Main types of dog food

Why are feeds divided into classes?

There is a generally accepted division into four price categories: economy, premium, super-premium and holistic. Sometimes ultra-premium is used to show the superiority of the product over others. There are certain standards that each class of food must meet.

Economy class feeds have a low meat content and are often replaced with vegetable proteins. The premium class contains 20-30% meat, but most feeds still contain millet or corn. Sometimes there is something worse, for example, harmful food additives or monosodium glutamate.

The highest quality class of feed is super-premium. The meat content in them reaches 60% and higher. Recently, a new class has appeared on the market - holistic, which includes the best products from the best.

Be careful when choosing food for your pet. Unscrupulous manufacturers often increase the bar for their product. What is written on the front of the package is not always the same as the contents. Read the ingredients, analyze, and only then make a choice. Also beware of fakes.

Rating of dog food. Is it possible to mix dry and wet food?

After weaning puppies from their mother, they need to be provided with a balanced, nutritious diet. It is the correct diet that guarantees the healthy growth and development of dogs. You can feed your dogs regular food or choose premium dog food. The first option is labor-intensive; in addition, it will be difficult for you to saturate your puppy’s diet with all the necessary elements. Therefore, pet owners often prefer the best dog food to regular food.

It must be said that dog food can be harmful to your pet, but only if you choose economy-class food. There is almost no meat in such products, but there are many flavorings and flavor enhancers, which are harmful to the health of the animal. Premium dog food is made on the basis of meat with the addition of vegetables and healthy minerals, so they not only do not harm, but also provide many benefits to the pet, help strengthen the immune system, improve the functioning of all body systems and healthy growth. And the lack of proteins, fats and carbohydrates reduces the activity of the animal.

Classes of dry dog ​​food

List of economy class feeds

When a person comes across the word “economy class”, the image of a cheap, most often low-quality product immediately pops up in his mind. In most cases, this is true. Often, economy class food does not consist of the best raw materials. The easiest way to characterize economy food is with an example: the animal will receive the components necessary to maintain life, but not sufficient for a healthy and fulfilling existence. Allergic reactions are highly likely to occur, and the animal’s fur and organs will suffer.

Pedigree

The most popular and advertised dry dog ​​food. The most common pedigree with beef was chosen for consideration.

The contents of the granules include: corn (1), millet (2), and only then comes the protein component - an incomprehensible chicken meal. What parts of the chicken it is made from remains a mystery. Beef contains only 4% (!) percent, and it is in 6th place. This is more of a corn and wheat feed than a beef feed. But you can’t say this in advertising, it goes without saying.

Darling

Darling food is produced by Purina. The feed manufacturing factory is located in Hungary.

Regarding the composition, Darling is worse than Pedigree in terms of accuracy. The food content is dominated by vague concepts: cereals (it is not clear which ones), meat and offal (4% chicken). Vitamins are present.

A foreign product does not always mean quality.

Stout

On the back of the package it is written that the diet supposedly belongs to the super-premium class. Don't fall for another marketing ploy. Looking at the composition of the feed, it can only be classified as “economy” class.

Ingredients: here is poultry meal (1), then comes cheap corn, millet and rice, beef liver.

Our brand

When compared with most economy-class food, Our Brand products are divided into several variations: for babies, for adults and older pets.

However, the feed still includes: millet and corn (first and second positions, respectively), poultry meal, oil, hydrolyzed liver, etc.

Oscar

The contents of the granules also include cereals, meat and animal products, plant protein extract (pay attention to this ingredient), vitamins, etc.

A dog's consumption of plant-based proteins has a negative impact on the health and activity of the animal. A dog is a predator, it needs food based on animal protein (meat, fish, even by-products).

Chappi (Chappy)

Another budget dog food. “Chappy with chicken and vegetables” was chosen as an example.

What are the granules made of: grains, meat, offal, protein plant extracts, carrots... vegetable oils. Most often, the vague concept of “vegetable oils” means palm oil. As you know, it poses a danger to human health, let alone a dog.

