What is the best food for a Spitz: rating of TOP-9 popular diets, reviews and cost

Rating of the 10 best dry food for Pomeranian Spitz

How many times a day should you feed your Spitz?

Puppies need frequent feeding - from 6 times. For adult animals, the frequency is reduced to 1-2 times a day - the season, age and condition of the animal play a role. In hot summers, one feeding is enough for adults. The exceptions are pregnant and lactating bitches or weakened/exercising dogs.

The health and beauty of adult Spitz dogs, their playfulness and good mood, as well as the harmonious development of puppies largely depend on proper nutrition.

Sometimes you just want to chew on a bone... Photo: Ming Chan

To do this, it is not at all necessary to spend a lot of time, effort or money - it is enough to create a balanced diet once and just stick to it in the future.

The long active life of a wonderful animal is, of course, worth it.

Nutrition

Pomeranian Spitz is one of the breeds whose improper feeding leads to irreversible consequences.
Eye disease, liver disease, gastrointestinal dysfunction - this is not a complete list of what can happen to your pet if you do not follow the basic rules of a dog’s diet. Conscientious breeders and nursery owners give preference to premium ready-made dry food and holistic food. Spitz dogs are prone to allergies. Red, “crying” eyes are a signal of incorrectly selected food. This is noticeable on dogs with light coat colors.

Optimally, Pomeranian food should not contain chicken. Turkey, rabbit, beef, ostrich - this is not a complete list of the meat components of food for Spitz.

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Ingredients (at least 25%), the feed must contain:

• Vitamins, minerals, amino acids.
• Proteins, fats.
• Plant component (vegetables)
• Salt and sugar (in microdoses)

It is undesirable to have:

• Cereals (except sweet potatoes as a source of carbohydrates)
• Synthetic additives (dyes, flavor enhancers, etc.)
• Offal.

For puppies under 4 months of age, it is advisable to pre-soak dry food in water. By the age of one year, switch to two meals a day. Clean water is an important part of the diet when feeding dry food.

Dry food rating

This option is an alternative to natural food. At the time of selection, you must carefully read the composition. It should contain vitamins and microelements.

Premium dry food:

Spitz can also be given super premium food. Such food contains an increased proportion of protein, vitamins and microelements, which are quickly absorbed.

This is interesting: How to cut the ears, butt and back of a Spitz

Super premium puppy food:

1st Choice Breeders for miniature breeds with chicken (20kg)

The best option among super-premium feeds. It consists of high-quality meat, vegetables, and does not contain unnecessary third-rate components and by-products. The composition does not contain taste or smell enhancers or other artificial additives.

The price per kilogram (366 rubles/kg) is budget-friendly for a product of this quality. Product, there is a huge range of food for small breeds with other tastes, hypoallergenic types that are suitable for animals with a tendency to allergies.

pros

• There is no unpleasant smell, the animal’s mouth does not smell after eating;
• The condition of the coat improves;
• Does not cause digestive upset, suitable for animals with a weak gastrointestinal tract;
• Each product in the line is balanced according to the age of the animal for which it is intended (this product for adult miniature dogs contains the required 22% protein);
• Does not cause allergies;
• Convenient packaging with a clasp, the product does not run out.

Minuses

• It has the form of granules, which are much more difficult to digest when not chewed;
• Difficult to find in pet stores.

ProNature Holistic (for miniature breeds) (0.34 kg)

The best option from holisticists. The composition contains minerals, animal proteins, trace elements, vitamins. Consists of meat, fish, egg products, berries, fruits, vegetables, does not contain corn, wheat, soy, or other grains.

There are no chemical preservatives, aroma or taste enhancers. Veterinarians consider the products of this brand to be among the best for the constant feeding of miniature breed dogs.

pros

• High calorie content, the dog remains full for a long time, eating a small portion;
• The appearance of the coat improves with constant holistic nutrition;
• No problems with the gastrointestinal tract, well absorbed by the animal’s body;
• Suitable for dogs with intolerance to certain foods;
• After eating, the animal's mouth does not smell;
• The small package has a convenient clasp, the food does not run out.
• Does not cause allergies;
• Convenient packaging with a clasp, the product does not run out.

Minuses

• Not found in all pet stores.

Top 9 best foods for any type of Spitz

Below we will look at the highest quality brands of dry food suitable for feeding Spitz dogs. These diets are recommended by breeders of this breed around the world, and are trusted by many dog ​​owners.

It is important to understand that these food lines may contain products for different sizes of dogs (for Spitz you need to choose the label “small”, “mini” or “small”, “medium” for larger representatives of the breed), as well as different conditions of the animal (with a reduced content of proteins or carbohydrates, for castrated or sterilized animals) and so on.

Before your first purchase, it is better to consult with your veterinarian, your breeder or a pet store consultant.

If the food is chosen correctly, the dog will have shiny, thick fur and clear, streak-free eyes.

