Miniature Schnauzers are one of the world's most popular dog breeds due to their mellow temperament and playful nature. Like all purebred dogs, Miniature Schnauzers are more prone to specific health problems than the average mutt. Because Miniature Schnauzers often have issues related to fat levels, a healthy diet is crucial to this breed's health and well-being.
-
Real Food
-
Whenever possible, Miniature Schnauzers should be fed a diet of real, "human" food, rather than dried processed dog food. Canine nutrition expert William D. Cusick recommends foods from the breed's homeland, Germany, such as pork, beef, beet pulp and potatoes. Because Schnauzers are sensitive to grease and fat, Cusick says to avoid fatty foods like avocado. Avoid also ocean fish, soy products and rice. Don't feed your pet anything that's spicy or rich--you definitely don't need to season or spice up your dog's meat. Overfeeding can cause a snowballing of health problems for this breed. Always cook anything you wouldn't eat raw yourself. If your dog sneaks something greasy and vomits or gets diarrhea, Miniature Schnauzer breeder Wyoma Clouss recommends a spoonful of Pepto Bismol and bland foods such as cooked chicken breast and applesauce. Clouss suspects that itchy Schnauzer skin is caused by too much wheat and corn, key ingredients in processed dog food.
Dog Food
-
If you can't feed your dog fresh food, purebred nutrition author Michele Welton recommends buying a brand of dog food that lists pure meat (not byproducts) as the first two ingredients and doesn't contain soy, corn or artificial preservatives like BHA, BHT or ethoxyquin. Wyoma Clouss endorses some brands that don't contain wheat, corn and soy: Chicken Soup for the Dog Lover's Soul, Prairie by Nature's Variety and Eagle Pack. You can add nutritional value to dried dog food by adding a "garnish" of fresh food--a sliver of cooked meat, a chunk of unseasoned, cooked potato, a dollop of cottage cheese or scrambled eggs whites. Always give your pet fresh water.
-