Super-premium dog food: features, overview, selection, feeding rules

In order for a dog to fully grow and develop, it needs a balanced diet enriched with all the necessary macro- and microelements. Best of all, dry and super-premium dry foods meet these requirements.

Veterinarians unanimously argue that proper nutrition for dogs is very important, so you do not need to save on your pet. For feeding an animal, it is better to give preference to premium feeds, since they use only the highest quality products in balanced dosages, as well as introduce vitamins and all the necessary minerals.

Premium and Super Premium dry feeds contain the following ingredients.

• Proteins - Selected beef, chicken, turkey, and offal (liver and heart) are used as the main source of protein. A slight presence of vegetable protein sources is allowed.
• Carbohydrates - high-quality feeds contain only whole grains rich in useful trace elements, and not low-grade cereal processing products. Oatmeal, barley and rice are best absorbed by the body of dogs of all breeds, but cereals such as corn and wheat do not have a place in high-quality products - they are difficult to digest, therefore, they put a strain on the animal’s digestive tract.
• Cellulose - A necessary component of high-quality feed, is responsible for the acceleration of metabolism. Its sources are vegetables and ripe fruits, sprouted grains and herbs.
• Fats - animals need sources of Omega-3 and -6 to maintain health, as well as beauty and density of wool.
• Antioxidants - in the granules of a premium class the presence of these components is allowed, but exclusively on a plant basis.
• Vitamins and minerals - expensive compounds are enriched with potassium, magnesium, calcium, zinc, as well as vitamins B, A, E and C, which are necessary for dogs.

Dry feed includes all the necessary ingredients for the growth and normal development of the animal in an easily digestible form.

Feed rating is based on basic criteria.

• Cost - usually the food is more expensive, the more quality meat the manufacturer puts into it, since all plant components are much cheaper.
• Structure - premium and super premium products are more than 30% meat.
• Nutritional value. Dogs are very active animals, so they need a balanced diet, which will quickly replenish the supply of energy. That is why high-quality feed must certainly contain a sufficient amount of carbohydrate sources - healthy grains and proteins.

Here is an overview of the best, according to experts, feeds that got into the TOP according to consumer reviews and the opinion of veterinarians.

This is a dry food produced in Canada. It belongs to the super-premium group. The composition includes several types of meat, as well as animal proteins, sources of carbohydrates, necessarily vegetables and fruit ingredients. Less often, the product is enriched with special bioactive additives.

The main features of the feed of this brand:

• the introduction of extracts of medicinal plants to maintain good physical health of the four-legged pet;
• meat products account for at least half of the composition, all other components are grains, vegetables and green herbs.

This manufacturer produces feed in several product groups:

• intended for adult dogs and young puppies;
• for lactating bitches;
• for four-legged large or, conversely, small breeds.

The price of 1 kg of such feed is an average of 600 rubles.

This is a feed made in Italy, a distinctive feature of which is a special manufacturing technology, in which the products undergo minimal heat treatment. This preserves all the necessary vitamins and minerals to the maximum.

Meat products predominate in the structure - they account for about 50%, as well as vegetables, a mixture of grains (usually oats and white rice), rosemary extract. Preservatives and all kinds of flavorings are not allowed. This food is absorbed by the stomach of the animal quickly and in full.

The product is optimal for the smallest puppies (from 1 month), medium-sized animals and pregnant females.

Packaging for 2 kg of feed costs about 1000 rubles.

Food produced in England, a characteristic feature of which is hypoallergenic - it lacks gluten, there is absolutely no soy and intolerant dairy products. Granules are completely composed of selected meat, flax seeds, rosehip extract, probiotics, as well as nucleotides and glucosamine. The meat component accounts for at least 30%.

This food is optimal for the following categories of dogs:

• young pets;
• animals with diseases of the digestive system;
• elderly and weakened dogs.

The cost of 1 kg of feed is approximately 500 rubles.

Czech food, optimal for animals from 4 weeks of age. The composition contains not less than 45% of meat products, rice accounts for 30%, in addition, the product contains dried fruits, cartilage extract, extracts of medicinal herbs, vitamins, as well as magnesium, calcium and iron.

