the ingredients for your dog food are exposed to high temperatures. Many nutrients are lost during this manufacturing process. These kinds of need to be artificially added to the meals after processing. During digesting, the dough-like extruded feed is communicated through nozzles at high pressure. Feed produced in this way swells considerably when liquid is added.
Both methods have advantages and disadvantages: Because the nutrients have not yet been broken down, a dog can digest the cold-pressed food naturally, slowly and gradually. In addition, the food consists of more natural substances. In case the four-legged friend has problems with the gastrointestinal tract and a disrupted digestion, extruded dog food can be more tolerable for him. In this dog food, the starch has already been broken down during heating. However, the manufacturing process is just an extra factor in figuring out the tolerability and quality of the food. The most important thing is the quality of the unprocessed trash.
Which is better – damp food or dry out food?
There is certainly damp and dry dog food on the market. The two types of dog food differ in their water content.
Dry food contains hardly any water and therefore has a longer shelf life . usually several years. Dogs that are fed dry food have to chew more and thus train their teeth. Consuming dry food is nearly like brushing your dog’s teeth. 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 huge benefits and disadvantages of dry food at a glance:
Pros
- Long shelf life
- Less costly than cast food
- Easier to feed on the go
- Easy to store
- Almost germ-free due to heating system during production
- Even more environmentally friendly than processed food
Cons
- Often less acceptable to your dog
- The dog’s body is deprived of water, so it has to drink more.
- Can lead to overweight faster if it is not a diet food
- 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. Frequently one package of wet food corresponds to one meal. Many dogs like damp food much better than dry food. In contrast to dry food, moist food for canines – once opened – can only be kept for a few days and nights. It must be used up within 2 days of opening. Below we have summarised the benefits and drawbacks of wet food:
Pros
- High acceptance by most four-legged friends
- Packed in handy portions
- Since 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 well
- Large dogs need more space for storage
- More difficult to hold and feed on the move
- Wet food smells more powerful
- Costs more than dry food
- Creates more waste
This is not possible to make a general statement about which type of dog food is well suited for your dog. Your dog ultimately decides which dog food it likes and which variety it prefers. To find out which type of dog food your dog likes better and which he tolerates better, you should try out both types.
Several dog owners switch between wet and dry food. The following relates to both types of food: It should be given as a main meal, never as a treat in between meals. This can lead to overfeeding of your dog.
How much meat and how many carbohydrates and nutrients are supposed to be in dog food?
The standard of the dog food plays a major role in a balanced and healthy diet. It is important that the dog food contains healthy ingredients and nutrients – irrespective of whether it is wet food or dry food. The right composition of your dog food is also crucial for good digestion and the health of the four-legged good friend.
Simply how much meat should the food contain?
Dogs are originated from wolves – that is why their digestive tract is similar to regarding predators. Therefore to start with, the source of meat is important. Yet , 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 enzyme are now able to break down starch, which means that the four-legged friend can also digest plant food in smaller quantities.
To start with, various meats provides the dog with protein. The four-legged friend needs protein for the muscles, bones, strong tissues, healthy the teeth and nerves and provide energy for its activities. Consequently, senior dogs have a lower protein requirement because they are not as energetic as young or adult animals. In general, experts say that dog food should contain between 50 and 70 per cent meat. But other ingredients are also important. If dog owners feed only meats with their four-legged friends, this can lead to digestive problems, stress on the kidneys and liver due to excess protein and deficiency symptoms.
Vitamins, minerals and sugars in dog food?
A balanced dog diet also contains nutrients that are not seen in meat – for example , vitamins and nutrients found in vegetables and fruit, or fatty stomach acids from healthy herbal oils. The four-legged friend also needs sugars. Wolves, for example, eat the belly and intestinal items of prey animals, now and then also berries and grass.
Dogs convert starch from rice, potatoes and cereals into energy and want 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 hay tend to be added to the feed. Superior quality carbohydrates are located in rice, potatoes, millet, maize, amaranth or buckwheat.
