Dog Community

Nutrition for small dogs?

Posted : 8/5/2009 3:27:12 PM

My little cousin just called b/c her dog is getting picky. It is a Coton De Tulear, around a year old I think. They had been feeding it Innova Puppy but want to switch. I'm e-mailing them my personal list of what brands I use and where I shop, but they were asking about crude analysis and all that. I've only ever fed big dogs, lol! Are those numbers really important or if we stick to a higher quality or grain free will we be OK?

jennie_c_d

Posted : 8/5/2009 3:30:36 PM

Ummm... a dog's a dog, as far as I know! Mine just eat regular ol' dog food. Emma gets Hills Z/D, and Ena Beans gets Precise Light, and they get more toppers and chewies and treats than any dog really should.

PrincessPenny

Posted : 8/5/2009 4:07:23 PM

Going with a grain free or adult formula is a-okay. Small breeds generally reach their adult size at about 6-9 months. They can start on grain free foods much earlier than large breeds. As well, grain free is a good option, because small dogs generally have a higher metabolism and plus it doesn't cost as much as feeding a large dog grain free. I've feed as sorts of grain free brands to my pups, including Orijen, Innova EVO, Wellness CORE, Before Grain, etc. I wouldn't worry, just get them to pick a healthy option and their pup shouldn't have any problems.

shaylinn

Posted : 8/5/2009 5:11:56 PM

Nah, a year old Coton should do just fine on a grain free kibble. No need to nit-pick through analysis lists. Milo is 16 pounds and eats grain free (B.G. Buffalo).

sl2crmeg

Posted : 8/5/2009 7:05:03 PM

Yeah, my little ones eat the same brands as the big ones around here do. There's a coupon floating around the web for a free 4.4 lb bag of NV Instinct (Duck or Rabbit only) if they can get that locally. I was psyched, since that size bag is $15.99!!!