Some dog breeds have inherent physiological or behavioral traits that make them more likely to encounter feeding problems. From greedy eaters to sensitive stomachs, these quirks can be a hassle for pet parents if not handled properly. Today, we’ll break down several common breeds that are prone to feeding issues, along with targeted solutions. Let’s check if your fur baby is among them!
1. Labrador Retriever: Outsmart Their Greedy Nature!
When it comes to Labradors, who doesn’t think of their “can’t walk past food” look? As famous “food champions”, Labradors have almost no sense of fullness—if you feed them, they’ll eat, and before you know it, they’ll turn into “Labradorks”. This can easily lead to obesity, pancreatitis, and other issues. The key to feeding them is all about “controlling portions” and “preventing stealing food”!
1. Strictly Control Portions, Avoid “Feeding by Feel”: Always follow the recommended amount on the dog food package (marked by weight and age). Adult Labradors should be fed 2 meals a day, and puppies 3-4 meals. Remove the food bowl as soon as they finish eating—never leave the bowl out for free feeding. You can use an automatic portion feeder to avoid overfeeding due to soft-heartedness.
2. Use a “Slow Feeder Bowl” to Extend Mealtime: Labradors eat super fast, which can easily cause choking or indigestion. Choose a slow feeder bowl with protrusions—this makes them search for each bite, slowing down their eating speed, expending their energy, and reducing their desire to chew up the house～
3. Treats as Rewards, Not Snacks: Don’t feed snacks casually just because of their pitiful eyes! Treats should only be given in small amounts during training, accounting for no more than 10% of the daily total calories. Recommend low-fat dried meat treats and avoid high-oil, high-sugar snacks.
4. Exercise More to Burn Calories: In addition to controlling food intake, exercise is a must! Adult Labradors need at least 1-2 hours of outdoor activity every day, such as running or playing frisbee. This not only helps them maintain their figure but also strengthens your bond.
2. Corgi: Dual Mission of “Weight Management + Joint Protection” for Short Legs
Corgis have won countless fans with their round butts and short legs, but this cute appearance also brings feeding challenges—short legs and long bodies make them prone to obesity and joint damage. The core of feeding is “weight control” + “joint care”!
1. Low-Fat Diet, Avoid “Gaining Weight in Autumn”: Corgis have a relatively slow metabolism and are prone to gaining weight. So choose low-fat, high-protein dog food and avoid feeding high-oil, high-salt human meals. Feed them until they are 70-80% full. If you feel their belly is bulging, you need to reduce the portion appropriately.
2. Supplement Joint Nutrients: You can appropriately supplement glucosamine and chondroitin for Corgis from an early age to help protect their joints. Try to minimize stair climbing and high jumps to reduce joint pressure. Choose flat roads for walks to avoid spraining their feet.
3. Small, Frequent Meals to Reduce Gastrointestinal Burden: Corgis have sensitive stomachs. Eating too much at one time can easily cause indigestion and loose stools. Puppies can be fed 4 meals a day, and adults 2-3 meals. The amount of each meal must be accurately controlled.
3. Shiba Inu: Feeding Guide for the Arrogant “Little Fox” – “Stomach Conditioning + Picky Eater Correction”
Shiba Inus are good-looking and independent, but they are also famous for having “glass stomachs” and being “picky eaters”. Eating something slightly wrong can cause loose stools, and if the food doesn’t suit their taste, they will go on a hunger strike in protest. The key to feeding is “gentle stomach nourishment” + “correcting pickiness”!
1. Choose Gentle, Easy-to-Digest Dog Food: Shiba Inus have low tolerance for protein and fat in their stomachs. It is recommended to choose grain-free, hypoallergenic dog food, prioritizing mild animal protein sources such as chicken and fish. Avoid frequent dog food changes. If you have to change it, use the 7-day transition method to switch slowly.
2. Reject Spoilage, Correct Picky Eating: Shiba Inus are very smart and know how to force you to give them delicious food by going on a hunger strike! If they don’t eat dog food, don’t rush to change to snacks or human food. Let them fast for a meal (ensure adequate water supply), and they will naturally eat when they are hungry. Fix feeding times—if they don’t finish eating within 20 minutes, remove the bowl, letting them know “no eating means no food”.
3. Appropriately Supplement Probiotics: You can add a little probiotics to the dog food regularly to help regulate the Shiba Inu’s intestinal flora and improve stomach sensitivity. But don’t over-supplement—follow the instructions or your veterinarian’s advice.
4. Poodle (Teddy): “Coat Care + Tear Stain Management” is Key
Poodles (Teddy) don’t shed much and have a light odor, making them very popular among new pet parents. However, their coats need to be maintained through diet, and they are prone to tear stains. The core of feeding is “coat beautification” + “tear stain reduction”!
1. Supplement Coat-Beautifying Nutrients: To keep your Poodle’s coat soft and shiny, choose dog food containing Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids. You can also feed a small amount of deep-sea fish oil occasionally (in moderation). Avoid feeding overly salty food, as it can cause dry, faded fur.
2. Control Salt Intake to Improve Tear Stains: Poodles are prone to tear stains, and excessive salt in the diet is one of the main causes! Always feed low-salt dog food and never feed leftover human meals. Let them drink plenty of water regularly. If tear stains are severe, you can choose tear stain-specific dog food and clean their eyes regularly.
3. Avoid Overfeeding to Prevent Obesity: Poodles are small in size, with a fast metabolism but small appetites. Overfeeding can easily lead to obesity and increase heart burden. Strictly control the feeding amount according to their weight and age—adult Poodles only need 2 meals a day.
In fact, regardless of the breed, the core of dog feeding is “scientific portion control, balanced diet, and targeted solutions”. Understand the characteristics of your fur baby’s breed, adjust the feeding method accordingly, and with sufficient companionship and care, they will be able to stay by your side healthily and happily! If your dog is of another breed, you can also refer to the above methods and make slight adjustments according to its habits～