The use of such food has the most beneficial effect on the dog's body:

• makes the coat more thick and shiny;
• makes the bones and teeth of the pet stronger;
• boosts immunity.

The product is optimal for:

• pregnant and lactating bitches;
• pets of large breeds.

The price of 1 kg of feed is approximately 600 rubles.

Swiss company products contain only the highest quality ingredients:

• poultry meat or venison on a natural broth;
• lamb;
• beetroot or carrot pulp;
• trace elements, vitamins;
• rosehip extract.

The granules do not include dyes, there are no flavors, flavor enhancers and dyes.

This food is perfectly absorbed by the digestive system of small and young puppies, as it allows the body to develop more easily and maintain good health.

This food is optimal for dogs of small as well as medium breeds, leading a sporting lifestyle and exposed to frequent loads (for example, fighting or hunting dogs).

The cost of a kilogram of feed is 500 rubles.

German feed, very popular among breeders in European countries. The composition of the granules includes meat products of the highest quality, animal fats, crops, as well as vegetables, grains and vitamin-mineral supplements.

The products of this brand strengthen the teeth and claws of the dog, while being well absorbed by the digestive tract and without causing food allergies.

The food is especially good for dogs with digestive problems, as well as for white dogs, which are prone to painful individual reactions to food.

Another product made in Germany, which contains no preservatives or flavorings. At least 30% of the product is meat, and also includes eggs, fiber and rice noodles, corn, herbal extracts and flax seed.

Eating food strengthens the animal's immunity and gives a boost of strength and energy for the whole day.

The product is optimal for pets from 6 months. Granules are suitable for all types of dogs from six months.

Granules of the English manufacturer are optimal for adult dogs from the age of one year. The product consists of 30% high quality meat. It also includes a grain complex, cereals, sea fish, natural broth, beet fiber, flax seeds, seaweed, all the necessary amino acids, vitamins and minerals.

It is noted that the use of this product allows weakened pets to quickly restore immunity after illness, and also strengthen bones and get rid of the unpleasant smell of pet urine.

The feed is available in several categories for adult dogs and old pets.

Co-production of Dutch and Russian enterprises. The composition includes poultry, as well as fiber, cereals, minerals, vitamins and glucosamine. The products of this brand are hypoallergenic, optimal for dogs with sensitive stomachs.

The line of feeds of this manufacturer is focused on the nutrition of decorative dogs of medium breeds, as well as age-old dogs suffering from other diseases.

This Italian food producer belongs to the group of medicinal products intended for large and medium dogs. Granules consist of selected meat, as well as chicken eggs, low-fat fish, herbal extracts, chicken fat and vitamin and mineral supplements.

We pay attention to the fact that Before using this food, a qualified veterinarian should be examined.

American food is super-premium, which consists of beef, lamb, as well as cottage cheese and eggs. As additional components, potatoes, vegetable oil, carrots, tomatoes, mineral supplements and vitamin complexes are introduced.

The products of this brand are fully absorbed by the pet’s stomach and can reduce the pungent smell of dog feces. Optimal for dogs of large and medium breeds, pregnant bitches and young mothers, as well as older puppies from 1 year old.

Manufacturer of specialized granules for weakened and old animals.The composition of the feed includes meat, cereals, potatoes, fish, as well as mineral supplements and a complex of vitamins.

Keep in mind that This food is classified as therapeutic, therefore, to select a dosage, you need to consult a veterinarian.

This brand of feed is very popular in Europe, the product is hypoallergenic. As a rule, its basis is chicken and venison. The product is additionally enriched with amino acids, flaxseed, vitamins and minerals.

These feeds are suitable for consumption by animals from 6 months of all and activity categories.

Canadian feed that is on the list of the best in the world. Its distinctive feature is the high meat content - it accounts for about 80%, the remaining 20% ​​is cereals, vegetables, herbs and bioadditives, amino acids glucosamine, omega and fish are introduced as additional components.

