Premium dog food

Ready-made food differs from natural products in that it is well and correctly balanced, but it also needs to be selected correctly. Premium food is more expensive, but this is not surprising, since its composition is very different from cheap products.

A premium dog food should ideally contain 38% protein, 3% fiber, 17% fat and 25% carbohydrates. The advantage of an expensive feed is that it is properly balanced. As a protein, chicken is the best option, since it practically does not cause allergies in the animal. Sometimes meat and bone meal can be used, in which there is three times more protein than meat.

It is very good if the composition of the dog food contains:

• chicken liver;
• fish fillet;
• egg;
• turkey meat.

These are essential components for the animal that must be present in the feed. In addition to them, it is imperative to look for vitamins, minerals and amino acids in the composition, but their amount should not exceed 4% of the total amount of food consumed.

In addition to protein, the dog needs carbohydrates. Lentils and peas are the most enriched with them. They are often found in premium feed. In the cheap version, grain is used, but it is poorly digested by the intestines of the animal.

In a high-quality premium feed, you can find as an additional additive, medicinal plants, vegetables and berries. Very helpful alfalfa, which allows you to reduce the level of bad cholesterol in the blood of the animal.

Poor quality feed, even if labeled "premium" on its packaging, will certainly contain corn. Such a cheap filler only adds weight to the product, but is not beneficial, since it is difficult for the dog to digest.

The meat presented in the feed is not really meat, but boiled castings, which are then turned into minced meat. Any product containing meat by-products as the main source of protein is of poor quality. Often, regular consumption of this food leads to health problems in the dog.... Avoid giving animal food that contains fats or proteins with a generic name in the composition - "animal fat" or "poultry 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 poor quality feeds. 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 owner. Dogs are color blind, they are not interested in the color of food. Therefore, it should not be beautiful, but only useful. In addition, sugar such as corn syrup, sucrose, fructose, cane syrup or ammonia glycyrrhizin is added to make the feed more attractive. As a result, the dog develops obesity and tooth decay, so these components should not be included in the premium food.

Experts advise you 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 amount of feed;
• if the feed contains 60% carbohydrates, then this is a low-quality product;
• high-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 indicator that the manufacturer has included meat by-product in the composition, as well as branches and leaves from vegetables;
• a good feed has a caloric value of 200-300 kcal per 100 grams;
• it is better to choose baked food instead of extruded food.

There are several types of dog food.

• Dry. It is the most economical, which is why most breeders choose it. It removes the feeling of hunger for a long time, helps to keep the dog's teeth healthy, as chewing dry food helps to reduce the accumulation of tartar on them. When it comes to choosing a particular type of product, each owner is obliged to carefully read the composition of the ingredients. It is advisable to give preference to well-known brands, since they use quality ingredients when creating feed.
• Semi-dry... This feed contains 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 soft food rather than dry food, especially for older animals. This product has a long shelf life and is easy to find in any supermarket, but some premium feeds are expensive for the breeder. However, not every product on the market is able to provide the animal with the necessary amount of protein, especially in puppyhood.

Also, feed can be divided into age categories. Among them there are those that are ideally balanced specifically for puppies, senior dogs and those dogs that engage in vigorous training.

Taking into account the composition, the feed can be divided into:

• medicinal;
• for everyday use;
• for dogs in position;
• dietary;
• for lactating bitches.

Good dog food is produced not only abroad, there are also wonderful products made in Russia. The list is quite wide, but most of the names are known only to professional breeders, since they often focus on the quality of their animal's nutrition. The rating of the most famous feeds includes the following positions.

• "Faithful friends". The main source of protein in the composition of the feed of this brand is chicken, turkey and beef flour. Despite the fact that it is made with the addition of offal, 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 believed that this product is overvalued. Animal fat, soybean oil, and flax seeds are indicated as the source of fats. B vitamins replace yeast, which is also present in the feed.

• "Native feed". The main source of protein in the feed is chicken flour, which contains 17%. In second place in terms of content are corn and wheat. Chicken fat compensates for the required amount of fat, dietary fiber is used as fiber, the origin of which is unknown. It contains dry pumpkin and apples, minerals and antioxidants lysine and DL-meteonin.

• "Club 4 paws" Lamb flour is in the first place in the list of ingredients, it is 26% in the feed. There is animal protein hydrated - a good source of protein, which also acts as a flavoring additive. There are no ingredients that contain vegetable protein. Brown rice and barley are used as a source of carbohydrates, which are quality components of the highest level product. Salmon oil and sunflower oil provide the required amount of fatty acids.

• "Stout". Produced by the Gatchina plant, the main activity of which is the production of compound 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 offal in the composition.

