Only the best for the dog – relating 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 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 range of offers in the trade can cause confusion. Various questions arise: What nutritional requirements will the dog have and in what quantity? Which food is suitable at which age? Is dry or wet food the right choice for your four-legged friend? And just how much should the dog be fed? What causes deficiency symptoms?
In the following best vegetarian dog food, we present 10 products. We offer information about which ingredients the foods contain and for which pups the products are suitable. Inside our guide, we describe the types of dog food, go into some of the constituents and clarify how much food a puppy needs. In addition, you will see which foods dogs cannot put up with and how you can recognise a food allergy.
Below is a list of the best vegetarian dog food:
-
Vegan dog food from Benevo. Complete vegan dry dog food. Wheat free dried...
—
£12.27
£13.99 - Lily's Kitchen Adult Wholesome Veggie Feast Wet Dog Food (6 x 375 g) — £19.20
- HOWND Complete Adult Plant Based Vegan Wet Dog Food - Fragrant Papaya and... — £19.99
-
YARRAH VEGA Vegetarian Organic Dry Dog Food – suitable for all adult dogs |...
—
£20.99
£24.41 - V-dog Vegan Dog Food. Complete dry dog food. Traditional Flakes non-gm,... — £49.99
-
V-Dog Vegan Dog Food. Complete dry dog food. Crunchy Nuggets non-gm,...
—
£52.97
£58.99 - Benevo Adult Original Vegetarian Dog Food, 15kg — £85.49
- Barking Heads Dry Dog Food - Plant-Powered Pooches - 100 Percent Natural...
- Organic dog food from Benevo. Complete vegan dry dog food. Wheat free dried...
- YARRAH Organic Dog Food Vega Chunks - For Dogs that have Difficulty Digesting...
After hours researching and comparing all models on the market, Life my Dog finds out the Best vegetarian dog food of 2024. We would recommend using Benevo Adult Original Vegetarian Dog Food, 15kg as it is available at a resonable price.
Top 10 Best vegetarian dog food
Best vegetarian dog food
Benevo Adult Original Vegetarian Dog Food, 15kg
Features
- Wheat-free Recipe
- No GM Ingredients
- Added Taurine and L-Carnitine
- Contains Prebiotic FOS
- Foil Fresh Packaging
Lily's Kitchen Adult Wholesome Veggie Feast Wet Dog Food (6 x 375 g)
Features
- Nutritionally complete, meat free recipe for adult dogs 4 months +
- Made with vegetarian proteins such as cottage cheese, egg, lentils and amaranth
- Packed full of fruits, vegetables and botanical herbs
- Dogs are natural omnivores so this is a great recipe to feed a little less meat
- Natural ingredients with no added sugar
Barking Heads Dry Dog Food - Plant-Powered Pooches - 100 Percent Natural Vegetarian Recipe - Support a Healthy Immune System (4 x 1 kg)
Features
- PLANT BASED - Plant-powered pooches dog food is packed full of vegetables - herbs and vitamins and minerals
- PLANT PROTEIN - This recipe has been development with a range of natural plant protein sources that are suitable for dogs
- FULLY LOADED - Care has been taken to compliment the recipe with nutrients that would commonly be found in meat products - such as taurine and selenium
- NATURAL INGREDIENTS - This dry dog food recipe is made using only the ideal quality - natural ingredients, Free from artificial colours - flavours and preservatives
- APPROVED BY VETS - Our natural dog food is approved by vets for adult dogs of all breeds
YARRAH VEGA Vegetarian Organic Dry Dog Food – suitable for all adult dogs | Exquisite Organic Chunks with Vegetables, 2kg | 100% organic & free from artificial additives
£20.99
Features
- DOG FOOD FOR ADULTS: Our nutritious dry food is suitable for all adult dogs.
- PREMIUM ORGANIC QUALITY: With a 100% certified organic product without any harmful ingredients, you not only take care of your dog, but also help us continue to produce environmentally friendly food.
- FOR HEALTHY BOWEL MOVEMENTS: Our dry dog food can be used as a complete dog food or combined with our dry food and contains 0% artificial fragrances, colours and flavours. Our natural dog food also supports digestion and ensures fullness and well-being.
