Apiary

Ready-made dog food is the basis of the diet of most pets, as its composition is balanced and selected for the individual characteristics of animals (size, breed, age, etc.). However, it is difficult to dwell on one of the many existing options. There are a number of factors to consider when choosing, and in no case focus on television commercials, colorful packaging or tips from friends.

Types of feed

Правильне харчування – основа повноцінного розвитку і хорошого стану здоров’я собаки протягом усього життя. Therefore, the issue should be carefully understood. There are two types of dog food: dry and canned. Each of them has pros and cons.

Concentration

Головна відмінність видів – це вміст води. У вологому кормі кількість рідини – 70-80%, в сухому – 10. so, the solids content in the granules is much higher, than canned food.

Both types of dog food include meat (or fish) and herbal supplements, mineral and vitamin complexes. The higher the class, especially in the mass of natural and useful substances. The approximate nutritional value of the products is given in the table:

The average content in the feed (in%)	Dry	Wet
Fats	18-32	25-50
Protein	8-22	20-32
Carbohydrates	46-74	18-57

digestibility by the body

Ingredients in wet food are contained in a natural form for digestion, than in the dry. And the dogs themselves prefer canned food. Studies of expensive brands have shown, that liquid foods are absorbed by the body on 75-95%, сухі – на 65-85.

Health benefits

It is, that hard granules well clean teeth of dogs from a plaque. In fact, this only applies to their contact surface, and on the sides still have to remove dirt with a brush.

Harmful impurities

Wet food is much less likely to contain preservatives, flavors and synthetic dyes.

Storage

In this regard, a clear advantage is dry food. The open package lasts a long time (if you follow the rules, indicated on the package), and in the bowl the granules can stay for several days. And an open can of canned food will not last long even in the refrigerator. In a cup in a few hours in the mass will begin to develop harmful microorganisms, and the pet is poisoned.

Profit

Canned food is more expensive, for a single reception they go more. The difference is not significant, if the dog is small, but to provide a large breed with expensive food is problematic.

Feed classes

Dog food of different brands is markedly different in price. This scatter is due to differences in composition, production technology, compliance with quality standards. The table shows the brief characteristics of the three types of feed.

indicator	Economy class	Premium class	Super premium class, holistics
Price	Low	Average	High
Storage	Waste from slaughterhouses or industrial production, bone meal. Substitutes are often used instead of herbal ingredients. Vitamins are present in the form of unnecessary chemical additives	Meat or fish (30%), waste, natural plant components, low proportion of unnecessary or chemical ingredients	Maximum energy value and balance. It contains only real meat, fish, cereals and plant components
Benefit	practically absent	Small	high
Energy value, kcal 100 g	To 350	above 350	450

If you compare the composition, then the difference is obvious. When feeding economy class food, the dog only satisfies hunger. The premium will not harm an adult, but it is undesirable to give it to puppies. Elite superpremium products will meet most of the needs of the animal's body, and holistics are so natural, which in composition will be useful even for humans.

The better the feed, the higher its caloric content. So, a large dog will need half a kilo of cheap food to saturate, or 300 Mr. dear.

Types of feed

Собачі корми – це не просто поживна маса, sealed in packaging, and healthy and completely balanced food. Exist 3 product types:

1. Ordinary. These are foods for everyday consumption, which owners choose, based on age, size or breed of dog.
2. Specialized. They are intended for feeding sterilized animals or prone to allergies, weight gain, etc..
3. Therapeutic (superpremium class). They are used when a disease occurs or its threat, for prevention. Give such food to dogs courses and only on the recommendation of a veterinarian.

The type of food manufacturers always indicate on the package, along with tips for use, and therefore, read the label carefully before buying. This is especially true of medicinal products.