GRANDORF for mini breeds, Belgium

The company produces hypoallergenic food, which contains up to 70% meat components. The brand’s policy is to produce diets that are suitable for dogs with food allergies and intolerances, delicate digestion, as well as for capricious and picky pets. Not a single food from the entire line contains corn or wheat, eggs, chicken or chicken fat, peas, gluten or other products that can cause discomfort in the dog. The manufacturer uses exclusively fresh or dehydrated meat.

Owners of Spitz dogs can choose one of the foods from the “Mini” line. “Four meats” with live probiotics (turkey, lamb, duck, rabbit) helps maintain and restore intestinal microflora, eliminates problems with digestion and stool. “White fish with rice” (low-grain formula) is a diet additionally enriched with Omega-3 and Omega-6, necessary to maintain a luxurious Spitz coat. "Rabbit and Sweet Potato" or "Duck and Sweet Potato" (grain-free formula) are foods that are ideal for dogs with allergies and also contain enough meat ingredients to maintain your pet's energy and vitality. For each diet, a gentle, delicate cooking method is used, in which the products retain their freshness, as well as nutrients and beneficial properties.

pros

1. Only hypoallergenic ingredients of the “holistic” class.
2. Proteins of animal origin only.
3. Contains Omega-3 and Omega-6.
4. Delicate cooking method.
5. Antioxidants included.

Minuses

1. May affect the pancreas.
2. Large granules even for small dogs.

Barking Heads for small breeds, UK

“A serious brand with humor” that immediately communicates what ingredients can be found in their holistic foods. There are hardly more than two dozen components - and these are products that are used in all lines. Each food is based on fresh meat (lamb), fish (trout, salmon) and poultry (duck, turkey, chicken). Carbohydrates are contained in small quantities (brown and white rice, oats, potatoes), and fats are only of high quality origin (salmon, sunflower and flaxseed oil). The food also contains natural plant ingredients: tomatoes, carrots, seaweed, cranberries, alfalfa, peas. Diets are selected to provide maximum benefits for the animal, its internal organs and appearance.

The company offers several diet options for Spitz dogs, the names of which reflect the brand’s sense of humor. “Luxurious hair for small-footed dogs” - food for improving the quality of coat and skin, with lamb and Omega-3 and Omega-6 content, “Tender care for small-footed dogs” is suitable for dogs with sensitive digestion (mono-protein food based on rice and chicken), “Weight loss Fatty" with trout and chicken is intended for overweight dogs.

pros

1. Simple quality ingredients.
2. Food for coat and skin, sensitive digestion, for obese dogs.
3. Grain-free and low-carbohydrate foods.
4. Rations of our own design.

Minuses

1. Foods containing potatoes and legumes can cause weight gain.

Farmina N&D, for small breed dogs, Italy

The brand's philosophy is to select only the best ingredients, free from GMOs and suitable even for human consumption. Protein products are supplied fresh from certified farms and farms; only rice, oats, potatoes and spelled are used as carbohydrates. Sources of fat include chicken and fish, as well as flaxseed oil. Each diet contains dietary fiber, minerals and vitamins, as well as functional components and nutraceuticals (chondroitin, glucosamine, fruit and plant extracts).

N&D food is developed using a special technology, according to the natural nutrition system of carnivores. What does it mean? The food contains a small amount of carbohydrates and a high level of quality protein, they contain medicinal plants, as well as minerals and vitamins obtained from fruits and vegetables. Diets suitable for Pomeranians are divided into two formulas: “Grain Free”, without grains and with 70% animal products, and “Low Ancestral Grain” - low grains, with 60% animal components. Both formulas prevent obesity and diabetes,

pros

1. Diets high in protein and low in carbohydrates.
2. Prevention of excess weight, diabetes.
3. The composition includes fresh fruits and vegetables (apples, pumpkin, pomegranate).
4. The components are selected taking into account the natural needs of carnivores.
5. High-quality natural ingredients.

Minuses

1. May cause weight gain.

Canagan for small breed dogs, UK

Another brand that develops diets for dogs, relying on the natural nutrition of these animals in the wild - as it has been established since ancient times. The compositions suggest a high protein content and a low carbohydrate content, as well as a large amount of vegetables and medicinal herbs and berries. The manufacturer says that “if it’s not good enough for humans, it’s not good enough for dogs,” so each recipe is tested by production specialists.

The food is based on meat, poultry and fish, which are also supplied to the human table. In the line you can find diets with turkey, lamb, chicken and free-range chicken, game (pheasant, duck, venison, rabbit) and fish (trout, herring). There is a special dental line, the ingredients in which are selected to relieve your dog of problems with plaque formation, teeth and gums. For Spitz, you can purchase the following brand foods: “Scottish Salmon” (grain-free food with salmon, trout, white fish and herring), “Game” (grain-free food with rabbit, duck and venison), “Chicken” (grain-free), “Turkey” (for oral care), “Highland Feast” (pheasant, duck, turkey, salmon), “Lamb”.

pros

1. Products of the standard “for the human table”.
2. We use meat from free-range animals and poultry.
3. Diets that mimic the diet of wild dogs.
4. Grain-free and low-carbohydrate foods.
5. Large proportion of quality proteins in every diet.

