Food class
The class determines the overall quality and price category of the feed.
—
Economy. The general characteristic is "only as a last resort." The most simple and inexpensive feed made from low quality ingredients — by-products, food waste, fillers like soy or corn. In addition, flavorings and flavor enhancers can be added to the composition, making the product more attractive to the dog. Such brands are the most affordable, but this is perhaps their only advantage. But there will be no benefit for the pet from economy food, at best. At worst (especially with long-term feeding), such a diet can lead to health problems: in addition to low quality in general, this class of food also does not contain meat and vitamins that a dog needs. In addition, the mentioned fillers can cause addiction and problems with the transition to another, better food. Thus, experts recommend avoiding economy-class foods whenever possible and using them only when there are no other options — and the less time, the better.
—
Premium. The general characteristic is "tolerant". The next class in terms of overall quality (and cost) after the “economy class”. Premium feeds, in addition to offal, contain a certain amount of meat (up to 30%), moreover, they use more suitable fillers, most often rice. But manufacturers often do not refuse flavors and flavor enhancers. In general, such food will not bring much benefit to the p
...et — however, most likely, harm, too. The only thing that is desirable to feed adult dogs with “premium” is that it is better for puppies to give products of a higher class. Due to the good price-quality ratio, this option is very popular among amateur dog breeders.
— Super premium. The general characteristic is "excellent". The feed of this class is well balanced, contains at least 25% of meat, offal of a higher quality than in the "premium" and even more so "economy", and often also vitamin supplements. Such products can be safely used as the main food, both for adult dogs and puppies; and if health problems arise at the same time, then the diet is unlikely to be the cause. However you will have to pay for such quality accordingly.
— Holistic. General description — "perfect". This is the most advanced and high-quality class of food, which even professional dog breeders, owners of purebred champion dogs, do not shy away from. "Holistics" are most often made on the basis of pure meat, without by-products, moreover, they are supplemented with rich vitamin complexes and, as a result, contain all the substances necessary for proper nutrition of the dog. However, these foods are very expensive.Ingredients
The main ingredients that make up the feed and determine its nutritional and taste value. In addition to them, various auxiliary components may be included in the composition, however, manufacturers do not always indicate the full composition in the main data.
Calories
The energy value of the food is the amount of energy (in kilocalories) that the dog's body will receive when eating 100 g of food. Knowing the calorie content, as well as the daily energy requirement of the pet, you can estimate the amount of food he needs per day. A dog of medium size and build needs about 370 – 480 kcal per day, but this figure is very approximate — a lot depends on the breed, constitution, mobility and other factors. A specific energy requirement can be determined using special sources — tables, calculators, etc. It is highly advisable not to deviate from these recommendations: a lack of calories leads to lethargy and weight loss, an excess leads to excess weight.
