Types of dry dog food: what is the best, how to choose

Dry dog food is a concentrated product that is delicious for pets and contains a set of essential nutrients. It is very convenient for owners, because it is ready for consumption by the animal. How to choose dry dog food and which one is better?

Types of dry dog food

Ready-made dry dog food varies in quality. Three categories can be distinguished:

• Economy class - these are the cheapest dog foods. Such products are based on meat production waste, bone meal, fats, flavoring and aromatic additives. Such food gives the animal satiety, but it contains few nutrients and vitamins. It also contains substances harmful to animals: synthetic flavorings, vegetable fats, flavor enhancers. Cheap dry food is addictive to dogs.
• Premium class is a dog food of medium quality. It contains about 30% of meat products. The rest of the mass consists of offal, cereals, grains and vegetables. In premium class food, flavor enhancers, flavorings are often added.
• Super premium class and holistic are the most expensive feeds. They consist entirely of natural products and are optimally balanced. The basis of such food is pure meat, fish or poultry, cereals, vegetables, cereals, vitamin and mineral supplements. They do not contain artificial flavorings and flavor enhancers.

Dog food also differs by purpose:

• Universal foods for everyday nutrition are suitable for adult dogs of any breed and weight.
• Specialized dog foods are made, taking into account certain features of animals. They are made for pregnant, lactating, elderly dogs, for puppies. There are foods specifically designed for certain breeds that have special nutritional requirements.
• Therapeutic foods are designed for dogs that have chronic diseases of the joints, eyes, coat, urinary system or metabolism.

How to choose dog food

Choosing food for your pet, it is important to determine what will suit a particular dog. To do this, take into account such criteria:

• Breed. The nutritional needs of large and small dogs are different. Therefore, choose a food designed for small, medium or large breeds.
• Activity. Animals that are active and energetic require more nutrients. More concentrated feed is suitable for them. A calm animal needs less substances, otherwise, if they are too much, the dog may become obese.
• Period of life. Puppies and lactating females need an increased amount of food. For them, choose a more saturated food. Sick animals also need food with an increased content of certain substances, depending on the condition of the animal.
• Health of the dog. If the animal has chronic diseases or acute pathological conditions, a specialized food will be required. Therapeutic products are prescribed by a veterinarian after examination, tests and accurate diagnosis.

It is important to choose the right size and consistency of dry food. The smaller the breed of dog, the smaller the pieces should be. Otherwise, it will be difficult for her to bite them. For large breeds, the size with large pellets is suitable.

Which dry dog food is better? Of course, the more natural products, the healthier they are for the animal. Holistic dog foods are considered the most nutritious. Also therapeutic dry dog foods can be a valuable addition to an animal's diet.