Optimal dog feeding: How to avoid the most common nutritional mistakes

Introduction Optimal dog feeding

In our role as dog lovers and experts, our goal is to educate you about the essential aspects of a healthy dog ​​diet. A well-fed dog is a happy dog, and this is reflected in its health and vitality.

Feeding according to needs: The key to a healthy dog

Every dog ​​is unique and their nutritional needs vary depending on their age, activity level and health status. Feeding according to needs is therefore essential.

Consider age and activity level - optimal dog feeding

For example, a young, active dog needs a high-protein diet for growth and energy. In contrast, older dogs often require fewer calories but more nutrients that support joint health.

Considering Health Conditions - Optimal Dog Feeding

For dogs with certain health conditions, such as kidney problems or allergies, a special diet is essential. Always consult a veterinarian to optimize your dog's individual nutritional plan.

(C) https://www.allaboutdogfood.co.uk/articles/choosing-dog-food-unlocking-optimal-nutrition-and-health-for-your-dog

The most common feeding mistakes in dogs - Optimal dog feeding

A healthy dog ​​starts with proper nutrition. It's important to understand the most common feeding mistakes to help your four-legged friend live a long and healthy life.

Mistake 1: Overfeeding and its consequences

• Causes and Detection : Many dog ​​owners tend to overfeed their dogs out of love and care. However, this can lead to obesity and related health problems such as diabetes, joint disease and a shortened life expectancy.
• Solutions : It's important to adjust portion sizes based on the dog's age, weight, and activity level. Regular weight checks and consultations with the veterinarian can help determine and maintain your dog's ideal weight.

Mistake 2: Neglecting snacks when counting calories

• Frequency and Effects : Snacks and treats are often not counted in daily calorie intake, which can lead to unintentional overfeeding.
• Practical tips : Incorporate treats into your dog's diet by subtracting their calories from the main meal. Choose healthy snack options and avoid frequent rewards with treats.

Mistake 3: Malnutrition and its risks - Optimal dog feeding

• Causes and symptoms : A lack of nutrients can lead to a weakened immune system, coat problems and general lethargy. This is often the case with diets that are prepared without paying attention to a balanced nutrient intake.
• Prevention : Make sure your dog's food contains all the necessary vitamins, minerals and trace elements. When making your own meals, consult a veterinarian or nutritionist.

Mistake 4: Inappropriate addition of oils and fats

• Potential Problems : Extra fats and oils can cause digestive problems and an imbalance in nutrient absorption.
• Recommendations : Avoid adding additional fats or oils without a veterinary recommendation. Most commercial dog foods are already balanced.

Mistake 5: Incorrect mineral and vitamin intake

• Consequences of malnutrition : Insufficient or excessive intake of minerals and vitamins can lead to serious health problems, such as bone deformities or kidney problems.
• Finding the right balance : Consult a veterinarian to ensure the right ratio of minerals and vitamins in your dog's diet, especially if you choose home-prepared food.

Mistake 6: Feeding harmful foods

• Dangerous Foods : Certain foods that are safe for humans can be toxic to dogs, such as chocolate, avocado, onions, and grapes.
• Prevention : Learn about foods that are dangerous to dogs and keep them out of your dog's reach.

Mistake 7: Using spoiled or unsuitable food

• Risks : Spoiled food can cause indigestion, infections and food poisoning.
• Storage and freshness : Make sure to store the food correctly and check the expiry date regularly.

Mistake 8: Overuse of supplements

• Possible side effects : Overdosing on supplements can lead to nutrient imbalance and health problems.
• Proper use : Use nutritional supplements only after veterinary advice and in the recommended dosage.

A balanced diet is the cornerstone of your dog's health. By avoiding these common mistakes and having regular consultations with your veterinarian, you can ensure your dog gets all the nutrients he needs and lives a long, healthy life.

