Hiw Much Do I Feed My Samoyed

Finding the right food for Samoyeds is not hard. Their dietary needs are similar to other larger dog breed needs. If you are thinking of bringing a Samoyed pup home, here is a detailed guide on what you should feed your pet and what nutrition your Samoyed requires.

What should my Samoyed eat?

If you're wondering, "What can a Samoyed eat?" we've got the details for you. Samoyed need foods that are high in protein and fat. Foods comprising 2 or 3 meat proteins are ideal for your dog development. Many foods today also have a high concentration of plant proteins like peas and lentils.

Fats like fish oil also help provide the required levels of Omega-3 fatty acids that keep your dog's coat and skin healthy. Puppies especially can benefit from DHA (Docosahexaenoic acid). This particular Omega-3 fatty acid boosts eye and brain development. Senior Samoyeds benefit from medium-chain triglycerides that have medium-chain fatty acids. With this, older dogs can look and feel younger. Combining coconut oil with other oils can achieve this.

These nutritional requirements make the best food for Samoyeds to be:

• Raw or fresh lean meat diet
• Eggs
• Fish
• Fresh vegetables
• Premium dry food
• Grain like oats and barley are also great for Samoyeds.  Sweet potatoes are an alternative source of low glycemic carbs.
• The carb percentage must be kept at low or moderate level.

Food recommendations for Samoyeds are specific for many reasons:

• Samoyed puppies grow very fast, so moderating their food intake is necessary to make sure they're not overeating.
• Samoyeds are protective of food and tend to wolf it down. This is due to evolutionary reasons as Samoyeds were originally used as sled dogs. They could go for very long periods without any food. They had to wolf down any food they found due to the uncertainty of their next meal. Wolfing down food can lead to bloating, and this can be fatal as the air gets trapped in the stomach when they eat too quickly. To avoid this, you should stick to a consistent feeding schedule and use slow eating dog bowls. These bowls are designed to prevent wolfing down of food and require your dog to make their way around the food. It results in taking more time to finish a meal.

A raw food diet for a Samoyed dog works well, but you can also opt for premium dry food options. You have to be sure you're choosing the best food. Many store-bought options may lack the nutrients needed for healthy development of your Samoyed. The best Samoyed feeding guide should include foods relating to the following food groups:

• Proteins – Essential amino acids needed for Samoyed dogs can be obtained from the sources like:

1. chicken
2. turkey
3. beef
4. venison
5. salmon
6. mutton

• Fats and fatty acids – Consuming fish oils and other fatty acids provide your Samoyed withnecessary omega-3. It helpsthem develop a shiny coat, facilitating hormone regulation, and keeping the skin free from allergic responses.
• Fibre – Moderate fiber amount from greens promotes digestive health and helps in the easy passing of stool.
• Carbs – A moderate quantity of carbs is necessary to give your Samoyed the energy needed to play. You need to be careful with this as it can be dangerous in higher quantities, especially if your dog has a medical condition like:

  1. diabetes
  2. hypothyroidism
  3. obesity

Essential food for Samoyeds

Now that we've covered the essential food groups concerning Samoyed food requirements, let's discuss the options. You'll find numerous options when you browse for the best food to feed a Samoyed. There's dry food and raw food options. You may find yourself confused about which is the best option for your Samoyed.

The good news is that you don't have to restrict your Samoyed diet to dry or raw food exclusively. A healthy balance of both types of food can keep your Samoyed on the right track.

Samoyed dog raw food diet plan consists of:

1. eggs
2. dairy
3. fruits
4. bones
5. vegetables
6. meat

This dates back to their more natural ways of eating. Australian veterinarian Ian Billing Hurst popularized the BARF diet (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food diet). We'll explore raw food diets in greater detail later in this article, but some of its proven benefits are:

• Skin improvement

• Brighter coat

• More energy

• Stool size is more manageable

• Teeth become shinier

The downside to this is that bones could be fatal to them and end up puncturing their bodies' insides. Raw meats today are filled with many contaminants. These can cause bacterial conditions such as salmonella.

Dry food is also a great option for your Samoyed, which differs from wet food in the moisture content. While wet food contains 60% to 90% moisture, dry dog food contains 6% to 10% moisture by volume. Dry food is typically bought in the form of kibble and is a convenient option for pet parents.

Dry dog food is great for your Samoyed because:

• It's chewy and crunchy, which your dog often takes advantage of to keep stress in check or even display dominance.
• It can make your dog's breath better, especially in comparison to wet food or raw food.
• It protects their teeth, leading to a lesser amount of tartar and plaque.
• It's also easy to store at room temperature and you can take it with you if you're traveling.