Rating of dry fodder 2020 year

Найпопулярніша група – гранульовані (dry) dog food. The top 10 items are included:

1. Essential Foods – це їжа холлістік класу з Великобританії. There are no grains in the composition, but only fresh and dried meat (to 85%), vegetables, fruits, medicinal herbs and useful supplements.
   The main ingredients: raised on free range British lamb; red and fawn red deer from Yorkshire; pitches, grown on free range, English trout, caught by net by hand from the River Avon; farm-raised Scottish Atlantic salmon; fresh herring, caught wild off the coast of Great Britain.

   Preparation of feed is carried out at a temperature 90 °, retaining more nutrients. А також Essential Foods відповідають принципу BOF – харчова оптимізація, due to which the level of sugar in the pet's blood is stabilized. A wide range of products is provided according to age, predisposition to allergies, taste preferences and features of food. The price of packing 12,5 kg ranges from 5075 rub to 8500 rub.

2. Acana – холістік з Канади. The uniqueness of the brand is, that production is carried out on steam at low temperatures, which allows to keep valuable qualities of products. All products of the company contain a lot of protein (to 85%) and various additives. The range includes a series of feeds, taking into account the age groups of dogs, size and predisposition to allergies. The price of economical packaging for 11,4 kg ranges from 4 800 to 6 500 rub., Depending on the species.
3. Piccolo – холістікі англійського виробництва, designed for small breeds of dogs. These are hypoallergenic products, the most useful and safe for pets. They do not contain grain, its alternative is vegetables, greenery, algae. Вміст білка – від 60 to 75%. Ціна досить велика – близько 3 th. 500 rub. for 4 kg.
4. Orijen – канадський холістік, produced on the principle of compliance with the diet and species of the animal. No more carbohydrates in the feed 15% (after all, dogs are predators), almost no grain. The products used are the freshest, without freezing and long-term storage. There are several types in the line: for different age groups and breeds of dogs. Package price per 11,4 кг – 6 200 rub.
5. Wolfsblut – англійська корм супер-преміум класу. Grain-free hypoallergenic pellets contain a lot of meat, as well as vegetables and other useful additives. The line of this brand is wide, the choice is great. The average price of packaging 15 кг – 7 th. Rub.
6. Farmina (Italy) – асортимент кормів будь-якого класу (from housekeeper to holistic). Each of them occupies one of the leading positions in its segment. Manufacturers strive to bring the composition of food as close as possible to natural, natural, therefore, the protein it contains is close 70%. The company develops many varieties for any dog. The price of holistics ranges from 5 500 to 8 th. Rub. for 12 kg (depends on the species).
7. Pronature Holistic – канадський холістік дуже високої якості. It contains healthy meats, vegetables, fruits, grass. The ingredients are thoroughly tested, the most modern equipment is used. The main varieties are designed for any age, but there are also universal. Packaging (13,6 kg) will cost in 6 200-8 300 rub.
8. Applaws – холістік з Великобританії. As part of 75% meat and fish and several vegetables. Особливість – високий вміст спецій і витяжок з рослин. The whole line includes probiotics. There are no grain crops at all. Ціна відносно невисока – 3 400-3 800 for 7,5 kg.
9. Duke’s Farm – англійська суперпреміум корм для собак. Основний компонент продукту – м’ясо, in second place easily digestible carbohydrates (crops, vegetables, berry supplements). Price for 12 kg about 6 th. Rub.
10. Savarra – англійська корм класу холістік і суперпреміум. The range in the company is modest, but the quality of production is at the highest level. Зміст м’яса – від 63 to 80%. Of the plant components, cereals predominate. Ціна – 5 200-8 200 rub.

Rating of wet dog food

Many dog ​​owners prefer canned food. They consider them the most delicious, since pets eat such food much more willingly, than dry products in granules.

