Adopting a Miniature Schnauzer is always fun. These dogs are full of energy and are incredibly cute, making them great family dogs. On top of that, they are very loyal and intelligent pets that are a joy to have.
With that said, as a pet owner, you take on a fair amount of responsibility. And one of these responsibilities is managing the health of your dogs. While you can’t keep them safe from all health issues, no matter how hard you try, the best way to keep them healthy is by making sure they eat the right food.
Your dog’s diet should be a top priority as a dog owner, especially with energetic breeds like a Miniature Schnauzer.
That’s why we’ve made this comprehensive guide to what to feed a Miniature Schnauzer. We’re looking at different nutrients they should have, how often you should feed them, and also common health risks you need to consider when creating a diet plan for a Miniature Schnauzer.
What Kind of Food Should I Give a Miniature Schnauzer?
It can be hard to find the right food for a Miniature Schnauzer. Since they are hyper dogs, they need a lot of protein and carbohydrates to sustain their lifestyle.
On top of that, they are pretty small, so the right serving size is crucial if you want your Miniature Schnauzer to stay as healthy as possible. If you are worried that you can not find any commercial brand that suits your dog’s needs, Spot & Tango offers the best dog food for Miniature Schnauzers.
To figure out what kind of food you need to feed your Miniature Schnauzer, let’s look at some of the essential nutrients that need to be in their diet.
Protein
When you own a dog, it’s very important to give them a lot of protein. Remember, dogs are natural carnivores in the wild, and their bodies are designed to intake a fair amount of protein. In fact, most experts recommend that protein should make up at least 10% of your dog’s caloric intake.
So, whether you’re buying commercial dog food or making a personal blend for your pet, make sure that there is a lot of protein in the food. That way, you know that your dog is receiving the essential nutrients they need to stay alive.
Fiber & Carbs
The next thing to consider is the amount of fiber in their diet. Fiber is essential for maintaining a healthy digestive system and metabolism. On top of that, they also need a fair amount of carbohydrates to give them the energy to run around all day.
Ideally, a dog’s diet should have at least 50% carbohydrates with a fiber content between 4.5-5%. This is great for maintaining their health and sustaining a good metabolism.
Fat
Fat is crucial to a dog’s diet. Fat is responsible for carrying vitamins and minerals throughout the dog’s body, so you need to make sure your dog’s diet contains a fair amount of fat. Dogs can get their fat intake from meat and fats from nuts. Most high-quality dog food contains a lot of healthy fat for dogs as well, making them a great option for some dog owners.
With that said, Miniature Schnauzers are dogs that are at high risk for pancreatitis. Pancreatitis can be triggered by an excessively fatty diet. So, when checking the fat contents of your dog’s food, ensure that you strike a balance, so they get all the fat they need but not too much that they are in danger.
Dairy
Dairy is essential for a dog’s diet. Just like humans, dogs require vitamin D and calcium to sustain their bodies. With that said, Miniature Schnauzers don’t need a lot of dairy, and too much can cause digestive issues. So, we recommend giving them dairy as a treat every now and then and not making it a part of their regular meals.
There are many dogs treats with calcium and vitamin D in the recipe, which could be a great alternative for your pet if you don’t want to give them dairy.
How Much Should I Feed My Miniature Schnauzer?
The amount of food you should give your dog depends on their weight, age, and daily habits. If you have a hyper and young dog that’s running around a lot, then they probably need a bit more food than usual. However, if your dog prefers laying down all day, then feeding them too much can lead to obesity.
So, when figuring out how much to feed your Miniature Schnauzer, you need to look at their lifestyle. It’s best to start small and make adjustments along the way if you feel like your dog needs more or less food.
What Are the Common Health Risks for Miniature Schnauzers?
As mentioned earlier, Miniature Schnauzers are at high-risk for pancreatitis, which is why they can’t have too much fat. Additionally, these dogs tend to develop kidney and bladder stones fairly easily. This condition is caused by high levels of sodium, so make sure your dog doesn’t eat too much salt.