- BEST INGREDIENTS: Our love for animals leads us to only use the best ingredients possible, which not only taste delicious, but are also rich in vitamins and minerals that strengthen your four-legged friend's immune system.
- NUTRIENT SUPPLY: Whether 2kg or 10kg, our dry food packs provide your dog with a high quality and nutritious everyday meal.
V-dog Vegan Dog Food. Complete dry dog food. Traditional Flakes non-gm, hypoallergenic kibble for large and small breeds. Meat-free, holistic dried food for over 40 years. 15kg
Features
- Complete Dog Food: V-Dog Traditional Flake food contains all the nutrients an adult dog needs to thrive including a balanced range of vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids. Our vegan dog foods was established in 1980 in the UK and is free from meat by-products and dairy.
- Sensitive Dog Food: Our meat free and dairy free recipe is also free from some allergens including meat proteins making V-dog a hypoallergenic option for dogs with a sensitive tummy.
- Formulated by Animal Nutritionists: Dogs are omnivores and can survive on both plant and animal based diets, V-dog is formulted by professional animal nutritionists to allow dogs to thrive, rather than just survive, on a meat-free diet.
- Certified Veggie Dog Food: V-dog is checked and certified by the UK Vegan Society and Vegetarian Society. V-dog is also a PeTA approved cruelty-free brand.
Organic dog food from Benevo. Complete vegan dry dog food. Wheat free dried kibble, hypoallergenic & healthy. Holistic & non-gm 2kg
Features
- Complete Organic Dog Food | Benevo Dog organic dog food contains all the nutrients an adult dog needs including a wide range of vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids, without the need for supplements or slaughterhouse meat. Benevo Dog Organic is a certified organic and vegan dog food.
- Sensitive Dog Food | Our wheat free, meat free and dairy free recipe is free from common allergens including meat proteins and wheat gluten making it a great hypoallergenic option for dogs with a sensitive tummy.
- Wheat Free Recipe | Benevo Dog Organic dried adult dog food is formulated to meet the European nutritional levels set out by FEDIAF making it suitable for most dog breeds. Our organic ingredients are carefully milled before mixing to avoid whole grains which are hard to digest. An added Prebiotic also aids digestion and omega oils provide a source of essential fatty acids.
- Is Meat Free Dog Food Natural? | Dogs are classed as omnivores, so like us humans, they can survive and thrive on a plant-based diet too. Studies suggest dogs split from wolves around 20,000-40,000 years ago and they were domesticated between 15,000-30,000 year ago. So they have lived with humans co-existing on the same foods ever since. So yes, professional meat-free food for dogs is fine and as natural as giving them a name, buying them birthday presents and having them on a lead 🙂
- Why You're The Best! | Buying Benevo is a choice for a better and more sustainable World. That makes you our hero! As for Benevo Dog Organic: Made in the UK, Benevo Dog Organic has kept 1000's of dogs across the World happy and healthy for the last 13 years. Approved. PETA approved cruelty-free brand. Vegan owned company with an ethical company score of 100/100 every year since 2016.
V-Dog Vegan Dog Food. Complete dry dog food. Crunchy Nuggets non-gm, hypoallergenic kibble for large and small breeds. Meat-free, holistic dried food for over 40 years. 15Kg
£52.97
Features
- Complete Dog Food: V-Dog Crunchy Nuggets contains all the nutrients an adult dog needs to thrive including a balanced range of vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids. Our vegan dog foods were established in 1980 in the UK and is free from meat by-products and dairy.
- Sensitive Dog Food: Our meat free and dairy free recipe is also free from some allergens including meat proteins making V-dog a hypoallergenic option for dogs with a sensitive tummy.
- Formulated by Animal Nutritionists: Dogs are omnivores and can survive on both plant and animal based diets, V-dog is formulted by professional animal nutritionists to allow dogs to thrive, rather than just survive, on a meat-free diet.
- Certified Veggie Dog Food: V-dog is checked and certified by the UK Vegan Society and Vegetarian Society. V-dog is also a PeTA approved cruelty-free brand.
Vegan dog food from Benevo. Complete vegan dry dog food. Wheat free dried kibble, hypoallergenic & healthy. Holistic & non-gm 2kg bag
£12.27
Features
- [ NUTRITION YOU CAN TRUST ] With crucial fatty acids, prebiotics, and non-animal taurine, Benevo Vegan Dog Food is your one-stop solution for nurturing your dog’s growth. Plus, you’re supporting their well-being without the need for slaughterhouse meat!