Animal fat provide the dog with twice as much energy as proteins. To prevent overweight, the foodstuff should contain these substances only moderately. How much should maintain the dog food depends on how much the dog moves. Lamb and poultry body fat are saturated oily acids. They may be stored in the body as emergency rations 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 natural oils, which are present in fish, are extremely valuable for cellular metabolism.
What should take the dog food? Dog food should include 50 to 70 per cent lean meat or muscle meat or fish with high-quality proteins. In addition, there should be about 20 to 50 pct high-quality carbohydrates for energy production and fruit, vegetables or herbs for the necessary nutritional supplements. The proportion of offal should be a more 10 percent. Offal provides valuable nutrients 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 layer and healthy pores and skin.
How do i recognise high-quality dog food?
Puppy food sold in UK must be labelled with certain mandatory information. These include:
– Treat and name of the manufacturer
– Date of manufacture or best-before time 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 instance , statements such as “with cereals” and “vegetable by-products”. A semi-open declaration lists the individual natural materials, although not their percentage. The open up declaration provides formula in % and the respective options 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 organizations. The reason for this is that the large total quantity appears smaller. For example, maize becomes maize starch, maize feed meals, maize flour, maize gluten or source. The cereal components provide carbohydrates and saturate well, but must not be included in too large volumes.
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 better its proportion. Alternatively, this implies: Only a little proportion of an ingredient that is listed far throughout the list is contained in the feed.
Other aspects by which dog owners recognise the quality of the food are:
– Meat content of 50 to 70 per cent
– Grain and veggie content between 25 and 50 percent
– Balanced elements with all the necessary vitamins and minerals
– No use of flavour enhancers
These nutrition make a good dog food
The dog’s organism has no trouble digesting good dog food. Indications of this are almost odourless faeces, high vitality and a shiny coat. The proportion of nutrition in a dog food is outlined under the word “analytical ingredients”. We now have summarised these in the table:
| Component | Quantity required | Tasks | Information and special features |
| Crude protein | 20 to 25 percent in dry food 8 to 10 percent in wet food | Builds the body’s own tissue such as muscles and bones Strengthening skin and organs Enzymes, blood and hormones also need protein | High-quality protein comes mainly from muscle meat. Low-quality protein is found in slaughterhouse waste |
| Crude ash | 5 to 8 per cent or a maximum of 10 per cent for dry food. Less than 2 percent for wet feed | Supply of inorganic substances such as magnesium, calcium, zinc or silicic acid | Formed after combustion of the feed Proportion should be balanced Sometimes cheap but unnecessary bone meal products are added |
| Crude fibre | 2 to 3 percent for dry food 0.2 to 5 percent for wet food | Support of digestion Stimulation of intestinal activity Strengthens healthy intestinal flora Influences consistency and shape of dog faeces | Proportion of dietary fibre Too high a proportion can lead to flatulence and large quantities of faeces Rumen is filled with raw fibre Otherwise in the form of vegetables and fruit |
| Crude fat | At least 15 percent in dry food for active dogs 12 to 15 percent for dry food for dogs with normal to less exercise 1 percent for wet food | Provides energy Ensure healthy skin and shiny coat | High-quality products include salmon oil, linseed oil, cod oil, pumpkin seed oil and hemp oil. |
The other possible ingredients in dog food are explained below:
1. The value for meat and canine by-products indicates the meat content in the dog food. Companies often do not declare exactly what is included. 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, bones, hooves, blood or beaks.
2. Fish as well as by-products include fish fillets, bone fragments and fish minds.
3. Plant by-products include, for example, vegetables, cereals and pulses and oil fruits. They may be 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 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 impact the dog’s performance and health – such as stabilisers for the intestinal tract flora or digestive enzymes.
7. Physical additives are employed to influence the appearance and taste of your canine food. They will include flavourings and colourings.
Overweight dogs suffer! Obesity is an expanding problem in dogs with serious health consequences. That can lead to diseases of bodily organs, puts stress on bones, joints and the cardiovascular system, and promotes inflammation. It may also shorten the life expectancy of the animal. Often , too much food is the reason for overweight. But age, sex and breed also may play a role. Especially Cocker Spaniels, Labrador Retrievers and King Charles tend to become overweight. Occasionally the use of diet food should be considered.
