Premium dry food for dogs

Dogs are one of the smartest and most loyal pets. It's no secret that a pet's health also depends on quality nutrition. Commercially produced premium dry food contains all the components necessary for the animal's body, so they are popular with most dog owners.

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

Most often, manufacturers use chicken and by-products as a source of protein, indicating the percentage in relation to the entire composition. With a lower mass fraction, the composition of premium feed also contains proteins of plant origin. The most common source of plant proteins in 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 the composition. Plants such as rice, wheat, oatmeal, corn and barley are sources of carbohydrates. Corn and wheat, the most common carbohydrate sources in food, are not suitable for all dogs.They take a long time to digest and are less absorbed by the body, so it is better if the composition contains rice.

Vitamins and minerals are found in all types of feed, but their quantity and correct ratio vary from type to type. In premium-class feeds, the addition 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 commercial dog food is complete without preservatives and oxidants. They prevent rancidity of fats, the breakdown of vitamins, do not allow pathogenic bacteria to multiply, thereby preserving the taste and quality of the product in excellent condition 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 is of course not ideal. They have both many advantages and disadvantages. Let's take a closer look at the pros of premium dry dog ​​food.

• Dry food is, of course, a convenience for the owners... It is much easier to organize food for a dog using such food, and it is also more economical in terms of time. You do not need to cook porridge, cut meat, weigh the portion, and then 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 energy.
• Premium dry food is also beneficial... They are cheaper than wet species, and they are more useful. The concentration of useful components in this type of feed is slightly higher than in wet canned food. And this is not surprising, because the moisture content in the dry form of feed is no higher than 10%, and the remaining 90% of the composition is well-digestible proteins, carbohydrates, fats and vitamins with minerals. So with regular consumption of dry food, excellent coat, good eyesight and energy will be provided to the dog. In addition, the solid structure of the granules prevents the formation of plaque on the enamel, which means that the teeth will remain strong and healthy for a long time.
• Premium feed contains a good mineral supplement, which means that there is no need to purchase additional specialized supplements. Each serving contains vitamins and minerals necessary for the body, while they are correctly balanced in quantity.
• Quite a lot of premium-class forages are produced today, therefore, choosing the right option, taking into account the age, health and individual preferences of the pet, is not difficult. It is convenient to feed the dog with granules of dry food not only at home, but also on the road. After all, the conditions during the trip are not always favorable for eating, and it is not always possible to wash the bowl.

But, no matter how good and convenient dry food is, it also has disadvantages.

• An important factor characterizing the quality of the product is the percentage of animal protein in the composition. In dry premium-class varieties, as a rule, they are not more than 30-40%, and in some even less. Manufacturers replace their deficiency with proteins of plant origin, which, of course, affects the nutritional value. The higher the percentage of vegetable protein, the more food your dog will eat.
• In addition, some types of plant proteins can cause an allergic reaction in a dog, which also cannot be called a positive fact. Some manufacturers instead of animal fats include various vegetable types of this essential component, which reduces the cost of feed, but affects the nutritional value.
• The presence of chemical preservatives (sodium nitrate, ethoxyvin and others) in some formulations 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 dry food belongs to a single type of food, and practically should not differ from each other in composition, there are undoubtedly some differences between them.

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

• In the honorable first place is the Czech company Vafo Praha s. r. o., producing inexpensive and high quality feed Profine. In dry granules there is no vegetable protein, and meat and fish ingredients are the main source of saturation. Their share in the compositions is about 40%. There are no artificial preservatives in them either. A mixture of tocopherols, which is essentially a dietary supplement, better known as vitamin E, does an excellent job of preserving it 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 a balanced composition, depending on the purpose. A wide range in which you can choose the composition for a specific breed, as well as find an option for pets with a sensitive stomach and prone to allergies, and the widespread prevalence allows this manufacturer to be put 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 feeds. It has many options for a wide variety of dogs, just like the Monge.

