Page 31 - PET worldwide issue 2/2021

be recovered accordingly through should not be fed to them in addi- that small dogs need to be fed dif-
nutrition. Small dogs need to con- tion to main meals, as otherwise ferently from larger breeds, stores
sume more than large dogs on they will become obese. One can make a substantial contribu-
account of their greater heat loss. American study states that one tion towards species-appropriate
Relative to their weight they also in four dogs in western industri- feeding of small dogs. They should
have a heavier digestive tract, alised nations is overweight. This take care above all to ensure, how-
which consequently requires more has serious consequences, with ever, that the treats fed by owners
energy. Their shorter gastrointes- pets suffering from diabetes, car- to their pet are not too energy-rich.
tinal tract also means that they diovascular problems or fatty liver A dried pig’s ear can cover the en-
have a smaller capacity compared disease as well as even slipped ergy requirements of a very small
with large canines. discs. It is noticeable in every- dog for virtually an entire day, and
None of this means, however, day situations too if small dogs the pet store should make owners
that small breeds require vastly are carrying too much weight: aware of this when they dispense
more food. They should only re- they tire more quickly, tolerate advice. For dogs with small teeth
ceive the quantity of added food the heat less well, are irritable in particular, dental-care chew
corresponding to their higher and no longer as nimble as they products are recommended, or
need for activity and energy were. It creates a vicious circle, pastes that prevent the build-up
consumption, experts advise. It with weight problems causing of tartar.
is also recommended that they joint problems and internal or- Another important point is
be given food in a highly digest- gans becoming fatty. Scientists that small dog breeds consid-
ible form. Many dog food prod- have also found that obese dogs erably outlive large breeds. This
ucts for small breeds thus con- have a shorter life expectancy makes it necessary to feed older
tain smaller croquettes that are than those at an ideal weight. dogs differently than puppies.
easier to chew, making eating a Some pet food manufacturers All the leading pet food brands
comfortable experience for these Age-appropriate food therefore offer special dog food now offer products with a
pets. Another tip from the nutri- Through the provision of compe- for senior dogs of small breeds. composition geared to the different
needs of large and small breeds
tion experts is that food for small tent advice, pet stores can help to This has a reduced energy con- (on the left).
breeds should contain fewer car- inform dog owners of the neces- tent and helps to prevent prema-
bohydrates. sity of species-specific nutrition ture cell ageing with selected Treats are extremely popular even
It makes sense to reward for their pets and the high activity immune complexes and certain with small breeds of dog; but
feeding them too much and too
small dogs with treats, but these needs of small breeds. By advising nutrients. n often can result in obesity.

PET worldwide 2|2021 31

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