The particular best for the dog – regarding to this motto, many dog owners lovingly care for their pets. The four-legged friends need attention and job, but most importantly, of course, food. The meals is crucial to ensure that the dog is supplied with all the important nutrition and remains in good health to live a long dog’s life. But it is often not so 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. Different questions arise: What nutritional requirements will the dog have and what quantity? Which food is appropriate where age? Is usually dry or wet food the right choice for your four-legged friend? And just how much should the dog be fed? What may cause deficiency symptoms?
In the following best small dog food, we present 10 products. You can expect 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 ingredients and make clear how much food a dog needs. In addition, you will learn which foods dogs cannot put up with and how you can recognise a food allergy.
Below is a list of the best small dog food:
- James Wellbeloved Complete Dry Adult Small Breed Dog Food Turkey and Rice,... — £9.49
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James Wellbeloved Complete Dry Adult Small Breed Dog Food Lamb and Rice, 1.5 kg
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£9.50
£12.59 - Arden Grange Adult Mini Dry Dog Food Chicken & Rice, 2 kg — £11.99
- Bakers Small Dog with Tasty Beef & Vegetables & Wholegrain, 2.85kg — £13.34
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IAMS for Vitality Small/Medium Breed Adult Dry Dog Food with Fresh Chicken,...
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£28.99
£32.95 -
James Wellbeloved Complete Dry Adult Small Breed Dog Food Lamb and Rice, 7.5 kg
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£31.99
£44.09 -
PRO PLAN Small and Mini Adult Dry Dog Food Chicken and Rice 7kg
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£40.77
£41.99 -
Harringtons Complete Small Dog Turkey 4x1.75 kg
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£47.60
£48.85 - Pedigree Dry Food, Adult, Small Dogs 5-10 kg, with Chicken and Vegetables, 5...
- 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 small dog food of 2024. We would recommend using James Wellbeloved Complete Dry Adult Small Breed Dog Food Turkey and Rice, 1.5 kg as it is available at a resonable price.
Top 10 Best small dog food
Best small dog food
James Wellbeloved Complete Dry Adult Small Breed Dog Food Turkey and Rice, 1.5 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 mature dogs' immune system, with essential amino acids to help maintain healthy hearts
- Turkey meal - A delicious protein from sustainable sources, brown and white rice a highly digestible carbohydrate, alfalfa a natural source of fibre and the antioxidant beta carotene
- 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
IAMS for Vitality Small/Medium Breed Adult Dry Dog Food with Fresh Chicken, 12 kg
£28.99
Features
- IAMS for Vitality with fresh chicken for small and medium breed adult dogs is a 100% complete and balanced pet food that nourishes your dog's healthy vitality & Supporting 7 signs of healthy vitality
- Tailored fibre blend including prebiotics and beet pulp for healthy digestion & With high quality animal protein and essential minerals to help maintain strong muscles
- Contains Omega 3 & 6 to support healthy skin and shiny coat & Enriched with essential minerals and vitamin D to support strong bones
- Crunchy kibbles and tailored mineral levels to help reduce tartar build up for healthy teeth
- Contains antioxidant blend with vitamin C & E to help the immune system
Bakers Small Dog with Tasty Beef & Vegetables & Wholegrain, 2.85kg
Features
- 100 percent complete nutrition
- No added Artificial Colours, Flavours and Preservatives
- Specially formulated for your small dog's needs. Small kibbles for small mouths
- Antioxidants to help support natural defences. With fibre from whole grains to help support healthy digestion
- Added quality protein to help support muscle strength. Vitamin D and Minerals for healthy teeth and strong bones
James Wellbeloved Complete Dry Adult Small Breed Dog Food Lamb and Rice, 1.5 kg
£9.50
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
PRO PLAN Small and Mini Adult Dry Dog Food Chicken and Rice 7kg
£40.77
Features
- OPTIBALANCE is a combination of specific nutrients that are balanced at levels to promote overall health.
- Specifically adapted nutrient concentration to support the fast metabolism of small dogs
- A combination of key nutrients that helps to support healthy joints for your dog’s active lifestyle
- Helps maintain your dog's healthy heart.
- Specially formulated for dental care.
