When it comes to feeding their dogs, British consumers take it very seriously and are twice as likely to cut back on their own food shopping instead of their pooch. Different dogs not only need a breed-specific diet based on their size, ideal weight and illnesses they are prone to, but also for the shape of their face and jaw structure and their biting patterns. Most larger dogs will be fed dry food as it’s expensive for owners to provide enough calories and nutrients with wet food, and dry food also helps remove plaque from teeth.
A Diet For Weimaraners
Weimaraners are prone to developing gastric torsion from bloating, which can be triggered by eating too quickly or too much, so they should be fed several small meals throughout the day to reduce bloating. Most large breed dog foods are lower calorie, but Weimaraners aren’t predisposed to obesity, so they don’t need this type of food. However, puppies will benefit from large breed puppy food as it encourages slower growth, which reduces the risk of HOD, a type of bone disease caused by growing too quickly. Understanding a Weimaraners diet is essential in keeping them at their optimum health.
Difference Between Labrador Retrievers And Golden Retrievers Diets
These two family-friendly retrievers may have similar names and appearances, but their diet requirements vary greatly. Labrador Retrievers have a scissor bite and thoroughly enjoy their food, largely due to being bred for search and rescue. They will benefit from good quality kibble that will slow them down as it encourages them to chew. Golden Retrievers were originally bred to collect birds during hunting because they have a soft mouth. They are prone to developing cardiac problems, so a diet that is low in sodium can help to reduce the risk when combined with plenty of exercise. Golden Retrievers require at least 8% fat in their diets as puppies and 5% when they’re adults, depending on how active they are.
Siberian Huskies
Siberian Huskies are well-known for pulling heavy loads over long distances, meaning that they need a diet packed with protein to keep them strong. They differ from other dogs of similar size because they’re unlikely to eat at mealtimes if they’re not hungry and will happily skip a meal or two. Despite this, they still require the calories of a large breed, so food that has a high calorie content is best. They can be prone to genetic eye defects, which a diet high in omega-3s and DHA can help with. Huskies are likely to be lactose and gluten intolerant, so avoid foods with milk, milk powders, whey or wheat.
You should always feed your dog a breed-specific diet to keep them happy and healthy, but it’s important to feed them based on the dog as an individual too. Vets can offer the best advice tailored to your dog to keep them at an ideal weight and to customise their diet to any health issues they may have.