Minuses

1. There are no large packages for small breeds (maximum two kilograms).

Wolfsblut for small breeds, Germany

The name of this brand translates as “wolf blood” and was chosen for good reason. The manufacturer states that in its diets it uses the same ingredients that wild wolves hunt. The line for dogs includes a variety of foods that contain high-protein components: meat (deer, kangaroo, buffalo, lamb, horse meat, Boer goat, rabbit), fish (haddock, salmon, cod, trout, mackerel), poultry (pheasant, duck ). You won’t find ingredients such as oats, beet pulp, wheat or corn in the diets; they are replaced by berries, vegetables, algae and herbs.

The brand has created several food options for small breeds. “Wild Duck” and “Black Bird” with a high content of proteins and fats, “Cold River” and “Wild Ocean” with fish, “Wide Plain” with horse meat, sweet potatoes and herbs, “Far Glade” with deer and buffalo meat, “ Gray Peak" with goat and horse meat.

pros

1. Contains meat of wild animals and birds, free-caught fish.
2. Natural substances in the composition that have a beneficial effect on the health of the dog.
3. Original tastes that appeal to most animals.
4. Hypoallergenic diets.
5. Without chemicals, preservatives and cheap dubious ingredients.

Minuses

1. Not detected.

Go! and Now Fresh for Dogs, Canada

Two complete holistic diets produced by one American company. Both foods are made from local ingredients that are not chemically processed (plant ingredients) and grown in environmentally friendly areas (animals, fish, poultry). According to the brand, all diets use exclusively agricultural products and the freshest meat. It is also worth noting that the company’s policy is environmentally friendly production at all stages.

Poop Go! Presented in three lines and different types of meat (turkey, lamb, chicken, salmon, venison, duck): “Grain-free, high in protein,” “Hypoallergenic and for sensitive digestion,” and “Whole grain.”

Now Fresh food is grain-free, does not contain by-products and meat components containing hormones, dyes, and beef. The food contains fresh salmon, turkey and duck, rapeseed and coconut oils, as well as berries, vegetables and fruits, and plant ingredients. For Spitz and other small breeds, a diet with vegetables, turkey and duck is intended, which has a beneficial effect on the dog’s coat, skin, and dental health.

pros

1. High quality natural ingredients.
2. Strict quality control and cultivation of raw materials.
3. Balanced formulations intended for carnivores.
4. Minimal processing and shortest shelf life.
5. Using fresh products (no freezing or canning).

Minuses

1. Not detected.

Akana for small breed dogs, Canada

The brand adheres to the following philosophy: “Dogs should be fed according to their carnivore needs,” so all diets include a sufficient amount of different types of meat. All feed ingredients are purchased in Canada and delivered raw or fresh to production daily. At the same time, the brand produces its food independently, strictly controlling every stage, and does not trust any production step to intermediaries.

Akana food, which is suitable for Spitz, is presented in four lines. The first option is “Classics”, diets in which consist of 50% meat products (chicken, turkey or fish) and a small amount of grains. The second line – “Heritage” – is more extensive, it includes food with nine main ingredients (chicken, turkey, flounder, herring, eggs). It is designed for different ages of dogs (from puppies to veterans) and different physical needs (for active dogs or couch potatoes). The protein content in the food of this line varies from 60% to 75%. The third line, “Regionals For Dogs,” does not contain grain components, the fourth, “Singles,” is suitable for dogs with food intolerance, since each food is hypoallergenic and monoprotein.

pros

1. Natural high quality ingredients.
2. Own single production.
3. Four ranges for different dog needs.
4. Lots of flavor options.
5. The components are selected taking into account the natural needs of predators.

Minuses

1. Not detected.

Magnusson for dogs, Sweden

The diet was developed by dog ​​breeders 60 years ago, and since then the technology for its preparation has remained unchanged - the food is baked in an oven. This is a unique food that does not swell upon contact with water, is perfectly digestible by animals, fills them with energy, but does not create a feeling of heaviness in the stomach. The food formula is grain-free and is suitable for dogs with diabetes, obesity and gluten intolerance. In the production of food, local farm products are used that are not frozen or canned. The composition is completely natural, so the shelf life of such food cannot exceed ten months.

Since baking food in an oven is a labor-intensive process, the brand presents only two lines, each of which is suitable for a Spitz (the main thing is to choose small “grain free” granules). The first line is called “Magnusson” and is represented by food with fresh beef (there is a formula with wheat and a grain-free formula with parsnips and peas). The second line – “Original” includes food with naturally dried beef. The line includes food for dogs with normal activity to maintain condition and for dogs with low activity to prevent weight gain.

pros

1. Unique oven baking technology.
2. Using a minimum of farm natural products.
3. The food does not change its volume when washed down with water.
4. Small production, quality control at all stages.
5. The only dog ​​food certified by the global environmental organization KRAV.

Minuses

1. Not detected.

Piccolo, especially for small dogs, UK

The diets of this brand are specially created for dogs of miniature breeds. The manufacturer has provided the size and density of the granules so that small dogs can chew them comfortably, as well as the physiological needs of mini breeds. Thus, small dogs have a high metabolic rate, so they need diets with a higher meat content to replenish their energy reserves. All foods are tested on dogs owned by company employees, their friends and British breeders. Another advantage of this brand’s food is its special components for the beauty and health of the coat of decorative breeds (in particular, zinc and Omega-3 and 6 in the correct proportion for dogs).

