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How do I find the right dog food?

Sep 11, 2024

As responsible dog owners, it is important to provide our four-legged friends with a balanced diet that meets their needs. The right dog food plays a decisive role in the health, well-being and performance of our dogs. In this blog post, we would like to give you a comprehensive overview of how to find the ideal food for your dog.

Importance of the right nutrition for dogs

A balanced and needs-based diet is essential for dogs. It is the basis for a long, healthy and active life. The right dog food provides our four-legged friends with all the necessary nutrients such as proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals. This is the only way they can optimally fulfil their natural functions and performance.

An incorrect or unbalanced diet, on the other hand, can lead to health problems such as obesity, deficiency symptoms, digestive disorders or even organ damage. It is therefore important to familiarise yourself in detail with the different types of dog food and their properties in order to make the right choice for your individual dog.

Overview of different types of dog food

Basically, there are four main categories of dog food:

Dry food

Dry food, also known as broken food, is the most common type of wet dog food. It is characterised by a low moisture content of around 10% and offers the advantage of a long shelf life. Dry food is available in different quality levels, recipes and price ranges.

Wet food

Wet food, also known as tinned food or moist food, has a significantly higher moisture content of 70-85%. It is packaged in cans or trays and is characterised by a soft, mushy consistency. Wet food is generally easy to digest and tasty for dogs.

Semi-moist food

Semi-moist wet dog food is a mixture of dry and wet food. It combines the advantages of both types of food and has a moisture content of around 20-40%. Semi-moist food is available in bags or tubes.

Raw food (BARF)

Raw feeding, also known as BARF (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food), is based on a natural, unprocessed diet of raw meat, bones, organs and vegetables. This feeding method is modelled on the diet of wolves in the wild.

Factors to consider when choosing the right dog food

Different factors play an important role in choosing the right dog food:

The age and life stage of the dog

Puppies, young dogs, adult dogs and senior dogs have different nutritional requirements. For example, puppies need more protein and calcium for their growth, while older dogs often prefer more easily digestible food with less fat.

Breed and size

The amount and composition of food also depends on the breed and size of the dog. Small dog breeds have different energy requirements than large breeds. Special food is also available for miniature, dwarf or giant breeds.

Activity level

The individual exercise radius and activity level of the dog also influence the nutritional requirements. Highly active dogs need more energy and protein than more sedate companion dogs.

Health status and special needs

Dogs with illnesses, allergies or intolerances often have special nutritional requirements. Special diet food or individual feeding plans are required here.

Nutrients in dog food

In order for dogs to receive all the important nutrients in sufficient quantity and quality, they must be included in the food. The main nutrients are:

Proteins

Proteins are essential for building and maintaining muscles, organs and tissue. They should be of high quality and come from animal sources such as meat, fish or eggs.

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates serve as a source of energy. High-quality carbohydrates such as cereals, potatoes or vegetables are easy to digest and provide long-lasting energy.

Fats

Fats are also important sources of energy and also support the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. High-quality fats such as fish oils or linseed oil are particularly valuable.

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamins and minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, iron and zinc are essential for numerous bodily functions. They must be contained in the food in the right proportions.

Quality characteristics of good dog food

When choosing the right dog food, you should pay attention to the following quality characteristics:

Ingredients and their quality

The composition of the food should contain high-quality, easily digestible ingredients. Avoid fillers, artificial additives or low-quality protein.

Manufacturing process

A gentle manufacturing process that optimises the preservation of nutrients is also an important quality criterion.

Origin of the ingredients

Inquire about the origin of the ingredients. Give preference to food with regional or controlled raw materials.

Comparison between dry food and wet food

Both dry food and wet food have advantages and disadvantages that need to be weighed up against each other:

Advantages of dry food

  • Long shelf life
  • Easy storage
  • Lower cost per portion
  • Good dental care due to chewing effect

Disadvantages of dry food

  • Lower moisture content
  • Possibly less palatable for the dog
  • Higher proportion of carbohydrates

Advantages of wet food

  • High moisture content
  • High meat content
  • Extremely tasty and appetising
  • Easily digestible

Disadvantages of wet food

  • Shorter shelf life
  • Higher cost per portion
  • Lower dental care

In practice, a combination of dry and wet food has often proved successful. This allows the benefits of both types of food to be optimally utilised.

Special nutritional requirements

In addition to the standard foods, there are also special foods for specific life stages or health conditions:

Puppies and young dogs

Puppies and young dogs have an increased need for protein, calcium and energy for their growth. Special puppy or young dog food covers these additional requirements.

Seniors

Older dogs often need more easily digestible food with less fat and more high-quality protein. Senior food is tailored to the needs of seniors.

Overweight dogs

Low-calorie, high-fibre food is available for overweight dogs to support healthy weight loss.

Dogs with allergies or intolerances

In the case of food allergies or intolerances, special hypoallergenic or dietary foods are required that are tailored to individual needs.

Feeding practice

In addition to the right choice of food, feeding practice and routine also play an important role:

Portion sizes

The daily amount of food depends on the dog's age, activity, weight and body condition. Follow the feeding recommendations on the food packaging.

Feeding times

Dogs should generally be fed 2-3 meals a day. Regular feeding times create structure and security.

Changing food

When changing food, this should be done gradually over several days to avoid digestive problems.

Frequent mistakes in dog nutrition

To ensure a balanced diet, it is important to avoid a few common mistakes:

Overfeeding

Overfeeding can lead to obesity and health problems. Therefore, pay attention to the recommended portion sizes.

Unsuitable food for humans

Many foods that are suitable for humans can be harmful to dogs. Therefore, only feed your dog dog food.

Neglecting the intake of water

Adequate fluid intake is just as important for dogs as feeding them the right food. Provide your dog with fresh drinking water at all times.

Proper nutrition is crucial for the health and well-being of our four-legged friends. When choosing the right dog food, you should carefully consider your dog's individual needs, the different types of food and the quality characteristics.

A balanced mixture of high-quality nutrients, adapted to age, breed and activity, forms the basis for a long and active dog life. If in doubt, seek individual advice from your vet or a specialist advisor to find the optimum diet for your dog.

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