The particular best for the dog – according to this slogan, many dog owners lovingly care for their pets. The four-legged friends need attention and job, but most importantly, of course, food. The food is crucial to ensure that the dog comes with all the important nutrition and remains in 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 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 may cause deficiency symptoms?
Inside the following best weight maintenance dog food, we present 10 products. You can expect 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 ingredients and clarify how much food your dog needs. In addition, you will understand which foods dogs cannot tolerate and how you can recognise a food allergy.
Below is a list of the best weight maintenance dog food:
- Pooch & Mutt - Slim & Slender, Complete Dry Dog Food (Grain Free), Chicken... — £16.97
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Gilbertson & Page Dr. John Silver Beef and Vegetables Dry Dog Food - Complete...
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£20.49
£21.49 -
Alpha Adult Worker Maintenance Complete Dry Dog Food British Beef, 15 kg
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£22.95
£23.95 -
Skinner’s Field & Trial Maintenance – Complete Dry Adult Dog Food, For...
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£24.93
£30.89 -
Alpha Adult Maintenance Sporting Complete Dry Dog Food with Chicken and Rice,...
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£27.99
£32.99 -
Chudleys Lite Dry Dog Food with Chicken, Rice and Vegetables, 15 kg
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£31.70
£32.99 -
Hills Prescription Diet Dog Weight + Food Croquet Joint Health for Dog...
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£43.89
£45.99 - PRO PLAN Optiweight Light Sterilised Adult Dry Dog Food Chicken 14kg,... — £48.79
- Hills Prescription Diet Canine Metabolic Dog Food 12kg — £80.97
- Skinners Get Out & Go! Adult Everyday Energy Dog Food, 2.5kg Bag - Complete...
After hours researching and comparing all models on the market, Life my Dog finds out the Best weight maintenance dog food of 2024. We would recommend using Alpha Adult Worker Maintenance Complete Dry Dog Food British Beef, 15 kg as it is a hight quality product.
Top 10 Best weight maintenance dog food
Best weight maintenance dog food
Alpha Adult Worker Maintenance Complete Dry Dog Food British Beef, 15 kg
£22.95
Features
- Alpha Working Maintenance is nutritionally formulated as an energy controlled, complete diet. It is suitable for dogs with lower energy requirements and helps to maintain a healthy weight.
Hills Prescription Diet Dog Weight + Food Croquet Joint Health for Dog Chicken 4 kg
£43.89
Features
- Croquettes for dogs that combine overweight problems and osteoarthritis problems.
- Hill's Prescription Diet Canine Metabolic + Mobility is a specially formulated food for supporting joint metabolism in the event of osteoarthritis, overweight/obese adult dogs and weight maintenance after damping. Properties: - Support for joint metabolism in the case of osteoarthritis in the adult dog; whitening of overweight and obese dogs; weight maintenance after damping.
- JOINT HEALTH - Clinically proven nutrition to improve dogs' ability to run, walk and jump in just 21 days. - Helps stop the osteoarthritis cycle and represents an alternative to Glucosamine & Chondroitin Sulfate supplementation. - Using EPA to preserve cartilage health in dogs illustrates Hill's leading role in state-of-the-art fatty acid technology. - Fresh Pack System protects fatty acids and maintains quality. Weight Management - Clinically proven nutrition to reduce body weight by 13% in 60 days. * - 88% of animals fed with this food lost weight in two months at home. * - Metabolic + Mobility nutrition is clinically proven to act regardless of the dog's energy expenditure profile, activating its inherent natural ability to burn excess fat and change its calorie consumption. - Clinically proven nutrition to prevent weight recovery as a result of a slimming program. * - As soon as the ideal weight is achieved, the recommended amounts of food should be adjusted to maintain the shape weight. Safe for long term power supply.
- A diet in line with its physiological needs is the essential condition of your pet's health. A prescription food is intended to meet a precise therapeutic objective that can only be defined by a veterinarian after examination of the animal.
Gilbertson & Page Dr. John Silver Beef and Vegetables Dry Dog Food - Complete Nutrition for Light Activity, Maintenance and Resting Adult and Senior Dogs - 15kg Bag, transparent
£20.49
Features
- TASTY BEEF AND VEGETABLES — Dr. John Silver with Beef and Vegetables is a perfectly balanced dry dog food basted with meat juices for a delicious flavour that dogs love! For light activity, maintenance and resting adult and senior dogs
- COMPLETE NUTRITION — we use only the finest ingredients in a nutritious formula that contains 18% protein, 6% fat and wholegrain cereals for slow energy release — no artificial colours, flavours or sugars!