What is included in most dog foods approved in Europe and what differentiates these minimum requirements from good dog foods? Optimal dog feeding

Dog foods approved in Europe must meet certain minimum requirements in order to be classified as complete food or supplementary food. Complete food should provide all the nutrients a dog needs for a balanced diet. It is available in different forms such as dry, wet and semi-moist food. Supplementary feed, on the other hand, is intended to supplement self-composed rations with important micro and macro nutrients.

The labeling of complete food for dogs is particularly important because these products must meet individual criteria. This includes, for example, a balanced ratio of calcium and phosphorus (between 1:1 and 2:1). Incorrect ratios of these components can lead to illnesses if the diet is sustained.

The so-called Weender feed analysis is a standard information on dog food labels. It provides information about the composition of the feed and includes crude protein, crude fat, crude ash, crude fiber and, in the case of wet feed, also the water content. Crude protein refers to nitrogen-containing compounds, crude fat to oils, fats and fat-like components, crude ash to minerals and trace elements, and crude fiber to non-digestible components of the feed.

The ingredients in dog food must be declared according to the feed regulations, with the order of listing reflecting the proportion in the food. However, there are differences in the type of declaration that can affect the actual composition of the feed.

An important aspect is also the content of animal by-products. These are often mistakenly frowned upon, even though they can provide valuable nutrients. Animal by-products include slaughter by-products such as kidneys, lungs, tripe or udders, which are suitable for human consumption but are rarely consumed today.

With regard to additives, it should be noted that they are not inherently bad. They can help to increase the proportion of trace elements, vitamins and minerals to the required level. Dog food without additives may lack important ingredients.

After all, sugar is an ingredient that has no place in species-appropriate dog food, as it damages teeth and can promote tooth and gum disease.

Good dog foods differ from those with minimum requirements primarily in the quality and digestibility of their proteins, the balanced ratio of fats, minerals and vitamins and the absence of unnecessary fillers and harmful additives such as sugar​​​​​.

Sources: https://hundefunde.de/hundefutter-contentsstoffe/ / https://www.tiermedizinportal.de/ernaehrung/contentsstoffe-im-hundefutter-aufgeschlelt / https://www.hundund.de/magazin/contentsstoffe-im -dogfood-230.html

What should you feed? Dry food or wet food or both? Optimal dog feeding

Choosing between dry and wet food for your dog depends on various factors and should be tailored to your dog's individual needs and preferences.

Key differences between dry and wet food:

1. Water content : Wet food contains significantly more moisture (60-84%) than dry food (3-14%). This can be particularly beneficial for dogs that drink little and supports kidney function. Dry food has a longer shelf life due to its lower moisture content.
2. Energy content : Dry food is more energy-rich than wet food. An equal volume of wet food or raw meat contains significantly fewer calories, which can reduce the risk of obesity. With dry food, there is a risk that dogs will eat more than they need because it swells up in their stomachs.
3. Dental health : The hard consistency of dry food can have a positive effect on dental health by removing plaque when chewed. However, there are also dogs who swallow dry food whole, which reduces this advantage.

Advantages of dry food:

• Cost-effective
• Environmentally friendly due to less packaging
• Easy to handle and practical when traveling

Advantages of wet food:

• More attractive in taste for most dogs
• May help meet fluid needs
• Less calorie and therefore better for weight control

Mixed feeding: A combination of wet and dry food is possible, although care must be taken not to exceed the recommended daily amount of food. However, for dogs with sensitive stomachs, a consistent type of food may be more beneficial.

Conclusion: Deciding whether dry or wet food is better for your dog depends on various factors, such as your dog's drinking behavior, tendency to be overweight and dental health. Individual advice from a veterinary specialist in animal nutrition can be helpful in finding the optimal diet for your dog .

Sources: https://www.zooplus.de/magazin/hund/hundeernaehrung/hundetrockenfutter-vs-nassfutter / https://www.santevet.de/artikel/hund-trockenfutter-nassfutter

Is barfing better than ready-made food and what mistakes are often made when barfing? Optimal dog feeding

What is Barfen?