A combination of both works well for your Samoyed. Be careful not to introduce a raw diet too early in your Samoyed's development. They must be at least 12 weeks old before you start. Feeding Samoyed pups with wetting dry dog food will ensure that it is soft, and their developing teeth can gnaw through the food. You can even pour some meat juices over the dry dog food to get them accustomed to eating it. When Samoyeds reach 3 months of age, you can stop wetting dry dog food and give them the dry food as it is. You have to be sure you're feeding them only the puppy food, and not the food for adult Samoyeds.

What foods should I avoid feeding my Samoyed?

There are some foods you should avoid feeding your Samoyed. These are:

• Salt because it can lead to heart, liver, and kidney problems.
• Super fatty as well as sweet treats because this can cause them to develop pancreatitis.
• Lactose sources like milk – if they are lactose intolerant – because this can lead to vomiting and diarrhea.
• Raw yeast dough because this can rise inside your dog's digestive system can cause gastric dilation, stomach rupturing, or even volvulus.
• Citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, grapefruits, and limes because this can cause diarrhea and vomiting. In extreme circumstances, it can also cause central nervous system depression.
• Chocolate as this is toxic to dogs.
• Garlic and onions as the toxicity of these can cause red blood cells to rupture and red blood cell oxidation to occur.
• Fried food

Based on age, digestive intolerance, and gender, you may even have to avoid:

• High-fat foods, especially for Samoyed puppies
• Milk, yogurt, cheese, and other dairy products
• Raw meat
• High protein foods, especially for a senior Samoyed

Food guide for Samoyed puppies

Samoyed pups need to be on their mother's milk before they can start taking puppy food like kibble, which usually happens at 6 to 10 weeks of age. Between 4 and 12 months of age, Samoyed pups have a caloric requirement of 1000 to 1200 calories a day. The amount will depend on their body weight. They must be fed three times a day (morning, afternoon, and evening).

Your puppy's eating habits are affected by their activity levels. Always adjust the portion size based on how much activity they do in a day, otherwise, you risk overfeeding them.

What is the best food to help a puppy Samoyed grow? Kibbles work the best at this stage. Protein-rich food can contribute to the growth of lean muscle mass. The fat requirement for a Samoyed pup is much lower at this stage of life. A Samoyed pup usually requires about one and a half cups of dry food per day.

How much food should a 6-month Samoyed eat? At six months, half a cup of dry food given three times a day should be enough to meet your pup's needs. Your Samoyed pup should weigh around 14 to 17 pounds (female) and 17 to 25 pounds (male).

Here are some options of Samoyed puppy food you can try:

Purina ONE SmartBlend Healthy Puppy Premium Formula

It is like a raw diet for puppies without risks like bacterial infections or choking on a bone. It also contains dual-defense antioxidants to boost their immune system. It even has docosahexaenoic acid or DHA, the essential mother's milk nutrient that is good for your puppy's vision and brain development.

Nutro Wholesome Essentials Natural Puppy Dry Food

This kibble is perfect for those who don't want to go anywhere near a raw food option. Available in chicken and lamb flavors, this contains:

1. DHA

2. omega-3 fatty acids

3. calcium

4. antioxidants

5. Vitamin E

Purina Pro Plan FOCUS Puppy Canned Wet Food

This is a great wet food option available in 3 flavors: grain-free turkey, chicken and rice, and grain-free chicken. The omega-6 fatty acids in this one will keep your Samoyed's coat soft and healthy. It will also improve their vision and brain development.

Food guide for adult Samoyeds

When to switch from puppy food to dog food? At 12 months of age, you should start switching your puppy from puppy food to dog food. To make the transition easier, try mixing both first, and as your dog starts getting used to it, replace the puppy food entirely. Adult Samoyeds can be given raw, dry, or wet dog food. This can include meat, eggs, fruits and vegetables. A fully grown Samoyed weighs 25 to 44 pounds (female) and 44 to 66 pounds (male) on average and requires between 1500 and 1800 calories a day. This will depend on their weight and activity level. If they lead a sedentary lifestyle, you'll probably want to reduce their caloric intake.

How many cups of food should I feed my Samoyed? Adult Samoyeds will need two and a half cups of dry food daily. This serving must be divided into 2 meals – one in the morning and another in the evening.

Now that you have the answers to the questions:

• At what age a Samoyed should eat adult food?

• How much does a Samoyed eat a day?

• How often does a Samoyed eat a day?

