Premium dry dog ​​food

Dogs are one of the smartest and most devoted pets. It is no secret that the health of a pet depends on good nutrition. The premium-class dry feeds manufactured industrially contain all the components necessary for the animal’s body, so they are a success with most dog owners.

In terms of biology, dogs are carnivorous predators, which means that protein (protein) should not only be present in the feed, but also occupy a significant part of the composition, because it is the source of essential amino acids involved in the process of building their own cells. In dry food premium for dogs, as a rule, protein takes the first place, as the manufacturer always indicates on the packaging. It can be presented in different forms: meat, offal or chopped meat and bone meal.

Most often, producers use chicken and offal as a source of protein, indicating the percentage relative to the total composition. With a lower mass fraction in the composition of premium feed, there are also proteins of plant origin. The most common source of plant proteins in the formulations of this species is corn gluten.

Not only proteins are needed for the smooth functioning of the body, but also carbohydrates, so manufacturers always include them in their composition. Sources of carbohydrates are such plants as rice, wheat, oatmeal, corn, and barley. Corn and wheat, as the most common sources of carbohydrates in the feed, are not suitable for all dogs. They are digested for a long time and are worse absorbed by the body, so it’s best if the composition contains rice.

Vitamins and minerals are in all types of feed, but their number and the correct ratio in different types vary. In premium class feed, the supplement of vitamins and minerals is no worse than in the super premium class, of course, an order of magnitude better than in cheap types of feed.

No industrial dog food can do without preservatives and oxidants. They prevent rancidity of fats, the breakdown of vitamins, do not allow bacteria to multiply, thus preserving the taste and quality of the product in an excellent form for quite a long time. Depending on the manufacturer, different substances can be used as preservatives and oxidants. Usually, bona fide manufacturers indicate both the component itself and its quantitative content in the composition.

Premium dry food, of course, is not ideal. They have both a lot of advantages and their disadvantages. Let's take a closer look at the advantages of premium dry dog ​​food.

• Dry food is, of course, a convenience for owners.. It is much easier to organize a dog's food with this feed, and it is more economical in terms of time. No need to cook porridge, chop the meat, weigh portions, and then also wash the bowls, from which the dog ate. On each pack, manufacturers always indicate the required amount, based on the weight of the dog, which significantly saves not only time, but also strength.
• Premium dry food - it's also profitable. They are cheaper than wet species, and they have more benefits. The concentration of useful components in the composition of this type of food is slightly higher than in wet canned food.And it is not surprising, because the moisture content in dry food is not higher than 10%, and the remaining 90% of the composition is well digestible proteins, carbohydrates, fats and vitamins with minerals. So with regular use of dry food, excellent wool, good vision and energy to the dog will be provided. In addition, the solid structure of the granules prevents the formation of plaque on the enamel, which means that for a long time the teeth will remain strong and healthy.
• Premium foods contain a good mineral supplement, which means there is no need to purchase additional specialized additives. Each serving contains the necessary for the body and vitamins and minerals, while they are properly balanced in quantity.
• There are quite a few premium feeds available today., therefore, to choose a suitable option, given the age, health and individual preferences of the pet, is not difficult. It is convenient to feed the dog with pellets of dry food not only at home, but also on the road. After all, the conditions during the journey are not always favorable for eating, and the bowl is not always possible to wash.

But, no matter how good and convenient dry food, he has and cons.

• An important factor characterizing the quality of the product is the percentage of animal protein in the composition. In the dry species of premium class, as a rule, they are no more than 30–40%, and in some even smaller. Manufacturers replace their lack of proteins of plant origin, which, of course, affects nutritional value. The higher the percentage of vegetable protein, the more the dog will eat the food.
• In addition, some types of vegetable proteins can cause an allergic reaction in a dog, which is also not a positive fact. Some manufacturers instead of animal fats include various plant species of this essential component, which reduces the cost of feed, but affects nutritional value.
• The presence of chemical preservatives (sodium nitrate, ethoxyvine and others) in some compositions of dry feed is somewhat alarming, because they often disrupt the functioning of the liver, kidneys and other organs, and some also increase the likelihood of developing cancer in animals.

Although premium-class dry feeds belong to a single type of feed, and practically should not differ from each other in composition, there are still some differences between them.

The list of the best includes companies that produce food with the most optimal composition for this group and price comparable in quality.

• In the first place of honor is the Czech company Vafo Praha s. r. o., which produces cheap and high-quality feed Profine. In dry granules, protein of plant origin is absent, and meat and fish ingredients are the main source of saturation. Their share in the compositions is about 40%. No in them and artificial preservatives. The mixture of tocopherols, which is essentially a biological additive, better known as vitamin E, perfectly copes with the role of a preservative without harming the body.

• The Italian company Monge has been producing feed since 1963. A distinctive feature of its feed is the presence of quality ingredients and the balance of the composition depending on the destination. A wide range in which you can choose the composition for a particular breed, as well as to find an option for pets with a sensitive stomach and prone to allergies, and the widespread prevalence allows you to put this manufacturer in second place.