Even for budget diets this is a bad option.

meal

There is a decent budget line of food called Trapeza. For consideration, let’s take the “Maxi Meal” for large breed dogs. Ingredients: beef, chicken and fish fats, veal, poultry, offal, flaxseed and vegetable oils, corn flour, grain, etc.

Cesar (Caesar)

Economy class wet food.

Contents of one bag of “beef with vegetables” pouch: meat and offal – 40% (beef takes up about 26%), vegetables, grains and vitamins.

Friskies (Friskies)

The review of budget diets ends with Friskis, a fairly well-known and recognizable cat food. They also produce a line for dogs.

The contents of dry food granules for adult and active dogs include: grains, meat and by-products, vegetable by-products, oils and fats.

List of premium dog foods

Don't be fooled by the bright "premium" label on the packaging. The level of declared premium food is usually higher than that of the same economy class, but does the advertising description correspond to reality?

Of course, the composition of the same Hills, Proplan and Royal Canin is in every way better than that of Pedigree or Our Brand. Cheap wheat or corn is often replaced with rice, and in place of “meat meal”, “poultry meal”, “chicken meal” there are already dried meat, offal, etc. However, premium feeds often do not disdain the same corn or soybeans. Before purchasing, read the ingredients.

Royal Canin

The most famous line of premium food in the CIS countries is Royal Canin. The products are positioned as being created in laboratory conditions, with strict control of veterinarians. Is it so? Don't rush to conclusions.

Let's take mini adult food as an example. The first on the list of ingredients is cheap and high-calorie corn; in addition to it, there is also corn flour and corn gluten. Dried poultry meat is only in second position. Can such food be classified as premium? Yes. To the super-premium class, as many people classify Royal Canin? Definitely no.

Probalance

Contents of Adult Active Probalance food: dried poultry meat, rice and barley, chicken fat, natural additives, vitamins.

Pro Plan

Composition of Proplan food with salmon and rice: 20% salmon, dried salmon protein, corn and derivatives, rice, corn flour, flavoring additive, etc.

Take a look at corn and its derivatives, which are almost in the first positions. It would be more honest to call the food “salmon and corn” than “salmon and rice,” but who would like that truth?

Hills

Veterinarians often recommend Hill's food for dogs with health problems. The brand has earned a good reputation among dog breeders.

Consider Hill's™ Science Plan™ for senior dogs over 7 years of age. The granules contain: chicken meal (20%), turkey, corn, ground rice, soy milk, dried tomato and grape squeezes.

Purina ONE

As an example, let's take Purina Van food for medium and large breed puppies. What is contained in the granules: chicken (20%), millet, poultry protein powder, corn, soy flour, corn flour, flavoring food additive, egg white powder, etc.

Brit Premium

We will look at the example of Brit Premium for adult dogs of medium breeds. It contains 41% chicken meal, no other proteins. The bulk of proteins are animal. Source of carbohydrates: chicken, millet and rice. Also contains useful nutritional supplements.

Dog Chow

Dog Chow from Purina does not reach the premium level, but its content is still of better quality than cheaper offerings.

The Dog Chow food for adult large breeds was selected for analysis. Its ingredients: grains - 61%, meat and offal - 16%, vegetable protein extracts, turkey - at least 4%.

Advance

Manufactured in Europe. Food for older dogs of small breeds contains: chicken, corn gluten meal (!), dried poultry protein (!), millet, rice, corn. This kind of food could be considered more of an economy class food.

RosPes

As an example, we take RosPes for adult dogs “Veal with vegetables”. It includes: meat and offal of beef, veal and chicken; salmon; chicken or beef liver, also egg white. Carbohydrates include: oatmeal, buckwheat kernels, corn, rye grain, potatoes. Fat is given: chicken fat, sunflower oil, etc.

Nature's Protection

This manufacturer has a very interesting line of food that is designed specifically for pets with black and red coat colors. As stated on the company's website, their diet provides the animal with healthy fur. In addition, there is a special food for dogs with white fur that have brown circles under their eyes.

As an example, consider “WHITE DOGS SMALL BREEDS”. Contains rice, poultry fat, barley, hydrolyzed chicken liver, lamb meal, etc.

