Most types of dog food you can buy in shops are so-called complete foods. Such a ‘complete’ food is tailored exactly to the needs of a healthy animal. That means you don't need to give any extras if your dog gets the recommended amount for its weight per day. All the required nutrients are in the right amount in this kind of food. This applies to both kibble and wet food that you can buy in shops. But raw fresh food is also available ready-to-eat and complete. The raw materials in these complete feeds are under strict control and the absorbability of the nutrients has been tested. This makes complete foods by far the most convenient option if you have little understanding of nutrition and no desire or time to delve into them. Most dogs also like these foods, although sometimes you have to experiment a little with different brands to find out what your pet likes best.

Chunks or wet food?

Dog food is classified into dry food or wet food based on the amount of moisture it contains.

• Dry food (kibble): 8-10% moisture
• Wet food (canned, bagged, tub): 65-80% moisture
• Semi-wet food (frozen): 25-60% moisture

The more moisture (water) in the food, the less nutritional value there is per 100 grams in the food. This is because the nutritional value is in the dry matter. So in terms of volume and weight, you need a lot less dry food than wet food to give your dog the same amount of energy and nutrients. Because of the high moisture content, wet food also has a much shorter shelf life (after opening) than dry food. Both dry food and wet food you buy in shops are usually complete foods. This is indicated on the packaging. You do have to give a lot more of wet food (in terms of volume or weight). Many animals like wet food better than dry food. However, wet food costs more than dry food. With complete foods, daily recommended amounts are often a bit on the high side. Always feed according to the ideal weight for your dog and not the weight your dog has now (if he is too fat or too skinny).

Non-complete food

Besides complete foods, you can also feed your dog incomplete foods. This does not contain all the nutrients your dog needs on a daily basis. Supplements are then needed. Think, for example, of tripe or organ meat. Your dog cannot live on fresh meat alone, as he will be deficient in vitamins and minerals. Indeed, dogs are not complete carnivores, they also naturally eat plant-based foods. Fibre from plants ensures good bowel movements and nourishes important gut bacteria. Vegetable fibre also gives a pleasant ‘full’ feeling. This is why plant-based ingredients are also widely used in diet food to help dogs lose weight.

Raw fresh food and BARF

Feeding raw fresh food has become increasingly popular among dog owners. You can buy raw fresh food in shops, as a complete food. But you can also make it yourself, following the BARF method. This somewhat unsavoury term stands for ‘Bones and Raw Food’. In this, the dog owner puts the food together himself. This includes putting together raw meat bones, muscle meat, organ meat, pureed vegetables, raw eggs and fish. This is then often accompanied by dietary supplements and sometimes some dairy. Some people swear by the BARF method because it is said to better reflect dogs' natural diet and because many dogs like it. However, the cost of a BARF diet can be quite high and a lot of knowledge is required to make sure your dog gets all the essential nutrients. So if you want to feed your dog this way, you really need to look into it. Preparing the meals also takes time. Also pay attention to shelf life. Commercial fresh meat food often has a longer shelf life in the fridge or freezer. But if you make your own BARF food, you really need to pay attention to hygiene, as the meat you use for this often has a limited shelf life.

Diet food

Finally, there are special diet foods for dogs with certain medical conditions or who are overweight. These foods are very carefully formulated based on a specific type of dog or type of condition. These too are complete foods, supplemented with ingredients that have been scientifically proven to have medicinal effects. Diet food must meet more requirements and checks than ordinary complete dog food. You always give diet food in consultation with your vet.

Salmon oil as a supplement

If you want to give your dog some extra digestive and coat support and also make the food extra tasty, consider adding salmon oil as a topping over your usual food. Dogs find this fish oil very palatable and the omega 3 fatty acids from salmon are very healthy for your pet. Salmon oil contains a number of different of these fatty acids and is better for dogs than oil from other sources. So especially if your dog gets food from animals and plants and very little fish, this is a good supplement. Fish oil is also known to have beneficial effects on the kidneys. Read more about salmon oil for dogs here: https://askheltie.com/nl/artikelen/heltiedog/waarom-visolie-de-beste-vetzuren-voor-je-hond-bevat

Sources:

Handbook Keeper of Dogs and Cats. The Green World. https://webshop.degroenewereld.nl/vakgebied-voor-mbo/dier/animalis--houder-van-honden-en-katten-deel-a-en-b-incl-digitale-extras