Barfen, an abbreviation for "Bones And Raw Foods" or "Biologically Appropriate Raw Food", is a method of feeding dogs that primarily feeds raw ingredients. This type of feeding is based on the natural food of wild canids, such as wolves, and is intended to provide a species-appropriate diet for domestic dogs.

Really barfing

In order to carry out BARF correctly, it is important to follow a few basic rules:

1. Balanced nutritional composition : A BARF meal should contain all the necessary nutrients. This includes proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals. The basis is usually raw meat, supplemented by offal, bones, vegetables, fruit and possibly additives such as oils or eggshell powder.
2. Using fresh produce : Make sure to use fresh and high-quality ingredients. The meat in particular should be of good quality.
3. Hygiene : Since raw meat can contain pathogens, special care is important when preparing and storing it. Work surfaces, feeding utensils and hands should be thoroughly cleaned.
4. Consideration of individual needs : Every dog ​​is different. Age, activity level, health status and individual intolerances should be taken into account when putting together the BARF plan.
5. Continuous monitoring and adjustment : Monitor your dog's health regularly and adjust the diet if necessary. This may require regular consultation with a veterinarian or nutritionist.
6. Be careful with certain foods : Some foods, such as raw pork, are dangerous for dogs and should be avoided.

Barfing requires a certain amount of knowledge and effort. It is advisable to think carefully about the topic before starting and, if necessary, seek professional advice to ensure that your dog receives all the nutrients it needs in the right amounts.

Barfen – advantages and disadvantages:

The decision as to whether barf or ready-made food is better for your dog depends on various factors and should be made individually.

• Advantages of barfing : With barfing, you have control over the quality and origin of the ingredients and can tailor the food to your dog's individual needs. Many supporters of barfing report positive effects such as shiny fur and a strong immune system.
• Disadvantages of barfing : The biggest risk with barfing is an unbalanced diet. Without sufficient knowledge and experience, an under- or over-supply of nutrients can occur, which can result in health problems. There is also a risk of pathogens in raw meat. The cost and time required to assemble and prepare meals are also higher than with ready-made foods.

Ready-made food – advantages and disadvantages:

• Advantages of ready-made feed : Ready-made feed is convenient to use, inexpensive and has a balanced nutritional composition if it is a high-quality product. It is available in different variants that can suit the needs of the dog.
• Disadvantages of ready-made food : With some products there is a risk of unbalanced nutrient mixtures. In addition, the ingredients and their quality are not always completely transparent.

Barfing for puppies:

• Barfing is generally possible for puppies, but it requires careful planning and regular adjustments to ensure optimal care. Many veterinarians warn about the dangers of maldevelopment in puppies that are barred.

Important aspects:

• Regardless of whether you choose BARF or ready-made food, it is important to have a balanced diet that provides all the necessary nutrients in the right quantity and composition.
• If your dog is unsure or has any special needs, it is advisable to consult a veterinarian or a qualified nutritionist.

Ultimately, the decision as to whether barf or ready-made food is more suitable is an individual choice that should be based on your dog's specific needs.

Sources: https://www.br.de/nachrichten/wissen/Fertigfutter-barfen-rohes-fleisch-was-ist-besser-fuer-den-hund,SURk3po / https://www.mera-petfood. com/de/hund/ratgeber/barf/ / https://www.vetepedia.de/gesundheitsthemen/hund/ernaehrung/barf

Which dog food is recommended if you suspect a food allergy and why? Optimal dog feeding

If your dog is suspected of having a food allergy, it is often recommended to switch to hypoallergenic food. This special food is designed to contain fewer or none of the common allergy-causing ingredients. There are two main types of hypoallergenic dog foods: hydrolyzed diets and single-protein diets.