- [ FOR SENSITIVE TUMS ] Our wheat-free, meat-free, and dairy-free recipe is designed with your dog's sensitive tummy in mind. Free from meat proteins & wheat gluten, this dog kibble is an ideal choice for pooches with dietary sensitivities.
- [ 27.5% PLANT-BASED PROTEIN ] Each bowl of pet food is packed with plant-based protein to fuel your dog’s active lifestyle. With 27.5% protein in every bowl, you can rely on Benevo dog food to keep noses wet & tails wagging.
- [ TRUSTED FOR OVER A DECADE ] Proudly made in the UK, Benevo Vegan Dog food is formulated to meet the European nutritional levels set out by FEDIAF, making it the perfect choice for your pampered pooch. With over 15 years experience, we put your dog’s health and happiness first.
- [ PETA & VEGAN SOCIETY APPROVED ] As a vegan-owned company, we are proud to be approved by PETA, the Vegan Society UK, and Vegetarian Society UK. Plus, we have consistently maintained an ethical company score of 100/100 since 2016!
HOWND Complete Adult Plant Based Vegan Wet Dog Food - Fragrant Papaya and Lentil Dahl (6 x 375G)
Features
- NUTRIONALLY COMPLETE: All our Hownd Vegan Wet Dog Foods are 100% nutritionally complete and perfectly balanced, meaning that no further supplementation is required. Crafted with love and care, this vegan dog food is specially formulated to meet your dog's dietary needs while promoting optimal health and vitality.
- NUTRIONALLY COMPLETE: All our Hownd Vegan Wet Dog Foods are 100% nutritionally complete and perfectly balanced, meaning that no further supplementation is required. Crafted with love and care, this vegan dog food is specially formulated to meet your dog's dietary needs while promoting optimal health and vitality.
- WHOLE FOOD GOODNESS: Our vegan dog food is packed with the goodness of plant-based proteins, essential vitamins, and minerals, supporting your dog's overall well-being. Give them the energy they need to thrive with every delicious bite. Our product is suitable for all dogs aged 9 months or older. For a healthy vegan transition, you can mix it with puppy food starting from the 4th month.
- MADE WITH PRE & PROBIOTICS - Made with pre- and probiotics, perfect for pooches with sensitive tummies. Our wet dog food is gentle on sensitive stomachs, making it suitable for dogs with food sensitivities. Rest assured that your four-legged companion can enjoy a tasty and nutritious meal without any adverse reactions.
- BRITISH COMPANY: Hownd is a UK company and it's the most ethically certified, adopted and loved by professionals. We're here to help dog owners keep their dogs healthy and happy by creating super products to make dogs feel and look super. Because when your best friend feels super, you do too.
YARRAH Organic Dog Food Vega Chunks - For Dogs that have Difficulty Digesting Animal Proteins - With Organic Soya Beans and Cranberries - Recommended for Dogs from 1 Year Old - 2 kg
Features
- SPOIL YOUR DOG WITH THE TASTIEST DOG FOOD: If you are looking for a healthier, more delicious and nutritious food, look no further! The YARRAH premium organic dog food is here to surprise your canine with its paw-licking flavor and immense nutritional value!
- HELP YOUR DOG STAY HEALTHY: Ideal for dogs that have difficulty digesting animal proteins or people that like to feed their dogs less or no meat. Recommended for dogs from 1 year old. The most digestible sources of plant-based protein have been carefully selected to make sure your dog gets exactly what it needs.
- NUTRITIOUS, DELICIOUS & ORGANIC PET FOOD: This wet food is both vegetarian and vegan and doesn’t contain meat or animal by-products. Organic soya beans are the main ingredient and are a source of protein. The added organic cranberries may help to reduce the risk of urinary tract infections and bladder infections.
- MAXIMUM NUTRITIONAL VALUE AND FREE FROM ANY ADDITIVES: Your dog is in good hands! Being pet owners ourselves, we take great pride in offering you premium-quality organic, non-GMO dog food that is free from artificial additives, pesticides, and flavor enhancers.
