The particular best for the dog – relating to this saying, many dog owners lovingly care for their pets. The four-legged friends need attention and occupation, but especially, 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 no problem finding the right food for your own dog. Just like humans, it is also important to consider a balanced diet. In addition, the multitude of offers in the trade can cause confusion. Various questions arise: What nutritional requirements will the dog have in addition to what quantity? Which food is appropriate at which age? Is usually dry or moist food the right choice for your four-legged friend? And exactly how much should the dog be fed? What causes deficiency symptoms?
Inside the following best puppy food for small dog breeds, we present 10 products. You can expect information about which ingredients the foods contain and for which pups the products are suitable. Inside our guide, we describe the types of dog food, go into some of the constituents and describe how much food a dog needs. In addition, you will see which foods dogs cannot endure and how you can recognise a food allergy.
Below is a list of the best puppy food for small dog breeds:
-
IAMS for Vitality Small/Medium Breed Puppy Dry Dog Food with Fresh Chicken, 3 kg
—
£10.50
£10.99 - Wellness CORE Small Breed Original Dog Food Dry, Grain Free - Turkey with... — £12.49
- Burns Pet Nutrition Hypoallergenic Complete Dry Dog Food Puppy Mini Chicken... — £13.49
- Eukanuba Puppy Dog Food for Small Dogs Rich in Fresh Chicken for the Optimal... — £16.75
-
PRO PLAN Small and Mini Puppy Dry Dog Food Chicken 3kg
—
£20.89
£22.89 - Acana Dog Food for Puppy Small Breed, 2 kg — £24.38
-
Eukanuba Dog Food with Lamb and Rice for Small/Medium Breed, 12 Kg
—
£38.99
£46.99 - James Wellbeloved Complete Dry Adult Small Breed Dog Food Turkey and Rice,7.5 kg — £39.65
-
James Wellbeloved Complete Dry Adult Small Breed Dog Food Lamb and Rice, 7.5 kg
—
£39.96
£44.09 - James Wellbeloved Complete Dry Adult Small Breed Dog Food Fish and...
After hours researching and comparing all models on the market, Life my Dog finds out the Best puppy food for small dog breeds of 2024. We would recommend using PRO PLAN Small and Mini Puppy Dry Dog Food Chicken 3kg as it is our top pick for you.
Top 10 Best puppy food for small dog breeds
Best puppy food for small dog breeds
PRO PLAN Small and Mini Puppy Dry Dog Food Chicken 3kg
£20.89
Features
- Enables puppies' developing immune system to react efficiently
- Specific ingredient to help support natural defences and long term health
- Specially formulated for dental care
- A combination of key nutrients that helps to support healthy joints for puppies’ active lifestyle
- Made with high quality pieces of chicken
Acana Dog Food for Puppy Small Breed, 2 kg
Features
- rapid Physical development
- diet rich in protein
- keeps your dog healthy and strong
IAMS for Vitality Small/Medium Breed Puppy Dry Dog Food with Fresh Chicken, 3 kg
£10.50
Features
- IAMS for Vitality with fresh chicken for small and medium breed puppies is a 100% complete and balanced pet food that nourishes your puppy's healthy vitality & Supporting 7 signs of healthy vitality
- Contains DHA to promote healthy brain development & With high quality animal protein and essential minerals to support healthy growth
- Contains antioxidant blend with vitamin C & E to help the immune system & Enriched with essential minerals and vitamin D to support strong bones
- Crunchy kibbles and tailored mineral levels for healthy teeth
- Tailored fibre blend including prebiotics and beet pulp for healthy digestion
Eukanuba Dog Food with Lamb and Rice for Small/Medium Breed, 12 Kg
£38.99
Features
- For small and medium adult dogs with a sensitive skin and digestion who prefer the taste of lamb
- Easy-to-digest proteins and beet fibre aid the absorption of nutrients and encourage a healthy digestion
- Valuable calcium and a good balance of nutrients help to support healthy bones and joints
- Contains no artificial colours, aromas or preservatives
