Only the best for the dog – according to this slogan, many dog owners lovingly care for their pets. The four-legged friends need attention and profession, but especially, of course, food. The food 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 no problem finding the right food for your own dog. Similar to humans, it is also important to consider a balanced diet. In addition, the wide range of offers in the trade can cause confusion. Different questions arise: What nutritional requirements does the dog have in addition to what quantity? Which in turn food is appropriate where age? Is dry or damp food the right choice for your four-legged friend? And exactly how much should the dog be provided? What may cause deficiency symptoms?
In the following best reduced calorie dog food, we present 10 products. We offer information about which ingredients the foods contain and for which pet dogs the products are suitable. Within our guide, we describe the types of dog food, go into some of the constituents and explain how much food your dog needs. In addition, you will see which foods dogs cannot put up with and just how you can recognise a food allergy.
Below is a list of the best reduced calorie dog food:
-
Pooch & Mutt - Calm & Relaxed, Complete Dry Dog Food (Grain Free), Turkey and...
—
£11.00
£15.99 -
Burns Pet Nutrition Hypoallergenic Complete Dry Dog Food Adult and Senior Dog...
—
£12.49
£14.99 - Wellness CORE Low Fat/Healthy Weight Dog Food Dry, Grain Free - Turkey, 1.8 kg — £14.99
-
Barking Heads Low-Calorie Wet Dog Food - Fat Dog Slim - 85% Natural, Free-Run...
—
£20.40
£24.00 -
IAMS for Vitality Light in Fat Adult Dog Food for All Breeds with Fresh...
—
£31.27
£36.33 - Barking Heads Low-Calorie Dry Dog Food - Fat Dog Slim - 100 Percent Natural... — £35.99
-
Barking Heads Low-Calorie Dry Dog Food - Fat Dog Slim - 100% Natural,...
—
£59.76
£64.99 - Royal Canin Medium-Light Dry Dog Food — £66.90
- Royal Canin Dog Food Hypoallergenic Moderate Calorie Dog Veterinary Diet 14 Kg — £96.48
- HILL'S PRESCRIPTION Diet J/D Joint Care 4kg Reduced Calorie Dry Dog Food Chicken
After hours researching and comparing all models on the market, Life my Dog finds out the Best reduced calorie dog food of 2024. We would recommend using HILL’S PRESCRIPTION Diet J/D Joint Care 4kg Reduced Calorie Dry Dog Food Chicken as it is one of the best products currently available in market.
Top 10 Best reduced calorie dog food
Best reduced calorie dog food
HILL'S PRESCRIPTION Diet J/D Joint Care 4kg Reduced Calorie Dry Dog Food Chicken
Features
| Size | 4 Kg (Pack of 1) |
Barking Heads Low-Calorie Dry Dog Food - Fat Dog Slim - 100 Percent Natural Chicken and Trout with No Artificial Flavours, High-Fibre Recipe with Reduced Fat (4 x 1 kg)
Features
- LOW-CALORIE AND REDUCED-FAT RECIPE- Our Fat Dog Slim dry dog food is especially for dogs that are watching their weight, this low-calorie complete adult dog food is ideal for those dogs looking to lose a pound or two!
- NATURAL INGREDIENTS - This dry dog food recipe is made using only the best quality - natural ingredients, Free from artificial colours - flavours and preservatives
- HIGH FIBRE RECIPE WHICH SUPPORTS JOINT HEALTH - This pet food is made using a high-fibre formula which also helps to support your pups joints
- 30 Percent CHICKEN AND TROUT - This slimming dog food recipe combines chicken - trout - potato - veg and herbs to create a low-calorie meal that your canine companion will still love
- APPROVED BY VETS - Our natural dog food is approved by vets for adult dogs of all breeds who need to lose a few pounds
Barking Heads Low-Calorie Wet Dog Food - Fat Dog Slim - 85% Natural, Free-Run Chicken with No Artificial Flavours, Grain-Free Recipe with Reduced Fat (10 x 300 g)
£20.40
Features
- Lower fat recipe helps support joint health
- Loads of quality, natural, free-run chicken and trout
- Generous portions of healthy grains, fruit and vegetables, like brown rice, tomato and carrot
- Seasoned with aromatic herbs like oregano, rosemary and thyme
Royal Canin Medium-Light Dry Dog Food
Features
- REDUCTION OF CALORIC CONTRIBUTION
- SATISFACTION OF THE APPETITE
- ANTIOXIDANT COMBINATION
Barking Heads Low-Calorie Dry Dog Food - Fat Dog Slim - 100% Natural, Free-Run Chicken with No Artificial Flavours, Low Fat Recipe, Good for Joint Health, 12 kg
£59.76
Features
- LOW-CALORIE AND REDUCED-FAT RECIPE- Our Fat Dog Slim dry dog food is especially for dogs that are watching their weight. This low-calorie complete adult dog food is ideal for those dogs looking to lose a pound or two!
