Dry food for dogs: types and features, how to choose

The needs of dogs vary according to age and degree of physical activity. Dry dog food for dogs comes in several types and is classified by composition and purpose. It contains a complex of proteins, fats, vitamins and micronutrients. Let's look at the types of food and tips for choosing one.

Types and features of food for dogs

Dry food for dogs is divided into several classifications. First of all, pay attention to the one that indicates the quality of the product. The main classes of dry dog food:

• Cheap dry dog food may contain soy, by-products, flavor enhancers. It is based on the remains of other foods, cartilage, fat, cereals. The vitamin composition is poor, there are flavorings, flavor enhancers, etc.
• Dry dog food for dogs in the premium class with a better composition. The list of ingredients includes meat in the first place, and after that there are vegetables and cereals. It has a balanced composition of vitamins and trace elements. However, they may contain components that cause allergies, and such undesirable substances for dogs as sweeteners, flavorings, dyes.
• Super-premium dry dog food often does not cause allergies in dogs. It has most of the ingredients natural, a rich vitamin composition. Portions need to be small, because the food is very rich in nutrients.
• Dry dog food for dogs holistic is made from the meat of animals that have not been injected with antibiotics and hormones, raised on pastures. It does not contain any harmful ingredients. Holistic dog foods are the most expensive.

Food for dogs differs according to such parameters as the age of the animal:

• Food for puppies is the most saturated with useful substances, it has a high nutritional value. Such food gives the puppy's body everything it needs for growth and development.
• Food for adult dogs is suitable for animals with normal activity. There are also foods for very active dogs with a higher nutritional content.
• For older and sick dogs, special dry foods are not available from every manufacturer. Older and sicker dogs need higher amounts of protein, vitamins and micronutrients. If you can't find such a product on the market, you can consult your veterinarian about using a puppy food based on the weight and size of the animal.
• Dogs can have specific illnesses: allergies, arthritis, digestive problems. It is best to buy special foods for such animals. It is important that they be hypoallergenic.

Some companies produce dry food for a particular breed. The composition is balanced with the needs of German Shepherds, Yorkshire Terriers, Boxers and other breeds.

How to choose food for dogs

Pay attention to such factors:

• It is desirable that the composition is as natural as possible, without flavor enhancers, dyes, preservatives. Chemicals and low-quality products can harm the health of the dog.
• If the first ingredient is meat, and then vegetables and other components, the food will be more useful and nutritious, with high protein content.
• Choosing food, take into account the weight and activity of the dog. If the pet has health problems, it will be useful medicinal food.
• Examine the package of food. It should be airtight. Check the expiration date.

Keeping a dog is a great responsibility. It is necessary to provide her with nutritious food. Therefore, it is better to choose among super-premium, holistic foods.