Scottish Deerhounds are famed as the “Royal Dog of Scotland.” These noble dogs certainly have a long-standing reputation, but they have more to them than grandeur and prestige. They come with a whole range of unique tastes and dietary needs. Despite their royal lineage, their nutritional requirements may not be as extravagant as you’d think. After extensive research, I’ve put together a fascinating guide on what foods your Scottish Deerhound would absolutely relish!
To understand what food your Scottish Deerhound loves, we need to take a step back into history. Scottish Deerhounds have traditionally been hunting dogs, designed to pursue and bring down stags. To do so, they needed muscles, agility and an endless supply of energy. To fulfill their duties efficiently, these magnificent beasts lived on a well-balanced diet made up of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats.
To maintain your Scottish Deerhound’s health and happiness, you must adhere to these essentials. However, you can certainly add some spice – or rather flavour – to their meals. Similar to their human companions, Scottish Deerhounds enjoy indulging in a variety of foods. What they might love today could be a case of been there, eaten that tomorrow. As owners, recognizing what makes your pet’s ears perk up can bring countless joyful moments and strengthen your bond.
Given their high energy levels, these dogs need a protein-rich diet. Meats like chicken, beef, and fish are great foods for a Scottish Deerhound. However, while they love gorging on these delicacies, not every protein source should be treated equal. Scottish Deerhounds may have a royal lineage, but they do share a common issue with the rest of their canine brethren – food sensitivity. They often have a soft stomach, and therefore, foods like beef may not be the best choice for regular consumption. A safer bet would be white meat like chicken or fish, which is easier to digest.
You’ll notice your Scottish Deerhound’s eyes light up at the sight of their favorite fruits and vegetables. They do love their greens! Pumpkin, peas, carrots, sweet potatoes are among their favorite. Moreover, these are foods that not only tantalize their taste buds but are also low in calories and high in fiber. They help facilitate digestion and maintain healthy body weight. Note that while most fruits and vegetables are safe for consumption, certain ones like onions and grapes must be avoided for their harmful effects on canine health.
Of course, being a dog, your Scottish Deerhound will also appreciate an occasional treat. Depending on your hound’s preference, you can opt for store-bought snacks or create your own delights. For example, peanut butter cookies always tend to be a big hit with these royal hounds. But remember, treats should only make up about 10% of their diet, keeping their health in check.
While the foods listed above tickle the Scottish Deerhound’s majestic taste buds, it’s equally critical to know what’s off-limits for them. Notably, foods like chocolate, caffeine, and alcohol are toxic and can lead to serious health problems. Grapes and raisins, onion, garlic, and any food high in salt and sugar should also be avoided.
Balancing their nutritional needs with their love for variety, can be a tad challenging. However, once you’ve figured out their dietary preferences and created a nutritionally balanced regimen, seeing the satisfied look on your Scottish Deerhound’s face after a meal will make it all worthwhile.
As you whip up a storm in the kitchen, or ponder over which dog food brand to buy, remember that every dog is unique. What works for one Scottish Deerhound might not work for another. A diet tailored to your individual dog’s needs— considering their age, weight, health status, and of course, their personal likes and dislikes is the best way to ensure they’re not only physically healthy, but also happy.
Raising a Scottish Deerhound is indeed a royal task, packed with sweet stresses and joyful moments. And feeding them the right food—the food they love—is a major part of this delightful journey. With this insight on what foods a Scottish Deerhound loves, you’re better equipped to give your royal hound a diet that’s not just fit for a king, but catered to their individual tastes and preferences. Most importantly, it’s a diet that offers a taste of their homeland, of the wild Scottish Moors, and a life of running, leaping, and hunting — a taste of freedom.
So, next time you’re feeding your Scottish Deerhound, create a dinner date soaked with love, packed with nutrition, and spiced with variety. After all, in return, you’ll receive an unmeasured bounty of love, happiness, and companionship that only a Scottish Deerhound can give.
