A good and well-balanced dog food is important for your dog’s health and wellbeing. Just like us humans, your dog needs well-balanced diet, and it is important that they receive the necessary nutrients at the various stages of their life.
WHAT DO DOGS EAT
Dogs are descended from wolves, which is a pack carnivore reliant on meat. It was between 15,000 and 30,000 years ago that the first wolves were domesticated and became dogs. A lot has happened since then, and many dogs are very different from the wolf in terms of appearance. Another difference is that the dog has a better ability to digest starch compared to the wolf. This has led to discussions about whether the dog should be classified as a carnivore or whether it is actually an omnivore. Regardless of what the dog is classified as, it needs a carefully balanced dog food to support their health and activity levels.
All Bozita’s dog food is complete food that is made in Sweden according to recipes developed by nutritionists specialised in dogs. Complete food means that the food contains all the nutrients that the dog needs, in targeted amounts. In our factory in Vårgårda, we produce both dry food and wet food. To find out more about which type is best for your dog, read below.
DRY FOOD
Dry food is the most common form of dog food. All ingredients are kneaded into a dough which is then formed into a ball. Dry food is easy to handle and store, and there are different types catering for all your dog’s needs. You can choose food based on your dog’s age, activity level and size. In addition, there are meals for dogs with special requirements, such as alternatives without wheat or grain, food for dogs that have sensitive skin or stomach, food with only one protein source (so-called single protein) and food for dogs that are prone to gain a few extra kilos and become overweight. See Bozita’s range of dry food and find the right product just for your dog.
WET FOOD
Wet food is a good source of extra fluid and energy for your dog, and it can be used as complete food or in addition to dry food. You should keep in mind that the shelf life is shorter once the package has been opened. You’ll find Bozita’s wet food here.
Further reading
WHAT DO DOGS EAT – PROTEIN AND FAT
Dogs need a certain amount of protein and the right amount of the essential amino acids in their food to be able to perform and feel good. Protein is a nutrient that consists of amino acids. There are 20 amino acids of which 10 are essential, which means that the dog must obtain these from their diet as they are unable to produce them.
Protein is an essential building block for muscles and tissues in the body and is needed in a certain amount to maintain muscle mass and to have good skin, fur and claws. If the dog receives more protein than it needs, the excess converts into energy. Protein is found both in animal and in vegetable sources, but in general meat has a higher content of protein than plants.
Fat is a nutrient that is very high in energy. In fact, it contains twice as much energy as protein or carbohydrates. Therefore, the fat content is usually higher in products designed for active dogs and for puppies that have a higher energy need. Not only does fat give energy to your dog but it is also a building block in cell membranes, helps to transport nutrients and provides insulating properties. For dogs, there are two essential fatty acids, omega-3 and omega-6. Your dog must obtain these from their diet. Omega-3 and omega-6 are crucial for healthy fur and skin, among other things.
WHAT DO DOGS EAT – STARCH
Starch is included in the group of carbohydrates along with fiber and various sugars. Unlike wolves, dogs have more of the enzyme amylase, which breaks down starch and enables them to digest it with relative ease. Even if dogs have a good ability to break down the starch, it is important that it is well cooked to be easily digested. In addition to contributing nutrients, starch helps in the production of dry food. When starch is heated, it acts like an adhesive that helps to bind the various ingredients together, forming bite-sized chunks with ease. Raw ingredients such as rice and potatoes naturally contain a high level of starch.
WHAT DO DOGS EAT – VITAMINS AND MINERALS
Vitamins and minerals are a large group of nutrients that have a variety of functions in the body. For example, Vitamin D is important for the bones and vitamin A for vision and the immune system. The majority of the vitamins and minerals found in food come naturally from animal and vegetable products. To ensure that your dog receives all the essential vitamins and minerals they need, Bozita adds a little extra so that your dog will stay extra healthy and strong.
HOW MUCH SHOULD A DOG EAT IN A DAY?
How much your dog should eat per day depends on their size, breed, life stage and activity level. Make sure you choose a food that suits your dog’s particular needs and then follow the feeding guide at meal times. However, keep in mind that the portions mentioned in the feeding guide do not account for treats and other snacks your dog might eat between meals. How much they need is very variable and depends on how active your dog is. The best thing you can do is adjust the amount to your dog’s body type and fitness level.
When you’re searching for Bozita’s dog food, you can filter by life stage, food type, activity level and size. This makes it easier to find a food that suits your dog. If your dog has taste preferences, you can also set that as a filter.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD A DOG EAT?
It is common for a dog to eat twice a day, but for dogs who have difficulty eating their meal, you can split the meals into smaller ones and serve them several times a day. You should keep in mind is that your dog requires regular meal times and access to clean and fresh water. For a healthy dog that maintains their weight, make sure to take account of the treats they eat before a meal.
Puppies eat more often. To avoid overburdening the small stomach, you can give the puppy smaller portions 3-4 times a day. When they are very young you can serve moist food to help them eat.
Further reading
WHAT DO DOGS EAT – BOZITAS RECOMMENDATIONS
- Choose a complete food adapted to your dog’s size, breed, life stage and activity level.
- Give dog food to dogs and not to other pets.
- Keep food bowls and eating area clean, removing food that the dog has not eaten.
- Make sure your dog always has access to fresh water.
- Provide wet food in addition to dry food.
- Maintain your dog’s normal weight to avoid weight-related illnesses.
- Stay up to date on things that are toxic or harmful to your dog.
- Choose special food for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
Further reading