The best wet food:

1. Belcando – холістік, mostly chicken (to 80%). The composition includes other varieties, by-products, vegetables, strawberries, rice, pasta. Головні переваги – гіпоалергенність і різноманітність смаків. Ціна – 300 rub. for 800 g.
2. BarkingHeads – холістік, on 75% consists of fish or meat. Інші компоненти – водорості, vegetables and greens. The brand produces a wide range of feeds of all categories. Ціна – 120 rub. for 100 g.
3. Hill’s idealbalance – харчування преміум класу для дорослих собак. The proportion of protein and fat is relatively small. The series includes everything 2 see product (with chicken and turkey, for dogs with allergies). Price per bank 360 г – 230 rub.
4. Eagle Pack holistic – холістікі з переважанням у складі свіжого м’яса. The manufacturer was the first in the world to produce feed without soy. A unique dietary supplement is added to the product, consisting of plant extracts. Cost for 374 г – 160 rub.
5. Innova EVO – холістік американського виготовлення. The company produces feed according to ancient recipes using the latest technologies. There are both universal lines, and are designed for different breeds, as well as treatment of a wide range of diseases. Зміст м’яса і риби кількох видів – від 50% and above. Price for 374 г – 220 rub.

The best hypoallergenic foods

Most manufacturers have lower than superpremium class in the range of medical products.

Rating of the best food for dogs with allergies from independent experts:

Name	Country of origin	Price in rubles. / Package weight in kg.
Hills Canine z / d ULTRA Allergen-Free-contains only hydrolyzed proteins	Netherlands	6 500/10
1st Choice Sensitive Skin & Coat Adult Lumb & Fish – включає ніжні сорти м’яса і рис, gluten free	Canada	5 900/15
Grandorf Duck & Potato Adult All BREEDS – беззерновой і високобілковий корм для собак 1-6 years	Belgium	5 400/12
Proseries Holistic hypoallergenic universal, useful for joints	Canada	5 600/15
Pro Plan ADULT MEDIUM Sensitive Skin OPTIDERMA with rice and salmon, dry, for dogs of average breeds	France	4 500/14

Holistic feed

This group includes the highest quality and balanced products. Natural meat (fish) they are present from 50 to 85% of total weight, by-products are completely absent. In addition to components of excellent quality, many holistics contain probiotics, which in dogs improve digestion.

A separate brief review deserves feed, perfectly balanced in quality and composition:

Name	Country of origin	Price in rubles. / Package weight in kg
ESSENTIAL	United Kingdom	6100/12
Akana (Acana)	Canada	6 450/11,4
Kanide (Canidae)	USA	5 700/10,8
Go!	Canada	3 950/11,35
Innova	USA	8 600/20
Origin (Orijen)	Canada	6 200/11,4
Nature (Pronature)	Canada	8 300/13,6
Grandorf (Grandorf)	Belgium, Italy	5 300/12
No fresh (Now Fresh)	USA	5350/11,35

Dog food of different ages

At each stage of life, animals have their own nutritional needs due to physiological changes. Therefore, it is important to prefer products, specially designed by the best manufacturers.

For puppies

List of feeds, designed for growing canine organisms.

Name	Country of origin	Price in rubles. / Package weight in kg
ESSENTIAL THE BEGINNING	United Kingdom	6100/12
Acana Heritage Pappi	Canada	5 300/11,4
Orijen PUPPY	Canada	6 300/11,4
Belcando PUPPY	Germany	6 550/15

For adults

Aged from 1 to 6 years dogs are in full swing. However, taking care of your health is important at all times, therefore, nutrition must remain complete.

Name	Country of origin	Price in rubles. for 11,4 kg
ESTATE LIVING	United Kingdom	6900/12
Acana Grass-Fed Lamb Dog All Breeds, holistic	Canada	5 800
Orijen Original Dog, holistic	Canada	6 200
Now Fresh ADULT DOG ALL BREEDS, superpremium	USA	4 500

Food for adult dogs can be selected from the products of absolutely any brand, class and type.

For the elderly

In old age, dogs are particularly susceptible to disease and need to be easily digested, nutritious food.

