10 Dog Breeds Nutrition Facts That Will Surprise You
1. Labradors are fun-loving dogs that require a lot of love and attention, but give it back as well. Labs are choosy about what they eat, so it can be difficult to feed them the nutritional value they require. Like any other dog, Labradors will need a diet rich in protein. They also need a diet that includes vitamins and calcium, but in moderation, as too much causes stress on their digestive system.
2. St. Bernards are beautiful dogs with a history of being the heroes of the dog world, but they are also very large dogs whose natural preference is to live in cold places. Needless to say, their nutrition requirements are demanding.
St. Bernards need to eat a lot, and they need to eat often. Because they are cold-blooded dogs, they tend to eat less when the weather is warm. A St. Bernard should be given plenty of water and about 6 ½ cups of food per day; this is the best way to ensure that they are properly fed.
They often need high amounts of protein, and St. Bernards that are not fed enough in quantity or quality will have issues with their bones. Dry kibble is a good option for these dogs, and they will eat a lot of it to keep up with their need for food. Pet care for St. Bernards requires patience and commitment.
3. Miniature Schnauzers are on the smaller side of the breed spectrum and as might be expected require less food than the average medium-sized dog. What is important for a Miniature Schnauzer’s diet is food that is low in fat and quality proteins. They tend to have liver problems when fed an excess of proteins, so a diet that is rich in minerals and vitamins is also important.
4. A pit bull is a unique kind of dog with unique nutritional needs. One important part of the pit bull’s diet is meat. They will eat a number of other ingredients, but animal protein is a key component of a pit bull’s healthy diet. While feeding pit bulls a small amount of grains and plant food is acceptable, pit bulls—as is the case with many dogs—need a diet full of animal-rich foods.
5. Huskies may be a medium-sized breed, but feeding them in the same way as any other medium-sized dog is a no-no. Huskies require small amounts of high quality and high nutrient foods. Overfeeding them is detrimental to their health.
The most important ingredient to a husky’s diet is protein. Protein and fat should make up the majority of its diet with a small amount of fruits and vegetables included. Huskies tend to only eat around two times a day, which is a noticeable difference from larger dogs who can eat up to six cups of food a day. Feeding a husky high quality foods is the best way to keep this beautiful creature happy and healthy.
6. Dobermans are large dogs with large appetites. They enjoy a diet high in protein, but beef-based products should not be fed to these dogs as it is hard on their digestive systems. Lamb or chicken-based products are usually the suggested protein, and grains are not good for them. While Dobermans should be fed a hearty amount, overfeeding them should be avoided at all costs.
7. A French bulldog can eat meat, although some bulldogs may have meat allergies to watch out for. Salmon and other types of fish may be an ideal substitute. Just like many people, some French bulldogs have allergies to gluten, and oats may be a better option for a healthy bulldog diet.
“Frenchies” can eat a well-prepared raw diet but are sensitive to many foods that may cause flatulence. These dogs require a well-planned diet that is balanced and nutritional.
8. An English Mastiff is one of the largest dogs around and as such needs a diet that is rich in proteins such as beef, with high fiber foods included. Oats and barley are a good option for English Mastiffs, and feeding them potatoes can also help to keep them healthy and strong.
Many owners of large dogs tend to overfeed them, but this can be detrimental to the English Mastiff’s health. The right amount of proteins and fibers will ensure that the dog grows to its proper height and weight without needing overly excessive amounts of food.
9. Great Danes are big dogs, but they often have sensitive stomachs and are easily susceptible to allergies. Taking care to avoid feeding them certain foods is important to their health and longevity. A diet with a 20-22% protein level with 15-19% fat level is suggested for Great Danes. Food that is high in poultry is good for Great Danes, but by-product based foods are not suggested for these large dogs.
Great Danes surprisingly will also enjoy eating yoghurt, cottage cheese, and carrots. High calcium foods and vitamins are an important part of a Great Dane’s diet. Great Danes are susceptible to heart problems, and providing them with a heart-healthy diet is key to their healthy and well-rounded nutrition.
10. Golden Retrievers love food and require a healthy amount to keep them happy. While they should eat a variety of fruits and vegetables, their main source of food should be animal-based protein. Dogs are carnivores, and the Golden Retriever is no exception. Because Golden Retrievers love to eat they are not very choosy in what they eat, so it is easy to provide them with a rich nutritional diet with plenty of variety in meats.
Most dogs and especially Golden Retrievers should not eat foods such as onions, raisins, and nuts. Some of these foods contain toxins that can be harmful to the digestive system of a Golden Retriever; others are hard to digest and can cause discomfort and pain. Salty foods, chocolate, and avocado are other potentially dangerous foods for Golden Retrievers and other dogs.
