Why choose a Superpremium Dog Food Brand?

Choosing a dog food can be surprisingly confusing. There are dozens of bags on the shelf, all promising slightly different things, and it isn’t always easy to know what actually matters.

For us, the starting point is simple in that a good everyday dog food should be complete, balanced and suited to the individual dog.

That is one reason we stock ranges such as Calibra, which offers complete foods for different life stages and nutritional needs.

Complete nutrition matters

If a food is described as complete, it means it is designed to provide all the nutrients a healthy dog needs when fed as its main diet.

That includes the right balance of protein, fat, vitamins and minerals.

European nutritional guidance from FEDIAF sets out recommended nutrient levels for complete dog foods and is widely used as a reference by the pet-food industry.

You can read the current FEDIAF nutritional guidelines here:https://europeanpetfood.org/self-regulation/nutritional-guidelines/

For owners, this is one of the most useful things to look for on a food label.

Different dogs have different needs

There is no single diet that is perfect for every dog.

A growing puppy, an active working dog, a neutered adult and an older dog may all have different nutritional requirements.

Size, activity level, body condition and digestive sensitivity can also make a difference.

Calibra offers different ranges and recipes aimed at different stages of life and nutritional priorities, making it easier to choose a food that suits the dog in front of you.

For example, its current ranges include options aimed at areas such as sensitive digestion, mobility, weight management and skin and coat support.

You can see the Calibra range here.

Protein, fats, vitamins and minerals all have a job to do

Good nutrition is about balance rather than simply looking for the highest percentage of one ingredient.

Protein provides amino acids needed to maintain tissues including muscle.

Fats are an important source of energy and provide essential fatty acids, while vitamins and minerals support a huge range of normal functions throughout the body.

FEDIAF describes a satisfactory pet food as one that is complete, balanced, digestible, palatable and safe. That overall balance is far more useful than judging a food on one ingredient or one number on the packet.

Why choose a food designed for a specific need?

Some dogs do perfectly well on a straightforward adult maintenance diet.

Others may benefit from a food formulated with a particular nutritional priority in mind.

Calibra’s Expert Nutrition range, for example, includes complete diets designed around areas such as:

• sensitive digestion

• mobility

• weight management

• oral care

• energy needs

That doesn’t mean every dog needs a specialist formula,it just means owners have more choice when looking for a complete diet that fits their dog’s lifestyle and nutritional needs.

What does “superpremium” mean?

Calibra describes a number of its foods as superpremium.

Rather than relying on that word alone, we think owners should look at what is actually behind the food.

The useful questions are whether it is nutritionally complete, whether it suits your dog’s life stage and whether the recipe is appropriate for their individual needs.

Calibra’s Expert+ range, for example, is described by the company as a complete and balanced dry-food range for adult pets, with different recipes designed around particular nutritional priorities.

A good food should suit the dog, not just look good on the bag

One of the best ways to judge whether a diet suits your dog is to look at the dog themselves.

Are they maintaining a healthy body condition?

Are their stools normal?

Is their coat in good condition?

Are they eating well and maintaining an appropriate weight?

Those practical signs can tell you a lot.

Feeding amounts matter too. Even a nutritionally balanced food can contribute to weight gain if a dog regularly eats more calories than they need.

Thinking of changing your dog’s food?

If you are moving your dog onto a new diet, a gradual change is often easier on the digestive system than switching suddenly.

You can introduce the new food over several days, gradually increasing the proportion while reducing the old food.

If your dog has an existing medical condition or has been prescribed a veterinary diet, speak to your vet before making any changes.

Is Calibra right for your dog?

For many owners, the appeal of Calibra is the choice of complete diets available for different ages, sizes and nutritional needs.

The key is choosing the right one.

At East Limerick Vets, we can help you look at your dog’s age, weight, activity level, body condition and individual needs before choosing an appropriate food.

If you’re considering changing your dog’s diet or would like to know more about the Calibra dog food range, ask us in practice and we’ll be happy to help.