The Brittany is a high energy dog but never in a neurotic sense. They are a grounded breed that simply loves to be out and about or where ever their owner is. Nonetheless, their lean towards an active lifestyle will make certain calorie requirements an issue. Dogs have a number of various systems to support and the improper balance of protein, fatty acids, and vitamins can lead to health problems that span from the minor to the major. The majority of medical problems for dogs often stem from both under and overfeeding; not to mention the not so good habit of owners offering their Brittany table scraps.
The metabolic rate for the Brittany is much higher than other breeds. Many people mistakenly believe this means their Brittany needs a higher quantity food. This is not completely true. A dog may need a bit more food but it is what the dog eats to sustain a consistent level of energy rather than stuffing its gut with empty calories. A high calorie food often provides not just more protein and fatty acids but vitamins and minerals to support a healthy coat. It is also important that a food be easily digestible. A food that is indigestible will be passed out of the body before any of the valuable nutrients can be absorbed.
Many debate whether a dry dog food diet or a canned dog food diet is best. While canned food diets are composed of a certain amount of water, it seems to be the food choice that Brittanys often prefer. However, many professionals strongly recommend using a dry kibble to bolster a meal of canned dog food. Feeding table scraps is what often leads to a calcium deficiency over time and a toxicity build up as well. Most times, when Brittanys have problems with internal organs, the cause can be traced back to a regular habit of table scrap feeding. Brittanys that are pregnant or lactating also have special feeding requirements that should be discussed in detail with a veterinarian.
Those who use their Brittany for hunting have very specific feeding requirements as working a field takes up a lot of calories. Without the right nutrition a dog can become tired, resulting in a poor performance and an unsuccessful hunt. The Brittany is one that loves to hunt, loves to please its master, and often pushes itself to dangerous levels. As a Brittany's attention will be more on hunting than eating, feeding out in the field can be somewhat difficult. During these times, it is important to provide a high fat product to ensure the dog gets plenty of calories quickly. This ensures that both the Brittany and its owner can continue doing what they love best to the best of their ability.
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