Dog food test 2021 • The 14 best dog foods in comparison

06 Jan

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Drugstore Dog food test 2021 • The 14 best dog foods in comparison

Pet

Dog food

What is dog food and how does it work?

The test for dog food or dry dog food makes it clear: so many animals need enormous amounts of healthy food. What often looks healthy at first glance is often just industrial waste. Business is booming and in 2017 a turnover of 445 million euros was generated with wet food. The German pet industry even has a total turnover of 4.16 billion euros in Germany alone. Another 580 million euros came from online trading, as a comparison shows. In particular, the area of wet food and snacks is growing continuously. However, the market for dog food generally changes quickly and is subject to constant change. Consumers also value sustainability, healthy ingredients and balanced recipes for their best friend. On this page you will find more information about dry dog food.

Feed science has established itself in the industry and manufacturers are reacting to the increased demand with ever new mixtures and products. In today's language, dog food is a diet that is intended to provide the dog with a wholesome and species-appropriate diet. However, the test shows clear differences in the manufacturers' demands for compliance with their powerful advertising statements. And the direct comparison of several products and varieties shows signs of thinking about new feeding methods. A current trend is "ethical" dog food, where the HFAC certification is intended to guarantee compliance with particularly high animal welfare standards.

PEDIGREE giant bone mini with beef and poultry in the test - dog bones without artificial colors and flavors

Breeding and husbandry play an important role, the conditions of which ultimately have a direct effect on the quality of the dog food. The group for the certification comes from Canada and is in the process of conquering the German pet market. In tests and comparisons of dog food types, it is not uncommon to find products with residues of antibiotics and growth hormones that were added to the animals used during feeding. The recent recall of a manufacturer's dog food, where several dogs died, shows the need to rethink dog food. In the Ökotest test, only one organic food for dogs was convincing. Here, too, a direct comparison of different products has shown that not everything is organic.

Basically, the meat for organic dog food should not come from factory farming and the animals that the organic farmer is allowed to keep are limited in number. There are also conditions for transport that must be met in order for a manufacturer to be allowed to sell his dog food as organic. For example, power surges to drive the transporter are prohibited. However, the comparison by Öko-Test made it clear that the same ingredients are often found in organic food as in conventional types of dog food. Above all, the animal by-products, which include category 3 slaughterhouse waste such as udder, tongue and tripe, are to be mentioned based on the data from the comparison. The legislator calls these parts, which rarely occur in human nutrition, inferior meat. However, just like stick meat, boiled lung or omasum, they are completely harmless for dogs and even rich in nutrients.

These substances are perfectly hygienic, but according to the organic certificate, they may not be contained in dog food, or only in small amounts. In the current test and comparison of dry food, varieties without grain performed worse than products that rely on different grain concerns in the mix.

Bellfor Hypoallergenic Landgut-Schmaus dog food in the test - insect protein (82%) with high digestibility

While the dog's ancestor could not digest starch, a 2013 Swedish study showed that today's domesticated dog evolved the ability to digest starch.

In the product test by Ökotest, comparing dog food from different manufacturers, it was found that more than half of 10 organic wet dog foods failed. There was a "poor" or "unsatisfactory" here. Only one dog food was completely convincing in the test. The reason for the bad rating in the practical test was that no vitamin D could be detected in the laboratory in 9 out of 10 products. 3 out of 10 also lacked vitamin B1. Both vitamins are urgently needed by dogs. Symptoms of deficiency show up as a lack of appetite and cramps. Dog food basically consists of organic and inorganic components.

Grains are also part of many varieties. However, despite current studies and evaluations, the belief that dogs are not grain eaters is still widespread. In order to determine the needs of the dog, various analyzes and studies have been carried out. In 2006, the National Research Council published a table with minimum requirement values that are used as minimum values when testing and comparing dog food. They state in detail that a 20kg dog, fully grown and healthy, has the following minimum requirements:

25% proteins

They form tissue and must be contained in the dog food in sufficient quantities so that the dog cannot form all the amino acids, i.e. proteins, itself. Although protein sources can also be of plant origin, they are usually not as high-quality as animal protein. According to EU Regulation No. 1774/2002, only by-products of category 3 may be used for animal protein sources in the manufacture of dog food. Dog food test 2021 • The 14 best dog foods in comparison

CRAVE Protein Chew for medium-sized dogs with beef on test - with lots of animal protein and pure taste, it respects the true nature of the dog

12% fat

They act as a taste enhancer and provide energy for the dog. A balanced proportion of essential fatty acids was a positive aspect for the examiners in the test and comparison of dog food. Soybean, thistle, sunflower or corn or their oil can be used as well as lard, fish oil or beef tallow.

