Feeding dry dog food has already become the norm for all pet owners. To avoid health problems in your dog, you should choose the right food.
The range of ready-made industrial dog food is so huge, and advertising is sometimes so contradictory that it can be difficult for the owner of a four-legged friend to navigate and find the right food. How to understand the variety of diets and make the right choice?
Structure
The first thing to look out for is the composition.
Meat and meat products are the main source of protein and energy for dogs. In a good feed, meat is the main part, and its type is always indicated on the package (not poultry, but chicken or duck; not meat, but beef or veal). In the list of ingredients, meat should always come first.
Grain is also almost always found in industrial feed. However, plant protein is much less digestible in dogs than animal protein, and its absence will not affect the dog's digestion in any way.
You should not choose food with processed grain products (corn gluten, wheat gluten, etc.). It is best to opt for whole grain supplements.
Whole vegetables and fruits are a good source of carbohydrates and vitamins, and their presence in the composition undoubtedly improves the quality of the feed.
All preservatives in the feed must be natural. These include, for example, ascorbic acid and tocopherol.
Calorie content
The calorie content of the feed is no less important than the composition. Incorrectly selected, too nutritious food can lead to allergies, obesity and related problems (diabetes, heart problems, etc.). A low-calorie food - will negatively affect the condition of the skin and coat and can cause metabolic disorders.
First of all, the food is selected according to the age of the dog. Each line has a division into food for puppies, adult and senior dogs. They are most consistent with the age-related needs of the body.
During pregnancy, dogs require high-calorie foods. No less high-calorie than puppy food. During illness or in the postoperative period, the animal also needs an easily digestible nutritious diet.
When choosing food, you also need to take into account the activity of the animal. Working dogs - sled dogs, hunting dogs - should eat high-calorie foods, in accordance with daily activities. While small-breed dogs, almost never going outside, should receive a light diet.
It is important to choose the right food for your dog: a well-designed diet will keep your pet's health and prolong the life!