How much food does my dog need?
If the four-legged friend gets more energy than he consumes, he can become overweight. Therefore, it is vital to give canines the right amount of food. How much pet food a dog needs will depend on various factors. In addition to the breed, the next aspects are relevant, for example:
Activity level: How much the four-legged good friend moves determines the amount of energy it burns. A dog that moves a lot burns more calories. If the dog is not so active, it burns fewer calorie consumption and has a slower metabolism. Accordingly, he needs less food.
Age: More youthful dogs remain growing and are often more curious and lively. They usually have a higher energy requirement than older dogs. It truly is highly recommended to reduce the number of food a little every year. For old dogs, there are senior foods that are reduced fat and contain important additives. For smaller dogs it is time to change at the age of 10 to 12 years, for large dogs as soon as 7 to 8 years.
Diseases: A few diseases influence a dog’s food or energy requirements. These types of include cardiovascular problems, thyroid disease, joint disease and diabetes. Once dogs are recovering from illness, they need more pet food.
Hormone balance: A dog’s hormonal levels can climb or fall, changing energy needs. For example , 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 your canine 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 a normal activity level should be about 2 to 3 % of the dog’s weight.
– If the dog is older and does not exercise as much, a daily food amount of 2 percent 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 per cent of the daily food requirement.
Any person who is uncertain about the right amount of food should talk to a vet and/or a nutritionist.
Just how can I identify a food allergy?
The most frequent allergies in dogs are flea allergy and food allergy. Possible causes of your allergy are, for instance , stress, unwanted organisms and pollen. In addition, the protein-containing substances in a feed can result in allergic reactions. What a dog might be allergic to include, for example , soy, 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 reaction by the dog’s immune system. That reacts strongly against a certain compound. A genuine food allergic reaction rarely occurs in dogs. Mostly it is an intolerance. This is not triggered by the immune system.
– Possible symptoms of allergies and intolerances
– Possible symptoms of a food allergy or food intolerance include itchiness, vomiting, abs pain, flatulence, diarrhoea, lack of fur, redness and frequent scratching.
– Symptoms might not show up immediately after feeding the food. Sometimes they only appear a few hours or days later.
Nevertheless, the symptoms do not really have to indicate an allergic reaction or intolerance. They will may also be caused by another disease. In the event that your dog has these symptoms, you should have the cause solved by a vet. The vet can also determine an allergy or intolerance or an intolerance, for example , through an allergy test. Alternatively, it is possible to handle an exemption diet. However, this involves a lot of effort.
What is an different diet?
In an exclusion diet, the owner feeds the four-legged friend only one special source of protein and carbs. These sources must be ingredients that the four-legged good friend hasn’t eaten before. Dog owners should change the dog food bit by little. Following the food change, your canine is fed the new food for several weeks.
When the dog’s condition enhances and the symptoms will no longer occur, a provocation test is performed. Here, the dog owner has to feed his four-legged friend one substance at a time, which may be the trigger for the allergies. Above time, a list is made of substances that the dog can endure or that cause allergic reactions in him. An elimination diet is something that pet owners can do themselves. Nevertheless, it is recommended to check with a professional or speak with the vet beforehand.
Consistent action is crucial during an exclusion diet. The dog should not be given chews, treats or outstanding during this time period.
What should I do if my dog has an allergy?
If it turns out that your four-legged good friend has a food allergy or food intolerance, the dog should no more eat the allergy-causing substances. The selected pet food must therefore not contain any substances that the dog cannot tolerate. The same goes to treats and everything dog snacks between meals.
If nothing changes, patience is necesary: sometimes it calls for a while until the symptoms of an intolerance or allergy no longer take place. Sometimes they only disappear completely a few months following the change in food.
Precisely what is grain-free dog food?