James Wellbeloved Complete Dry Adult Small Breed Dog Food Lamb and Rice, 7.5 kg
£31.99
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
Pedigree Dry Food, Adult, Small Dogs 5-10 kg, with Chicken and Vegetables, 5 x 900 g
Features
- 100 percent complete and balanced
- No added artificial flavour
- No added flavour enhancers
- Developed by vets
- Chicken and vegetables
Harringtons Complete Small Dog Turkey 4x1.75 kg
£47.60
Features
- 1. THE NATURAL CHOICE - At Harringtons, we believe every dog deserves natural food that's balanced, wholesome and tasty. From puppies to seniors to special diets, we make a range that's perfect for you.
- 2. SMALLER KIBBLES - Harringtons small dog food food is a complete dry food, made with smaller kibbles, perfect for dogs with smaller mouths.
- 3. NO NASTIES - The #1 ingredient in our dry dog food is meat, for a nutritionally balanced meal. And we never use artificial colour and flavours or added wheat.
- 4. CARING FOR THE ENVIRONMENT - As part of our efforts to keep packaging to a minimum and help send less packaging waste to landfill, this pack is made from recyclable paper.
- 5. MADE IN THE UK – Harringtons dog food is proudly made by ourselves right here in the UK and has been family run since 1923.
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.
Arden Grange Adult Mini Dry Dog Food Chicken & Rice, 2 kg
Features
- A complete, super premium pet food for normally active adult dogs; Containing fresh chicken which is a highly digestible protein source
- Free from artificial colors, flavors and preservatives; Containing a unique blend of nutrients and natural supplements to help promote the optimum health, vitality and condition of your dog
- Including prebiotics to aid digestion, joint supplements, essential fatty acids to promote a healthy skin and coat, cranberries for urinary tract health, antioxidants and added vitamins and minerals to help support immune system and dental health
- A naturally hypoallergenic product - free from wheat, gluten, beef soya or diary products
- This may reduce the risk of dietary intolerances and allergies that can cause digestive disorders and skin complaints
The particular best for the dog – relating to this slogan, many dog owners lovingly care for their pets. The four-legged friends need attention and job, but most importantly, 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 easy to find the right food for your own dog. Just like humans, it is also important to consider a balanced diet. In addition, the wide variety of offers in the trade can cause confusion. Numerous questions arise: What nutritional requirements will the dog have and in what quantity? Which usually 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 provided? What causes deficiency symptoms?
Inside the following dog food comparison, we present 14 products. We provide information about which ingredients the foods contain and for which pups the products are suitable. Inside our guide, we describe the types of dog food, go into some of the ingredients and make clear how much food a dog needs. In addition, you will see which foods dogs cannot put up with and how you can recognise a food allergy.
The different types of dog food at a glance
Just 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 come in 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 carbohydrates, fats, oils, protein and minerals. His dog food should be balanced. Old dogs have a slow metabolism and are no much longer as active. As a result, they require less energy, i. e. calorie consumption. Nevertheless , the dog food should be easy to process and contain a lot of proteins. In addition, the types of food fluctuate in terms of composition, technique of creation and consistency.
Formula – complete or complementary food?
A complete feed contains all the nutrition the dog needs on a daily basis. The portion of proteins, fatty acids, minerals and vitamins 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 damp food. Supplementary foods are not sufficient in themselves to provide the dog with all the crucial nutrients. These can be flakes that the dog owner mixes into the food or treats. The declaration shows what it is.
Type of production
– Dry food and wet food available in pet shops and supermarkets usually comes from professional production. This is the most frequent type of dog food. Industrially produced wet food is often completed cans or small aluminium trays. With the latter, one pan is sufficient for one portion. Nevertheless, some manufacturers of professional dog food use genetically revised raw materials and additives.
Industrially produced dog food has a long rack life. By exceptions, this dog food can be stored unopened for many years with no loss of quality.
– Natural dog food only uses raw materials that come from plant, 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 containers or as dry out food.
– Organic and natural dog food must comply with stricter guidelines regarding substances. For example, the product should not contain numerous substances such as genetically modified ingredients, hormones and pesticides. There are differences between the various organic dog foods: “100 per cent organic” means that no undesirable ingredients have been prepared. Together with the claim “organic”, the ingredients in the organic food are 95 per cent organic. If this states “made with organic”, the product includes 70 per penny 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 but still provides the dog with the important nutrients. Nevertheless , vegan and vegan dog food contains a lot of fruit and 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 feeding raw food is based on the dog’s ancestor – the wolf. When ever barfing, the dog is fed raw fresh meat, often along with raw, pureed fruit or fresh vegetables. Whether this method is actually more healthy is debatable. Because the meals are merged individually, barfing is far more ideal for experienced dog owners who have studied 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 an assertion that ought 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 kinds of are supposed to provide the food a better smell and preference. Some dog lovers also avoid dog or cat 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 uncooked materials and then grinding and mixing them. A roller presses this mass through the opportunities of a drum wall. Shaped and compacted chunks of feed come away the other aspect. Throughout the dog food production process, temps of around 90 levels Celsius are generated, which obviously contradicts the definition of cold depressing. Nevertheless , temperatures are still significantly lower than those used in extrusion.