- NATURAL INGREDIENTS - This dry dog food recipe is made using only the best quality, natural ingredients. Free from artificial colours, flavours and preservatives
- HIGH FIBRE RECIPE WHICH SUPPORTS JOINT HEALTH - This pet food is made using a high-fibre formula which also helps to support your pups joints
- 30% CHICKEN AND TROUT - This slimming dog food recipe combines chicken, trout, potato, veg and herbs to create a low-calorie meal that your canine companion will still love.
- APPROVED BY VETS - Our natural dog food is approved by vets for adult dogs of all breeds
Royal Canin Dog Food Hypoallergenic Moderate Calorie Dog Veterinary Diet 14 Kg
Features
- Item Package Quantity: 1
- Package Weight: 14.18 kilograms
- Package Dimensions (L x B x H) in cm: 12 x 42 x 70
- Model Number: 3182550751162
Pooch & Mutt - Calm & Relaxed, Complete Dry Dog Food (Grain Free), Turkey and Sweet Potato, 2kg
£11.00
Features
- Designed to help anxious dogs stay calm and relaxed
- Premium, grain free complete dry dog food
- Includes chamomile, l-tryptophan, prebiotics and brewers yeast
- Single source protein with 45% lean turkey
- Free from grain, cereal , gluten, GM produce, artificial flavours, colours and preservatives
IAMS for Vitality Light in Fat Adult Dog Food for All Breeds with Fresh Chicken, 12 kg
£31.27
Features
- Dog food for overweight dogs with up to 85 percent of animal protein to support seven signs of healthy vitality
- Wheat free pet food with no fillers, artificial colours, flavours or GMOs
- Antioxidant blend with Vitamin E to help support the immune system of your dog
- Crunchy kibbles and tailored mineral levels for healthy teeth
- Dog food lovingly developed with vets and over 70 years experience
Wellness CORE Low Fat/Healthy Weight Dog Food Dry, Grain Free - Turkey, 1.8 kg
Features
- SUPPORTS IDEAL WEIGHT: Our CORE Adult Low Fat helps your dog with the support of an ideal weight in a healthy way with 30% less fat than our CORE Original.
- FRESH MEAT AS MAIN INGREDIENT: The dry dog food contains fresh turkey, for a tasty meal with every bowl!
- HEALTHY DIGESTIVE SYSTEM: Our Wellness CORE Adult Low Fat is easy to digest and contains prebiotic fibre and probiotics, providing your furry friend with a healthy digestive system!
- LOW CARBS AND NO FILLERS: Our recipes are grain-free, supporting a high-protein and a meat-rich nutrition for your dog.
- STRENGTHENING HIPS AND JOINTS: The mobility of adult dogs will be supported by guaranteed amounts of glucosamine, chondroitin sulphate and controlled sodium levels.
Burns Pet Nutrition Hypoallergenic Complete Dry Dog Food Adult and Senior Dog Weight Control Chicken and Oats 2 kg
£12.49
Features
- Developed by Veterinary Surgeon John Burns
- Made with natural ingredients
- Supports healthy weight loss
- Award-winning recipe
- Provides slow release energy
Only the best for the dog – according to this slogan, many dog owners lovingly care for their pets. The four-legged friends need attention and profession, but especially, 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 no problem finding the right food for your own dog. Similar to humans, it is also important to consider a balanced diet. In addition, the wide range of offers in the trade can cause confusion. Numerous questions arise: What nutritional requirements does the dog have in addition to what quantity? Which in turn food is suitable at which age? Is definitely dry or wet food the right choice for your four-legged friend? And exactly how much should the dog be fed? 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 learn which foods dogs cannot put up with and how you can recognise a food allergy.
