Frequently Asked Questions
Check out our frequently asked questions or contact us and ask your question directly to our expert team.
General questions
What are the 3 causes of frequent scratching in dogs?
Discover all about itching in scratching dogs. The 3 most common causes of itching are:
- Ear infection
- Fleas
- Food allergy
Two out of five dogs experience health problems as
result of poor nutrition or care. Proper nutrition is the basis for proper care for your dog. In addition to nutrition, vaccinations, deworming and anti-flea treatments play a supplementary role. Shampoo is generally not necessary with good nutrition.
My dog is pregnant. What should I do now?
As always, it is important to ensure that you
dog gets the right nutrition during her pregnancy, both before and during gestation. In the fifth week of gestation it is advisable to switch the bitch to puppy food such as Denkadog Pup Junior Croc . The food allowance can then be gradually increased by 25 to 30 percent.
It is important that the dog has sufficient nutrients
to meet her energy needs. Large amounts of food should be divided into 2-4 meals to prevent excessive pressure on the diaphragm.
During pregnancy and lactation it is important not to make any changes to the diet, except for the transition to puppy food 14 days before the expected due date. Giving extra supplements, such as calcium, is useless and can even cause problems. It is important to give the bitch small portions several times a day, as the presence of the puppies can prevent her from eating as much at once. Denkadog Pup Junior Croc has been specially developed for pregnant dogs and puppies. The feeding requirements
can be 2 to 3 times higher than normal. This is particularly noticeable with a large number of puppies. The bitch must have constant access to food or else receive 3-4 meals per day. Food intake and condition must be checked regularly. Despite the high food allowance, a small weight loss may occur. This is not alarming but a normal phenomenon.
When the puppies start to eat on their own, after about 30 days, the amount of food can be slowly reduced, as the mother's milk production decreases. The mother will indicate when the puppies no longer need to nurse. Usually around 6 to 7 weeks after birth. If the mother appears to have no or too little milk, it is very important to react quickly to adequately supplement the puppies. It is wise to always have a small amount of puppy milk (powder) in stock or to know where it is available in preparation for possible situations. The nutrition of the puppies must be carefully tailored to their specific needs, with a milk that matches the composition of natural bitch's milk. The use of cow's milk or goat's milk for puppies is not recommended, because the fat and protein content do not match well and do not provide sufficient energy. If supplementary feeding is necessary, start with the largest puppies, so that the little ones can still drink enough mother's milk.
Is it safe to deworm a puppy with diarrhea?
Diarrhea is a common problem in puppies and is
Fortunately, this is usually caused by harmless factors, such as eating something that does not go down well. If your puppy drinks and eats well, then deworming is not a problem. Up to the age of six months, it is advisable to deworm the puppy monthly. However, it is important to note that deworming a puppy does not necessarily make the diarrhea go away, as diarrhea is not always the result of a worm infection. Diarrhea in puppies is often caused by nutritional factors or changes in the diet.
When diarrhea occurs regularly or lasts for a long time, it is advisable to review the puppy's diet. My advice is to switch to Denkadog Growing Up Sensitive .
How can I treat ear mites in my dog?
Ear mites in dogs are a common problem. If a dog shakes its head often, there is usually something wrong with the ear. This infection is caused by a parasite that nests in the ear canal, lays eggs, feeds on scales and thus causes a tickling sensation. The ear canal responds to this by producing more earwax. The dog scratches its ear and shakes its head, which can result in short formation on the auricles.
Food allergy; ear problems are also common in dogs with food allergies. Itching around the ear causes the dog to scratch and this causes problems. Repeated irritation causes a lot of dark brown earwax. Irritation can occur around the ear.
In adult dogs, the cause of an ear infection is often different, with bacteria, yeasts and dirt in the ear playing a role. Long-haired dogs with hanging ears, such as the Cocker Spaniel, are particularly sensitive because the ear canal is closed off by the ear. This can lead to irritation due to dirt stuck inside. The resulting earwax of the dog is then more difficult to drain out.
In puppies, ear mites often occur shortly after the nesting period and can be transmitted through contact with other dogs during play. Keep this in mind when playing
What is the difference between castration and sterilization in dogs?