2. In the extrusion process, the ingredients for your canine food are exposed to great heat. Many nutrients are lost during this manufacturing process. These types of have to be artificially added to the meals after processing. During control, the dough-like extruded feed is presented through nozzles at high pressure. Give food to produced in this way swells substantially 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 normally, slowly and gradually. In addition, the food includes more natural substances. In case the four-legged 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 merely a supplementary factor in deciding the tolerability and quality of the foodstuff. The most important thing is the quality of the recycleables.
Which is better – wet 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 includes hardly any water and therefore has a longer shelf life . usually several years. Dogs that are fed dry food have to chew up more and therefore train their teeth. Eating dry food is almost like brushing your dog’s teeth. For dogs that drink little, feeding dry food can become a disadvantage. They can become dehydrated if they are fed 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 expensive than wet food
- Easier to feed on the go
- Easy to store
- Almost germ-free due to heating during production
- Even more environmentally friendly than refined food
Cons
- Generally less acceptable to the dog
- The dog’s person is deprived of water, so it has to drink more.
- Can lead to overweight faster if it is not a food items for deiting
- Risk of mould or temperato formation if stored incorrectly
Wet dog food has a high water content. The wet food is usually portioned in tins or small bowls. Often one package of wet food compares to one meal. Many dogs like damp food much better than dry food. In contrast to dry food, moist food for canines – once opened up – 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 down sides of wet food:
Pros
- High approval by most four-legged friends
- Packed in handy helpings
- Because of the high water content in wet food, your canine does not need so much additional liquid.
- If necessary, medication can be administered with the wet food.
Cons
- After opening, wet food cannot be stored perfectly
- Good sized dogs need more space for storage
- More difficult to transport and feed on the move
- Wet food smells more extreme
- 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. The dog ultimately decides which dog food it likes and which variety it prefers. To find out which type of dog food your puppy likes better and which this individual tolerates better, you should try out both types.
Several dog owners change between wet and dry food. The following applies to both types of food: It should just be given as a main meal, never as a treat in between meals. This can lead to overfeeding of the dog.
How much meats and how many carbohydrates and nutrients belong in dog food?
The standard of the dog food plays a major role in a balanced and proper diet. It is important that the dog food includes healthy ingredients and nutrients – irrespective of whether it is wet food or dry food. The proper composition of the dog food is also crucial for good digestion and the health of the four-legged friend.
Simply how much meat should the food contain?
Dogs are originated from wolves – that is why their digestive tract is similar to regarding predators. Thus above all, the resource of meat is important. Yet , this is not the only thing that matters. Unlike the wolf, the dog was domesticated by humans, and its needs and genetics have changed. This also applies to digestion. For example, the dog’s digestive enzyme can now break down starch, which means that the four-legged friend can also digest plant food in smaller quantities.
Above all, meat provides the dog with protein. The four-legged friend needs protein for the muscles, bones, strong tissues, healthy teeth and nerves and to provide energy for its activities. Consequently, senior dogs have a lower necessary protein requirement because they are no longer as lively as young or adult animals. In general, experts admit dog food should contain between 50 and 70 per cent meat. But other ingredients are also important. If dog owners feed only meats for their four-legged friends, this may lead to digestive problems, stress on the kidneys and liver due to excess protein and deficiency symptoms.
Nutritional vitamins, minerals and sugars in dog food?
A balanced dog diet also includes nutrients that are not seen in meat – for instance , vitamins and nutrients found in vegetables and fruit, or fatty stomach acids from healthy natural oils. The four-legged good friend also needs carbs. 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 require 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, sections, husks or straw 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 food should contain these chemicals only in moderation. Just how much should maintain the dog food will depend on how much the dog moves. Lamb and poultry fat are saturated oily acids. They can be stored in the body as emergency ration and are intended as a reserve for bad times. Meat and veggie oil contain saturated omega-6 fatty stomach acids and unsaturated fatty acids. Omega-3 herbal oils, which are seen in fish, are extremely valuable for cellular metabolism.