- YARRAH – BECAUSE YOUR PET DESERVES THE BEST: Since 1992, we have been pioneers when it comes to organic dog and cat food! We strive to offer your four-legged friends the most digestible sources of natural protein, fatty acids and minerals to promote wagging tails and happy purrs!
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 occupation, but above all, of course, food. The foodstuff 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 simple 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 in what quantity? Which in turn food is ideal at which age? Is definitely dry or damp food the right choice for your four-legged friend? And how much should the dog be provided? What may cause deficiency symptoms?
Inside the following dog food comparison, we present 14 products. You can expect information about which ingredients the foods contain and for which pet 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 see which foods dogs cannot tolerate and just how you can recognise a food allergy.
The different types of dog food easily
Simply as every person has their own nutritional needs, every dog’s preferences are different. The choice of food that moves into the dog’s bowl should be produced according to various factors. These include the breed, activity and health of the dog. Grow older also plays a role.
Puppies are growing and need special nutrients. In addition, their digestive tract is not yet as efficient. An adult dog needs carbs, fats, oils, healthy proteins and minerals. His dog food should be balanced. Older dogs have a slow metabolism and are no much longer as active. Consequently, they want less energy, i. e. calories from fat. Yet , the dog food should be easy to digest and contain a lot of proteins. In addition, the types of food vary in words of composition, way of production and consistency.
Structure – complete or complementary food?
A complete feed includes all the nutrients the dog needs on a daily basis. The portion of proteins, fatty acids, vitamins and minerals is different 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 wet food. Supplementary meals are not sufficient per to provide the dog with all the essential nutrients. These can be flakes that the dog owner combines into the food or treats. The declaration shows what.
Type of production
– Dry food and wet food available in dog or cat shops and grocery stores usually comes from commercial production. This is the most frequent kind of dog food. Industrially produced wet food is often filled in cans or small aluminium trays. With all the latter, one bowl is sufficient for one portion. Nevertheless, some manufacturers of industrial dog food use genetically altered raw materials and additives.
Industrially produced dog food has a long shelf life. With a few exclusions, this dog food can be stored unopened for many years without the loss of quality.
– Natural dog food only uses raw materials that come from 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 words of packaging, there is often hardly any difference compared to industrial food: natural dog food is packaged in cans or as dry out food.
– Organic dog food must comply with harsher guidelines regarding elements. For example, the product must not contain numerous substances such as genetically altered ingredients, hormones and pesticides. There are differences between the various natural dog foods: “100 per penny organic” means that no undesirable ingredients have been prepared. With all the claim “organic”, the constituents in the organic and natural food are 95 per cent organic. Whether it claims “made with organic”, the product contains 70 per penny natural ingredients. Organic food is available as dry and wet food.
– Meanwhile, vegan and vegetarian dog food is also available on the market. This kind of dog food does not contain meat but still provides the dog with the important nutrients. Yet , veggie and vegan dog food contains a lot of vegetables and grains, which can issues if the dog is intolerant.
– A special form of dog food is BARF. The abbreviation is short for “biologically species-appropriate raw feeding”. This species-appropriate method of nourishing raw food is based on the dog’s ancestor – the wolf. Once barfing, the dog is fed uncooked fresh meat, often coupled 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 suitable for experienced dog owners who have studied the diet of their four-legged friends in detail.
There are manufacturers who advertise that their dog food is of food quality. This is a declaration that needs to be treated with caution. There is no such thing as food-grade pet food. This also applies to dog food. You should also watch out for attractants and flavour enhancers in dog food. These are supposed to give the food a better smell and taste. Some dog enthusiasts also avoid 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 made by first drying the raw materials and then grinding and blending them. A painting tool presses this mass through the spaces of a carol wall. Shaped and compacted chunks of feed come out the other side. Through the dog food production process, temperatures of approximately 90 degrees Celsius are generated, which obviously contradicts the word cold depressing. Nevertheless , temperatures are still significantly lower than those used in extrusion.
2. In the extrusion process, the ingredients for the dog food are exposed to great heat. Many nutrients are lost during this manufacturing process. These kinds of must be artificially added to the food after processing. During digesting, the dough-like extruded feed is conveyed through nozzles at high pressure. Feed produced in this way swells significantly when liquid is added.
