The particular best for the dog – according to this motto, many dog owners lovingly care for their pets. The four-legged friends need attention and occupation, but above all, of course, food. The foodstuff is crucial to ensure that the dog 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 simple to find the right food for your own dog. Comparable to humans, it is also important to consider a balanced diet. In addition, the wide range of offers in the trade can cause confusion. Various questions arise: What nutritional requirements will the dog have and what quantity? Which food is suitable at which age? Is usually dry or wet food the right choice for your four-legged friend? And exactly how much should the dog be provided? What causes deficiency symptoms?
In the following best small kibble dry dog food, we present 10 products. We provide information about which ingredients the foods contain and for which dogs the products are suitable. In our guide, we describe the types of dog food, go into some of the constituents and describe how much food a dog needs. In addition, you will learn which foods dogs cannot put up with and how you can recognise a food allergy.
Below is a list of the best small kibble dry dog food:
-
Wellness CORE Small Breed Ocean Dog Food Dry - Salmon with tuna recipe, 1.5 kg
—
£11.29
£12.49 - Arden Grange Adult Mini Dry Dog Food Chicken & Rice, 2 kg — £11.99
- Arden Grange Adult Mini Dry Dog Food Lamb & Rice, 2 kg — £12.50
- James Wellbeloved Complete Dry Adult Small Breed Dog Food Lamb and Rice, 1.5 kg — £13.27
- Barking Heads Dry Dog Food for Small Breeds - Bowl Lickin' Chicken - 100%... — £14.44
-
IAMS for Vitality Small/Medium Breed Adult Dry Dog Food with Lamb, 12 kg
—
£30.84
£32.95 - Fold Hill - Mini Mixer Dog Food, Oven Baked Kibble Designed For Smaller Dogs,... — £33.49
-
Pooch & Mutt - Complete Small Dog Dry Dog Food (Grain Free), Chicken &...
—
£37.00
£38.49 - Eden Dog Food 80/20 Original Small Kibble 12kg — £86.62
- Eden 80/20 Fish Cuisine Dry Dog Food Small Kibble - 12Kg — £94.53
After hours researching and comparing all models on the market, Life my Dog finds out the Best small kibble dry dog food of 2024. We would recommend using Wellness CORE Small Breed Ocean Dog Food Dry – Salmon with tuna recipe, 1.5 kg as it is a hight quality product.
Top 10 Best small kibble dry dog food
Best small kibble dry dog food
Wellness CORE Small Breed Ocean Dog Food Dry - Salmon with tuna recipe, 1.5 kg
£11.29
Features
- HEALTHY SKIN AND SHINY COAT: Our CORE Small Breed Adult Ocean perfectly supports a healthy skin and shiny coat for your small breed dog thanks to the omega-3 fatty acids from salmon.
- FRESH FISH AS MAIN INGREDIENT: Our dry dog food contains a pure fish formula to support your small breed dog’s sensitive stomach.
- HEALTHY DIGESTIVE SYSTEM: Our Wellness CORE Small Breed Adult Ocean for smaller dogs 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 small breed dog.
- ORAL HYGIENE: Our CORE Small Breed Adult Ocean crunchy kibbles are smaller than the original kibbles making them perfect for smaller mouths. These kibbles help reduce the plaque build-up of your dog’s teeth. For a healthy oral hygiene!