The different types of dog food quickly
Simply as every person has their own dietary needs, every dog’s preferences are different. The choice of food that goes into the dog’s bowl should be made according to various factors. These include the breed, activity and health of the dog. Age group also plays a role.
Puppies are growing and need special nutrients. In addition, their digestive system is not yet as efficient. An adult dog needs carbohydrates, fats, oils, protein and minerals. His dog food should be balanced. Older dogs have a slow metabolism and are no for a longer time as active. Therefore, they want less energy, i. e. calorie consumption. Yet , the dog food should be easy to process and contain a lot of proteins. In addition, the types of food differ in terms of composition, way of creation and consistency.
Structure – complete or complementary food?
A complete feed contains all the nutrients the dog needs on a regular basis. The percentage of proteins, fatty acids, vitamins and minerals differs with respect to the product. The ingredients should be adapted to age, activity and possible allergies of the four-legged friend. An entire food can be dry or wet food. Supplementary foods are not sufficient in themselves to provide the dog with all the vital nutrition. These can be flakes that the dog owner blends into the food or treats. The declaration shows what.
Type of production
– Dry food and wet food available in dog or cat shops and supermarkets usually comes from commercial production. This kind of is the most typical type of dog food. Industrially produced wet food is often filled in cans or small aluminium trays. With all 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 several years with no 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. Nevertheless , certain synthetic minerals and vitamins are permitted. In terms of packaging, there is often almost no difference compared to industrial food: natural dog food is packaged in cans or as dry food.
– Organic dog food must comply with harsher guidelines regarding substances. For example, the product should never contain numerous substances such as genetically revised ingredients, hormones and pesticides. You will discover dissimilarities between the various organic and natural dog foods: “100 per dollar organic” means that no undesirable substances have been prepared. Together with the claim “organic”, the constituents in the natural food are 95 per penny organic. If it states “made with organic”, the product contains 70 per cent organic ingredients. Organic food is available as dry and wet food.
– Meanwhile, vegan and vegetarian dog food is available too on the market. This dog food would not contain meat and still provides the dog with the important nutrients. Nevertheless , vegetarian and vegan dog food contains a lot of fresh vegetables and grains, which can cause problems if the dog is intolerant.
– A unique form of dog food is BARF. The abbreviation stands for “biologically species-appropriate raw feeding”. This species-appropriate method of nourishing raw food is based on the dog’s ancestor – the wolf. When barfing, the dog is fed natural fresh meat, often combined with raw, pureed fruit or vegetables. Whether this method is actually much healthier is debatable. Because the meals are merged individually, barfing is far more suited to experienced dog owners who have learned the diet of their four-legged friends in detail.
There are manufacturers who advertise that their dog food is of food quality. This is a declaration that ought to be treated with caution. There is no such thing as food-grade pet 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 a much better smell and preference. Some dog enthusiasts also avoid 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 created by first drying the raw materials and then grinding and combining them. A painting tool presses this mass through the openings of a drum wall. Shaped and compacted chunks of feed come away the other side. Through the dog food production process, temperature ranges of about 90 certifications Celsius are produced, which obviously contradicts the word cold pressing. However , temperatures are still significantly lower than those used in extrusion.
2. In the extrusion process, the ingredients for the dog food are exposed to great heat. Many nutrients are lost during this manufacturing process. These need to be artificially added to the foodstuff after processing. During digesting, the dough-like extruded feed is communicated through nozzles at high pressure. Nourish produced in this way swells significantly when liquid is added.
Both methods have advantages and disadvantages: Because the nutrients have not yet been damaged down, a dog can digest the cold-pressed food naturally, slowly and gradually. In addition, the food contains 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. Nevertheless, the manufacturing process is only a supplementary factor in figuring out the tolerability and quality of the food. The most important thing is the quality of the recycleables.
Which is better – moist food or dried out food?
There exists damp and dry dog food on the market. The two types of dog food differ in their water content.
