By the term "small dogs" we mean animals that reach a weight of 2-2.5 kg. These are such breeds as Toy Terrier, Chi-hua-hua, Yorkshire Terrier, etc. The difference between these lovely creatures is that they are extremely active and mobile, which means that their body spends a lot of energy every day. Doing so many movements of dogs causes them to have a short length of limbs. In addition, dogs of small breeds most often have an accelerated metabolism. This must be taken into account when making a diet for a pet dog. For example, Pomeranian Pomeranian consumes twice as much energy per kilogram of its weight as a German shepherd.
Miniature dogs have their own unique physiological characteristics. For example, small dogs from puppyhood grow very quickly and reach puberty much earlier than their relatives. That is why such "kids" need more energy and more digestible food than puppies of usual and large sizes. In small dogs, hunger can occur even at night, which is why it is better to feed them with more calories in the evening.
Homemade dog food of small breeds
Small dogs have a nice look, and their owners often forget that they are members of the wolf family and need protein food. In their diet must necessarily be meat, fish, poultry, offal, milk and eggs. However, there are a number of limitations for such products.
What should be given to the dog: beef, lean mutton, chicken, turkey, offal, cartilage, dried apricots, kefir, cottage cheese, vegetables (they need to add olive oil or unrefined sunflower). Only rice and buckwheat are acceptable from cereals. Wheat, oats and pearl barley have very poor digestibility, so they can not be given. From fruits small dogs are shown only apples. You can slightly dry the cheese (hard varieties) and give the dog as a treat. Once a week, it is necessary to include fish in the feeding of dogs - best of all, hake, cod or pollock. Yolk boiled can be given, but not more than once a week. Do not forget about water. The dog should always have access to a bowl with clean fresh water. Small dogs need it even more than medium and large dogs.
There is an opinion that natural food for small dogs should be given only in raw form. However, modern veterinarians are skeptical about this. Raw meat can be a source of parasites and their larvae. Therefore, before choosing such a style of feeding, be sure to weigh all the pros and cons.
That the dog is categorically impossible: pork, fat mutton, fat meat trim - all this can cause an attack of pancreatitis. You can not raw fish - this leads to a deficiency of thiamine (vitamin B), which can even lead to death. Liver in large quantities in the diet of the dog, too, should not be - it often becomes the cause of excess vitamin A, which is harmful to her muscles and bones. Also you can not give sausages, sausages, sausages, smoked products, lard (in any form), egg white, soy, spicy food, spices. Raw eggs are also unsafe - they contain the enzyme avidin, which reduces the absorption of biotin (vitamin H). This often leads to problems with the coat. In addition, raw eggs can contain salmonella.
Feeding small dogs suggests the absence of potatoes, rhubarb, tomato leaves - they contain oxalate, affecting the work of the digestive, nervous and urinary systems. In addition, all dogs do not digest starch. Contraindicated dogs and mushrooms - they can contain toxins. They affect many organ systems, can cause shock and even death of the animal.
Dogs can never be given legumes and citrus, alcohol (causes intoxication, causes death and others), chocolate, flour, especially on the basis of yeast dough (it gets into the stomach, increases in volume and can lead to ruptures in the stomach or intestines ). Sorrel for dogs is deadly due to the content of oxalic acid. Onions and garlic can cause a sharp attack of anemia. Cat food usually contains too much protein and fat.
Ready-made dog food for small breeds
In the modern market, almost any food for small dogs is represented. So, if you still doubt whether to transfer the dog to such food, then be sure - today it is created taking into account the basic needs of small dogs.
The main thing, never alternate ready-feeding dogs with natural products. Some owners try to add extra buckwheat or vegetables. Doing this completely is not necessary, since in the finished feed of good quality, a clear balance of proteins, fats and carbohydrates is observed. As soon as you enter a number of additional products, this system collapses, and nutrition begins to be absorbed by the body. Some element is scarce, and some, on the contrary, is lacking. For the same reason, you can not mix feeds from different manufacturers. Also categorically it is impossible to mix dry and tinned food!
Basic principles of small dog feeding
With natural feeding in the diet of the pet must be added vitamins and trace elements. Ready industrial food contains all the necessary substances, which can not be said about natural foods. Especially it needs to be considered in the autumn and in the spring - in the period of beriberi.
Immediately after eating, you should not drag a dog for a walk or somehow provoke it to activity. Be sure to give the animal a short rest so that the food is properly digested.
Be sure to weigh your dog as often as possible. Perhaps, the food you have chosen is too caloric or vice versa. It is necessary to understand as early as possible when the diet should be changed and another food for a small dog is prescribed.