Both methods have advantages and disadvantages: Because the nutrients have not yet been busted down, a dog can digest the cold-pressed food naturally, little by little. In addition, the food consists of more natural ingredients. In the event the four-legged good friend has problems with the gastrointestinal system and a disrupted digestion, extruded dog food can be more tolerable for him. In this dog food, the starch has already been broken down during heating. Nevertheless, the manufacturing process is just a supplementary factor in figuring out the tolerability and quality of the foodstuff. The most important thing is the quality of the unprocessed trash.
Which is better – moist food or dry out food?
There is wet and dry dog food on the market. The two types of dog food differ in their water content.
Dry food contains very little water and therefore has a longer shelf life . usually several years. Dogs that are fed dry food have to chew more and therefore coach their teeth. Consuming dry food is nearly like brushing your dog’s teeth. For dogs that drink little, feeding dry out food can be 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 huge benefits 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 heat during production
- More green than processed food
Cons
- Often less acceptable to your canine
- The dog’s person 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. Often one package of wet food compares to one meal. Many dogs like wet 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 days and nights. It should be used up within 2 times of opening. Under we have summarised the advantages and drawbacks of wet food:
Pros
- High approval by most four-legged friends
- Packed in helpful portions
- Mainly because 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, damp food cannot be stored perfectly
- Good sized dogs need more space for storage
- Even more difficult to move and feed on the move
- Wet food smells more intense
- Costs more than dry food
- Produces more waste
That is not possible to make a general statement about which type of dog food is suited to your dog. Your canine in the end decides which dog food it likes and which variety it prefers. To find out which type of dog food your dog likes better and which this individual tolerates better, you should try away both types.
A few dog owners switch between wet and dry food. The following pertains to both types of food: It should only 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 just how many carbs and nutrients are supposed to be 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 includes healthy ingredients and nutrients – regardless of whether it is wet food or dry food. The right composition of your 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. Therefore above all, the source of meat is important. However , this is not the only thing that matters. Unlike the wolf, the dog was domesticated by humans, as well as its needs and genetics have changed. This also applies to digestive function. For example, the dog’s digestive enzyme can now break down starch, meaning the four-legged friend can also digest herb food in smaller quantities.
To start with, meats provides the dog with protein. The four-legged friend needs protein for the muscles, bones, strong tissues, healthy tooth and nerves and to provide energy for its activities. Consequently, senior dogs have a lower protein requirement because they are not as active 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 for 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 well-balanced dog diet also includes nutrients that are not present in meat – for example , vitamins and mineral deposits found in fruits and veggies, or fatty stomach acids from healthy herbal oils. The four-legged good friend also needs carbohydrates. Wolves, for example, eat the stomach and intestinal contents of prey animals, now and then also berries and grass.
Dogs convert starch from hemp, potatoes and cereals into energy and require 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 straw are often added to the feed. Top quality carbohydrates are normally found 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 food should contain these chemicals only less often. How much should be in the dog food depends upon how much the pet moves. Lamb and poultry fat are saturated oily acids. They can be stored in the body as emergency rations and are intended as a hold for bad times. Meat and veg 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 cell metabolism.
What should be in the dog food? Dog food should include 50 to 70 percent lean meat or muscle meat or fish with top 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 nutrients such as biotin or iron. Very good quality oils such as salmon essential oil or linseed fat improve nutrient consumption and ensure a functioning cardiovascular system, a shiny coating and healthy pores and skin.
How can I recognise superior quality dog food?
Puppy food sold in UK must be labelled with certain mandatory information. These include:
– Address and name of the manufacturer
– Date of produce or best-before time of the dog food
– Brand of the meals
– 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 example , statements such as “with cereals” and “vegetable by-products”. A semi-open declaration prospect lists the individual natural materials, however, not their percentage. The open declaration gives the structure in per cent and the respective options 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 groups. 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 must not be included in too large volumes.
2. The ingredients in the give food to are listed in descending order regarding to their volume. The further ahead an ingredient is listed on the label, the greater its proportion. Alternatively, this means: Only a little proportion of an ingredient that is listed far down the list is contained in the feed.