James Wellbeloved Complete Dry Adult Small Breed Dog Food Turkey and Rice,7.5 kg
Features
- Hypoallergenic dog food for pets with sensitivities, selected natural ingredients, no added artificial flavours, colours, or antioxidants
- Adult small breed dog food with a single source animal protein recipe excludes common allergens beef, pork, soya, eggs, dairy and wheat with natural prebiotics for mature dogs' healthy digestion
- Dog food dry with vitamin E and minerals to support the immune system, omega 6 fatty acids and zinc to promote healthy skin and coat
- Turkey meal - A delicious source of protein with essential minerals brown and white rice a highly digestible carbohydrate, gentle on the stomach, linseed a great source of omega 3
- Chicory extract – A source of prebiotic inulin helping to maintain the gut flora, yucca a natural deodoriser for less smelly poos, smaller kibble for small breed dogs' smaller mouths
Burns Pet Nutrition Hypoallergenic Complete Dry Dog Food Puppy Mini Chicken and Rice 2 kg
Features
- Made with natural ingredients
- Developed by Veterinary Surgeon John Burns
- Specially formulated for toy and small breed puppies
- Smaller kibble for smaller mouths
- Healthy growth and development
Eukanuba Puppy Dog Food for Small Dogs Rich in Fresh Chicken for the Optimal Body Condition of Your Dog, 3 kg
Features
- Tailored puppy food with fresh chicken for small breed dogs in a resealable bag
- Improved formula for the healthy digestion and optimal body condition of your dog
- A distinct hexagon kibble shape which improves palatability
- Contains DentaDefense to reduce tartar build-up and maintain strong clean teeth
- Planet friendly pet food: At least 25 percent of Eukanuba factory’s energy is generated from Eukanuba own wind turbine
James Wellbeloved Complete Dry Adult Small Breed Dog Food Fish and Vegetables, 1.5 kg
Features
- Suitable for Small Breed Adult dogs (up to 10kg), not suitable for puppies.
- All the goodness of James Welbeloved but formulated without cereals, making it ideal for those dogs who react to wheat, barley, oats, maize or rice.
- Naturally healthy, complete, hypo-allergenic food.
- The recipes are made using the finest natural ingredients, with all the nutrients pets need throughout their life.
- Contains no artificial colors, flavors or preservatives, as we believe goodness tastes best.
James Wellbeloved Complete Dry Adult Small Breed Dog Food Lamb and Rice, 7.5 kg
£39.96
Features
- Hypoallergenic dog food for pets with sensitivities, selected natural ingredients, no added artificial flavours, colours, or antioxidants
- Adult small breed dog food with a single source animal protein recipe excludes common allergens beef, pork, soya, eggs, dairy and wheat with natural prebiotics for mature dogs' healthy digestion
- Dog food dry with vitamin E and minerals to support the immune system, omega 6 fatty acids and zinc to promote healthy skin and coat
- Lamb meal – A delicious source of protein with essential minerals brown and white rice a highly digestible carbohydrate, linseed a great source of omega 3
- Chicory extract – A source of prebiotic inulin helping to maintain the gut flora, yucca a natural deodoriser for less smelly poos, smaller kibble for small breed dogs' smaller mouths
Wellness CORE Small Breed Original Dog Food Dry, Grain Free - Turkey with Chicken Recipe, 1.5 kg
Features
- ORAL HEALTH: Our small and crunchy nibbles reduce the build-up of plaque and are perfect for dogs with smaller mouths.
- HIP AND JOINT SUPPORT: Our Wellness CORE Small Breed Adult Original dry dog food supports the hip and joint of your small breed dog with glucosamine hydrochloride and chondroitin sulphate. For an optimal body condition!
- HEALTHY DIGESTIVE SYSTEM: Our Wellness CORE dog food is easy to digest and contains prebiotic fibre and probiotics, providing your furry friend with a healthy digestive system!
- FRESH MEAT AS MAIN INGREDIENT: Our dry dog food contains fresh turkey and chicken. For a tasty meal with every bowl!
