7 Tips for the proper nutrition of small dogs!
They are our friends, our daily companionship that makes us happy with the simplest and most unexpected things and of course above all they are... family! Our pets are like our children, and in the same way that we take care of each member of our family, we should also take care of their well-being. Just as it is true for humans, so for dogs, nutrition is the number one weapon for their good health. So let's see everything you need to know and be careful about feeding your small dog :
*Table of all small dog breeds
Source Credits: http://www.spca.org.sg/images/SPCAHDBDogList.jpg
Tip no 1: Nutrition & Development of small dogs
Let's start with the basics. Small, medium and large breeds have different anatomy (body size, stomach, mouth) face different needs and are susceptible to different problems. So, according to them, the diet their. First of all, you should know that all the small dogs up to 10 kg, due to their high metabolism they consume much more calories and energy compared to large and giant breeds. For example, Terriers such as Jack Russells, which are known to be hyperactive, need up to 30% more calories than their smaller counterparts! In general, for small dogs, their main source of energy is protein. In particular, cute toy dogs need much more protein in their dry food compared to a large dog.
Most small dogs reach full growth at about 9 months of age. As this period is shorter compared to large dogs, they need much more calcium and fat in their daily diet. So in case you choose dry food, search small dog food high in protein and good fats to boost his growth, avoid obesity - to which small breeds are prone - and maintain good joint health. Otherwise, the choice of food poor in these components leads to the development of fat and will also cause him musculoskeletal problems in the future.
Tip no 2: Croquette size
It is very important to choose your dog's kibble based on its size. Always choose small kibble that is easily manageable by your dog. Large kibbles aimed at large or medium breeds can block your small dog's esophagus, causing severe choking. In addition, the large kibble burdens digestion, causes gas, bloating and other unpleasant side effects. So be careful!
Tip no 3: Ingredients for croquettes for small dogs
The right kibble size is clearly a determining factor in its selection, but you also need to pay very close attention to its ingredients. Croquettes for small dogs must contain:
- More high-quality protein and fat than older dog food
- More calories
- Good sources of digestible starches
- Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids
- They must not contain harmful additives such as artificial colors, flavors or preservatives
Tip no 4: Wet or Dry food for a small dog?
Which of the two should you prefer? As many of you are in the dilemma of wet vs dry food, let's see what you should choose and why. Because small animals have tooth sensitivity anyway, dry food is recommended as chewing it exercises the teeth and bloods the entire dentition of the dog. So if there is no serious health reason - such as some clinical case that requires liquid food - then the choice of dry food is the most suitable. Canned food is also a great source of hydration, and in fact, there are now antioxidant-enriched canned foods that make super complete meals!
Finally, as little ones get bored of their food easily, we recommend you make a healthy combination of both: dry food and canned food. In this way, you break the taste monotony that will tire your small friend and at the same time offer him a range of nutrients through foods of different textures!
Then, after consulting the quantity table on the dry food package, give the appropriate amount of food every 24 hours. As for homemade food, as it is difficult to calculate calories, it is best to avoid giving extra cooked food along with dry food.
Tip no 5: How much should I feed my small dog?
First you need to make sure which category your dog belongs to in terms of weight.
Indicatively, we mention some categories in order to classify your own dog.
- Toy dog breeds/toy dog size less than 4 kg.
- Small dog breeds 4 to 7 kg.
- Medium dog breeds 7 to 15 kg.
Tip no 6: How often should I feed my small dog?
For a small dog small frequent meals are essential. This is due to his fast metabolism that constantly consumes energy, combined with his small stomach that cannot take in the necessary amount with a single meal. So for better digestion and energy production, the small dog must receive at least three small meals a day. Finally, you must remember that small and toy breeds have several changes in the blood sugar curve. So in order to keep the sugar at normal levels, we always take care of small, regular meals!
Tip no 7: Dog breed and food allergies
Research shows that certain breeds are more susceptible to health problems related to food allergies. Small to medium-sized dogs, such as Dachshunds, some Bulldogs, Cocker Spaniels and Boston Terriers, are among the most at-risk breeds. And although most of you know the foods that are poisonous to dogs, if you have a small dog you need to be even more careful. For example, an amount of chocolate may not cause a problem for a large dog, but for a small one it can have significant negative effects.
In general, the most common allergens are beef, dairy and wheat. As a dog owner, you should therefore watch out for signs of food allergy such as itching, swollen eyelids, digestive problems, etc., and contact the vet or someone with expertise in nutrition of small dogs to help you identify the "culprit" food ingredient and recommend the appropriate food.
Remember that your dog's health depends on you and you must provide him with the best! Correct all possible mistakes you make in diet of small dog and select foods which are carefully selected with his well-being and longevity in mind.
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