• Hydrolyzed diets : In this form of diet, the proteins in the food are broken down (hydrolyzed) to such an extent that the dog's immune system can no longer recognize them as allergens, although their nutritional values ​​are retained.
• Single-protein feed : These feeds only contain a single source of protein and ideally only one source of carbohydrates. It is advisable to choose protein and carbohydrate sources that your dog has never eaten before and to which there are rarely intolerances. Examples of rare protein sources are buffalo, kangaroo or ostrich.

Hypoallergenic food should also contain high-quality ingredients and be easy to digest and free of colors and preservatives. It is important that only this food is fed during an elimination diet to determine the allergy triggers, without additional treats or table scraps.

The symptoms of a food allergy can be varied and range from skin and ear infections to gastrointestinal problems to itching and coat changes. A precise diagnosis and recommendation for suitable food should always be made by a veterinarian.

To ensure optimal care for your dog, it is important that you receive comprehensive advice and possibly also carry out clinical diagnostics in order to identify the exact allergy triggers and treat them accordingly​​​​​​​​​.

Sources:

https://www.schlegel-tierfutter.de/blog/was-der-hund-bei-einer-futtermittelallergie-essen-darf

https://www.josera.de/ratgeber/ratgeber-hunde/hundefutter-allergie.html

https://www.green-petfood.de/articles/hypoallergenes-hundefutter

https://www.greenhero.de/ratgeber/futtermittelallergie-beim-hund-was-fuettern-wenn-das-tier-leidet

https://www.fellomed.de/hundekranke/futtermittelallergie-hund/

The path to optimal dog feeding:

Can you feed your dog a vegan diet? Does that make sense or is it harmful? Optimal dog feeding

The question of whether a vegan diet is healthy or harmful for dogs is controversial in science and among pet owners. There is evidence that a vegan diet can be possible and healthy for dogs if all the necessary nutrients are present in sufficient quantities.

According to a study by the University of Winchester and Griffith University, it was shown that dogs fed a vegan diet performed better in terms of health than dogs fed conventional or raw meat. However, it should be noted that eating raw meat is often associated with risks such as nutritional deficiencies and pathogens. It is emphasized that it is less important from which sources dogs get their nutrients than that they get all important nutrients in sufficient quantities. A vegan diet could also help reduce dogs' carbon footprint​ ​.
Source: https://albert-schweitzer-stiftung.de/aktuell/hunde-vegan-ernaehren-ist-das-gesund

However, there are also concerns about vegan dog nutrition. Some experts point to the increased risk of deficiencies, particularly in vitamin B12, various minerals and amino acids. With a vegan diet, these nutrients often need to be supplemented. In addition, the supply of essential amino acids can be more difficult because plant proteins often do not have an ideal amino acid profile. Vegan complete foods from pet stores are usually enriched accordingly, and homemade vegan dog food requires careful planning and supplementation .
Source: https://www.santevet.de/artikel/veganes-hundefutter

Another aspect is that a vegan diet can be useful for certain dogs that do not tolerate animal proteins well. In some cases, especially for dogs with allergies to certain types of meat, vegan or vegetarian food may be a solution .
Source: https://www.desired.de/lifestyle/hund-vegan-ernaehren /

When changing your dog's diet to a vegan diet, it is important to keep the animal's health and welfare in mind and to make the change gradually and under veterinary supervision. A general recommendation for or against a vegan diet for dogs cannot be made, as the individual needs and health conditions of the animals must be taken into account.

The optimal dog feeding from a veterinary perspective

Optimal dog feeding from a veterinary perspective takes various factors into account to ensure the dog's health and well-being.