- LOW CARBS AND NO FILLERS: Our recipes are grain-free, supporting a high-protein and a meat-rich nutrition for your small breed dog.
The particular best for the dog – according to this saying, many dog owners lovingly care for their pets. The four-legged friends need attention and occupation, but most importantly, of course, food. The food is crucial to ensure that the dog comes with all the important nutrients and remains in good health to live a long dog’s life. But it is often not so simple to find the right food for your own dog. Comparable 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 does 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 causes deficiency symptoms?
Inside the following dog food comparison, we present 14 products. You can expect information about which ingredients the foods contain and for which pups the products are suitable. In our guide, we describe the types of dog food, go into some of the constituents and clarify how much food a dog needs. In addition, you will learn which foods dogs cannot endure and just how you can recognise a food allergy.
The different types of dog food easily
Merely as every person has their own nutritional 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. Grow older 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, proteins and minerals. His dog food should be balanced. Old dogs have a slow metabolism and are no for a longer time as active. Consequently, they require less energy, i. e. calories from fat. However , the dog food should be easy to digest and include a great deal of proteins. In addition, the types of food differ in terms of composition, way of creation and consistency.
Formula – complete or complementary food?
A complete feed includes all the nutrients the dog needs on a regular basis. The percentage of proteins, fatty acids, minerals and vitamins varies based on 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 wet food. Supplementary foods are not sufficient in themselves to provide the dog with all the essential nutrition. These can be flakes that the dog owner mixes into the food or treats. The declaration shows what.
Type of production
– Dry food and wet food available in pet shops and supermarkets usually comes from business production. This is the most typical form 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. On the other hand, some manufacturers of business dog food use genetically revised raw materials and additives.
Industrially produced dog food has a long rack life. With a few exceptions, this dog food can be stored unopened for many years without the loss of quality.
– Natural dog food only uses raw materials that come from grow, animal or other natural sources – unaltered or prepared. The food should not contain any chemically synthesised additives. Yet , certain synthetic vitamins and minerals are permitted. In terms of packaging, there is often extremely little difference compared to professional food: natural dog food is packaged in cups or as dry food.
– Organic dog food must comply with stricter guidelines regarding elements. For example, the product must not contain numerous substances such as genetically altered ingredients, hormones and pesticides. You will find differences between the various organic and natural dog foods: “100 per penny organic” means that no undesirable ingredients have been processed. With the claim “organic”, the constituents in the organic food are 95 per dollar organic. If this claims “made with organic”, the product contains 70 per cent 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 kind of dog food does not contain meat but still provides the dog with the important nutrients. Yet , veggie and vegan dog food contains a lot of fresh vegetables and grains, which can issues if the dog is intolerant.
– A unique form of dog food is BARF. The abbreviation means “biologically species-appropriate organic feeding”. This species-appropriate method of feeding raw food is based on the dog’s ancestor – the wolf. Once barfing, the dog is fed natural fresh meat, often coupled with raw, pureed fruit or vegetables. Whether this method is actually healthier is debatable. Considering that the meals are assembled individually, barfing is more suited to 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 kind of 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 provide the food the smell and preference. Some dog fans also avoid family pet food/dog food from factory farming.
Big difference between extruded and cold-pressed dried hitch
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 combining them. A roller presses this mass through the openings of a drum wall. Shaped and compacted chunks of feed come out the other part. During the dog food production process, temps of around 90 certifications Celsius are generated, which obviously contradicts the definition of cold depressing. However , temperatures are still significantly lower than those employed in extrusion.
2. In the extrusion process, the ingredients for the dog food are exposed to high temperatures. Many nutrients are lost during this manufacturing process. These kinds of have to be artificially added to the food after processing. During control, the dough-like extruded feed is conveyed through nozzles at high pressure. Feed produced in this way swells significantly when liquid is added.