In castration or ovariectomy, testicles or ovaries are removed, while sterilization interrupts the sperm ducts or fallopian tubes. Sterilization makes the animals infertile, but maintains hormone production, which means that the animal's behavior remains unchanged. Because owners often want to get rid of the unwanted behavior, sterilizations are rarely performed. So we are almost always talking about castration, in the case of both males and females.
What are the disadvantages of castration?
- Metabolism changes, which can lead to weight gain if the diet is not adjusted. Denkadog Hypo-Weight is a suitable food for castrated dogs.
- There is a risk of incontinence problems.
- Castration requires general anesthesia, which carries a small risk.
- Once castrated, the process is irreversible.
What are the benefits of castration?
Bitches
- no longer go into heat;
- are less likely to develop a uterine infection.
Males
- are less affected by territorial instincts;
- will be less likely to run away to look for females;
- become less bright;
- are less likely to develop foreskin inflammation.
Denkadog Hypo-Weight is extremely suitable for castrated and sterilized dogs. Denkadog Hypo-Weight contains few calories. Feeding multiple small portions ensures that your dog's stomach fills without encouraging fat storage. The special recipe with herbal extracts promotes weight loss and ensures that your dog loses weight in a measured and natural way. Denkadog Hypo-Weight thus prevents obesity-related complaints such as joint wear.
Joints & Bones
Osteoarthritis in Dogs: What You Need to Know About This Condition
Osteoarthritis is a common condition that can be well supported with the right nutrition. But what exactly does osteoarthritis in dogs entail? It is actually more of a collection of symptoms than a specific condition in itself. Due to wear and tear of the joints, the dog experiences pain when moving, which is clearly visible to the owner. Especially when the dog has difficulty getting up after resting, this is a sign of pain. We call this phenomenon “starting lameness”. The pain is more severe if the dog has been active before the rest period, for example by playing or running. When the joints and muscles are used again, the lameness can decrease, as if the dog is “walking through it”. It is important to note that osteoarthritis does not only occur in older dogs. Sometimes even young dogs experience this condition.
Skin & Coat
Skin and Coat Problems in Dogs
A dog's health is reflected in its coat.Skin problems in dogs are common and often go hand in hand with coat problems. Since the coat is the largest organ of the body, problems with it are immediately visible. The symptoms are very diverse, but fortunately often easily recognizable. Itching and scratching are common consequences. You can observe a dull coat or a coat with excessive white flakes and possibly baldness. Many dogs often suffer from coat problems for a long time. The causes can primarily lie in the skin and coat, while secondary factors outside the dog are reflected in the skin and coat.
Why does your dog lick his paws?
It's a tricky problem, especially since I don't know exactly what food he's been fed and for how long.
I suspect that food allergy is the cause and that is why we need to start with his diet. Incidentally, an injection is not always effective for food allergies. Read moreabout this .
The recommended starting point is Denkadog Micro Protein . You should give this for at least 5 weeks. During this period, no snacks, sweets or other treats should be given. Especially not if they contain animal products. If this works, he can continue on this food for the rest of his life and the problems will also stay away.
My dog has a hot spot or eczema. What can I do about it?
Hotspot or eczema in dogs is common and an annoying thing. A skin rash or condition in your dog is especially annoying because it almost always leads to scratching and licking due to itching. By scratching, the dog itself damages the coat and skin, which results in more licking and scratching and thus worsens the situation.
You can't forbid the dog to scratch because he won't listen to it. Within a few moments a large spot can develop. We call this a " Hotspot ".
Hotspots in dogs often occur suddenly and there is often no immediately identifiable cause. Possible triggers are tick or flea bites or other forms of skin damage. Some breeds, such as long-haired dogs and Labradors, for example, seem to be more sensitive to hot spots.
Because the skin is damaged, crusts and wet bald spots appear in the coat. They are more often seen on the legs, at the base of the ear and on the back. The spots become infected with bacteria, which makes hygiene important. With a food allergy, hotspots can also develop, especially in the early stages of an allergy.
Eczema in dogs is mainly seen in the skin folds as a result of the skin being pressed and rubbed against each other. In certain breeds, this occurs at the edge of the lips, around the vulva and at the beginning of the tail. These breeds often have too much skin, which makes pressing and rubbing possible and eczema can develop more easily. We distinguish between wet and dry dog eczema, depending on the presence of blisters. Good hygiene is crucial.
What can you do yourself about hotspot or eczema in dogs?