Eden Dog Food 80/20 Original Small Kibble 12kg
Features
| Size | 12 kg (Pack of 1) |
Eden 80/20 Fish Cuisine Dry Dog Food Small Kibble - 12Kg
Features
- 80% Salmon and Herring, seasonally available Cod, Haddock, Hake, Plaice and Pollock depending on the “Catch of the Day”
Pooch & Mutt - Complete Small Dog Dry Dog Food (Grain Free), Chicken & Superfood Blend, 7.5kg
£37.00
Features
- Grain free food packed with natural goodness to keep your pooch feeling great both on the inside and out
- Containing a high meat content from lean chicken and a host of fresh and natural nutritious vegetables including kale, spinach and cranberries
- Developed in miniature kibble for small dogs with mini mouths
- Boosted with prebiotics to help aid healthy digestion and to promote overall physical and mental health
- Free from grain, cereal, gluten, GM produce, artificial flavours, colours and preservatives
Barking Heads Dry Dog Food for Small Breeds - Bowl Lickin' Chicken - 100% Natural Chicken with No Artificial Flavours, Good for Healthy Digestion and Joint Health, 1.5 kg
Features
- 100% NATURAL FREE-RUN CHICKEN - Our Bowl Lickin' Chicken dry dog food is made with 100% natural free-run chicken blended with a seriously yummy combination of garden veg and herbs, this chicken dinner isn’t called “Bowl Lickin” for nothing!
- GLUTEN FREE, NATURAL INGREDIENTS - This small dog food recipe is made using only the best quality, natural ingredients. Free from gluten, artificial colours, flavours, and preservatives
- NATURALLY HYPOALLERGENIC AND GLUTEN FREE - These dog biscuits are made using a sensitive formula ensuring a hypoallergenic dog food for your canine companion!
- BOOSTS IMMUNE SYSTEM - This pet food boosts your furry friend's immune system and has everything you need to feed a happy, healthy small dog
- APPROVED BY VETS - Our natural dog food is approved by vets for adult dogs of a small breed
Arden Grange Adult Mini Dry Dog Food Lamb & Rice, 2 kg
Features
- A complete, super premium pet food for normally active dogs; Containing meadow reared lamb as the primary ingredient which is great for dogs requiring a delicious and digestible alternative to chicken
- Free from artificial colours, 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, antioxidant and added vitamins and minerals to help support immune system and dental health
- A naturally hypoallergenic product - free from wheat gluten, beef, soya or dairy products; This may reduce the risk of dietary intolerances and allergies that can cause digestive disorders and skin complaints
IAMS for Vitality Small/Medium Breed Adult Dry Dog Food with Lamb, 12 kg
£30.84
Features
- Dog food for small and medium breeds 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
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
Fold Hill - Mini Mixer Dog Food, Oven Baked Kibble Designed For Smaller Dogs, Perfect for Newly Emerged Teeth, 15kg, transparent
Features
- CEREALS, MINERALS & OILS & FATS - We use quality cereals grown by ourselves and other local farmers in this food mixer, ensuring full traceability.
- MIX WITH FOOD - Our kibble is designed to be fed with equal amounts of canned or raw meat.
- OVEN BAKED TO PERFECTION – Oven baked perfectly for our four legged friends, this natural dog food provides a crisp and crunchy complementary texture.
- MADE IN BRITAIN – High quality baked dry dog food made on our farm based in the heart of Lincolnshire.
- DESIGNED FOR SMALLER BREEDS - Our Mini Mixer small dog food is kind to newly emerged teeth and the smaller mouths of miniature breeds.
James Wellbeloved Complete Dry Adult Small Breed Dog Food Lamb 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 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
The particular best for the dog – relating to this saying, many dog owners lovingly care for their pets. The four-legged friends need attention and profession, but above all, of course, food. The food is crucial to ensure that the dog is supplied 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. 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. Various questions arise: What nutritional requirements will the dog have in addition to what quantity? Which usually food is appropriate where age? Is definitely dry or wet food the right choice for your four-legged friend? And how much should the dog be given? What causes deficiency symptoms?
In the following dog food comparison, we present 14 products. We offer information about which ingredients the foods contain and for which dogs the products are suitable. Within our guide, we describe the types of dog food, go into some of the constituents and describe how much food a dog needs. In addition, you will see which foods dogs cannot tolerate 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 health needs, every dog’s preferences are different. The choice of food that will go 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 tract is not yet as efficient. An adult dog needs carbohydrates, fats, oils, protein and minerals. His dog food should be balanced. More mature dogs have a slow metabolism and are no for a longer time as active. As a result, they want less energy, i. e. calorie consumption. Yet , the dog food should be easy to break down and contain a whole lot of proteins. In addition, the types of food fluctuate in phrases of composition, way of creation and consistency.