Both methods have advantages and disadvantages: Because the nutrients have not yet been broken down, a dog can digest the cold-pressed food obviously, little by little. In addition, the food contains more natural substances. If the four-legged good friend has problems with the gastrointestinal area 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 only an extra factor in figuring out the tolerability and quality of the meals. The most important thing is the quality of the recycleables.
Which is better – moist food or dry food?
There is certainly wet 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 – often several years. Dogs that are fed dry food have to chew more and thus coach their teeth. Consuming dry food is practically like brushing your dog’s teeth. For dogs that drink little, feeding dried out food can be a disadvantage. They can become dehydrated if they are given 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 expensive than cast food
- Easier to feed on the go
- Easy to store
- Almost germ-free due to heating system during production
- Even more green than canned food
Cons
- Frequently less acceptable to your canine
- The dog’s person is deprived of water, so it has to drink more.
- Can lead to overweight quicker if it is not a food items for deiting
- Risk of mould or mite formation if stored incorrectly
Wet dog food has a high water content. The wet food is usually portioned in tins or small bowls. Frequently one package of wet food corresponds to one meal. A large number of dogs like wet food much better than dry food. In contrast to dry food, damp food for canines – once exposed – can only be kept for a few days. It must be used up within 2 days and nights of opening. Beneath we have summarised the advantages and drawbacks of wet food:
Pros
- High acceptance by most four-legged friends
- Packed in convenient portions
- Since 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, wet food cannot be stored perfectly
- Major dogs need more space for storage
- Even more difficult to move and feed on the move
- Wet food smells more intense
- Costs more than dry food
- Creates more waste
It is not possible to make a general statement about which type of dog food is well suited for your dog. The dog eventually makes a decision which dog food it likes and which variety it prefers. To find out which type of dog food your pet likes better and which this individual tolerates better, you should try out both types.
Some dog owners change between wet and dry food. The following relates to both types of food: It should be given as a main meal, never as a treat in between meals. This kind of can lead to overfeeding of your dog.
How much meat and just how many carbohydrates and nutrients belong in dog food?
The standard of the dog food plays a major role in a balanced and nutritious diet. It is important that the dog food includes healthy ingredients and nutrients – regardless of whether it is wet food or dry food. The best composition of your canine food is also crucial for good digestion and the health of the four-legged good friend.
Simply how much meat should the food contain?
Dogs are descended from wolves – that is why their digestive area is similar to those of predators. Thus to start with, the supply of meat is important. Nevertheless , this is not the only thing that matters. Unlike the wolf, the dog was domesticated by humans, and its needs and genetics have changed. This also applies to digestive function. For example, the dog’s digestive enzyme can now break down starch, meaning that the four-legged friend can also digest flower food in smaller quantities.
First and foremost, meats provides the dog with protein. The four-legged friend needs protein for the muscles, bones, strong tissues, healthy tooth and nerves and also to provide energy for its activities. Consequently, senior dogs have a lower proteins requirement because they are not as active as young or adult animals. In general, experts say that dog food should contain between 50 and 70 percent meat. But other ingredients are important too. If dog owners feed only various meats to their four-legged friends, this can lead to a problem with digestion, stress on the kidneys and liver due to excess protein and deficiency symptoms.
Vitamins, minerals and carbs in dog food?
A well-balanced dog diet also includes nutrients that are not found in meat – for example , vitamins and nutrients found in vegetables and fruit, or fatty stomach acids from healthy herbal oils. The four-legged good friend also needs carbs. Wolves, for example, eat the abdomen and intestinal material of prey pets, now and then also berries and grass.
Dogs convert starch from hemp, potatoes and cereals into energy and need it for their intestinal flora. Nevertheless, the need for carbohydrates is low. Fillers from grow waste such as press residues from oil production, sections, husks or straw are often added to the feed. Top quality carbohydrates are located in rice, potatoes, millet, maize, amaranth or buckwheat.