- HEALTHY SKIN, JOINTS & COAT — our balanced formula contains yucca extract for joint support, crunchy kibble to help keep teeth clean, essential oil for healthy skin and a shiny coat, and vitamins A, D3 and E!
- FEEDING GUIDE — serve dry or with water or gravy as preferred. When feeding for the first time, introduce the food gradually over a few days, adjusting the amount based on your dog’s condition and activity. See pack for full details
- UK MADE FOR OVER 140 YEARS — we’ve been creating premium dog food blends in the UK with the finest-quality UK-sourced ingredients since 1873, helping to enhance the health and happiness of your dog!
PRO PLAN Optiweight Light Sterilised Adult Dry Dog Food Chicken 14kg, transparent
Features
- OPTIWEIGHT is proven effective for healthy weight loss and weight maintenance
- Low fat - Proven to support healthy weight loss and maintain lean body mass
- Helps to support Healthy Joints
- Helps reduce the feeling of hunger
- Helps prevent future weight gain ` through lean body maintenance, encouraging calorie burning.
Hills Prescription Diet Canine Metabolic Dog Food 12kg
Features
- Size: 12kg
Chudleys Lite Dry Dog Food with Chicken, Rice and Vegetables, 15 kg
£31.70
Features
- A reduced calorie complete diet which is ideally suited to dogs that easily gain weight or have a tendency to be overweight
- 20 percent protein, 5 percent fat, a low in fat recipe formulated for overweight dogs
- Contains carnitine to help utilise fat reserves for energy and help support weight management
- The blend of functional fibres and slowly-digested carbohydrates help to support that fuller feeling for your dog during weight control, consequently helping to reduce hunger pangs
- With QLC antioxidants and enhanced key vitamin levels to meet your dog's needs for nutrients whilst on low calorie intakes
Alpha Adult Maintenance Sporting Complete Dry Dog Food with Chicken and Rice, 15 kg
£27.99
Features
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- 0
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Skinners Get Out & Go! Adult Everyday Energy Dog Food, 2.5kg Bag - Complete Dry Adult Dog Food, Grain & Gluten Free, Chicken & Sweet Potato
Features
- DIETARY NEEDS - Get Out & Go! Adult Everyday Energy Food is perfectly balanced for active pet dogs who exercise at a moderate intensity and may benefit from a diet providing a moderate level of protein and fat. Our Everyday Energy food comes in two different kibble types, one cross shaped, to encourage slower eating.
- NUTRITIONALLY COMPLETE - With a perfectly balanced formulation of chicken and sweet potato plus superfoods such as kale and blueberries. Get Out & Go Everyday Energy Adult dog food is balanced with amino acids and taurine to support heart health during exercise and recovery. With added Omega-6 to maintain skin & coat condition.
- WHOLESOME INGREDIENTS - The Get Out & Go! Range has been created using superfoods and whole, natural ingredients specially formulated to ensure peak health for your dog. With no grains or gluten, it’s perfectly balanced for dogs who may benefit from a sensitive diet. Designed for dogs who lead an active lifestyle (with their owners!) - from weekend adventures, to long runs and intrepid trails.
- A GREENER FUTURE - All our dry food is produced in 100% recyclable paper packaging, we employ from the local community, and many of our staff walk to work. We work closely with local farmers and are proud of our community brand.
- HERITAGE BRAND - This new Get Out & Go! range comes from the producers of Skinner’s Field & Trial. Skinner’s have been making working dog food for 50 years. Over the last five decades, we have established incredible loyalty, built on our deep-rooted family values, heritage & trust.
Pooch & Mutt - Slim & Slender, Complete Dry Dog Food (Grain Free), Chicken and Sweet Potato, 2kg
Features
- Designed to help dogs that are overweight to promote a slim and slender body composition
- Premium, grain free complete dry dog food
- Includes sweet potato as digestion-aiding fibre and pea protein to lower hunger
- Single source protein with 45% lean chicken
- Free from grain, cereal , gluten, GM produce, artificial flavours, colours and preservatives
Skinner’s Field & Trial Maintenance – Complete Dry Adult Dog Food, For Overweight or Less Active Dogs, 15kg
£24.93
Features
- DIETARY NEEDS - Field & Trial Maintenance is a nutritionally complete dog food, specially developed and formulated for any dog that requires a less energy dense diet. Typically, older or less active dogs or those predisposed to weight gain.
