In this post, we’ll delve into the essentials of a balanced diet for Newfoundland dogs. I’ll guide you through determining the right amount to feed your Newfie, using my own experience with Sariah as an example. From her current meals to the dietary adjustments planned as she grows, you’ll gain insights into maintaining optimal nutrition for your gentle giant at every stage of their life.
A Balanced and Nutritious Approach to Feeding Your Newf
Feeding our canine companions is more than just a daily routine; it’s an important part of ensuring their health and happiness. As a dedicated dog owner, I’ve explored various feeding methods and have settled on a balanced approach that combines the convenience of kibble with the nutritional benefits of fresh foods.
The Foundation: High-Quality Kibble
Kibble forms the base of my dog’s diet. While it’s true that some kibbles can lack in quality, choosing a high-grade product ensures that my dog gets a well-rounded meal. It’s a practical and affordable option, especially for those with busy lifestyles.
The Power of Fresh Toppers
To enhance the nutritional value of kibble, I regularly add fresh toppers. This includes a rotation of proteins such as eggs, chicken, beef, and sardines. These not only provide essential amino acids and omega fatty acids but also add variety to the diet, keeping mealtime interesting for my dog.
The Magic of Fruits and Vegetables
In addition to protein, I incorporate chopped vegetables like parsley, carrots, and broccoli, along with fruits such as bananas, blueberries, and apples. These are all cut into small, bite-sized pieces for easy digestion. These additions are not just about flavor; they’re packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber, contributing to overall digestive health and immune system support.
The Benefits of Supplements
To further boost the nutritional content, I include golden paste (a mixture of turmeric, oil, and black pepper), fish oil, and glucosamine supplements. Turmeric is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, fish oil for supporting skin and coat health, and glucosamine for joint health, which is particularly important for larger breeds.
Why This Approach Works for Sariah
This feeding method has numerous benefits:
- Balanced Nutrition: Combining kibble with fresh foods ensures a well-rounded intake of nutrients.
- Digestive Health: The fiber in fruits and vegetables aids in digestion, while the variety of foods can improve gut health.
- Joint and Bone Health: Supplements like glucosamine are vital for maintaining joint health, especially in larger breeds.
- Immune System Support: The antioxidants in fruits and vegetables, along with the anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric, contribute to a strong immune system.
- Palatability and Enjoyment: The variety of tastes and textures keeps mealtime exciting and enjoyable for Sariah.
Embrace The Journey Of Lifelong Learning
Every dog is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. However, this balanced approach to feeding, combining the convenience of kibble with the nutritional benefits of fresh foods and supplements, has proven effective for my dog, Sariah. It’s a testament to the idea that a little extra effort in preparing your dog’s meals can go a long way in ensuring their health and happiness.
Additionally, it’s important to acknowledge the ever-evolving landscape of dog food options. Today, we have access to a variety of innovative products like dehydrated and new types of raw foods that weren’t available years ago. This diversity offers more choices for conscientious pet owners looking to optimize their pet’s diet.
As a pet owner, I view this as an ongoing educational journey. I’m constantly exploring these new options and learning more about canine nutrition to make the best decisions for my dog’s health. The world of pet food is continuously advancing, and staying informed helps ensure that our furry friends receive the best care possible.
Looking Ahead
Sadly, Newfies have a fairly short lifespan of around 10 to 12 years. Sariah is now six years old and edging closer to her later years, so I’m already starting to think about how I may need to adjust her diet as she gets older.
The main change over the next few years is likely to be to her activity levels. At the moment, she’s full of energy, but that won’t last forever. Older dogs simply aren’t as active, which means they don’t need to consume as many calories.
As Sariah’s calorie requirement reduces, I may need to reduce her portion sizes. However, I plan to continue splitting her food across at least two meals per day.
Some people say to reduce protein as a dog gets older, but I don’t believe this is a good idea. Protein helps to maintain healthy muscles, and that’s just as important as ever in old age. I therefore plan to continue feeding Sariah a protein-rich diet.
I’ll also continue to add glucosamine tablets to her diet, as this helps to maintain healthy joints. This will be more important than ever as Sariah ages and becomes more susceptible to joint problems.
Whatever You Do, Don’t Overfeed!
If you take one thing away from this article, it should be this: Don’t overfeed your Newfie!
There’s a lot of bad advice out there and people often assume that giant dogs need giant bowls of food. However, this isn’t necessary. Huge portions will quickly lead to obesity, which is very bad for your dog’s health and likely to cause joint problems in Newfies.
Instead, you should follow the rule of quality over quantity. Feed your Newfie a protein-rich food topped with vegetables and a supplement such as glucosamine or chondroitin to maintain healthy joints.
This advice holds true regardless of your Newfie’s age. Whether they’re a puppy, a young adult, or a senior dog, you should be able to comfortably feel your Newfie’s ribs without having to squeeze through lots of belly fat.
If in doubt, err on the side of caution. It’s unlikely that your Newfie will be underweight, and even if their weight does drop below the ideal level, this is easily corrected by increasing portion sizes.
The most important thing is that you feed your Newfie a well-balanced diet with sensible portion sizes.