Dry food includes hardly any water and therefore has a longer shelf life . usually several years. Dogs that are fed dry food have to chew more and thus train their teeth. Ingesting dry food is nearly like brushing your dog’s teeth. To get dogs that drink little, feeding dried out food can be considered 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 benefits and disadvantages of dry food at a glance:
Pros
- Long shelf life
- Less costly than wet food
- Easier to feed on the go
- Easy to store
- Almost germ-free due to heating system during production
- More green than processed food
Cons
- Often less acceptable to your canine
- The dog’s body is deprived of water, so it has to drink more.
- Can lead to overweight quicker 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. Often one package of wet food corresponds to one meal. Various dogs like damp food much better than dry food. In contrast to dry food, moist food for canines – once exposed – can only be kept for a few days and nights. It ought to be used up within 2 days and nights of opening. Beneath we have summarised the huge benefits and down sides of wet food:
Pros
- High acceptance by most four-legged friends
- Packed in helpful helpings
- Mainly because of the high water content in wet food, your dog does not need so much additional liquid.
- If necessary, medication can be administered with the wet food.
Cons
- After opening, wet food cannot be stored well
- Good sized dogs need to know more space for storage
- Even more difficult to hold and feed on the move
- Wet food smells more intense
- Costs more than dry food
- Produces 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 ultimately chooses which dog food it likes and which variety it prefers. To find out which type of dog food your dog likes better and which this individual tolerates better, you should try out both types.
Several dog owners switch between wet and dry food. The following pertains 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 canine.
How much meats and how many carbs and nutrients belong in dog food?
The caliber of the dog food plays a major role in a balanced and healthy diet. It is important that the dog food consists of healthy ingredients and nutrients – irrespective of whether it is wet food or dry food. The right composition of the dog food is also crucial for good digestion and the health of the four-legged good friend.
How much meat should the food contain?
Dogs are originated from wolves – that is why their digestive tract is similar to regarding predators. Therefore to start with, the supply of meat is important. Yet , this is not the only thing that matters. Unlike the wolf, the dog was domesticated by humans, and its needs and genetics have changed. This also applies to digestive function. For example, the dog’s digestive enzyme can now break down starch, meaning that the four-legged friend can also digest herb food in smaller quantities.
Above all, meats provides the dog with protein. The four-legged friend needs protein for its muscles, bones, strong tissues, healthy the teeth and nerves also to provide energy for its activities. Therefore, senior dogs have a lower necessary protein requirement because they are no longer as active as young or adult animals. In general, experts declare dog food should contain between 50 and 70 pct meat. But other ingredients are also important. If dog owners feed only meats to their four-legged friends, this can lead to an issue with digestion, stress on the kidneys and liver due to excess protein and deficiency symptoms.
Vitamins, minerals and carbs in dog food?
A balanced dog diet also includes nutrients that are not present in meat – for example , vitamins and nutrients found in fruits and veggies, or fatty stomach acids from healthy natural oils. The four-legged good friend also needs carbohydrates. Wolves, for example, eat the abdomen and intestinal material of prey pets or 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. However, the need for carbohydrates is low. Fillers from plant waste such as press residues from oil production, stalks, husks or straw in many cases are added to the feed. High-quality carbohydrates are normally found in rice, potatoes, millet, maize, amaranth or buckwheat.
Animal fats provide the dog with twice as much energy as proteins. To prevent overweight, the meals should contain these substances only in moderation. How much should maintain the dog food is determined by how much the pet moves. Lamb and poultry fats are saturated fatty acids. They are stored in the body as emergency portion and are designed as a book for bad times. Meat and vegetable oil contain saturated omega-6 fatty acids and unsaturated oily acids. Omega-3 natural oils, which are found in fish, are extremely valuable for cell metabolism.
What should take the dog food? Dog food should consist of 50 to 70 % lean meat or muscle meat or fish with top 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 maximum of 10 percent. Offal provides valuable nutrition such as vitamin h or iron. Very good quality oils such as salmon essential oil or linseed oil based improve nutrient absorption and ensure a functioning cardiovascular system, a shiny coat and healthy skin area.
How could i recognise top quality dog food?
Doggie food sold in UK must be labelled with certain mandatory information. These include:
– Address and name of the manufacturer
– Date of make or best-before date of the dog food
– Name of the meals
– 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 prospect lists the individual uncooked materials, but not their percentage. The start declaration provides formula in pct and the respective options of raw materials. When reading the food label, dog owners should also note the following:
1. Many manufacturers split the term feed into individual groupings. The reason for this is that the large total quantity appears smaller. For example, maize becomes maize starch, maize feed meal, maize flour, maize gluten or feed. The cereal components provide carbohydrates and saturate well, but should not be included in too large amounts.