5 to 7% fiber

Occur mostly as carbohydrates in dog food and come from animal or vegetable sources. Corn, rice, wheat and oats are mainly used. In the test and comparison of dog food, however, recipes with carrots, linseed, molasses, peas or potatoes were also found. Above all, the intestinal movements of the dog are supported by the roughage. A good bowel movement with little gas formation in the dog indicates a well-digestible and optimally composed mixture of carbohydrate sources.

Bellfor Hypoallergenic Landgut-Schmaus dog food in the test - rich in natural vitamins, minerals (trace elements) and antioxidants

11% calcium

This is important for bones, teeth and blood clotting in dogs. This mineral can only develop its optimal effect in the animal organism if it occurs in an optimal ratio to phosphorus in dog food. In 2013 there was a test and comparison of dog food in Austria, in which the ratio for puppies was not optimal in 3 out of 23 samples, which meant that these products were devalued. You can also find out about puppy food here.

0.8 to 0.9% phosphorus

According to this calculation, the amount of energy that a lean dog needs is 898.5 kcal per day. In overweight dogs, this requirement is only 539.1 kcal per day.

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Dog food natural pleasure duck from Leiky in a practical test Dog food test 2021 • The 14 best dog foods in comparison

Leiky natural pleasure cold-pressed dog food duck in the test

Leiky natural pleasure cold-pressed dog food duck in the test - a species-appropriate complete dog food with the high-quality protein source duck

Leiky natural pleasure cold-pressed dog food duck in the test - composition: 34% duck protein (corresponds to more than 70% fresh meat before drying)*, 7% sweet potato, linseed, peas, apple, sunflower oil, poultry liver, locust bean flour, salmon oil, carrot flakes, cranberries , Yeast, Sodium Chloride, Calcium Carbonate, Seaweed, Parsley, Rosemary, Nettle, Chamomile, Sage, Thyme, Coriander, Dandelion, Licorice, Yucca Extract, Green Lipped Mussel *High quality controlled raw materials free of feathers, claws and heads

Leiky natural pleasure cold-pressed dog food duck in the test - analytical composition: crude protein: 29.4%, crude fat: 10%, crude ash: 7%, crude fiber: 3.3%, calcium: 1.5%, phosphorus: 0.9 %, sodium: 0.28%, magnesium: 0.10% (natural product - analysis may vary)

Leiky natural pleasure cold-pressed dog food duck in the test - it also contains valuable vegetable components such as the nutrient-rich sweet potato, herbs and vegetable and maritime oils

Leiky natural pleasure cold-pressed dog food duck in the test - monoprotein - also suitable for allergy sufferers

Application areas - dog food in action

Dog food is always specially tailored to the physiological needs of dogs. Even though industrially manufactured dog food predominates in Germany, around 8% of dog owners feed their animals rations they have prepared themselves. There are 5 basic principles for dog food so that your dog gets a healthy and balanced diet:

1) Species-appropriate food for your dog does not contain any chemical additives and consists of both plant and animal ingredients. Dogs are not pure carnivores and too much protein from meat would put a strain on the liver and kidneys. A Swedish study compared the genomes of dogs and wolves over several years. The comparison showed that the dog is able to digest starchy food compared to the wolf. Dogs are omnivores and the manufacturing process is important when giving dog food.

2) Vegetable components provide your dog with minerals, vitamins and fatty acids, some of which the animal cannot produce itself. However, some raw foods can cause digestive problems, so you should only use selected fruits and vegetables.

3) With species-appropriate feeding, no food from the table belongs on the menu. No matter how begging your dog looks at you, you must be consistent on this point. Treats of this type often cause violent allergic reactions or severe digestive problems in the differently structured organism. Chocolate or grapes are also not good for your dog, as both contain ingredients that can seriously damage the dog's nervous system.

Giant Bone Mini from PEDIGREE in a practical test

PEDIGREE Giant Bone Mini with beef and poultry on test

PEDIGREE giant bone mini with beef and poultry in the test - giant bones with beef and poultry flavor for dogs over 15 kg

PEDIGREE giant bone mini with beef and poultry in the test - dog treats that contain less than 5% fat/100 g Dog food test 2021 • The 14 best dog foods in comparison

PEDIGREE Giant Bone Mini with beef and poultry in the test - each piece provides 7% of the weekly energy requirement of a 10 kg dog

PEDIGREE giant bone mini with beef and poultry in the test - composition: cereals, vegetable by-products, sugar, minerals, meat and animal by-products (including 1.3% dried beef liver powder, which corresponds to 2.2% beef and 1.1% dried poultry liver powder, which corresponds to 2.5% poultry), seeds, oils and fats, vegetable protein extracts, herbs

PEDIGREE giant bone mini with beef and poultry in the test - feeding recommendation: medium-sized dogs (10-14 kg) up to 1 piece per week; Medium-sized dogs (15-24 kg) up to 1 piece per week; Large dogs (25kg+) up to 2 pieces per week

What types of dog food are there? (including advantages and disadvantages)

Wet feedstuffs

Moist feed has a water content of approx. 70% and is particularly tasty and juicy. Usually, your dog doesn't need to chew these meals and just gobbles them down. Not every dog is enthusiastic about wet food, just as is the case with dry food. Just try it out here.