Start by thoroughly combing or examining the hair to check for fleas or flea droppings. For this you will need a flea comb. In the early stages you can clean the affected area with lukewarm water and disinfectant liquid. Keep the area dry afterwards. Do not wait too long to visit the vet if it threatens to get out of hand.
American Staffordshire Bull Terrier Itchy
“Our American Stafford (2.5 year old female) has been suffering from itching lately. This is especially bad at her bottom. I don't know what to do anymore. Could it be because of the food she gets? That is from Royal Canin. This is also the only thing she wants to eat.
She also remains very thin and simply does not gain weight. Can I do something about this myself or should I have her tested by our vet?
The symptoms you describe are unfortunately common in the American Staffordshire. First, it is important to thoroughly check for the presence of fleas. To be on the safe side, a flea treatment can't hurt.
In the case of food hypersensitivity, the current diet may play a role. Many foods contain products that can lead to an allergic reaction in these breeds. Which would mean that the current diet is not suitable for your dog.
Solution to itching
Regarding the itching, I advise switching to a hypoallergenic diet for at least 6 weeks. I have had very good experiences with Denkadog Hypo Sensitive, especially with these types of breeds (Bulldog-like). This food is free of animal proteins and contains no artificial colors, fragrances or flavors that can also cause problems with hypersensitive dogs.
In addition to the food, your dog should only have water and no snacks, chews or sweets. These often contain less suitable substances for hypersensitive dogs. After about 3 weeks you should see improvement, but after 6 weeks you can properly judge whether the diet is effective.
My dog has an itch in his groin
Let's take the Bordeaux dog as an example. She licks a lot in the groin and around her backside. She also has an itch on the upper part of her back. Despite the fact that there are no fleas present, the itch persists. What can we do about this?
Itching in dogs is a common problem and it is often difficult to determine the cause. The fact that you have already checked for fleas is a good first step. However, if you do not see fleas, that does not necessarily mean that they are not there. Fleas are in the environment for a large part of the time (baseboards, carpeting, under chairs, etc.) and only appear on the dog briefly to feed. In the case of a flea infestation, flea feces are often visible in the coat. These are very small brown lumps that you see mainly on the back of the dog.
However, the symptoms you describe, itching in the groin and anal glands, strongly point in the direction of a food allergy. Other symptoms are licking the paws and redness of the skin. In the article “ Food allergy in dogs ” you can read about what a food allergy exactly entails.
Solution for itchy groin
In case of a suspected food allergy, it is advisable to switch to a suitable diet. The diet should not contain proteins that can trigger the allergy. Denkadog offers two suitable options: Denkadog Micro Protein , specially developed for dogs with a food allergy, where the proteins are cut into small particles to prevent allergic reactions. In addition , Denkadog Hypo-Sensitive is also very suitable for such cases, because it is easily digestible and does not contain animal proteins.
To see improvement, it is recommended to give this food for at least 4 weeks. During this period, no snacks or chews may be given. You can reward the dog with a few pieces of this food.
Hair loss in dogs and itching
“Our little dog, now 4 years old, has extreme hair loss, several bald spots and a lot of itching. In addition, her belly has also become darker, which even looks a bit purple. Otherwise she behaves very well and seems very healthy. What is the cause of the hair loss, the itching and the darkening belly?”
Hair loss can have various causes that are often difficult to determine. Based on the description, it seems that the itching leads to hair loss. The scratching and biting damages the skin, which in turn causes hair loss. However, the question remains why your dog is so bothered by itching.
Possible causes:
- Fleas
- Food allergy
If the belly does indeed become darker, this could indicate itching in that area. Fleas are a common cause of itching and hair loss. You can remove these from the coat with a can. If you also see the fleas on the belly, treatment with anti-flea products is necessary. You can find more information inthis article .
If there are no fleas present, it is possible that your dog has developed a food allergy. Check if she also has an itch between her toes and in her armpits, as this often occurs with food allergies in dogs. In that case, I recommend giving her Denkadog Micro Protein for 6 weeks, a food specially developed for dogs with food allergies. The first improvements should be noticeable after about 3 weeks. In addition to this food, she should not have any snacks or chews that contain animal products. Of course, she must have access to fresh water. Food allergies in dogs are in most cases directed against animal proteins and these are often processed in such treats.
My dog has a lot of itching at her paws. Which Denkadog food would you recommend?
