Only the best for the dog – regarding to this slogan, many dog owners lovingly care for their pets. The four-legged friends need attention and job, but especially, of course, food. The meals is crucial to ensure that the dog is supplied with all the important nutrition and remains in health to live a long dog’s life. But it is often not so easy to find the right food for your own dog. 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. Various questions arise: What nutritional requirements does the dog have and in what quantity? Which food is suitable from which age? Is dry or damp food the right choice for your four-legged friend? And just how much should the dog be given? What can cause deficiency symptoms?
Inside the following best small dog puppy food, we present 10 products. We provide information about which ingredients the foods contain and for which pet dogs the products are suitable. In our guide, we describe the types of dog food, go into some of the ingredients and explain how much food a dog needs. In addition, you will learn which foods dogs cannot tolerate and just how you can recognise a food allergy.
Below is a list of the best small dog puppy food:
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IAMS for Vitality Small/Medium Breed Puppy Dry Dog Food with Fresh Chicken, 3 kg
—
£8.23
£10.99 -
Bonve Pet 2 x 400ML Dog Bowls with Non slip Silicone Mat, Stainless Steel...
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£13.99
£19.99 -
Eukanuba Puppy Dog Food for Small Dogs Rich in Fresh Chicken for the Optimal...
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£14.99
£16.75 - Hill's Science Plan Puppy Small And Mini Dry Dog Food Chicken Flavour 1.5kg — £15.99
- Burns Pet Nutrition Hypoallergenic Complete Dry Dog Food Puppy Mini Chicken... — £18.12
- Eukanuba Senior Dog Food for Small Dogs Rich in Fresh Chicken, 3 kg — £18.30
- Eukanuba Puppy Dog Food For Large Dogs Rich In Fresh Chicken For the Optimal... — £19.04
- Acana Dog Food for Puppy Small Breed, 2 kg — £19.98
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PRO PLAN Small and Mini Puppy Dry Dog Food Chicken and Rice 7kg
—
£26.17
£43.93 - Canin Royal Mini Puppy & Young Dogs of Small Breeds 1-10kg Age 2-10 Months... — £19.99
After hours researching and comparing all models on the market, Life my Dog finds out the Best small dog puppy food of 2024. We would recommend using PRO PLAN Small and Mini Puppy Dry Dog Food Chicken and Rice 7kg as it is one of the best products currently available in market.
Top 10 Best small dog puppy food
Best small dog puppy food
PRO PLAN Small and Mini Puppy Dry Dog Food Chicken and Rice 7kg
£26.17
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
Canin Royal Mini Puppy & Young Dogs of Small Breeds 1-10kg Age 2-10 Months Dog Food 2kg for Strong Immune System with Maximum Digestive Security & Protection Against Plaque
Features
| Size | 1 Count (Pack of 1) |
IAMS for Vitality Small/Medium Breed Puppy Dry Dog Food with Fresh Chicken, 3 kg
£8.23
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 Puppy Dog Food for Small Dogs Rich in Fresh Chicken for the Optimal Body Condition of Your Dog, 3 kg
£14.99
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
Acana Dog Food for Puppy Small Breed, 2 kg
Features
- rapid Physical development
- diet rich in protein
- keeps your dog healthy and strong
Hill's Science Plan Puppy Small And Mini Dry Dog Food Chicken Flavour 1.5kg
Features
| Size | 1.5 kg (Pack of 1) |
Eukanuba Senior Dog Food for Small Dogs Rich in Fresh Chicken, 3 kg
Features
- Tailored senior dog 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 hexagon kibble shape which improves palatability
- Contains DentaDefense to reduce tartar build-up and maintain strong clean teeth
- At least 25 percent of factory’s energy is generated from own wind turbine
Eukanuba Puppy Dog Food For Large Dogs Rich In Fresh Chicken For the Optimal Body Condition of Your Dog 3kg
Features
- Tailored puppy food with fresh chicken for large 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
Bonve Pet 2 x 400ML Dog Bowls with Non slip Silicone Mat, Stainless Steel Double Bowls Set for Cats Puppy Small Medium Dogs Food and Water Feeding
£13.99
Features
- Double dog bowl design: works as a complete dinner set for food, water or both. Each bowl holds 400ml; one for food and one for water, suitable for cats/kittens/puppies and small dogs.
- Non-slip, splash-proof – The feeding mat with two feeding bowls effectively prevents food and water from spilling and can also prevent dog bowls from slipping and scratching the floor.