Benefits:

Helpful when administering medication

Barely needs to be chewed - ideal for old and sick dogs

Cons:

High water content means more feed for the same energy

Does not promote tooth abrasion

Bellfor Hypoallergenic Landgut-Schmaus dog food in the test - without synthetic colors, flavorings and preservatives

Dried food

Dry feed contains a moisture content of only 8-10%. They have a longer shelf life than wet dog food and, in the case of high-quality products, are manufactured with a balanced and healthy recipe in mind. Dog food test 2021 • The 14 best dog foods in comparison

The comparison and the evaluations in the test make it clear whether a dog food can provide all the necessary components and whether their ratio is balanced.

In the dry food test and comparison, it became clear that the price is no guarantee of high or poor quality. The test also showed that, compared to wet food, dry food is used most often and your dog crate gets less dirty. You can find out more about dog boxes here.

Benefits:

Odorless than wet food

Ideal composition of nutrients depending on the manufacturer

Long lasting

Abrasion on the tooth against tartar

Cons:

Not all dogs are good at biting

Not always what's on the inside - see the current test

Leiky natural pleasure cold-pressed dog food duck in the test - species-appropriate complete dog food with a high-quality protein source - gently cold-pressed

Cold-pressed dry food

Cold-pressed dry food contains dried and ground ingredients and, in direct comparison, only provides a small amount of usable starch for the dog. It is manufactured in a cold pressing process without the additional use of heat. The ingredients are first dried and then ground. The feed components are then pressed into the drum wall in a roller. The ingredients condense and stick together. The typical pellets, also known as croquettes, are made in dog food.

Benefits:

Natural dry food Dog food test 2021 • The 14 best dog foods in comparison

Usually comes without artificial additives

Cons:

Low proportion of usable starch

CRAVE Protein Chew for medium-sized dogs with beef in the test - composition: 26% beef protein (dried), potato starch, glycerin, pea protein, pork protein (dried), dried beef liver (including 2.4% dried beef liver, which corresponds to 4% beef liver), minerals, sunflower oil

Extruded dry food

Extruded dry food is manufactured gently and nutrients and flavors are retained. The steam creates temperatures that break down the ingredients. This makes vegetables and grains well tolerated by your dog. The fats are sprayed onto the feed in the so-called coating drum. In addition, there are synthetic or natural preservative agents, the antioxidants.

Benefits:

High proportion of usable starch

Cons:

Providing enough water is particularly important for dogs with a tendency to urinary stones

Gluten can lead to intolerance

PEDIGREE giant bones mini with beef and poultry in the test - enriched with minerals, including calcium

Semi-moist food

Semi-moist food usually has a moisture content of 18 to 33% and requires artificial preservatives to keep it fresh.

Benefits: Dog food test 2021 • The 14 best dog foods in comparison

Mixture of dry and wet food

long lasting

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Cons:

Artificial preservatives

Less productive in the test than conventional dry food

Flaked food

Flaked food usually consists of grain and vegetable flakes and is added to canned food or meat meals. They are usually not complete feed, but supplementary feed. Some products in the test are made with crushed grain. The starch is hardly broken down and the dog's digestion is less able to absorb and process it.

Benefits:

Higher acceptance in dogs

Available in high-starch and low-protein versions

Cons:

Not a complete feed

Higher costs

B.A.R.F. Dog food test 2021 • The 14 best dog foods in comparison

B.A.R.F. stands for Bones and Raw Foods and means feeding raw meat, bones and vegetables.

Barf is linked to the diet of wild dogs and wolves and is controversial among experts.

Each dog owner is responsible for ensuring that the nutrients and minerals are present in sufficient quantities and in the right ratio.