Table with names and average cost of feed:

Name	Country of origin	Price in rubles. / Package weight in kg
ESSENTIAL OLDER	United Kingdom	6400/12,5
Acana Senior Dog	Canada	4 900/11,4
Orijen Senior	Canada	6 400/11,4
Arden Grange Senior	United Kingdom	5 500/12

The final choice is made only after comparing the body's response to different foods.

Dangerous substances in feed

Manufacturers are required to indicate a detailed list of components on the packaging, included in the product. Unfortunately, not all substances, the presence of which is indicated on the label, safe for the health of pets.

Description of the most harmful additives:

1. Bottled hydroanisole (BGA, BHA, Butylated Hydroxyanisole, E 320). Synthetic antioxidant, feed preservative. Dangerous for the kidneys and liver, causes allergies.
2. Bottled hydroxytoluene (BGT, BHT, Butylated Hydroxytolune). Inflicts the same damage, as BGA.
3. Digest (digest). This flavoring by hydrolysis is made from inedible parts of animals (feathers, wool, hooves, etc.). The ingredient is made from any leftovers, including, of animals that died of unknown cause.
4. Yeast. Used in cheap feeds to enhance taste and volume, but have no nutritional value and are an allergen.
5. Fat of birds or animals (tallow). Its quality is not controlled.
6. Corn flour. Its composition is poorly digested by the gastrointestinal tract of dogs.
7. Sodium metabisulfite (metabisulfite sodium) – шкідливий консервант. Negatively affects the nervous system of the dog.
8. whey. Strong allergen. Contains poorly digestible lactose.
9. Sodium monoglutamate (MGN, MSG) – смаковий підсилювач корми для собак.
10. Sodium monophosphate (monosodium phosphate, Е339). Often causes diarrhea.
11. Propylene glycol (propylene glycol). Harmful to animals, prone to diabetes. Fish and offal from it, if not indicated on the label, that it is not intended for human consumption. Otherwise, the product contains a dangerous preservative Ethoxyquin (ethoxyquine).
12. Carbohydrate sucrose. It causes diarrhea, а при регулярному споживанні – розвиток діабету.
13. Beet cake, pulp and other sugar varieties.
14. Soy and soy products. This protein is poorly digested and even causes bloating in dogs., then, its content should be minimal
15. Meat offal (animal meal, bones, Telbuhi, failure, etc.. D.) These residues are often poorly cleaned of contaminants, chemicals, hormones and even barbiturates.
16. Plant by-products (starch, grain flour, etc.. P.) Not always well digested by dogs and may contain toxins.
17. Potassium chloride (Potassium chloride, E 508). Leads to disorders of the gastrointestinal tract.
18. Ethylene glycol (Ethylene glycol), preservative and sweetener. A source of unnecessary calories, which leads to excess weight. Lethal in large doses.
19. Ethoxyquine (Ethoxyquin). Carcinogenic, therefore prohibited in the food industry.

Unscrupulous producers do not always write the full composition of feed components, and therefore, it is necessary to monitor the reaction of the dog's body.

Not only dangerous additives can harm a pet, but also useful, if he has an individual intolerance to them.

Benefits and harms of industrial feed

Any ready-made feed from stores is made under the influence of temperature and pressure, therefore, the lion's share of natural ingredients loses their original benefits. Part of proteins, carbohydrates, fats take on an indigestible form. Therefore, it is desirable to include home-cooked food in a healthy dog's diet. reason:

1. The finished products are high in nutrients, but not a complete set of vitamins and trace elements, which the body needs. Minerals are added to them synthetic, and they are digested worse, than natural.
2. Any industrial feed includes at least a small proportion of unwanted ingredients (chemical additives and fillers, waste, sugar, inedible components, etc.).

Superpremium class and holistics in this regard are the best, and in other cases it is necessary to diversify the pet's diet with natural products and self-cooked food.

Buyers judge the composition by the inscriptions on the package, therefore it is necessary to hope for honesty of the manufacturer. Feed should not be chosen solely on the basis of reviews from other owners, but it is still worth listening to the opinion of experienced people.

This article was prepared with the assistance of PetsLike