The tailor-made meal plan: The right diet for dogs of different breeds
Size plays a crucial role
But do the nutrient requirements of large dogs increase linearly with their size? Not necessarily.
Feeding recommendations and energy requirements
The feeding recommendation apparently only depends on the weight of the dog. However, there is much more to it than that. It is determined through scientific calculations by calculating an energy requirement in kcal/kJ from the analytical components. This results in a subsequent calculation of the convertible energy (ME), which is crucial for determining the feeding recommendation.
The feeding recommendation is based on the dog's weight, the convertible energy (ME) and a daily energy intake . This daily energy intake is also an important factor and reflects the energy requirements in relation to the dog's activity. Average values are used to calculate daily energy intake, although these vary greatly depending on activity and breed (such as Newfoundlands, Great Danes and terriers). Therefore, this is only a feeding recommendation and must be determined individually depending on breed, age and activity .
Nowadays, obesity is becoming more and more common in dogs and cats. This can be explained by these differences in energy balance. Of course, a house cat has to eat more to meet its nutritional needs than a lap dog. Likewise, a young dog has higher energy and nutrient requirements, based on body mass, than an adult dog. Adult dogs with low activity levels - dogs that simply accompany their owners on their daily walk - need a diet with a low energy density to avoid becoming overweight. From the seventh year of life (large breeds) or from the tenth year of life (small breeds), the lower activity and the beginning of aging processes reduce the energy requirement by up to 30%. Seniors who tend to be overweight should therefore be offered food with a reduced energy density.
Delicate palates of the dwarf breeds
Focus on working breeds
Health in view
Hereditary diseases in dogs can be divided into different categories:
Respiratory diseases: An example of this is tracheal collapse, in which the windpipe collapses due to a change in the cartilage substance. This causes the windpipe to narrow and can cause serious breathing problems. Smaller breeds such as Yorkshire Terriers, Toy Poodles and Pomeranians are particularly susceptible.
Eye diseases: Progressive retinal atrophy, which leads to the slow death of the retina and ultimately blindness, primarily affects breeds such as the Alaskan Malamute, Australian Shepherd and various spaniel and retriever breeds. There are genetic tests for various affected breeds.
Musculoskeletal disorders: Hip dysplasia, an abnormal development of the hip joint, leads to osteoarthritis and mainly affects medium to large breeds, including the Bernese Mountain Dog, Boxer and German Shepherd.
Blood disorders: Von Willebrand disease, an inherited blood clotting disorder, causes prolonged bleeding after injuries. Affected breeds include the Doberman, German Shepherd and Golden Retriever. Genetic testing is available for some breeds.
Skin and hair diseases: Nasal parakeratosis, a genetic defect that causes the nose to dry out, specifically affects the Labrador Retriever. There is a suitable genetic test for this.
Cardiovascular diseases: Aortic stenosis, a narrowing of the main artery, occurs as a congenital heart disease in many breeds, including the Boxer and Golden Retriever.
Hormonal Disorders: Hypothyroidism, an underactive thyroid, shows a racial predisposition in breeds such as the Afghan Hound and Boxer.
Immune diseases: Atopy, an environmental allergy that manifests itself as severe itching, primarily affects breeds such as the Boxer, German Shepherd and Golden Retriever.
Nervous system diseases: Degenerative myelopathy, a neurological disease that leads to the destruction of the spinal cord, is primarily known in German Shepherds. A genetic test is available.
Diseases of the genitourinary system: Cryptorchidism, a disorder of the descent of the testicles, poses a high risk for smaller breeds such as the Dachshund and Schnauzer, but also for Boxers and Cocker Spaniels.
Digestive System Diseases: Gastric torsion, a life-threatening twisting of the stomach, occurs primarily in large, deep-chested breeds, including St. Bernards and German Shepherds.
Influence of lifestyle
Formula for calculating the required energy intake
Below we will show you a simplified formula on how you can calculate your dog's energy needs. Keep in mind that this formula is a general estimate and cannot fully account for individual needs and specific health requirements:
Daily energy intake (kcal) = Basic needs × Activity factor × Age factor
- Basic requirements : Depends on the dog's body weight. A general estimate is 70 × (body weight in kg) 0.75 . Please note the esponent of 0.75. The theory states that an animal's energy needs are not directly proportional to its body weight, but to a power thereof. The use of 0.75 as an exponent reflects a generally accepted estimate that energy requirements relative to body mass are more efficient in larger animals than in smaller ones.
- Activity Factor : Selects values between 1.2 (for inactive or older dogs) and 2.0 (for very active, working dogs).
- Age factor : May vary; typically 1.0 for adult dogs, 1.2 for puppies and young dogs (due to growth), and 0.8 for older dogs (reduced metabolism).
If you need help, please write to us at: kontakt@bugbell.de or use our personal food advice
Conclusion
Do you have a dog that needs a lot of energy?
Then we have exactly the right thing for you. We have specially developed a strain for an active dog life . They contain some beneficial nutrients that can be beneficial for energy production & circulatory activities .