Other aspects by which dog owners recognise the quality of the food are:
– Meat content of 50 to 70 per cent
– Grain and veg content between 25 and 50 percent
– Balanced substances with all the necessary vitamins and minerals
– No use of flavor enhancers
These nutrition make a good dog food
The dog’s organism has no 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 definition of “analytical ingredients”. We now have summarised these in the table:
| Component | Quantity required | Tasks | Information and special features |
| Crude protein | 20 to 25 percent in dry food 8 to 10 percent in wet food | Builds the body’s own tissue such as muscles and bones Strengthening skin and organs Enzymes, blood and hormones also need protein | High-quality protein comes mainly from muscle meat. Low-quality protein is found in slaughterhouse waste |
| Crude ash | 5 to 8 per cent or a maximum of 10 per cent for dry food. Less than 2 percent for wet feed | Supply of inorganic substances such as magnesium, calcium, zinc or silicic acid | Formed after combustion of the feed Proportion should be balanced Sometimes cheap but unnecessary bone meal products are added |
| Crude fibre | 2 to 3 percent for dry food 0.2 to 5 percent for wet food | Support of digestion Stimulation of intestinal activity Strengthens healthy intestinal flora Influences consistency and shape of dog faeces | Proportion of dietary fibre Too high a proportion can lead to flatulence and large quantities of faeces Rumen is filled with raw fibre Otherwise in the form of vegetables and fruit |
| Crude fat | At least 15 percent in dry food for active dogs 12 to 15 percent for dry food for dogs with normal to less exercise 1 percent for wet food | Provides energy Ensure healthy skin and shiny coat | High-quality products include salmon oil, linseed oil, cod oil, pumpkin seed oil and hemp oil. |
The other possible ingredients in dog food are explained below:
1. The value for meat and canine by-products indicates the meat content in your dog food. Producers often do not declare exactly what is included. It can be high-quality muscle meat or offal as well as low-quality offal. The latter includes, among other things, dried meats, rumen or chaps. Animal by-products include, for instance , hair, bone fragments, hooves, blood or beaks.
2. Fish as well as its by-products include fish fillets, bone fragments 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. Some of these are important. These include, for instance , emulsifiers and natural antioxidants. Emulsifiers ensure an uniform regularity 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 within the right formula, for example as vitamins, provitamins, amino acids and track elements.
6. Zootechnical additives can be added to the feed to effect the dog’s performance and health – such as stabilisers for the intestinal flora or digestive : enzymes.
7. Physical additives are employed to influence the appearance and taste of your canine food. They will include flavourings and colourings.
Overweight canines suffer! Obesity is an increasing problem in dogs with serious health consequences. That can lead to diseases of internal organs, puts stress on bones, joints and the cardiovascular system, and promotes irritation. It may also shorten the life expectancy of the animal. Frequently , too much food is the reason for overweight. But age, sex and breed also may play a role. Especially Cocker Spaniels, Labrador Retrievers and King Charles often become overweight. Occasionally the use of food items for deiting should be considered.
How much food does my dog need?
If the four-legged friend gets more energy than he uses, he can become overweight. Therefore, it is very important to give dogs the right amount of food. 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 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. Consequently, he needs less food.
Age: Young dogs continue to be growing and are often more curious and energetic. They usually have a higher energy requirement than older dogs. It truly is advisable to reduce the number of food a little each year. For more mature dogs, there are senior foods that are reduced body fat and contain important additives. For smaller dogs you need to change at the age group of 10 to 12 years, for large dogs as early as 7 to 8 years.
Diseases: Some diseases influence a dog’s food or energy requirements. These kinds of include cardiovascular problems, thyroid disease, osteo-arthritis and diabetes. When ever dogs are recovering from illness, they need more pet food.
Hormone balance: A dog’s hormone levels can rise or fall, changing energy needs. For instance , dogs have different energy needs when they are pregnant or change their coat.
To find out what amount of food is right for your dog, look at the caloric content of your canine food. A higher calorie content means a reduced amount of food is needed. Additionally, pet owners can use the subsequent rules of thumb as a guide:
– The daily amount of food for an adult and healthy dog with an ordinary activity level should be about 2 to 3 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 techniques a lot or is coping with 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 pct of the daily food requirement.
Any individual who is not sure about the right amount of food should talk to a vet and/or a nutritionist.
