DOBERMANN: A COMPLETE GUIDE WITH TIPS FOR CHOOSING THEIR IDEAL DIET

Dobermann: Specific Dietary Needs

Like all dog breeds, the Dobermann has unique nutritional needs. The required composition of your dog's diet will depend on their breed, age, weight, sex, health condition, and physical activity level. These are some of the specific characteristics that you should consider when choosing the right dog food for your Dobermann:

• This is a muscular, athletic breed that needs lots of exercise. Their diet should provide them with all the energy necessary for their daily level of physical exertion.

• Their growth period is long and tricky. You should pay particular attention to the composition of their diet throughout their life, but even more so when they're young and growing. Dobermanns are very sensitive to protein deficiency.

• This is a tough, sturdy dog, but they can be prone to heart problems. If this is the case with your pooch, their diet needs to be adapted accordingly, in addition to regular veterinary check-ups.

• Like all deep-chested dogs, they can suffer from stomach issues. Their food must therefore be easy to digest.

• These doggies do not like cold weather or high temperatures. A balanced diet containing kibble enriched with Omega-3 can help prevent possible skin diseases related to temperature or the environment.

• Due to their large size, Dobermanns are predisposed to hip dysplasia. As such, their diet should strengthen and preserve their joint capital and help to maintain muscle tone.

Dry dog food allows you to adjust your dog's intake according to their ever-evolving needs. More affordable and balanced than household rations, dry food guarantees a comprehensive and adapted diet.

What type of food should I give my Dobermann?

Now that you know all about your dog’s nutritional needs, you might be wondering how to be sure that you're choosing the right kibble. It's easier than it looks if you keep the following in mind:

• Food that provides energy: Dobermanns need a high protein intake. To avoid deficiency, the composition of their food must meet this particular nutritional need. The recommended protein intake will vary according to age: for example, a puppy will require a protein intake of about 30%.

• Food that preserves your dog's health capital: Their food must be adapted to their age, health condition, and physical activity level. If your dog is prone to heart problems, we recommend that you opt for food with a low salt content but high in taurine.

• Food that's easy to digest: As the Dobermann is predisposed to gastric torsion (also known as twisted stomach), their kibble should be light and easy to digest. You can also choose to add prebiotics to their diet to contribute to the good health of your dog's intestinal flora.

• Food that helps strengthen their joints: It's best to err on the side of caution here. To prevent joint problems, opt for kibble that contains certain nutrients that promote good joint health, such as Omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants, such as vitamins C and E, glucosamine, and chondroitin.

When and how should I feed my Dobermann?

Once you’ve chosen the ideal food for your Dobermann, you'll also need to learn when and how to feed them. Dobermanns are not picky eaters; they have a good appetite, without being (too) greedy. Their Achilles' heel is mostly located in their stomach. So, to prevent possible digestion issues, here are some recommendations for how best to feed your Dobermann:

• The Dobermann has a fragile stomach. It's better to serve them two light meals a day, rather than one big one. Ideally, and unless your veterinarian tells you otherwise, your pooch should eat one meal in the morning and one in the evening.

• Pay close attention to the grammage: A meal that is too heavy, too big, or eaten too quickly can trigger an upset stomach or indigestion. Strictly respect their kibble ration: prevention is better than cure!

• We recommend that you wait between 20 minutes and 1 hour after a meal before letting your dog engage in any physical activity. This is the digestion time necessary for a Dobermann.

• We cannot repeat it enough: never, ever give your Dobermann sweet treats. These can be toxic to your furry friend. Don't give in to their big eyes: your pooch will be just as happy with a ration of quality dry food as with two squares of chocolate.