How to choose dry dog food

Feed is not just a set of nutrients, vitamins and minerals. This is the basic foundation of a healthy and happy life for your pet. A lot is at stake when choosing it - the health, activity, well-being and even life expectancy of your dog. That is why it is so important to pay due attention to the choice of food, so as not only not to make a mistake in the choice, but also to choose the optimal diet for your four-legged friend, taking into account all its features.

Types of dry food for dogs by age

When choosing food for a four-legged friend, it is important to focus on age, because dogs need different nutrients at different periods of their lives:

1. Childhood. Puppies grow and develop very quickly, so they need food rich in protein and fat to support muscle growth and overall energy. It is also important that the feed contains an increased amount of calcium and phosphorus for the development of bones and teeth. Puppy foods are often labeled as Puppy or Junior.
2. Adulthood. When a dog reaches adulthood, its nutritional needs change. Foods for adult dogs , labeled as Adult or Maintenance, are balanced in such a way as to maintain the optimal weight and general health of the animal. They contain moderate amounts of protein and fat, as well as vitamins and minerals to support the immune system and internal health.
3. Summer age. As dogs age, they can develop health problems such as decreased activity, joint problems, and poor digestion. Foods for older dogs labeled as Senior or Mature usually contain fewer calories but more supplements for joints, skin, coat and more.

Choosing the size of the granules according to the size of the breed

The choice of pellets is not just a matter of convenience or aesthetics, but also the safety and health of your pet. Pellets should be of a suitable size so that the dog can easily grab, chew and digest them. It is very important to choose pellets taking into account the breed:

• Dogs of small breeds, such as Chihuahuas, Yorkshire terriers or pugs, have small jaws and teeth. Small granules that are easy to grab and chew are ideal for them. In addition, they help maintain oral hygiene, reducing the risk of plaque and tartar formation.
• Medium breeds such as beagles, cocker spaniels or border collies need medium sized pellets. They are large enough so that the dog can feel that he is chewing something, but not too large so as not to cause discomfort. Food of this size also helps stimulate chewing, which is good for teeth and gums.
• Larger breeds, such as German Shepherds, Labradors or Rottweilers, require larger pellets. Not only are they comfortable for their large jaws, but they also encourage slow eating, which reduces the risk of overeating and gastrointestinal problems. The large granules also help to care for the teeth.

With this important point in mind, you will be able to choose food that will be as convenient to use as possible and will not cause inconvenience to your pet.

Classes of dry dog ​​food: how to choose?

The choice depends not only on the age and size of the pet, but also on the class of feed. Feed classes differ in quality of ingredients, nutritional value and, of course, price. 

Economy class

Economy-class feeds usually contain a large amount of cereals and offal. The main sources of protein here are most often vegetable - such as soy, and the meat components are often represented by meat flour or waste from meat production. Vitamin-mineral complexes, if present, are in minimal quantities.

Pros:

• Affordable price.
• Wide availability in stores and supermarkets.

Cons:

• The low quality of the ingredients, the feed cannot provide all the pet's needs.
• High in carbohydrates and low in animal protein.
• The composition may contain dyes and other harmful additives.

Premium class

In premium-class feeds, more attention is paid to the quality of the ingredients. Meat products (meat meal) are used as the main source of protein, but they may still contain cereals and corn. It also contains vitamins and minerals, but the quality of these supplements can vary.

Pros:

• Higher quality ingredients compared to economy class.
• Better balanced nutrient content.
• Fewer artificial additives.

Cons:

• As before, may contain significant amounts of cereals and corn.
• High caloric content, which requires more careful portion control.

Super premium class

Super-premium feed is made from high-quality meat ingredients, such as chicken, lamb or fish, with minimal use of cereals. They often include additional ingredients such as prebiotics, probiotics and antioxidants that promote gut health and the overall health of the animal.

Pros:

• High quality ingredients.
• Well-balanced composition, often includes useful additives.
• No artificial additives.

Cons:

• Relatively high cost.
• Sometimes it can be difficult to find in regular stores.

Holistic feed

Holistic feed is distinguished by the use of exclusively natural and organic ingredients. They often do not contain grains, and vegetables and fruits are used instead. Meat is used exclusively fresh or fresh frozen, as well as high-quality sources of fats and proteins among the ingredients.

Pros:

• Natural and high-quality ingredients.
• There is nothing artificial in the composition - all preservatives and dyes are of natural origin.
• Often includes berries, herbs and oils - for overall health and disease prevention.

Cons:

• High price.
• Limited availability, such feed cannot always be found in regular stores.

Each of these classes of food has its own characteristics, pros and cons, and the choice depends on your capabilities and the needs of your pet.

How to choose dry food for a dog with health problems

When choosing dry food for a dog with health problems, it is important to take this into account. For example, if the dog has allergies, it is important to choose the appropriate food - with a small set of ingredients (the fewer there are, the fewer the risks of allergies). With problems with joints, it is important that the feed contains such additives as glucosamine and chondroitin. Overweight children should choose diets with a lower calorie and fat content, and in case of sensitive digestion, choose feed with prebiotics and easily digestible protein. 

How to choose dry feed by composition

When choosing dry food for dogs , also carefully read the composition. Pay attention to the following points:

1. Squirrels Choose foods that list a specific meat as the first ingredient (for example, "chicken," "salmon"), rather than "meat offal." This guarantees a high content of quality protein.
2. Carbohydrates Choose easily digestible grains such as oats or rice. If your pet is prone to allergies, consider options with potatoes or legumes - without cereals in the composition.
3. Fats Look for foods with animal fat (chicken, fish oil) to support energy and coat health.
4. Supplements. The food should contain vitamins, minerals and Omega-3/6 fatty acids for the general health of the pet.

These simple rules will help you choose nutritious and safe food for your pet.

Recommendations for feeding dogs

When feeding a dog with dry food, it is important to follow several rules:

• Follow the dosage indicated on the package to avoid overfeeding and related problems. 
• Provide the pet with fresh water in sufficient quantity, as dry food requires abundant drinking.
• Transition your dog to the new food gradually to avoid digestive problems.
• Regularly check the pet's health and, if necessary, adjust the diet.

And most importantly, always choose food that corresponds to the age, weight and health characteristics of your dog, so that your pet is healthy and happy, and your years together with him are as long as possible!