best dog food ultimate guide

Best Dog Food: The Ultimate Guide

An overview of the different types of dog food

Just as everyone has their own unique nutritional needs, so do every dog’s preferences. The choice of food to put in the dog’s bowl should be based on several factors. These include the breed, the activity and the health of the dog. Age also plays a role.

Puppies are growing and need special nutrients. In addition, their digestive system is not yet that efficient. An adult dog needs carbohydrates, fats, oils, proteins and minerals. His dog food should be balanced. Older dogs have slower metabolisms and are less active. They therefore require less energy, i.e. calories.

However, dog food should be easy to digest and high in protein. In addition, the types of feed differ in terms of composition, production method and consistency.

best dog food ultimate guide

Best dog food: Complete or supplementary feed?

A complete feed contains all the nutrients that the dog needs every day. The proportion of proteins, fatty acids, vitamins and minerals differs depending on the product. The ingredients should be tailored to the age, activity and possible allergies of the four-legged friend. A complete feed can be dry or wet food.

Complementary feed is not enough in itself to provide the dog with all the vital nutrients. These can be flakes, which the dog owner mixes in with the food, or treats.

Dry food and wet food, which is available in pet shops and supermarkets, usually comes from industrial production. This is the most common type of dog food. The industrially produced wet food is often filled into cans or small aluminum bowls. In the case of the latter, one bowl is sufficient for one portion. However, some manufacturers of industrial dog food use genetically modified raw materials and additives.

Important things to know about choosing dog foods

Industrially produced dog food has a long shelf life. With a few exceptions, this dog food can be stored unopened for many years without any loss of quality.

There are differences between the various organic dog foods. “100 percent organic” means that no undesirable ingredients have been processed. If the indication “organic” is given, the ingredients in the organic feed are 95 percent organic. When it says “made with organic”, the product consists of 70 percent organic ingredients. Organic food is available as dry and wet food.

There are now vegan and vegetarian dog foods on the market. This dog food comes without meat and still provides the dog with the important nutrients. However, vegetarian and vegan dog food contains a lot of vegetables and grains, which can lead to problems if the dog has intolerances.

There are manufacturers who advertise food-grade dog food. This is a statement that should be treated with caution. There is no such thing as food-grade animal feed. This also applies to dog food.

You should also pay attention to attractants and flavor enhancers in dog food. These should give the food a better smell and taste. Many dog ​​lovers also do without animal feed or dog food from factory farming and cook the food themselves.

Choosing the best dry dog food

Dry food is produced by cold pressing or the extrusion process. Cold-pressed dog food is created by dry extraction, in which the raw materials are first dried and then ground and mixed. A roller presses this mass through the openings in a drum wall. Shaped and compacted lumps of feed come out on the other side. During the dog food manufacturing process, temperatures of around 90 degrees Celsius occur, which apparently contradicts the term cold pressing. Nevertheless, significantly lower temperatures are used than with extrusion.

In the extrusion process, the ingredients for the dog food are exposed to high temperatures. Many nutrients are lost in this manufacturing process. These have to be artificially added back to the feed after processing. During processing, the dough-like extruded feed is conveyed through nozzles at high pressure. Food made in this way swells a lot when liquid is added to it.

best dog food ultimate guide

Both methods have advantages and disadvantages: Due to the nutrients that have not yet been broken down, a dog can gradually digest the cold-pressed food naturally. The feed also contains more natural ingredients. If the four-legged friend has problems with the gastrointestinal tract and a disturbed digestion, extruded dog food can be more tolerable for him. With this dog food, the starch has already been broken down during heating.

However, the manufacturing process only says something about the tolerance and quality of the food in the second place. The most important thing is the quality of the raw materials.

What is better – wet food or dry food?

There is wet food and dry food for dogs on the market. The two variants of dog food differ in their water content.

Dry dog food pros and cons

Dry food contains very little water and therefore has a longer shelf life – often for several years. Dogs that are fed dry food have to chew more and use it to train their teeth. For a dog, eating dry food is almost like brushing your teeth.

