What is the best feed to feed Labrador?

Many dog ​​owners prefer dry food to their pets for natural foods. This is explained not only by the fact that ready-made food saves time, but also by its balanced composition. This, of course, is about quality products. For Labrador, indeed, such food may be the optimal diet, but for this you need to make a choice.

Dry industrial labrador feeds are separated. into 4 main groups:

• traditional food for puppies, young and adult animals;
• medical formulations for health problems;
• feed for pregnant and lactating dogs;
• products for older individuals.

This is important for the health of the animal for several reasons:

• as part of dry croquet, there are prebiotics that normalize digestion and the pet's chair;
• feed includes unsaturated fatty acids, which improve the condition of the skin and wool;
• the shape of the granules is designed for the puppy to chew on them for a long time, while not swallowing air;
• the food is fully balanced, contains everything necessary for the full development of the dog, the good condition of its internal organs and the backbone.

It is worth saying that only premium high-quality products of well-known manufacturers are suitable for young and adult Labradors. which usually includes:

• dehydrated meat (chicken, beef, lamb);
• vegetable and animal fats;
• fish oil (Omega 3, 6 fatty acids);
• cartilage hydralisate;
• plant fiber;
• cereals, cereals, including rice;
• plant extracts as a source of gluten;
• Glucosamine in the form of a hydrolyzate from crustacean shells;
• minerals, macro-and micronutrients, including iron, manganese, iodine, selenium;
• cholecalciferol and retinol (vitamins D3, A).

Labrador food can be brands such as Royal Canin Labrador Retriever Adult, Advance Labrador Adult, ACANA or Hill "s.

Choosing food for your pet, you need to pay attention to the composition of the feed, the presence of useful ingredients, high protein and minerals.

The list of the best manufacturers of dry food, based on feedback from owners, includes several.

• Royal Canin for Labradors - This is a line of animal feeds of different ages, as well as for individuals sterilized, suffering from sensitive digestion, dogs with urolithiasis. Advantages of the brand - the presence in the composition of substances that protect the joints and bones of the pet, a varied menu and accessibility. Cons - the presence of antioxidants that can cause allergies and digestive problems.

• Hill 's - This is a series of medicinal feeds, appreciated by veterinarians. The composition is enriched with a complex of vitamins, it always contains natural dehydrated meat, fatty amino acids, sodium and phosphorus, cereals. However, along with this, there is corn and wheat, which can provoke allergic reactions.

• Super premium food Nutra mix - it is entirely natural food in the absence of any undesirable additives, including preservatives and food dyes. Benefits - low calorie, fast and easy digestibility. Among the deficiencies, the content of maize, wheat and gluten, which can negatively affect the digestion of the Labrador with its increased sensitivity, is highlighted.

• Exclusive products from the manufacturer ACANA. Fodders are distinguished by high quality, high protein content, and preventive action in various diseases of dogs. The only disadvantage is the high cost, but it is fully justified.

To make a choice in favor of one or another food, it is necessary to build on the characteristics of the breed of the animal and other factors. Main criteria:

• matching the age of the dog;
• pet taste preferences;
• suitable price and availability;
• no contraindications.

In the case of overweight and even obesity due to the tendency to overeat the pet, therapeutic and prophylactic foods are needed to prevent overweight, and therapeutic nutrition. Among such products:

• Opti Life (12,5 kg) Degistion Adult Maxi Medium, Advance Maxi Light Adul - diet food;
• Hil's Prescription Diet Canine Metabolic (+ mobility with Chicken dry) to improve metabolic processes;
• for weight control - Ontario Weight Control Large Turkey & Potatoes;
• for the prevention of excess weight and with a predisposition to allergies - Hypoallergenic Royal Canin Maxi Light Weight Care.

Foods that will help avoid gastrointestinal disruption - Happy Dog Diet (for treatment), Bosch Soft Maxi (for sensitive animals), Barking Heads Tender loving Care (diet food). In order to prevent joint disease in Labrador, veterinarians recommend products that include components such as chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine sulfate. In this case, relevant feed Hil's Prescription Diet J / D Canine Mobility Dry, Royal Canin Maxi Joint Care.

Feed puppies Labrador Retriever up to a year should be in accordance with a specific regimen and in a strictly prescribed dosage.

To avoid mistakes, you need to follow the instructions. How much food an animal needs is indicated on the feed packaging:

• on average, 1-2 months labrador eats no more than 350 g per day;
• in three months - 400 g;
• at 5 months all servings per day make up 450–500 g (at night puppies are not fed).

Diet:

• at the age of 1-2 months, the dogs are fed 5-6 times a day;
• in 3 months - 4 times, and between feedings should take place at least 3 hours, so that the food has time to digest;
• in 4 months the dog has 3 meals;
• at 6 months, the pet begins to train for a two-time schedule, it is important that the last feeding takes place 2-3 hours before sleep.

They do this only with a high mobility of a teenager and his large dimensions, gradually increasing the dosage by 70–100 g. If the pet is not very active, then the dog can be given food only once a day. This does not apply to sterilized animals, for which food becomes almost the meaning of life.

Mother Labrador can feed babies up to 4 months, and the best menu for them is mother's milk, which has all the necessary components for them, allowing them to properly develop and form strong immunity. But, as a rule, as pets, puppies are taken at about 2 months, and then the responsibility for the health of the “child” lies with the owner.

When the puppy grows up, it is necessary to provide it with food. Usually lure:

• soda cottage cheese;
• natural yoghurt without additives
• finely chopped boiled poultry (turkey, chicken, mostly breast);
• food products such as bifidok, capable of stimulating the microenvironment of the intestine of the animal with good bacteria.

If the owner decided to make the main food of the dog dry food, then the kid can gradually be given ready-made food in pellets. At first they are soaked in sour-milk drinks or yoghurt by adding special pressed cottage cheese and vegetable oil (olive or flax) to the dish.

You can start to lure after the Labrador is a month and 1 week. It is necessary to give food to a dog at the same time. If the baby has not eaten everything, it means that he is not hungry, and the bowl can be removed after 15–20 minutes. It is important that fresh water is always within reach.

Officially, a Labrador is considered an adult from the age of 3, because until that time it continues to grow, its head and chest become more massive, the proportions of the canine body and its psyche are formed. However, veterinarians recommend transferring puppies to full adult nutrition at 10–18 months.

They feed the dog twice a day: early in the morning at 7–8 hours and in the evening (from 19 to 20 hours). Depending on body weight and health, the pet must be given from 400 to 500 g of dry croquet per day. In this case, lactating and pregnant animals require an enlarged, and the elderly - a reduced portion.

In the next video you will be introduced to the menu of a Labrador puppy at the age of 2-4 months.