How can I recognize a food allergy or intolerance?
The most typical 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 result in allergic reactions. Things that a dog might be allergic to include, for instance , soy, animal proteins from poultry, pork or beef, and cause.
What is the difference between an allergy or intolerance and an intolerance?
– An allergy is a hypersensitivity reaction by the dog’s immune system. That reacts strongly against a certain compound. A true food allergic reaction rarely occurs in dogs. Mostly it is an intolerance. This is not triggered by the immune system.
– Feasible symptoms 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 exactly show up immediately after feeding the food. Sometimes they only appear a few hours or days later.
On the other hand, the symptoms do not necessarily have to indicate an allergy or intolerance. They can be caused by another disease. If your dog has these symptoms, you need to have the cause cleared up by 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 carry out an exemption diet. However, this involves a number of effort.
What is an different diet?
In an exclusion diet, the owner feeds the four-legged friend only one special way to obtain protein and sugars. These sources must be ingredients that the four-legged friend hasn’t eaten before. Dog owners should change the dog food bit by little. Following your food change, your canine is fed the new food for several weeks.
When the dog’s condition boosts and the symptoms no longer occur, a provocation test is performed. Here, the dog owner has to feed his four-legged friend one substance at a time, which may be the trigger for the allergies. Above time, a list is made of substances that the dog can put up with or that cause allergic reactions in him. An removal diet is something that dog owners can do themselves. Nevertheless, it is advisable to consult a professional or speak with the vet ahead of time.
Consistent action is crucial during an exemption diet. The dog should not be given chews, treats or outstanding during this period.
What should I do if my dog has an allergy?
If this turns out that your four-legged friend has a food allergy or food intolerance, the dog should no longer eat the allergy-causing chemicals. 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 absolutely nothing changes, patience is necesary: sometimes it needs some time until the symptoms of an intolerance or allergy no longer happen. Sometimes they only disappear completely months after the change in food.
Precisely what is grain-free dog food?
Doggie food often contains grains. These include wheat or grain, barley and rye, for example. Grains 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 legumes, which also provide carbohydrates to the dog.
Grain-free dog food usually makes digestion easier and is also also ideal for more sensitive dogs. However , it is not necessarily necessary to use a grain-free dog food. Dogs are omnivores and are able to process vegetable protein. A few types of feed are also especially easy to break down. These include 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 the dog is allergic to food containing cereals.
If you want to give your dog a dog food with grain, you should make sure that the grain content is not too much and that the product has a balanced recipe.
What can dogs not tolerate?
There are a lot of foods that dogs can’t tolerate. Several of them are actually poisonous for puppies. These include, for example, onions, natural 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. When a dog feeds on raw cabbage, it can get abdomen cramps or unwanted wind. Raw pork could develop the Aujeszky disease, which causes fatal condition. Other foods and drinks that pups should not eat include:
- Chocolate
- Raw taters
- Fruit
- Sultanas
- Fresh fruit starts
- Raw signal
- Macadamia nuts
- Bitter walnuts
- Raw ovum
- Some types of avocado
- Birch sugar and xylitol
- Cream and milk
- Caffeinated drinks, such as espresso
- Alcohol
Furthermore, nicotine is dangerous for dogs. As a result, caution is suggested in rain messes, 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 for it, you should contact the vet or the veterinary crisis service directly. At the same time, maintain the dog in a safe environment. On the other hand, despite all the concern for the dog’s life, the following applies: Stay calm and watch to signs of poisoning. It may be necessary to take the dog to a veterinary clinic or drive it to the vet. Symptoms that can occur with poisoning include:
- Extreme salivation
- Excessive thirst
- Nausea
- Diarrhoea
- Aches
- Uneasyness
- Shortness of breath
To prevent your dog from eating incompatible foods, dog owners should make sure that family and acquaintances do not feed them such foods. Found in addition, it is important to train the dog well so that it does not constantly eat whatever from the side of the road.
The best choice is the Benevo Adult Original Vegetarian Dog Food, 15kg.
Benevo Adult Original Vegetarian Dog Food, 15kg
- Wheat-free Recipe
- No GM Ingredients
- Added Taurine and L-Carnitine
- Contains Prebiotic FOS
- Foil Fresh Packaging
Video about best vegetarian dog food
FAQ – Common questions about dog food
Finally, we answer some important and frequently asked questions about dog food.