Composition – complete or complementary food?
A complete feed consists of all the nutrition the dog needs every day. The proportion of proteins, fatty acids, vitamins and minerals is different according to the product. The ingredients should be adapted to the age, activity and possible allergies of the four-legged friend. A whole food can be dry or wet food. Supplementary meals are not sufficient in themselves to provide the dog with all the essential nutrients. These can be flakes that the dog owner mixes into the food or treats. The declaration shows what.
Type of production
– Dry food and wet food available in dog or cat shops and supermarkets usually comes from business production. This kind of is the most frequent type of dog food. Industrially produced wet food is often completed cans or small aluminium trays. Together with the latter, one dish is sufficient for one portion. On the other hand, some manufacturers of professional dog food use genetically altered raw materials and additives.
Industrially produced dog food has a long shelf life. By exceptions, this dog food can be stored unopened for several years without any loss of quality.
– Natural dog food only uses raw materials that come from herb, animal or other natural sources – unaltered or processed. The food should not contain any chemically synthesised additives. However , certain synthetic nutritional supplements are permitted. In terms of packaging, there is often extremely little difference compared to business food: natural dog food is packaged in cans or as dry out food.
– Organic and natural dog food must comply with stricter guidelines regarding ingredients. For example, the product should never contain numerous substances such as genetically revised ingredients, hormones and pesticides. There are dissimilarities between the various natural dog foods: “100 per cent organic” means that no undesirable substances have been processed. With all the claim “organic”, the ingredients in the organic and natural food are 95 per dollar organic. If this says “made with organic”, the product contains 70 per penny organic and natural 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 does not contain meat and still provides the dog with the important nutrients. However , vegan and vegan dog food contains a lot of fresh vegetables and grains, which can issues if the dog is intolerant.
– A unique form of dog food is BARF. The abbreviation 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 uncooked fresh meat, often coupled with raw, pureed fruit or fresh vegetables. Whether this method is actually more healthy is debatable. Because the meals are put together individually, barfing is far more suited to experienced pet owners who have analyzed the diet program of their four-legged friends in detail.
There are manufacturers who advertise that their dog food is of food quality. This is a declaration that should be treated with caution. There is no such thing as food-grade dog or cat food. This also applies to dog food. You should also watch out for attractants and flavour enhancers in dog food. These are supposed to provide the food the smell and flavor. Some dog enthusiasts also avoid pet food/dog food from factory farming.
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 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, temps of around 90 levels Celsius are made, which obviously contradicts the word cold pressing. However , temperatures are still significantly lower than those utilized 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 kinds of have to be artificially added to the meals after processing. During processing, the dough-like extruded feed is communicated 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, little by little. In addition, the food includes more natural elements. If the four-legged good friend has problems with the gastrointestinal area and an annoyed digestion, extruded dog food can be more tolerable for him. In this dog food, the starch has already been broken down during heating. On the other hand, the manufacturing process is just a secondary factor in deciding the tolerability and quality of the food. The most important thing is the quality of the raw materials.
Which is better – moist food or dry food?
There is certainly moist 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 munch more and so coach their teeth. Ingesting dry food is practically like brushing your dog’s teeth. For dogs that drink little, feeding dried out food can be a disadvantage. They can become dehydrated if they are given only dry food. Therefore, it is important to provide the dog with enough water. The advantages and disadvantages of dry food at a glance:
Pros
- Long shelf life
- Less expensive than cast food
- Easier to feed on the go
- Easy to store
- Almost germ-free due to heat during production
- Even more eco-friendly than processed 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. Generally one package of wet food compares to one meal. A large number of dogs like moist food much better than dry food. In contrast to dry food, wet food for dogs – once exposed – can only be kept for a few days and nights. It should be used up within 2 times 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 handy helpings
- 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, damp food cannot be stored well
- Large 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
- Generates more waste
This is not possible to make a general statement about which type of dog food is suited to your dog. The dog ultimately makes a decision which dog food it likes and which variety it prefers. To find out which type of dog food your pet likes better and which this individual tolerates better, you should try out both types.