The company presents three food options that are suitable for Spitz: “Chicken and Duck”, “Venison and Salmon” and “Chicken and Salmon”. Each diet is high in animal protein (75%) for health and muscle maintenance. The food is balanced so that the ingredients do not cause digestive upset, are well digestible and have an excellent natural taste without flavorings or food additives.

pros

1. Created specifically for miniature breed dogs.
2. Contains components for decorative and healthy wool.
3. Optimal granule size.
4. Natural meat compositions developed taking into account the metabolism of small breeds.
5. Does not contain dyes, flavors, GMOs, hormones.

Minuses

1. Not detected.

Orijen Original (6 kg)

Super premium product, suitable for all breeds, including small ones. Includes high-quality fish and meat, the content of which reaches a record 80% among other dry food, healthy herbs (dandelion, mint, turmeric).

All these ingredients help strengthen canine immunity. Does not contain third-rate by-products, chemical preservatives, flavor enhancers, aroma, vegetable proteins, gluten, or cereals. Orijen is suitable for active miniature dogs.

pros

• Record high animal protein content;
• Does not cause allergies;
• The composition contains several types of fish.

Minuses

• There is no fastener on the packaging so that the food does not dry out; it will have to be poured into a closed container;
• Strong odor and noticeable but short-lived odor from the animal's mouth;
• Rarely, problems with the gastrointestinal tract are possible.

Veterinarian advice

Recommendations from experts:

1. The most important thing for a dog's health is water. It must be changed in the morning every day. In this case, the bowl should always be full.
2. Portion sizes should be reasonable. If there is food left after eating, you need to get rid of it and then reduce the amount of food. If the dog licks the saucer for a long time, the owner should increase the portions, since the pet does not feel full.
3. The dog must be regularly active. To do this, the owner can play with him or walk outside. The main thing is to do this regularly.
4. Depending on the age of the Spitz, natural and dry food should be used alternately.

To maintain a normal weight and health of a Spitz dog, the owner must pay attention to its nutrition. It is necessary to exclude prohibited foods from the diet and replace them with the most healthy ones. You can also give your dog premium and super premium dry food.

Go! Natural Holistic (holistic menu) Go & NOW Natural (690 g)

Suitable for all dog breeds, especially miniature ones. It contains only natural ingredients, calf meat, turkey, lamb, duck, fruits, berries, vegetables.

The product is perfectly balanced, the necessary animal proteins, carbohydrates, fiber, microelements, acids are present, there are no harmful soybeans, preservatives, odor and taste enhancers, or low-quality by-products. All components retain their properties thanks to gentle processing.

pros

• Convenient sealed packaging with a zipper: the food does not expire and does not lose its properties;
• The amount of excrement is significantly reduced, and its smell becomes less pronounced;
• High calorie content, the dog remains full for a long time;
• The coat becomes more shiny and smooth in appearance with prolonged constant feeding;
• Does not cause allergies or dental problems;
• The condition of the skin and eyes improves noticeably over time;
• Can be found in every pet store;
• Does not have a pronounced odor.

Minuses

• Large granules that are difficult to digest if the dog does not chew them;
• Possible odor from the animal's mouth;
• Occasionally, problems with the gastrointestinal tract occur.

Ontario Mini Weight Control with Turkey and Potatoes (2.25 kg)

Czech super-premium product. Recommended by veterinarians due to its perfectly balanced composition. Does not contain cereals or grains. The composition includes high-quality fish, meat products, vegetables (for example, tomatoes).

There are no low-quality ingredients, chemical preservatives, or meat and bone meal. Suitable for dogs with excess weight problems.

pros

• High content of lycopenes;
• Suitable for dogs with poor health, problems with joints and immunity;
• Does not cause a bad odor from the animal's mouth;
• All useful microelements in the form of chelates are absorbed by the dog’s body 100%;
• Small granules that are easy to digest;
• Distributed in pet stores;
• Hermetically sealed packaging.

Minuses

• Pronounced smell.

NOW FRESH salmon, duck, turkey (2.72 kg)

Canadian quality holistic. Products of this brand do not include grain crops, by-products, chemical preservatives, aroma or taste enhancers.

High-quality meat, vegetables, and cereals maintain the required level of proteins, fats and carbohydrates in the animal’s body.

pros

• Unfastened packaging;
• Large granules may be difficult to digest if not chewed.

Minuses

• Pronounced smell.

Acana Heritage (6 kg) (for small breeds)

This Canadian product is a good choice for a miniature breed dog. It is suitable for both active animals and completely lazy ones. The food is holistic, that is, it contains only natural ingredients.