Animal fats provide the dog with twice as much energy as proteins. To prevent overweight, the food should contain these substances only moderately. Just how much should take the dog food depends upon how much the dog moves. Lamb and poultry fat are saturated fatty acids. They can be stored in the body as emergency rations and are intended as a book for bad times. Meat and veg oil contain saturated omega-6 fatty acids and unsaturated fatty acids. Omega-3 natural oils, which are found in fish, are extremely valuable for cellular metabolism.
What should maintain the dog food? Dog food should contain 50 to 70 pct lean meat or muscle meat or fish with superior quality proteins. In addition, there ought to be about 20 to 50 percent high-quality carbohydrates for energy production and fruit, vegetables or herbs for the necessary minerals and vitamins. The proportion of offal should be a more 10 percent. Offal provides valuable nutrients 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 layer and healthy skin area.
How could i recognise superior quality dog food?
Puppy food sold in UK must be labelled with certain mandatory information. These types of include:
– Address and name of the manufacturer
– Date of manufacture or best-before day of the dog food
– Name of the foodstuff
– Net weight
– Moisture content for canned food
With regard to the ingredients of the feed, various claims are permitted: A closed declaration only indicates ingredient groups. These are, for example , statements such as “with cereals” and “vegetable by-products”. A semi-open declaration lists the individual raw materials, but not their percentage. The start declaration gives the composition in per cent and the respective sources of raw materials. When reading the food label, dog owners should also note the following:
1. Many manufacturers split the term grain 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 grain. The cereal components provide carbohydrates and saturate well, but really should not be included in too large amounts.
2. The substances in the feed are listed in descending order according to their amount. The further forward an ingredient is listed on the label, the higher its proportion. Alternatively, this means: 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 ingredients with all the necessary vitamins and minerals
– No use of flavour enhancers
These nutrition make a good dog food
The dog’s organism does not have trouble digesting good dog food. Signs of this are almost odourless faeces, high vitality and a shiny coat. The proportion of nutrients in a dog food is detailed under the term “analytical ingredients”. We now have summarised these in the table:
| Component | Quantity required | Tasks | Information and special features |
| Crude protein | 20 to 25 percent in dry food 8 to 10 percent in wet food | Builds the body’s own tissue such as muscles and bones Strengthening skin and organs Enzymes, blood and hormones also need protein | High-quality protein comes mainly from muscle meat. Low-quality protein is found in slaughterhouse waste |
| Crude ash | 5 to 8 per cent or a maximum of 10 per cent for dry food. Less than 2 percent for wet feed | Supply of inorganic substances such as magnesium, calcium, zinc or silicic acid | Formed after combustion of the feed Proportion should be balanced Sometimes cheap but unnecessary bone meal products are added |
| Crude fibre | 2 to 3 percent for dry food 0.2 to 5 percent for wet food | Support of digestion Stimulation of intestinal activity Strengthens healthy intestinal flora Influences consistency and shape of dog faeces | Proportion of dietary fibre Too high a proportion can lead to flatulence and large quantities of faeces Rumen is filled with raw fibre Otherwise in the form of vegetables and fruit |
| Crude fat | At least 15 percent in dry food for active dogs 12 to 15 percent for dry food for dogs with normal to less exercise 1 percent for wet food | Provides energy Ensure healthy skin and shiny coat | High-quality products include salmon oil, linseed oil, cod oil, pumpkin seed oil and hemp oil. |
The other possible ingredients in dog food are explained below:
1. The value for meat and animal by-products indicates the meat content in your dog food. Producers often do not declare exactly what is involved. It could be high-quality muscle meat or offal as well as low-quality offal. The latter includes, among other things, dried meats, rumen or chaps. Animal by-products include, for instance , hair, our bones, hooves, blood or beaks.
2. Seafood 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 olive oil fruits. They are partially health- and digestion-promoting food components.
4. Technological additives are preservatives, separating and binding agents, stabilisers, thickening and gelling agents and acidity regulators. A few of these are important. These include, for instance , emulsifiers and natural antioxidants. Emulsifiers ensure an uniform regularity of oil and water. Natural antioxidants are to prevent rancid fat.
