Home Orthopedics Mixed feeding of Spitz. Everything about feeding the Pomeranian

Orthopedics

Mixed feeding of Spitz. Everything about feeding the Pomeranian

The appearance of a puppy in your home is absolutely identical to the appearance of a small child in it. This furry creature also needs affection and care, attention and great care. But most of all he needs quality nutrition. Many owners ask the question of what to feed their Spitz. Today we will try to answer it.

Pomeranian Spitz breed

These are miniature dogs that charm people with their appearance. Like foxes with thick and fluffy skin, they look like soft toys in the hands of their owners. However, it must be remembered that, despite its tiny size, this is a real predator that demands good nutrition. But to the question of what to feed a Spitz, each breeder and owner has a different answer. Some believe that natural food is best, while others prefer balanced dry food. Today we will talk about the advantages and disadvantages of these different systems.

A person who purchases a Pomeranian usually assumes that it is a typical sofa ottoman that will sleep throughout the day. However, you must be prepared for the irrepressible energy of these dogs. They can play day and night, and therefore it is extremely important to answer the question of what to feed your Spitz in advance. This little “perpetual motion machine” requires constant recharging.

Breed types

In fact, they are quite different, and before you buy a pet, you need to thoroughly understand the varieties of these dogs. The most famous is the Pomeranian, also known as the German Spitz. However, this formulation is not entirely correct. Germans are the name given to simpler representatives of the breed, while Pomeranians are show-class dogs with luxurious, dense fur. This miniature dog, which reaches 20-25 cm at the withers. Its homeland is Pomerania. This is where the name of the breed comes from. However, as breeding progressed, several types of dogs emerged. Some have sharper, fox-like faces, while others have rounder heads and flattened faces. This is a bear-type Spitz, which has gained wide popularity due to its unique appearance. They look more well-fed and their coat seems to be thicker and fuller. However, the breed type is finally formed only in adulthood, which means it is impossible to say with confidence about a puppy what type it belongs to.

American Spitz

It's hard to believe, but they have the same roots. The ancestors of these dogs (they are also called Eskimo Spitz) were their relatives from Pomerania, who were brought to America at the beginning of the twentieth century. Today there are three types of these dogs. The smallest weigh no more than 4 kilograms, miniature - up to 9 kg, and standard Spitz - the largest, their weight is more than 16 kg, and their height is 48 cm at the withers.

A puppy appeared in the house

From the very first days, you are obliged to provide decent feeding for your pet, so also ask the breeder what to feed your Spitz. He will probably be able to tell a lot about these dogs. In addition, when you take your puppy home, you should continue to feed him what he is used to, only then gradually starting to add new types of food. Up to three months, puppies are fed 4-5 times a day, by six months they can be switched to three meals a day, and starting from 7 months - to two meals a day.

A Spitz diet should definitely include a lot of dairy products. They cook porridge with milk, give milk and kefir. It is very useful to give your baby cartilage, it develops the jaws and provides many useful microelements. Don't forget to give fish and meat, this is your pet's main diet. Vegetables are also very useful, do not forget to give them raw and boiled, with a spoonful of sour cream.

Approximate diet for a Spitz: natural feeding

With each month of life, the puppy should receive less milk and more meat and meat products. Your pet is a real predator, despite its small size. At least 50% of the diet should consist of animal products. Daily norm easy to calculate if you weigh your pet. For every kilogram of weight, at least 25 g of meat is required. It is best to feed veal and beef; chicken is also acceptable. This is the best food for Spitz, but it must be supplemented with cereals (buckwheat and rice), as well as vegetables. These could be salads or stews. You should not give your Spitz bones, chicken or any other.

What should you immediately exclude from your diet?

Feeding such a baby from your table may seem very convenient, but it is fraught with all sorts of health problems. Therefore, understand in advance that you cannot give your dog pasta and fatty meats. Oily fish is not suitable for them either, only river fish. It is strictly forbidden to give them white bread and baked goods, sweets and legumes. Any smoked meats, salted or pickled foods, beets and mushrooms, raisins and grapes, persimmons and potatoes, sausages, corn, pearl barley, millet and semolina porridges.

Dry food

It is very convenient to feed a small dog with ready-made food. This is a balanced food that meets all requirements and allows you to maintain your dog’s health in order. When choosing ready-made food, carefully read its composition. The product that contains the most of it should be listed first. Of course it must be meat. If you see the words offal or protein products, then feel free to put them aside. Cereals should not predominate. It is best to choose premium food, because your puppy deserves the best. Experts recommend brands such as Hills, Royal Canin, Bosh, Happy Dog. These are quality foods that contain well-balanced, high-quality ingredients. However, today a new type of food has appeared on the market - holistic. These are Pronature Holistic, Acana, Felidae, Orijen, Canidae, ANF, Innova, Holistic Blend. They are distinguished by the fact that they are created exclusively on the basis of fresh and high-quality products, without dyes or flavors. This food contains a lot of meat and fish, which means your pet will be happy and healthy for a long time.

Combined food type

It is often used by owners who give their dog a portion of dry food in the morning when there is no time to prepare a normal breakfast. At the same time, for dinner she will have a portion of fresh porridge with meat, vegetables or cottage cheese. Veterinarians do not approve of this style of eating. The absorption of fresh and dry food is very different, and the body has to readjust each time.

Spitz is a dog breed that belongs to the fourth section of the fifth group according to the classification of the International Canine Federation. These dogs are direct descendants of the turf dog, which lived back in the Stone Age.