There are no cheap low-quality components in the products of this brand; feed wheat and bone meal are completely absent. Contains only meat, fish, vegetables, fruits, and high quality dairy products.

pros

• High concentration of animal proteins;
• Fresh ingredients;
• There are no carbohydrates (the dog’s body does not need them);
• A variety of fruits, vegetables, tonic herbs in the composition, which strengthen the heart and improve the condition of the gastrointestinal tract;
• Reduces insulin levels, strengthens the liver;
• High quality packaging.

Minuses

• May cause allergies;
• Noticeable fishy smell;
• High fat content.

Feeding the puppy

Having brought a baby puppy into the house, for the first time (1-2 weeks) it is recommended to feed him according to the breeder’s scheme - the same food, with the same dosage and frequency. The puppy gets stressed due to separation from its mother and siblings, change of environment, transportation, vaccination. There is no need to aggravate it further by the lack of familiar food.

Read more about what else your puppy will need in the first days in your home in a separate article.

If for any reason this diet does not suit the new owners, it should be changed only after the adaptation period. It goes differently for different representatives of the breed - some worry for a long time, others get used to it right away. Gradually, over several weeks, a new menu is introduced. Each component is added sequentially so that it is possible to track the product that is undesirable for this particular crumb.

Photo: gg1electrice60

In addition, there are a number of products that are useful for an adult dog, but undesirable for a baby under a certain age. Thus, vegetables - the main source of coarse fiber - are advised to be introduced no earlier than 4 months and cooked only by steaming; offal (boiled liver, lung, heart) - no earlier than 9 months.

When using ready-made dry food, experienced owners recommend soaking it before use for at least 4 months.

Clean drinking water should always be available, regardless of the pet's age, season or type of food.

Spitz children are given lean meat and boiled yolks. Cereals - rice, buckwheat and rolled oats. Low-fat cottage cheese (up to 10% fat) and kefir are useful fermented milk products. To make it easier to change teeth, they offer goat and veal cartilage and sugar bones (only raw ones!).

Wolfsblut Gray Peak Small Breed (15 kg)

https://dog-care.ru/zdorove/pitanie/luchshih-suhih-kormov-dlya-pomeranskogo-shpitsa.html

German quality holistic specialist. The products of this brand include only those components that are easily absorbed by the dog’s body, without causing any digestive problems.

No wheat, oats, corn, starch or gluten. Meat makes up more than half of the food - cod, mackerel, haddock, pheasant, rabbit, trout, salmon, lamb.

pros

• Excellent balance of vitamins, minerals, healthy supplements;
• Complete absence of chemical ingredients (flavor and aroma enhancers and dyes);
• Moderate size granules;
• No noticeable odor;
• Elegant, high quality packaging;
• The company has an official website with a detailed description of the product and instructions;
• The condition of the coat improves.

Minuses

• Rarely available in pet stores;
• In isolated cases may cause constipation

Grandorf (3 kg) Lamb with rice Mini

Suitable for a small breed dog. Veterinarians often mention this brand as the most suitable for dogs prone to allergies. The composition is completely free of chicken and grains.

In addition to meat, it contains components such as vegetables and grains. It is better to take this food for an active dog. If she is lazy, then Grandorf will make her overweight.

pros

• High meat content - >60%;
• High calorie content, the dog will be full for a long time;
• No chemical flavors or additives;
• Improves the condition of the gastrointestinal tract, restores intestinal microflora (and is even indicated for those dogs who have digestive problems);
• Improves the condition of the coat.

Minuses

• High in fat, a lazy dog ​​will quickly gain weight.

What can you feed your Spitz?

The health, attractive appearance and good mood of a pet directly depend on what it eats. There may be several options:

• feeding with natural products
• combined (mixed) feeding
• ready-made food (dry food, canned food)

Each option has pros and cons.

Photo: Joe

If you choose natural feeding, the owner clearly knows what his dog eats and what quality it is. This is a definite plus - there is less risk of spoiling digestion with a low-quality product. The downside is that such a diet is more difficult to balance and a certain amount of time and effort is spent on preparation. In addition, you need to know the rules and nuances of using products.

For a Spitz per day per 1 kg of weight you will need:

Ready-made food saves time and effort and is convenient to use when traveling. In addition, they already contain all the necessary vitamins and microelements, and in the required proportions. But you need to know how to choose the right feed manufacturer (we will tell you how to do this later).

The downside here is the possible dishonesty of the manufacturer and the high price of good quality food.

Mixed feeding may look like this:

• 1st feeding - 1 serving of dry food;
• 2nd - meat + porridge + vegetables;
• 3rd - fermented milk products;
• 4th - grated vegetables/fruits + 1 tsp olive oil;
• 5th - meat + vegetables;
• 6th - fish/seafood+porridge+vegetables

A mandatory rule for combined nutrition is not to mix ready-made food and natural products in one meal.

What to feed a mini Spitz is the choice of its owner. It is only important that the transition from one type of feeding to another is carried out gradually, over at least a week. At the slightest signs of ill health (loose stools, lethargy, etc.), you should consult a veterinarian or veterinary nutritionist.

How to feed your Spitz correctly when choosing natural food

It should be remembered that adorable fluffies are predators, descendants of turf dogs. They need meat first of all, and for a complete balanced diet they add porridge and vegetables. The proportions are as follows: ⅓ meat + ⅓ porridge + ⅓ vegetables.

