Classes of dry dog ​​food and the differences between them

In January 2022, Midwestern Pet Food recalled Sportmix due to the death of hundreds of dogs. The reason is infection of the product with a fungus that parasitizes the corn that is part of the granules. Mold produces aflatoxins, which cause liver and kidney failure, poisoning, and cancer. To prevent this from happening to your pet, it is important to buy a quality product, so look at its class and composition.

Compound

The food must be balanced and fully meet the needs of the dogs. It should contain:

• Proteins – preferably of animal origin (beef, lamb, poultry, fish). It is highly undesirable to switch your dog to vegetarian food. Dogs are carnivores; vegetable proteins cannot replace meat.
• Fats – usually extracted from poultry fat.
• Carbohydrates – rice, wheat, corn, etc.
• Vitamins, minerals, amino acids.

Meat should take first place in a quality diet. Next - vegetables, grains, offal (stomach, heart, liver). For allergy sufferers, they produce products that do not contain grains, since grains often cause an allergic reaction.

Many commercial products contain substances whose presence is undesirable. Among them:

• meat and bone meal;
• animal by-products.

Meat and bone meal: what's the catch?

Meat and bone meal is prohibited in EU countries. This is a product that is made from the carcasses of dead or dead animals, and not from livestock that was slaughtered. Manufacturers claim that the flour undergoes strict control, and the carcasses of animals that died from infectious diseases are not used.

The reason for the ban is that when making flour it is impossible to strictly follow the production technology. There are other factors why meat and bone meal is undesirable:

• Under the influence of high temperature, beneficial substances are destroyed.
• Antioxidants and preservatives are often added to the composition to extend its service life.
• Often contains a lot of fat.
• The product may be treated with harmful substances, such as chlorine or formaldehyde.

Thus, all that remains for the consumer is to rely on the manufacturer. If the food contains meat and bone meal, look at its reputation. Don't trust little-known companies.

Animal by-products

Do not confuse by-products with offal (stomach, liver, lungs). These are different things. In this case, the granules may contain:

• parts of animals that are not intended for human consumption (bones, intestines, blood);
• the remains of animals that died due to illness, provided that they were processed in accordance with all requirements;
• the brain and spinal cord of cows, which is banned in America due to the risk of transmitting mad cow disease.

Obviously, such food is not the best option for your pet.

Characteristics

Type of feed

Economy class dry food is manufactured using low quality raw materials. The composition includes food industry waste, soy, and by-products. There are no vitamins in the composition, so the diet is additionally enriched with vitamin complexes.

Constant nutrition mixtures contain meat products, dyes, flavors, and high levels of salt. The assimilation process is better compared to economy class.

The premium class includes the same ingredients as the economy version with the addition of odor and taste enhancers. There is an increased level of animal protein, achieved through the addition of natural meat or offal.

The super-premium composition includes high-quality ingredients of natural origin: eggs, meat, cereal products, nutritious food additives. Small amounts contain substances that are poorly absorbed by the body.

Holistic is a super premium class, containing only high-quality natural ingredients. The ingredients are carefully selected to ensure that the resulting product is balanced with essential substances and microelements.

Includes:

• cereals;
• meat;
• probiotics, which improve the digestion process in the body.

Semi-dry food is made on the basis of muscle tissue, fish and meat products. Storage is possible without mandatory refrigeration. The composition contains lactic, hydrochloric, and phosphoric acids required for the full development of the body.

Acids extend shelf life by slowing down the rate of bacterial growth. Propylene glycol is used as an antifungal and antibacterial agent that prevents drying out.

Conventional canned food for regular nutrition consists of vitamins, cereal ingredients, soy, muscle meat tissue, and offal. Extruded soybeans acquire a brown color that imitates meat, thanks to special dyes.

Systematic consumption of canned foods is addictive in animals.

Delicacy (additional) canned food is made using rare meat varieties, offal, vegetables and fruits. Some varieties contain fats and proteins that contribute to obesity.

Frozen minced meat is made from natural ingredients:

• raw or cooked offal;
• cereals;
• vegetables;
• steamed bran;
• herbal supplements;
• dairy products;
• eggs.

Selected ingredients are crushed, mixed, packaged and preserved under low temperature.