If your dog licks her paws a lot, she may be hypersensitive to the dog food, which indicates a food allergy. It is very important to make sure that there are no fleas present. If there are, I recommend treating the fleas first. If you give snacks, it is important to check what is in the snacks.
It is best to feed your dog a diet that does not contain ingredients such as beef, chicken or lamb, which could potentially cause these problems, for at least 5 weeks. This is known as an "elimination diet".
I recommend you to try Denkadog Micro Protein . I have a lot of experience with this and this dog food does not contain substances that can cause an allergy. In addition to this food you may only give vegetarian chews or snacks.
After about three weeks you should be able to see if things are going in the right direction. If the symptoms go away, you can give the dog this food for the rest of her life if you want.
My dog has dandruff. What can I do about it?
Dandruff in dogs occurs regularly, just like in humans. The skin is then too dry and the superficial skin layer is quickly loosened. These pieces of dry skin are then visible as dandruff.
Dry skin can occur because the skin does not produce enough sebum or the quality of the sebum is not good enough. On the other hand, accelerated drainage or dissolution of the sebum can also cause it. Shampoo with a strong degreasing effect easily removes the sebum. However, frequent washing of the dog is not good for the coat, so you should avoid this. Using only lukewarm water without shampoo when washing can do no harm.
Some causes, such as yeast or fungal infection, can cause a bad coat. In such cases, a visit to the vet is necessary.
Solution for dandruff in dogs?
A good diet can regulate the supply and quality of the sebum. Denkadog Crocque Derma Protect is a diet that has been specially developed for this. These dry chunks optimally support the skin and coat. This diet is also available in dinner form for the more difficult eater. The result, the formation of dandruff, can be assessed after at least 6 weeks of using this diet.
In older dogs, the recovery of a bad coat can be a bit more difficult and take longer. Here it is assumed that the dog is not itchy and therefore does not scratch, only the dandruff is visible. Giving a snack or bone is no problem in this case.
If the flaking occurs suddenly (for whatever reason), using a good conditioning shampoo can be helpful. In the long run, the coat will have to repair itself.
What are the most common allergies in dogs and what are the symptoms?
The most common allergies in dogs outside the seasons are probably food allergies (10% of all itching complaints are accompanied by food allergies). In addition, there is a lot of contact allergy, atopy and food intolerance. Symptoms are: itching of ears, armpits, redness of fur in specific places. Vomiting and diarrhea complete the picture.
Seasonal allergies in dogs
Seasonal allergies are flea allergy and pollen/dust allergy. These reactions of the body occur to dust and pollen from the environment and are usually seasonal. Of great importance for the treatment or prevention of the allergy is to know what type of allergy it is and therefore what the causative factor is. For this it is important that you know the symptoms of your dog's allergy.
Because pollen and dust are everywhere in the air, an allergy to these substances is almost impossible to prevent. This is different with food allergies. If there are no harmful substances in the food, the dog can live well without problems. Well-known substances are proteins in beef, milk and canned food. Dog food manufacturers nowadays make food that does not contain any of the wrong substances (antigens). In the past, lamb and fish were used a lot. However, we see that more and more dogs are also developing allergies to these over time. A pitfall is food that contains beef or chicken in addition to lamb. This is often stated on the packaging.
Food for allergies in dogs
The ultimate solution is food in which the animal proteins are hydrolysed. This means that these proteins are cut into pieces so that the body does not recognise the proteins as allergy-inducing. The protein molecule is then a maximum of 10,000 Daltons in size. The body cannot then react with itching or diarrhoea and remains symptom-free. Denkadog Micro Protein is the only product available in the store for this. This food can also be used as an elimination diet. This means that if you give this food for at least 4 weeks (without snacks or other food) and the symptoms disappear, you are dealing with a food allergy. The vet also often works this way.
Interesting fact: About 50% of dogs with food allergies also have allergies to dust and pollen, etc. So, feeding a food allergy treatment can probably help significantly with a pollen allergy.
Intolerance in dogs
In addition to food allergies, food intolerances also occur. These are strong bodily reactions to all kinds of substances (in humans, for example, mussels, nuts, peppers, tomatoes, but also medicines). The symptoms occur immediately after eating the cause, while with an allergy this often occurs after a few hours or after a day. We see these reactions to colorants, fragrances and flavorings and food. Denkadog is also free of colorants, fragrances and flavorings. Contact allergy is rare. The itching and redness occur at the place where the animal has contact with the material (snout, belly and scrotum in males). Well-known are food bowls, rugs, rubber mats, baskets, etc.