What should be in the dog food? Dog food should contain 50 to 70 per cent lean meat or muscle meat or fish with top quality proteins. In addition, there ought to be about 20 to 50 % high-quality carbohydrates for energy production and fruit, vegetables or herbs for the necessary vitamins and minerals. The proportion of offal should be a maximum of 10 percent. Offal provides valuable nutrients such as vitamin h or iron. Great quality oils such as salmon oil or linseed oil improve nutrient consumption and ensure a functioning cardiovascular system, a shiny coating and healthy skin area.
How do i recognise high-quality dog food?
Dog food sold in UK must be labelled with certain mandatory information. These types of include:
– Talk about and name of the manufacturer
– Date of produce or best-before time of the dog food
– Brand of the foodstuff
– Net weight
– Moisture content for canned food
With regard to the ingredients of the feed, various assertions are permitted: A closed declaration only indicates ingredient teams. These are, for instance , statements such as “with cereals” and “vegetable by-products”. A semi-open declaration prospect lists the individual raw materials, however, not their percentage. The start declaration provides the composition in percent and the respective resources of raw materials. When reading the food label, dog owners should also note the following:
1. Many manufacturers split the definition of materials into individual groups. The reason for this is that the large total quantity appears smaller. For example, maize becomes maize starch, maize feed meals, maize flour, maize gluten or feed. The cereal components provide carbohydrates and saturate well, but really should not be included in too large quantities.
2. The elements 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. Conversely, what this means is: Only a small 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 vegetable content between 25 and 50 percent
– Balanced substances with all the necessary vitamins and minerals
– Very little use of flavour enhancers
These nutrients make a good dog food
The dog’s organism does not have any trouble digesting good dog food. Signs of this are almost odourless faeces, high vitality and a shiny coat. The proportion of nutrients in a dog food is outlined under the word “analytical ingredients”. We certainly 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 canine 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 example , hair, bones, hooves, blood or beaks.
2. Fish as well as its by-products include fish fillets, bones and fish mind.
3. Plant by-products include, for example, vegetables, cereals and pulses and essential oil fruits. They may be to some extent health- and digestion-promoting food components.
4. Technological additives are preservatives, separating and binding agents, stabilisers, thickening and solidifying agents and acidity regulators. A few of these are important. These include, for example , emulsifiers and natural antioxidants. Emulsifiers ensure an uniform uniformity 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 contained in the right composition, for example as vitamins, provitamins, amino acids and track elements.
6. Zootechnical additives can be added to the feed to effect the dog’s performance and health – such as stabilisers for the digestive tract flora or digestive enzymes.
7. Sensory additives are employed to influence the appearance and taste of your canine 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 internal organs, puts stress on bones, joints and the cardiovascular system, and promotes irritation. It can also shorten the life expectancy of the animal. Often , too much food is the reason for overweight. Yet age, sex and breed also may play a role. Especially Cocker Spaniels, Labrador Retrievers and King Charles usually become overweight. Sometimes the use of diet food should be considered.
How much food does my dog need?
If the four-legged good friend gets more energy than he uses, he can become overweight. Therefore, it is very important to give canines the right amount of food. Just how much pet food a dog needs will depend on various factors. In addition to the breed, the subsequent aspects are relevant, for example:
Activity level: How much the four-legged friend moves determines the amount of energy it burns. A puppy that moves a lot burns more calories. If the dog is not so active, it burns fewer calories from fat and has a slower metabolism. Accordingly, he needs less food.
Age: Younger dogs continue to be growing and in many cases are more curious and lively. They usually have a higher energy requirement than more mature dogs. It truly is advisable to reduce the amount of food a little each year. For more mature dogs, there are senior foods that are reduced excess fat and contain important additives. For smaller dogs it is time to change at the era of 10 to 12 years, for large dogs around 7 to 8 years.
Diseases: A few diseases influence a dog’s food or energy requirements. These include cardiovascular problems, thyroid disease, osteo-arthritis and diabetes. When dogs are coping with illness, they need more pet food.
Hormone balance: A dog’s hormone levels can 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 what amount of 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 subsequent rules of thumb as a guide:
– The daily amount of food for an adult and healthy dog with a regular activity level should be about 2 to 3 pct of the dog’s weight.
– If the dog is older and does not exercise as much, a daily food amount of 2 pct of the body weight is usually sufficient.
