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.

Premium dog food should ideally contain 38% protein, 3% dietary fiber, 17% fat and 25% carbohydrate. That is the advantage of expensive feed 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 protein is three times more than in meat.

It is very good if in the composition of the dog food will be present:

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

These are essential ingredients for the animal that must be present in the feed. In addition to them, it is necessary 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 proteins, the dog needs carbohydrates. Lentils and peas are most enriched with them. Often they are found in premium feed. In a cheap version, grain is used, but it is poorly digested by the intestines of the animal.

In premium quality 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.

In the feed of poor quality, even if its packaging is marked “premium”, corn will be contained. Such a cheap filler only increases the weight of the product, but does not bring any benefits, since it is difficult for the dog to digest it.

The meat presented in the feed is not really meat, but boiled workings, which are then turned into minced meat. Any product containing meat offal as the main source of protein is of poor quality. Often, regular consumption of such food leads to health problems in the dog. Avoid giving the animal food that contains fats or proteins with a generic name in the composition - “animal fat” or “bird 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 dyes 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, sugars such as corn syrup, sucrose, fructose, cane syrup or ammonia glycyrrhizin are added to make the feed more attractive. As a result, the dog has obesity and caries, so these components should not be part of the premium feed.

Experts advise 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 feed;
• if 60% of carbohydrates in the feed, 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 producer included in the composition of meat offal, as well as branches and leaves from vegetables;
• a good feed has a calorie index of 200-300 kcal per 100 grams;
• it is better to choose baked food instead of extruded.

Dog food is represented by several species.

• Dry. It is the most economical, so most breeders choose it. It eliminates the feeling of hunger for a long time, helps to keep the dog’s teeth healthy, since chewing dry food helps reduce the accumulation of tartar on them. When it comes to choosing a specific type of product, each owner must carefully read the ingredients. It is advisable to give preference to well-known brands, as they use high-quality components to create feed.
• Semi dry. This is the feed containing propylene glycol; it is he who keeps the product from drying out to the end. The advantage of this food is that it can be stored without refrigeration.
• Frozen. It is made from natural ingredients, including meat, with a small addition of fish fillet, vegetables and other components.
• Canned food. Many dogs prefer not dry food, but soft food, especially for older animals. Such a product has a long shelf life, it is easy to find in any supermarket, but some types of premium feed 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 by age categories. Among them there are those that are ideally balanced specifically for puppies, elderly dogs and those dogs that are engaged in intensive training.

If you take into account the composition, then the feed can be divided into:

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

Good dog food is produced not only abroad, there are wonderful products of Russian origin. Their list is quite wide, but most of the names are known only to professional breeders, as they are more often focused on the quality of their animal’s nutrition. The ranking of the most famous feeds included the following items.

• "Faithful friends". The main source of protein in the feed of this brand is chicken, turkey and beef flour. Despite the fact that it is produced with the addition of an offal, it contains 60% of the protein necessary for 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 overrated. The source of fats is animal fat, soybean oil, and flax seeds. B vitamins make up for yeast, which is also found in the feed.

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

• "Club 4 paws" In the first place in the list of ingredients is lamb flour, its feed 26%. There is an animal waterproof protein - a good source of protein, which simultaneously acts as a flavoring supplement. There are no ingredients that would contain vegetable protein. As a source of carbohydrates, brown rice and barley, which are high-quality components of the highest level product, are used. Salmon fat and sunflower oil provide the necessary amount of fatty acids.

• "Stout." It is made by the Gatchina plant, the main activity of which is the production of animal 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 large dogs and puppies, regardless of breed. Of the advantages, the absence of flavorings, GMOs and preservatives in the composition can be noted. However, according to dog breeders, food is not suitable for animals prone to allergies.

• "Scythian". According to the manufacturer himself, only high-quality raw materials are used in the feed, there are no flavorings or preservatives, there is no soy, so it can be introduced into the diet of dogs, which often have an allergy.

Elite feed not every breeder can afford. Their indisputable advantage is that the composition contains only components that are useful for the animal. Today, German, Italian, Czech products in banks and dry food are more popular in the market.

The top brands included the following.

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

• Bosch It produces high-quality dog ​​food and offers animals a balanced diet of the highest quality. It contains all the necessary components that can satisfy 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 the muscles and bones of the animal.

• Eukanuba. Premium dog food that contains all the essential nutrients. It does not contain flavorings, artificial preservatives or colorings.

• Hill. High-quality product, in the line of which you can find medical and dietary food. In the feed there are 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 manifest allergic reactions.

• Purina. The product in question contains turkey, lamb, as well as chicken and beef meat. It is a nutritious, tasty and healthy premium product enriched with minerals and vitamins.

• Royal Canin. The manufacturer tried to create food for dogs of different breeds and sizes. His recipes vary depending on the needs of the animal. There is food for puppies, active individuals, the elderly and those who have large dimensions. In the lineup there are several compounds with a therapeutic effect.

• Taste of the Wild. It is made in the United States of America. The product in question for dogs is cereal free. It is universal and can be acquired by an animal regardless of its breed and age.

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

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

• Lukullus. This brand is known for the fact that its feed is perfectly balanced, and the ingredients in the composition are mixed in the required proportions. This product belongs to the premium class.

• Rinti. Canned food specially designed to meet puppy needs. They are made exclusively from meat without the use of offal.

• Schesir. The combination of tuna and poultry. Schesir is an excellent choice among premium feeds.

• Orijen. This product is rich in protein. The food contains up to 90% of 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, 20% carbohydrates are present in the composition, and only low-glycemic and well-digestible ones are lentils, pumpkin, leafy greens and fresh fruits.

• Blue Buffalo It is one of the best producers of natural dog food. It offers 4 lines of products, so among them you can choose a formula specifically for your pet that will meet the needs of the dog.

• Brit. Czech-made feed containing 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 maintain the animal’s immunity, help to strengthen its health and be the best prevention of some age-related problems.

• Primal Pet Foods. The manufacturer offers 9 different options for raw frozen dog food, each of which contains premium animal protein, free of antibiotics, steroids and hormones. In each product from the offered assortment, only 100% natural ingredients that passed quality control were used. The list of components contains no synthetic additives or preservatives.

• Whole earth farms. The brand offers an assortment of original grainless products designed for different periods of a dog’s life and taking into account the size of the breed, so you can choose among them the product that best suits a particular pet.

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

A pack of dog food on which the word “natural” is written is not necessarily 100% natural. Avoid foods that include corn or cornmeal, soy, and wheat. 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 feeds. Instead, give preference to products, containing barley, oats, millet and brown rice.

Experts give their advice on how to choose premium food:

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

Next, watch a video review of some types of premium dry food for dogs.