There are several varieties of Spitz, which differ in size and color:

Wolfspitz. Color grey. Height at the withers - 0.43-0.55 m;
Grossspitz (Big Spitz). Reaches 0.42-0.5 m at the withers. It has a white, brown or gray color.
Mittelspitz (Middle Spitz). Height at withers - 0.3-0.38 m. Color orange, gray, brown, black, white, etc.
Kleinspitz (Small Spitz). Height at the withers is 0.23-0.29 m. The color is varied: from black, white, to orange, black, brown, etc.
Miniature Spitz (Pomeranian, Miniature Spitz). Height at the withers - 0.18-0.22 m. Color orange, white, gray, brown, etc.

All Spitz, regardless of variety, have lush hair with a very soft undercoat, they look like, of course we are joking)))). In terms of personality, these dogs are very affectionate and friendly, making them ideal companions. Spitz dogs are very smart and easy to train, making them great for beginner dog owners. In addition, these dogs always get along well with children.

As for health, Spitz dogs, unlike other modern dog breeds, are less likely to suffer from congenital diseases and have virtually no predisposition to any diseases. However, one of the most common problems is the tendency of these dogs to become obese, which is especially true for Kleinspitz and miniature spitz. And to avoid this, you need Monitor your dog's diet closely, as well as the level of her physical activity.

The ideal menu for a Spitz

When choosing a dog's diet, there are several factors to consider, such as the dog's age, height, weight, and exercise level. However, there are rules that apply to the diet of a Spitz in any case.

Forbidden food

There are a number of products that are not absorbed by the dog’s body and can lead to health problems and injure organs. digestive system, as well as reduce the level of absorption of nutrients. Under no circumstances should a Spitz be fed:

Products that should be on the Spitz menu

For the full functioning of the body, the dog needs to receive proteins, carbohydrates, fats in moderation, as well as microelements and others. useful material. And in order to provide the Spitz with all this, it is necessary include the following foods in his diet:

Meat: lean beef, veal, lamb, turkey, chicken. It is the main source of proteins and microelements.
By-products: chicken or beef heart, veal or chicken liver, scar (once a week). By-products are a source of microelements and vitamins, especially A (large amounts in the liver).
Eggs: chicken, quail (2 pieces per week). They are a source of protein, vitamins D, E, A, B6, B2, B12, trace elements calcium, magnesium and iron.
Sea fish, squid. They serve as the main source of essential amino acids, microelements iodine, phosphorus, magnesium, fluorine, calcium, iron, vitamins D, E, A, B12, B6.
Cottage cheese (fat content no more than 10%), kefir (low-fat). They contain calcium, potassium, iron, magnesium, manganese, zinc, phosphorus, copper, molybdenum, vitamins B2, B3, B1, B6, B12, B9, C, E. N, PP, as well as proteins.
Greens: parsley, dill, spinach. Contains a large amount of vitamins PP, C, E, B2, B1, A, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, as well as folic acid and beta-carotene, which boost immunity and improve vision.
Fruits: bananas, apples, apricots, melons, persimmons; dried fruits.
Vegetables: carrots, beets, cabbage, pumpkin, zucchini.
Olive oil (season vegetable salad with a very small amount).
Porridge: rice, buckwheat, rolled oats (no more than 10% of the daily diet).

How to properly prepare food for a Spitz?

Meat should never be fried or stewed. Beef (lean) must be scalded with boiling water or give raw older dogs. The turkey or chicken breast needs to be boiled and the skin removed.

As for fish, you need to boil it and carefully remove all the bones from it before giving it to your dog.

Eggs should be boiled; you can also give a raw yolk.

By-products should be present in the Spitz's diet in moderation; they should in no case serve as a substitute for meat, which is mandatory for dogs to eat. This is especially true for the liver, which contains a large amount of minerals and vitamins. If you give it too much, your dog may suffer from diseases caused by an overdose of vitamins and minerals. It is not recommended to feed Spitz dogs raw offal; they must be boiled.

Vegetables can be steamed greens may be raw.

The Spitz's diet should consist of 2/3 food containing protein (meat, cottage cheese, eggs, fish) and 1/3 cereal, vegetables and fruits. All these components are prepared separately; they can be mixed directly during feeding.

How often should you feed your Spitz?

It depends on his age:

a puppy aged 1-2 months must be fed 6 times a day;
at 2-3 months - 5 times a day;
at 3-6 months - 3-4 times a day;
at 6-8 months - 2-3 times a day;
An adult Spitz (from 8 months) should be fed 2 times a day.

The portion that a dog consumes is purely individual and depends not only on the level of physical activity and the size of the dog, but also on the characteristics and condition of its body. Determine the amount of food, which you need to feed your Spitz, at one time is easy. If after eating food there are still some leftovers in the bowl, then the portion needs to be reduced. Under no circumstances should you leave uneaten food in a bowl until the next day - it must be removed immediately. If the dog licks the bowl for a long time and thoroughly after feeding, then the portion needs to be increased.

At 2-3 months old, Spitz puppies are still not allowed all the foods they can eat. adult dog. It is best to feed the puppy only lean boiled meat, steamed vegetables, buckwheat and rice, a small amount of cottage cheese with kefir, boiled yolk (1-2 pieces per week). Also, in addition to meat, cartilage from goats and calves will be useful.

All the above rules apply to feeding the Spitz with natural products, but there is an alternative - feeding dry food. You need to approach the choice of food very carefully; you must definitely read the composition.

What should be the composition of the feed:

Meat should come first; its type and percentage (at least 25%) must be indicated.
Vegetables and cereal products must be present in quantities of up to 30%; it must be described in detail which vegetables and cereals are present in the feed.
Vitamins (the presence of vitamins A, D, C, E, PP, all from group B is required).
Macro- and microelements (calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, potassium, iodine, etc.)
Natural preservatives (herbal extracts and oils, vitamins C, E).