5. Nutritional additives are intended to support the health of the four-legged friend. They should be included in 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 intestinal tract flora or digestive : enzymes.
7. Sensory additives are employed to influence the appearance and taste of the dog food. They will include flavourings and colourings.
Overweight dogs suffer! Obesity is a growing problem in dogs with serious health consequences. That can lead to diseases of internal organs, puts stress on bones, joints and the cardiovascular system, and promotes swelling. Additionally, it may shorten the life expectancy of the animal. Frequently , too much food is the reason for overweight. Nevertheless age, sex and breed also play a role. Especially Cocker Spaniels, Labrador Retrievers and King Charles often become overweight. At times the use of diet food should be considered.
How much food does my dog need?
In the event that the four-legged good friend gets more energy than he uses, he can become overweight. Therefore, it is vital to give canines the necessary food. How much pet food a dog needs depends upon 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. Your 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. Appropriately, he needs less food.
Age: More youthful dogs are still growing and tend to be more curious and lively. They usually have a higher energy requirement than more mature dogs. It really is highly recommended to reduce the number of food a little each year. For more mature dogs, there are senior foods that are reduced 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, joint disease and diabetes. When dogs are coping with illness, they need more pet food.
Hormone balance: A dog’s hormonal levels can rise or fall, changing energy needs. For instance , dogs have different energy needs when they are with child or change their coat.
To find out what amount of 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 following rules of thumb as a guide:
– The daily amount of food for an adult and healthy dog with an ordinary activity level should be about two to three pct of the dog’s weight.
– If the dog is older and does not exercise as much, a daily food amount of 2 % 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 % of his body weight.
– Snacks should not exceed 10 per cent of the daily food requirement.
Any individual 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 allergic reaction?
The most common allergies in dogs are flea allergy and food allergy. Possible causes of your allergy are, for instance , stress, parasitic organisms and pollen. In addition, the protein-containing substances in a feed can induce allergic reactions. Things that a dog might be allergic to include, for instance , soy, animal proteins from poultry, pork or beef, and grain.
What is the difference between an allergic reaction and an intolerance?
– An allergy is a hypersensitivity response by the dog’s immune system. It reacts strongly against a certain substance. 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, 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 really have to indicate an allergy or intolerance. They will can also be caused by another disease. In the event that your dog has these symptoms, you need to have the cause cleared up by a vet. The vet can also determine an allergy or intolerance or an intolerance, for example , through an allergy test. On the other hand, it is possible to carry out an exclusion 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 carbohydrates. These sources must be ingredients that the four-legged good friend have not eaten before. Pet owners should change the dog food bit by bit. Following the food change, your canine is fed the new food for many weeks.
When the dog’s condition improves and the symptoms no longer occur, a provocation test is performed. Here, the dog owner has to feed his four-legged friend one substance at a time, which could be the trigger for the allergic reactions. Above time, a list is made of substances that the dog can put up with or that cause allergic reactions in him. An eradication diet is something that dog owners can do themselves. On the other hand, it is highly recommended to check with a professional or speak to the vet in advance.
Consistent action is essential during an different 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 good friend has a food allergy or food intolerance, the dog should no longer eat the allergy-causing substances. The selected pet food must therefore not contain any substances that your dog cannot tolerate. The same goes to treats and everything dog snacks between meals.
If absolutely nothing changes, patience is necesary: sometimes it needs some time until the symptoms of an intolerance or allergic reaction no longer take place. Sometimes they only disappear completely months after the change in food.
What is grain-free dog food?
Dog food often consists of grains. Such as wheat, barley and rye, for example. Grain have an important function: they are a source of carbohydrates and energy. However, too much of it contributes to obesity and sometimes to an issue with digestion. There is also grain-free dog food. Instead of feed, it contains alternative ingredients such as potatoes and legumes, which also provide carbohydrates to the dog.
Grain-free dog food usually makes digestion easier and is also suited to more sensitive dogs. Yet , it is not necessarily required to use a grain-free dog food. Dogs are omnivores and are able to digest vegetable protein. Some types of feed are also especially easy to digest. Such as maize and rice, for example. In some instances, however, it makes sense or is necessary to use a dog food without materials. This is especially true if your canine is allergic to food containing cereals.
