When it comes to buying balanced dog foods, we realize that there is a wide variety of them, not only in brands but also in the ingredients they contain. The idea of a balanced diet is that it contains basic nutrients.
From this base, some brands add vitamins, probiotics or food combinations that contribute to their growth and reduce the risk of contracting some diseases.
The important thing is that at the time of purchase you have an initial idea of what you are looking for, that is why we tell you what types of balanced dog foods exist.
Types of balanced food for dogs
There are different classifications of balanced dog foods, and one of them takes their consistency as a differentiating element, based on the proportion of moisture they contain. In this sense, there are three distinct types: canned wet, semi-moist and dry products.
Balanced canned dog food
Given their humidity level, which is approximately 75%, they need an airtight seal and for this reason, most are available in cans. Although they can also be found in airtight bags, called pouches.
Its protein content depends on the brand and varies from 8% to 15%, while the metabolizable kilocalories per kg range between 375 and 950. Since the latter value is low, the dog needs to increase its consumption.
Without a doubt, they are the tastiest for the dog, but they are the most expensive and difficult to serve and maintain, since they need to be stored in the refrigerator once they have been opened.
Balanced dry dog food
The level of protein contained in these foods is the highest, ranging between 18% and 27%. They contain a moisture percentage of less than 12%, with 7% to 15% fat. As for carbohydrates, they include between 35% and 50%.
Consumption of this diet releases 1,400 to 2,000 metabolizable kilocalories per kg of product in the dog.
Semi-moist balanced foods
In this category are foods that have 30% moisture. The protein level is between 16% and 25%, and the fat content is 5% to 10%. Between 25% and 35% of the feed are carbohydrates, which provide the animal with between 1,200 and 1,350 metabolizable kilocalories per kg of feed.
This is the most sought after category to feed dogs, because they are tastier than dry foods and easier to serve and maintain than wet foods. Its price is higher than dry food and lower than wet food.
What should we take into account when choosing a puppy food?
Another classification that you will find in pet stores is due to nutritional quality. In this sense, there are balanced dog foods No Premium, Premium and Super Premium.
Based on the assumption that all balanced foods cover the basic needs of their species, there are brands that add some vitamins, probiotics or a specific combination of foods that provides greater nutrition and protection against diseases specific to their breed or age.
In the following article we tell you which are the best foods for dogs.
At Omnipets, you will find balanced food for dogs designed according to their size and age.