Ready food differs from natural products in that it is well and properly balanced, but it also needs to be selected correctly. Premium food costs more, but this is not surprising, since its composition is very different from cheap products.
Features of the compositions
Premium dog food should ideally contain 38% protein, 3% dietary fiber, 17% fat and 25% carbohydrate. That's the advantage of expensive food, that it is properly balanced. As a protein, chicken will be the best option, since it practically does not cause allergies in the animal. Sometimes meat and bone meal can be used, in which the protein is three times more than in meat.
It is very good if in the composition of dog food will be present:
- chicken liver;
- fish fillets;
- egg;
- turkey meat.
These are essential components for the animal that must be present in the feed. In addition to them, be sure to look for in the composition of vitamins, minerals and amino acids, but their number should not exceed 4% of the total amount of food consumed.
In addition to protein, the dog requires carbohydrates. Lentils and peas are most enriched by them. Often they are found in the composition of premium feed. In the cheap version of the used grain, but it is poorly digested by the intestines of the animal.
In the premium quality food you can meet as an additional supplement medicinal plants, vegetables and berries. Very helpful alfalfa, which allows to reduce the level of bad cholesterol in the blood of an animal.
Dogs in old age are better to offer food, in the manufacture of which the manufacturer used chicken cartilage, because they contain a large amount of collagen.
Poor quality food, even if there is a “premium” mark on its packaging, will certainly contain corn. Such a cheap filler only increases the weight of the product, but does not bring any benefit, since it is difficult for the dog to digest it.
Presented meat in the feed - not really meat, but boiling workings, which are then turned into minced meat. Any product containing meat offal as the main source of protein is of poor quality. Often, regular consumption of such food leads to health problems in the dog.. It is necessary to avoid giving animal food that contains fats or proteins with a generalized name in the composition - “animal fat” or “bird fat” instead of beef, chicken or lamb. The specific name of the type of animal fat is key in determining the quality of the product.
Artificial preservatives such as BHA, BHT and ethioxyquin have been found in most feeds of poor quality. In animals, regular consumption of ethioxyquin (EQ) causes immunodeficiency, cancer of the spleen, stomach and liver, and sometimes allergies.
Artificial colors are added to dog food to attract the wearer. Dogs are color blind, they are not interested in the color of food. Therefore, it should not be beautiful, but only useful. In addition, sugars such as corn syrup, sucrose, fructose, cane syrup or ammonia glycyrrhine are added to make the feed more attractive. As a result, the dog becomes obese and caries, so these components should not be part of the premium food.
If a dog breeder is looking for a high-quality dry food for a healthy adult dog, he should pay attention to the percentage of the components indicated on the back of the package.
Experts advise to pay attention to the following:
- dry dog food should contain at least 30-40% protein;
- 20% of fruits and vegetables in the composition is quite acceptable;
- fats and oils should be 10% of the total feed;
- if in feed 60% carbohydrates, then this is a poor-quality product;
- quality dry dog food should contain Omega-3 and -6, vitamin E, calcium and phosphorus;
- if the word “flour” is indicated on the package, then this is an indication that the manufacturer included meat by-product, as well as branches and leaves from vegetables;
- good food has a caloric value of 200-300 kcal per 100 grams;
- It is better to choose baked food instead of extruded.
Types of feed
Dog food is represented by several species.
- Dry. It is the most economical, so most breeders choose it. It eliminates the feeling of hunger for a long time, helps keep the dog's teeth healthy, as chewing dry food helps reduce the accumulation of tartar on them. When it comes to choosing a particular type of product, each owner must carefully read the ingredients. It is advisable to give preference to well-known brands, since they use high-quality components when creating feed.
- Semi-dry. This feed, which is composed of propylene glycol, it is he who does not allow the product to dry completely. The advantage of this feed is that it can be stored without refrigeration.
- Frozen. It is made from natural ingredients, including meat, with a small addition of fish fillets, vegetables and other components.
