There’s something alluring about the English Setter, isn’t there? This sturdy breed, etched in history for over 400 years, is as loveable and gentle as they come. But they’re also a breed shrouded in uncertainty. Perhaps you’ve often wondered, do English Setters require a special kind of dog food? The answer is rather quite interesting and an absolute must-know for current or prospective owners.
Did you know that an English Setter’s metabolism is different from several other breeds? It’s true – this regal breed has a ‘slow-burning’ metabolism. What this means is that your Setter doesn’t burn off energy as fast as some other active breeds. This makes their dietary needs a tad more specific and unique.
Despite their noble appearance and high energy levels, English Setters are not high-performance dogs like say, a Border Collie or a German Shepherd. They love their physical activities for sure, but they’re not endurance runners or heavyweight pullers, and they don’t require a super high-energy diet.
However, this doesn’t mean that you can just feed them any dog food. These dogs have an average lifespan of 12 years, and feeding them the right food can contribute significantly to their longevity and overall quality of life.
So now that we’ve established English Setters’ unique dietary requirements, what exactly should you feed them?
Irrespective of breed, a dog’s diet should be rich in proteins and fats, and lower in carbohydrates. Proteins are the building blocks for your Setter’s muscles and tissues, and fats are a concentrated source of energy. Since Setters aren’t severe energy burners, a diet heavy in fats could lead to weight gain, while too many carbs could spike their blood sugar levels.
Here’s a little tip: opt for foods with natural fats and oils over those that solely list ‘animal fat’ as an ingredient. The unnatural, unidentifiable ‘animal fat’ often indicates lower quality dog food.
What more? English Setters, like any other breed, require a balanced diet chock-full of essential vitamins and minerals. The right dog food should have acceptable amounts of calcium and phosphorous to support bone health, and Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids for a healthy coat and skin.
An overly active digestive system is another quirky trait of the English Setter that you should consider when selecting their food. A diet too rich or too calorific could result in an upset stomach or diarrhea. Therefore, food should not just be about nourishment, but also about maintaining a healthy gut.
In general, feeding your English Setter high-quality dry dog food serves multiple purposes. It’s easy to portion and store, keeps your pup’s teeth clean, and can cater to specific nutritional needs.
But a little research wouldn’t hurt, right? Here are some of the top recommendations.
– Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula: This one’s a hit with the English Setter owner fraternity. Made from real meat, whole grains, veg, and fruit, this formula is enhanced with LifeSource Bits – a precise blend of nutrients that have been enhanced with a Super 7 package of antioxidant-rich ingredients.
– Royal Canin — Medium Adult Dry Dog Food: Fortified with EPA and DHA, this one promotes healthy skin and a shiny coat – perfect for the radiant English Setter.
– Wellness Complete Health Natural Dry Dog Food: Made from turkey and oatmeal, this is a natural recipe with added vitamins and minerals for overall wellbeing of your pet.
Remember, every dog, like humans, is an individual with unique nutritional needs. Age, weight, activity level, metabolism, and health history all play a role. Hence, it becomes essential to discuss your pet’s dietary needs with your vet, who could recommend the right kind of diet for your English Setter.
In conclusion, while English Setters do not necessarily need special dog food, they do require a diet that fits their unique metabolism and digestive system. Adequate proteins for muscle health, natural fats for energy, and a good blend of essential nutrients should do the trick, keeping your English Setter happy, healthy, and active.
As an owner, it’s your responsibility to ensure your pet gets not just the tastiest, but the most nutritious food. After all, our dogs aren’t just pets, but a part of our family.