Benefits:

Little effort

Cons:

Frequent consequences are deficiency symptoms and digestive problems

Risk of transmission of various diseases through bacteria on the raw meat

Bellfor Hypoallergenic country estate feast dog food in the test - composition: insects, dried (black soldier fly), potato (ground), potato starch, peas (ground), animal fat, sweet potatoes (ground), carob, linseed, minerals, brewer's yeast, Salmon oil, inulin (source of FOS), carrot (ground), nettle, echinacea, tomato (ground), apple (ground), mango (ground), plum (ground), banana (ground), thyme, basil, spirulina, cranberry , celery, yucca schidigera powder

Grain-free dog food

Grain-free dog foods are not without controversy. The fact is, however, that grain is cheaper than tubers and was therefore brought onto the market for the economic interests of the manufacturers. Grain-based pet foods have been available for many years and studies have shown that the dog can now process and utilize the carbohydrates and starches. In the intestinal tract, however, grain-free food is digested more slowly in comparison. However, the high nutrient density can mean that your dog tastes this food "too good" and is encouraged to overeat. Lean muscle mass is promoted at the expense of fat mass.

Benefits:

More protein/fat and less risk of kidney failure

small, hard and dry stool

Very good for skin and coat Dog food test 2021 • The 14 best dog foods in comparison

A good alternative for hypersensitivity

Cons:

May have a higher ash content and thus problems with the urinary tract

High density of minerals can promote urinary stones.

Bellfor Hypoallergenic Landgut-Feast dog food tested – sustainable dry dog food

Brief information on the 8 leading manufacturers/brands

Markus Mühle

Terra Pura

Lucullus dog food

Bosch pet food

Platinum

Daily Choice

Josera

Wolfblood

Markus Mühle exclusively produces cold-pressed dry food in various compositions and purposes for dogs. The company is based in the Westerwald, so the foundation stone was laid more than 50 years ago by master miller Josef Olberts. He developed his own recipes for perfectly coordinated pet food according to the motto: in harmony with nature. In the test and comparison, individual varieties from Markus Mühle are among the test winners or with top marks in individual categories. Dog food test 2021 • The 14 best dog foods in comparison

Terra-Pura manufactures organic pet food and produces according to Bioland quality criteria. The types of food are free from preservatives, colorings, flavors, emulsifiers, stabilizers, artificial vitamins and flavor enhancers. In addition to natural wet food, cold-pressed dry food and self-dried snacks are also available. The company was founded in 2003 by animal healer Michaela Fohmann. The test mainly found vegan and vegetarian varieties without meat or other animal products.

Lucullus dog food received top marks when comparing different dog foods next to each other. All ingredients are freshly and gently processed and valuable oils ensure a balanced supply of all nutrients. Various types of wet and dry food are offered without any chemical additives. In the analysis of current comparisons, the selected varieties found themselves in the top places in the test.

Bosch Tiernahrung GmbH & Co. KG was founded in 1960 by Kurt Bosch and since then has been involved in the production and sale of mineral feed. Only quality feed for dogs and cats is produced at the Wiesenbach site. In an online test we found very bad reviews for the puppy food. On the other hand, the adult dry food is in the middle on average.

Platinum is a new star on the market of animal feed manufacturers and is based in Bingen and sells its products worldwide. Unfortunately, the company's website does not state whether the products are manufactured in Germany. The only quality seal that can be found is a TÜV Rheinland seal that confirms that the products are made with fresh meat and have been tested for harmful substances. When comparing, there were different opinions and ratings in the test.

Daily Choice does not test on animals for production and attaches great importance to 100% production taking place in Germany. The company is based in Munich and produces grain-free dry and wet food for dogs and cats. According to the website, the products do not contain any attractants such as wheat, colorings or preservatives.

Josera is a third-generation family business and has its own accredited laboratory for the permanent monitoring of products and manufacturing processes. The DLG test service certifies the company's unique quality with the grade "very good" for origin, ingredients, production and taste. If you compare this statement with the information from editorial tests and product comparisons, the ratings are worse. Many Josera products can be found at ZooRoyal.

Wolfsblut produces grain-free food from natural and wholesome ingredients. According to its own website, Wolfsblut was voted the most popular dog food brand in Germany in 2015 and 2017. The food is grain-free, without trans fats, chemical preservatives, colorings and flavorings and without vegetable oils. In an editorial test and comparison, we found the dry feed mix Duck and Potato Adult among the test winners.

Leiky Wurminol papain powder food supplement tested – supports protein digestion. Worms / Giardia consist mainly of protein

This is how dog food is tested

In the test, some providers fall back on proven measured values from the Feed Ordinance. It was noticed that not every test and comparison makes the effort to actually have these values in the product samples measured in the laboratory, but only relies on the information provided by the manufacturer. For feeding recommendations, some tests for comparing dog food use the data from the NCR (Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats) values published in 2006. In addition, we were able to see in the test that when comparing dog food, only standard values for the animal were used.

