Types of Dog Food

The right choice of food is crucial for the health, performance, and well-being of service dogs. In this comprehensive guide, you will learn everything about the different types of dog food, their advantages and disadvantages, as well as optimal application for dogs in dog units.

Overview of Types of Dog Food

Service dogs have special nutritional requirements. They need high-quality nutrients to maintain their physical and mental performance. The choice of the right type of food depends on various factors, including breed, age, activity level, and individual health needs.

Dry Food

Dry food is the most widely used type of dog food and offers numerous advantages for use in dog units.

Advantages of Dry Food

Dry food is characterized by its practical properties:

• Long shelf life: Unopened packages last for months
• Easy storage: Requires little space and no refrigeration
• Cost efficiency: Cheaper than wet food with comparable quality
• Dental care: The crispy consistency helps with dental cleaning
• Portionability: Easy dosing and weight control
• Transportability: Ideal for operations and travel

Disadvantages and Challenges

However, dry food also has some disadvantages:

• Lower moisture content: Dogs must drink more
• Quality differences: Large variations between manufacturers
• Acceptance: Some dogs prefer wet food
• Digestibility: Can cause problems in sensitive dogs

Quality Criteria for Dry Food

When selecting dry food, the following criteria should be considered:

1. High meat content: At least 60-70% animal proteins
2. Grain-free or low-grain: Especially for active dogs
3. No artificial additives: No preservatives, colorants, or flavors
4. Balanced nutrient composition: Optimal ratio of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates
5. High-quality fat sources: Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids
6. Vitamins and minerals: Complete supply of all essential nutrients

Wet Food

Wet food offers an excellent alternative or supplement to dry food and is particularly suitable for dogs with special needs.

Advantages of Wet Food

Wet food brings several important advantages:

• High moisture content: Contributes to fluid supply
• High acceptance: Preferred by most dogs
• Easily digestible: Ideal for older or sick dogs
• Intensive aromas: Appealing smell and taste
• Flexible portioning: Easy adjustment to needs

Disadvantages of Wet Food

However, using wet food also has disadvantages:

• Shorter shelf life: Spoils quickly after opening
• Higher costs: Significantly more expensive than dry food
• Storage: Requires refrigeration after opening
• Less dental care: No mechanical cleaning of teeth
• Transport: Heavier and less practical for operations

Areas of Application for Wet Food

Wet food is particularly suitable for:

• Dogs with fluid deficiency
• Older dogs with dental problems
• Dogs in convalescence
• Picky dogs with low food acceptance
• Dogs with digestive problems

BARF (Biologically Appropriate Raw Feeding)

BARF is a feeding method based on raw, natural ingredients and is finding more and more followers.

Basic Principles of BARF

BARF is oriented towards the natural nutrition of wolves and wild dogs:

• Raw meat: Main component of nutrition
• Bones: For calcium and dental care
• Organ meats: Important nutrient source
• Vegetables and fruits: For vitamins and fiber
• No processing: All ingredients are fed raw

Advantages of BARF

Raw feeding offers numerous advantages:

• Natural nutrition: Corresponds to original nutrition
• No additives: No artificial preservatives
• Individual adaptation: Each dog can be optimally supplied
• High acceptance: Most dogs love raw meat
• Better digestion: Natural enzymes support digestion
• Healthier teeth: Bones naturally clean teeth

Challenges with BARF

However, BARF requires a lot of knowledge and effort:

• Time expenditure: Daily preparation required
• Hygiene: Strictest hygiene standards necessary
• Nutrient balance: Risk of deficiency symptoms
• Costs: Significantly more expensive than prepared food
• Storage: Requires sufficient cooling capacity
• Expertise: Requires sound knowledge of dog nutrition

Checklist for BARF Feeding

If you want to feed BARF, you should consider the following points:

• Acquired sound knowledge about dog nutrition
• Consulted veterinarian and created nutrition plan
• Procured high-quality, fresh ingredients
• Ensured hygienic storage and preparation
• Regular monitoring of nutrient supply
• Planned alternative for operations and travel
• Created emergency plan for supply problems

Raw Feeding

Raw feeding goes one step further than BARF and is based exclusively on raw, unprocessed ingredients.

Differences from BARF

Raw feeding differs from BARF through:

• Even less processing: Completely raw ingredients
• Focus on meat: Even higher meat content
• Minimal additions: Hardly any vegetables or grains
• Natural prey animals: Whole animals when possible

Advantages of Raw Feeding

Raw feeding offers maximum naturalness:

• Highest nutrient availability: No nutrient losses through processing
• Optimal digestion: Natural enzymes remain intact
• Healthier skin and coat: Through high-quality fatty acids
• Better energy supply: Optimal nutrient absorption

Risks and Challenges

However, raw feeding carries significant risks:

• Hygiene risks: Danger of salmonella and other germs
• Parasites: Risk of worms and other parasites
• Nutrient deficiency: Difficult balance without expertise
• High costs: Very expensive with high quality
• Time expenditure: Considerable effort for preparation
• Storage: Requires much cooling capacity

Combination Feeding

The combination of different types of food can combine the advantages of both worlds.

Advantages of Combination Feeding

Combination feeding offers maximum flexibility:

• Balanced nutrition: Combines advantages of different food types
• Flexibility: Adaptation to various situations
• Acceptance: Higher food acceptance through variety
• Practicability: Dry food for operations, wet food for home
• Cost optimization: Balance between quality and costs

Practical Implementation

When using combination feeding, the following points should be considered:

1. Consistent main meal: Choose one food type as basis
2. Supplements: Use other food types as supplements
3. Adaptation phase: Slow transition to combination
4. Observation: Closely observe dog's reactions
5. Adjustment: Adjust feeding as needed

Types of Food in Comparison

Recommendations for Service Dogs

For service dogs in dog units, special requirements apply:

Dry Food as Basis

Dry food should form the basis of nutrition, as it:

• Is practical for operations
• Is easy to store and transport
• Is cost-efficient with high quality
• Offers controlled nutrient supply

Supplements with Wet Food

Wet food can be used as a supplement for:

• Higher fluid supply
• Better acceptance in picky dogs
• Support for special health needs

BARF Only with Expertise

BARF should only be used if:

• Sound knowledge is available
• Veterinary care is ensured
• Sufficient time and resources are available
• Alternative for operations is planned

Frequently Asked Questions about Types of Food

Can I mix different types of food?
Yes, a combination is possible but should be introduced slowly. Observe your dog's reactions closely.

Is BARF better than prepared food?
BARF can offer advantages but requires a lot of knowledge. High-quality prepared food is sufficient for most dogs.

How do I recognize high-quality food?
Pay attention to high meat content, no artificial additives, and transparent declaration of ingredients.

Can I change the type of food during an operation?
No, food changes should only occur in quiet phases to avoid digestive problems.

How much does high-quality food cost?
Costs vary greatly. For service dogs, you should expect 50-100 euros per month for premium food.

Last update: October 21, 2025