What should We look for in dog food for puppies?
Puppies 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 8 weeks. The components and elements of puppy dog food are specially created 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. Previously mentioned all, the puppy dog 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. Found in the beginning, young dogs should be provided small portions several times a day, which are then gradually increased.
When should I start using dog food for adult dogs?
This kind of depends upon 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 elderly people?
For small puppies, the change 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 senior at 7 to 8 years old. In addition to age group, 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 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 taste and nutrients. At worst, mould can develop.
What is barfing?
The abbreviation BARF comes from the English and means Born-Again Raw Feeder. The UK term means “biologically species-appropriate raw feeding”. The species-appropriate diet is founded on the eating habits of wild dogs. Ready-made food plays no role in barfeeding. Instead, the dog is fed unprocessed food such as meat, offal and bones, supplemented with vegetables, fruit, natural oils and carbohydrates for a well-balanced supply of nutrients. Meanwhile, substance and freeze-dried BARF food and deep-frozen meat can be found in the shops. Pet owners can add the other necessary components. Nevertheless , you should inform yourself well or seek advice from with experts.
What do I have to consider when changing my dog’s food?
The change of food should be done slowly. In the event the changeover is abrupt, sensitive puppies in particular can easily suffer from digestive : problems, a number of which may 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 comes after: On day 1 and 2, replace about an one fourth of the dog’s usual food with the new food. On the 3 rd and fourth day, replace half with the new food. Around 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 adaptation phase and increase 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 this instance, you should look for an alternative.
What should We do if my dog would 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 up 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 process. In addition, the dogs absorb more liquid with soaked 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 scale the dog and the caliber of the food. A young dog usually has a faster metabolism than an old animal. The number of food is important too. Tiny portions are broken down more quickly than large amounts. In addition, insoluble muscles remain in the stomach for a shorter time than soluble fibres. Low-fat food also leads to faster digestion. Additionally , the more liquefied the foodstuff is, the shortest the digestion time. Wet food is digested within 6 to 8 hours in adult dogs.
Are pet tests carried out for dog food?
You will find 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
Once can I start nourishing a puppy?
During the beginning of its life, a puppy is fed breast milk by its mother. Solid food is usually eaten by young puppies from the 3rd or 4th week of life. During this period, the mother continually nourish her puppies with breast milk in parallel. In order to accustom a puppy to dry food, it makes sense to moisten or dilute it which includes liquid – for example with puppy dog milk. From the 6th to 7th week of life, the puppy is normally no longer fed with mother’s dairy.
Experts recommend soaking your dry puppy food with a solution until the pup is 5 or 6 months old. To get the puppy used to the harder food, blend more and more non-soaked food pieces over time.
Making dog food yourself – does indeed it seem sensible?
Making 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 determine for yourself which ingredients go into it.
– Dog owners may include the special needs of their four-legged good friend in the preparing and adapt the foodstuff to these and the dog’s flavor.
– It is possible to make the food more varied for the dog.
If, for example , the dog is overweight, has to take medication or is intolerant to various foods, it may be sensible or essential to prepare the food yourself. Before organizing the foodstuff, you should study different substances. The meals should be balanced and contain all the necessary nutrients. It is often advisable to talk to a vet ahead of time. Recipe ideas for dog food can be found on the web, for example.
Some foods are unhealthy or toxic for puppies. For example, onions and garlic should not be eaten by dogs.
What is hypoallergenic dog food?
Hypoallergenic dog food is especially suitable for dogs with allergies. It truly is adapted to the needs of such a four-legged friend and can be easily digested by your dog. There is hypoallergenic dry 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 hypersensitive reactions will take place.
Usually there is only one source of necessary protein in such a product. This is usually an unique meat, such as kangaroo or normal water buffalo. Normally, the protein source used very rarely triggers an intolerance. Nevertheless, it cannot be ruled out that even hypoallergenic dog food can lead to allergic reactions. This happens when we have a substance in the foodstuff that the four-legged friend cannot tolerate.
In addition to dogs with allergies, hypoallergenic food is well suited for four-legged friends with a delicate gastrointestinal system. For these dogs, such a product can provide protection against digestive problems.