If you want to give your puppy a dog food with grain, you should make sure that the grain content is not too much and that the product has a balanced recipe.
What can dogs not tolerate?
There are a lot of foods that canines can’t tolerate. Several of them are actually poisonous for dogs. These include, for example, onions, organic cabbage and natural pork. Onions can be fatal, depending on the size of the onion and your dog. For a medium-sized dog, even a medium-sized onion can be extremely dangerous. When a dog consumes raw cabbage, it can get abdomen cramps or flatulence. Raw pork could contain the Aujeszky computer virus, which in turn causes fatal disease. Other foods and drinks that pet dogs should not eat include:
- Delicious chocolate
- Raw taters
- Fruit
- Sultanas
- Fresh fruit pits
- Raw signal
- Macadamia nuts
- Bitter almonds
- Raw eggs
- Some types of avocado
- Birch sugar and xylitol
- Cream and milk
- Caffeinated drinks, such as espresso
- Alcohol
Furthermore, nicotine is dangerous for dogs. Therefore, caution is recommended in rain messes, for example: Cigarette residues are located in them. Ashtrays should be placed in such a way that the dog cannot reach them.
If a dog has eaten food that is dangerous for it, you should contact the vet or maybe the veterinary emergency service directly. Meanwhile, keep the dog in a safe environment. However, despite all the concern for the dog’s life, the following applies: Stay calm and watch out for signs of poisoning. It could be necessary to take the dog to a veterinary clinic or drive it to the vet. Symptoms that can occur with poisoning include:
- Extreme salivation
- Excessive being thirsty
- Throwing up
- Diarrhoea
- Aches
- Uneasyness
- 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 the side of the road.
The best choice is the PRO PLAN Small and Mini Puppy Dry Dog Food Chicken 3kg.
PRO PLAN Small and Mini Puppy Dry Dog Food Chicken 3kg
- Enables puppies' developing immune system to react efficiently
- Specific ingredient to help support natural defences and long term health
- Specially formulated for dental care
- A combination of key nutrients that helps to support healthy joints for puppies’ active lifestyle
Video about best puppy food for small dog breeds
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 have to have a different dog food than adult puppies. Once they are weaned from their mother, puppy food is on the menu. This is usually the truth after about 2 months. The components and substances of puppy dog food are specially suitable for growing canines. This is because a baby dog’s immune system, bones, muscles, coat and teeth first have to produce.
With puppy dog food, the focus is on nutrient intake. Over all, the puppy dog food must contain certain essential vitamins and minerals. So that the puppy’s digestive tract is not overtaxed, the food for puppies also has a lower food volume than the dog food for adult quadrupeds. Found in the beginning, young dogs should be provided small portions several times a day, which are then slowly increased.
When should I start using dog food for adult dogs?
This kind of depends on the breed of dog: Up-and-coming small to medium breeds are believed grown ups from 9 to 12 months of age. For large breeds, it is recommended to give adult food to dogs from 12 to 15 months of age. For very large breeds, it is advised to give adult food a little later – from 18 to 24 months.
When should my dog be given food for elderly people?
For small puppies, the 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 breeds are considered older at 7 to 8 years of age. 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 held in an airtight container. Glass or plastic containers without plasticisers are best. Packaging with a metal layer on the inside is also recommended for storing dried food. The container or packaging should be stored in a dry and not too warm place. Otherwise the meals can become “sticky” and lose its flavor and nutrients. In the worst case, mould can develop.
What is barfing?
The abbreviation BARF comes from the The english language and means Born-Again Raw Feeder. The UK term means “biologically species-appropriate raw feeding”. The species-appropriate diet is founded on the eating habits of wild dogs. Ready-made food plays no role in barfeeding. Instead, the dog is fed whole food such as meat, offal and bones, supplemented with vegetables, fruit, natural oils and carbohydrates for a balanced supply of nutrients. Meanwhile, chemical substance and freeze-dried BARF food and deep-frozen meat are available in the shops. Dog owners can add the other necessary components. Nevertheless , you should inform yourself well or consult with experts.