- Canned food. Many dogs prefer not dry food, but soft food, especially for older animals. This product has a long shelf life, it is easy to find in any supermarket, but some types of premium feed cost the breeder expensive. At the same time, not every product on the market can provide an animal with the necessary amount of protein, especially at puppyhood.
Non-digestible protein does not benefit, in addition, most canned foods are 75% water. The higher its content, the less nutrients in the product, so the dog has to eat more to satisfy its calorie needs.
Also feed can be divided by age categories. Among them are those that are ideally balanced specifically for puppies, elderly dogs and dogs that are engaged in intensive training.
If we take into account the composition, the feed can be divided into:
- medicinal;
- for everyday use;
- for dogs in position;
- dietary;
- for nursing bitches.
Domestic manufacturers
Good dog food is produced not only abroad, there are wonderful products made in Russia. Their list is quite wide, but most of the names are known only to professional breeders, since they are more often focused on the quality of the food of their animals. In the ranking of the most famous feed includes the following positions.
- "Faithful friends". The main source of protein in the feed of this brand is chicken, turkey and beef flour. Despite the fact that it is produced with the addition of a by-product, it contains 60% of the protein required by the animal. There is also corn and wheat in the composition, which is quite typical for feeds of not very good quality, therefore it is considered that this product is overvalued. Animal fat, soybean oil, flax seeds are indicated as a source of fat. B vitamins supplement yeast, which is also in the composition of the feed.
Hepatic extract is used as a natural flavor. The package states that antioxidants are used as preservatives, but which ones are not written.
- "Native feed." The main source of protein in the feed - chicken flour, its composition of 17%. On the second place in terms of content is corn and wheat.Chicken fat compensates for the required amount of fat, dietary fiber is used as fiber, the origin of which is unknown. There are dry gourd and apples, minerals and antioxidants lysine and DL-meteonin.
- "Club 4 legs" In the first place in the list of ingredients is lamb flour, its feed 26%. There is an animal waterproofing protein - a good source of protein, which simultaneously acts as a flavoring additive. Ingredients that would contain vegetable protein, no. As a source of carbohydrates used brown rice and barley, which are quality components of the highest level product. Salmon fat and sunflower oil provide the necessary amount of fatty acids.
There are also yeast, flax seeds, tomatoes and other useful ingredients. Immediately as part of ginger, hawthorn, rutin and thiamin, which have a positive effect on the body of the animal.
- "Stout." It is made by the Gatchina plant, whose main activity is the production of animal feed. According to most breeders, there is not enough meat in the feed. It is not very popular due to the presence of a large number of by-products in the composition.
- WedgeVet. Suitable for both large dogs and puppies, regardless of breed. Of the benefits can be noted the lack of flavors, GMOs and preservatives in the composition. However, according to dog breeders, the food is not suitable for animals that are prone to allergies.
- "Scythian". According to the manufacturer, the composition of the feed uses only high-quality raw materials, there are no flavors and preservatives, no soy, so you can enter it into the diet of dogs, which often have allergies.
Import Brands Review
Elite feed not every breeder can afford. Their indisputable advantage is that only useful components are present in the composition. Today, German, Italian, Czech canned foods and dry food are the most popular products on the market.
The top includes the following well-known brands.
- Acana. The food is made from fresh ingredients that come from the Canadian Alberta region. This is a family business. Recipes for making balanced dog food meet safety requirements. Any product is suitable for all dogs, regardless of breed. The manufacturer tried to take into account the necessary needs of dogs in protein and fats. During its existence on the market, this feed has received several international awards for excellent quality.
- Bosch. It produces high-quality dog food and offers animals a balanced diet of the highest quality. Its structure contains all the necessary components that can meet the needs of various breeds. The manufacturer includes in its products not only a rich vitamin complex, but also a variety of mineral substances necessary for the development of the muscles and bones of the animal.
- Eukanuba A premium dog food that contains all the necessary nutrients. It does not contain fragrances, artificial preservatives and dyes.
