2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21
According to veterinarians, small dogs should not eat the same food that big dogs eat. By the way, it is necessary to define the concept of "small". This means that the dog must weigh between 2 and 5 kg. Also important are indicators such as the age and energy costs of your pet. Based on this, you need to properly compose a diet and choose the right food for small breed dogs.
Physiology of small dogs
The main representatives of miniature breeds include toy terriers, chihuahuas, spitz, Yorkshire terriers. These dogs are extremely mobile, and therefore they have increased energy costs and an accelerated metabolism. For example, a Yorkshire Terrier has a higher energy expenditure per kilogram of body weight than a St. Bernard or Shepherd Dog.
Small dogs grow faster from puppyhood than large breed puppies. Of course they get faster.sexually mature. This means that you need a quickly digestible food that gives the dog energy and nutrition. You should pay attention to what is written on the packaging when purchasing food for dogs of small breeds. If a small puppy is drawn, this does not mean that food is for a small breed. This food may be puppy food for large dogs and therefore not suitable for small dogs.
Homemade food
Having a small breed of dog at home, the owners forget that dogs are still representatives of the wolf family, which means that protein food is recommended for them. According to the recommendations of veterinarians, in the diet for dogs of small breeds, dry food should be present along with beef, lean lamb, offal, milk and boiled eggs. Categorically contraindicated: pork, fatty trimmings, raw fish. Do not give dogs any types of smoked meats and sausages, as well as raw eggs and cereals. A product such as potatoes and tomatoes containing oxalate damages the functioning of the food and genitourinary system. Chocolate and flour products, especially yeast dough, are out of the question. Cat food is also contraindicated for small breed dogs. Cat food is high in fat and protein.
Ready food
Do not be afraid to give dry food to your little pets. This food is balanced and contains all the vitamins and minerals your dog needs. So, in premium-class feeds for dogs of small breeds, a clear balance of fats, proteins and carbohydrates is observed. When purchasing such food, you do not need to think about how much food to feed the dog. The packaging indicates the norms taking into account age, weight and breed. Often, manufacturers put a measuring container in dry food packaging for easy dosing. When purchasing food from different manufacturers, you need to carefully read what the norm is for your dog. Different manufacturers may have different energy values of this feed.
Feeding rules for prepared food
The rules are very simple. This is a selection of special food for small breed dogs, tailored to their needs. Dry food is divided into age categories. It is necessary not to confuse them, and buy food of exactly the category to which the dog belongs. This food is for puppies, juniors, adult and senior dogs. You should not overfeed the dog, you must adhere to the norms indicated on the package.
After eating, do not play with the dog, provoke it to activity or take it for a walk. The dog should have a rest after eating so that the food is digested. It is advisable to regularly weigh the animal in order to understand if the dog is overfed. In any case, you need to communicate with a veterinarian who will give the necessary recommendations on the diet.
Types of dry food
Dry food companies usually rank dry food based on ingredients, value and quality. Economy class feeds do not include vitamins and consist of raw materials of low quality. Premium feed also includes raw materials of low quality, and its advantage over the economy class in more fats and proteins. most valuabledry food is considered super premium, which includes natural meat, eggs and food additives.
Dry food is divided into food according to age gradation, that is, from a puppy to an adult animal and veterinary diets. For example, "Hills" (producing country USA and Holland) belongs to premium food for small breed dogs. Hill's Science Plan is a series of dry food for everyday dog feeding. In creating this food, nutritionists have used the latest scientific achievements. There is a line of products corresponding to a certain age of the dog. One of the indicators that the food is digested is a decrease in the volume of feces, an increased feeling of fullness.
Brit Premium ("Brit Premium") is made in the Czech Republic. Dry food is produced for feeding dogs of different ages. Dry food produced in France Pro Plan ("Pro Plan") also belongs to the premium class and is a balanced diet for dogs.
Dry diet food
Hill's Science Plan Special Care - food for animals with some he alth problems. Owners have only positive reviews about this food for dogs of small breeds. Well, if the dog does not have he alth problems, but if they arise for some reason, the above series restores the he alth of the dog, dog owners share. This series contains food for dogs with skin problems and sensitive stomach, dietary food for the prevention of oral cavity and teeth, balanced nutrition forweight gain.
Pro Plan is a super premium dry diet food.
Many owners of animals prone to allergies note that after 2 months of feeding food for sensitive digestion on the recommendation of a veterinarian, pets recover. Veterinarians recommend giving frozen and cooked beef meat in the morning feeding, and giving dry food after 7-8 hours and at night.
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