Denkadog Micro Protein is free from colourings, fragrances and flavourings and chemical antioxidants. The protein source is hydrolysed and does not contain whole proteins. This makes this new generation of hypoallergenic food a big step forward.
Stomach & Intestines
Stomach and intestinal problems in dogs, how do you tackle them?
Stomach and intestinal problems in dogs are usually easy to recognize by loose stools and vomiting. The dog can vomit (white) foam and/or mucus. What is less known is that abdominal sounds, flatulence, vomiting (yellow) bile, eating grass, burping and an unpleasant odor of the stool can also be indications of a stomach and/or intestinal system that is not functioning properly.
Help my dog stinks. What should I do?
If your dog has an unpleasant odor, this can have several causes. Normally, a dog should not stink. If your dog does have an unpleasant odor, this probably indicates a disruption in the immune system which can result in an imbalance in the body. In order to keep your dog's body in balance, building materials are essential. These important nutrients are mainly obtained through an optimally good diet. In other words, nutrition plays an important role and can be an underlying reason why your dog stinks.
Diarrhea in dogs and blood in stool
“My seven-month-old American Bulldog suffers from monthly diarrhea. He has already been given Finidiar Forte three times, the last time the symptoms were very severe. My dog pooped 20 times a day. He had an injection for this. The vet gave medication, Salazosufapyridine 500mg. It was a five-day course. After five days there was still blood in my dog's stool and I was given a new course for seven days. Now my dog has three more days to take these tablets, but I have noticed that there is more blood in the stool since yesterday. It looks like red, fresh blood. I don't know what to do now, because the dog should be pooping without blood by now, I assume? Do you know what this could be and what I should do?”
It seems that the dog has sensitive intestines and, given the prescribed tablets, the vet is treating your dog for large bowel diarrhea. Unfortunately, the results so far are not good. A single drop of blood in the stool is not a problem but it should decrease. If it persists, go back to the vet.
I advise you to switch to a suitable food. Since many Bulldogs experience nutritional problems. The small belly of the dog must supply all muscles with energy and food, which requires that the food is easily digestible. Denkadog Hypo Sensitive is recommended because of its easy digestibility. I expect that it should go better after a week with this food.
Fresh blood in the stool often comes from the anal sphincter and is usually harmless. Diarrhea can be the cause, where the sphincter is strained by frequent bowel movements. This can cause small bleeding that is visible in the stool.
The advice is to switch to Denkadog Hypo-Sensitive and continue giving the tablets to complete the treatment, with the expectation that the stool will improve. Denkadog food can be given for life.
How Hypo-Sensitive works
Some dogs have an intolerance to animal ingredients. To prevent gastrointestinal problems, Denkadog Hypo-Sensitive therefore consists of vegetable nutrients. Furthermore , Denkadog Hypo-Sensitive does not contain any colourings, fragrances, flavourings or synthetic preservatives.
At Denkadog we believe it is important to keep dogs healthy. With the development of Denkadog Hypo-Sensitive we can now support dogs with digestive problems even better.
Loose stool in puppy
Is it normal for a nine-week-old puppy to have loose stools? Although loose stools do not necessarily indicate illness, they can be worrying for owners. The puppy appears to be eating, drinking and playing normally, but the stools remain loose. How can this be explained?
In puppies we often see changing stools. It is important that the puppy eats and drinks enough, and is regularly dewormed. If the loose stools persist, it may be wise to reconsider the food. However, it is important not to change food too often, because this can cause problems. A healthy start begins with good digestion!
Puppies and young dogs can sometimes have trouble with the food we give them, especially because their intestines are still developing. Careful food composition is essential because poor digestion can affect the absorption by the body and can even affect growth and resistance.
Denkadog Pup Junior Croc offers a high-quality nutritional basis for the growth and resistance of your puppy. The combination of beef, chicken and fish ensures easy digestibility and rapid absorption by the body. The balanced composition of calcium and proteins supports strong bones and muscle development.
An alternative choice is Denkadog Growing Up Sensitive . This variant contains easily digestible nutrients and extra enzymes to support optimal absorption by the body. Denkadog Growing Up Sensitive focuses on tackling digestive problems, which not only has a positive effect on the growth and resistance of the dog, but also helps prevent other health problems.