- HERITAGE BRAND - The Stradbroke Mill in Suffolk has been in the Skinner family for seven generations and has been manufacturing complete dog foods since the early 1970s.
- NUTRITIONALLY COMPLETE - Skinner’s Field & Trial now offers a range of 19 nutritionally complete diets for active and working dogs of every age, breed and activity level.
- NATURAL INGREDIENTS - Skinner’s does not add any artificial colouring, flavours or preservatives to any of our products, where possible we try and use locally sourced ingredients surrounding our Suffolk mill.
- MAINTENANCE - Field & Trial Maintenance is an oval shaped kibble to aid in feelings of fullness. It has a protein level of 18% and a fat level of 11% to support normal day-to-day activity and provides everything your dog requires to remain happy and healthy. “Packaging may vary”.
The particular best for the dog – regarding to this slogan, many dog owners lovingly care for their pets. The four-legged friends need attention and profession, but most importantly, of course, food. The meals is crucial to ensure that the dog comes with all the important nutrients and remains in good health to live a long dog’s life. But it is often not so easy to find the right food for your own dog. Similar to humans, it is also important to consider a balanced diet. In addition, the multitude of offers in the trade can cause confusion. Different questions arise: What nutritional requirements will the dog have in addition to what quantity? Which food is ideal where age? Is dry or damp food the right choice for your four-legged friend? And how much should the dog be fed? What may cause 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. Inside our guide, we describe the types of dog food, go into some of the constituents and describe how much food your dog needs. In addition, you will learn which foods dogs cannot put up with and exactly how you can recognise a food allergy.
The different types of dog food at a glance
Merely as every person has their own own dietary needs, every dog’s preferences are different. The choice of food that goes into the dog’s bowl should be made according to various factors. These include the breed, activity and health of the dog. Age also plays a role.
Puppies are growing and need special nutrients. In addition, their gastrointestinal system is not yet as efficient. An adult dog needs sugars, fats, oils, healthy proteins and minerals. His dog food should be balanced. Old dogs have a slow metabolism and are no for a longer time as active. As a result, they want less energy, i. e. calories from fat. However , the dog food should be easy to process and include a great deal of proteins. In addition, the types of food differ in terms of composition, technique of development and consistency.
Structure – complete or complementary food?
A complete feed contains all the nutrients the dog needs on a regular basis. The portion of proteins, fatty acids, minerals and vitamins varies with respect to the product. The ingredients should be adapted to age, activity and possible allergies of the four-legged friend. A whole food can be dry or cast food. Supplementary meals are not sufficient per to provide the dog with all the crucial nutrients. These can be flakes that the dog owner blends into the food or treats. The declaration shows what.
Type of production
– Dry food and wet food available in pet shops and grocery stores usually comes from industrial production. This kind of is the most common type of dog food. Industrially produced wet food is often filled in cans or small aluminium trays. With the latter, one pan is sufficient for one portion. Nevertheless, some manufacturers of professional dog food use genetically revised raw materials and additives.
Industrially produced dog food has a long corner life. By conditions, this dog food can be stored unopened for several years with no loss of quality.
– Natural dog food only uses raw materials that come from plant, animal or other natural sources – unaltered or processed. The food should not contain any chemically synthesised additives. However , certain synthetic vitamins and minerals are permitted. In words of packaging, there is often almost no difference compared to business food: natural dog food is packaged in cups or as dry out food.
– Organic and natural dog food must comply with harsher guidelines regarding ingredients. For example, the product should never contain numerous substances such as genetically altered ingredients, hormones and pesticides. There are distinctions between the various organic dog foods: “100 per penny organic” means that no undesirable substances have been processed. With all the claim “organic”, the constituents in the organic and natural food are 95 per penny organic. If this claims “made with organic”, the product consists of 70 per penny 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 but still provides the dog with the important nutrients. However , veggie and vegan dog food contains a lot of fruit and vegetables and grains, which can issues if the dog is intolerant.