This standard can be met only premium and super-premium food. Economy class feed usually contains artificial colors, flavors and preservatives, waste from slaughterhouses (horns, hooves, etc.), fillers that do not carry any nutritional value, but only clog the stomach and intestines (this is cellulose, crushed nutshell etc.). Such cheap and very harmful food should never be fed to a Spitz.

How to properly monitor and care for a German Pomeranian, there is an important point in this problem, order suitable nutrition. The health of your pet and its physical characteristics are determined by proper feeding.

Another difficulty that makes you quite nervous is the difficulty of digestion in the dog’s stomach, so it is necessary to rationally consider the issue of the norm of its food. What is the main feeding regime? healthy norm feeding the Pomeranian Spitz, we will talk about this below.

We can confidently name three varieties:

special dry and canned food;
feeding from natural ingredients;
combined food.

Most breeders use dry and canned food, others feed dogs natural food. But you need to know that you will have to feed the puppy for some time, the same thing that the breeder fed.

Whatever you initially choose to feed, be sure to maintain an even distribution of nutrients.

Additives should only be used after consultation with veterinarian, an excess amount of feeding will upset the normal physical development of the animal.

Rules for eating

To avoid unusual malfunctions internal organs Pomeranian, impeccable coat and perfect teeth, you should give him daily properly formulated food, which includes: protein, carbohydrates, various fats, vitamins, all kinds of biological additives.

Breeds of dwarf dogs require a maintenance order that must be followed:

In order not to disrupt the smooth functioning of the body, it is not recommended to immediately switch from one nutrition option to another. Everything must be done slowly;
There is no need to save money, they do not consume so much, preservatives and dry food will upset digestion;
There is no need to give too fatty, smoked and salty food. Complete ban subject to food from pork, tubular bones and milk;
The puppy is allowed to eat low-fat cheeses in small quantities every day.

How to feed

For better absorption of the product by the body, you need to feed it small rations. Until the animal is three months old, it is necessary to eat food five times a day, then gradually reduce feeding in order to reach three times a day by six months, reducing the frequency of food consumption by the puppy to twice every seven months.

Let's look at everything in detail

Feeding your dog preservatives and a variety of dry foods is very practical for owners of shaggy pets.

Often such baits contain a large number of all required nutrients. The positive thing is that you can transport such food with your furry friend without worrying about its safety.

It is clear that the use of such food results in serious financial costs, due to the fact that the Pomeranian Spitz is a very noble breed, with a pampered stomach that instantly gives negative reaction for unimportant nutrition.

This means that purchasing dry food must be taken very seriously, without skimping on costs.

The dog eats very expensive dry food with great pleasure. At the same time, companies producing famous brands nutrition, accurately calculate uniform distribution nutrients and necessary supplements for a certain age. They are intended specifically for owners of four-legged friends who do not have a lot of free time.

What is the best way to feed puppies?

The body of a Pomeranian Spitz puppy must consume many vitamins, carbohydrates and various supplements. Up to six months, a puppy, like a child, will be perfectly suited for this diet with many varieties of dairy products: kefir, cottage cheese, various cereals with milk.

From the age of six months he begins to consume all kinds of cereals cooked in water. Buckwheat, rice and oatmeal are excellent for eating and are very well absorbed in the stomach.

Raw and boiled vegetables are very beneficial for a puppy; they have a sufficient amount of fiber and prevent obesity and constipation in pets.

A six-month-old pet can eat cartilage and softened beef bones without fear or any consequences, which improves chewing reflexes and helps strengthen teeth. It is advisable to completely separate the fish additive from the bones, due to the possibility of choking.

Mixed feeding

Still, it is better to diversify the food of a pet with four legs with natural, nutritious and healthy food. It is useful to feed him:

Boiled beef and lamb, you can also give boiled chicken meat, boiled beef liver and heart;
Boiled sea fish, deboned, containing large amounts of vitamins and phosphorus;
At least twice a week, boiled chicken or quail eggs.
Various dairy products - cottage cheese, kefir - must be constantly added to the consumption rate of an older dog;
A wide variety of vegetables and fruits, raw or cooked;
All kinds of greens, such as dill or parsley, cooked in very limited portions, they greatly strengthen the immune system.

Products you don't need to use

Fish products in raw form and with unseparated bones may be infected with worms.
Bakery products and varieties of pasta lead to indigestion.
Pork meat in any version. Dangerous for the functioning of the liver and other organs.
A variety of sweets and baked goods cause excess weight and further obesity.
It is also necessary to completely remove all types of legumes and potatoes, and also exclude boiled millet and pearl barley.

We discussed above what to feed your Pomeranian and how best to care for it, but we will still give you four more tips:

Every day, if possible, keep an eye on the animal while eating; if after eating, there are leftovers in the dishes, then the portion is too large, and it is unnecessary for it.

You can determine whether the puppy is getting enough food by feeling the ribs; if you cannot find them, it will mean overfeeding.

You cannot feed a dog of this breed; it has a very negative effect on the functioning of the stomach and overall health.
These dogs are very smart and too cunning, unlike many of their brothers, thanks to this they constantly beg their owners for “tasty things”; there is no need to accustom your pet to this. Due to this begging will be overweight.
Constantly check the quality of the foods your pet eats. If a natural product has become unusable, get rid of it immediately, otherwise it will not be excluded death for your friend.

