If you’ve ever laid eyes on a Bedlington Terrier, you know it’s a sight to behold. This is no regular pooch! It is a breed that looks more like a cute, fluffy lamb than your traditional canine best bud. There’s more to the Bedlington Terrier than just its fine woolly coat and captivating eyes – it’s a breed filled with personality and charm. But knowing how to cage this charm and help your Bedlington Terrier live its best life can be a bit tricky, especially when it comes down to what to feed it.
It’s like you’ve been presented with the keys to a supercharged sports car, but you have no clue about how much gas it needs or what type of fuel works best. Don’t worry, you are not alone! You can easily navigate the nutritional terrain of this unique breed and feed it the special food it needs.
Contrary to the layman’s presumption, you can’t feed a Bedlington Terrier the same grub you feed every other breed. Make no mistake; these are different dogs with unique needs. Their nutritional intake should be based on their lifestyle, age, weight, and most importantly, breed characteristics. Think of it as feeding a chunk of steak to a lion and expecting a cow to find it equally appetizing!
A commonly asked question among proud owners of these cloud-like quadrupeds is – “Does a Bedlington Terrier need special dog food?” To put it plainly: Yes, they do!
Bedlington Terriers do indeed require a special, custom-tailored diet to fulfill their specific requirements. What are you waiting for then? Hop into the nutrition cockpit and let’s navigate the dietary flight plan of Bedlington Terriers!
Bedlington Terriers are known for their high energy levels and agility. As natural hunters, they possess a fair amount of energy that they need to spend to keep their spirits high. Therefore, their nutritional intake should be designed to feed and sustain that high energy. Many dog food companies produce food specifically formulated for active breeds, so be sure to check the labels when making your selection.
With their petite and lithe build, Bedlingtons are susceptible to obesity. Remember, they have small frames, and every extra scrap of food can impact their weight. While you may be tempted to feed them high-calorie meals, moderation is key for this breed. Opt for high-quality protein and low-fat diets. Keeping an eye on that feeding chart will do wonders for your dog’s health!
Uniquely among dogs, Bedlington Terriers are prone to a condition called Copper Toxicosis, where high levels of copper accumulate in the liver leading to severe health problems. This means that your dog food should be low in copper. Be wary of ingredients like copper sulfate, copper amino acid complexes, and copper proteinate that might increase the copper level in your dog.
Ingredients to embrace in your Bedlington Terrier’s diet include potatoes, chicken, rice, beef, and fish – all rich sources of protein. Providing your terrier with 22% to 25% protein intake in their daily diet will meet their nutritional needs considerably.
It’s no secret that dogs thrive on routine, and Bedlingtons are no exception. Establishing a consistent feeding schedule for your dog not only facilitates digestion but also fosters good behavior. It’s recommended to serve them two smaller meals a day, rather than one large serving.
Now that we’ve landed the dietary rocket let’s not forget about treats. Bedlington Terriers shouldn’t get a treat more than 10% of the time and pay attention to the size – pick smaller treats to avoid overfeeding.
Last but not least, hydration is key. Your dog should have constant access to fresh water, especially on hot summer days or after an exercise session, to keep up with their high energy levels.
As compelled as you may feel to serve homemade meals or to let your furry friend enjoy leftovers, feeding your Bedlington Terrier should hardly be a culinary experiment. By sticking to high-quality commercial dog food that’s specially designed for their breed characteristics, you’re already a paw-step closer to ensuring their optimal health.
So, when raiding the pet food aisle, go into detective mode. Read the labels, understand the ingredients, and don’t forget to check the copper content. Armed with this knowledge, you’ll be ready to give your Bedlington Terrier the special food it deserves.
The truth is, there’s really no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to dog nutrition. By fine-tuning your dog’s diet to its breed, health, age and lifestyle, you can play your part in ensuring your furry friend does more than merely survive, but truly thrives. Happy feeding!