– A unique form of dog food is BARF. The abbreviation is short for “biologically species-appropriate natural feeding”. This species-appropriate method of nourishing raw food is based on the dog’s ancestor – the wolf. When barfing, the dog is fed uncooked fresh meat, often coupled with raw, pureed fruit or vegetables. Whether this method is actually much healthier is debatable. Because the meals are merged individually, barfing is more ideal for experienced dog 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 kind of is a statement that should be treated with caution. There is no such thing as food-grade pet food. This also applies to dog food. You should also watch out for attractants and flavour enhancers in dog food. These kinds of are supposed to give the food the smell and preference. Some dog enthusiasts also avoid dog or cat food/dog food from factory farming.
Big difference between extruded and cold-pressed dried fodder
Dried dog food is produced by the cold-pressing or extrusion process:
1. Cold-pressed dog food is produced by first drying the raw materials and then grinding and combining them. A tool presses this mass through the spaces of a drum wall. Shaped and compacted chunks of feed come out the other side. During the dog food production process, temperatures of about 90 levels Celsius are made, which obviously contradicts the word cold depressing. 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 types of have to be artificially added to the meals after processing. During processing, the dough-like extruded feed is presented through nozzles at high pressure. Nourish produced in this way swells significantly when liquid is added.
Both methods have advantages and disadvantages: Because the nutrients have not yet been damaged down, a dog can digest the cold-pressed food obviously, little by little. In addition, the food includes more natural elements. In case 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. Nevertheless, the manufacturing process is merely a supplementary factor in identifying the tolerability and quality of the meals. The most important thing is the quality of the raw materials.
Which is better – damp food or dried out food?
There exists moist and dry dog food on the market. The two types of dog food differ in their water content.
Dry food consists of hardly any water and therefore has a longer shelf life . usually several years. Dogs that are fed dry food have to chew more and therefore coach their teeth. Eating dry food is nearly like brushing your dog’s teeth. For dogs that drink little, feeding dried out food can be considered a disadvantage. They can become dehydrated if they are provided only dry food. Therefore, it is important to provide the dog with enough water. The huge benefits and disadvantages of dry food at a glance:
Pros
- Long shelf life
- More affordable than wet food
- Easier to feed on the go
- Easy to store
- Almost germ-free due to heat during production
- Even more environmentally friendly than refined food
Cons
- Frequently less acceptable to your canine
- The dog’s body is deprived of water, so it has to drink significantly more.
- Can lead to overweight quicker if it is not a diet food
- Risk of mould or temperato formation if stored incorrectly
Wet dog food has a high water content. The wet food is usually portioned in tins or small bowls. Often one package of wet food corresponds to one meal. A large number of dogs like moist food much better than dry food. In contrast to dry food, wet food for puppies – once exposed – can only be kept for a few days. It ought to be used up within 2 days of opening. Under we have summarised the benefits and down sides of wet food:
Pros
- High acceptance by most four-legged friends
- Packed in handy servings
- Since of the high water content in wet food, your canine does not need so much additional liquid.
- If necessary, medication can be administered with the wet food.
Cons
- After opening, moist food cannot be stored very well
- Major dogs need to know more space for storage
- Even more difficult to transport and feed on the move
- Wet food smells more extreme
- Costs more than dry food
- Creates more waste
It is not possible to make a general statement about which type of dog food is well suited for your dog. Your canine finally decides which dog food it likes and which variety it prefers. To find out which type of dog food your puppy likes better and which this individual tolerates better, you should try away both types.
Some dog owners change between wet and dry food. The following pertains to both types of food: It should just be given as a primary meal, never as a treat in between meals. This can lead to overfeeding of the dog.
How much meats and exactly how many carbs and nutrients are supposed to be in dog food?
The quality of the dog food plays a major role in a balanced and healthy diet. It is important that the dog food consists of healthy ingredients and nutrients – irrespective of whether it is wet food or dry food. The right composition of your canine food is also crucial for good digestion and the health of the four-legged good friend.
Simply how much meat should the food contain?
Dogs are descended from wolves – that is why their digestive system is similar to regarding predators. So to start with, the resource 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 needs and genetics have changed. This also applies to digestion. For example, the dog’s digestive enzyme are now able to break down starch, which means that the four-legged friend can also digest herb food in smaller quantities.