2. The elements in the give food to are listed in descending order regarding to their amount. The further ahead an ingredient is listed on the label, the greater its proportion. Conversely, what this means is: Only a small proportion of an ingredient that is listed far down 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 veggie content between 25 and 50 percent
– Balanced elements with all the necessary vitamins and minerals
– Zero use of flavour enhancers
These nutrients make a good dog food
The dog’s organism has no trouble digesting good dog food. Indications of this are almost odourless faeces, high vitality and a shiny coat. The proportion of nutrients in a dog food is listed under the definition of “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 pet by-products indicates the meat content in the dog food. Manufacturers often do not declare just what is included. 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, bone fragments, hooves, blood or beaks.
2. Seafood as well as its by-products include fish fillets, bones and fish mind.
3. Plant by-products include, for example, vegetables, cereals and pulses and olive oil fruits. They are to some extent health- and digestion-promoting food components.
4. Technological additives are preservatives, separating and binding agents, stabilisers, thickening and gelling agents and acid regulators. A few of these are important. These include, for example , emulsifiers and natural antioxidants. Emulsifiers ensure an uniform consistency of oil and water. Natural vitamin antioxidants are to prevent rancid fat.
5. Nutritional additives are intended to support the health of the four-legged friend. They should be included in the right composition, for example as vitamins, provitamins, amino acids and track elements.
6. Zootechnical additives can be added to the feed to effect the dog’s performance and health – such as stabilisers for the intestinal tract flora or digestive enzymes.
7. Sensory additives are widely-used to influence the appearance and taste of your dog food. They will include flavourings and colourings.
Overweight dogs suffer! Obesity is an increasing problem in dogs with serious health consequences. This can lead to diseases of bodily organs, puts stress on bones, joints and the cardiovascular system, and promotes swelling. It may also shorten the life expectancy of the animal. Often , too much food is the reason for overweight. Nevertheless age, sex and breed also may play a role. Especially Cocker Spaniels, Labrador Retrievers and King Charles 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 friend gets more energy than he consumes, he can become overweight. Therefore, it is crucial to give puppies the right amount of food. How much pet food a dog needs depends on various factors. In addition to the breed, the subsequent 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 calories from fat and has a slower metabolism. Consequently, he needs less food.
Age: Young dogs remain growing and in many cases are more curious and energetic. They usually have a higher energy requirement than more mature dogs. It truly is a good idea 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 you need to change at the era of 10 to 12 years, for large dogs as soon as 7 to 8 years.
Diseases: Several diseases influence a dog’s food or energy requirements. These types of include cardiovascular problems, thyroid disease, joint disease and diabetes. When ever dogs are recovering from illness, they need more pet food.
Hormone balance: A dog’s hormone levels can rise or fall, changing energy needs. For example , dogs have different energy needs when they are with child or change their coat.
To find out just how much food is right for your dog, look at the calorie content of your dog food. A higher calorie content means a reduced amount of food is needed. Additionally, dog owners can use the next guidelines 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 percent 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 percent of his body weight.
– Snacks should not exceed 10 per cent of the daily food requirement.
Anyone who is unsure about the right amount of food should talk to a vet and a nutritionist.
Just how can I recognise a food allergic reaction?
The most typical allergies in dogs are flea allergy and food allergy. Possible sets off of your allergy are, for example , stress, unwanted organisms and pollen. In addition, the protein-containing substances in a feed can trigger allergic reactions. Things that a dog might be allergic to include, for example , soy, animal proteins from poultry, pork or beef, and grain.
What is the between an allergy or intolerance and an intolerance?
– An allergy is a hypersensitivity response by the dog’s immune system. That reacts strongly against a certain material. A genuine food allergy rarely occurs in dogs. Mostly it is an intolerance. This is not triggered by the immune system.
– Feasible indications of allergies and intolerances
– Possible symptoms of a food allergy or food intolerance include irritation, vomiting, abdominal pain, flatulence, diarrhoea, loss 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.