Dog food often consists of grains. Included in this are wheat or grain, barley and rye, for example. Grains have an important function: they are a source of carbohydrates and energy. However, an excessive amount of it leads to obesity and sometimes to a problem with digestion. There is also grain-free dog food. Instead of grain, it contains alternative ingredients such as potatoes and legumes, which also provide carbohydrates to the dog.
Grain-free dog food usually makes digestion easier and is also well suited for more sensitive dogs. Nevertheless , it is not necessarily necessary to use a grain-free dog food. Dogs are omnivores and are able to break down vegetable protein. Some types of feed are also specifically easy to digest. Such as maize and rice, for example. In some cases, however, it makes sense or is necessary to use a dog food without materials. This is especially true if the dog is allergic to food containing cereals.
If 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 puppies can’t tolerate. Some of them are even poisonous for puppies. These include, for example, onions, organic cabbage and natural pork. Onions can be fatal, according to the size of the onion and the dog. For a medium-sized dog, even a medium-sized onion can be extremely dangerous. When a dog consumes raw cabbage, it can get stomach cramps or unwanted wind. Raw pork could retain the Aujeszky disease, which causes fatal illness. Other foods and drinks that dogs should not eat include:
- Chocolates
- Raw potatoes
- Fruit
- Sultanas
- Fruit pits
- Raw pulses
- Macadamia nuts
- Bitter almonds
- Raw ova
- 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 are located in them. Ashtrays should always be located in such a way that your dog cannot reach them.
If a dog has eaten food that is dangerous because of it, you should contact the vet or maybe the veterinary crisis service directly. Meanwhile, keep your dog in a safe environment. On the other hand, 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 may occur with poisoning include:
- Abnormal salivation
- Excessive thirst
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Aches
- Trouble sleeping
- Shortness of breath
To prevent your canine from eating incompatible foods, dog owners should make sure that relatives and acquaintances do not feed them such foods. In addition, it is crucial to train the dog well so that it does not constantly eat whatever off of the side of the road.
The best choice is the AATU 80/20 Dry Dog Food, Chicken, High Protein, Grain Free Recipe, No Artificial Ingredients, 1.5 kg.
AATU 80/20 Dry Dog Food, Chicken, High Protein, Grain Free Recipe, No Artificial Ingredients, 1.5 kg
- 80% FREE-RUN CHICKEN - Our 80/20 dry dog food combines 80% fresh free-run chicken with a 20% blend of our Super-8 mix of fruit and veg for a delicious meal your dog will enjoy every time. For 1kg of finished product we use 2.5kg of raw ingredients.
Video about best protein dog food
FAQ – Common questions about dog food
Finally, we answer some important and often asked questions about dog food.
What should I actually look for in dog food for puppies?
Puppies desire 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 8 weeks. The components and substances of puppy dog food are specially designed for growing puppies. This is because a baby dog’s immune system, bones, muscles, coat and teeth first have to develop.
With puppy dog dog food, the focus is on nutrient intake. Over all, the pup food must contain certain essential minerals and vitamins. So that the puppy’s gastrointestinal 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 given small portions many times a day, which are then gradually increased.
When should I start using dog food for adult dogs?
This depends on the breed of dog: Promising small to medium breeds are believed older people from 9 to 12 months of age. For large breeds, it is recommended to give adult food to dogs from 12 to 15 months of age. For very large breeds, it is advised to give adult food a little later – from 18 to 24 months.
When should my dog be given food for older persons?
For small dogs, 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 different breeds are considered older at 7 to 8 years of age. In addition to age, the dog’s express 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 retained 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 food can become “sticky” and lose its preference and nutrients. At worst, mould can develop.
What is barfing?
The abbreviation BARF comes from the English and means Born-Again Raw Feeder. The UK term means “biologically species-appropriate natural feeding”. The species-appropriate diet is based on the eating habits of wild dogs. Ready-made food plays no role in barfeeding. Instead, the dog is fed natural food such as meat, offal and bones, supplemented with vegetables, fruit, natural oils and carbohydrates for a well-balanced supply of nutrients. Meanwhile, compound 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 actually have to consider when changing my dog’s food?