If your dog has an upset stomach, do not let him eat for a day, but give him water. If your friend on four legs completely refuses to eat, this means illness and you will urgently have to take him to the doctor.

Be sure to do correct conclusions from everything read in this article, listening to the right advice, and then your four-legged pet will have excellent health and beautiful appearance.

So that your Pomeranian does not have digestive problems, is cheerful and active, the coat shines in the sun, is silky and thick and looks well-groomed, so that the teeth, skin and claws are healthy, need to take care of the right balanced diet . It is very important.

The diet should include all the nutrients necessary for health and proper functioning of the digestive system - proteins, fats, carbohydrates, minerals, vitamin complex and water and in the correct proportions.

Squirrels contain different amino acids that a dog needs for harmonious growth and tissue regeneration. Both deficiency and excess of proteins are dangerous for Spitz health. Carbohydrates, however, like proteins, are a source of energy. To prevent your dog from becoming obese, physical activity must compensate for the carbohydrates consumed. From fat Pomeranians get fatty acid, essential for full life dogs and good appearance. It is also necessary to ensure normal life minerals, vitamins, water.

Exists three main ways to feed dogs - this is feeding dry food, feeding natural products And combined feeding. But no matter what method you choose, it is worth considering that in any case, the bitter orange along with food should receive all the substances described above in the required ratio. With a properly balanced diet, the dog does not need special supplements. But if changes have occurred in the life of a Spitz that require additional resources - a sudden change in climate, illness, during feeding and gestation of puppies - the dog should be fed. Puppies do not need feeding - this can disrupt the harmonious development of their osseous-ligamentous apparatus! Before you decide to use supplements, be sure to consult a veterinarian nutritionist.

Now let's look at each type of nutrition in detail.

1. Feeding dry food

Feeding your Spitz with dry food has a wide range of advantages:

it is much easier to feed “dry” than to prepare different foods every day, taking into account the balance of vitamins, minerals and other things, therefore, you save time on preparing food;
dry food is already balanced in mineral and vitamin composition;
no additional additives are required in the diet;
ease of storage;
Convenience of feeding during travel and transportation.

The only thing that can scare owners away from this method of feeding is feed price, because if you feed “drying”, then, of course, it must be good (and not the kind that is advertised on TV). But super premium dry food is very economical due to its high digestibility! Of course, like everything good and high quality, dry food is not cheap. Eating economy-class dry food causes enormous harm to the health of your Spitz.

If you feed your pet natural food, but decide to switch to dry food, the change should not be drastic. Slowly add small portions of dry food to natural food over the course of a week, gradually increasing the proportions in favor of dry food until you completely switch to it.

When you pick up your Spitz puppy from the breeder, ask him for the dry food he fed the puppies. It will be enough for the first few days, after which you can choose the appropriate food yourself.

How to choose quality and good food for a spitz?

Currently, there are four categories of dry food on the market: economy class, premium class, super premium class and holistic food. But the presence of appropriate inscriptions does not always tell the truth about the food’s belonging to a particular class, because this classification is not regulated by law. Therefore, to determine whether a food is good or not, you need to carefully study its composition.

Firstly, the composition of the feed should be described in great detail, all ingredients are listed with sources of proteins, fats, carbohydrates in decreasing order of their weight content.

Example #1: the composition contains corn, wheat, etc., and one ingredient of animal origin, therefore, this is an ordinary porridge, the consumption of which will lead to gastrointestinal problems.

Example #2: the composition of the feed is general in nature - cereals, meat, meat products, etc., please know, this is economy class feed, which is made from waste from flour milling and slaughterhouses.

Secondly, distinguishing feature good food - In its composition, meat comes first, its type is indicated (it can be whole, for example, chicken, or chopped), its percentage is indicated - at least 25% of the total composition of the feed, there are two or more sources of protein of animal origin (eggs, fish products, meat products, for example , liver).

Thirdly, an indicator of good food is high degree of digestibility, and the better the digestibility process goes, the lower the feeding rates indicated on the packaging, that is, the more less for the dog you need to eat the food per day (see the “Feeding norms” block on the bag of food).

Hence the conclusion: good food does not cost twice as much, just by buying cheap food, only half of it is absorbed by the animal’s body, and the remaining half goes to waste! But along with high-quality food, your pet receives the entire range of vitamins, minerals, proteins, fats and carbohydrates in the required volumes, which ensures the health of the gastrointestinal and genitourinary systems.

A good dry food should also contain:

strictly up to 50% (preferably about 30%) cereal products and/or vegetables are carbohydrates and fibers that are necessary for proper digestion;
vitamins;
minerals;
natural preservatives - vitamins E, C, herbal extracts and oils (pay attention to this, because this is a source of pride for feed manufacturers and additional advertising). They provide the possibility of long-term storage of feed without loss of properties;
special supplements for the proper functioning of joints, intestines, supplements that enhance immunity;
special feeding diet for puppies (acceptable amounts of calcium and phosphorus), adult dogs, etc.

Note: As preservatives, it is officially permitted to introduce various acids (hydrochloric, acetic, sulfuric, phosphoric, etc.), some salts of these acids, sodium bisulfite, sodium nitrite. This should be avoided - read the packaging carefully, the fine print.

Good dry food should not contain:

offal, that is, waste from slaughterhouses, and this is not only the liver, lungs, heart, but also hooves, horns, wool, feathers;
chemical preservatives, or EWG additives (Ethoxyquin, BHA (E320), BHT (E321), Propylgallate). Research results have shown that these additives cause cancer and general developmental disorders, provoke allergies, and interfere with the proper functioning of the liver animals;
dyes;
flavorings;
sugar and caramel;
empty fillers that do not carry an energy load, but only “clog” the stomach and cause a feeling of fullness - cellulose, nut shells and similar substances.