Above all, various meats provides the dog with protein. The four-legged friend needs protein for its muscles, bones, strong tissues, healthy teeth and nerves and provide energy for its activities. As a result, senior dogs have a lower necessary protein requirement because they are not as lively as young or adult animals. In general, experts declare dog food should contain between 50 and 70 % meat. But other ingredients are also important. If dog owners feed only meat for their four-legged friends, this could lead to an issue with digestion, stress on the kidneys and liver due to excess protein and deficiency symptoms.
Nutritional vitamins, minerals and carbohydrates in dog food?
A well-balanced dog diet also includes nutrients that are not present in meat – for instance , vitamins and nutrients found in vegetables and fruit, or fatty acids from healthy natural oils. The four-legged good friend also needs sugars. Wolves, for example, eat the stomach and intestinal material of prey animals, now and then also berries and grass.
Dogs convert starch from hemp, potatoes and cereals into energy and want it for their intestinal flora. Nevertheless, the need for carbohydrates is low. Fillers from herb waste such as press residues from oil production, sections, husks or straw in many cases are added to the feed. Superior quality carbohydrates are normally found in rice, potatoes, millet, maize, amaranth or buckwheat.
Animal fat provide the dog with twice as much energy as proteins. To prevent overweight, the foodstuff should contain these chemicals only moderately. Just how much should maintain the dog food depends upon how much the animal moves. Lamb and poultry body fat are saturated oily acids. They are stored in the body as emergency rations and are designed as a hold for bad times. Meat and vegetable oil contain condensed omega-6 fatty acids and unsaturated fatty acids. Omega-3 natural 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 pct lean meat or muscle meat or fish with high-quality proteins. In addition, there ought to be about 20 to 50 percent high-quality carbohydrates for energy production and fruit, vegetables or herbs for the necessary nutritional supplements. The proportion of offal should be a maximum of 10 percent. Offal provides valuable nutrition such as vitamin h or iron. Good quality oils such as salmon essential oil or linseed oil improve nutrient ingestion and ensure a functioning cardiovascular system, a shiny coating and healthy skin area.
How can I recognise superior quality dog food?
Puppy 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 time of the dog food
– Identity of the meals
– Net weight
– Moisture content for canned food
With regard to the ingredients of the feed, various assertions are permitted: A closed declaration only indicates ingredient groups. These are, for example , statements such as “with cereals” and “vegetable by-products”. A semi-open declaration prospect lists the individual uncooked materials, although not their percentage. The open declaration provides the structure in % and the respective sources of raw materials. When reading the food label, dog owners should also note the following:
1. Many manufacturers split the word materials into individual groupings. The reason for this is that the large total quantity appears smaller. For example, maize becomes maize starch, maize feed food, maize flour, maize gluten or source. The cereal components provide carbohydrates and saturate well, but should not be included in too large volumes.
2. The elements in the supply are listed in descending order relating to their volume. The further ahead an ingredient is listed on the label, the better its proportion. Conversely, this implies: Only a little proportion of an ingredient that is listed far throughout the list is within the feed.
Other aspects by which dog owners recognise the quality of the food are:
– Meat content of 50 to 70 per cent
– Grain and veg content between 25 and 50 percent
– Balanced substances with all the necessary vitamins and minerals
– Zero use of flavor enhancers
These nutrients make a good dog food
The dog’s organism does not have trouble digesting good dog food. Signs of this are almost odourless faeces, high vitality and a shiny coat. The proportion of nutrition in a dog food is outlined under the term “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 animal by-products indicates the meat content in your canine food. Producers often do not declare precisely what is engaged. It may 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 instance , hair, bones, hooves, blood or beaks.
2. Fish as well as its by-products include fish fillets, bones and fish minds.
3. Plant by-products include, for example, vegetables, cereals and pulses and olive oil fruits. They are partially health- and digestion-promoting food components.
4. Technological additives are preservatives, separating and binding agents, stabilisers, thickening and gelling agents and acid regulators. A few of these are important. These include, for instance , emulsifiers and natural antioxidants. Emulsifiers ensure an uniform regularity of oil and water. Natural antioxidants are to prevent rancid fat.