- Removable stainless steel bowl: easy to clean. Both bowls are easy to remove from the silicone tray for daily cleaning, and the dishwasher can also be used safely.
- High quality material: the bowls are made of high quality stainless steel, they are resistant to heat and corrosion. Flexible high quality silicone mat, more durable than plastic mats and healthier for your pet.
- Suitable for puppies: This dog bowl is suitable for puppies, small dogs, such as Chihuahua, Poodle, Pug, etc., please confirm the size before purchase.
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
Only the best for the dog – according to this saying, many dog owners lovingly care for their pets. The four-legged friends need attention and profession, but most importantly, of course, food. The foodstuff is crucial to ensure that the dog is supplied with all the important nutrition and remains in health to live a long dog’s life. But it is often not so 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 variety of offers in the trade can cause confusion. Numerous questions arise: What nutritional requirements will the dog have and what quantity? Which in turn food is ideal at which age? Is usually dry or damp food the right choice for your four-legged friend? And how much should the dog be provided? What can cause deficiency symptoms?
In the following dog food comparison, we present 14 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 describe how much food your dog needs. In addition, you will understand which foods dogs cannot put up with and how you can recognise a food allergy.
The different types of dog food at a glance
Merely as every person has their own own dietary needs, every dog’s preferences are different. The choice of food that goes into the dog’s bowl should come in according to various factors. These include the breed, activity and health of the dog. Age 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 sugars, fats, oils, proteins and minerals. His dog food should be balanced. Old dogs have a slow metabolism and are no much longer as active. Consequently, they require less energy, i. e. calories. Nevertheless , the dog food should be easy to break down and contain a great deal of proteins. In addition, the types of food fluctuate in words of composition, way of creation and consistency.
Structure – complete or complementary food?
A complete feed includes all the nutrients the dog needs every day. The percentage of proteins, fatty acids, nutritional supplements differs based on the product. The ingredients should be adapted to the age, activity and possible allergies of the four-legged friend. A complete food can be dry or cast food. Supplementary foods are not sufficient in themselves to provide the dog with all the crucial nutrition. These can be flakes that the dog owner blends into the food or treats. The declaration shows what it is.
Type of production
– Dry food and wet food available in family pet shops and supermarkets usually comes from professional production. This kind of is the most common type of dog food. Industrially produced wet food is often completed cans or small aluminium trays. With all the latter, one pan is sufficient for one portion. Nevertheless, some manufacturers of business dog food use genetically altered raw materials and additives.
Industrially produced dog food has a long rack life. With a few conditions, this dog food can be stored unopened for quite some time without any loss of quality.
– Natural dog food only uses raw materials that come from grow, animal or other natural sources – unaltered or highly processed. The food should not contain any chemically synthesised additives. However , certain synthetic minerals and vitamins are permitted. In words of packaging, there is often hardly any difference compared to business food: natural dog food is packaged in cans or as dry food.
– Organic dog food must comply with tighter guidelines regarding ingredients. For example, the product should not contain numerous substances such as genetically revised ingredients, hormones and pesticides. You will discover variations between the various organic dog foods: “100 per dollar organic” means that no undesirable substances have been highly processed. With all the claim “organic”, the ingredients in the organic and natural food are 95 per cent organic. Whether it says “made with organic”, the product includes 70 per penny organic and natural ingredients. Organic food is available as dry and wet food.
– Meanwhile, vegan and vegetarian dog food is also available on the market. This dog food would not contain meat and still provides the dog with the important nutrients. However , veggie and vegan dog food contains a lot of fresh vegetables and grains, which can cause problems if the dog is intolerant.
– An exclusive 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 ever barfing, the dog is fed raw fresh meat, often along with raw, pureed fruit or vegetables. Whether this method is actually more healthy is debatable. Considering that the meals are merged individually, barfing is more suited to experienced pet owners who have learned this diet 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 should 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 kinds of are supposed to supply the food a much better smell and taste. Some dog enthusiasts also avoid family pet food/dog food from factory farming.
Big difference between extruded and cold-pressed dried fodder
Dried dog food is produced by the cold-pressing or extrusion process:
1. Cold-pressed dog food is produced by first drying the raw materials and then grinding and combining them. A painting tool presses this mass through the opportunities of a carol wall. Shaped and compacted chunks of feed come out the other aspect. Through the dog food production process, temperatures of about 90 certifications Celsius are generated, which obviously contradicts the word cold hitting. However , temperatures are still significantly lower than those utilized 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 types of need to be artificially added to the meals after processing. During processing, the dough-like extruded feed is communicated through nozzles at high pressure. Feed produced in this way swells substantially when liquid is added.