How can you treat diarrhea in your dog?
"What to do when your dog has diarrhea and the tablets are difficult to give? Despite her appetite, she only accepts rice and water via a pipette. She does not seem ill, has eaten some boiled chicken, but her stool remains loose. What are effective steps to stop my dog's diarrhea?" We assume that it is no longer a puppy.
Diarrhea in dogs is a common problem and is not always a cause for concern. In most cases, diarrhea will go away on its own after about four days. If it persists for longer, it is important to keep your dog hydrated and active. If your dog becomes lethargic, a visit to the vet is necessary. Feeding rice water with boiled chicken is a good approach. Once the stools have returned to normal, you can gradually return to the normal diet, mixing the chicken with the food you were feeding before the diarrhea. If diarrhea occurs frequently without an obvious cause, consider trying a different regular food. Denkadog Hypo-Sensitive , easily digestible and without color, odor or flavorings, may be a good choice.
How Denkadog Hypo-Sensitive works
Some dogs have an intolerance to animal ingredients. To prevent stomach and intestinal problems, Denkadog Hypo-Sensitive is composed of vegetable nutrients. Furthermore, it contains no colorants, fragrances, flavorings or synthetic preservatives.
Why is my dog vomiting bile?
Vomiting, throwing up or spitting up is a common occurrence in dogs and is nothing to be alarmed about. Some dogs will vomit bile in the morning, which can be explained by bile flowing back into the stomach when it is empty for a long time. This causes irritation and leads to the dog vomiting bile.
A possible solution, if not already implemented, is to give the dog a handful of kibble before going to bed. During the night, the kibble is filled with stomach acid, which can reduce irritation of the stomach lining. If giving kibble is effective, the dog can eat normally again in the morning.
Symptoms of bilious vomiting
Dogs, like people, can be hypersensitive to certain foods. This is known as food intolerance. Inability to tolerate certain components of food usually manifests as digestive problems. These stomach/intestinal problems result in (frequent) vomiting and diarrhea. Dogs may vomit yellow mucus or foam, and symptoms such as bad breath, flatulence, smelly stools and strange abdominal noises may also occur.
How can nutrition help with vomiting bile?
The choice of food plays an important role in controlling bile vomiting. The chunks must be easily permeable to gastric juices and easily digestible. Denkadog Hypo Sensitive is specially developed for dogs with this type of problem and offers an easily digestible option.
Why is my dog vomiting bile?
An effective approach is to divide the daily food into three meals with a small portion before bedtime. The recommended amount per day is stated on the packaging, depending on the body weight of the dog. Keep to the minimum amount. For example: if the dog weighs 25 kg, it may have 255 - 350 grams of food per day. If you also give snacks and the like, take that into account and give less food.
How Hypo Sensitive works
Denkadog Hypo Sensitive is composed of plant-based nutrients to prevent stomach and intestinal problems. Furthermore, it contains no colorants, fragrances, flavors or synthetic preservatives. This makes it a good choice for dogs with intolerance to animal ingredients.
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Stress & Anxiety
Fireworks and dogs
Eating problems in dogs are a common phenomenon. It is common for more than half of dogs to occasionally eat less or not at all. This is of course abnormal behavior. Fortunately, a dog can easily go without food for days to several weeks.
Stress and anxiety in dogs: how to deal with it?
Often, owners do not realize when their dog is stressed. Your dog's behavior reflects his living situation, and it is not always easy to recognize stress symptoms . How can you identify stress in your dog? It is important to distinguish between healthy stress and chronic stress.
My dog is very busy and remains thin
“My dog gets 500 grams of fresh meat twice a day, but he remains thin. What could this be? He is very busy training. He can't sit still and especially when he has to wait for his turn, he is hyper.”
The solution to this problem may be to increase the amount of food or to feed food with a higher energy value. Dry food (kibble) can help to provide the required energy more efficiently as it contains a higher fat content of up to 18%.
During intensive training, such as that which takes place at dog school, your dog burns considerably more calories. If your dog is healthy and the food provided is eaten completely, it may still be that he does not get enough energy compared to what he burns. In this case, 500 grams of fresh meat per day may be too little.