Dog age

The milk replacer is developed taking into account the needs of the growing body and can be used from the first day, from the birth of the puppy until the start of complementary feeding (from two weeks of age). Infant formulas contribute to the rapid and proper development of puppies.

The composition includes trace elements, vitamins, fatty acids, milk proteins of natural origin, lactose, fructooligosaccharides. High-quality substitutes do not use preservatives, starch, or thickeners.

The mixtures have a high energy value.

Food for puppies (from 2 months to a year) and young dogs (1-2.5 years) contains a concentrated mixture of substances (nutrients and minerals) required for the formation of the body, vitamins, proteins, calcium.

The product granules are much smaller than adult food so that a puppy can chew them.

Food for adult animals (from 2.5 to 6-8 years) is divided into categories depending on the level of activity of the pet:

• active – the composition is balanced with the necessary substances, taking into account the normal rhythm of life;
• highly active – enriched with nutrients that provide additional energy, vitamin E, proteins, amino acids;
• sedentary, prone to obesity - easily digestible food;
• prone to allergies – hypoallergenic diet.

The mixture for older individuals (from 6-8 years, depending on the breed) consists of 18% proteins, 8-12% fats and an increased amount of carbohydrates. The composition contains minerals, vitamins, wheat bran, glucosamine, chondroitin.

The ingredients are selected in such a way that the food is easily digestible and does not burden the functioning of the internal organs.

Dog size

The body of small breeds has an accelerated metabolism. The diet does not contain barley, soy, or corn - substances that increase the volume of food, but do not provide benefits.

The peculiarities of work and the size of the digestive system make it difficult to increase the volume and frequency of food intake, so a maximum of nutrients should be concentrated in a small portion.

Otherwise, the pet will not receive enough energy. The diet includes trace elements, minerals, iron, copper, iodine, zinc, B vitamins, fatty acids.

Medium breeds are characterized by an active lifestyle and mobility. The food contains the correct ratio of carbohydrates, fats and proteins, which maintain the body's energy balance. Fat content – ​​no more than 18%.

Protein consists of nonessential and essential amino acids. Strengthening joints and bones occurs thanks to vitamin D, phosphorus, calcium, glucosamine, chondroitin.

The mixture for large and giant dogs provides for the active growth of animals, contains vitamins A, D, minerals, and antioxidants. It is desirable to contain minerals in the form of complex salts that promote the absorption of nutrients.

A balanced complex of vitamin and mineral ingredients supports the functioning of the immune system and the body as a whole.

Feed series

The purpose of daily food for dogs, like cat food, is to provide the animal’s body with the daily norm of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, minerals, vitamins, and nutrients.

Nutrition components are selected in such a way that with a small portion the body receives a full range of nutrients.

A series of medicinal mixtures are not suitable for daily use, but are prescribed by a veterinarian in connection with the deterioration of the animal’s health and illness.

Reasons for prescribing a therapeutic diet:

• heart diseases;
• renal failure;
• diseases of the urinary system;
• hypertension;
• joint diseases;
• obesity;
• metabolic disease;
• food allergy.

Light food is intended for sedentary pets who are overweight or prone to obesity. A special feature is the increased content of meat proteins, which satisfy hunger.

Fats are contained in moderation to maintain healthy coat and skin. The amount of carbohydrates is reduced to a minimum in order to control body weight.

A pregnant dog needs a balanced diet and careful selection of high-quality ingredients. The main feature of the diet is its high nutritional value and easy digestion of food.

The components stimulate proper bone formation in puppies and the production of milk in the mother in sufficient quantities to feed the offspring.

The composition necessarily contains quickly digestible carbohydrates, highly concentrated proteins, and amino acids.

Main components:

• meat (poultry, beef);
• rice, barley;
• fatty acid;
• herbs;
• flax-seed;
• vitamin E.

Dogs during the period of feeding puppies need food with increased calorie content. During breastfeeding, the amount of milk changes, so appropriate changes are made in the diet. The more milk, the higher the calorie content.

The composition includes from 24 to 28% proteins, trace elements, vitamins, minerals, nutrients.

Special food is a special mixture of nutrients and beneficial substances, which is not used for everyday feeding, but to combat specific deficiencies and problems.