The daily norm for meat is: 25-30 g x 1 kg of Spitz body weight. The share of vegetables and fruits in the diet should not exceed 10%. Only seasonal vegetables and fruits will be useful - greenhouse and exotic ones can cause indigestion.

What to feed a dog using natural food (video)

The products are prepared separately, and the ingredients are mixed immediately before feeding. Serve warm.

For a Spitz, it is important that his bowl does not rise from the floor, as is recommended for large, long-legged dogs.

Ideally, food should be eaten actively and completely. Long, thorough licking of the bowl after eating indicates insufficient rations - you need to think about increasing the portion at one of the feedings. If a portion is not eaten within 10-15 minutes, it is excessive. The remains are removed and the dose is reduced at the next feeding.

What food to feed your Spitz when choosing dry feeding

Manufacturers of ready-made feeds provide a lot of types of their products, with different compositions, purposes and prices.

When buying good food, you can hope that you won’t get one with artificial colors, flavors and preservatives, harmful fillers such as cellulose or ground nut shells, and slaughterhouse waste instead of meat (and this is not only sinews and cartilage, but also horns, hooves, etc.). d.).

A Spitz will only be suitable for premium or super-premium food and holistic food (modern animal food based on animal proteins, without antibiotics, hormones, pesticides, etc.).

Photo: Joe

For small dogs of decorative breeds, for puppies of decorative breeds, for dogs living indoors, for dogs prone to obesity, the elderly, the weakened - there is a choice for every taste... The task of the furry owner is to choose the most suitable option for his pet.

When choosing food, it is important to carefully read the composition and pay attention to:

• labeling on the packaging - only premium, super-premium, holistic;
• composition - must be completely in Russian;
• what it comes from - the type of meat, whether it is whole or chopped;
• digestibility - the lower the norm per day, the higher the digestibility;
• specific gravity of protein - not less than 25%; meat should be first on the list;
• the fact that vegetables and grains should make up no more than 30% and are described in detail, which ones and how much;
• list of vitamins and supplements, their concentration (vitamins B, A, D, C, E, PP are required)
• list of micro- and macroelements - potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, iodine);
• natural preservatives - extracts, herbal oils, vitamins C and E

The daily amount is usually indicated on the packaging - you need to take this into account and divide it by the number of feedings for your animal. The standard specified by the manufacturer must be followed.

At the same time, you should not pay attention to the advertised brand. Reviews from veterinarians, nutritionists, breeders and owners of such dogs deserve trust.

By observing your pet, it is easy to understand whether this food is suitable for him. If the dog is itching, the fur has lost its shine, is falling out, the eyes are very watery, there are problems with stool - there may be an allergy to one of the components or the food is not suitable at all. You should stop using it and consult a doctor or nutritionist.

premium food such as: Flatazor, BioMill, Pro Pac, Happy Dog, etc. Super premium : Yams, ProPlan, Royal Canin, Nutro Choice, First Choice, Hills, Eukanuba, Bosch, Patrit and etc. Holistics : Acana, Chicken Sup, Orijen, Innova, Innova Evo, Canidae, Felidae, Eagle Pack Holistic Select, Golden Eagle ), Pinnacle, Berkley, etc.

Royal Canin for healthy skin and coat 2 kg (for small breeds)

Famous French super-premium food. It is of good quality, but lower than that of competitors (discussed in paragraphs 1-9).

Royal Canin Mini contains grains and vegetable proteins.

pros

• Does not cause allergies;
• Nutritious, but does not cause excess weight in the animal (the energy intensity of the diet and the protein content in the product are precisely calculated);
• Available at many pet stores;
• High-quality packaging;
• Moderate size granules;
• Restoring the condition of the coat;
• Contains sodium polyphosphate, which prevents the formation of plaque;
• The composition includes many useful microelements;
• Improved digestion.

Minuses

• With constant feeding of this food, it is impossible to do without additional supplements with vitamins and microelements;
• Inconvenient packaging without fastener;
• Contains poorly digestible grains and artificial additives (preservatives, dyes.);

Among these foods, the best choices for a miniature animal would be 1st Choice Breeders Miniature Breed with Chicken (20kg) and Wolfsblut Gray Peak Small Breed (15kg).

The first is the highest quality, and at the same time inexpensive, super-premium food.

The second is a natural holistic company, and the company has a detailed official website with all the information on the food and instructions.

Both products have a minimum of disadvantages, which are offset by advantages from the balance of nutrients, vitamins, microelements and the absence of harmful preservatives to convenient packaging.

Differences between super-premium and holistic foods

All dry food is divided into four categories: “economy” (budget, made from low-quality raw materials), “premium” (the composition is better than that of “economy”, but also contains preservatives, flavorings, dyes), “super-premium” and "holistic". The last two classes differ significantly in cost, but contain all the necessary ingredients for the full life and health of the animal. Let's talk about the features of these classes of feed in more detail.