5. Nutritional additives are intended to support the health of the four-legged friend. They should be contained in the right formula, for example as vitamins, provitamins, amino acids and search for 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 utilized to influence the appearance and taste of your canine food. They include flavourings and colourings.
Overweight dogs suffer! Obesity is an expanding problem in dogs with serious health consequences. It can lead to diseases of bodily organs, puts stress on bones, joints and the cardiovascular system, and promotes swelling. Additionally, it may shorten the life expectancy of the animal. Often , too much food is the reason for overweight. Nevertheless age, sex and breed also be involved. Especially Cocker Spaniels, Labrador Retrievers and King Charles often become overweight. Occasionally the use of diet food should be considered.
How much food does my dog need?
If the four-legged friend gets more energy than he utilizes, he can become overweight. Therefore, it is very important to give puppies the necessary food. Just how much pet food a dog needs depends upon various factors. In addition to the breed, the subsequent aspects are relevant, for example:
Activity level: How much the four-legged friend moves determines the amount of energy it burns. A dog that moves a lot burns more calories. If the dog is not so active, it burns fewer calorie consumption and has a slower metabolism. Consequently, he needs less food.
Age: More youthful dogs continue to be growing and in many cases are more curious and active. They usually have a higher energy requirement than old dogs. It truly is recommended to reduce the number of food a little each year. For older dogs, there are senior foods that are reduced body fat and contain important additives. For smaller dogs it is time to change at the era of 10 to 12 years, for large dogs around 7 to 8 years.
Diseases: Several diseases influence a dog’s food or energy requirements. These types of include cardiovascular problems, thyroid disease, joint disease and diabetes. When ever dogs are coping with 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 conceived or change their coat.
To find out what amount of food is right for your dog, look at the calorie content of your canine food. A higher calorie content means a reduced amount of food is needed. Additionally, dog owners can use the subsequent guidelines as a guide:
– The daily amount of food for an adult and healthy dog with a regular activity level should be about two to three percent of the dog’s weight.
– If the dog is older and does not exercise as much, a daily food amount of 2 per cent of the body weight is usually sufficient.
– A dog that moves 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 person who is not sure about the right amount of food should talk to a vet and a nutritionist.
Just how can I recognise a food allergic reaction?
The most frequent allergies in dogs are flea allergy and food allergy. Possible triggers of the allergy are, for instance , stress, parasitic organisms and pollen. In addition, the protein-containing substances in a feed can trigger allergic reactions. Ingredients that a dog might be allergic to include, for instance , me llaman, animal proteins from poultry, pork or beef, and cause.
What is the between an allergy and an intolerance?
– An allergy is a hypersensitivity effect by the dog’s immune system. This reacts strongly against a certain compound. A real food allergy rarely occurs in dogs. Mostly it is an intolerance. This is not triggered by the immune system.
– Likely indications of allergies and intolerances
– Possible symptoms of a food allergy or food intolerance include itchiness, vomiting, belly pain, flatulence, diarrhoea, lack of 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 certainly not have to indicate an allergy or intolerance. They will may also be caused by another disease. In the event that your dog has these symptoms, you need to have the cause clarified with a vet. The vet can also determine an allergic reaction or an intolerance, for instance , through an allergy test. On the other hand, it is possible to handle an exemption diet. However, this involves a lot 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 carbs. These sources must be ingredients that the four-legged friend has not eaten before. Pet owners should change the dog food bit by little. After the food change, your canine is fed the new food for many weeks.
When the dog’s condition boosts and the symptoms no more occur, a provocation test is carried out. Here, the dog owner has to feed his four-legged friend one substance at a time, which may be the trigger for the allergies. Over 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 advisable to check with a professional or talk to the vet beforehand.
Consistent action is crucial during an exemption diet. The dog must not be given chews, treats or outstanding during this time period.
What should I do if my dog has an allergy?
Whether it turns out that your four-legged friend has a food allergy or food intolerance, the dog should no longer eat the allergy-causing substances. The selected pet food must therefore not contain any substances that your canine cannot tolerate. The same applies to treats and everything dog snacks between meals.
If practically nothing changes, patience is called for: sometimes it calls for a little while until the symptoms of an intolerance or allergy or intolerance no longer take place. Sometimes they only disappear completely months after the change in food.
Precisely what is grain-free dog food?
