How to Feed an English Setter Puppy?

We all know that having a pet is a great responsibility in many ways. We have to be aware of them all the time trying to give them an excellent quality of life. The most popular pets among families are dogs, and just like humans, they must be adequately treated as they can also suffer from illness or emotional problems. 

One of the most interesting dog breeds in terms of their appearance and abilities is the English Setter. This canine is known as one of the oldest hunting dog breeds in existence. They are quite athletic and energetic canines and require exercise accompanied by their owners at all times. 

English Setters need a lot of daily exercises, whether it be running, jumping, swimming, walking, playing, etc. Like humans or any other animal with a high level of physical activity, these canines need a well-balanced diet that provides them with enough energy to spend during their exercises. 

As we know, a dog’s organism is similar to that of human beings, but it should be noted that it is usually more susceptible to certain foods. That is why we must know the most appropriate foods for our pets to prevent them from suffering from diseases so that they can live a happy life. 

Feeding an adult English Setter is not the same as feeding an English Setter puppy. Next, we will focus on the correct feeding of a puppy. 

How to Feed an English Setter Puppy? 

This breed of dog is characterized by presenting a high level of physical activity and requiring a lot of exercise every day to be strong and healthy. For that reason, an English Setter or any dog with these characteristics needs a balanced diet based on nutrients and vitamins that provide enough energy for the pet.  

Each of them provides various benefits for the pet’s body, but we must make sure to offer them in a balanced way. 

As we have said before, an adult English setter’s diet should be different from that of an English Setter puppy. That is due to various factors, such as the development of its body and size.

It should be noted that the foods for both may be similar, but the most significant difference is in the amount that each should consume. The reason for the above is because English Setter puppies need an appropriate amount of vitamins and nutrients necessary for their proper development. 

Dogs of this type have a constant appetite because they tend to spend much of their time exercising and doing other physical activities. It is for that reason that you should feed your English Setter puppy several times a day in a controlled way. 

What is the Amount of Food That We Should Provide to an English Setter Puppy? 

It is essential to control the daily food portions that we give this puppy. Remember that the English Setter expends a lot of energy due to the large amount of exercise that it must do, so it is normal that they tend to overeat. This situation makes them easily prone to becoming obese, so it is important to control their daily diet based on certain factors. 

We have to take into account that depending on the weeks or months of the puppy’s life, it will need to be fed a certain amount of times a day. If an English Setter puppy is between 8 and 12 weeks old, then it is best to provide it with 4 bowls of food a day. On the other hand, if a puppy of this type is between 3 and 6 months old, it should be fed 3 times a day. 

When the puppy is between 6 months and a year old, only two meals a day will be necessary, taking into account that their food must be balanced in terms of nutrients, vitamins, carbohydrates, and fats. 

Why Is It Important to Feed Our English Setter Well? 

The organism of a dog is similar to that of human beings, although it can be more delicate. For that reason, it is essential to provide these animals with a balanced diet that gives them the necessary energy and health to these dogs. 

It is essential to know how to choose which types of food are most suitable for our English Setters. Many times, dog owners decide to buy ready-made food because it is the most comfortable option and the one that requires less work. However, at the same time, this type of food is usually the least healthy. 

There are many foods that can be harmful to the health of our pets. Therefore, it is vital to know which those that offer the proteins and fats necessary for the body are.  

One recommendation is that you prepare homemade food for your pet based on natural and healthy foods that provide the vitamins and nutrients that its body needs. 

Important Aspects to Consider When Feeding Our English Setter 

Feeding such a pet may sound easy, but it is not. There are many foods that are not the most suitable to feed these canines, so it is necessary to avoid them to prevent any of the following situations: 

English Setter Obesity 

Obesity is one of the disorders that humans suffer the most. Dogs are no exception. 

Anyone might think that English Setters cannot be overweight because they are dogs that constantly exercise and keep fit. However, that is not the case. Many owners of these animals are aware of the most appropriate ways to feed their pets. Many of them do not even provide you with the necessary portions of food per day. 

Choosing the right food will allow your dog to have proper development of its physical condition and will help it to be healthier. As we have said before, the most suitable foods for these dogs must have a balance between nutrients and vitamins so that in this way, they can provide the energy that your canine needs. 

If we combine a balanced diet with an efficient exercise routine, our dog will never be overweight. 

English Setter Allergies 

A dog’s body is similar to that of a human being, so it is normal for them to suffer from certain diseases or similar problems. Allergies are no exception. 

This type of dog, like other breeds, has a delicate stomach that can be easily affected if it is fed inappropriate food. Certain well-known allergenic foods can cause allergies to our dogs, such as eggs, dairy products, wheat, soy, chicken, oats, etc. 

Preventing these situations will decrease the possibility of your English Setter suffering from an allergy. If you feed your dog well but still notice allergy symptoms, it is recommended that you take it to the vet. He or she may change your pet’s diet. 

Some Healthy Foods You Should Add to Your English Setter’s Diet 

English Setter’s Diet: Meat 

Different types of meats are the most common and nutritious foods for dogs, especially those who do a lot of daily exercise. Our English Setters can eat beef, chicken, turkey, pork, lamb, rabbit, veal, poultry, or fish. It should be noted that lean meat is ideal for canines. 

Keep in mind that the meat needs to be cooked before feeding the canine. The most recommended is to prepare grilled or baked meat. You should always avoid frying it and adding salt to it as it can be harmful to the dogs’ health. If you want to feed your English Setter raw meat, then make sure it is of good quality. 

English Setter’s Diet: Fruits and Vegetables 

This type of food is essential to complement the diet of your English Setter. Fruits offer vitamins, fiber, and many other benefits necessary for the canine’s body. Some recommended fruits for these animals are: 

• Apple. 
• Melon. 
• Pear. 
• Strawberries. 
• Peach. 
• Banana. 
• Apricot. 

Make sure to remove the seeds from the fruits that have them, as they could be harmful to your dog’s health. Some of them can be toxic to the canine, and others can get stuck in its throat. 

Vegetables are also a natural source of nutrients and vitamins. You can prepare meals based on meats, vegetables, and fruits to give your dog greater benefits and, at the same time, help it to prevent or avoid any disease. 

Some Foods You Should Avoid Giving Your English Setter 

Chocolate 

Chocolate is one of the most harmful foods for dogs due to its toxicity level, which is due to a supplement called Theobromine. This food can be a trigger for kidney failure in dogs. 

Dairy Products 

Like humans, dogs can also be lactose intolerant. English Setters are no exception. These animals have an enzyme called Lactase which is essential for the lactose conversion process in the body. It is in charge of carrying out the lactose digestion process. 

Onions and Garlic

Both foods are dangerous for a canine’s health since they contain a substance called Thiosulfate, which can cause hemophilic anemia in these animals. It is vital to bear in mind that this situation can occur, mostly if they are consumed for long periods. 

Xylitol 

It is a sweetener found in many sugar-free sweets as well as chewing gum or some baking mixes. Xylitol turns out to be very dangerous for any type of dog since it can poison them and, in the worst case, kill them.