A test assumes what a 15kg healthy dog without allergies or health restrictions needs to eat for a balanced diet so that its nutritional needs are covered. Other "comparison dogs" and their needs are found in almost no test and product comparison. The question of the best dog food therefore depends on which values the tester used and whether he actually checked them. For the comparison and the juxtaposition of several tests, it is then important that you compare equivalent starting situations with the test criteria.

Pedigree DentaStix Daily Fresh dental care snack for dogs tested - scientifically proven & developed together with nutritionists and veterinarians

When analyzing one or the other test of feed, only vague statements can be found in many reports such as: "...was based on the assessment of nutritional analysis values". Here we often lacked the information on how this evaluation was related and on which unit values these statements are based. If you are looking for the best dog food, you should not be unsettled by such advertising slogans. We have found in the reports and analyzes that you should also pay attention to the information on sugar in dog food when buying.

The feed industry likes to add sugar in small amounts to dog food in order to color individual components.

Basically so that the food looks attractive to the owner, because your dog doesn't care what color his food is. However, the renunciation of sugar does not bring better grades in every evaluated test and comparison. In addition, sugar is considered an attractant for the dog to eat the dog food. Caries in dogs is extremely rare, but without sugar is better. Even if it says organic, it doesn't always say organic. Unfortunately, this also applies to dog food. Only certified organic logos are reputable and there are high requirements and controls. Only the statement that a dog food is organic does not say anything at all. In the current test, Ökotest even checks whether the EU organic logo has been printed without permission. Dog food test 2021 • The 14 best dog foods in comparison

Bellfor Hypoallergenic Landgut-Schmaus dog food on test – grain-free, gluten-free

DentaStix dental care snack for dogs from Pedigree in a practical test

Pedigree DentaStix Daily Fresh dental care snack for dogs tested

Pedigree DentaStix Daily Fresh dental care snack for dogs tested – for medium-sized dogs (between 10 kg and 25 kg)

Pedigree DentaStix Daily Fresh dental care snack for dogs tested - scope of delivery: 4 x 28 Pedigree DentaStix Fresh for medium-sized dogs

Pedigree DentaStix Daily Fresh dental care snack for dogs in the test - helps counteract the formation of tartar

Pedigree DentaStix Daily Fresh dental care snack for dogs tested – active ingredients from green tea extracts and patented eucalyptus oil

Pedigree DentaStix Daily Fresh dental care snack for dogs tested - without artificial flavorings & no added sugar

Frequent shortcomings and weaknesses - I have to pay attention to this when buying dog food!

The best dog food is characterized by a number of criteria, which mainly relate to the ingredients and nutrients as well as the method of preparation. Is it a complete feed or supplementary feed? Only these two terms are provided for by the legislator for dog food. The complete feed is a feed whose composition is intended for a daily ration and thus covers the nutritional needs of the dog. The supplementary feed is only sufficient for the daily ration together with other feed. Both terms can be replaced by the word compound feed.

The legislator has stipulated that these products must provide an analysis of the components exactly according to % specifications. In order to get a really good, if not the best, dog food, you should pay attention to the right ratio of calcium and phosphorus. A ratio of 1.2:1 is recommended for adult dogs. Scientists have shown in various analyzes and studies that if the dog receives too much calcium, there is a risk of long-term effects such as hip dysplasia, metabolic diseases of the bones and hardening of the arteries. In the case of puppies and young dogs, this ratio may only be a maximum of 1.02:0.7. Calcium is often added to dog food via artificially produced vitamin D. Dogs naturally like to eat offal such as tripe, liver or omasum. Tripes, for example, are very good for your dog's intestinal activity.

CRAVE Protein Chew for medium-sized dogs with beef on test – Contents: 15 x 75 g CRAVE Protein Chew with beef

Liver ensures the need for vitamin A and ensures the health of bones and teeth as well as other important vital substances in your dog's body.

This can be veal or poultry liver, which is usually added to the dry or wet food in the right proportion. By the way, you should not feed raw liver to your dog. Leaf stomachs are a treat for the stomach and are dearly loved by our four-legged friends. Compared to the rumen, the plant components in the omasum are further broken down and therefore very well tolerated. The calcium-phosphorus ratio is balanced and it contains a particularly large amount of iron, magnesium and sodium.