Chicopee

An example is Chicopee food for small breed puppies. Contains poultry meal, corn, poultry fat, rice, wheat flour, etc.

List of super premium dog foods

Super-premium class contains a large number of natural meat ingredients. It is unacceptable to add millet and corn to such feeds, only high-quality and expensive sources of carbohydrates.

In super-premium food granules you can rarely find by-products, unlike in the “premium” class. This is real dried meat. Manufacturers take their reputation seriously; the contents of their food are always high quality and nutritious for dogs. You can also find hypoallergenic food for sterilized dogs.

Brands:

• Fest Choice;
• Eukanuba;
• Trainer, Trainer;
• Shezir;
• Yozer;
• Arden Grange;
• Monge;
• Dukes Farm;
• Brit Kare;
• Pronature Original;
• Gina Elite;
• Nutram;
• Porcelan;
• Bosch;
• Barking Heads;
• Optima Nova;
• DailyDog;
• Genesis Pure Canada.

Holistic class food for dogs

Holistic pet food is consumer-tested quality that fully corresponds to its price. By the way, about prices - almost the only disadvantage of such food for your pet will be the cost of the packages.

You can find a lot of information on the Internet about the benefits of holistic foods, all of which is true. This type of food is completely worth the price.

Holistic foods can be divided into two categories: grain-based and grain-free.

Grain-free holistic food:

• Akana;
• Wolfsblut;
• Now Fresh;
• Applaws;
• Farmina N&D;
• GO Natural holistic;
• Grandorf, Orijen;
• Nature Holistic;
• Canide.

With grain content:

• Summit;
• Holistic Blend;
• Savarra;
• ANF ​​Holistic.

Classes of wet dog food

Canned food for dogs does not have such a pronounced classification as dry food. Conventionally, they can be divided according to the same parameters as dry ones (ratio of cost and quality).

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.

We choose the best price-quality ratio

The best cost-quality ratio, unconditionally, is with holistic and super-premium classes. I’ll explain why: calculate the cost of pet food based not on the cost of packaging, but on monthly consumption. Expensive feeds rich in animal protein last longer, because... the daily feeding rate is less. So it turns out that the price difference between premium and super-premium is not that big.

The pet's health is more important. Choose quality food and save money on trips to the vet.

Premium dog food

We do not recommend constantly feeding your pet with economy food; it is better not to do this at all or resort to cheap food in case of emergency. But not everyone has the money for holistic food, which was presented in the dog food rating above.

The best premium dog foods:

1. DOG CHOW Adult with lamb, the main part here is protein. Contains 1 type of meat and well-processed cereals to improve your pet's digestion. The food is presented in granules of different sizes, so it is suitable for large and small dogs; the granules will help take care of the health of the teeth and oral cavity. Chicory is used here as a natural probiotic, which normalizes the animal’s gastrointestinal tract.
2. For pets of large breeds, Brit Premium Adult L is suitable. Its formula is designed specifically for shepherds, Great Danes, Huskies and other large dogs; the food promotes the health of the pet’s skeletal system. Most of the protein in the food comes from chicken, which does not cause allergies. There is no pork or soy in the composition. The food contains a large amount of protein to form muscles and increase muscle mass of the pet.
3. A good food for large breed dogs is Happy Dog Supreme Sensible - Neuseeland with lamb and rice. It contains fish oil and shellfish, which is why the product is considered one of the best dog foods - it is completely digestible. There is no option for small breeds, the granules are quite large, and the food itself is created specifically for large dogs. It does not cause allergies, contains algae, minerals and vitamins for the development of the pet.

When studying the rating of dry dog ​​food, be careful: it is often compiled by manufacturers for advertising purposes.

For inexpensive ones, we can recommend Purina Pro Plan for adult pets. The meat in its composition is supplemented with corn and wheat flour, legumes, fish oil and a vitamin complex. Strengthens the pet's health.

Another good food that you can easily buy in the supermarket is Royal Canin Mini Adult. Among the inexpensive ones, this is the best dry food for small breed dogs. It improves metabolism, helps your pet maintain good shape, and promotes the growth of thick and shiny fur. Prevents plaque formation and has a good protein to fat ratio. Contains by-products.