As you know, the Doberman is one of the most popular breeds of dogs. They are medium sized and have short hair. Its predominant color is black and chocolate brown, although other varieties of this breed are red and Isabella, which is a gray gradient. Its head is elongated and its body muscular. They are faithful and obedient pets, their character is firm and courageous, and they are great caretakers of their home.
But… Do you know what the most suitable diet for this breed is?
Doberman Pinschers need a rich and healthy diet, which helps them avoid any type of illness or secondary problem. An appropriate diet is the basis of the health of any animal, but on many occasions we are not able to assess the state of our pet or to distinguish the deficiencies in its day to day life.
Some of the diseases that pets acquire appear due to a deficit or excess of certain components in their nutrition. It is important to adapt the food at each stage of their growth.
Ideally, it should contain protein approximately in proportion to a quarter daily. Excess protein can also create problems for this dog breed as it is very prone to kidney disease.
Fats, also in adequate amounts, are an important source in your daily intake. Since their fur is short and prone to drying out. You can include fish oil or linseed oil in your menu, which will help you have a coat in optimal conditions, giving it shine and strength.
Calcium (vitamin D) is essential, since it helps in the formation of your teeth and bones, and in the proper functioning of the nervous system. Phosphorus is also a mineral responsible for their formation, in addition to intervening in other metabolic processes. The proportion of both must be adequate. You must supply an appropriate amount of bones.
At an early age they need a greater supply of protein than in their adult life. After his weaning stage, which lasts approximately a month and a half, he will be introduced to special dry food for puppies (moistened with a small amount of water during the first days of his beginning to chew). You can also prepare boiled chicken chopped into small pieces.
It is also important to identify the type of feed to introduce in each age period:
- Junior: incipient stage of development in which it needs a greater supply of nutrients to grow strong and healthy.
- Adult: from this stage your dog has a higher level of activity and requires a diet rich in protein.
- Senior: When the dog is older, it needs an essential diet to help keep its body healthy.
What is the adequate daily amount of food?
From puppyhood it is convenient to distribute meals several times a day, every two or three hours. At night we can prolong the intake until the morning.
Later we will reduce the times and extend each portion of food. From 6 months of age it can be reduced to three meals a day and around a year of age it will eat once in the morning and once in the evening.
Among the foods that the Doberman can eat in its adult stage are the following:
- High quality dry feed especially suitable for dogs. (There are specific brands suitable for the needs of each breed).
- Brown rice is a good source of carbohydrates.
- Wet feed cans.
- Chicken or cooked lamb (both boneless).
- The raw bones.
- Fruits and vegetables, as they are a high source of natural fiber.
(When you buy dry feed, check that it is free of artificial preservatives such as BHA and BHT, as they are harmful and cause kidney problems).
What should you avoid in your diet?
- Cooked or chicken bones, as they can splinter, cause serious problems.
- Beef since this type of food is not digestible for your body and has a lot of protein, which over time can be harmful.
- Feed abundant in cereals and artificial preservatives (the latter can cause kidney problems).
- Vitamin supplements, unless indicated by a veterinary specialist.
- Condiments in food.
- Consumption of garlic, onion and avocado.
Garlic and onion are highly toxic foods that damage red blood cells and cause anemia.
Avocado, if any, contains a toxic substance that can trigger an allergic reaction in your dog.
- Avoid giving fruits such as grapes or raisins, since they can cause kidney failure and diarrhea.
- Never offer chocolate or treats with artificial sweeteners. They have components similar to caffeine and do not metabolize this type of substance.
How to Feed a Doberman the ACBA Diet:
If you have time to cook and prepare your menu daily, you can offer your pet a raw diet or also called ACBA (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food). It is about offering raw meat in an approximate percentage of 35% as protein food and 30% more fat. As well as fresh vegetables, such as beets, pumpkin, carrots, broccoli, spinach and apples.
The benefits of this type of food are many, since it is free of preservatives and grains. The energy increases and the possibility of developing joint problems are reduced, it absorbs more nutrients and digestions are less heavy. In addition to receiving a greater supply of hydration through its intake, the teeth will be healthier and cleaner, and bad breath will be reduced.
The disadvantages of cooking food directly yourself is that you have to take into account some considerations, in addition to time, such as making sure you buy good quality food to avoid certain types of bacteria and parasites, you must find specialized sites. A good option is to freeze the meat before consumption. It is very important to keep track of the adequate proportions that you will eat daily, since otherwise you could suffer from vitamin and nutrient deficiencies.
Diseases that this breed can develop and how it affects their diet:
Among some of the conditions that this breed can suffer from is stomach dilation, which is caused by inflammation of gases in the abdomen and its inability to expel them. You must avoid foods that favor its development and try not to exercise before or after each meal.
Another of the problems in which a Doberman can be found is the Wobbler syndrome in old age, which can cause falls due to loss of balance among other alterations. The way to prevent this condition is to maintain an optimal weight at each stage of its development, prevent your pet from reaching high levels of weight and developing obesity.
The diet depends on the weight and characteristics of each animal, as well as the allergies it may develop and other factors. Consult your veterinarian about the one that is most suitable for your pet.
Feeding tips:
- Sometimes your pet does not adequately tolerate some specific brands of feed due to its composition, so you can sometimes find yourself with diarrhea or vomiting. Or perhaps the introduction to the first food causes the same symptoms. With whom this process should be carried out gradually and whenever you change your diet. You must gradually mix the new food with the current one and gradually increase the ration.
- The container or feeder where we must place its water or food must be resistant and easy to clean. The stainless steel ones are the most recommended. The size will depend on your age and complexion. There are specific feeders for the Doberman breed, as their snout is more prominent than other breeds. Place your food in a place that is inaccessible to insects and free of gravel or dirt that can get inside.
- During the puppy stage, the time you should leave food available, at the indicated times, will be approximately fifteen minutes. Since if it exceeds this time it will get used to having the food at any time and will not become familiar with the habits. In the most adult period, the time will not exceed one hour. Taking care of your routine will help you have good digestive regulation and will help establish other types of habits.
- You should always keep a container of clean, fresh water handy. In this way you will avoid heat strokes in times of high temperatures and other problems that can be triggered in your body.
- If you want to reward your Doberman, use this technique as part of its education process and not as a habit. He tries to offer you treats specially designed for dogs. Do not fall into the habit of offering cookies or snacks for humans with a high content of saturated fats and other additives such as chips, etc. Carrots are a great treat and will help you maintain good dental hygiene.
