Happy Dog Sensible Africa, 12.5 kg is a grain-free complete food from the German brand Happy Dog for adult dogs weighing 11 kg or more with normal energy needs. The only meat is ostrich (18%), the only carbohydrate is potato, and there are no grains or gluten. It's recommended for dogs intolerant to grains and common proteins, dogs with sensitive digestion and picky eaters. The kibble is designed for medium and large breeds.
What it is and who makes it
Happy Dog is made by the German company Interquell in Bavaria. Africa is the strictest recipe in the Supreme Sensible range: one rare protein and one carbohydrate source. This approach is used when most potential allergens need to be excluded — chicken, beef, lamb, fish, wheat, corn and rice.
Ingredients and analysis
Potato flakes (48%), ostrich meat (18%), potato, sunflower oil, beet pulp, hydrolysed liver, apple pulp (0.8%), rapeseed oil, sea salt, yeast. Energy: 349 kcal per 100 g.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Protein | 20% |
| Fat | 10% |
| Fibre | 3% |
| Ash | 7.5% |
| Calcium / phosphorus | 1.35% / 0.95% |
| Omega-6 / omega-3 | 2.6% / 0.28% |
How much to feed
Daily amounts from the manufacturer's table (normal / high activity):
| Dog weight | Normal activity | High activity |
|---|---|---|
| 11 kg | 150 g | 165 g |
| 20 kg | 250 g | 275 g |
| 30 kg | 330 g | 360 g |
| 40 kg | 415 g | 455 g |
| 50 kg | 490 g | 540 g |
Split the amount into 2 meals and adjust by body condition. Switch gradually over 7–10 days — see how to switch your pet to a new food.
Pros
- One rare protein. Ostrich is almost never found in other foods, so it works for excluding allergens.
- No grains or gluten. The only carbohydrate is potato.
- Short ingredient list. About ten ingredients make it easier to see what a dog reacts to.
- Moderate calories. 349 kcal per 100 g suits dogs with normal activity and seniors.
- Omega fatty acids. Sunflower and rapeseed oils for skin and coat.
Cons and what to keep in mind
- Lots of potato. Almost half the recipe is potato flakes; there's less meat protein than in high-meat foods.
- Liver source not stated. The hydrolysed liver may come from another animal — on a strict elimination diet, check this with a vet.
- Low omega-3. At 0.28%, a vet may add fish oil for significant skin problems.
- Not for small breeds. For dogs from 11 kg; the kibble is large.
- Price. Costs more than Ireland and standard foods of the same class.
How to check for a food allergy
If a dog has itching, red ears and paws, soft stools or vomiting with no obvious cause, a vet may suggest an elimination diet: 8–10 weeks of a single new food, with no table scraps or other foods. Africa works for this if the dog has never eaten ostrich. Once things improve, previous foods are reintroduced one at a time to watch for a reaction. More in hypoallergenic dog food.
Africa or Ireland
Africa is grain-free with ostrich and potato, for dogs intolerant to grains and most common proteins. Ireland has salmon, rabbit, barley and oats, for dogs that react to chicken or beef but tolerate grains. Details in our Happy Dog Ireland review.
Who it suits
Adult and senior medium and large dogs from 11 kg with food allergies, grain intolerance, sensitive digestion, and picky eaters. What grain-free food really does — see grain-free food: facts and myths; other foods are in dry dog food.
Verdict
Happy Dog Sensible Africa is a strict grain-free recipe with one rare protein: handy for an elimination diet and for dogs with grain intolerance. It has less meat protein than high-meat foods and the liver source isn't stated, so with severe allergies agree the choice with a vet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Happy Dog Africa grain-free?
Yes, it has no grains or gluten; the carbohydrate is potato.
What meat is in it?
Ostrich (18%); it also contains hydrolysed liver.
How much should a 20 kg dog eat?
Per the manufacturer's table, 250 g a day with normal activity and 275 g with high activity.
Is it suitable for senior dogs?
Yes, it's for adult and senior dogs from 11 kg with normal energy needs.
Can puppies eat it?
No, it's for adult dogs.
Is it suitable for an elimination diet?
Yes, if the dog has never eaten ostrich; run the diet together with a vet.
