Dry dog food is a staple for many pooches as owners can easily rely on it. This is because it's simple to feed, seamlessly slotting into hectic lifestyles, and it’s affordable. Dry food also has a long shelf life, meaning owners can keep it for a long period of time without it going off. However, there are a whole lot of options available to choose from which can lead to confusion and doubt over which dry dog food is best.
Your furry friend’s health and well-being can depend on choosing the correct option for your pooch. Owners need to provide their canine companion with the best quality dry dog food for their health, lifestyle and breed.
At Pero, we understand that finding the ideal dry food for dogs can be difficult and confusing. Discover everything you need to know about dry dog food to help you find the top-rated dry dog food for your pooch.
What is dry dog food?
Most dry dog food available contains similar things. Only some factors across different brands vary slightly depending on the types of ingredients used. Traditionally, most food contains meat, grains and vegetables that are cooked, shaped and dried into small crunchy bitesize pieces for your pooch to chomp on.
This type of dog food is extremely popular and continues to grow in popularity among dog lovers. The increase is mainly due to the convenience of the food as it’s very easy to measure portions and can be laid down for a couple of hours for dogs to graze on. Plus, this type involves no mess, especially when your furry friend has their snoot in the bowl which can lead to wet food flying across the room.
The benefits of dried dog food
Dried dog food has many benefits which factor into its popularity. Some of these benefits are:
- Lightweight and long-lasting.
- Can help with dental issues as the chewing required cleans plaque which prevents dental diseases.
- Cost-effective making it affordable for many owners.
- Rich in protein and minerals.
- Leaves little mess.
- Has many positive nutrients that can closely match raw ingredients.
- Prevents the growth of mould and bacteria as it lasts for ages.
- No need to refrigerate, freeze or defrost.
Ingredients that determine the best quality dry dog food
To determine the best quality dry dog food for your canine companion the ingredients are the best place to start. This shows you exactly what’s in each type of food. It is best to find healthy dry dog food that is high-quality as this will give your dog the balanced nutrients they need.
High protein dry dog food
Choosing high protein dry dog food is essential for your furry friend to be happy and healthy. Look for key sources like chicken or salmon when viewing ingredients. Avoid vague descriptions like meat meal as you won’t know what is actually in the food.
Energy fuelled carbs
Carbohydrates provide your pooch with vital energy. It is important to know that not all carbs are equal and there are some better than others. Giving your dog whole grains such as oats and brown rice, or alternatives like sweet potato, are perfect options. These fuel your canine companion for the day.
Healthy fats
Fats are an important part of a dog’s diet. They help to maintain energy, a shiny coat and improve overall health. Find natural dry dog food with natural and healthy sources of fat. This could be fish oil or chicken fat to give your pooch omega fatty acids.
Lots of nutrients
Picking high-quality dog food includes probiotics for digestion, omega fatty acids for a soft and shiny coat, and glucosamine for joint health. Having lots of nutrients can improve your dog’s health and well-being massively.
Ingredients to avoid with dry dog food
As with our own food, not every dry dog food available is made with your furry friend’s best interests at heart. Unfortunately, some brands can cut corners when producing their food by using low-quality ingredients. These ingredients need to be avoided to ensure you give your pooch the best.
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Fillers: These are ingredients like soy, corn, and gluten that bulks up the food. These have little nutritional value and aren’t good for your dog.
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Artificial preservatives and colours: Additives aren’t good for your pup’s health no matter if they're used to keep it fresher for longer.
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Added sugars and salts: These aren’t just bad for us humans, they’re just as bad for pooches too. They can lead to weight gain and health issues.
Finding the top-rated dry dog food for your pooch
To give your pooch the best quality dry dog food for them, you need to understand their needs and health requirements. Vital factors such as health conditions, age, size, activity level and breed need to be considered.
Throughout a pooch’s life, their needs change constantly. As puppies, they are growing so they need extra protein and fat to aid their development. Adult dogs need maintenance formulas that meet their requirements for an active and healthy lifestyle. While senior dogs will need lower calories and added nutrients that support joints to keep them mobile and healthy.
With size and breed, dry dog food will vary. For small breeds, they will need smaller pieces to avoid choking. They also need lots of nutrients as they have faster metabolisms due to their small bellies. Larger breeds need to build their joints and muscles. They also must have nutrients to aid with slower growth to avoid any bone issues.
Active pooches need to have specialised diets that are packed full of proteins and fats to fuel their lifestyle. Lazier dogs that take in life at a slower pace and are more chill need weight-control formulas to ensure they stay healthy.
Our best quality dry dog food in the UK
Pero’s dry dog food range is diverse and has been specially formulated to provide an all-natural, completely balanced nutritional profile for all ages and breeds of dogs. We only use the highest quality ingredients and specialise in nutrition. This ensures canine companions everywhere eat only the best foods available to them.
From grain-free dog food to full flavoured dry dog food in our Truline range, Pero has everything your furry friend needs. This gives them the best of the best to ensure a happy and healthy life full of tail-wagging and tasty dry dog food that meets their individual requirements.