For dogs that drink little, feeding dry food can be a disadvantage. They can become dehydrated if fed only dry food. It is therefore important to provide the dog with enough water. The advantages and disadvantages of dry food at a glance:

Pros:

  • Long durability
  • Cheaper than wet food
  • Easier feeding on the go
  • Easy to store
  • Almost germ-free due to heating during production
  • Better for the environment than canned food

Cons:

  • Often the acceptance by the dog is lower
  • The dog’s body is deprived of water, so he has to drink more
  • Can lead to obesity faster if fed incorrectly
  • Danger of mold or mite formation if stored incorrectly

Pros and cons of wet dog food

Wet dog food has a high water content. The wet food is usually portioned in cans or bowls. One pack of wet food often equals one meal. Many dogs like wet food much better than dry food. In contrast to dry food, wet dog food – once opened – only keeps for a few days. It should be used within 2 days of opening.

Below we have summarized the advantages and disadvantages of wet food:

Pros:

  • High acceptance by most four-legged friends
  • Packed in handy portions
  • Due to the high water content in wet food, dogs do not need that much additional liquid
  • If necessary, medication can be administered well with the wet food

Cons:

  • After opening, wet food does not store well
  • Larger dogs require more space for storage
  • More difficult to transport and feed on the go
  • Wet food smells more intense
  • Costs more than dry food
  • Generates more garbage

It is not possible to say in general which type of dog food is the right one for your own dog. The dog ultimately decides which dog food he likes and which variant he prefers. To find out which type of dog food your dog likes better and which one he tolerates better, you should try both variants.

Warning: Some dog owners switch between wet and dry food. The following applies to both variants: It should only be served as a main meal, never as a treat in between. This can lead to overfeeding the dog.

best dog food ultimate guide

How much meat, carbohydrates and nutrients should 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 contains healthy ingredients and nutrients – regardless of whether it is wet food or dry food. The correct composition of the dog food is also crucial for good digestion and the health of the four-legged friend.

How much meat should the best dog food contain?

Dogs are descended from wolves – that’s why their digestive tract is similar to that of predators. First and foremost, then, is the supply of meat is important. However, it is not the only thing that matters. Unlike the wolf, the dog has been domesticated by man, its needs and genetics have changed.

This also applies to digestion. The digestive enzyme in dogs can now break down starch, which means that the four-legged friend can also digest small amounts of plant-based food.

Meat is primarily responsible for supplying the dog with protein. The four-legged friend needs proteins for his muscles, his bones, a strong tissue, healthy teeth and nerves and to provide energy for his activities. As a result, senior dogs have a lower protein requirement because they are no longer as active as young or adult animals.

In general, according to experts, dog food should contain between 50 and 70 percent meat. But other ingredients are also important. If dog owners only feed their four-legged friends meat, this can lead to digestive problems, stress on the kidneys and liver due to excess protein and deficiency symptoms.

Vitamins, minerals and carbohydrates in dog food

A balanced dog diet also includes nutrients that are not found in meat – for example vitamins and minerals found in vegetables and fruit or fatty acids from healthy oils. The four-legged friend also needs carbohydrates. For example, wolves eat the stomach and intestinal contents of their prey, and occasionally berries and grass.

Dogs convert starch from rice, potatoes and grains into energy and need it for their intestinal flora. However, the need for carbohydrates is only small. Fillers from plant waste such as pressing residues from oil production, stalks, shells or straw are often added to the feed. High-quality carbohydrates can be found in rice, potatoes, millet, corn, amaranth or buckwheat.

Animal fats provide the dog with twice as much energy as proteins. To prevent obesity, the feed should only contain these substances in moderation. How high the proportion in dog food should be depends on how much the animal moves. Lamb and poultry fats are among the saturated fatty acids. They are stored in the body as emergency rations and are intended as a reserve for bad times. Meat and vegetable oil contain saturated omega 6 fatty acids and unsaturated fatty acids. Omega-3 oils found in fish are extremely valuable for cellular metabolism.

best dog food ultimate guide

What goes in dog food? Exact numbers

The dog food should consist of 50 to 70 percent lean meat or muscle meat or fish with high-quality proteins. In addition, there are around 20 to 50 percent high-quality carbohydrates for energy production and fruit, vegetables or herbs for the necessary vitamins and minerals. The proportion of offal should not exceed 10 percent. The innards provide valuable nutrients such as biotin or iron. Good quality oils such as salmon oil or linseed oil improve nutrient absorption and ensure a functioning cardiovascular system, a shiny coat and healthy skin.

How can I recognize high-quality dog ​​food?

