You’d be surprised to know that the regal-looking, astounding whippet, known for its speed and affection, had modest beginnings. The breed was initially developed by miners in Northern England, who could not afford to feed and maintain larger greyhounds for hunting. They wanted a smaller, more economical version, and thus the whippet was born. This breed was raised on the miner’s tight budget, fed on sparse scraps of food and leftover meat.
Now that you’re aware of this interesting bit of trivia, you might be wondering if your whippet has inherited this economic eating habit. Do whippets need special dog food? Can they continue living off of scraps that you toss from your plate? Let’s dive further into their dietary needs and explore if feeding a whippet demands additional considerations.
With their slim, athletic bodies, and their characteristic love for comfort and warmth, it’s easy to assume that whippets do not require a particular diet regimen. However, despite their unique history and economical eating habits, these dogs do have certain dietary needs to maintain their athletic physique and bursting energy.
Whippets, with their lean bodies and high energy levels, require a nutrient-dense diet that ensures they maintain an ideal weight and live energetically. They benefit from high-quality food rich in proteins and fats, which are the vital nutrients that give them their remarkable speed and endurance.
Protein is a crucial constituent of your whippet’s diet. It’s needed for building and maintaining muscle mass and helping your whippet maintain its slim, athletic body. Ideally, their diet should contain a minimum of 20% protein, preferably from lean meats like chicken, fish, beef, or venison.
Fat, while often considered unhealthy, is actually an essential part of your whippet’s diet. It plays a key role in providing them with the energy they require to sprint around your backyard at the blink of an eye. Around 9% – 15% of your whippet’s diet should consist of fat, preferably from sources like fish oil which also provide other health benefits like a healthy coat and good heart health.
Much like most breeds, your whippet also requires carbohydrates for energy, but they should be offered in moderation, to avoid adding extra pounds to your pet’s lithe form. Good sources of carbohydrates for your whippet can come from vegetables and fiber-rich sources like sweet potatoes, pumpkin, brown rice, quinoa.
Apart from these macronutrients, ensure that their diet comprises essential micronutrients, including a variety of vitamins and minerals, for overall wellness. Calcium helps sustain your whippet’s strong bones, while vitamins like A, E, and C boost their immunity and overall health.
Now, there are lots of commercially available dog food brands in the market that provide a balanced diet required by your Whippet. However, special attention must be paid to the ingredients list to ensure high-quality, ideally all-natural ingredients. Avoid dog food brands that heavily use fillers such as corn, wheat, or meat by-products. Also, artificial additives like colors, flavorings, or preservatives should be bypassed, as these might cause allergies and other health issues in your whippet.
If you prefer to prepare your whippet’s meals at home, make sure you’re providing a balanced diet meeting all their nutritional needs. Always consult with your veterinarian or a canine nutritionist before opting for a homemade diet for your whippet.
Puppies and senior whippets do require special dog food as opposed to adults. Puppy whippets need dog food that supports their growth, brain development, and high energy needs. As for seniors, they need food low in calories but high in fiber, to prevent weight gain and promote digestive health.
In conclusion, whippets do not necessarily need special dog food. Still, they absolutely need a diet high in protein, moderate in fats, and low in carbohydrates with a property of essential micronutrients for their overall health and well-being. Whether you opt for a commercial diet or prefer to cook from scratch for your furry companion, ensure the quality, balance, and variety in their food for a healthy, happy whippet.
Remember, each whippet is unique and may have specific dietary requirements that deviate from general guidelines. Regular check-ins with a trusted vet are always recommended to tailor the best diet plan for your furry friend, providing them with a long, joyful, and active life.