I think it’s clear that feeding Spitz dogs with economy-class food is not recommended.

Premium food differs from economy-class feeds in the absence of by-products. They contain animal or poultry meat (chicken, beef, etc.) or fish, additives in the form of cereals and vegetables (no more than 50%). But the meat content is small, there is a lot of water and poorly digestible components; Feed digestibility is average.

Premium food:

Happy Dog (Happy Dog);
Pro Pac (Pro Pak);
BioMill (BioMill);
Nutro nuggets (Nutro nuggets);
Doctor Alders (Doctor Alders);
Flatazor (Flatazor), etc.

Super premium food very close to natural nutrition, have an excellent balance of proteins, fats, carbohydrates. It contains only pure meat (turkey, chicken, lamb or fish), barley, which has a beneficial effect on heart health, oats - to improve digestion, hypoallergenic rice, dried tomatoes - a source of vitamins. You will never find ballast substances or dyes in them. They have tremendous digestibility, so they justify their price.

Super premium food:

Eukanuba (Eukanuba);
Hills (Hills);
Iams (Yams);
Pro Pac (Pro Pak);
Nutro Choice (Nutro Choice);
1st Choice (First Choice);
ProPlan (ProPlan);
Royal Canin (Royal Canin),
Bosh (Bosch);
Happy Dog (Happy Dog);
Petreet (Retreat), etc.

For Spitz, for example, Canadian 1st Choice for small breed dogs is suitable, which contains L-carnitine and prebiotics, and has a good chicken content - 30%. MD-25 food from the French company Royal Canin, unfortunately, has been discontinued. Now the company offers a wide selection of food, where the X-Small series is suitable for Spitz or food for Chihuahuas or Yorkshire terriers.

New generation feed Holistic (holistic) contain proteins of animal origin that were grown without the use of hormones and antibiotics, and plant ingredients - without chemicals and pesticides, do not contain genetically modified organisms and plant proteins. Called to heal and bring harmony.

Korma holistic:

Orijen (Orien or Orijen);
Acana (Akana);
Chicken Soup;
Merrikk California Naturales;
Pinnacle;
Berkley (Berkley);
Golden Eagle (Golden Eagle);
Go Natural & Now Natural (Go Natural and Now Natural);
Eagle Pack Holistic Select;
Innova (Innova);
Innova Evo (Innova Evo);
Felidae (Felide);
Canidae (Kanide).

Canide and Felide foods are among the top ten best foods in the United States (according to Whole Dog Journal).

For Spitz, you need to choose food designed for dogs. small breeds, taking into account the age of the dog. Feed according to the recommendations on the package. Be sure to make sure that your Spitz has pure water in a bowl, change it periodically.

When changing from one dry food to another, do the same as when transferring from natural feeding, that is, do it gradually, otherwise the dog will be stressed.

Do not overdo it with the number of treats you give your pet - only when training and accustoming to procedures.

When a small puppy appears in your home, you need to feed him according to following diagram : For the first 7-10 days, feed as recommended by the breeder, because changing the feeding pattern will cause stress. For puppies, you should choose super premium food “for puppies of small breeds” - it is designed for puppies from 1 month to a year. The food can be either dry or canned, they can even be mixed, but leaving the serving size the same. After these ten days, switch to the generally accepted feeding scheme for Spitz dogs (possibly a link to this scheme, it is in general recommendations according to the diagrams). When your baby grows up - he will be one year old, switch to food “for adult dogs” (from 1 year to 7 years) of the same brand. After 7 years of age, you need to buy appropriate food for older cats.

You will understand that a particular food is suitable for your dog based on the condition of its coat, teeth, dog’s stool and its general condition, the dog should eat it with pleasure. If you notice the appearance of allergic rashes on the skin of your Spitz, try choosing an allergenic food. Once you find the right brand of food, don't change it to another without good reason.

An adult orange needs from 50 before 80 grams of food per day depending on the size of the dog.

2. Feeding with natural products

In this feeding option, the disadvantages are the advantages of dry food. Of course, it is unnecessary to talk about the nutritional benefits of natural products.

But the biggest drawback of this method is its labor intensity: every day you will need to set aside time to prepare food, and take into account all the vitamins, minerals and nutrients that come with food, which is very difficult to do, you understand. But you know what you feed your dog, what this food consists of, how high quality and fresh it is.

If you choose this feeding method, keep in mind that Spitz dogs do not need the variety of foods that humans consume. Make approximately the same menu for your dog every day - this will be better for the animal's body. Also note that with this feeding option it is necessary to include vitamin and mineral supplements in the diet. You should consult your veterinarian about their use and dosage, because this is a very serious issue - a deficiency or excess of these substances is very harmful to the dog’s metabolism and development. Your veterinarian will help you choose an individual vitamin complex.

Here are the foods that should be included in your pet's diet if you feed him homemade food:

1. Meat- the best is beef, horse meat, lean lamb is allowed, the meat can be boiled or raw, which can be doused with boiling water if desired, but always only fresh. It is best to give it in the form of small chopped pieces, but not minced meat - it is not so well absorbed by the body. Meat is the main source of protein and should make up approximately 1/3 of total volume consumed food to ensure the full development and life of the dog. A Spitz should receive approximately 20-25 grams of meat per kilogram of weight per day. An adult Spitz can be given boiled stomachs, hearts, lungs or liver.