What do We have to consider when changing my dog’s food?
The change of food should be done slowly. In the event the changeover is abrupt, sensitive dogs in particular can quickly suffer from intestinal problems, some 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 employs: On day 1 and 2, replace about a 1 / 4 of the dog’s usual food with the new food. On the third and fourth day, replace half with the new food. On the fifth and sixth day, the proportion of the new dog food should be 3 quarters. On day 7, the changeover is complete.
In the event the dog acts sensitively and, for example , gets diarrhoea in the first few days of the food change, you should extend the variation phase and boost the addition of the new food only minimally. If your dog does not tolerate the new food in any way, it is obviously not ideal for him. In cases like this, you should look for an alternate.
What should We do if my dog will not like dry food?
Then 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 so they can become overweight and feel full. In the event the food has already enlarged in water, it fills the dog up faster and is better to digest. In addition, the dogs absorb more liquid with condensed dry food.
How fast do dogs break down dry food?
Canines usually need up to 14 several hours to digest dry food. The exact time depends, among other things, on the age and size of the dog and the caliber of the food. A young dog usually has a faster metabolism than an old animal. The number of food is important too. Little portions are digested more quickly than large amounts. In addition, insoluble fibres remain in the stomach for a shorter time than soluble fibres. Less 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 adult dogs.
Are pet tests carried out for dog food?
There are quite a few manufacturers who carry out pet experiments to test the effects and tolerance of their newly developed types of food. PETA’s website publishes a set of manufacturers who do not test on animals.
Which manufacturers and brands produce dog food?
The best-known dog food manufacturers and dog food brands include, for instance , ROYAL CANIN, Josera and WOLFSBLUT. Other well-known manufacturers and brands are, for example:
– Bosch
– PRIMUM
– Pedigree
– RINTI
– Animonda
– MERA
When can I start feeding a puppy?
During the beginning of its life, a puppy is federal reserve breast milk by its mother. Stable food is usually eaten by puppies from the 3rd or 4th week of life. During this time period, the mother continually give food to her puppies with breast milk in parallel. In order to accustom a puppy to dry food, it feels right to moisten or dilute it with a liquid – for example with pup milk. From the 6th to 7th week of life, the puppy is normally will no longer provided with mother’s dairy.
Experts recommend soaking your dry puppy food with a solution until the pup is 5 or 6 months old. To get the puppy used to the harder food, blend more and more non-soaked food pieces over time.
Making dog food yourself – will it sound right?
Making your own dog food takes more time and work than purchased food. However, it really does have some advantages:
– In the event you make the dog food yourself, you can determine for yourself which ingredients go into it.
– Doggie owners range from the special needs of their four-legged good friend in the preparation and adapt the foodstuff 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 necessary to prepare the food yourself. Before organizing the meals, you should study different ingredients. The food should be balanced and contain all the necessary nutrients. It is recommended to talk to a vet in advance. Recipe ideas for dog food can be found on the web, for example.
Some foods are unhealthy or toxic for canines. For example, onions and garlic should not be eaten by dogs.
What is hypoallergenic dog food?
Hypoallergenic dog food is especially ideal for dogs with allergies. 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 dry food and allergies wet food on the market. That contains few or no substances that often cause allergic reactions in dogs. Appropriately, a hypoallergenic food reduces the risk that your canine will not tolerate it and that sensitive reactions will take place.
Usually there is only one supply of 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 triggers an intolerance. However, it cannot be ruled out that even hypoallergenic dog food can business lead to allergy symptoms. This kind of happens when there is a substance in the meals that the four-legged friend cannot tolerate.
In addition to dogs with allergies, hypoallergenic food is well suited for four-legged friends with a sensitive digestive system. For these dogs, such a product can provide protection against digestive problems.