Various statements are permitted with regard to the ingredients of the feed: A closed declaration only refers to groups of ingredients. These are, for example, statements such as “with grain” and “vegetable by-products”. In the semi-open declaration, the individual raw materials are listed, but not their percentage. The open declaration states the composition in percent and the respective raw material sources. When reading the food label, dog owners should also note the following:

  • Many manufacturers split the term grain into individual groups. The reason: The large total amount appears smaller. For example, corn becomes corn starch, corn flour, corn flour, corn gluten or grain. The grain components provide carbohydrates and are filling, but should not be included in large quantities.
  • The ingredients in the feed are listed according to their quantity in descending order. The earlier an ingredient is listed on the label, the greater its proportion. Conversely, this means that the feed contains only a small proportion of an ingredient that is far behind.
  • The value for meat and animal by-products indicates the meat content in dog food. Often the manufacturers do not declare exactly what it is about. It could be high quality muscle meat or offal or low quality offal. The latter includes leg meat, tripe or lips. Animal by-products include, for example, hair, bones, hooves, blood or beaks.
  • Fish and its by-products include fish fillet, bones and fish heads.
  • Vegetable by-products are, for example, vegetables, cereals and legumes and oilseeds. Some of them are food components that promote health and digestion.
  • Preservatives, separating and binding agents, stabilizers, thickening and gelling agents and acidity regulators are referred to as technological additives. Some of these are important. These include, for example, emulsifiers and natural antioxidants. Emulsifiers ensure a uniform consistency of oil and water. Natural antioxidants are designed to prevent rancid fat.
  • Nutritional additives should support the health of the four-legged friend. They should be in the right composition, for example as vitamins, provitamins, amino acids and trace elements.
  • Zootechnical additives can be added to the feed to influence the dog’s performance and health – such as stabilizers for the intestinal flora or digestive enzymes.
  • The sensory additives influence the appearance and taste of the dog food. They include flavorings and colorings.

Other aspects by which dog owners recognize the quality of the food are:

  • Meat content of 50 to 70 percent
  • Share of cereals and vegetables between 25 and 50 percent
  • Balanced ingredients with all the necessary vitamins and minerals
  • No use of flavor enhancers

These nutrients make a good dog food!

best dog food ultimate guide

How to avoid obesity in dogs

Obesity is a growing problem in dogs with serious health consequences. It can lead to diseases of internal organs, puts a strain on bones, joints and the cardiovascular system and promotes inflammation. It can also shorten the life expectancy of the animal. Too much food is often the reason for obesity.

Age, gender and race also play a role. In particular, Cocker Spaniels, Labrador Retrievers and King Charles tend to become overweight. Sometimes the use of diet food should be considered.

How much food does my dog ​​need?

If the four-legged friend receives more energy than it uses, it can become overweight. That is why it is very important to give dogs the right amount of food. How much pet food a dog needs depends on various factors. In addition to breed, the following aspects are relevant, for example:

Activity level: How much the four-legged friend moves determines the amount of energy that he burns. A dog that moves a lot burns more calories. When the dog isn’t as active, it burns fewer calories and gets a sluggish metabolism. Accordingly, he needs less food.

Age: Younger dogs are still growing and are often more curious and active. They usually have higher energy needs than the older dogs. It is advisable to reduce the amount of feed a little every year. For older dogs there is senior food that is lower in fat and contains important additives.

Diseases: Some diseases affect a dog’s food or energy requirements. These include, for example, cardiovascular problems, thyroid diseases, joint diseases and diabetes. When dogs are recovering from illness, they need more pet food.

Hormone balance: A dog’s hormone levels can rise or fall, thereby changing energy requirements. For example, dogs have different energy needs when they are pregnant or changing their coat.

To find out what amount of food is right for your dog, you should look at the calorie content of dog food. A higher calorie count means a lower amount of feed is required. In addition, dog owners can use the following rules of thumb as a guide:

The daily amount of food for an adult and healthy dog ​​with a normal activity level should be around 2 to 3 percent of the dog’s weight.
If the dog is older and doesn’t move that much, a daily amount of food of 2 percent of its body weight is usually sufficient.
A dog that gets a lot of exercise or is recovering from an illness should be given more food. Its required amount of food is up to 5 percent of its body weight per day.
The snacks should not account for more than 10 percent of the daily feed requirement.

