Dog feeding can become a real headache for many caregivers. There are so many options within our reach that it is normal for us to hesitate.
Nowadays It is usual to decide on feed This is a very popular food that stands out for its ease of use, storage and, especially in certain ranges, its adjusted price. On the other hand, before it was customary to feed the dogs with homemade food, often with the leftovers from the menu of the members of the house. It is a practice that is still in force. But what is better? Do I think or homemade food for dogs? We explain it below in this article on our site.
Food for dogs: characteristics and benefits
In order to decide on the best diet for our dog, the first thing is to spend time reviewing the advantages and disadvantages of the different options. So, we start talking about feed.
This is made from ingredients such as meat, fish, cereals, vegetables, etc. that undergo an extrusion process in which they lose moisture, dry and then cut into balls or croquettes of different shapes and sizes.
The type and proportion of the chosen ingredients, as well as the manufacturing process, will determine the quality of the final product. That is why we can find feed that ranges from a premium range, that is, of high quality, such as KOME feed, a Spanish brand of 100% natural feed that also donates 10% of its profits to different animal associations and protectors, including low-quality ranges based on by-products, an excess of cereals and artificial additives. That is why it is essential to read carefully the label with the ingredients, where we will also find cereals, fresh or dehydrated meat, flour, by-products of animal or vegetable origin, etc.
As for cooking, the ingredients can be subjected to high temperatures, low temperatures, hydrolyze, etc. In addition, the feed is formulated geared towards different needs of dogs and taking into account their life stage. In this way, we can find feed for:
- Puppies.
- Adults.
- Pregnant females.
- Senior dogs.
- Sterilized.
On the other hand, there are also feeds specially designed to be part of the treatment of different diseases, such as kidney failure, diabetes, obesity, allergies, urinary stones, etc.
The feed is distributed in sacks and is preserved for a long time Its use is as simple as putting the amount indicated by the manufacturer, making sure that the dog always has clean and fresh water at its disposal. In conclusion, A quality feed is a good option
Homemade dog food: when is it recommended?
On the other hand, it is possible to feed a dog correctly using homemade food. But at this point it is important to clarify some basic concepts.
First of all, cooking for our dog, choosing quality ingredients and preparing them ourselves at home, allows him to offer he althy and very appetizing dishes. But, to meet the nutritional needs of each animal, they must be part of a balanced menu designed specifically for that dog In other words, homemade food is not recommended if we just give him the leftovers from our plate, we offer him those designed for humans or we cook him only the ingredients that we think are appropriate for him, such as chicken or organ meats.
Therefore, homemade food is a good option as long as we have the professional advice of a veterinary expert in nutrition who prepares a menu that guarantees that the needs of our dog are fully covered. In addition, it must be taken into account that when the animal suffers from certain diseases, the food will be part of the treatment. In these cases, it is usually recommended to resort to a specific feed, since it ensures the nutrients that the sick dog requires at that time.
Which is better for dogs, homemade food or dry food?
The truth is that, although we think that homemade food is the best option to feed our dog, the current rhythm of life prevents many caregivers from having the necessary time to prepare the recipes. For this reason, in these cases the feed is usually chosen, which should be as natural as possible to resemble the food we could prepare at home.
How to choose a good dog food?
We have already seen that there are multiple varieties and qualities, so the selection can be complex. To guide us, these are the basic aspects to take into account:
- Animal protein: the first ingredient must be animal protein, better from dehydrated meat or fish and with indication of its origin. If it is fresh it will lose about half during processing as the water is removed.
- Carbohydrates: Carbohydrates from both cereals and legumes can be included. In the first case, it is more advisable to resort to whole-grain options and cereals with a medium-low glycemic index that provide energy little by little, such as rice.
- Other ingredients: the rest of the ingredients are highly variable and include vegetables, fruits, probiotics, oils, vitamins, minerals, etc.. Make sure they are natural and that no sugars or artificial additives are added.
- Preparation process: the preparation process of the feed is also important, as it helps to maintain nutrients and flavour. For example, hydrolyzation allows proteins to be broken down so that they are less likely to cause food allergies. In this regard, the KOME brand is one of those that makes its feed with hydrolyzed meat. You can find more information about this brand in I think KOME – Composition, ingredients and opinions.
Can I mix feed with wet or homemade food?
On the other hand, some people consider the possibility of mixing the dog's feed with homemade or wet food in order to benefit the animal's he alth. However, is not recommended, as improper fermentation could occur in the dog's stomach, often causing stomach torsion.
In any case, what we can do is alternate feed and homemade food. We explain how to do it in this other article on our site on Is it good to combine feed with homemade food?