Both methods have advantages and disadvantages: Because the nutrients have not yet been busted down, a dog can digest the cold-pressed food naturally, slowly and gradually. In addition, the food contains more natural ingredients. If the four-legged good friend has problems with the gastrointestinal tract 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. Nevertheless, the manufacturing process is only a supplementary factor in determining the tolerability and quality of the meals. The most important thing is the quality of the unprocessed trash.
Which is better – damp food or dry out food?
There exists wet and dry dog food on the market. The two types of dog food differ in their water content.
Dry food consists of hardly any water and therefore has a longer shelf life – often several years. Dogs that are fed dry food have to chew more and therefore coach their teeth. Consuming dry food is almost like brushing your dog’s teeth. For dogs that drink little, feeding dried out food can be considered a disadvantage. They can become dehydrated if they are provided only dry food. Therefore, it is important to provide the dog with enough water. The advantages and disadvantages of dry food at a glance:
Pros
- Long shelf life
- Less costly than damp food
- Easier to feed on the go
- Easy to store
- Almost germ-free due to heating system during production
- More environmentally friendly than refined food
Cons
- Generally less acceptable to your canine
- The dog’s body is deprived of water, so it has to drink more.
- Can lead to overweight faster if it is not a diet food
- Risk of mould or paziente 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 moist food much better than dry food. In contrast to dry food, wet food for puppies – once opened up – can only be kept for a few times. It must be used up within 2 days of opening. Beneath we have summarised the huge benefits and down sides of wet food:
Pros
- High popularity by most four-legged friends
- Packed in handy servings
- 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
- Good sized dogs need to know more space for storage
- More difficult to move and feed on the move
- Wet food smells more powerful
- Costs more than dry food
- Generates more waste
It is not possible to make a general statement about which type of dog food is well suited for your dog. Your dog finally 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 he tolerates better, you should try away both types.
A few dog owners swap between wet and dry food. The following relates to both types of food: It should be given as a main meal, never as a treat in between meals. This can lead to overfeeding of your dog.
How much various meats and exactly how many sugars and nutrients are supposed to be in dog food?
The standard of the dog food plays a major role in a balanced and healthy diet. It is important that the dog food consists of healthy ingredients and nutrients – no matter 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 friend.
How much meat should the food contain?
Dogs are originated from wolves – that is why their digestive area is similar to regarding predators. So above all, the source of meat is important. Nevertheless , this is not the only thing that matters. Unlike the wolf, the dog was domesticated by humans, as well as needs and genetics have changed. This also applies to digestion. For example, the dog’s digestive chemical can now break down starch, meaning that the four-legged friend can also digest herb food in smaller quantities.
To start with, various meats provides the dog with protein. The four-legged friend needs protein for the muscles, bones, strong tissues, healthy the teeth and nerves and provide energy for its activities. Consequently, senior dogs have a lower protein requirement because they are no longer as energetic as young or adult animals. In general, experts admit dog food should contain between 50 and 70 % meat. But other ingredients are also important. If dog owners feed only various meats with 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 sugars in dog food?
A balanced dog diet also includes nutrients that are not seen in meat – for example , vitamins and mineral deposits found in fruits and veggies, or fatty stomach acids from healthy natural oils. The four-legged friend also needs carbohydrates. Wolves, for example, eat the stomach and intestinal contents of prey pets, now and then also berries and grass.
Dogs convert starch from rice, potatoes and cereals into energy and need it for their intestinal flora. However, the need for carbohydrates is low. Fillers from plant waste such as press residues from oil production, sections, husks or straw in many cases are added to the feed. Superior quality carbohydrates are found in rice, potatoes, millet, maize, amaranth or buckwheat.
Animal fat provide the dog with twice as much energy as proteins. To prevent overweight, the meals should contain these chemicals only less often. How much should be in the dog food depends on how much the pet moves. Lamb and poultry fats are saturated fatty acids. They may be stored in the body as emergency rations and are intended as a reserve for bad times. Meat and vegetable oil contain condensed omega-6 fatty acids and unsaturated oily acids. Omega-3 herbal oils, which are found in fish, are extremely valuable for cell metabolism.
What should be in the dog food? Dog food should consist of 50 to 70 % 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 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 oil or linseed oil improve nutrient consumption and ensure a functioning cardiovascular system, a shiny coat and healthy skin area.
