
Different foods for specific dog breeds is the pinnacle of marketing genius, preying on those of us that think we are feeding the best food possible for our breed of dog. With that in mind, here are some pieces of information that can be considered when feeding different breeds:
1. High Quality Food:
If a food is high enough in quality, it will be suitable for all breeds and life stages. We recommend either a proper raw diet, sourcing ingredients yourself and working out a balance that suits your individual dog, or a grain free ‘80/20’ complete dry food. This is a dry food that contains a minimum of 80% animal ingredient. These foods are as close to a dogs’ natural and ancestral diet as possible. It doesn’t matter if you have a Chihuahua or a Great Dane – what they require for a healthy diet remains the same, just in different quantities.
2. Large Breeds:
Whilst a large breed does not require a different type of food, it is worth considering their higher risk of joint and skeletal issues. Salmon Oil and joint supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin can be beneficial to feed from a young age to prevent or prolong such issues later in life.
3. Active Breeds:
Working dogs or those with higher activity levels may require a higher calorific intake (quantity of food) to sustain their energy. If you are not feeding a ‘working dog’ food then you should consider speaking to your food manufacturer for advice on feeding quantities. Some trial and error may be required to find a balance in quantity that suits your dog best.
4. Food Allergies and Sensitivities:
Some breeds are more prone to food allergies or sensitivities. You should always aim to feed a grain free food that is high in meat content. If you have a particularly sensitive dog then you should also avoid other common allergens such as dairy, gluten, Chicken and Beef.
5. Specialized Diets:
Dogs with medical conditions may require specialised diets. You should contact your food manufacturer for advice on whether their food is suitable for a dog with specific medical conditions. If you think your dog may have a health or medical condition seek the support of your Vet. Your vet may suggest one of their prescription diets, but be wary of the ingredients in most of these foods and research better alternatives before making a decision.
It’s crucial to read labels, choose high-quality dog food, and monitor your dogs’ weight and overall health. You are always welcome to contact us at Bentley’s for unbiased nutritional advice, we will be honest if we feel our food would not be suitable for you and your dog. Our philosophy is simply to see more dogs on a healthier diet.