Reasons for including special food in the diet:

• digestive problems;
• overweight;
• joint weakness;
• deterioration of skin and coat condition;
• dental care;
• food allergies;
• increasing immunity;
• maintaining physical fitness.

The use of special food to improve digestion is necessary if the animal has diseases of the gastrointestinal tract: inflammation of the intestines, pancreatitis, chronic diarrhea, gastritis.

The composition has a reduced amount of fat, components are selected with high energy value, and contains fatty acids that relieve inflammation.

Labradors, collies, beagles, dachshunds are breeds that are prone to obesity. Reducing the volume of portions causes gastritis, problems with hair and skin, so a special diet for overweight pets is the only solution.

Food based on fiber and protein contains a small dose of fats and carbohydrates, which allows you to keep the animal’s weight within normal limits.

Problems with joints require the inclusion in the diet of special food enriched with minerals and vitamins, in particular a useful combination of chondroitin and glucosamine. The amount of carbohydrates is reduced.

A change in the condition of your pet's coat and skin indicates a lack of minerals and vitamins in the diet. To restore your animal to a healthy appearance, use special food that is easily digestible by the body and enriched with Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids.

To care for teeth, it is recommended to feed your pet a special mixture that prevents the formation of tartar. The composition includes coarse plant fibers that envelop the teeth.

Unlike regular food, which crumbles in the mouth or is immediately swallowed by the animal, special fibrous food must be chewed, thereby cleaning the tooth enamel.

The hypoallergenic product is based on high-quality natural ingredients: fish, lamb, vegetables, herbs. The composition does not use dyes or artificial additives.

Natural products that often cause allergies, such as chicken, beef, turkey, soy, corn, and wheat, are excluded from hypoallergenic foods.

Dog food to improve immunity contains a complex of useful nutrients, vitamins, minerals, and natural products.

Improvement of immune function occurs due to the enrichment of the body with vitamins A, C, D, F, B5, magnesium, calcium, iodine, iron, zinc.

To maintain physical fitness, the diet must contain L-carnitine, which stimulates metabolism in the body. The special composition with increased energy value contains 26% protein.

Improved taste stimulates your pet's appetite. Easily digestible ingredients support optimal weight.

Economy class dog food

The product is made from the cheapest ingredients. Its main part is by-products, cereals, and chemical additives. It may also contain low quality meat from dead, diseased, or old animals.

Some foods have a good composition, but the proportions do not correspond to those stated on the packaging. It is based on products that are the cheapest in a given season. Since the product is cheap, no one reprints the packaging.

Some animals may experience vomiting and diarrhea even after a single dose. If there are no negative reactions, you should not feed your dog the product regularly. It contains increased amounts of hormones and pesticides on which animals and plants grew. In addition, economy food is also characterized by an incorrect ratio of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. This negatively affects the health and behavior of the dog.

List of economy class feeds

• Pedigree;
• Darling;
• Chappi;
• All Dogs;
• Our brand;
• Dilly;
• Favorite.

Dry feeding for large breed dogs

Representatives of large dog breeds always have an enviable appetite. However, metabolism is not as fast as in small breeds. To prevent obesity, the owner must choose the appropriate diet for his dog. They focus on nutritional value, but the calorie content should not be very high.

A large dog, even if it is a service dog, still moves less than its smaller relative. Very often, huge animals are used as guards and watchmen. They spend most of their time on a leash, unable to lead an active lifestyle.

Of course, rarely will anyone buy elite dry granules for a yard dog. At best, they will cook porridge by adding meat scraps to it. However, those owners who prefer to have large pets as companions and keep them at home should take care of a well-balanced diet.

Each manufacturer has a separate line designed specifically for large breeds. When developing the composition, the physiological characteristics of animals and the ratio of proteins and fats were taken into account. Food for large breeds should contain useful substances that will ensure good functioning of the joints, since they are subject to a large load.

Rating of crackers for large dogs.

1. Holistic "Akana Pappy Large Breed";
2. Super premium “Almo Nature Holistic Adult Dog Large”;
3. Super premium "Belkando Junior Maxi";
4. Premium class of improved formula "Royal Canin Maxi Adult 26".

These brands are the best suited for complete nutrition for a large dog.