Bones can be given to a dog only for the purpose of training the jaw muscles and cleaning plaque or during the change of milk teeth and only starting from 3-4 months of age. They must be raw and sugary, that is, have a spongy(!) structure, and of such a size that the Spitz cannot chew and swallow it. Spongy bones: vertebrae, ribs, shoulder blades - those bones that have the shape of an irregular cube or polyhedron. You can give the heads of tubular bones, but not the bones themselves, because their fragments are dangerous for the Spitz’s intestines, and dogs should also not eat chicken bones. If a dog eats a cooked bone, it may become constipated.

Dogs over 5-6 years old should not be allowed to eat bones.

You can use the bones to make broth for your Spitz.

2. Fish- sea and only boiled river. It is also a very important component of the orange’s diet, because from the fish your dog will receive very useful vitamins and microelements (calcium, phosphorus, vitamin A, B6, B12, D, E, iodine, zinc, selenium, fluorine, magnesium, Omega polyunsaturated fatty acids -3, amino acids, such as taurine) and protein.

If you give sea fish, do not heat treat it, remove it from the bones, and cut it into small pieces. You can even give it to adult Spitz dogs whole and with bones. If the fish is river, it must be boiled (otherwise there is a risk of getting helminthiasis - worms), cooled and served according to the same scheme.
The number of meals per week should be approximately 1-2, always instead of meat, but the portion should be twice as large - in fish it is not so large the nutritional value like meat.

3 eggs- a source of protein and choline, which is very useful for the brain, vitamins and minerals - A, B2, B6, B12, E, D, iodine, calcium, magnesium, zinc, iron, selenium, phosphorus, etc.

Eggs should be given boiled or fried in the form of an omelet; you can only give the raw yolk, for example, by mixing it with something. Raw eggs are not absorbed by the body, and the substance they contain destroys biotin, very healthy vitamin, which is a regulator of protein and fat metabolism. The number of eggs per week is 1-2.

4. Fermented milk products(cottage cheese with a fat content of up to 10%, kefir, yogurt) is a source of high-value protein and calcium. “Sour milk” is very useful at any age, especially during puppyhood, because it has a positive effect on the development of the skeleton, making it strong. Small pieces of cheese can be used in training.
Milk does not need to be included in the diet, because it is not absorbed by the dog’s body, disrupting the proper and proper functioning of the gastrointestinal tract.

5. Porridges from different cereals(buckwheat, rice, rolled oats) should make up about 10% of the daily diet.

6. Vegetables, fruits, raw herbs: mashed raw with butter/sour cream or lightly stewed in corn/sunflower oil for better absorption of zucchini, cabbage, pumpkin, carrots, tomatoes or cucumbers. Green onions, dill or parsley are very rich in vitamins.

Fruits - apples, pears, plums, apricots, bananas, watermelons, etc., as well as dried fruits (dried apricots, prunes) are very useful in small quantities as a treat.

7. Small portions of crackers from rye or gray bread good for teeth.

List of foods that need to be excluded from a dog's diet when feeding natural products to ensure good health wide enough:

flour products - pasta, butter bread, buns, etc.;
potatoes - they are very poorly absorbed by the dog’s body;
legumes - peas, beans, chickpeas, lentils, etc. (they are very poorly digested and reduce the absorption of B vitamins);
sweets - sugar, candy, chocolate, marshmallows, etc.;
millet (poorly digested in the stomach);
pearl barley (not digestible, has no nutritional value);
semolina (promotes weight gain in the dog);
salty;
smoked;
pickled;
fat;
spicy;
sausages - sausages, frankfurters;
small tubular bones(they clog the intestines and can cause various injuries);
pork;
spices and seasonings - allspice and bitter pepper, Bay leaf etc.

It is not advisable to give puppies raw beets because they cause bloating.

During training and accustoming to various procedures As a treat, give pieces of boiled meat, cheese, and commercial commercial treats. But don’t use treats to teach food that your dog won’t eat—just remove it before next appointment food.

Here is an approximate scheme for feeding puppies with natural foods:

Feeding No. 1: you can give boiled fish with porridge (rice or buckwheat), add vegetables, a little vegetable oil.

Feeding No. 2: give something fermented milk - cottage cheese or kefir.

Feeding No. 3: you can give a piece of boiled chicken or turkey.

Feeding No. 4: vegetables - for example, grated carrots with an apple or a teaspoon of vegetable oil.

Feeding No. 5: raw beef meat - pour boiling water over it, give it in finely chopped pieces with a side dish of vegetable stew. This meal should be taken as close to bedtime as possible.

When feeding a puppy with natural products 2/3 of the diet should consist of protein(this could be cottage cheese, lean meat, eggs) and 1/3 - from porridge and vegetables(stewed carrots, turnips or pumpkin). About the need/unnecessity of including additives, be sure to consult with a specialist; perhaps the doses of additives will be very small so as not to cause harm proper development puppy muscles.

3. Combined (mixed) feeding

Combined feeding is the alternate use of high-quality natural products and dry food. For example, in the morning they are fed natural food - meat, fish, porridge, cottage cheese or vegetables, and in the evening - dry food; or vice versa. It is strictly forbidden to mix natural and dry food in one feeding!

A mixed type of feeding is permissible only if it does not cause digestive problems - you need to monitor the Spitz's stool and how well the mixed food is absorbed. If the stool is loose, it means the food is poorly digested - try reducing the amount of food.

Here important rules that should be followed:

Meals should be at the same time, everything that was not eaten within 20 minutes should be removed;
“natural” must always be fresh, thick, at room temperature (if food is stored in the refrigerator, it must be heated in the microwave, but not hot);
the norms of dry food should be as advised on the packaging;
The dog should always have access to water.