Dog food often contains grains. Such as 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 results in obesity and sometimes to a problem with digestion. There is also grain-free dog food. Instead of feed, it contains alternate ingredients such as potatoes and legumes, which also provide carbohydrates to the dog.
Grain-free dog food usually makes digestion easier and it is also ideal for more sensitive dogs. Yet , it is not necessarily essential to use a grain-free dog food. Dogs are omnivores and are able to break down vegetable protein. Some types of grain are also specifically easy to process. Such as maize and rice, for example. In some instances, however, it makes sense or is necessary to use a dog food without materials. This is especially true if your dog is allergic to food containing cereals.
If you want to give your puppy a dog food with grain, you should make sure that the grain content is not too high and that the product has a balanced recipe.
What can dogs not tolerate?
There are a lot of foods that canines can’t tolerate. Some of them are even poisonous for canines. These include, for example, onions, raw cabbage and natural pork. Onions can be fatal, based on 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 consumes raw cabbage, it can get belly cramps or unwanted wind. Raw pork could contain the Aujeszky virus, that causes fatal illness. Other foods and drinks that pups should never eat include:
- Chocolates
- Raw potatoes
- Vineyard
- Sultanas
- Fresh fruit starts
- Raw pulses
- Macadamia nuts
- Bitter almonds
- Raw ovum
- Some types of avocado
- Birch glucose and xylitol
- Cream and milk
- Caffeinated drinks, such as caffeine
- Alcohol
Furthermore, nicotine is dangerous for dogs. Therefore, caution is advised in rain messes, for example: Cigarette residues are available in them. Ashtrays should always be located in such a way that your dog cannot reach them.
If a dog has eaten food that is dangerous for this, you should contact the doctor and also the veterinary emergency service directly. At the same time, keep the dog in a secure environment. Nevertheless, despite all the concern for the dog’s life, the following applies: Stay calm and watch out for signs of poisoning. It could be necessary to take the dog to a veterinary clinic or drive it to the vet. Symptoms that may occur with poisoning include:
- Excessive salivation
- Excessive being thirsty
- Nausea
- Diarrhoea
- Cramps
- Restlessness
- Shortness of breath
To prevent your canine from eating incompatible foods, dog owners should make sure that relatives and acquaintances do not feed them such foods. In addition, it is necessary to train the dog well so that it does not constantly eat whatever off of the side of the road.
The best choice is the Alpha Adult Worker Maintenance Complete Dry Dog Food British Beef, 15 kg.
Alpha Adult Worker Maintenance Complete Dry Dog Food British Beef, 15 kg
- Alpha Working Maintenance is nutritionally formulated as an energy controlled, complete diet. It is suitable for dogs with lower energy requirements and helps to maintain a healthy weight.
Video about best weight maintenance dog food
FAQ – Frequently asked questions about dog food
Finally, we answer some important and often asked questions about dog food.
What should I actually look for in dog food for puppies?
Puppies need a different dog food than adult canines. Once they are weaned from their mother, puppy food is on the menu. This is usually the case after about 2 months. The components and substances of puppy dog food are specially designed for growing canines. This is because a baby dog’s immune system, bone fragments, muscles, coat and teeth first have to produce.
With puppy dog food, the focus is on nutrient intake. Above all, the puppy dog food must contain certain essential vitamins and minerals. So that the puppy’s digestive tract is not overtaxed, the food for puppies also has a lower food volume than your dog food for adult quadrupeds. 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 will depend on the breed of dog: Promising small to medium breeds are believed grownups from 9 to 12 months of age. For large breeds, it is recommended to give adult food to dogs from 12 to 15 months of age. For very large breeds, it is advised to give adult food a little later – from 18 to 24 months.
When should my dog be given food for seniors?
For small dogs, the enhancements made on diet should take place between 10 and 12 years of age. For medium-sized dogs, its about time at 8 to 9 years. Large breeds are considered senior at 7 to 8 years old. In addition to age group, the dog’s express of health is also an important criterion. It is highly recommended to discuss the change of food with the vet.
Precisely what is the best way to store dry food?
The dry food should be retained in an 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 foodstuff can become “sticky” and lose its taste and nutrients. At worst, mould can develop.
Precisely what is barfing?