- Hill. Quality product, in the line which you can find medical and dietary food. In the feed there are necessary components that do not lead to problems with the urinary system in an animal. Regular consumption of this product has a positive effect on the general condition of the dog, it does not suffer from obesity, it does not show allergic reactions.
- Purina. The product in question contains turkey, lamb, as well as chicken and beef. It is a nutritious, tasty and healthy premium product enriched with minerals and vitamins.
- Royal Canin. The manufacturer tried to create food for dogs of different breeds and sizes. His recipes vary according to the needs of the animal. There is food for puppies, active individuals, the elderly and those who have large dimensions.In the line there are several compositions with a therapeutic effect.
- Taste of the Wild. Produced in the United States of America. The product in question for dogs does not contain cereals. It is universal and can be purchased for an animal regardless of its breed and age.
- Happy Dog. A brand that offers healthy dog food, the composition of which can satisfy all the needs of the animal. Food does not contain artificial preservatives and chemical additives, is prepared without soy.
- Herrmanns Bio. It is made exclusively from organic ingredients: meat, vegetables, rice. It can be given to an animal on a regular basis, it does not cause allergies and intestinal disorders.
- Lukullus This brand is known for its perfectly balanced feed, and the ingredients in the composition are mixed in the required proportions. This product belongs to the premium class.
- Rinti. Canned food that has been specifically designed to meet the needs of puppies. Made exclusively from meat without the use of offal.
- Schesir. The combination of tuna and poultry. Schesir is an excellent choice among premium feeds.
- Orijen. This product is rich in proteins. The food contains up to 90% meat, which is more than 3 times the amount used in ordinary dog food. In addition, each recipe contains a guaranteed minimum of 38% protein. Also in the composition there is a 20% carbohydrate, and only low-glycemic and well digestible - lentils, pumpkin, leafy greens and fresh fruit.
- Blue Buffalo. It is one of the best manufacturers of natural dog food. Offers 4 product lines, so among them you can choose a formula specifically for your pet, which will meet the needs of the dog.
- Brit. Food Czech production, which contains 40% of meat. The composition has easily digestible hypoallergenic components that are well tolerated by animals. The formula was created in such a way as to maintain the animal's immunity, help strengthen its health and be the best prevention of some age problems.
- Primal Pet Foods. The manufacturer offers 9 different versions of raw frozen dog food, each of which contains premium animal protein, free from antibiotics, steroids and hormones. In each product from the offered range, only 100% natural ingredients that have passed quality control were used. The list of components is not synthetic additives and preservatives.
This brand also offers sublimated formulas using high quality ingredients that can be dehydrated.
- Whole Earth Farms. The brand offers an assortment of original grainless products, designed for different periods of dog life and taking into account the size of the breed, so among them you can choose the product that is best suited for a particular pet.
How to choose?
A healthy dog should have a complete diet, containing 50% vegetables, 40% meat and 10% grain. In addition, the animal must consume a certain amount of fat, depending on the level of activity. Approximately 4% of a puppy's diet should consist of dietary fiber. ATAll these requirements concern not only puppies, but also adults.
Packaging dog food, which says the word "natural", is not necessarily 100% natural. It is necessary to avoid foods that include corn or corn flour, soy and wheat. These components are poorly absorbed by animals and can cause an allergic reaction. If you believe reviews dog breeders in the premium feed, they also occur. Instead, give preference to products containing barley, oats, millet, and brown rice.
Cheap dog food is almost guaranteed to be made from ingredients that are completely unsuitable for an animal. If you feed a dog with such food, you should not be surprised that it will have health problems.
Experts give their advice on how to choose premium food:
- the composition should be no corn and wheat;
- it is better if the label is not bone meal, but natural meat;
- it is necessary to choose formulations designed for large or small animals, taking into account their caloric needs;
- in the first place in the composition should be protein, since it is his percentage that must exceed the amount of other ingredients;
- in the product should not be GMOs, dyes, preservatives of artificial origin;
- The best food is the one that contains vegetables, berries, herbs and other useful ingredients.
Next, watch the video review of some types of premium dry food for dogs.