Brittany Spaniels were originally gun dogs. For this reason, besides their natural intelligence and loyalty, these dogs are famous for their energy and high levels of activity.
If you’ve got a Brittany Spaniel, you need to ensure that it eats a diet tailored to the breed’s specific needs. In this guide, we’ll show you how to craft a balanced diet plan, avoid common mistakes, and address specific nutritional requirements at different life stages.
Dietary Needs of Brittany Spaniel Pups
During the puppy stage, Brittany Spaniels require a diet rich in nutrients to support their growth and development.
- Protein: More than a fifth of your puppy’s diet must consist of protein. Protein is an essential macronutrient for the breed to support the development of healthy bones and joints.
- Fats: Besides protein, your puppy’s diet must also have healthy fats (no more than 20% of the diet).
- Dietary fiber: Fiber from fruits and vegetables can also be in the diet but should only account for 6% of your Brittany Spaniel puppy’s daily intake.
- Feeding portions: Portions can be 0.33 to 1.75 cups of food daily. Avoid leaving food out in the open as this can lead to overeating and weight gain.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
Here’s a list of things to avoid when you’re feeding your Brittany Spaniel:
- Excessive fiber
- Too many treats outside of training
- Overfeeding
- Dog food with too many artificial ingredients
- Baking soda, chocolate, animal bones and avocado
- Anything baked
- Grapes and raisins
- Nuts
Transitioning to an Adult Diet
Your Brittany Spaniel officially becomes an adult when it reaches its 13th month. And, as your dog matures, transitioning to an adult diet is crucial for promoting healthy energy levels and growth.
Choosing the Right Dog Food
When selecting the best dog food for Brittany Spaniel dogs, look for real meat as the primary ingredient and avoid artificial additives, fillers, and whole grains. At American Natural Premium, we offer a wide selection of dog food products guaranteed to be safe and nutritious for your growing Brittany Spaniel.
Monitoring Weight and Adjusting Portions
On average, adult Brittany Spaniels can weigh anywhere from 30 to 40 pounds. Staying within this range is key for your dog to remain healthy. So, regular veterinary check-ups can help you determine whether to increase or reduce portion sizes.
Special Considerations for Brittany Spaniels
Brittany Spaniels are energetic, fast, and agile dogs. Hence, they have high caloric needs relative to other dogs their size. On average, the daily caloric needs of an adult Brittany Spaniel can range from 942 calories to 1,182 calories.
Tips for Maintaining an Ideal Weight
Follow these tips so that your Brittany Spaniel stays within healthy weight ranges:
- Begin controlling portions if your dog weighs over 40 pounds
- Make sure your dog gets daily exercise
- Schedule regular checkups
- Ensure adequate hydration
Senior Brittany Spaniel Dietary Needs
As Brittany Spaniels age, their nutritional requirements may change. The best dog food for Brittany Spaniel seniors can support their aging bodies, providing joint support, digestive health, and cognitive function.
Special Senior Dog Food Considerations
Even in old age, your Brittany Spaniel will still need protein to make up 20 to 22% of their daily diet. With this in mind, you must select the best dog food for Brittany Spaniel dogs — those with high protein ratios like our Fish Recipe with Zucchini and Carrots.
Managing Weight and Metabolism
Senior Brittany Spaniels may experience changes in metabolism and activity level. So, monitor their weight closely and adjust their diet and exercise regimen as needed to prevent obesity and maintain muscle mass.
Supplements
It’s always a good idea to seek the advice of your vet before buying supplements for your Brittany Spaniel. With that said, the following vitamin supplements are safe for the breed and can help mitigate breed-specific issues like ear infections:
- Vitamin A
- B vitamins
- Vitamin C
- Omega-3
- Vitamin E
- Vitamin K
Common Dietary Issues
Brittany Spaniels are susceptible to several breed-specific dietary problems.
- Food Allergies and Sensitivities: Brittany Spaniels, like many other breeds, can develop allergies or sensitivities to certain ingredients in their diet. Common allergens include grains (such as wheat or corn) and chicken.
- Digestive Upset: Some Brittany Spaniels may have sensitive stomachs, making them prone to digestive issues such as diarrhea, vomiting, or flatulence.
- Obesity: Overfeeding or feeding high-calorie treats can lead to obesity, which increases the risk of other health problems. Excess weight can even aggravate underlying hip dysplasia, which is a common health problem in the breed.
Special Considerations for Health Conditions
There are several breed-specific conditions Brittany Spaniels can fall victim to. However, the most likely ones are ear infections and hip dysplasia.
- Ear Infections: Brittany Spaniels, like many floppy-eared breeds, are prone to ear infections due to their ear structure and tendency to retain moisture. So, to address infections, use a veterinarian-approved ear cleaner and gently wipe the outer ear area to remove dirt and wax buildup.
- Hip Dysplasia: Hip dysplasia is a common orthopedic condition in dogs, including Brittany Spaniels. While hip dysplasia has a genetic component, maintaining a healthy weight and providing proper nutrition and exercise can help reduce the risk and severity of hip dysplasia.
Creating a Brittany Spaniel Diet Plan
Selecting the best dog food for Brittany Spaniel pups, like American Natural Premium, takes the guesswork out of diet planning. With American Natural Premium, all you need to consider are serving sizes. Here are the serving sizes for different life stages:
- Puppy: 0.33 to 1.75 cups daily
- Adult: 1.37 to 2.34 cups daily
- Senior: 1.14 to 2 cups daily
Feeding Tips for Your Brittany Spaniel
Besides observing serving sizes, follow these feeding tips:
- Establish a regular feeding schedule.
- Provide access to fresh, clean water at all times.
- Consider feeding smaller, more frequent meals to dogs with digestive issues.
- Monitor your Brittany Spaniel’s weight and adjust the diet as necessary.
Homemade vs Commercial Dog Food
While homemade dog food allows for greater control over ingredients, it can be challenging to ensure proper balance and nutrition. Thankfully, commercial dog foods like American Natural Premium offer convenient, balanced options designed to meet the specific needs of Brittany Spaniels.
Choose the Best Dog Food for Brittany Spaniel Dogs Today
By understanding breed-specific nutritional requirements, avoiding common pitfalls, and working closely with your veterinarian, you can ensure that your beloved Brittany enjoys a long and healthy life.
If you’re looking for the best dog food for Brittany Spaniel dogs, American Natural Premium has you covered. Give your dog only the best.