How can I recognise high-quality dog food?
Puppy food sold in UK must be labelled with certain mandatory information. These include:
– Talk about and name of the manufacturer
– Date of make or best-before time of the dog food
– Identity of the meals
– Net weight
– Moisture content for canned food
With regard to the ingredients of the feed, various statements are permitted: A closed declaration only indicates ingredient types. These are, for example , statements such as “with cereals” and “vegetable by-products”. A semi-open declaration data the individual uncooked materials, however, not their percentage. The open up declaration provides structure in percent and the respective sources of raw materials. When reading the food label, dog owners should also note the following:
1. Many manufacturers split the word materials into individual organizations. 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 grain. The cereal components provide carbohydrates and saturate well, but really should not be included in too large volumes.
2. The ingredients in the supply are listed in descending order according to their volume. The further forward an ingredient is listed on the label, the greater its proportion. On the other hand, this implies: Only a little proportion of an ingredient that is listed far throughout the list is within 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 ingredients with all the necessary vitamins and minerals
– Very little use of flavor enhancers
These nutrients 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 nutrition in a dog food is detailed under the term “analytical ingredients”. We have summarised these in the table:
| Component | Quantity required | Tasks | Information and special features |
| Crude protein | 20 to 25 percent in dry food 8 to 10 percent in wet food | Builds the body’s own tissue such as muscles and bones Strengthening skin and organs Enzymes, blood and hormones also need protein | High-quality protein comes mainly from muscle meat. Low-quality protein is found in slaughterhouse waste |
| Crude ash | 5 to 8 per cent or a maximum of 10 per cent for dry food. Less than 2 percent for wet feed | Supply of inorganic substances such as magnesium, calcium, zinc or silicic acid | Formed after combustion of the feed Proportion should be balanced Sometimes cheap but unnecessary bone meal products are added |
| Crude fibre | 2 to 3 percent for dry food 0.2 to 5 percent for wet food | Support of digestion Stimulation of intestinal activity Strengthens healthy intestinal flora Influences consistency and shape of dog faeces | Proportion of dietary fibre Too high a proportion can lead to flatulence and large quantities of faeces Rumen is filled with raw fibre Otherwise in the form of vegetables and fruit |
| Crude fat | At least 15 percent in dry food for active dogs 12 to 15 percent for dry food for dogs with normal to less exercise 1 percent for wet food | Provides energy Ensure healthy skin and shiny coat | High-quality products include salmon oil, linseed oil, cod oil, pumpkin seed oil and hemp oil. |
The other possible ingredients in dog food are explained below:
1. The value for meat and animal by-products indicates the meat content in the dog food. Producers often do not declare precisely what is engaged. 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, bones and fish mind.
3. Plant by-products include, for example, vegetables, cereals and pulses and oil fruits. They are partially health- and digestion-promoting food components.
4. Technological additives are preservatives, separating and binding agents, stabilisers, thickening and solidifying 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 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 structure, for example as vitamins, provitamins, amino acids and trace elements.
6. Zootechnical additives can be added to the feed to effect the dog’s performance and health – such as stabilisers for the digestive tract flora or digestive enzymes.
7. Physical additives are widely-used to influence the appearance and taste of your dog food. That they include flavourings and colourings.
Overweight puppies 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 inflammation. Additionally, it may 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 often become overweight. Sometimes the use of diet food should be considered.
How much food does my dog need?
In the event the four-legged good friend gets more energy than he utilizes, he can become overweight. Therefore, it is vital 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 following aspects are relevant, for example:
Activity level: How much the four-legged friend moves determines the amount of energy it burns. Your dog that moves a lot burns more calories. If the dog is not so active, it burns fewer calories and has a slower metabolism. Consequently, he needs less food.
Age: More youthful dogs remain growing and tend to be more curious and active. They usually have a higher energy requirement than more mature dogs. It is recommended to reduce the amount 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 age group of 10 to 12 years, for large dogs around 7 to 8 years.
Diseases: Several diseases influence a dog’s food or energy requirements. These types of include cardiovascular problems, thyroid disease, osteo-arthritis and diabetes. When ever dogs are coping with illness, they need more pet food.
Hormone balance: A dog’s hormonal levels can climb or fall, changing energy needs. For example , dogs have different energy needs when they are with child or change their coat.
To find out what amount of food is right for your dog, look at the calorie content of the dog food. A higher calorie content means a reduced amount of food is needed. Additionally, pet owners can use the following 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 percent of the body weight is usually sufficient.