• "KlinVet"... Suitable for both large dogs and puppies regardless of breed. Of the advantages, it can be noted that there are no flavors, GMOs and preservatives in the composition. However, according to dog breeders, the food is not suitable for animals prone to allergies.

• "Scythian"... According to the manufacturer himself, only high-quality raw materials are used in the composition of the feed, flavors and preservatives are completely absent, there is no soy, so it can be introduced into the diet of dogs that often have allergies.

Elite food is not affordable for every breeder. Their indisputable advantage is that the composition contains only components useful for the animal. Today, the most popular on the market are German, Italian, Czech products in cans and dry food.

The top includes the following well-known brands.

• Acana. The food is made with fresh ingredients sourced from the Canadian region of Alberta.This is a family business. Balanced dog food recipes meet safety requirements. Any product is suitable for all dogs, regardless of breed. The manufacturer tried to take into account the necessary needs of the dogs for protein and fats. During its existence on the market, this feed has received several international awards for excellent quality.

• Bosch. Produces quality dog ​​food and offers the highest quality balanced nutrition to animals. It 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 minerals necessary for the development of muscles and bones of the animal.

• Eukanuba. Premium dog food that contains all the essential nutrients. It is free of flavors, artificial preservatives and colors.

• Hill. A quality product, in the line of which you can find medicinal and dietary food. The feed contains the necessary components that do not lead to problems with the urinary system in the animal. Regular consumption of such a 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 fortified with minerals and vitamins.

• Royal Canin. The manufacturer has tried to create food for dogs of different breeds and sizes. Its recipes vary depending on the needs of the animal. There is food for puppies, active individuals, the elderly and those who have large dimensions. The line contains several formulations with a therapeutic effect.

• Taste of the Wild. Manufactured in the United States of America. The dog product in question is cereal-free. It is versatile and can be purchased by an animal regardless of its breed and age.

• Happy Dog. A brand that offers healthy dog ​​food, the composition of which can meet all the needs of the animal. The food does not contain artificial preservatives or chemical additives and is prepared without soy.

• Herrmanns Bio. It is prepared exclusively from organic ingredients: meat, vegetables, rice. It can be given to the animal on an ongoing basis, it does not cause allergies or intestinal upset.

• 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 specially formulated to meet the needs of puppies. They are made exclusively from meat without the use of offal.

• Schesir. A combination of tuna and poultry. Schesir is an excellent choice for premium pet food.

• Orijen. This food is rich in protein. The food contains up to 90% meat, which is more than 3 times the amount used in conventional dog food. In addition, each recipe contains a guaranteed minimum of 38% protein. Also, the composition contains 20% carbohydrates, and only low-glycemic and well-absorbed - lentils, pumpkin, leafy greens and fresh fruits.

• Blue Buffalo. Is one of the best producers of natural dog food. Offers 4 product lines, so you can choose a formula specifically for your pet, which will meet the needs of your dog.

• Brit. Czech forage, which contains 40% meat. The composition contains easily digestible hypoallergenic components that are well tolerated by animals. The formula was created in such a way as to support the immunity of the animal, help to strengthen its health and be the best prevention of certain age-related problems.

• Primal Pet Foods. The manufacturer offers 9 different varieties of raw frozen dog food, each containing premium animal protein free of antibiotics, steroids and hormones. In each product from the range offered, only 100% natural ingredients that have passed quality control have been used. There are no synthetic additives or preservatives in the list of ingredients.

• Whole Earth Farms. The brand offers a range of original grain-free products designed for different periods of a dog's life and taking into account the size of the breed, so you can choose from among them the product that best suits your particular pet.

A healthy dog ​​should have a complete diet, containing 50% vegetables, 40% meat and 10% grains. In addition, the animal must consume a certain amount of fat, depending on the level of activity. About 4% of your puppy's diet should be fiber. VAll these requirements apply not only to puppies, but also to adults.

The dog food packaging that says “natural” is not necessarily 100% natural. Foods containing corn or cornmeal, soy, and wheat should be avoided. These components are poorly absorbed by animals and can cause an allergic reaction. If you believe the reviews of dog breeders, they are also found in premium food. Instead, you should give preference to products that containing barley, oats, millet and brown rice.

Experts give their advice on how to choose premium food:

• the composition should be free of corn and wheat;
• it is better if the label contains not bone meal, but natural meat;
• it is worth choosing formulations designed for large or small animals, taking into account their calorie needs;
• protein should be in the first place in the composition, since it is its percentage that must exceed the amount of other ingredients;
• the product should not contain GMOs, dyes, artificial preservatives;
• the best food is one that contains vegetables, berries, herbs and other useful ingredients.

Next, watch a video review of some of the premium dry dog ​​foods.