• Frank's ProGold, producing dry food under the same name, it is distinguished by a wide range, affordable price and high-quality ingredients in the formulations. The absence of vegetable protein, the use of natural preservatives and a good blend of vitamins and minerals make it one of the leaders. The only drawback is low popularity.

• A distinctive feature of the feed from the Dutch manufacturer Kennels' Favorite is the presence of extracts containing substances useful for the body - chondroitin and glucosamine. They prevent the destruction of cartilage tissue, as well as promote its regeneration, which, of course, has a positive effect on the functioning of the joints. The feed has an excellent composition with a good vitamin and mineral supplement, natural antioxidants and the absence of vegetable proteins.

• Ukrainian company "Kormotech", which produces feed under the brand name "4 paws" in Russia, has been known for a long time. The compositions are well balanced. They contain proteins of animal origin, represented by meat ingredients, and vitamins with minerals, and carbohydrates, the source of which is most often rice, and, of course, animal fats.

• Inexpensive Russian food Blitz deservedly got into the top ten. Its composition is no worse than the feed described above. Protein of animal origin comes first and takes 35% of the total mass. In addition to chondroitin and glucosamine, it also contains an extract to reduce the odor of excrement and rosemary to act as a natural antioxidant.

• British company Leander International Pet Foods Ltd produces dry dog ​​food under the Arden Grange brand.The formulations contain the necessary additives for the good functioning of the joints, there is 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 dog, but also for pets with various problems. Although the food is widespread in Russia, its price is slightly higher than similar types, therefore it is not so popular.

The correct choice of dry food is the key to the well-being, excellent health and long life of any dog.

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

• Dry granules Ecunaba contain all the necessary components. The manufacturer produces a fairly wide line, focused on different breeds and suitable for pets with various deviations in health. The food is suitable for both small decorative dogs and medium sized pets. The components included in the composition will be equally useful for both elderly individuals and dogs with problem skin.
• Line of feed Farmina from an Italian manufacturer is perfect for large and medium breeds of dogs. The components included in the composition characterize this food as medicinal, so before buying it is worth consulting with a veterinarian.
• Italian Monge perfect for pregnant and lactating bitches, puppies and animals belonging to the mature age category.
• Best Choice contains components that help to strengthen teeth and bones, additives in the composition have a beneficial effect on wool and reduce the smell of excrement. Most of all this food is suitable for pets from 10 months. It is equally good for both small and large dogs.
• Nero Gold Is a Dutch food that is suitable for absolutely all dogs. His line is quite wide and is designed for almost all categories. Puppies can only be offered this food when they reach the age of six months.
• Pro Plan known for its wide range. For adult pets belonging to small and dwarf dog breeds, Pro Plan Optibalance or Duo Delice are suitable. For larger breeds it is best to give Pro Plan Large Robust.

When choosing food for a pet, one should not completely focus on the dog's taste preferences, since the special additives present in each food make the animals appetite, as a result, they will gladly eat any proposed option. It is better to observe the general well-being of the pet for a while.

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 for which type of dog it is suitable. The composition of each feed is balanced so that the necessary substances enter the body in the right amount. If your pet does not lead a very active lifestyle, then you should not give him food with an excess of protein for him, which can lead to obesity.

The increased protein content in the composition is more suitable for active dogs, as well as for pets living in enclosures in the winter. Do not feed older dogs with foods that are specially formulated for nursing and pregnant women. Their composition is somewhat oversaturated with proteins, carbohydrates, and vitamins, which is not at all good for older individuals, and can lead to both urolithiasis and liver problems.Aging individuals have their own food, their composition is lightweight and ideally matched specifically 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 in the range of 110-165 g;
• in larger breeds weighing from 12 to 24 kg, the amount of feed should not exceed 190-315 g;
• Individuals with a weight of 26 to 40 kg are considered large, their norm ranges from 335 to 460 g;
• the largest dogs, whose weight is in the range of 45-60 kg, need more food, their daily intake varies in the range of 505-625 g.

For information on what premium dog foods are, see the next video.