Premium Dry Dog Food

Dogs are one of the smartest and most dedicated pets to humans. It is no secret that the health of a pet depends on quality nutrition. Industrial-grade premium dry feeds contain 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 belong to carnivorous predators, which means that the protein (protein) should not only be present in the feed, but also occupy a significant part of the composition, because it is it that is the source of the essential amino acids involved in the process of building their own cells. In dry premium food for dogs, as a rule, protein takes the first place, as the manufacturer always indicates on the packaging. It can be presented in different types: meat, offal or chopped meat and bone meal.

Most often, manufacturers use chicken and offal as a source of protein, indicating the percentage in relation to the entire composition. Proteins of plant origin are also present with a lower mass fraction in premium feeds. Most often, the source of plant proteins in the compositions of 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. Sources of carbohydrates include plants such as rice, wheat, oatmeal, corn and barley. Corn and wheat, as the most common sources of carbohydrates in feed, are not suitable for all dogs.They are digested for a long time and absorbed worse by the body, so it is better if rice is in the composition.

There are vitamins and minerals in all types of feed, but their quantity and the correct ratio in different types vary. In premium 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 feed types.

No industrial dog food can do without preservatives and oxidants. They prevent rancidity of fats, the breakdown of vitamins, prevent pathogenic bacteria from multiplying, thereby preserving the taste and quality of the product in excellent form for quite some time. Depending on the manufacturer, different substances can be used as preservatives and oxidizing agents. Usually, bona fide manufacturers indicate both the component itself and its quantitative content in the composition.

Premium dry feeds are, of course, imperfect. They have both a lot of advantages and their disadvantages. Let's take a closer look at the benefits of premium dry food for dogs.

• Dry food is, of course, a convenience for owners. Organizing a dog’s nutrition with this food is much easier, and more economical in terms of time. No need to cook porridge, chop meat, weigh a serving, and then also 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 strength.
• Premium dry feeds are also profitable. They are cheaper than wet species, and their benefits are greater. The concentration of useful components in the composition of this type of feed is slightly higher than in wet canned food. And this is not surprising, because the moisture in the dry form of the feed is not higher than 10%, and the remaining 90% of the composition is well-digestible proteins, carbohydrates, fats and vitamins with minerals. So with regular use 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 teeth will remain strong and healthy for a long time.
• Premium feeds contain a good mineral supplement, which means there is no need to purchase additional specialized additives. Each serving contains vitamins and minerals necessary for the body, and they are correctly balanced in quantity.
• There are a lot of premium feeds to date., therefore, choosing the appropriate option, given 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. Indeed, the conditions during the trip are not always favorable for eating, and the bowl does not always have the opportunity to wash.

But, no matter how good and convenient the 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 species, they are usually not more than 30-40%, and in some even less. Manufacturers replace their deficiency with proteins of plant origin, which, of course, affects nutrition. The higher the percentage of vegetable protein, the more the dog will eat food.
• In addition, some types of plant proteins can cause an allergic reaction in a dog, which also cannot be called a positive fact. Instead of animal fats, some manufacturers include various plant types of this essential component, which reduces the cost of feed, but affects nutrition.
• The presence of chemical preservatives (sodium nitrate, ethoxivine, and others) in some formulations of dry foods 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 dry premium feeds belong to the same type of feed, and practically should not differ from each other in composition, but nevertheless there are certainly some differences between them.

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

• In an honorable first place is the Czech company Vafo Praha s. r. o., producing inexpensive and high-quality Profine feed. In dry granules, there is no protein of vegetable origin, and the main source of saturation is meat and fish ingredients. Their share in the compositions is about 40%. There are no artificial preservatives in them. A mixture of tocopherols, which is essentially a biological supplement, better known as vitamin E, perfectly copes with the role of preservative 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 particular breed, as well as find an option for pets with a sensitive stomach and prone to allergies, and the widespread prevalence of this manufacturer can put in second place.

• Dog food from the Czech producer Brit Premium is known in Russia. It is sold in many pet stores at a very reasonable price for this category. In composition, it is similar to the above feeds. It has many options for a wide variety of dogs, like Monge.

• Frank's ProGold Company, releasing dry feed under the same name, has a wide range, affordable price and quality ingredients in the compositions. The lack of vegetable protein, the use of natural preservatives and a good mixture of vitamins and minerals make it possible to put it in the line of leaders. The only negative is low fame.

• A distinctive feature of 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, and also contribute to its regeneration, which, of course, has a positive effect on the work 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", producing feed under the brand name "4 legs" in Russia, 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, fats of animal origin.

• Inexpensive Russian food Blitz hit the top ten deservedly. Its composition is no worse than the above feed. Protein of animal origin comes first and occupies 35% of the total mass. In addition to chondroitin and glucosamine, an extract that reduces the smell of excrement and rosemary, which acts as a natural antioxidant, are also included.

• British company Leander International Pet Foods Ltd produces dry types of dog food under the brand name Arden Grange.The compositions have the necessary additives for the good functioning of the joints, there is an extract that reduces odor, and nucleotides that affect the activation of enzymes are also included. A wide range of this species allows you to choose food not only for any dog ​​breed, but also for pets with various problems. Although the feed is widespread in Russia, its price is slightly higher than similar species, so it is not so popular.

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

On the packaging, bona fide manufacturers always indicate which breeds are suitable for this feed, the amount at a single dacha, depending on the weight, and, of course, the composition with a percentage 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 feed is suitable for small decorative dogs as well as for medium sized pets. The components included will be equally useful for both older individuals and dogs with problematic skin.
• Feed line Farmina from the Italian manufacturer is perfect for large and medium-sized dogs. The components included in the composition characterize this food as therapeutic, 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 It contains components that help 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 - This is a Dutch food that is suitable for absolutely all dogs. His lineup is quite wide and designed for almost all categories. Puppies can be offered this food only after 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 is suitable. Large breeds should be given Pro Plan Large Robust.

When choosing a pet food, one should not fully focus on the dog’s taste preferences, as the special additives present in each feed cause an animal’s 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, do not neglect its purpose, and even more so - the norm. It is no coincidence that the manufacturers indicate on the package what type of dog it is suitable for. The composition of each feed is balanced so that the necessary substances enter the body in the right amount. If the 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 pets living in enclosures in the winter. Do not feed old dogs with feed designed specifically for lactating and pregnant women. Their composition is somewhat oversaturated with proteins, and carbohydrates, and vitamins, which is not good for age-related individuals, and can lead to urolithiasis and liver problems.For aging individuals have their own feed, their composition is lightweight and perfectly 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;
• Large individuals are considered to weigh from 26 to 40 kg, their norm ranges from 335-460 g;
• the largest dogs, whose weight is in the range of 45-60 kg, need more food, their daily norm varies between 505-625 g.

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