As a dog walking and pet sitting company in Bristol, people often ask us our opinion of what kind of food is best to feed to their dog.There is no right or wrong answer to this (unless you are feeding him chocolate eclairs!), and different professionals have differing opinions. Here's ours.
There are many popular options and combinations that people like to feed their dogs. From walking all different kinds we have seen people feeding wet (tinned) food, dry complete, mixer food, and 'real' meat with rice/pasta etc. Looking at it from a scientific point of view dogs, like us, need a variety of nutrients to sustain growth, fitness and general well being. The only option that really give them this is dry complete food. Tinned is very tasty and gives them some benefits, mixer food is just really a 'filler' to go with tinned food so feeding this alone is not good, 'real' food is good but does not cover all of the nutrient groups that they need.
Now as we've said, in our opinion dry complete is the sensible option. But it's not that simple is it? There are lots of products out there, some good, some not good. However, as a general rule of thumb any premium (in other words expensive!) food is a good buy. Hill's Science Plan, Wainwrights, Arden Grange and Eukaneuba etc are all great and will keep your dog fit and healthy because they are all based on meat protein. Cheaper brands such as Wagg/Purina are cereal based and, a lot like mixers, just fill you dog up without transferring essential nutrients.
It can be difficult to ensure your dog stays on this diet - especially if he is used to something more exciting. However, if you stick them out it will pay off. If it is difficult and you wish to do so adding some tinned food will spice it up a bit and will do him no harm.
The effects of feeding can be seen a lot more in bigger dogs. They have a lot more growing to do than smaller dogs, so a good diet from early on in life is vital for their growth. Smaller dogs tend to fare better on different diets although complete is still our preference for any dog.
Lastly, it's all very well giving them a good food but remember to moderate treats and refrain 100% from human treats like biscuits, crisps and cake etc. I've seen a lot of people who think that they are being kind 'treating' their dog but ultimately it is quite the opposite. An overweight dog is an unhealthy dog, and is more prone to health issues.
There are many popular options and combinations that people like to feed their dogs. From walking all different kinds we have seen people feeding wet (tinned) food, dry complete, mixer food, and 'real' meat with rice/pasta etc. Looking at it from a scientific point of view dogs, like us, need a variety of nutrients to sustain growth, fitness and general well being. The only option that really give them this is dry complete food. Tinned is very tasty and gives them some benefits, mixer food is just really a 'filler' to go with tinned food so feeding this alone is not good, 'real' food is good but does not cover all of the nutrient groups that they need.
Now as we've said, in our opinion dry complete is the sensible option. But it's not that simple is it? There are lots of products out there, some good, some not good. However, as a general rule of thumb any premium (in other words expensive!) food is a good buy. Hill's Science Plan, Wainwrights, Arden Grange and Eukaneuba etc are all great and will keep your dog fit and healthy because they are all based on meat protein. Cheaper brands such as Wagg/Purina are cereal based and, a lot like mixers, just fill you dog up without transferring essential nutrients.
It can be difficult to ensure your dog stays on this diet - especially if he is used to something more exciting. However, if you stick them out it will pay off. If it is difficult and you wish to do so adding some tinned food will spice it up a bit and will do him no harm.
The effects of feeding can be seen a lot more in bigger dogs. They have a lot more growing to do than smaller dogs, so a good diet from early on in life is vital for their growth. Smaller dogs tend to fare better on different diets although complete is still our preference for any dog.
Lastly, it's all very well giving them a good food but remember to moderate treats and refrain 100% from human treats like biscuits, crisps and cake etc. I've seen a lot of people who think that they are being kind 'treating' their dog but ultimately it is quite the opposite. An overweight dog is an unhealthy dog, and is more prone to health issues.
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