The perfect diet for small hunting dogs: everything you need to know!
Welcome, dear hunting dog friends! Who among us doesn't know the little whirlwind that sprints through the woods, has sharpened all its senses during the hunt and always seems to be full of energy? Yes, we're talking about our little hunting dogs. But how can we ensure that our athletic companions get the right nutrition to keep them fit and healthy? Here you can find out everything you need to know about nutrition for small hunting dogs.
Why the right diet is so important
Whether terrier, dachshund or beagle - small hunting dogs need a balanced and well thought-out diet to provide the energy for their activities. It is crucial to adapt the food to their specific needs. Why? Quite simply:
- Energy requirement: Small hunting dogs are real bundles of energy. They need food that is rich in important nutrients to support their stamina and performance.
- Health: A balanced diet contributes significantly to health and helps to prevent illness and health problems.
- Muscle building and maintenance: Proteins are essential for building and maintaining muscle, especially in active dogs.
- Optimum digestion: High-quality ingredients promote healthy digestion and prevent gastrointestinal problems.
The basic building blocks of a healthy diet
When putting together food for small hunting dogs, you should pay attention to a variety of nutrients. Here are the main ingredients that should not be missing in any bowl:
Proteins: The muscle maker
Proteins are the be-all and end-all for hunting dogs. They support muscle development and repair, which is particularly important after long hunting trips. Good sources of protein are:
- Chicken
- Turkey
- Beef
- Lamb
- Fish
Vegetable proteins can also be a good supplement, such as lentils or peas, but animal proteins should remain the main source.
Fats: the energy boost
Fats provide the concentrated energy that small hunting dogs need for their active days. They also support the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K). Valuable sources of fat are
- Fish oil
- Linseed oil
- Chicken fat
- Beef fat
Carbohydrates: the fuel
Carbohydrates are also an important source of energy. But: quality instead of quantity! Too much can lead to obesity, too little can cause energy problems. Suitable sources are
- Wholemeal rice
- Oat flakes
- Sweet potatoes
- Vegetables such as carrots or pumpkin
These foods not only provide energy, but also fibre, which aids digestion.
Vitamins and minerals: Little heroes for great deeds
Small hunting dogs need a variety of vitamins and minerals to stay healthy. These include
- Vitamin A: Promotes vision and the immune system. Found in liver and carrots.
- Vitamin D: Supports bone health. Found in fish oil and eggs.
- Vitamin E: Is a powerful antioxidant and supports the immune system. Found in vegetable oils and green vegetables.
- Calcium: Essential for healthy teeth and bones. Found in dairy products and green leafy vegetables.
- Magnesium: Supports muscle and nerve function. Found in wholemeal products and nuts.
Tips and tricks: How to feed your small hunting dog properly
To make sure you are well prepared, here are some practical tips for feeding your small hunting dog:
Splitting meals
Divide the daily amount of food into several small meals in order to distribute the energy supply throughout the day and to protect the digestion.
Don't forget to hydrate
Make sure that your four-legged friend always has enough water available. Good hydration is particularly important after a hunt.
Pay attention to the weight
Owners of small hunting dogs should always keep an eye on their weight. Excess weight can put strain on the joints and impair performance.
Consider individual needs
Every dog is unique. Pay attention to individual needs and adapt the diet accordingly. Special health conditions, allergies or intolerances should always be taken into account.
Homemade food vs. ready-made food: Which is better?
Many dog owners wonder whether they should prepare their own food or use ready-made food. Both approaches have their advantages and disadvantages:
Homemade food
Advantages:
- Control over the ingredients
- Fresh and natural ingredients
- Customisable to individual needs
Disadvantages:
- Time consuming
- Initially, it can be difficult to ensure the right amounts of nutrients
Prepared food
Advantages:
- Convenient and time-saving
- Often precisely tailored to requirements
- Longer shelf life
Disadvantages:
- Quality can vary greatly
- Less control over the ingredients
My top recipe for small hunting dogs
If you decide to make your own food, I have a simple and nutritious recipe for you:
Chicken and vegetable mix
Ingredients:
- 500g chicken breast
- 1 cup wholegrain rice
- 1 sweet potato
- 2 carrots
- 1 tbsp fish oil
- A pinch of salt
Preparation:
- Cut the chicken breast into small pieces and fry in a pan.
- Cook the wholegrain rice according to the packet instructions.
- Peel and dice the sweet potato and carrots and cook together with the rice.
- Mix everything together and add fish oil and a pinch of salt.
- Leave to cool and serve to your little hound.
Conclusion: Finding the perfect balance
Feeding small hunting dogs is not rocket science, but it does require a good deal of attention and knowledge. A balanced diet that takes into account the special needs of these hard-working four-legged friends makes a decisive contribution to their health, performance and zest for life. So, get to the food bowl and have fun feeding them!
With this in mind: Happy hunting and a healthy appetite for your little hound!
FAQs
What should hunting dogs eat?
Dogs - and therefore also your hunting dog - are not pure carnivores, but omnivores. In addition to high-quality animal ingredients, plant-based components should therefore also be part of the diet to ensure it is balanced. Fibre serves to maintain the intestinal motor function.
What can a small dog eat?
What foods are dogs allowed to eat? Here are a few examples:
- Apple
- Pineapple (do not feed together with dairy products)
- Banana (note: a little more substantial)
- Berries such as blackberries, strawberries, raspberries or redcurrants
- Pear
- Figs (it is best to scrape the flesh out of the skin)
- Mango
- Melon
Which is better for your dog: wet or dry food?
Especially when it comes to flavour, wet food has the edge over dry food for all gourmets among dogs. However, the individual portioning, shelf life and chewing activity encouraged when eating dry food offers many advantages. A balanced mixture of both types of food is best in order to utilise the advantages of both worlds.
What can small dogs eat?
These foods are unproblematic in small quantities:
- Noodles
- Rice
- Potatoes (cooked and without skin)
- lean meat
- Heated eggs
- Quark or yoghurt
Dogs are allowed to eat almost all fruit and vegetables that we humans eat. However, make sure to avoid poisonous or harmful foods such as chocolate or onions.