A few dog owners switch between wet and dry food. The following relates to both types of food: It should only be given as a primary meal, never as a treat in between meals. This can lead to overfeeding of the dog.
How much meat and just how many sugars 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 – no matter of whether it is wet food or dry food. The proper composition of your 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 system is similar to regarding predators. Thus above all, the supply 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 enzyme are now able to break down starch, meaning the four-legged friend can also digest plant food in smaller quantities.
To start with, various meats provides the dog with protein. The four-legged friend needs protein for its 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 not as energetic as young or adult animals. In general, experts admit dog food should contain between 50 and 70 % meat. But other ingredients are important too. If dog owners feed only meats with 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 found in meat – for example , vitamins and minerals found in fruits and veggies, or fatty acids from healthy oils. The four-legged good friend also needs carbs. Wolves, for example, eat the belly and intestinal material of prey pets or animals, now and then also berries and grass.
Dogs convert starch from grain, potatoes and cereals into energy and want it for their intestinal flora. On the other hand, the need for carbohydrates is low. Fillers from plant waste such as press residues from oil production, stalks, husks or hay tend to be added to the feed. High-quality carbohydrates are located in rice, potatoes, millet, maize, amaranth or buckwheat.
Animal body fat provide the dog with twice as much energy as proteins. To prevent overweight, the meals should contain these chemicals only in moderation. Just how much should maintain the dog food is determined by how much the animal moves. Lamb and poultry fat are saturated fatty acids. They can be stored in the body as emergency ration and are intended as a hold for bad times. Meat and vegetable oil contain saturated omega-6 fatty stomach acids and unsaturated oily acids. Omega-3 herbal oils, which are seen in fish, are extremely valuable for cell metabolism.
What should take 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 per cent high-quality carbohydrates for energy production and fruit, vegetables or herbs for the necessary nutritional supplements. The proportion of offal should be a more 10 percent. Offal provides valuable nutrition such as biotin or iron. Great quality oils such as salmon oil or linseed oil improve nutrient consumption and ensure a functioning cardiovascular system, a shiny layer and healthy pores and skin.
How do i recognise superior quality dog food?
Dog food sold in UK must be labelled with certain mandatory information. These kinds of include:
– Address and name of the manufacturer
– Date of manufacture or best-before day of the dog food
– Name of the food
– 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 types. These are, for instance , statements such as “with cereals” and “vegetable by-products”. A semi-open declaration lists the individual natural materials, although not their percentage. The open up declaration provides formula in pct and the respective sources of raw materials. When reading the food label, dog owners should also note the following:
1. Many manufacturers split the definition of grain into individual organizations. The reason for this is that the large total quantity appears smaller. For example, maize becomes maize starch, maize feed meals, maize flour, maize gluten or source. The cereal components provide carbohydrates and saturate well, but really should not be included in too large quantities.