Above all, omasum from pasture cattle that has only eaten fresh grass, herbs and clover is considered by experts to be the ideal ingredient in dog food. You can also give the omasum to the dog as additional food. If you have a sensitive, sick or weakened dog, then you should use premium food. The ingredients are of higher quality, which means that the dog has to do less digestion work. A high proportion of meat served as the main source of protein and the main source of carbohydrates was often rice in the products tested. You can feed smaller amounts of this food. Premium dog food has a lower allergen potential and helps overweight dogs achieve their ideal weight. Dog food test 2021 • The 14 best dog foods in comparison

Bellfor Hypoallergenic Landgut-Schmaus dog food in the test - protein source with very low allergy potential

Internet vs. specialist shops: where is the best place to buy my dog food?

As the test by Stiftung Warentest showed, quality is not necessarily expensive. The products from the discounter did well above average in the test. At least as far as the nutritional composition is concerned. But if you want to know where the meat for the dog food comes from and whether the plant and animal ingredients were produced from an organic point of view. An eco seal or a certified organic seal can provide information here. The nutrient mix is then also the problem point for some products in the comparison by Stiftung Warentest. Some samples clearly show overdoses of individual nutrients. However, 20 of the 23 dry foods evaluated in the test were rated good or even very good in this respect.

As a general statement from the test and comparison of different qualities, it can also be concluded that dry food performed better than wet food. In a direct comparison to the last test with wet food, the comparison showed a clear advantage for the dry dog food. The important nutrients were often missing from the moist feedstuffs. In its test, Stiftung Warentest once again expressly emphasized that the seven best dry dog foods in the most recent test were made with grain. In the case of the dog food evaluated in the test, the testers from Stiftung Warentest found, in addition to many other weaknesses, that the level of acrylamide was too high. This substance is suspected of being carcinogenic in humans. Therefore, it cannot be ruled out that this can also be the case with dogs and led to points being deducted in the test compared to the other products.

However, this one product failed almost all criteria in the test. With the second dog food in the current test, which also received a “poor”, the laboratory found too much iodine, which can trigger a thyroid malfunction in dogs.

The test for wet food carried out in 2015 also needed to show that statements by the manufacturers such as "100% beef" should by no means be trusted blindly.

CRAVE Protein Chew for medium-sized dogs with beef tested – treats for adult dogs from 9 months

In one product in the test, instead of the promised 100% beef, there was also pork and poultry. One of the winners in the comparison by Stiftung Warentest was dog food from discounters, which only weighs 18 cents a day on your wallet.

Ökotest also worked intensively on a test of ten organic wet food mixtures and examined them for their ingredients. Since, according to the Test Institute, the trend is increasingly towards vegetarian dog food, vegan and vegetarian dog food was also included in the test group. The comparison is sobering, according to the makers of Ökotest. For more than half of the dog food examined in the test, there was only a "poor" or even an "inadequate".

All products were advertised as complete feed by the manufacturer and it is therefore all the more surprising that the test institute was unable to find any vitamin D in 9 of the 10 products. In order to examine this nutrient composition in detail, Ökotest worked together with an independent laboratory. According to the analysis, 3 of the 10 dog food samples also contained no vitamin B1. The online test explicitly points out both, because both vitamins can lead to deficiency symptoms. A vitamin B1 deficiency leads to a reluctance to eat in dogs and there is also a risk of gastrointestinal cramps in sensitive dogs. Dogs need vitamin D for the healthy development of the skeleton. It also ensures good absorption of calcium in the intestine.

Vitamin D can be produced by the human organism through the skin through sunlight. The dog is not able to do this and is dependent on absorbing this vitamin from its food. The examiners examined the balanced ratio of calcium to phosphorus in the test and it has been shown that the ratio of many dog foods is more than three times as high as the recommendation.

The ideal calcium to phosphorus ratio for a healthy 30 pound dog should be 1.2:1.0.

Obviously, some manufacturers of dog food are struggling with vitamins. Because three of the organic dog foods also lack sufficient vitamin A. However, a lack of this leads to a deterioration in your dog's vision and to skin and mucous membrane problems.

You should also pay attention to zinc when looking for the best dog food. Hair loss and cracked skin in your dog indicate a zinc deficiency. Unfortunately, the dog food in the test was also poorly equipped in this regard. The testers in the laboratory found only 50% of the recommended amount for one product and 5 others contained just 1/5 of the value. On another website we were able to find the test winner from Ökotest's 2018 dog food test. The only organic dog food that received the top mark of "very good" in the test is the Dogs Love organic cattle dog food with certified organic food quality of all raw materials. Not only is it gluten-free and GMO-free, it also contains vegetables and fruit from organic farming and meat from organic farming.

Bellfor Hypoallergenic country estate feast dog food in the test - ideal for nutritionally sensitive dogs Dog food test 2021 • The 14 best dog foods in comparison

FAQ

Which dog food is best for dogs?