Table. Comparative characteristics of “super-premium” and “holistic” feeds

Feeding tips for miniature dogs

To maintain the health of a small dog, it is important to consider recommendations and advice on feeding and managing the animal’s diet:

1. It is advisable for miniature breeds to eat dry food daily. This is due to the fact that they often experience oral diseases: inflammation of the gums, unpleasant odor from the mouth, loose teeth, and excessive deposits of tartar. Diseases develop faster than in large individuals. Preference is given to holistic feeds; they do not contain dyes, preservatives, or by-products. Dry food reduces the risk of these diseases, but is not a panacea.
2. The diet should include wet food. Miniature dogs are prone to diseases of the urinary system; due to their size, the kidneys produce a small amount of urine, which contains a concentration of harmful inorganic substances. Wet food helps saturate the body with additional fluid and prevents the appearance of formations in the urinary system. It is not advisable to mix dry and wet food; it is better to offer them to the animal at different times.
3. Do not choose your own nutritional supplements for the animal and do not give food from your table. The advantage of ready-made dry food is its balance. The substances your dog needs are available in the right quantities. Homemade table food contains a lot of salt, fat, spices, and other substances harmful to the animal. A dog whose diet is based on dry food does not need additional biological additives. An excess of vitamins is more harmful than their deficiency.
4. Do not overfeed. Small individuals have a tendency to become obese. If you do not control the number of servings in the bowl, then over time the animal may become overweight. On packages of ready-made dry food there is a table on portion sizes and feeding frequency. Compliance with these standards will protect your dog from weight problems.

Feeding frequency and portions

In the first months, veterinarians do not recommend giving puppies foods intended for adults. At this point, they undergo a period of adaptation, as a result of which they experience stress. Therefore, you need to approach food intake responsibly.

Expert opinion

Anna Abramenko

An avid dog lover. Experience in veterinary medicine since 2009.

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Due to its compact dimensions, the dog cannot be overfed. For example, an extra 500 g can become a critical indicator. The owner should not allow the Spitz to become obese, as the likelihood of cardiovascular diseases will increase.

For puppies by month

As pets grow up, they always want to eat without restrictions. However, it is necessary to maintain an interval between meals and follow the following regimen:

• A 2-month-old puppy should be fed 3-4 times a day;
• at 3 months – 3;
• from 6 to 1 year – 2.

Expert opinion

Anna Abramenko

An avid dog lover. Experience in veterinary medicine since 2009.

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With low activity, the puppy can quickly gain weight. This meal plan is suitable for dogs with an active lifestyle. Each owner selects the portion size individually.

For adult dogs

Such individuals belong to the category up to 9 years. Pomeranians, unlike other large dogs, are transferred to this category much later. For an adult Spitz, it is necessary to include foods high in minerals and protein in the diet.

For a nursing bitch

During this period, it is best to feed the dog fresh meat, cereals and vegetables. They contain a sufficient amount of vitamins, which the female lacks.

What vitamins are needed when feeding small breed dogs

If the dog’s diet consists of natural food, ready-made vitamin complexes will serve as an additional source of vitamins and minerals. There are many types of multivitamins and specialty vitamins on the pet market designed for small dog breeds.

The vitamin multicomplex solves the problem of vitamin deficiency in the body of an adult animal.

For example, Farmavit Active, Wolmar Winsome Pro Bio Booster Ca Mini or Galakan Champion. These nutritional supplements are developed for small breed dogs, are hypoallergenic, and do not cause side effects.

How to properly feed small breed dog puppies

When a puppy is just born, its digestive system is on its way to development; a diet of the right foods is the key to health for years to come. Newborn puppies can be supplemented with milk or a specialized formula. At the age of about 1-3 months, you need to feed puppies with natural food: lean meat, eggs, fish, porridge, fermented milk.

Protein should make up at least 70% of the diet. We add healthy fats and boiled vegetables to the rest of the diet. This menu may seem boring to humans, but puppies do not need a variety of foods.

Their gastrointestinal tract is just learning how to digest food, and preference is given to simple and healthy foods. The diet should not contain fatty, fried, sweet foods; they are prohibited for puppies and cause serious health and digestive problems.

Menu for the week

Regardless of age, pets have a similar diet. The owner independently chooses what to serve the dog at a certain meal.

Interesting article: TOP 10 cutest and most beautiful dog breeds in the world

Breakfast:

• cottage cheese;
• porridge (optional);
• curdled milk (kefir, fermented baked milk, yogurt, low-fat sour cream).

Dinner:

• cereals;
• meat;
• olive or vegetable oil;
• greenery;
• mixture of grated and stewed vegetables.

Dinner:

• eggs;
• special bones for pets;
• sea ​​fish;
• bouillon.

Expert opinion

Anna Abramenko

An avid dog lover. Experience in veterinary medicine since 2009.

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Throughout the day, the owner can give the dog a snack on rye crackers, a slice of cheese, an apple, carrots, nuts or dried fruits. The main thing is not to give them in large quantities, otherwise your pet will become overweight.

If your miniature dog has digestive problems due to food

A common reason for visiting a veterinarian is gastrointestinal problems. Not a single animal is safe from them.

