Any commercially manufactured dog food in the UK that meets UK Pet Food guidelines will contain complete nutritional requirements for pets, says the British Veterinary Association (BVA). Weight-related problems can range from musculoskeletal conditions to breathing issues and diabetes, among others. So, as long as you're buying a complete commercial pet food, your dog should be getting all the nutrients they need and you don't need to supplement this with anything else. See how brands such as Burns, Harringtons and Royal Canin are rated by customers, as well as supermarket options from the likes of Aldi and Lidl. Which dog food brand is best for my dog? Customer scores are based on how satisfied they are with the brand overall and whether or not they would recommend it.

The most common food intolerances appear to be colourings, sugars, wheat, milk and soya. Obviously, not all pets are sensitive to these things, but if the effects keep reoccurring, it’s best to consult a vet. How much should I feed my dog? UK Pet Food says: 'All "complete" pet foods must by law contain all the nutrients in the right proportions that a pet needs for healthy bodily function.'

Nutrition

From dry and wet dog food to raw, there are hundreds of options available, and it can be hard to work out what’s actually best for your pet. Commercial options are a safer bet for nutrition. The PFMA says that commercially prepared raw dog food marked as ‘complete’ meets the guidelines to provide the nutritional balance a dog needs in their daily diet. Carb-rich ingredients: includes all ingredients derived from grains, pseudo-grains, potatoes and other starchy root vegetables, sweet potato and legumes (except whole peas which are categorised under fruit and veg) except for isolated protein and extracted oils. Also includes fibre supplements. Digestion aid - Prebiotic and Yucca Extract added for optimum digestive health and overall well-being. Some pets appear to be sensitive or intolerant to certain ingredients and additives, and this can cause a variety of problems.

For this reason we've calculated the approximate 'as fed' percentages for the main ingredient categories in the finished product. The PAW report also estimated that around half of the overweight and obese dogs had health issues which could be related to their weight. Therefore you can rest assured that our full range of delicious British made Country Dog Food recipes contain only the very finest ingredients with considerably higher meat content than other brands of working dog food. When you need a fabulous quality cheap dog food, any flavour of our grain free dog foods will deliver an exceptional standard without the premium price of other brands. Heaven Scent is certainly heaven sent when it comes to obtaining great value dog food at the cheapest possible prices. All of the various flavours of the adult grain free Country Dog food range are popular with customers seeking hypoallergenic dog food for adult dogs. For owners of any new puppy looking for a complete dry grain free puppy food you will definitely be delighted with our great quality and vat free ‘Apprentice’ grain free puppy food. Country Dog Original is a complete balanced formula for working and sporting dogs. Our Country Dog Classic is manufactured from quality UK meats and cereals and made with pride right here in the UK. It is a wheat free formula ideal for sensitive dogs, containing all the essential vitamins and minerals needed to provide a balanced and complete meal for active and working dogs along with other nutritional benefits to support the immune system, digestion and teeth and bones of your dog.However, the BVA adds that 'each pet has its own needs, so diet should be adapted to your pet's lifestyle, age, breed and any health conditions. We advise people to speak with their vet when they get a new pet'. Some of the reasons owners prefer feeding relate to it being 'natural', coupled with perceived improvements in their dog's health.

There are risks to handling fresh, frozen or freeze-dried raw food. The UK Pet Food recommends the following:While the 'mixing bowl' composition is useful for knowing what went into the food, it doesn't always reflect what your dog is actually eating. This is because the processes that turn the ingredients into the finished pet food can significantly alter the relative weights of the ingredients. Common symptoms include lethargy, aggressive or hyperactive behaviour, chronic skin and ear problems, slime and jelly being passed with stools, flatulence, bloating and weight gain/loss. Dry foods are usually the most economical, and easiest for you to feed and store. Owners who feed wet food should monitor their pet's teeth, as it can predispose them to dental disease. On a day-to-day basis, ensure you're feeding your pooch the correct amount by measuring out each meal on weighing scales. A few extra bits of kibble might not seem like a lot, but it can massively contribute to weight gain. Costs are based on an average medium dog (10-25kg), such as a French bulldog, on a simple dry-food diet. Medium dog: monthly food costs