If you are unsure about the right amount of food, consult a veterinarian and/or nutritionist.

best dog food ultimate guide

How can I recognize a dog food allergy?

The most common allergies in dogs are flea allergies and food allergies. Possible allergy triggers include stress, parasites and pollen. In addition, the protein-containing substances in feed can trigger allergic reactions. Ingredients to which a dog could be allergic include, for example, soy, animal proteins from poultry, pork or beef and grains.

What is the difference between an allergy and an intolerance?

An allergy is a hypersensitive reaction by the dog’s immune system. This reacts strongly to a certain substance. A true food allergy is rare in dogs. There is usually an intolerance. This is not triggered by the immune system.

Possible symptoms of allergies and intolerances

Possible symptoms of a food allergy or a food intolerance are, for example, itching, vomiting, abdominal pain, flatulence, diarrhoea, loss of fur, reddening and frequent scratching.

Symptoms may not appear immediately after ingestion. Sometimes they don’t show up until a few hours or days later.

However, the symptoms do not necessarily indicate an allergy or intolerance. They can also arise due to another disease. If these symptoms occur in your dog, you should therefore have the cause clarified by a veterinarian. This can also determine an allergy or intolerance, for example through an allergy test. Alternatively, it is possible to follow an elimination diet. However, this involves a great deal of effort.

What should I do if a dog has an allergy?

If it turns out that your own four-legged friend has a food allergy or a food intolerance, the dog should no longer consume the allergy-causing substances. The selected pet food must therefore not contain any substances that the dog cannot tolerate. The same applies to treats and all dog snacks in between.

What is an elimination diet?

With an exclusion diet, the four-legged friend is only fed with a special protein and carbohydrate source. These sources must be ingredients that the four-legged friend has not yet consumed. Dog owners should change their dog food bit by bit. After the change of food, the dog gets the new food for several weeks.

If the dog’s condition improves and the symptoms no longer appear, a provocation test is carried out. Here, the dog owner has to gradually feed his four-legged friend with a substance that could trigger the allergic reactions. Over time, a list of substances that the dog tolerates or that causes allergic reactions in him is drawn up. Dog owners can carry out an elimination diet themselves. However, it is advisable to consult a professional or to speak to the veterinarian in advance.

When it comes to an elimination diet, consistent action is key. The dog should not be given chewing bones, treats or leftovers during this time.

What is grain free dog food?

Dog food often contains grains. These include, for example, wheat, barley and rye. Cereals have an important function: they are a source of carbohydrates and energy. However, too much of it leads to obesity and sometimes digestive problems. There is also grain-free dog food. Instead of grain, it contains alternative ingredients such as potatoes and legumes, which also provide the dog with carbohydrates.

Grain-free dog food usually makes digestion easier and is also suitable for more sensitive dogs. However, it is not absolutely necessary to use a grain-free dog food. Dogs are omnivores and are able to utilize vegetable protein. Some types of grain are also particularly easy to digest. Examples include corn and rice. In some cases, however, it makes sense or is necessary to use grain-free dog food. This is especially true if the dog is allergic to food containing grain.

If you want to give your four-legged friend dog food with grain, you should make sure when buying that the grain content is not too high and that the product has a balanced recipe.

What foods dogs do not tolerate?

There are a lot of foods that dogs can’t eat. Some of them are even poisonous to dogs. Examples include onions, raw cabbage, and raw pork. Depending on the size of the onion and the size of the dog, onions can be deadly.

For a medium-sized dog, even a medium-sized onion can be extremely dangerous. If a dog eats raw cabbage, it can get stomach cramps or bloating. Aujeszky’s virus, which can lead to fatal diseases, could be found in raw pork. Other foods and drinks that dogs should not eat include:

  • Chocolate
  • Raw potatoes
  • Grapes
  • Raisins
  • Fruit stones
  • Raw legumes
  • Macadamia nuts
  • Raw eggs
  • Some avocado species
  • Birch sugar and xylitol
  • Cream and milk
  • Caffeinated beverages, such as coffee
  • Alcohol

In addition, nicotine is dangerous for dogs. That’s why you have to be careful with puddles of rain, for example: there may be remains of cigarettes in them. Ashtrays should always be positioned so that the dog cannot get to them.