The reasons for their appearance are usually similar: either a specific brand of ready-made dry or wet food is not suitable for the animal, or the owner decides to save money and buys cheap brands of food that have an unbalanced and even harmful composition.

The most common digestive disorders are:

• Diarrhea, constipation
• Allergies that cause a skin reaction
• Intolerance to components included in the finished feed
• Uncontrollable vomiting
• Poisoning

For each of these symptoms, the dog should be shown to a veterinarian to establish an accurate diagnosis and prescribe treatment. Self-medication or self-diagnosis is fraught with the emergence of new diseases. If you do not review your dog’s diet, then over time, minor problems with the gastrointestinal tract will lead to the development of chronic diseases of the internal organs.

The damage will mainly be caused to the stomach and liver, and various parts of the intestines.

To solve the problem, it is enough to change the brand of food, choosing a diet without harmful and poorly digestible components. A competent veterinarian can advise which food is best to introduce, based on the health of a particular dog. Change the food gradually; too sudden a change will cause severe digestive upset. The replacement should be made within a week, mixing the new type of food with the old one.

Features of industrial feeding - pros and cons

Any type of feeding has its own characteristics. By choosing industrial food, most owners get rid of problems with cooking and constant thinking about creating a diet. Dry food lasts longer and is convenient to dose. In addition, most adult dogs prefer the same type of diet.

In addition to the obvious advantages, industrial food has disadvantages, which veterinarians never tire of talking about. Few owners understand that it is highly undesirable to feed a dog only dry food, since the granules quickly damage the enamel of teeth.

Feeding only wet food is also not an option, since without load, the gums become loose.

There are many theories and recommendations regarding feeding puppies. Some of them are worth listening to:

• If you cannot afford to buy quality food, you should feed your dog natural food - it is cheaper.
• From 20% to 30% of the total daily food intake should be wet food - this is the prevention of oral diseases.
• Transfer your puppy to dry food only after the teeth have completely changed.
• While the teeth have changed, not completely dry food can be present in the diet only in a soaked form.
• Provide your pet with unhindered, round-the-clock access to water as soon as dry food is introduced into the diet.

Spitz dogs rarely have problems with changing teeth. If the puppy is purchased from a good nursery, the risks associated with congenital health problems are minimal. The only nuance that needs to be taken into account is its luxurious coat, which requires additional “nutrition”.

Industrial diet and water

Why does water play an extremely important role in industrial feeding? Dry food is produced using the same technology. The products are crushed, dried, mixed, moistened, pressed and dried again. If you throw food pellets into water, they will begin to swell and absorb liquid. The same thing happens when a puppy swallows food.

Diet for a pregnant miniature dog

Pregnancy of a pet is an important moment; it is necessary to organize the correct diet for the animal. It is advisable to avoid sudden changes in diet; pregnancy is stressful for the pet and changing the diet can aggravate the pet’s condition. The main part of the menu should be animal proteins. An overweight towards fast carbohydrates and fats can cause excess weight.

It is better to choose premium dog food intended for pregnant females; they have a good composition and contain a balanced set of vitamins and minerals necessary for a pregnant animal. It is important to monitor the portions you consume. Excessive feeding can lead to excess weight gain; there is no need to feed your pet for two or three. Additional weight can weaken the dog’s labor and add increased stress to the internal organs.

In the first half of pregnancy, the animal is fed according to the usual schedule, maintaining the portion size that was before pregnancy. To avoid weight gain, small pets need to remain active, but remember - you should not overwork the animal during pregnancy. If it was decided to switch the animal to another food, then the best time for this is the first half of pregnancy. The transition is carried out smoothly, on average about 8-10 days. If the new food is not suitable for a particular pet, the return to the previous one should be gradual.

In the second half of pregnancy, active growth of puppies in the womb begins; if before this excess nutrition was spent on the pet’s excess weight, now all the excess will go to feed the fetuses. The animal’s body gives all its resources to its offspring. It is important to gradually increase the pet's diet; by the end of pregnancy, the bitch should receive about 30% more food than usual.

There are periods when the female’s appetite decreases or disappears. There is no need to force feed; when the dog feels better, it will begin to eat properly again. During this period, it is better to offer food often and in small portions. During pregnancy, the uterus puts a lot of pressure on the internal organs, and large portions of food will worsen the condition, and a lack of food will provoke the birth of weakened offspring.

Prohibited Products

The following cannot be used as food for a puppy:

1. Protein in its raw form. It worsens the condition and appearance of the coat.
2. Pork. The meat is very fatty for a Spitz. It can disrupt liver function and also cause urinary tract diseases. Pork often contains trichinosis, which is life-threatening for your pet.
3. Chocolate. Leads to poisoning.
4. Sausages and sausage products. They contain nitrate, which impairs liver function.
5. Fried foods and smoked meats.
6. Onions and garlic. Their juice contains irritating substances that provoke the appearance of ulcers on the walls of the stomach and intestines.
7. Chicken and rabbit bones are tubular in shape. They break into sharp pieces when the dog begins to chew on them. As a result, the product causes irreparable harm to her digestive system.