Depending on phase of life, weight, activity and of course preference, the best dog food can be found individually for each animal. Of course, the price and the effort involved in transport and storage also play a role. In a direct comparison of food types, every dog owner must find the best product for him and, above all, let the dog have a say.

How do I recognize "real" organic dog food?

The seal for tested organic quality has a test number, for example: DE-ÖKO-006. The manufacturers have to meet certain criteria, which are regularly checked by designated inspection bodies. There are also organic farming associations such as Demeter, Ecoland, Bioland and Biokreis. In Europe, the ABCERT seal still exists, the minimum standards of which correspond to the EG-ÖKO seal.

Why do puppies need special food?

Young animals have different energy requirements because of growth. At the same time, however, it must not be fed "too much", because an oversupply can lead to malformations of the skeleton. The appropriate supply of phosphorus and calcium is particularly important for the healthy formation of bones and joints. The special puppy food is also adapted to the size and texture of the milk teeth.

Why does dog food stink?

Industrial feed, especially wet feed, has a strong odor due to the use of slaughterhouse waste such as hair, hooves and udders. In comparison, however, it has been shown that high-quality wet food smells much more pleasantly than inferior quality. It just depends on the ingredients and their origin as well as the processing.

When do I switch to senior food?

Depending on the breed, the life expectancy of the dog is very different. Aging also affects the digestive tract and the immune system. As soon as the dog has problems with the conventional food or gains weight, a changeover makes sense. Large dogs rarely live more than 10 years, small and medium-sized dogs can live 10 to 14 years and small dogs also older than 15-20 years.

PEDIGREE giant bone mini with beef and poultry in the test - chewing bone with omega 3 - helps to keep the dog fit

How much food does a dog need?

That depends on individual energy needs. In principle, however, one can assume the following recommendation, which was also used as a basis for the test by Stiftung Warentest: An average-sized, healthy dog weighing 15 kg requires approx. 200 grams of food.

Is raw ash in dog food dangerous? Dog food test 2021 • The 14 best dog foods in comparison

Crude ash is one of the ingredients in dog food that is subject to mandatory declaration. It is a purely analytical term and raw ash is also found in human food. Crude ash consists of everything that cannot burn: minerals and metals. For the feed, this means minerals and trace elements.

However, there can also be sand and earth in the raw ash that comes from the raw materials. A noticeably high proportion of raw ash in the feed could be due to the poorer quality and composition. Crude ash is completely harmless and is only measured for analytical purposes.

Bellfor Hypoallergenic country estate feast dog food in the test - particularly tasty and easily digestible for all breeds

How do I recognize good dog food?

Regardless of whether it is dry or wet feed: the name and address of the manufacturer can always be found on the packaging. Of course, this also includes the date of manufacture or the best-before date. The feed name and the net weight are also information that suggest a reputable and good supplier. According to the mandatory information, these details must be given on each packaging. It must also be possible to find information on the four most important categories, namely crude ash, crude protein, crude fat and crude fibre.

Does the feed have to contain sugar?

No, because sugar and yeast extracts are only used as attractants. Incidentally, glutamate, i.e. a preservative, is found behind yeast extract. And beet extract and beet pulp also indicate sugar in the mix.

How long does canned food keep after opening?

Canned food should be refrigerated after opening and consumed within 2-3 days. It is best to seal the opened can with foil or a lid so that nothing goes rancid.

Impressions from our dog food test

Bellfor Hypoallergenic Landgut-Schmaus dog food in the test - grain-free extruded dry dog food

Bellfor Hypoallergenic Landgut-Feast dog food tested – sustainable dry dog food

Bellfor Hypoallergenic Landgut-Schmaus dog food in the test - insect protein (82%) with high digestibility

Bellfor Hypoallergenic Landgut-Schmaus dog food on test – grain-free, gluten-free

Bellfor Hypoallergenic Landgut-Schmaus dog food in the test - protein source with very low allergy potential Dog food test 2021 • The 14 best dog foods in comparison

Bellfor Hypoallergenic Landgut-Schmaus dog food in the test - without synthetic colors, flavorings and preservatives

Bellfor Hypoallergenic Landgut-Schmaus dog food in the test - rich in natural vitamins, minerals (trace elements) and antioxidants

Bellfor Hypoallergenic country estate feast dog food in the test - ideal for nutritionally sensitive dogs

Bellfor Hypoallergenic country estate feast dog food in the test - particularly tasty and easily digestible for all breeds

About the product: https://www.bellfor.info/LANDGUT-SCHMAUS-42.html (This is an affiliate link. We use so-called affiliate links to link to online shops and partners from whom we may receive compensation.)

