Weimaraner Feeding Guidelines

Weimaraners are extraordinary family pets due to their personalities and their loyalty to members of their human family. They are very affectionate and friendly dogs with all people, especially with their owners with whom they love to spend a lot of time. 

In addition to that, the Weimaraner is a very active, energetic, and versatile dog that exhibits a high level of physical activity and excellent hunting skills. The canines of this breed are beautiful in appearance with gray fur and amber or gray-blue eyes. That is the reason why this dog is known as the “Gray Ghost”. 

Weimaraners need a lot of daily exercise, 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. 

You must bear in mind that taking care of any pet, especially a Weimaraner, is a great responsibility. It requires certain attention, among which food stands out. Food is an essential element for the health of our dog. 

Why Is It Important to Feed Our Weimaraner 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. 

In the case of Weimaraners, this diet should be based on nutrients and vitamins that provide your canine with a healthy and long life. 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. 

Many times, the best option is to prepare food at home since canned food can be harmful to any dog’s health. 

Choosing Food for Your Weimaraner 

We must take into account certain important aspects of what type of food we should give our dog. 

Obesity 

We have to bear in mind that obesity is one of the main problems suffered by dogs in most countries. 

Many people may think that this disorder cannot affect Weimaraners because they are very active and energetic canines, but the reality is different. All dogs can be overweight due to the negligence of their owners. 

Therefore, 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. 

Its food should be based on a balanced diet combined with a daily exercise routine according to its age and physical condition. In this way, you will manage to control its weight and guarantee its muscular development. 

Allergies 

Like humans, dogs can also suffer from allergies. Weimaraners are no exception. Obviously, not all dogs of this breed will suffer from allergies since everything will depend on their body. 

It is important that you make sure that you carefully select the food that you will feed your Weimaraner. That is because these types of canines can have delicate stomachs, and any inappropriate food could cause problems. There are certain well-known allergenic foods that 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 Weimaraner suffering from an allergy. However, if your dog still has any allergy symptoms despite taking the necessary precautions, it is best to take it to the vet. The specialist will inevitably change the diet of your Weimaraner. 

Proteins, Fats and Artificial Preservatives 

We have previously mentioned that our Weimaraner’s diet should be based on nutrients and vitamins. Proteins are essential for any organism, be it that of a human being or a dog. They are responsible for the formation or repair of bones, muscles, or other tissues. 

All the foods you give your Weimaraner must have a large amount of protein and nutrients as they are necessary for its organism. However, keep in mind that these foods must be low in fat since an excess of these could cause problems in the health of your canine. 

Rules for feeding your Weimaraner 

One of the fundamental aspects to take into account when feeding an adult Weimaraner is the number of times a day you must do it. It is best to feed it twice a day as long as you don’t do it before or after its exercise routine. In the case of puppies, 3 times will be enough. 

We have previously discussed the fact that canned foods are not suitable for these dogs. However, you could opt for good quality dry foods produced commercially as long as they provide 22% protein and 12% fat.

In the case of proteins, 25% would be the most recommended, but for this, you would have to add wheat, corn, or barley to your pet’s food, which can cause digestion problems. 

If you want to change the diet of your Weimaraner at any time, go to the veterinarian as he will be able to analyze the one it currently has and will make the best decision to develop a new eating plan. A nutritionist could also help you in these cases. 

Foods You Should Avoid Giving Your Weimaraner 

1. Dairy Products 

Weimaraners do not have an enzyme called lactase. This enzyme is essential for the lactose conversion process in the body. That is, it is in charge of carrying out the lactose digestion process. It is for that reason that many people and these types of dogs are lactose intolerant. 

2. Chocolate 

Although this food is delicious for both people and many animals, it can be harmful to the latter. Why? Chocolate contains a supplement called Theobromine which can be very toxic to dogs. 

Chocolate is one of the most dangerous foods for canines regardless of breed. In fact, this food can be a trigger for kidney failure in dogs. 

3. Onions and Garlic 

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

4. 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. 

The human being can consume them since his organism has resistance and adequate functions for it. However, the body of a dog, in this case, a Weimaraner, absorbs this component faster. Xylitol can lower blood sugar levels and increase insulin. 

Healthy Foods You Should Add to Your Weimaraner Diet 

1. Meat 

The different types of meat are essential for this type of animal since they contain the necessary nutrients for their body. The recommended meats for a Weimaraner are chicken, turkey, pork, lamb, veal, and fish. 

You can’t cook meat anyway. 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 Weimaraner’s health. Raw meat is another option, but you must make sure that it is of good quality. 

Many people take a whole piece of meat and feed it to their canine but make the serious mistake of not removing the chipped bones or fish bones. Some of these bones can rip your Weimaraner’s throat or even stick into an organ. 

2. Fruits and Vegetables 

Fruits are an ideal food for Weimaraners as they offer many benefits such as vitamins, fiber, etc. The apple, banana, pear, melon, watermelon, strawberries, peach, and apricot are some of the most recommended fruits for these types of dogs. 

Generally, people give their dogs fruit as treats during their training. However, it is also a good idea to add them to their daily meals for greater balance and benefit. 

One vital aspect to keep in mind is that you should always remove the seeds from any fruit you give your dog. That’s because 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.