Healthy Diet of Miniature Schnauzers

Miniature Schnauzers need a healthy diet similar to other dogs, although you should bear in mind that this dog is susceptible to diabetes, Willebrand's disease, kidney stones and liver problems. They also tend to gain weight if not on the proper diet. Feeding him fresh food or a commercial brand is up to you, but make sure he has a balanced diet consisting of protein, carbohydrates and fiber, vitamins, minerals and fatty acids. Choose between dry or wet food and read the label to ensure your dog is receiving the correct number of calories and the correct amount of fat in his diet.

  1. What to Feed the Miniature Schnauzer

    • Pork, beef, potatoes, wheat and beets are the best thing to feed your dog. Avoid foods with high sugar or fat content to decrease the risk of developing diabetes and weight gain. Feed the dog food low in fat and sugar. Some owners believe in sourcing meat from the butchers only, but this can be expensive. The best thing is to ensure that you choose a high quality dog food brand with quality meat even if it is a bit more expensive than other brands.

    How to Feed the Miniature Schnauzer

    • A puppy will need to eat more food than a full grown adult will. Feed him two medium sized meals daily once fully grown. There will be instructions on the dog food packet as to how often to feed your pet. Vary this if you feel your Schnauzer could do with more food or at a greater frequency, but be careful not to over feed your pet. Do not feed them scraps from the table of greasy, spicy or salty foods as they can suffer from digestive issues.

    Overfeeding your Miniature Schnauzer

    • Overfeeding can cause diarrhea in puppies, and your puppy may also get fat. Give your puppy a treat by adding some fruit or vegetables to their meal, like a bit of carrot or apple. The occasional dog treat is fine in moderation. If your miniature Schnauzer develops diarrhea or vomiting, serve him a teaspoon of bismuth liquid or an anti-diarrheal and feed him nothing for 12 hours. Put him on a bland diet, like chicken and rice, for two days. If the symptoms get worse, see your vet.

    Feeding your Schnauzer Correctly

    • Look at the dog and assess his health. He should have a healthy coat and bright eyes with boundless energy. Older Schnauzers may tire more quickly after exercise, and this is to be expected. He may lose weight, so start to feed him a diet with vitamins and minerals and cut down on the amount of protein and fat in his diet. Feeding smaller portions more regularly may be another option.