2. The elements in the give food to are listed in descending order relating to their amount. The further forwards an ingredient is listed on the label, the higher its proportion. Conversely, what this means is: Only a small proportion of an ingredient that is listed far over 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 veg content between 25 and 50 percent
– Balanced ingredients with all the necessary vitamins and minerals
– No use of flavour enhancers
These nutrition make a good dog food
The dog’s organism does not have any 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 outlined under the word “analytical ingredients”. We now have summarised these in the table:
| Component | Quantity required | Tasks | Information and special features |
| Crude protein | 20 to 25 percent in dry food 8 to 10 percent in wet food | Builds the body’s own tissue such as muscles and bones Strengthening skin and organs Enzymes, blood and hormones also need protein | High-quality protein comes mainly from muscle meat. Low-quality protein is found in slaughterhouse waste |
| Crude ash | 5 to 8 per cent or a maximum of 10 per cent for dry food. Less than 2 percent for wet feed | Supply of inorganic substances such as magnesium, calcium, zinc or silicic acid | Formed after combustion of the feed Proportion should be balanced Sometimes cheap but unnecessary bone meal products are added |
| Crude fibre | 2 to 3 percent for dry food 0.2 to 5 percent for wet food | Support of digestion Stimulation of intestinal activity Strengthens healthy intestinal flora Influences consistency and shape of dog faeces | Proportion of dietary fibre Too high a proportion can lead to flatulence and large quantities of faeces Rumen is filled with raw fibre Otherwise in the form of vegetables and fruit |
| Crude fat | At least 15 percent in dry food for active dogs 12 to 15 percent for dry food for dogs with normal to less exercise 1 percent for wet food | Provides energy Ensure healthy skin and shiny coat | High-quality products include salmon oil, linseed oil, cod oil, pumpkin seed oil and hemp oil. |
The other possible ingredients in dog food are explained below:
1. The value for meat and pet by-products indicates the meat content in your canine food. Producers 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. Seafood as well as its by-products include fish fillets, our bones and fish minds.
3. Plant by-products include, for example, vegetables, cereals and pulses and essential oil fruits. They can be partly 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 antioxidants are to prevent rancid fat.
5. Nutritional additives are intended to support the health of the four-legged good friend. They should be within 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. That they include flavourings and colourings.
Overweight dogs suffer! Obesity is an increasing problem in dogs with serious health consequences. It can lead to diseases of internal organs, puts stress on bones, joints and the cardiovascular system, and promotes swelling. It can also shorten the life expectancy of the animal. Often , too much food is the reason for overweight. But age, sex and breed also play a role. Especially Cocker Spaniels, Labrador Retrievers and King Charles usually become overweight. Sometimes the use of food items for deiting should be considered.
How much food does my dog need?
In the event that the four-legged good friend gets more energy than he utilizes, he can become overweight. Therefore, it is very important to give dogs the right amount of food. Just how much pet food a dog needs depends upon various factors. In addition to the breed, the following aspects are relevant, for example:
Activity level: How much the four-legged good friend moves determines the amount of energy it burns. A dog that moves a lot burns more calories. If the dog is not so active, it burns fewer calories and has a slower metabolism. Appropriately, he needs less food.
Age: More youthful dogs remain growing and tend to be more curious and lively. They usually have a higher energy requirement than old dogs. It truly is advisable to reduce the quantity of food a little each year. For more mature dogs, there are senior foods that are lower in fat and contain important additives. For smaller dogs you need to change at the era 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 kinds 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 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 just how much food is right for your dog, look at the food content of the dog food. A higher calorie content means a lower amount of food is needed. Additionally, dog 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 2 to 3 per cent 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 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 per cent of the daily food requirement.
Any person who is not sure about the right amount of food should talk to a vet and/or a nutritionist.
How can I recognise a food allergy?
The most frequent allergies in dogs are flea allergy and food allergy. Possible sets off of the allergy are, for instance , stress, unwanted organisms and pollen. In addition, the protein-containing substances in a feed can induce allergic reactions. Things that a dog might be allergic to include, for example , me llaman, animal proteins from poultry, pork or beef, and cause.
What is the between an allergic reaction and an intolerance?
– An allergy is a hypersensitivity effect by the dog’s immune system. That reacts strongly against a certain material. A genuine food allergic reaction 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 itching, vomiting, stomach pain, flatulence, diarrhoea, lack of fur, redness and frequent scratching.
– Symptoms might not show up soon 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 or intolerance. That they may also be caused by another disease. In the event that your dog has these symptoms, you ought to have the cause clarified by a vet. The vet can also determine an allergy or intolerance or an intolerance, for instance , through an allergy test. On the other hand, it is possible to carry out an exemption diet. However, this involves a number of effort.
What is an exclusion diet?
In an exclusion diet, the owner feeds the four-legged friend only one special source of protein and carbohydrates. These sources must be ingredients that the four-legged friend hasn’t eaten before. Pet owners should change the dog food bit by little. Following the food change, your dog is fed the new food for several weeks.