Premium dog food

Dry food for middle-class pets contains higher-quality ingredients, so they are recommended to be fed regularly. Meat comes first here, and only then come grains and vegetables. They also contain a vitamin-mineral complex and other necessary substances.

Some of the best premium dog foods include products made for sick dogs (Hill's). This can be food for dogs with kidney disease, heart disease, or obesity. The line may include a product designed for older animals nursing bitches.

Inexpensive premium dog food is better absorbed than economy food, so the portion is smaller. However, there may be dyes, sweeteners, flavors, and other substances that are undesirable for pets. Cereals included in the granules can cause allergies. Therefore, if your pet has itching or hives, better nutrition is needed.

List of premium dog foods

• Advance;
• Brit Premium;
• Hills;
• Nature's Protection.
• Royal Canin;
• Probalance;
• Purina (Pro Plan, One, Dog Chow);
• RosDog;
• Meal.

Veterinary feed

Veterinary feeds are not suitable for daily consumption. They are prescribed by doctors to prevent or treat a specific disease. You can see them by special marks on the packages.

• Gastro.

  A product intended for the treatment of diseases of the digestive system. It is distinguished by a high content of probiotics to normalize intestinal microflora and the presence of easily digestible ingredients. The amount of protein is reduced and fiber is increased. It is desirable that the fiber be represented by rice (the most dietary product), as in Farmina Vet Life Gastrointestinal.

• Hepatic.

  Balanced food for liver treatment (for example, Royal Canin Hepatic HF16). Contains vegetable proteins, and also reduces the amount of copper and zinc. A complex of antioxidants slows down the destruction of liver cells.

• Renal, Kidney (k/d).

  Nutrition for the treatment of kidney diseases. Increased protein and phosphate content to prevent renal failure. An example of food with this composition is Happy Dog Renal.

• Urinary.

  Nutrition for urolithiasis, for example, Hill's Urinary Care. The mineral formula removes stones and sand, and magnesium, potassium and calcium prevent bladder inflammation.

• Cardiac.

  For pets with diseases of the cardiovascular system. Contains L-carnitine. These foods include Royal Canin Cardiac EC.

• Diabetic.

  Food for animals with diabetes. Maintains normal blood glucose levels. For example, Farmina Vet Life Diabetic.

You should not prescribe veterinary food for your pet yourself. Depending on the type and severity of the disease, treatment will be recommended, and diet is only part of complex therapy.

If you are the person hired to look after your dog, they must be aware of the pet's health and follow the recommendations. We recommend reading about how to choose a dog sitter.

Super premium dog food

Super premium dry dog ​​foods rarely cause allergies. They contain a lot of meat, healthy ingredients, and few grains. They do not contain flavorings or preservatives. The composition indicated on the packaging fully corresponds to the contents. The product is 90% digestible, so small portions are needed.

The best super-premium dog food can be selected according to the dog’s age, activity, and health. Manufacturers offer premium dry dog ​​food to improve the condition of the animal's coat and claws, and the line from the Dr. Clauder's brand sells food for animals with kidney and intestinal problems.

List of super premium dog foods

• Acana.
• Eminent Light/Sterile;
• Nutram;
• Eukanuba;
• Dax;
• Prolapa;
• ProPac;
• Pronature Original.

Advantages

The dry mixture saves the time needed to prepare natural food. Each feeding portion must be fresh - you need to regularly buy meat, vegetables and grains, prepare a new portion 2-3 times a day, add vitamins and minerals.

Dry food is used in its pure form and is immediately ready to eat.

Pros of dry food:

• balance;
• taking into account the individual needs of the pet;
• therapeutic series;
• cleaning teeth from plaque and tartar, preventing gum disease.

Thanks to the balance of the finished dry product, there is no need to calculate the amount of nutrients, vitamins, and proteins that your pet needs daily.

The composition includes the required substances in the correct ratio. If an animal refuses to eat vegetables in their natural form, they will not even notice their presence in the dry mixture.

A series of products are produced for various purposes: for young, adult and elderly individuals, medicinal mixtures, products taking into account allergies in pets.

The main thing is to make the right choice and feed the animal food that is suitable for its age, activity level and health status.