When choosing the best dry dog ​​food, you must take into account several important criteria, the main one of which

• the age of the animal. As a rule, products of reliable brands include assortment lines designed for:
• young dogs starting from two weeks of life - such a product is optimal for feeding babies and is marked with the designation "Starter";
• teenage dogs whose age ranges from 2 to 10 months, it is designated as "Junior";
• animals age 1 to 8 years - this category of feed is called "Adult";
• elderly dogs - usually on the packaging of such products indicates the parameter "Senior" - it is optimal for animals whose age exceeds 7-8 years.

Manufacturers produce feed for:

• Small breed dogs - usually they look like small granules that a pet can quickly and easily crack through with its miniature chewing apparatus.
• For medium-sized dogs - the composition of such products includes larger granules with the required degree of hardness. Such products not only satisfy the animal’s food needs, but also help cleanse tartar and also train the jaw.
• For large animals - The product category is available in large granules. The composition additionally includes glucosamine and chondroitin. These components preserve the health of the cartilage tissue of animals and prevent their premature depletion.

The lifestyle of the animal should have a direct impact on the selection of optimal feed. There are several product categories.

• Active or Energy - It is used for pets that are in constant motion, for example, for dogs competing in animals, hunting animals, as well as those dogs that accompany their master during morning runs. In addition, feeds of this category are indicated for weakened animals or dogs that have undergone surgery, injuries, and victims of hypothermia - they include an increased amount of protein necessary to meet the daily energy requirement.
• Normal or Standart - such products are purchased for pets, who spend most of the time in the apartment and go out for a short walk only a couple of times a day.The activity level of such animals is usually characterized as average, so it is important to adhere to a diet that excludes the development of obesity in dogs.
• Light - The best choice for dogs with a sedentary lifestyle. In this feed, the protein and fat content is balanced, thanks to which the animal can lose excess weight without any problems.

Try to give preference to reliable, well-established manufacturers on the market. Keep in mind that premium and super premium feeds cannot be cheap.

When using dry food, it is very important to provide the animal with constant unhindered access to clean water. If canned food is 60-70% liquid, then in dry feed it is not at all. Water deficiency affects the work of organs and systems of the canine organism in the most unfavorable way, which often causes chronic pet diseases.

Another important point is compliance with the feeding regimen. An adult dog requires food 2 times a day, while it is advisable to pour food in a bowl at the same time and in approximately equal volumes, amounting to half the average daily recommended dosage. For example, at 7 and 19 hours or at 8 and 20. The meal schedule may be different, but it should take into account your work schedule in order to be followed daily.

Keep in mind that the animal needs to be fed not before the walk, but after. Everyone knows that appetite needs to be “boosted". In the case of dogs, this is especially true. The fact is that activity against the background of a full stomach dramatically increases the risk of intestinal torsion. This is a rather dangerous condition of the animal, which can even lead to its death if surgical intervention is not done in time.

The pet's menu should be permanent. Many inexperienced breeders think that a pet needs a variety of food - this is a big mistake. Frequent changes in food types and feed types lead to their worst digestibility by the animal.

Most dogs for years willingly consume food selected once brand. A regular change of manufacturer causes gastrointestinal upset, stool disorders and an imbalance of minerals in the pet's body. It happens that industrial feed is not suitable for the animal or its state of health requires the use of products of a different category. In this case, you need to transfer the dog to a new product gradually.

It usually takes a week to transfer the dog from one type of food to another. Every day, the proportion of the natural component decreases and is replaced by dry granules.

When transferring an animal from “natural” to dry food, a serious mistake is often made - breeders begin comparing the consumption of natural and dry food. Accustomed to giving their pet impressive doses of food, the owners do not believe that 300-400 balls per day are enough for their dog and they fill it with a full plate. Be sure - the dog will definitely eat this amount of food, but do not be surprised then if the animal becomes lethargic and the hair begins to fall out in shreds.

Feed mixing allowed exclusively during the period of transfer of the pet to dry food and only for a short time. In other periods, adding dry product granules to the mixers is not worth it, as this leads to an unbalanced diet, which most negatively affects the condition of the pet.

If you notice that the dog has lost his appetite, he refuses food for several days, then you should not go to the store in search of a delicious treat. Any change in the nutritional behavior of the animal is a direct reason for going to the veterinarian, as it may indicate inflammatory processes in the animal's body.

On the features of the production of dry food for dogs of super-premium class, see further.