When the dog’s condition enhances and the symptoms will no longer occur, a provocation test is performed. Here, the dog owner has to feed his four-legged friend one substance at a time, which could be the trigger for the allergic reactions. 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 pet owners can do themselves. However, it is a good idea to talk to a professional or speak to the vet ahead of time.
Consistent action is crucial during an exemption diet. The dog really should not be given chews, treats or outstanding during this time.
What should I do if my dog has an allergy?
If 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 family pet food must therefore not contain any substances that the dog cannot tolerate. The same goes to treats and all dog snacks between meals.
If absolutely nothing changes, patience is called for: sometimes it calls for a little while until the symptoms of an intolerance or allergic reaction no longer take place. Sometimes they only disappear completely weeks after the change in food.
Precisely what is grain-free dog food?
Puppy food often consists of grains. Such as whole 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 causes obesity and sometimes to digestive problems. There is also grain-free dog food. Instead of grain, 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 it is also well suited for more sensitive dogs. Yet , 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 grain are also particularly easy to break down. These include maize and rice, for example. In some cases, however, it makes sense or is necessary to use a dog food without grain. This is especially true if the dog is allergic to food containing cereals.
If you want to give your pet a dog food with grain, you should make sure that the grain content is not 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. Several of them are actually poisonous for puppies. These include, for example, onions, natural cabbage and natural pork. Onions can be fatal, depending on the size of the onion and your dog. For a medium-sized dog, even a medium-sized onion can be extremely dangerous. If the dog feeds on raw cabbage, it can get stomach cramps or unwanted gas. Raw pork could develop the Aujeszky computer virus, which causes fatal disease. Other foods and drinks that pups must not eat include:
- Chocolate
- Raw carrots
- Grapes
- Sultanas
- Fruit starts
- Raw pulses
- Macadamia nuts
- Bitter walnuts
- Raw ovum
- Some types of avocado
- Birch sugars and xylitol
- Cream and milk
- Caffeinated drinks, such as espresso
- Alcohol
Furthermore, nicotine is dangerous for dogs. Therefore, caution is advised in rain puddles, for example: Cigarette residues are located in them. Ashtrays should be placed in such a way that the dog cannot reach them.
If a dog has eaten food that is dangerous for it, you should contact the doctor or the veterinary crisis service directly. In the mean time, keep your dog in a safe environment. However, 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 can occur with poisoning include:
- Abnormal salivation
- Excessive being thirsty
- Throwing up
- Diarrhoea
- Cramps
- Restlessness
- Shortness of breath
To prevent the dog from eating incompatible foods, dog owners should make sure that family members and acquaintances do not feed them such foods. Found in addition, it is necessary 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 Wellness CORE Small Breed Ocean Dog Food Dry – Salmon with tuna recipe, 1.5 kg.
Wellness CORE Small Breed Ocean Dog Food Dry - Salmon with tuna recipe, 1.5 kg
- HEALTHY SKIN AND SHINY COAT: Our CORE Small Breed Adult Ocean perfectly supports a healthy skin and shiny coat for your small breed dog thanks to the omega-3 fatty acids from salmon.
- FRESH FISH AS MAIN INGREDIENT: Our dry dog food contains a pure fish formula to support your small breed dog’s sensitive stomach.
Video about best small kibble dry dog food
FAQ – Common questions about dog food
Finally, we answer some important and often asked questions about dog food.
What should I actually look for in dog food for puppies?
Puppies 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 situation after about 8 weeks. The components and ingredients of puppy dog food are specially made for growing dogs. This is because a baby dog’s immune system, bone fragments, muscles, coat and teeth first have to develop.
With puppy dog food, the focus is on nutrient intake. Above all, the pup food must contain certain essential minerals and vitamins. So that the puppy’s gastrointestinal system is not overtaxed, the food for puppies also has a lower food volume than your canine food for adult quadrupeds. In the beginning, young dogs should be given small portions many times a day, which are then gradually increased.
