DIETARY CONSIDERATIONS | Bergamasco UK

What to feed your Bergamasco

Choosing what to feed your Bergamasco can be confusing. There are many different types of diet to consider all coming with their advantages and disadvantages. We explore some of the options below.

Key considerations

Choosing the right diet for your Bergamasco can indeed be confusing with the variety of options available. Here are some general guidelines to help you make an informed decision:

Consult with a Veterinarian: Start by consulting with your veterinarian. They can assess your dog's individual needs based on factors such as age, breed, size, activity level, and any specific health conditions. They can provide tailored recommendations on the appropriate diet for your Bergamasco.
Balanced Nutrition: Ensure that your chosen diet provides balanced nutrition, including high-quality proteins, healthy fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. Look for dog foods that meet the nutritional standards set by recognized authorities.
Read the Ingredients: Carefully read the ingredient list on commercial dog food packaging. Look for whole food ingredients, such as real meat (e.g., chicken, beef, or fish) as the primary source of protein. Avoid foods that contain excessive fillers, artificial additives, or by-products.
Life Stage and Special Needs: Consider your dog's life stage when selecting a diet. Puppies have different nutritional requirements than adult or senior dogs. Additionally, dogs with specific health conditions, such as allergies or sensitivities, may benefit from specialized diets formulated to address those needs.
Brand Reputation: Choose reputable dog food brands known for their commitment to quality and safety. Look for brands that conduct thorough testing, have a solid reputation, and adhere to rigorous manufacturing standards.
Transitioning: When switching your dog's diet, do it gradually by mixing a small amount of the new food with their current food over a week or two. This helps prevent digestive upset.

Remember, every dog is unique, and what works well for one dog may not work for another. Regular monitoring of your dog's weight, overall health, and response to the chosen diet is essential. If you have concerns or specific questions, consult with your veterinarian for personalized guidance based on your dog's specific needs

The BARF Diet

The BARF diet, which stands for Biologically Appropriate Raw Food or Bones and Raw Food, is a type of diet for dogs that focuses on feeding them a variety of raw, unprocessed foods. The main concept behind the BARF diet is to mimic the natural diet that dogs would have consumed in the wild.

Here are some key points about the BARF diet:

Raw Meat and Bones: The foundation of the BARF diet consists of raw meat, including muscle meat, organs, and bones. It is believed that feeding raw meat and bones helps provide dogs with essential nutrients, enzymes, and natural dental stimulation.
Fruits and Vegetables: The BARF diet also includes a variety of fruits and vegetables, which can provide dogs with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. These can be served raw or lightly cooked and pureed for better digestion.
Variety and Balance: The BARF diet emphasizes feeding a wide range of protein sources, such as beef, chicken, turkey, fish, and organ meats, to ensure a balanced nutrient profile. It also encourages incorporating different fruits and vegetables to provide dietary variety.
Raw Eggs and Dairy: Some BARF diet proponents include raw eggs and dairy products, such as yogurt or cottage cheese, in moderation as additional sources of protein and nutrients.
Supplements: While the BARF diet aims to provide a natural and balanced diet, some advocates suggest adding certain supplements like omega-3 fatty acids (such as fish oil) and probiotics to ensure optimal nutrition and gut health.
Precautions and Food Safety: Proper food handling and hygiene are essential when feeding a BARF diet to minimize the risk of bacterial contamination. It is important to source high-quality, human-grade meats and follow safe food handling practices. Consultation with a veterinarian or canine nutritionist is recommended to ensure the diet is nutritionally balanced and appropriate for your dog's individual needs.

For some fantastic information on Raw feeding and a really good choice of raw food and treats, check out WolfTucker

WolfTucker are family owned & operated, Defra approved and loved by pet owners and pets across the nation.

Commercial dog food

High-quality commercial dog foods that are specifically formulated to meet the nutritional requirements of dogs can be a convenient and reliable choice. Consider options tailored to your dog's age, size, and any specific health concerns they may have. When looking for a good commercial dog food, here are some key factors to consider:

High-Quality Protein Source: Check the ingredient list and ensure that a high-quality source of protein, such as real meat (e.g., chicken, beef, fish), is listed as the primary ingredient. Avoid foods that list vague terms like "meat by-products" or "animal derivatives" as these can be of lower quality.
Complete and Balanced Nutrition: Look for dog foods that are labeled as "complete and balanced" or meet the nutritional standards set by recognized organisations. This ensures that the food provides all the necessary nutrients for your dog's overall health.
Avoid Excessive Fillers and Additives: Stay away from dog foods that contain excessive fillers, such as corn, wheat, or soy, as these ingredients provide little nutritional value for dogs. Also, avoid artificial additives, colors, and preservatives, which can be detrimental to your dog's health.
Clear Ingredient List: The ingredient list should be transparent and easy to understand. Look for natural, whole-food ingredients rather than generic or ambiguous terms.
Consider Life Stage and Specific Needs: Choose a dog food formulated for your dog's life stage (puppy, adult, or senior) as their nutritional requirements vary. If your dog has specific health concerns or allergies, consider specialized diets that address those needs.
Brand Reputation and Manufacturing Standards: Opt for reputable dog food brands that have a track record of producing high-quality products. Look for brands that follow rigorous manufacturing standards, conduct testing, and have a commitment to quality and safety.
Consult with a Veterinarian: Your veterinarian can provide valuable guidance and recommend specific dog food brands based on your dog's individual needs. They can consider factors such as age, breed, size, activity level, and any health concerns when making recommendations.

Home-Cooked food

Home-cooked dog meals can offer several advantages when compared to commercial dog food. Here are some potential benefits of feeding your dog home-cooked meals:

Control over Ingredients: By preparing your dog's meals at home, you have full control over the quality and selection of ingredients. You can choose high-quality, human-grade ingredients and avoid fillers, artificial additives, or potential allergens that may be present in some commercial dog foods.
Customization: Home-cooked meals allow you to customize your dog's diet to meet their specific needs. You can tailor the ingredients and proportions to address any dietary restrictions, allergies, or health concerns your dog may have.
Fresh and Nutrient-Dense: Home-cooked meals can be made using fresh ingredients, ensuring optimal nutrient retention. Cooking methods like steaming or lightly cooking vegetables can preserve more nutrients compared to highly processed commercial foods.

However, it's important to consider a few factors when opting for home-cooked meals:

Nutritional Balance: Ensuring proper nutritional balance can be challenging when preparing homemade meals. Consult with a veterinarian or a veterinary nutritionist to develop balanced recipes that meet your dog's specific nutritional requirements.
Time and Effort: Preparing home-cooked meals requires time, effort, and meal planning. It involves sourcing ingredients, cooking, and portioning meals appropriately.
Potential Nutrient Deficiencies: Without careful planning, homemade diets may lack essential nutrients. It's crucial to include a variety of protein sources, vegetables, grains (if appropriate for your dog), and necessary supplements to ensure a balanced diet.
Cost Considerations: Home-cooked meals can be costlier than commercial dog foods, especially if using high-quality ingredients. Factor in the cost of ingredients, supplements, and time spent in meal preparation.