On the other hand, the symptoms do certainly not have to indicate an allergy or intolerance. That they can be caused by another disease. In the event 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 instance , through an allergy test. Alternatively, it is possible to handle an exemption diet. However, this involves a lot of effort.
What is an exemption diet?
In an exclusion diet, the owner feeds the four-legged friend only one special way to obtain protein and carbs. These sources must be ingredients that the four-legged friend have not eaten before. Dog owners should change the dog food bit by little. Following your food change, your canine is fed the new food for a number of weeks.
When the dog’s condition boosts and the symptoms will no longer occur, a provocation test is carried out. Here, the dog owner has to feed his four-legged friend one substance at a time, that could be the trigger for the allergies. Above time, a list is made of substances that the dog can tolerate or that cause allergic reactions in him. An removal diet is something that pet owners can do themselves. However, it is highly recommended to consult a professional or speak with the vet ahead of time.
Consistent action is essential during an different diet. The dog must not be given chews, treats or leftovers during this period.
What should I do if my dog has an allergy?
Whether it turns out that your four-legged friend has a food allergy or food intolerance, the dog should no more eat the allergy-causing substances. The selected pet food must therefore not contain any substances that the dog cannot tolerate. The same goes to treats and dog snacks between meals.
If absolutely nothing changes, patience is necesary: sometimes it calls for a little while until the symptoms of an intolerance or allergy or intolerance no longer happen. Sometimes they only disappear completely months following your change in food.
Precisely what is grain-free dog food?
Dog food often includes grains. Such as whole wheat, barley and rye, for example. Grains have an important function: they are a source of carbohydrates and energy. However, too much of it causes obesity and sometimes to an issue with digestion. There is also grain-free dog food. Instead of feed, it contains alternative ingredients such as potatoes and dried beans, which also provide carbohydrates to the dog.
Grain-free dog food usually makes digestion easier and is also suitable for more sensitive dogs. Yet , it is not necessarily essential to use a grain-free dog food. Dogs are omnivores and are able to break down vegetable protein. Some types of grain are also especially easy to digest. Such as maize and rice, for example. Sometimes, however, it makes sense or is necessary to use a dog food without grain. This is especially true if your canine is allergic to food containing cereals.
In the event you want to give your pet a dog food with grain, you should make sure that the grain content is not too much and that the product has a balanced recipe.
What can dogs not tolerate?
There are a lot of foods that dogs can’t tolerate. Some of them are even poisonous for dogs. These include, for example, onions, natural cabbage and natural pork. Onions can be fatal, based 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 virus, which in turn causes fatal condition. Other foods and drinks that dogs should not eat include:
- Chocolates
- Raw taters
- Fruit
- Sultanas
- Fruits starts
- Raw pulses
- Macadamia nuts
- Bitter walnuts
- Raw eggs
- Some types of avocado
- Birch sugar and xylitol
- Cream and milk
- Caffeinated drinks, such as caffeine
- Alcohol
Furthermore, nicotine is dangerous for dogs. Consequently, caution is advised in rain puddles, for example: Cigarette residues are available in them. Ashtrays should be placed 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 unexpected emergency service directly. In the mean time, maintain the 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 could occur with poisoning include:
- Extreme salivation
- Excessive desire
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Cramps
- 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. Found in addition, it is crucial to train the dog well so that it does not constantly eat anything at all off the side of the road.
The best choice is the HILL’S PRESCRIPTION Diet J/D Joint Care 4kg Reduced Calorie Dry Dog Food Chicken.
HILL'S PRESCRIPTION Diet J/D Joint Care 4kg Reduced Calorie Dry Dog Food Chicken
Video about best reduced calorie dog food
FAQ – Frequently asked questions about dog food
Finally, we answer some important and frequently asked questions about dog food.
What should We look for in dog food for puppies?
Puppies require a different dog food than adult dogs. Once they are weaned from their mother, puppy food is on the menu. This is usually the case after about 2 months. The components and elements of puppy dog food are specially created for growing dogs. This is because a baby dog’s immune system, bones, muscles, coat and teeth first have to develop.
With puppy dog food, the focus is on nutrient intake. Previously mentioned all, the puppy food must contain certain essential nutritional supplements. So that the puppy’s gastrointestinal system is not overtaxed, the food for puppies also has a lower food volume than the dog food for adult quadrupeds. In the beginning, young dogs should be given small portions a couple of times a day, which are then slowly and gradually increased.