It is important to understand that meat is approximately 80% water. In other words, your dog is only getting about 20% of the nutrition (protein and fat) from the given weight of meat. For example , if your dog weighs 25 kg, he should eat an average of 230 to 315 grams of dry kibble per day, depending on his activity level. Your dog may not get enough nutrition from the given food alone.
One solution may be to provide more food or choose food with a higher energy value. Dry food (kibble), such as Denkadog Physique Croc , with a fat content of 19%, can help your dog quickly reach a healthy weight. Once the correct weight has been reached, you can consider switching to normal maintenance food, such as Denkadog Excellent Croc .
Feed
Eating problems in dogs?
Eating problems in dogs are a common phenomenon. It is common for more than half of dogs to occasionally eat less or not at all. This is of course abnormal behavior. Fortunately, a dog can easily go without food for days to several weeks.
Why choose low protein dog food?
We often see that older dogs have protein in their urine, which can indicate reduced kidney function. This process can start as early as the age of 8. It is recommended to feed them food with a low protein and salt content to relieve the kidneys. In this case, I always recommend Denkadog Senior Croc . Denkadog Senior Croc contains a moderate amount of protein and salt, which protects the kidneys and prevents age-related complaints. The balanced composition, including chicken, beef and probiotics, promotes optimal digestion. In short, with Senior Croc your dog can fully enjoy his old age again!
If dogs suffer from dental problems or are difficult to eat, Denkadog Diner Derma Protect Plant Based is an excellent choice. Denkadog Diner Derma Protect can be mixed with lukewarm water, making it softer than the hard kibble. Many older dogs prefer this softer texture.
How Derma Diner works :
The balanced composition with a limited amount of salt and protein in Denkadog Diner Derma protects the kidneys and prevents age-related complaints. The crunchy chunk with puffed rice, corn and vegetables ensures optimal digestion and reduces the burden on the teeth. By mixing Denkadog Diner Derma with warm water you enhance the taste, smell and absorption. In short, with Denkadog Diner Derma your dog is kept free from age-related ailments for as long as possible.
The older, the more important nutrition:
Old age often comes with ailments, such as stiffness or difficulty moving. In some dogs, organs function less efficiently, including the kidneys. Kidney failure is a common problem with old age. As your dog ages, the kidneys become more vulnerable. It is essential to protect your dog by providing the right nutrition, as salt and protein in the diet can put a strain on the kidneys.
Dog Nutrition Advice
“Our dog, a cross Maltese/dachshund with Tibetan terrier, is prone to vomiting and cannot tolerate all dog food. The vet advised me to give the dog Science Hills food, large chunks. Unfortunately, the dog eats this food poorly and too little. This food also does not contain any meat. Due to the sensitive intestines and tendency to vomit, I would like your advice about Denkadog and which type would be suitable.”
When a dog eats poorly, it is best to give him Denkadog Diner Derma Protect . This food contains meat, corn, rice and grains. It is recommended to mix the food with lukewarm water to enhance the smell and taste, so that even fussy eaters will enjoy it.
The benefits of Diner Derma Protect
Denkadog Diner Derma Protect has a particularly high nutritional value. The special recipe with extra Omega 3 and 6 forms an important basis for healthy skin and coat. The high-quality composition with high-quality meat, unlocked (pre-cooked) grains and vegetables ensures optimal digestion and prevents complaints. Mixing with warm water enhances the taste, smell and absorption.
A picky eater? Beware of malnutrition!
Some dogs are just not big eaters. It becomes problematic when every meal is a battle. Just like with people, it is essential that your dog gets his daily portion of food to stay healthy. A lack of nutrients has major consequences for his overall health. In addition to full bowls of food, you can recognize the effects of a poor diet by, for example, a dull coat, weight loss and listlessness.
Denkadog Derma Protect: nutritional advice for the fussy dog. At Denkadog we strive to keep dogs healthy. With Denkadog Diner Protect even the most fussy dogs get enough nutrients. You do have to keep a close eye on whether the dog does this with its intestines can tolerate well. Some dogs have trouble with meat, which can manifest itself in diarrhea and an upset stomach. In that case I recommend Denkadog Hypo Sensitive , an easily digestible food that is especially suitable for sensitive dogs.
The Benefits of Hypo-Sensitive
Some dogs have an intolerance to animal ingredients. To prevent stomach/intestinal problems, Denkadog Hypo-Sensitive therefore consists of vegetable nutrients. Furthermore, Denkadog Hypo-Sensitive does not contain any colourings, fragrances, flavourings or synthetic preservatives.
