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Dog food - Which one is right for my dog?

Nutrition significantly influences your dog's health, behavior, and quality of life. There isn't one "right" food, but rather various feeding methods, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Here you'll find an objective overview.

Overview of feeding types

Dry food

Dry food is probably the most well-known type of dog food. It is industrially produced and consists of pressed kibble.

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Advantages:

  • Long shelf life

  • Easy to store

  • Easy to portion

  • More economical

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Disadvantages:

  • Low moisture content

  • Often highly processed (low-quality ingredients, fillers, additives)

  • Not easily digestible for every dog

Wet food

Wet food consists of meat-based or plant-based ingredients packaged in cans or pouches.


Advantages:

  • High moisture content & softer texture

  • Usually very tasty and smells good

  • Often easier to digest

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Disadvantages:

  • Shorter shelf life

  • More expensive than dry food

  • Can promote plaque buildup

Semi-moist food

Semi-moist food has a consistency between dry and wet food.

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Advantages:

  • Good moisture content and softer consistency

  • Often well-accepted and digestible

  • Convenient storage (no refrigeration required)

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Disadvantages:

  • Often contains added sugar and preservatives

  • Less common and lower quality varieties

  • Not ideal for long-term feeding

BARF (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food)

Raw feeding with meat, offal, bones, vegetables, and supplements.

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Advantages:

  • Full control over ingredients (natural, fresh)

  • High palatability and moisture content

  • No artificial additives, preservatives, or fillers

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Disadvantages:

  • Extensive planning and preparation required

  • Risk of nutritional deficiencies if the diet is not properly formulated

  • Hygiene risks due to improper handling and storage

  • Requires larger storage capacity (freezer)

Home-cooked food

Gently cooked meals made from fresh ingredients.

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Advantages:

  • Full control over ingredients

  • Reduced risk of pathogens

  • Often well tolerated

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Disadvantages:

  • Time-consuming

  • Risk of nutritional deficiencies if the ingredients are not selected

  • Late shelf life --> more complex storage

Conclusion

The right diet depends on:

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  • Age

  • Health status

  • Activity level

  • Individual needs and preferences

  • The owner's lifestyle and feeding preferences


Important: Any feeding method can work – if it is formulated to meet the animal's needs.

Do you need help choosing or putting together your dog's food?

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