When should I start using dog food for adult dogs?
This kind of depends upon the breed of dog: Up-and-coming small to medium breeds are considered grownups 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 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 old. In addition to era, the dog’s express of health is also an important criterion. It is recommended to discuss the change of food with the vet.
Precisely what is the best way to store dry food?
The dry food should be retained in an foolproof container. Glass or plastic containers without plasticisers are best. Packaging with a metal layer on the inside is also recommended for storing dried food. The container or packaging should be stored in a dry and not too warm place. Otherwise the meals can become “sticky” and lose its flavor and nutrients. At worst, mould can develop.
Precisely what is barfing?
The abbreviation BARF comes from the British and means Born-Again Raw Feeder. The UK term means “biologically species-appropriate natural feeding”. The species-appropriate diet is dependent on the eating habits of wild dogs. Ready-made food plays no role in barfeeding. Instead, the dog is fed unprocessed food such as meat, offal and bones, supplemented with vegetables, fruit, herbal oils and carbohydrates for a balanced supply of nutrients. Meanwhile, chemical substance and freeze-dried BARF food and deep-frozen meat can be found in the shops. Pet owners can add the other necessary components. Nevertheless , you should advise yourself well or check with 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 puppies in particular can quickly suffer from digestive : problems, a few of which is often considerable. An interval of one week is usually recommended for your dog to get accustomed to the new food.
The change of food should proceed as follows: On day 1 and 2, replace about an one fourth of the dog’s usual food with the new food. On the 3 rd and fourth day, replace half with the new food. On the fifth and sixth day, the proportion of the new dog food should be three quarters. On day 7, the conversion is complete.
In the event the dog responds sensitively and, for example , gets diarrhoea in the first few days of the food change, you should extend the variation phase and improve the addition of the new food only minimally. If your dog does not tolerate the new food whatsoever, it is obviously not suitable for him. In this instance, you should look for an alternative.
What should I actually do if my dog does not like dry food?
Then it makes sense to soak the dry food. This kind of has several advantages: Dogs often eat the dry food beyond hunger because it swells in the stomach first. This makes it easier for them to become overweight and feel full. In the event the food has already inflamed in water, it fills the dog up faster and is better to process. In addition, the dogs absorb more liquid with drenched dry food.
How quickly do dogs break down dry food?
Puppies 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 standard of the food. A young dog usually has a faster metabolism than an old animal. The quantity of food is also important. 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. Less fat food also leads to faster digestion. In addition , the more liquid the food is, the short 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 animal 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
Once can I start feeding a puppy?
During the beginning of its life, a puppy is fed 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 continues to feed her puppies with breast milk in parallel. To be able to accustom a puppy to dry food, it seems sensible to moisten or dilute it with some liquid – for example with puppy milk. From the 6th to 7th week of life, the puppy is normally no longer given with mother’s milk.
Experts recommend soaking dry puppy food with a solution until the puppy 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 – does it seem sensible?
Making your own dog food takes more time and work than purchased food. However, it will incorporate some advantages:
– If you make the dog food yourself, you can decide for yourself which ingredients go into it.
– Puppy owners may include the special needs of their four-legged friend in the planning 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 necessary to prepare the food yourself. Before planning the meals, you should study the different substances. The food should be balanced and contain all the necessary nutrients. It is often recommended to talk to a vet in advance. Recipe ideas for dog food can be found on the Internet, 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 suitable for dogs with allergy symptoms. It is adapted to the needs of such a four-legged friend and can be easily broken down by your canine. Presently there is hypoallergenic dry out food and allergies wet food on the market. This contains few or no substances that cause allergic reactions in dogs. Accordingly, a hypoallergenic food reduces the risk that the dog will not tolerate it and that sensitive reactions will occur.
Usually there is only one way to obtain proteins 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. Even so, it cannot be ruled out that even hypoallergenic dog food can lead to allergy symptoms. This happens when there is a substance in the meals that the four-legged friend cannot put up with.
In addition to dogs with allergic reactions, hypoallergenic food is well suited for four-legged friends with a very sensitive gastrointestinal system. For these dogs, such a product can provide prevention of digestive problems.