What is the best way to switch to a different food for my dog?
Switching your dog's food is easier than you think, except when you are making the change because of your dog's diarrhea. In that case, switching completely is often possible and the problem can be solved quickly with better food.
1. From crunchy chunk to another crunchy chunk
When switching from one crunchy kibble to another, it is best to mix gradually. Over 5 days, gradually add more of the new food to the old food until you have completely switched. Start with about 1/5 of the new food instead of the old on the first day. The next day, add 2/5 and continue until the switch is complete.
2. Switching from tripe to dry dog food
When switching from tripe to dry dog food, you can mix both foods for 3 to 5 days. On day 1, add a small amount of dry dog food to the tripe. On day 2, gradually increase the amount of kibble until you have switched completely to dry dog food.
3. Switching to pressed kibble
When switching to pressed kibble, you can follow the following steps:
1st day: 25% of the new food without extra snacks, but a bone is allowed.
2nd day: 50%
3rd day: 75%
4th day: use the recommended amount of food as indicated on the packaging.
This gradual approach gives your dog's digestive tract enough time to adjust to the new diet. Changes in stool color and quantity are normal and nothing to worry about.
Important: Switching your dog's food should not be done too often. It is not recommended because dogs need time to get used to food. Although it is possible to switch food, it is important to pay attention to this, as dogs prefer a consistent eating pattern.
How do I know for sure that it is organic dog food?
Organic dog food or not? Organic dog food is mainly prepared with natural ingredients, which means that it is free of chemical colourings, fragrances and flavourings. The animals from which the meat comes have had more space during their lives than in regular livestock farms. Both their food, including grains, corn and grass, and the concentrates must be grown organically. In addition, farmers who produce organic dog food only use natural pesticides.
Organic dog food is available at health food stores and pet shops. Some dog food manufacturers falsely try to suggest that their products are organic. In the Netherlands, genuine organic products, including organic dog food, can be identified by the EKO quality mark on the packaging. Producers of organic dog food must comply with strict regulations for production. Skal, which falls under the Ministry of Agriculture, monitors compliance with the regulations of food producers and is the only institute that grants permission to use the EKO quality mark.
With cheaper brands of dog food, the origin of the meat is often unclear. If the dog food does not have an EKO quality mark on the packaging, you can assume that it is not authentic organic dog food. The quality mark functions as a reliable seal of quality that shows that the product meets strict organic standards.
How long should a puppy be fed puppy food?
We always recommend feeding a puppy puppy food up to the age of 12 months. Small dog breeds can switch to adult food from 10 to 11 months, while for a Basset, for example, it is wise to switch after 12 months. The difference between puppy food and adult dog food lies in the higher protein content (building materials) and the digestibility of the food. For a puppy, an increased protein content is more important than for an adult dog.
How can I make my dog gain weight?
“A curious situation is occurring with our 14-month-old Golden Retriever, who currently weighs only 17.2 kg. The recommended adult weight for a male is 35 kg, while the recommended adult weight for a female is 28 kg. Despite the provision of sheep fat and dry food, she seems to be getting thinner and thinner. How much dry food should she be given daily and how often? She is currently receiving a full bowl of food twice a day. What can I do to help my dog gain weight?”
It is unusual for a Golden Retriever to remain thin despite adequate nutrition, especially at this age. We assume that there is no diarrhea or other health problems. It seems that she may need more energy. In this case, it may be helpful to switch to a high-energy food, such as Denkadog Physique Croc , as sheep fat may not be sufficient.
The food packaging states the recommended daily amount. In this case, you can safely increase this amount to stimulate your dog's weight gain. Dividing the meals into two meals a day is fine. Also make sure that there is always fresh drinking water available.
How Physique Croc works
Denkadog Physique Croc contains a special combination of high-quality and natural ingredients that are easily digestible and contribute to the body's energy supply. The large chunks are ideal for large dogs with an active lifestyle and offer special support for skin, muscle tissue and bones. It is important that this food does not contain any colourings, fragrances or flavourings or synthetic preservatives.
Large breeds and active dogs, such as hunting, agility, police and sled dogs, often need extra energy due to their size and activities. The fat content of the food plays an important role in providing this energy. Since large dogs use their muscles intensively, it is also important that the food is easily digestible.