• Dog food from the Czech manufacturer Brit Premium is known in Russia. It is sold in many pet stores at a reasonable price for this category. In composition, it is similar to the above feed. He has many options for all sorts of dogs, like Monge.

• Frank's ProGold Company, producing dry food under the same name, has a wide range, affordable price and quality ingredients in the compositions. The lack of vegetable protein, the use of natural preservatives and a good mixture of vitamins and minerals allow you to put it in the line of leaders. The only negative is a low fame.

• A distinctive feature of the feed from the Netherlands manufacturer Kennels' Favorite is the presence of extracts containing beneficial substances for the body - chondroitin and glucosamine. They prevent the destruction of cartilage tissue, and also contribute to its regeneration, which, of course, has a positive effect on the work of the joints. The food has an excellent composition with a good vitamin-mineral supplement, natural antioxidants and the lack of proteins of plant origin.

• Ukrainian company "Kormotech", producing food under the brand name "4 paws" in Russia, known for quite some time. The compositions are well balanced. Present in them are proteins of animal origin, represented by meat ingredients, vitamins with minerals, and carbohydrates, the source of which is most often rice, and, of course, animal fats.

• Inexpensive Russian food Blitz hit the top ten deservedly so. Its composition is no worse than the above feed. Protein of animal origin is in the first place and takes 35% of the total mass. In addition to chondroitin and glucosamine, it also includes an extract that reduces the smell of excrement, and rosemary, which acts as a natural antioxidant.

• British company Leander International Pet Foods Ltd produces dry types of dog food under the brand Arden Grange. The formulations have the necessary additives for the good functioning of the joints, an extract that reduces odor, and also includes nucleotides that affect the activation of enzymes. A wide range of this type allows you to choose food not only for any breed of dogs, but also for pets with various problems. Although the food is widely distributed in Russia, its price is slightly higher than similar species, therefore it is not so popular.

The right choice of dry food is a guarantee of good health, excellent health and a long life of any dog.

On the packaging, bona fide manufacturers always indicate for which breeds this feed is suitable, the amount for one-time cottage, depending on weight, and, of course, the composition with the percentage indication of ingredients.

• Dry granules Ecunaba contain all necessary components. The manufacturer produces a fairly wide range, focused on different breeds and suitable for pets with various deviations in health. The food is suitable for both small-sized decorative dogs, and for medium-sized pets. Included in the composition of the components will be equally useful as the elderly individuals, and dogs with problem skin.
• Feed line Farmina from the Italian manufacturer is great for large and medium breeds of dogs. Included components characterize this food as medicinal, so you should consult with a veterinarian before purchasing.
• Italian Monge Perfect for pregnant and lactating females, puppies and animals belonging to the mature age category.
• Best choice contains components that help strengthen the teeth and bones, additives in the composition have a positive effect on wool and reduce the smell of excrement. Most of this food is suitable for pets from 10 months.He is equally good for both small and large dogs.
• Nero gold - This is a Dutch food that is absolutely suitable for all dogs. His line is quite wide and is designed for almost all categories. Puppies offer this food only after they have reached six months of age.
• Pro plan known for its wide range. For adult pets belonging to small and dwarf dog breeds, suitable Pro Plan Optibalance or Duo Delice. Larger breeds are better off giving Pro Plan Large Robust.

When choosing a pet food, you should not completely be guided by the dog's taste preferences, since the special additives present in each food cause an appetite in the animals, as a result they will gladly eat any proposed variant. It is better to watch some time for the general well-being of the pet.

When choosing food you should not neglect its purpose, and even more so - the norm. It is no coincidence that manufacturers indicate on the packaging which type of dog it is suitable for. The composition of each feed is balanced so that the necessary substances enter the body in the right quantity. If the pet is not very active lifestyle, then you should not give him food with excess protein for him, which can lead to obesity.

The increased protein content in the composition is more suitable for active dogs, as well as pets living in aviaries in the winter time. It is not necessary to feed the old dogs feed, designed specifically for lactating and pregnant. Their composition is somewhat supersaturated with both proteins, and carbohydrates, and vitamins, which is not good at all for age individuals, and can lead to both urolithiasis and problems with the liver. For aging individuals have their own food, their composition is lightened and ideally chosen for these animals.

Depending on the size of the dog, the daily feed rate also fluctuates, namely:

• for miniature representatives (4–5 kg) - 80–100 g;
• for small dogs, whose weight ranges from 6–10 kg, the amount of feed should be between 110–165 g;
• in larger breeds weighing from 12 to 24 kg, the amount of feed should not exceed 190–315 g;
• individuals weighing from 26 to 40 kg are considered large, their norm ranges from 335–460 g;
• the largest dogs, whose weight is in the range of 45–60 kg, need more feed, their daily rate varies between 505–625 g.

About what are premium feed for dogs, see the following video.