– A dog that movements a lot or is coping with an illness should be fed more. His necessary food amount per day is up to 5 per cent of his body weight.
– Snacks should not exceed 10 pct of the daily food requirement.
Any person who is unsure about the right amount of food should talk to a vet and/or a nutritionist.
Just how can I recognize a food allergy or intolerance?
The most typical allergies in dogs are flea allergy and food allergy. Possible triggers of your allergy are, for instance , stress, parasitic organisms and pollen. In addition, the protein-containing substances in a feed can induce 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 difference between an allergy and an intolerance?
– An allergy is a hypersensitivity reaction by the dog’s immune system. This reacts strongly against a certain compound. A true food allergy rarely occurs in dogs. Mostly it is an intolerance. This is not triggered by the immune system.
– Likely symptoms of allergies and intolerances
– Possible symptoms of a food allergy or food intolerance include irritation, vomiting, abs pain, flatulence, diarrhoea, loss in fur, redness and frequent scratching.
– Symptoms may not show up soon after feeding the food. Sometimes they only appear a few hours or days later.
Nevertheless, the symptoms do not really have to indicate an allergy or intolerance or intolerance. They will can be caused by another disease. In the event your dog has these symptoms, you should have the cause cleared up with a vet. The vet can also determine an allergic reaction or an intolerance, for example , through an allergy test. On the other hand, it is possible to undertake an different 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 good friend hasn’t eaten before. Pet owners should change the dog food bit by little bit. After the food change, your 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 completed. Here, the dog owner has to feed his four-legged friend one substance at a time, that could be the trigger for the allergic reactions. Above time, a list is made of substances that the dog can endure or that cause allergic reactions in him. An elimination diet is something that dog owners can do themselves. On the other hand, it is a good idea to check with a professional or talk to the vet in advance.
Consistent action is crucial during an exemption diet. The dog should not be given chews, treats or outstanding during this time.
What should I do if my dog has an allergy?
If this turns out that your four-legged good friend has a food allergy or food intolerance, the dog should no more eat the allergy-causing chemicals. The selected family pet food must therefore not contain any substances that your canine cannot tolerate. The same applies to treats and everything dog snacks between meals.
If absolutely nothing changes, patience is necesary: sometimes it takes a while until the symptoms of an intolerance or allergy or intolerance no longer occur. Sometimes they only disappear completely a few months following your change in food.
Precisely what is grain-free dog food?
Puppy food often consists of grains. Such as wheat, barley and rye, for example. Grains have an important function: they are a source of carbohydrates and energy. However, an excessive amount of it results in obesity and sometimes to a problem with digestion. There is also grain-free dog food. Instead of materials, 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. Nevertheless , it is not necessarily essential to use a grain-free dog food. Dogs are omnivores and are able to break down vegetable protein. A few types of feed are also specifically easy to 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 canine is allergic to food containing cereals.
If you want to give your pet a dog food with grain, you should make sure that the grain content is not too high and that the product has a balanced recipe.
What can dogs not tolerate?
There are a lot of foods that canines can’t tolerate. Some of them are even poisonous for canines. These include, for example, onions, raw cabbage and organic pork. Onions can be fatal, based on the size of the onion and your canine. For a medium-sized dog, even a medium-sized onion can be extremely dangerous. When a dog eats raw cabbage, it can get abdomen cramps or flatulence. Raw pork could develop the Aujeszky computer virus, which in turn causes fatal disease. Other foods and drinks that dogs must not eat include:
- Delicious chocolate
- Raw carrots
- Fruit
- Sultanas
- Fruits starts
- Raw pulses
- Macadamia nuts
- Bitter almonds
- Raw eggs
- Some types of avocado
- Birch glucose and xylitol
- Cream and milk
- Caffeinated drinks, such as caffeine
- Alcohol
Furthermore, nicotine is dangerous for dogs. As a result, caution is suggested in rain puddles, for example: Cigarette residues are located in them. Ashtrays should always be positioned in such a way that your canine cannot reach them.
If a dog has eaten food that is dangerous because of it, you should contact the doctor or the veterinary crisis service directly. Meanwhile, keep 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 out for signs of poisoning. It may 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
- Nausea
- Diarrhoea
- Cramps
- Uneasyness
- Shortness of breath
To prevent your dog from eating incompatible foods, dog owners should make sure that relatives 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 from the side of the street.
The best choice is the PRO PLAN Small and Mini Puppy Dry Dog Food Chicken and Rice 7kg.