Medicinal properties provide an opportunity to abandon unsuccessful attempts to feed medications to your pet. A carefully selected composition intended for pets with a specific illness helps improve their health.

The advantage of semi-dry food is that it contains a larger range of useful ingredients compared to dry foods.

This is due to the possibility of long-term storage of semi-dry dog ​​food, due to the presence of propylene glycol, corn syrup, phosphoric and hydrochloric acids in the composition.

Semi-dry food is characterized by easy digestion due to its carbohydrate content.

The main advantage of canned food is ease of use. The packaged formula can be fed on the road, away from home, if it is not possible to feed your pet dry food.

Canned food has a higher moisture level, which reduces the animal's need for water. The absorption of wet food occurs better and faster. A high-quality product looks and smells pleasant, stimulating your pet's appetite.

Holistic food for dogs

The best holistic class dry food for dogs provides pets with all the substances necessary for their development and health. The food is made from the carcasses of animals that have not been injected with antibiotics, hormones, or given the opportunity to walk in pastures. The grains and vegetables that make up the holistic product are grown without chemicals.

Premium holistic dog food is almost completely digestible and has a good effect on the functioning of all organs and substances. It contains only healthy fats, no harmful ones, so the animal will not gain weight if properly fed with dry food for holistic dogs.

List of holistic dog foods

• PureLuxe;
• Orijen;
• Nature Holistic;
• Farmina N&D;
• Summit Holistic.

Counterfeit feed - what to look out for

Pet food is often counterfeited and, as practice shows, most counterfeits are of the premium class.

Feed counterfeiting is a spontaneous business that is rarely punished by law. Manufacturers are trying to protect their products with holograms, special instructions on the package and other means. Being in the buyer’s shoes, you also need to be vigilant, especially if there is a big difference in price or the type of food packaging worries you in some way.

Each food package contains information about the manufacturer, including its legal address and a list of official dealers. If the food is produced under a license or certificate, this information is always indicated on the package.

To protect yourself from deception or dishonesty of sellers, it is recommended to purchase food only in closed packages and from official representatives. Retail outlets can be official representatives if they have quality certificates provided by the dealer. In the absence of documentation, it is better to refrain from purchasing food.

The most reliable way to purchase feed, especially when it comes to holistic products, is to contact an official dealer or manufacturer. Almost all feed manufacturers have multilingual websites where you can order the products you are interested in.

How to choose a class of dog food

Choose dog food based on the quality of the product and your financial capabilities. When deciding which premium dog food to buy, look at the ingredients. Some brands may be close to cheap food, while others may be of a higher class. Therefore, read carefully. Look not only at the composition of middle-class dog food, but also at the brand and name of the product. One manufacturer can make products of different quality.

Veterinarians do not recommend feeding your pet economy food all the time. If you still decide to buy it, pay attention to the following points:

• Compound. It is better that there are no flavor enhancers, dyes, preservatives, or other unknown components.
• Brand. Serious corporations produce food of different classes. Give preference to companies that value their reputation.
• Best before date. Buy a product that was released a month or two ago. If the storage time is coming to an end, refuse to purchase.
• Quality and integrity of packaging. Do not take food in torn packs. Violation of sealing reduces the shelf life of granules several times.

Daily feeding rate for puppies with dry food (table in grams)

For each brand of food (depending on calorie content) there is a separate table of portion sizes for a specific breed, a certain age and weight of the puppy. Usually, it is indicated on the back of the package. But dog breeders and breeders do not always agree with the feeding scheme; they independently create a diet based on formulas. The correct calculation is: 20 grams for every kilogram of the pet’s weight.

In addition to age and weight, physical activity affects portion size. If the puppy exercises 1-2 times a day , actively walks and is constantly on the move, add 10-20 grams of food to the total weight. If the baby is sedentary, then 15 grams .

The best ratio of price and quality

When purchasing, keep in mind that 10 kg of holistic food will be consumed much less than economy food. In addition, expensive products contain all the substances a pet needs. Therefore, he will live longer than if he eats a cheap product. His health will be better, so you will save on treatment in the future.

If you can't afford holistic food, buy premium dry dog ​​food. Buy the product only from pet stores or veterinary pharmacies. They can provide optimal storage conditions and prevent mold and harmful microbes from entering the product.