– A dog that moves a lot or is recovering from an illness should be fed more. His necessary food amount per day is up to 5 pct of his body weight.
– Snacks should not exceed 10 percent of the daily food requirement.
Any individual who is uncertain about the right amount of food should talk to a vet and a nutritionist.
How can I recognise a food allergy?
The most typical allergies in dogs are flea allergy and food allergy. Possible sets off of an allergy are, for example , stress, unwanted organisms and pollen. In addition, the protein-containing substances in a feed can result in allergic reactions. Ingredients that a dog might be allergic to include, for instance , mi nombre es, animal proteins from poultry, pork or beef, and grains.
What is the between an allergic reaction and an intolerance?
– An allergy is a hypersensitivity reaction by the dog’s immune system. That reacts strongly against a certain material. A genuine food allergy or intolerance rarely occurs in dogs. Mostly it is an intolerance. This is not triggered by the immune system.
– Likely indications of allergies and intolerances
– Possible symptoms of a food allergy or food intolerance include irritation, vomiting, abdominal pain, flatulence, diarrhoea, loss in fur, redness and frequent scratching.
– Symptoms might not show up right after feeding the food. Sometimes they only appear a few hours or days later.
Nevertheless, the symptoms do certainly not have to indicate an allergic reaction or intolerance. They can be caused by another disease. In the event that your dog has these symptoms, you need to have the cause clarified by a vet. The vet can also determine an allergic reaction or an intolerance, for instance , through an allergy test. On the other hand, it is possible to undertake an exclusion 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 carbohydrates. These sources must be ingredients that the four-legged friend hasn’t eaten before. Pet owners should change the dog food bit by bit. Following the food change, the dog is fed the new food for a number of weeks.
When the dog’s condition increases 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, which may be the trigger for the allergy symptoms. Above time, a list is made of substances that the dog can tolerate or that cause allergic reactions in him. An elimination diet is something that dog owners can do themselves. On the other hand, it is a good idea to talk to a professional or speak to the vet beforehand.
Consistent action is essential during an exclusion diet. The dog must not be given chews, treats or leftovers 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 will no longer eat the allergy-causing substances. The selected family pet food must therefore not contain any substances that the dog cannot tolerate. The same applies to treats and all dog snacks between meals.
If practically nothing changes, patience is necesary: sometimes it needs a little while until the symptoms of an intolerance or allergy no longer take place. Sometimes they only disappear completely a few months following your change in food.
What is grain-free dog food?
Puppy food often includes grains. These include wheat, barley and rye, for example. Grain have an important function: they are a source of carbohydrates and energy. However, an excessive amount of it leads to obesity and sometimes to an issue with digestion. There is also grain-free dog food. Instead of grain, it contains option ingredients such as potatoes and dried beans, which also provide carbohydrates to the dog.
Grain-free dog food usually makes digestion easier and it is also ideal for more sensitive dogs. Nevertheless , it is not necessarily necessary to use a grain-free dog food. Dogs are omnivores and are able to digest vegetable protein. Some types of materials are also particularly easy to digest. Included in this are 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 dog is allergic to food containing cereals.
In the event you want to give your puppy a dog food with grain, you should make sure that the grain content is not way too high and that the product has a balanced recipe.
What can dogs not tolerate?
There are a lot of foods that canines can’t tolerate. Some of them are actually poisonous for canines. 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. If a dog eats raw cabbage, it can get belly cramps or unwanted wind. Raw pork could retain the Aujeszky disease, which causes fatal disease. Other foods and drinks that pups must not eat include:
- Delicious chocolate
- Raw potatoes
- Grapes
- Sultanas
- Fruit pits
- Raw pulses
- Macadamia nuts
- Bitter walnuts
- Raw ova
- 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 recommended in rain messes, 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 for it, you should contact the vet or maybe the veterinary unexpected emergency service directly. Meanwhile, keep your dog in a secure environment. Nevertheless, 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:
- Excessive salivation
- Excessive desire
- Nausea
- Diarrhoea
- Cramps
- Restlessness
- Shortness of breath
To prevent your canine from eating incompatible foods, dog owners should make sure that family and acquaintances do not feed them such foods. In addition, it is necessary to train the dog well so that it does not constantly eat anything at all from the side of the trail.
The best choice is the James Wellbeloved Complete Dry Adult Small Breed Dog Food Turkey and Rice, 1.5 kg.