1. Adapted diet according to life stage and needs : Feeding should be adapted to the specific needs of the dog, including its age, activity and health status. For example, pregnant and lactating bitches, puppies, working dogs and dogs with certain diseases need a diet tailored to their increased energy and nutrient needs. For pregnant dogs, increasing energy intake by 30-50% may be useful, and for puppies and growing dogs, more frequent feeding in smaller portions may be necessary.
2. Balance and quality of food : High-quality food that is tailored to the dog's individual needs should cover the entire daily requirement for energy and nutrients. Both animal and plant components are important. The use of grain in dog food can also make sense as it contains proteins, vitamins, minerals and unsaturated fatty acids and is made easily digestible using modern manufacturing processes.
3. Avoiding risks from certain feed ingredients : Care should be taken to avoid certain feed ingredients such as bones or raw chicken meat, which can lead to constipation, injuries or diseases such as polyradiculitis, or to only feed them under certain conditions (e.g. cooked).
4. Proper feeding technique : Fixed feeding times can help reduce constant begging for food and prepare the dog's body for food intake. After eating, the dog should be given a break to digest to reduce the risk of gastric torsion, especially in large breeds.
5. Considering food changes : Constant food changes can put a strain on the gastrointestinal tract. A change of food is not necessary if the dog tolerates a balanced food well. If a change in diet is necessary, it is advisable to do this gradually.

Overall, it is important that a balanced, complete and needs-oriented diet with the right dog food and all the necessary feed components contributes to keeping the dog healthy. For individually tailored feeding, advice from a veterinarian or nutritionist can be useful. ​

​FAQ on the topic of optimal dog feeding

Summary of optimal dog feeding - how do I best feed my dog

Optimal dog feeding is an essential element for your dog's health and well-being. There are several aspects that should be taken into account when it comes to optimal dog feeding:

1. Individually adapted nutrition : The optimal dog feeding takes into account the age, size, activity and health status of the dog.
2. Balanced nutrient intake : Optimal dog feeding ensures that all necessary nutrients, including proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals, are present in sufficient quantities.
3. High-quality food : Optimal dog feeding uses high-quality food that is free of harmful additives and preservatives.
4. Avoiding risk factors : Optimal dog feeding also means avoiding risks such as bone injuries or illnesses caused by unsafe food ingredients.
5. Proper feeding techniques : Optimal dog feeding also includes knowing the correct feeding technique to avoid digestive problems and stomach upset, especially in large breeds.
6. Adaptation to special needs : Optimal dog feeding takes special needs into account, such as those of pregnant dogs or puppies.
7. Regular feeding times : Optimal dog feeding occurs at fixed times to support a regular digestive rhythm.
8. Avoiding overfeeding and underfeeding : Optimal dog feeding avoids both overfeeding and underfeeding to prevent weight problems.
9. Consideration of life phases : The optimal dog feeding adapts to the different phases of a dog's life, from puppyhood to old age.
10. Feeding according to activity level : Optimal dog feeding involves adjusting the energy requirements depending on the dog's activity level.
11. Disease-specific nutrition : Optimal dog feeding means providing an adapted diet when sick.
12. Quality instead of quantity : Optimal dog feeding focuses on the quality of the food instead of the quantity.
13. Avoiding allergens : Optimal dog feeding avoids allergy-causing foods.
14. Controlling body weight : Optimal dog feeding helps maintain the dog's ideal body weight.
15. Mixed feeding : The optimal dog feeding can include a combination of dry and wet food.
16. Adjustment for behavioral changes : The optimal dog feeding is adjusted as the dog changes behavior.
17. Supplementing with Nutritional Supplements : Optimal dog feeding may include supplementation with nutritional supplements when necessary.
18. Fresh water access : Optimal dog feeding always ensures access to fresh water.
19. Regular health checks : Optimal dog feeding includes regular health checks at the vet.
20. Taking food intolerances into account : Optimal dog feeding takes possible food intolerances into account and adjusts the food accordingly.
21. Health prevention through nutrition : Optimal dog feeding contributes to the prevention of diseases.
22. Flexibility and adaptability : There is no THE optimal dog diet. As shown, it is not least dependent on many factors that must be handled flexibly and can change over time.