The change of food must be done slowly. In the event the changeover is abrupt, sensitive dogs in particular can easily suffer from digestive problems, a number of that can be considerable. A period of one week is usually recommended for your dog to get used to the new food.
The change of food should proceed as comes after: On day 1 and 2, replace about a quarter of the dog’s usual food with the new food. On the 3rd and fourth day, replace half with the new food. Within the fifth and sixth day, the proportion of the new dog food should be 3 quarters. On day 7, the conversion is complete.
If the dog responds sensitively and, for instance , gets diarrhoea in the first few days of the food change, you should extend the 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 suitable for him. In this case, you should look for an alternate.
What should We do if my dog does not like dry food?
In that case it makes sense to soak the dry food. This has several advantages: Dogs often eat the dry food beyond hunger because it swells up in the stomach first. This makes it easier to allow them to become overweight and feel full. In case the food has already enlarged in water, it fills the dog up faster and is easier to break down. In addition, the dogs absorb more liquid with condensed dry food.
How quickly do dogs break down dry food?
Canines usually need up to 14 several hours to digest dry out food. The exact time depends, among other things, on the age and scale the dog and the standard of the food. A young dog usually has a faster metabolism than an more mature animal. The amount of food is important too. Small 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 brings about faster digestion. Additionally , the more liquid the meals is, the shorter the digestion time. Wet food is digested within 6 to 8 hours in mature dogs.
Are creature tests carried out for dog food?
You will 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 listing of manufacturers who do not test on animals.
Which manufacturers and brands produce dog food?
The best-known dog food manufacturers and dog food brands include, for example , ROYAL CANIN, Josera and WOLFSBLUT. Other well-known manufacturers and brands are, for example:
– Bosch
– PRIMUM
– Pedigree
– RINTI
– Animonda
– MERA
Once may i start nourishing a puppy?
During the first weeks of its life, a puppy is given breast milk by its mother. Stable food is usually eaten by pups from the 3rd or 4th week of life. During this time period, the mother is constantly on the nourish her puppies with breast milk in parallel. To be able to accustom a puppy to dry food, it makes sense to moisten or dilute it with a liquid – for example with puppy milk. From the 6th to 7th week of life, the puppy is normally will no longer fed with mother’s dairy.
Experts recommend soaking dry puppy food with a water until the puppy is 5 or 6 months old. To get the puppy used to the harder food, mix in more and more non-soaked food pieces over time.
Making dog food yourself – does it make sense?
Producing your own dog food takes more time and work than acquired food. However, it does have some advantages:
– In case you make the dog food yourself, you can make a decision for yourself which ingredients go into it.
– Puppy owners range from the special needs of their four-legged friend in the preparing 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 example , the dog is overweight, has to take medication or is intolerant to various foods, it could be sensible or required to prepare the food yourself. Before organizing the foodstuff, you should study the different elements. The foodstuff should be balanced and contain all the necessary nutrients. It is sometimes highly recommended 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 dogs. For example, onions and garlic should not be ingested by dogs.
Precisely what is hypoallergenic dog food?
Hypoallergenic dog food is especially ideal for dogs with allergic reactions. It is adapted to the needs of such a four-legged friend and can be easily broken down by your dog. Presently there is hypoallergenic dried out food and allergies wet food on the market. This contains few or no substances that cause allergic reactions in dogs. Appropriately, a hypoallergenic food reduces the risk that the dog will not tolerate it and that sensitive reactions will happen.
Usually there is merely one way to obtain necessary protein in such a product. This is usually an amazing meat, such as kangaroo or drinking water buffalo. Normally, the protein source used very rarely causes an intolerance. Nevertheless, it cannot be ruled out that even hypoallergenic dog food can lead to allergies. This kind of happens when there exists a substance in the foodstuff that the four-legged friend cannot tolerate.
In addition to dogs with allergy symptoms, hypoallergenic food is ideal for four-legged friends with a sensitive digestive tract. For these dogs, such a product can provide prevention of digestive problems.