When should I start using dog food for adult dogs?
This depends on the breed of dog: Promising small to medium breeds are 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 dogs, the enhancements made on diet should take place between 10 and 12 years of age. For medium-sized dogs, it is time at 8 to 9 years. Large breeds are considered older at 7 to 8 years of age. In addition to era, the dog’s express of health is also an important criterion. It is highly recommended to discuss the change of food with the vet.
What is the best way to store dry food?
The dry food should be kept in an snug container. Glass or plastic containers without plasticisers are best. Packaging with a metal layer on the inside is also recommended for storing dried food. The container or packaging should be stored in a dry and not too warm place. Otherwise the 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 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 whole 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. However , you should notify yourself well or check with with experts.
What do I actually have to consider when changing my dog’s food?
The change of food must be done slowly. In the event the changeover is abrupt, sensitive dogs in particular can quickly suffer from digestive problems, some of which can be considerable. A time of one week is usually recommended for your dog to get used to the new food.
The change of food should proceed as comes after: On day 1 and 2, replace about a 1 / 4 of the dog’s usual food with the new food. On the 3rd and fourth day, replace half with the new food. Within the fifth and sixth day, the proportion of the new dog food should be 3 quarters. On day 7, the changeover is complete.
In the event that the dog responds sensitively and, for instance , gets diarrhoea in the first few days of the food change, you should extend the variation phase and raise the addition of the new food only minimally. If your dog does not tolerate the new food in any way, it is obviously not suitable for him. In this instance, you should look for an alternate.
What should I actually do if my dog does 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 to allow them to become overweight and feel full. In the event the food has already enlarged in water, it fills the dog up faster and is easier to digest. In addition, the dogs absorb more liquid with condensed dry food.
How quickly do dogs digest dry food?
Canines usually need up to 14 hours to digest dry food. The exact time depends, among other things, on the age and size of the dog and the quality of the food. A young dog usually has a faster metabolism than an older animal. The number of food is also important. Little portions are digested more quickly than large amounts. In addition, insoluble muscles remain in the stomach for a shorter time than soluble fibres. Less fat food also brings about faster digestion. In addition , the more liquid the food is, the shorter the digestion time. Wet food is digested within 6 to 8 hours in mature dogs.
Are animal tests carried out for dog food?
You will find 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 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 instance , 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 beginning of its life, a puppy is given breast milk by its mother. Solid food is usually eaten by puppies from the 3rd or 4th week of life. During this period, the mother continues to 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 pup milk. From the 6th to 7th week of life, the puppy is normally will no longer given with mother’s dairy.
Experts recommend soaking dry puppy food with a water until the puppy is 5 or 6 months old. To get the puppy used to the harder food, mix in more and more non-soaked food pieces over time.
Making dog food yourself – does it seem sensible?
Producing your own dog food takes more time and work than purchased food. However, it will incorporate some advantages:
– In case 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 meals to these and the dog’s preference.
– 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 planning the meals, you should study the different elements. 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 Internet, for example.
Certain foods are unhealthy or toxic for dogs. For example, onions and garlic should not be consumed by dogs.
Precisely what is hypoallergenic dog food?
Hypoallergenic dog food is especially well suited for 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. There is hypoallergenic dried out food and hypoallergenic wet food on the market. This contains few or no substances that often cause allergic reactions in dogs. Appropriately, a hypoallergenic food reduces the risk that your dog will not tolerate it and that allergic reactions will happen.
Usually there is only one way to obtain necessary protein in such a product. This is usually an exotic meat, such as kangaroo or water buffalo. Normally, the protein source used very rarely triggers an intolerance. Nevertheless, it cannot be ruled out that even hypoallergenic dog food can business lead to allergies. This kind of happens when we have a substance in the meals that the four-legged friend cannot endure.
In addition to dogs with allergy symptoms, hypoallergenic food is suitable for four-legged friends with a very sensitive digestive system. For these dogs, such a product can offer prevention of digestive problems.
