Dog nutrition is perhaps the most important factor when talking about the health of pets and their proper growth and development. However, a large number of people believe that dogs belonging to smaller breeds require less care and, among other things, less food, while in reality the situation is actually completely different. Although small in stature, these dogs often have to consume more energy through food than large dogs, which is why their diet should be carefully planned in order to provide these little pets with all the necessary nutrients. Although there are some guidelines that should be followed when choosing food for small breed dogs, it should always be remembered that every dog is unique and that we cannot follow any universal rule for everyone. Every dog owner who wants to provide his pet with a happy life in which he will grow healthily and develop carefree, must pay attention to all the details that characterize his pet, so that he can adapt the diet that will provide him with the greatest benefits. Although your small pet will try with its character and activity to show you that it is completely equal to a large dog, keep in mind that its organism is quite different, and that the nutrition of small breeds of dogs requires a special approach.
Why do small dog breeds need a different diet?
It is common knowledge that dogs of different ages should be fed different foods, but what many people forget is that there are differences between small and large dog breeds. Small dogs, especially when it comes to puppies, have a much faster metabolism than large dogs, which is why their meals must contain many more calories, but also be frequent, so that hypoglycemia does not occur, which can result in malaise and weakness. , muscle twitching, seizures, and even in more serious cases a fatal outcome. Although these differences decrease over time, they do not disappear completely, so small dogs must eat more caloric meals throughout their lives than large dogs do. In addition, small breeds of dogs are significantly different from large ones in that their stomachs are much smaller and cannot digest large meals that large dogs can easily handle. In addition to small stomachs, small breeds of dogs also have smaller throats and teeth, so you have to adapt their diet to avoid certain health problems and so that they don’t struggle during meals. Also, small dogs mature much earlier, but also have a longer lifespan, so all these differences should be kept in mind when choosing food for a pet.
What kind of food should small dog breeds eat?
What is very important to take into account is that the meals given to small breeds of dogs must contain a higher number of calories than those eaten by large dogs, although this seems unexpected at first glance. With them, it is actually preferable to make a larger number of smaller meals, which have a higher calorie content. While your pet is still a puppy, it needs to have three to four meals a day, and even more if you notice that it is necessary, while as it grows, you can reduce the number of meals to two to three during the day. Because of their need for more calories, choose foods rich in fats and proteins of animal origin. Given that small breed dogs have a small stomach, you need to pay attention to the portion size you give them and not to overdo it, so that the dog does not overeat. Follow the portion instructions that are always marked on the food package, because if you give your small dog too many meals, not only will he have digestive problems, but he will very likely become overweight over time, which can cause numerous other health problems. . When choosing granules for your pet, pay attention to their size and shape, bearing in mind that small dogs, in addition to having a smaller stomach, also have smaller teeth and throats, so it is very important to choose food that will not cause them problems when chewing and swallowing. Fortunately, there is a Frendy Puppy Menu , a food specially designed for small breeds of dogs that will provide your pets with a complete and balanced diet.
Don’t forget about water and activity
Every dog must always have access to fresh and clean drinking water, but when we talk about small breeds of dogs, it is considered that they are more susceptible to the formation of stones in the bladder, so it is especially important for them to take in sufficient amounts of water. If your dog has already had such problems, you can add wet food to his regular diet, to make sure that he will still get enough fluids into his body. This is especially recommended for breeds that are prone to this disease, such as miniature schnauzers, where it is recommended that even a larger part of the diet be based on wet food. Don’t ever forget that in addition to taking care of your pet’s diet , you also need to provide him with a sufficient level of physical activity in order to have a healthy and happy dog. Although the level of activity is different for each breed, although there are deviations depending on the character of each individual dog, kennel associations advise that small dog breeds should be provided with up to 30 minutes of physical activity per day. A large number of small breeds of dogs are considered to be very active by nature, although of course there are exceptions, so this is another reason why their diet requires a higher calorie intake.
What you have to pay particular attention to when it comes to feeding small breeds of dogs is the intake of certain harmful foods, because a piece of chocolate in a large dog can cause certain problems, but in a smaller dog it will have far more serious consequences, and unfortunately it can even be fatal. This is why it is necessary to pay special attention when you have a small breed dog, in order to prevent him from secretly eating something that is not good for him. A large number of dogs also struggle with allergies to certain foods, so always pay attention to unusual behavior or symptoms in your pet in order to react in time and eliminate what does not suit him from the diet. Fortunately, today’s market offers food that is fully adapted to every age and breed of dog, and feeding small breeds does not have to be an additional burden, but with the right selection of ready-made food, you can dedicate your time to enjoying and playing with your pet.