Whatever feeding method you choose, you need to know the general recommendations.

You need to feed your puppy at approximately equal intervals; give him a bowl and do not change the place where it is.

For a certain age there is a required number of feedings:

up to 2 months of age, the puppy should be fed 6 times a day;
A 2-month-old puppy should be fed 5 times a day;
A 3-4 month old puppy should be fed 4 times a day;
A 4-6 month old puppy should be fed 3-4 times a day;
A 6-8 month old puppy should be fed 2-3 times a day;
starting from 8 months of age, it is worth feeding 1-2 times a day, at strictly established hours, preferably after a walk.

In the summer, when the heat is unbearable, as well as in the absence of physical activity, you can switch to feeding once a day.

A bowl of water should always be nearby; change the water if it gets dirty.

The bowl for a Spitz should be suitable for his height, that is, it should not be raised relative to the floor. There is a huge selection of dog feeders; there are also automatic ones, which can be designed for, for example, 2 or 4 feedings, and open at a given time.

Pick up optimal size portions for a dog: if after a meal a Spitz diligently licks its bowl, this indicates the need to increase the volume of food per serving, and if there is food left, reduce the portion until the dog has completely eaten its food. Monitor the condition of your pet's fat layer: it should be one that hides the ribs, but allows them to be easily felt. If the ribs protrude, increase the volume of food; if you cannot feel the ribs, reduce it.

If you notice that your pet has poor appetite, try reducing the amount of food in each serving, but leave the number of feedings unchanged. If after 10-15 minutes the food is still in the bowl, remove it until the next meal.

If you feed your dwarf Spitz homemade food, make sure that it does not go to waste, and do not feed spoiled food, because this can have a bad effect on the animal’s health.

Remember that it is better to underfeed your Spitz than to overfeed it. follow the recommended dosage of feed! The peculiarity of oranges is that they gain excess weight very quickly, which can then be very difficult to lose and the process takes a lot of time.

In puppies, the musculoskeletal system, bones and cartilage suffer from excess weight - excess weight creates a large load. The result of this is improper development of the skeleton and the formation of the dog’s exterior. And in adult dogs, excess weight is fraught with a slow progression of physiological processes, which means that Spitz boys lose interest in Spitz girls and become incapable of mating. Excess weight in girls it increases the likelihood of a difficult birth, and in some cases the bitch will not be able to get pregnant at all.

Therefore, do not indulge your Spitz, no matter what tricks he resorts to, for example, these inventors may refuse food as a sign of protest, be capricious - do not succumb to provocation, be firm - in this case, just remove the bowl of food and give food later, no offering the Pomeranian another, more tasty, in his opinion, food.

But if the appetite does not appear for several days, this is a reason to see a doctor; perhaps the dog is sick.

If your baby has an upset stomach, refrain from feeding for 24 hours, but be sure to have water. If even after these actions the disorder does not end, you need to take the Spitz to a veterinary clinic.

Spitz dogs gain weight very quickly overweight. You need to constantly remember this when pampering your pet, since a dog, once fat, is very difficult to return to its normal state. Dogs that experience little hunger and do not have an ounce of excess fat, as practice shows, are the healthiest.

The care and maintenance of a German Pomeranian includes such an important point as the feeding regime. Physical health, the quality of the coat, the condition of the teeth - all this directly depends on your pet’s diet. Also, a miniature dog often has problems digesting food, so be responsible when it comes to feeding. You will learn how, what and how many times a day to feed your Pomeranian from this article.

Basic rules for eating

So that the Pomeranian Spitz puppy does not have any disturbances in the well-coordinated functioning of the body, the coat looks flawless, there are no complications with teeth and skin, one thing is not enough. To keep your puppy alert and active, you need to create a properly balanced menu for him, which should include the following nutrients:

proteins responsible for puppy growth;
carbohydrates are sources of energy;
fats that make the dog look great;
vitamins;
minerals;
biologically active substances;
water.

For dwarf breeds There are rules for care and optimal feeding that must be followed:

In order not to spoil the metabolism in the puppy’s body, you should not suddenly jump from food to food. Do it gradually;
do not skimp on food, Pomeranians eat little, and cheap dry food will undermine the dog’s health;
if you add natural products, then never give your puppy fatty, smoked, spicy and salty foods. Long bones and pork are also prohibited;
Taking milk is undesirable, the puppy’s body does not absorb it;
For treat rewards, choose low-fat cheese.

Mode Basics

In order for your puppy's stomach to be able to digest food, it is necessary to give him food in small portions.

Feed your Pomeranian five times a day for up to three months; by six months, reduce the food intake to three times a day. From seven months onwards, feeding your puppy twice a day will be sufficient.

Now let's take a closer look at each type of feeding.

Option one

If you decide to feed your Pomeranian only dry food, you should know all the pros and cons of this diet:

The advantages of such a diet include the following points:

saving time and effort;
the composition of the dry food is already correctly balanced;
no extra additives will be needed;
Dry food packages are easy to store;
If you are constantly on the move, then this type of food is most acceptable.

There is only one drawback of such nutrition - high price. A Pomeranian Spitz puppy cannot be fed with cheap dry food, otherwise you will ruin not only his stomach, but also his entire physical development.

Choosing the right one

For Pomeranians, food suitable for small breeds is suitable. Before purchasing the appropriate food, read the recommendations on the packaging and consider the age of your dog. Remember - there should be water next to food, which must be changed three to four times a day.

If your pet has health problems, he may be allergic to some type of food. In this case, purchase special medicinal or hypoallergenic food. But be sure to consult your veterinarian first.