The abbreviation BARF comes from the The english language and means Born-Again Raw Feeder. The UK term means “biologically species-appropriate organic feeding”. The species-appropriate diet is founded on the eating habits of wild dogs. Ready-made food plays no role in barfeeding. Instead, the dog is fed natural food such as meat, offal and bones, supplemented with vegetables, fruit, oils and carbohydrates for a balanced supply of nutrients. Meanwhile, chemical substance and freeze-dried BARF food and deep-frozen meat can be purchased in the shops. Dog owners can add the other necessary components. Yet , you should notify yourself well or talk to with experts.
What do We have to consider when changing my dog’s food?
The change of food should be done slowly. In the event that the changeover is abrupt, sensitive canines in particular can quickly suffer from digestive : problems, a number of which is often considerable. A period of one week is usually recommended for your dog to get accustomed to the new food.
The change of food should proceed as comes after: On day 1 and 2, replace about a 1 / 4 of the dog’s usual food with the new food. On the 3rd and fourth day, replace half with the new food. Around the fifth and sixth day, the proportion of the new dog food should be three quarters. On day 7, the changeover is complete.
In the event that the dog responds sensitively and, for example , gets diarrhoea in the first few days of the foodstuff change, you should extend the version 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 suited to him. In cases like this, you should look for an alternative.
What should I actually do if my dog would not like dry food?
In that case it makes sense to soak the dry food. This kind of has several advantages: Dogs often eat the dry food beyond hunger because it swells in the stomach first. This makes it easier for them to become overweight and feel full. In the event the food has already swollen in water, it fills the dog up faster and is better to break down. In addition, the dogs absorb more liquid with soaked dry food.
How quickly do dogs break down dry food?
Puppies usually need up to 14 several hours to digest dry out food. The exact time depends, among other things, on the age and scale the dog and the caliber of the food. A young dog usually has a faster metabolism than an older animal. The quantity of food is also important. Small portions are broken down more quickly than large amounts. In addition, insoluble fibres remain in the stomach for a shorter time than soluble fibres. Low-fat food also leads to faster digestion. Additionally , 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?
There are quite a few manufacturers who carry out creature experiments to test the effects and tolerance of their newly developed types of food. PETA’s website publishes a list of manufacturers who do not test on animals.
Which manufacturers and brands produce dog food?
The best-known dog food manufacturers and dog food brands include, for instance , ROYAL CANIN, Josera and WOLFSBLUT. Other well-known manufacturers and brands are, for example:
– Bosch
– PRIMUM
– Pedigree
– RINTI
– Animonda
– MERA
When can I start nourishing a puppy?
During the beginning of its life, a puppy is fed breast milk by its mother. Sound food is usually eaten by pups from the 3rd or 4th week of life. During this time, the mother is constantly on the give food to her puppies with breast milk in parallel. In order to accustom a puppy to dry food, it makes sense to moisten or dilute it with a liquid – for example with pup milk. From the 6th to 7th week of life, the puppy is normally will no longer fed with mother’s milk.
Experts recommend soaking your 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 – will it sound right?
Making your own dog food takes more time and work than bought food. However, it does incorporate some advantages:
– In the event 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 friend in the preparation and adapt the foodstuff to these and the dog’s taste.
– It is possible to make the food more varied for the dog.
If, for example , the dog is overweight, has to take medication or is intolerant to various foods, it could be sensible or required to prepare the food yourself. Before organizing the food, you should study the various elements. The food should be balanced and contain all the necessary nutrients. It is sometimes recommended to talk to a vet ahead of time. Recipe ideas for dog food can be found on the web, for example.
Certain foods are unhealthy or toxic for dogs. For example, onions and garlic should not be consumed by dogs.
What is hypoallergenic dog food?
Hypoallergenic dog food is especially ideal for dogs with allergies. It really is adapted to the needs of such a four-legged friend and can be easily broken down by the dog. Presently there is hypoallergenic dry food and hypoallergenic wet food on the market. It contains few or no substances that cause allergic reactions in dogs. Appropriately, a hypoallergenic food reduces the risk that your canine will not tolerate it and that allergic reactions will happen.
Usually there is just one supply of protein in such a product. This is usually an amazing meat, such as kangaroo or drinking water buffalo. Normally, the protein source used very rarely causes an intolerance. However, it cannot be ruled out that even hypoallergenic dog food can lead to allergy symptoms. 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 very sensitive digestive system. For these dogs, such a product provides protection against digestive problems.