Supplementary food Wurminol papain powder from Leiky in a practical test

Leiky Wurminol papain powder food supplement tested

Leiky Wurminol papain powder food supplement tested – is papain powder made from the seeds and the juice of the incised skin of the unripe papaya

Leiky Wurminol papain powder supplementary food in the test - composition: papain powder, maltodextrin

Leiky Wurminol papain powder supplementary food tested – feeding recommendation – curative use: dog 30 kg (+): 3 days 1 level tablespoon (= approx. 20 g total for every 3 days) / dog 15 – 30 kg: 3 days 1 level teaspoon each (= approx. 10 g total for every 3 days) / small dogs and cats under 15 kg: 3 days 1/2 teaspoon each (= approx. 5 g total for every 3 days)

Leiky Wurminol papain powder supplementary food tested – also suitable for puppies and sensitive dogs

Alternatives to dog food

Make your own food

If you want to make the effort, you can also make or mix the food for your dog yourself. Well-tolerated cereals and their alternatives such as tapioca, amaranth, potatoes, sweet potatoes, peas, rice and corn are suitable for this. Rice in particular is very easy for dogs to digest and is often recommended by veterinarians for diarrheal diseases. Dog food test 2021 • The 14 best dog foods in comparison

Combined with lean meat from chicken, duck, turkey, turkey and omega suppliers like salmon, you get a quality meal for your best friend.

The whole thing can be supplemented with fresh herbs and fruits such as apple, peppermint, raspberries, chamomile, rose hips, currants or blueberries and fennel.

Pedigree DentaStix Daily Fresh dental care snack for dogs in the test - not only taste good and care for the teeth, but also help to freshen the breath thanks to the active ingredients from green tea extracts and patented eucalyptus oil

What you should definitely not feed are

Avocados, raw eggs, garlic, leeks, onions and cooked bones. A spoonful of flaxseed is perfect when your dog needs some stomach calming. If your dog has diarrhea, a few carrots with cottage cheese will definitely help. BARF is raw feeding and proponents feed raw meat and pureed raw vegetables in self-compiled rations. In order to enable species-appropriate feeding, you must pay attention to the composition of the nutrients and the processing of the food. You should not underestimate the risks for bacteria on fresh meat. Experts cannot determine any advantage over classic feeding with ready-made food.

Medical organizations reject this feeding in many reports and studies. BARF stands for "Bones and Raw Food" and was developed in 1993 by Australian Ian Billinghurst. Unfortunately, there is currently no comparison or test of different feeding methods and their respective advantages and disadvantages. Only the tests for different dry and wet food products can be found on the Internet. There are double-edged expert opinions on the subject of BARF and it was not possible to formulate a general statement on this feeding method.

Additional links and resources about healthy nutrition for dogs

https://www.ivh-online.de/der-verband/daten-fakten.htmlhttps://www.zzf.de/https://www.tieraerzteverband.de/https://www.openfarmpet .com/dog-food-recipeshttps://www.lumpi4.de/was-sind-k3-materials/https://www.goyellow.de/thema/hundefutter/https://eur-lex.europa.eu /legal-content/DE/TXT/?uri=celex%3A32002R1774https://www.bvl.bund.de/DE/02_Futtermittel/01_Aufgabe/02_Amt_Futtermittelueberwachung/05_kennzeichungFuttermittel/fm_kennzeichung_fm_node.htmlhttps://www.planet-wissen.de/ video-the-pet-business-100.html

CRAVE Protein Chew for medium-sized dogs with beef on test - is ideal for adult dogs from 9 months of age and can be given once a week to small and medium-sized dogs (6-15 kg).

FAQ

What is the best way to feed your dog?

The Animal Welfare League recommends feeding dogs at fixed times tomorrow and in the evening. Dog food should always be at room temperature and wet and dry food should not be mixed. While the food should be given at certain times, water should be available in a water bowl around the clock.

How much does a dog eat per day?

An adult, healthy dog with a normal level of activity should consume approximately 2.5% of their body weight in food per day. If a dog weighs 20 kg, this means 0.5 kg of food per day.

How good is dog food from Aldi Dog food test 2021 • The 14 best dog foods in comparison

You can buy good dog food at Aldi. Stiftung Warentest tested dry food in 2016 and wet food from Aldi Süd and Aldi Nord in 2019 and had nothing to complain about. Although the nutritional information on the label of Aldi Nord's wet food was criticized as "poor", the food itself is of good quality.

Which is better: wet or dry dog food?

As a complete food, both wet and dry food contain all the nutrients that the dog needs. The only difference is that wet food contains much more water and with dry food you have to pay special attention to a sufficient additional water supply.

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