James Wellbeloved Complete Dry Adult Small Breed Dog Food Turkey and Rice, 1.5 kg
- 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
Video about best small dog food
FAQ – Frequently asked questions about dog food
Finally, we answer some important and frequently asked questions about dog food.
What should I look for in dog food for puppies?
Puppies desire a different dog food than adult canines. Once they are weaned from their mother, puppy food is on the menu. This is usually the truth after about 8 weeks. The components and ingredients of puppy dog food are specially created for growing canines. 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. Above all, the puppy food must contain certain essential vitamins and minerals. So that the puppy’s digestive system is not overtaxed, the food for puppies also has a lower food volume than your dog food for adult quadrupeds. Found in the beginning, young dogs should be given small portions many times a day, which are then slowly and gradually increased.
When should I start using dog food for adult dogs?
This kind of will depend on the breed of dog: Promising small to medium breeds are considered grown ups from 9 to 12 months of age. For large breeds, it is recommended to give adult food to dogs from 12 to 15 months of age. For very large breeds, it is advised to give adult food a little later – from 18 to 24 months.
When should my dog be given food for seniors?
For small dogs, the difference in diet should take place between 10 and 12 years of age. For medium-sized dogs, its about time at 8 to 9 years. Large breeds are considered older at 7 to 8 years old. In addition to age group, the dog’s condition of health is also an important criterion. It is a good idea to discuss the change of food with the vet.
Precisely what is the best way to store dry food?
The dry food should be kept 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. At worst, 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 organic 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 natural food such as meat, offal and bones, supplemented with vegetables, fruit, herbal oils and carbohydrates for a balanced supply of nutrients. Meanwhile, compound and freeze-dried BARF food and deep-frozen meat can be found in the shops. Dog owners can add the other necessary components. However , you should advise yourself well or seek advice from with experts.
What do We 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 puppies in particular can quickly suffer from digestive : problems, a number 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 comes after: On day 1 and 2, replace about a 1 / 4 of the dog’s usual food with the new food. On the 3 rd and fourth day, replace half with the new food. Around 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 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 this case, you should look for an alternate.
What should We do if my dog would not like dry food?
After that it makes sense to soak the dry food. This kind of has several advantages: Dogs often eat the dry food beyond hunger because it swells in the stomach first. This makes it easier for them to become overweight and feel full. If the food has already enlarged in water, it fills the dog up faster and is easier to process. In addition, the dogs absorb more liquid with soaked dry food.
How fast do dogs break down dry food?
Canines usually need up to 14 several hours to digest dried out food. The exact time depends, among other things, on the age and scale the dog and the caliber of the food. A young dog usually has a faster metabolism than an old animal. The amount of food is important too. Small portions are digested 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 water the food is, the short the digestion time. Wet food is digested within 6 to 8 hours in mature dogs.
Are pet tests carried out for dog food?
You will discover 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 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 federal reserve breast milk by its mother. Sound food is usually eaten by young puppies from the 3rd or 4th week of life. During this time period, the mother continually nourish 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 liquid until the puppy dog 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 indeed it seem sensible?
Making your own dog food takes more time and work than bought food. However, it does have some advantages:
– In case you make the dog food yourself, you can determine for yourself which ingredients go into it.
– Dog owners range from the special needs of their four-legged friend in the planning and adapt the food to these and the dog’s flavor.
– 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 can be sensible or required to prepare the food yourself. Before preparing the foodstuff, you should study the different ingredients. The meals should be balanced and contain all the necessary nutrients. It is sometimes a good idea to talk to a vet ahead of time. Recipe ideas for dog food can be found on the web, for example.
Certain foods are unhealthy or toxic for puppies. For example, onions and garlic should not be ingested by dogs.
Precisely what is hypoallergenic dog food?
Hypoallergenic dog food is especially suited to dogs with allergic reactions. It truly is adapted to the needs of such a four-legged friend and can be easily digested by your dog. Presently there is hypoallergenic dried out food and hypoallergenic wet food on the market. It contains few or no substances that often cause allergic reactions in dogs. Consequently, a hypoallergenic food reduces the risk that the dog will not tolerate it and that hypersensitive reactions will take place.
Usually there is only one source of protein in such a product. This is usually an amazing meat, such as kangaroo or normal 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 allergies. This happens when we have a substance in the meals that the four-legged friend cannot tolerate.
In addition to dogs with allergies, hypoallergenic food is suited to four-legged friends with a very sensitive digestive system. For these dogs, such a product provides protection against digestive problems.
