How Much Does a Miniature Schnauzer Eat?

Miniature schnauzers are high energy dogs requiring nutritious food in order to maintain optimum health. They are prone to problems relating to the level of fats in their diet and therefore warrant close scrutiny in the amount and type of food they consume. Adult schnauzers weigh in at between 13 to 19 lbs. and stand between 12 and 14 inches tall. An appropriate amount of food is determined according to the size of your pet.

  1. Quality of Food

    • Read the labels on various types of dog foods. The quality of the food has a direct bearing on the amount your miniature schnauzer needs for optimum health. Many grocery store varieties contain a number of fillers and by-products that are not good for your dog. Reject foods that contain large amounts of wheat and corn. They do nothing for your dog's nutritional needs and may even affect your schnauzer adversely, causing allergies or skin problems.

    Size and Age

    • Observe your pet's activity level. Young dogs around the age of one year have a great deal of energy and should consume between 1/3 to 1/2 cup of dry food, twice a day. In general, puppies need to consume more food than older dogs due to growth and activity needs. If your miniature schnauzer is a very young puppy, under the age of eight weeks, it should be fed 1/4 cup of dry food 3 to 4 times a day. Reduce feeding to twice per day after eight weeks.

    Homemade Food

    • Do your homework and you will discover that some professionals recommend a homemade diet. Since miniature schnauzers are prone to a number of health issues that center around their digestion, this is a good point to consider. A wholesome diet for dogs consists of fresh meat, some vegetables and a little grain, similar to what your dog's canine ancestors were fed by its human companions. Once again, a healthier diet requires smaller meals. Feed the adult 1/2 cup of food twice a day.

    Overfeeding

    • Decide what you prefer to feed and then seek out the highest quality food that is available for your mini schnauzer. A word of caution: overweight is a harbinger of disease in all dogs, but is especially true for smaller ones. Overfeeding your schnauzer can bring about a number of health issues including hair loss due to skin allergies, hyperlipidemia and kidney stones, among other problems. Stick to a healthy feeding schedule and consult your veterinarian if problems arise.