On this moment There are four dog food options:

Economy class;
premium class;
super premium;
Holistic is a new generation food.

To understand whether the food is suitable for your puppy, you need to carefully read the ingredients written on the box. All ingredients included in the dry food menu must be listed in detail.

If the food good quality, then the manufacturer puts meat in first place, indicating its type, for example, chicken meat. The percentage of meat should be at least thirty.

The percentage of product digestibility is an important point in the quality of dry food. The lower the “feeding standards” for care, the better. In other words, a small amount of food should be enough for the dog per day.

The food package must indicate the required amount of phosphorus and calcium for different age categories of dogs.

Also, a good dry food menu should include the following components:

cereals and vegetables – thirty percent;
vitamins E, C;
natural preservatives, be careful - there should be no acids, salts, sodium nitrite there;
herbs or oils made from them;
minerals;
supplements to enhance immunity;
supplements intended for correct height and strengthening joints and bones.

If a pack of dry food describes ingredients such as by-products, chemical additives, dyes, flavors, sugar, cellulose, then it is a cheap economy-class food.

Let's consider the last three options, since the economy class is absolutely not suitable for a dwarf Pomeranian.

Premium class

The mixture of these feeds does not include by-products, which distinguishes them from the cheapest diet. Instead, there is meat or fish, no more than fifty percent grains or vegetables. But there are very few meat products. There are much more substances that are poorly digested by the stomach. Food digestibility is average.

Super premium

Feeds of this type are almost similar to natural products, since they contain whole meat or fish, barley, oats, rice, and dried tomatoes. Fats, proteins and carbohydrates are properly balanced, making the percentage of digestibility very low.

Holistic or new generation food

Naturally occurring proteins and plant products included in this type of mixture were obtained without exposure to harmful substances.

The purpose of these dry foods is health, energy and harmony in the dog’s body.

Second option

The advantage of feeding natural foods is the high nutritional benefits. But the disadvantages are the advantages of dry food, which were described above. The most striking disadvantage of cooking from natural products is the long preparation time and constant monitoring of vital substances.

Pomeranians do not eat as varied as humans, so the daily menu can be the same.

Vitamins, mineral supplements, biologically active substances - all this simply needs to be included in the Pomeranian Spitz menu, but after consulting a veterinarian. Only he can correctly draw up the balance of vital substances.

We will describe the products that should be included in the menu of a Pomeranian puppy and the rules for preparing them:

the meat must be cut into pieces. Give preference to beef or lamb, but not fatty. This source of protein must make up the third part of the puppy’s menu. If your dog is old enough, you can cook offal for it;
fish should be served boiled if it is river fish. Sea fish usually given raw. In any case, first carefully remove the bones and cut into pieces. Fish is served to the Pomeranian about twice a week, replacing meat with it, but the volume of the fish should be twice as large;
eggs are suitable for food only when boiled. You can fry them to make an omelet. Two eggs per week will be enough;
For fermented milk products, give preference to cottage cheese or kefir, which will be useful for dogs of any age category;
ten percent of the menu should be porridge: rice, buckwheat, rolled oats;
vegetables must be finely grated and mixed with vegetable oil. You can give both raw and stewed vegetables;
greens are usually added to vegetables;
fruit is given to the puppy in small quantities as a reward.

For the development of teeth and jaw muscles, you can give your Pomeranian bones, except tubular ones, and rye crackers.

Prohibited for use

To avoid compromising your puppy's health, avoid the following foods:

flour products;
potato;
beet;
legume products;
sweet;
porridge: millet, pearl barley, semolina;
foods: salted, spicy, fatty, smoked, pickled;
sausage;
pork;
spices.

Third option

A combined feeding ration divides the day in half: the morning menu consists of high-grade food, and the evening menu consists of natural products. Depending on your pet's preferences and desires, decide what to give first.

This type of menu can only be used if the dog does not have problems with the gastrointestinal tract.

If you decide to give your Pomeranian a mixed diet, then you need to learn a few important rules:

Always monitor the condition of your dog's feces - if it is liquid, then the stomach does not absorb food. Urgently reduce the amount of food;
the pet should eat according to the schedule;
natural products should always be fresh;
wash fruits, vegetables and herbs thoroughly;
food should be at room temperature;
Always follow the recommendations on the dry food packaging.

For the comfort of the Pomeranian Spitz, it is necessary to exercise proper care during feeding.

In hot weather, it is advisable to feed your pet once a day. The dog should always have the opportunity to drink, so monitor the amount and purity of the water. Food and water bowls should be on the floor so that your Pomeranian can easily reach them.

Distribute the daily amount of food evenly. Watch how the dog eats: if after a meal the food remains in the bowl, it means that the pet is eating a lot. If he has already eaten, but is still standing near the bowl, increase the amount of food. You can check whether your puppy is getting enough food by feeling his ribs: if you cannot find them, then there is too much food. You cannot overfeed a Pomeranian Spitz - this will have an extremely bad effect on its physical condition.

Being smart and cunning dogs, Pomeranians are constantly trying to beg a “yummy” treat from their owner. Don't indulge your pet. By doing this, you will not only teach him to beg, but also help him gain excess weight.

Always monitor the quality of the food served. If natural products begin to disappear, feel free to throw them away, otherwise your pet may be poisoned.

If there is a malfunction in the gastrointestinal tract, then do not feed the dog for 24 hours, but be sure to leave water.

If recovery does not occur or your pet refuses to eat at all, then you need to urgently see a veterinarian - unfortunately, the dog.

Carefully and responsibly follow all the advice from this article, and your baby will be healthy, active and beautiful.

What type of feeding did you choose for your Pomeranian?