PRO PLAN Small and Mini Puppy Dry Dog Food Chicken and Rice 7kg
- 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 small dog puppy food
FAQ – Frequently asked 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 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 ingredients of puppy dog food are specially made for growing canines. This is because a baby dog’s immune system, bone tissues, 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 minerals and vitamins. 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. Found 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 will depend on the breed of dog: Up-and-coming small to medium breeds are considered adults from 9 to 12 months of age. For large breeds, it is recommended to give adult food to dogs from 12 to 15 months of age. For very large breeds, it is advised to give adult food a little later – from 18 to 24 months.
When should my dog be given food for older persons?
For small canines, the enhancements made on 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 senior at 7 to 8 years of age. In addition to age, the dog’s state of health is also an important criterion. It is advisable 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 foodstuff can become “sticky” and lose its taste 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 natural feeding”. The species-appropriate diet is founded on the eating habits of wild dogs. Ready-made food plays no role in barfeeding. Instead, the dog is fed unprocessed food such as meat, offal and bones, supplemented with vegetables, fruit, herbal oils and carbohydrates for a balanced supply of nutrients. Meanwhile, substance and freeze-dried BARF food and deep-frozen meat are available in the shops. Pet owners can add the other necessary components. Yet , you should notify yourself well or seek advice from with experts.
What do I have to consider when changing my dog’s food?
The change of food must be done slowly. If the changeover is abrupt, sensitive puppies in particular can easily suffer from digestive : problems, some of which can be considerable. A time 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 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. Within the fifth and sixth day, the proportion of the new dog food should be 3 quarters. On day 7, the move is complete.
In the event the dog responds 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 whatsoever, it is obviously not suited to him. In cases like this, you should look for an option.
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 case the food has already enlarged in water, it fills the dog up faster and is much easier to break down. In addition, the dogs absorb more liquid with soaked dry food.
How quickly do dogs process dry food?
Dogs usually need up to 14 several hours to digest dry out food. The exact time depends, among other things, on the age and scale the dog and the standard of the food. A young dog usually has a faster metabolism than an older animal. The quantity 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 results in faster digestion. Additionally , the more water the food is, the shortest the digestion time. Wet food is digested within 6 to 8 hours in mature dogs.
Are animal tests carried out for dog food?
There are quite a few manufacturers who carry out creature experiments to test the effects and tolerance of their newly developed types of food. PETA’s website publishes a list of manufacturers who do not test on animals.
Which manufacturers and brands produce dog food?
The best-known dog food manufacturers and dog food brands include, for example , ROYAL CANIN, Josera and WOLFSBLUT. Other well-known manufacturers and brands are, for example:
– Bosch
– PRIMUM
– Pedigree
– RINTI
– Animonda
– MERA
When ever can 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 puppies from the 3rd or 4th week of life. During this time, the mother is constantly on the give food to her puppies with breast milk in parallel. In order to accustom a puppy to dry food, it makes sense to moisten or dilute it with some liquid – for example with pup milk. From the 6th to 7th week of life, the puppy is normally no more fed with mother’s milk.
Experts recommend soaking your dry puppy food with a water until the pup is 5 or 6 months old. To get the puppy used to the harder food, mix in more and more non-soaked food pieces over time.
Making dog food yourself – does it seem sensible?
Producing your own dog food takes more time and work than acquired food. However, it really does incorporate some advantages:
– In case you make the dog food yourself, you can decide for yourself which ingredients go into it.
– Puppy owners range from the special needs of their four-legged friend in the planning and adapt the meals to these and the dog’s preference.
– 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 may be sensible or necessary to prepare the food yourself. Before organizing the foodstuff, you should study the different ingredients. The food should be balanced and contain all the necessary nutrients. It is sometimes a good idea 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 puppies. For example, onions and garlic should not be ingested by dogs.
What is hypoallergenic dog food?
Hypoallergenic dog food is especially suited to dogs with allergic reactions. It is adapted to the needs of such a four-legged friend and can be easily digested by your dog. Right now there is hypoallergenic dried out food and allergies wet food on the market. This contains few or no substances that cause allergic reactions in dogs. Accordingly, a hypoallergenic food reduces the risk that your canine will not tolerate it and that hypersensitive reactions will occur.
Usually there is only one source 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 causes an intolerance. Even so, it cannot be ruled out that even hypoallergenic dog food can lead to allergies. This kind of 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 delicate gastrointestinal system. For these dogs, such a product can offer prevention of digestive problems.