If a four-legged friend has eaten a food that is dangerous for him, you should contact the veterinarian or the veterinary emergency service directly. Meanwhile, keep the dog in a safe environment. Despite all the concerns about the dog’s life, the following applies: stay calm and watch out for signs of poisoning. It may be necessary to take the dog to an animal hospital or drive him to the vet. Symptoms that could occur with poisoning include:

  • Excessive salivation
  • Excessive thirst
  • Vomit
  • Diarrhea
  • Cramps
  • Restlessness
  • Shortness of breath

In order to prevent the dog from eating incompatible foods, dog owners should ensure that relatives and acquaintances do not feed them such foods. In addition, it is important to train the dog well so that it does not constantly eat anything from the side of the path.

FAQ – Frequently asked questions about dog food

Finally, we answer some important and frequently asked questions about dog food.

What should I look out for when choosing dog food for puppies?

Puppies need different dog food than adult dogs. When the mother dog is weaned, puppy food is on her menu. This is usually the case after about 8 weeks. The components and ingredients of puppy dog ​​food are specially formulated for growing dogs. Because with a puppy, the immune system, the bones, the muscles, the fur and the teeth have to develop first.

When it comes to puppy dog ​​food, the focus is on the supply of nutrients. Above all, puppy food must contain certain essential minerals and vitamins. So that the puppy’s digestive system is not overstrained, the food for puppies also has a smaller volume of food than dog food for adult four-legged friends. In the beginning, the young dogs should be given small portions several times a day, which then slowly increase.

When should I start using adult dog food?

This depends on the breed of dog: Small to medium breeds are considered an adult from 9 to 12 months. For large breeds, it is recommended that dogs be given adult food from the 12th to 15th month. In the case of very large breeds, it is advisable to give the food to adult dogs a little later – namely from 18 to 24 months.

What is the best dog food for senior dogs?

For small dogs, the change in diet should take place between the ages of 10 and 12 years. For medium-sized dogs, it’s time for this at 8 to 9 years of age. Large breeds are already considered seniors at 7 to 8 years of age. In addition to age, the health of the dog is also an important criterion. It is advisable to discuss the feed change with the veterinarian.

What is the best way to store dry food?

The dry food should be sealed airtight. Containers made of glass or plastic without plasticizers are best. Packaging with an inner metal layer is also recommended for storing dry food. The container or the packaging should be stored in a dry and not too warm place. Otherwise the food can become “sticky” and lose its taste and nutrients. At worst, mold will develop.

What do I have to consider when changing my dog’s food?

The change of food should be done slowly. In the event of an abrupt change, sensitive four-legged friends in particular quickly suffer from sometimes serious digestive problems. Usually, a life phase of one week is recommended to get used to it.

The food change should proceed as follows: On days 1 and 2, replace about a quarter of the dog’s usual food with the new food. Replace half with the new food on the third and fourth day. On the fifth and sixth day, the proportion of the new dog food should be three quarters of the amount. On day 7, the transition is complete.

If the dog reacts sensitively and, for example, gets diarrhea in the first few days of changing the food, you should extend the adjustment phase and only slightly increase the addition of the new food. If the four-legged friend does not tolerate the food change at all, it is obviously not suitable for him. In that case, you should look for an alternative.

What should I do if my dog ​​doesn’t like dry food?

Then it makes sense to soak the dry food. This has several advantages: Dogs often eat the dry food beyond hunger because it only swells in the stomach. It is therefore easier to become overweight and feel full. If the food is already swollen in the water, it fills you up faster and is easier to digest. In addition, dogs with soaked dry food absorb more liquid.

How fast do dogs digest dry food?

Dogs typically take up to 14 hours to digest dry food. The exact time depends, among other things, on the age and size of the dog and the quality of the food. A young dog usually has a faster metabolism than an older animal. It also depends on the quantity. Small portions are digested faster than large amounts. In addition, insoluble fibers stay in the stomach for a shorter time than soluble ones. Low-fat food also results in faster digestion. In addition, the more liquid the food is, the shorter the digestion time. Wet food is digested in adult dogs within 6 to 8 hours.

When can I start feeding a puppy?

A puppy is fed breast milk by its mother for the first few weeks of its life. The puppies usually eat solid food from the 3rd or 4th week of life. During this time, the mother continues to provide her puppies with breast milk at the same time. In order to get a puppy used to the dry food, it makes sense to moisten or dilute it with a little liquid – for example with puppy milk.