Let's explore some of the best food to feed a Samoyed adult:

Acana Heritage Dry Dog Food with Red Meat

This is biologically suited for your Samoyed and contains no:

1. gluten

2. grains

3. potatoes

4. plant protein

Its ratio of animal ingredients to fruits & vegetables is 60:40. The 60% is inclusive of WholePrey proportions, raw, dried, as well as fresh animal ingredients.

IAMS Proactive Health Adult MiniChunks Dry Dog Food

This dry food option has rice and chicken. It contains antioxidants for healthy immune functioning and fiber and probiotics for better digestion. The protein content in this helps to maintain strong and healthy muscles.

Hill's Science Diet Dry Dog Food

It is another great option for your Samoyed containing chicken, nutrients, and vitamins like vitamin E and omega-6 fatty acids. The prebiotic fiber also improves the gut microbiome in this.

Food guide for older Samoyeds

Samoyed food requirements for older Samoyeds are slightly different. They require additional nutrients, protein, and fiber for supporting their aging bodies and reducing pain. When your Samoyed turns 8 or 9 years old, you should transition them from adult food to senior dog food. Because their level of activity typically reduces and metabolism falls, you need to lower their protein intake. You need to still feed them twice a day with slightly fewer calories than you did for your adult dog.

Senior Samoyeds will benefit from the addition of fruits and vegetables to their diet. Giving them more greens, reds, yellows, and oranges are necessary for old age. this helps combat constipation, a problem that adult Samoyeds aren't at risk of. Canned pumpkin and fresh or canned green beans without any sugar added is a good option to add to your senior Samoyeds diet. A higher protein intake, particularly for those with kidney disease, is something you want to avoid. Here are some great options for feeding your senior Samoyed.

•Purina ONE SmartBlend Vibrant Maturity Dog Food

This is designed for dogs aged above 7 years and comes in chicken flavor. Its ingredients improve mental agility and energy levels. It is designed to boost muscle and heart health in senior Samoyeds.

•Nulo Senior Grain-Free Dog Food

This contains trout and sweet potato that make your Samoyed a very happy senior dog. It also has BC30 probiotic, which boosts the regulation of metabolism, gut flora, and digestion. L-carnitine present helps in weight control and improves stamina. It is one of the best dog foods for older overweight dogs. The chondroitin and glucosamine protect joints from inflammation, and 80% animal protein content provides the essential amino acids your dog will need. There are no grains, flavorings, preservatives, or artificial colors in this.

•Nutro Max Natural Adult Dry Food Senior Recipe

This comes in flavors like chicken, lamb, or beef. There are no any artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives. You can even mix it with some wet food if your dog finds it difficult to chew on this like they once could.

Vitamins needed

Calcium is crucial for growth, especially for puppies and pregnant/lactating dogs. Raw bones added to Samoyed nutrition ensures your dog gets enough calcium. Essential vitamins required are:

• Vitamin A – responsible for good vision, immune function, fetal development, and cell function.
• B vitamins – this group of vitamins offers a range of benefits for your dog's health. Thiamine regulates carbohydrate and energy metabolism. Vitamin B6 helps to generate glucose and is responsible for hormone regulation. It supports the nervous system functioning and red blood cells. It also activates genes and promotes niacin synthesis. B12, riboflavin, and niacin promote enzyme function. Folic acid helps with mitochondrial protein synthesis, nucleotide, and amino acid metabolism. Energy metabolism is facilitated by pantothenic acid.
• Vitamin C– an antioxidant for the reduction of inflammation and cognitive aging.
• Vitamin D – for healthy bones and muscles.
• Vitamin E – needed for fat metabolism and cell function.
• Vitamin K – to facilitate the clotting of blood.
• Choline – for healthy liver and brain functioning.

Commercial dog food comes with a complete nutritional profile and contains the necessary vitamins required for different ages. With commercial dog food you won't need to supplement any vitamins unless asked by your veterinarian. Samoyed homemade food, however, will need supplementation of the essential vitamins as advised by your vet. You don't want to go overboard though, as this can lead to negative consequences on your dog's health.

Suppose you're curious about your Samoyed eating vegetables in their food. In that case, you should know your Samoyed can be healthy on a vegetarian diet. Some dogs may even be allergic to meat-based products. You'll have to consult your vet beforehand and supplement the necessary vitamins in their diet to make this possible.

Water balance

When it comes to Samoyed water and food needs, you need to be on top of your game. Water is crucial to keep your dog hydrated. Samoyeds have approximately 8.5 to 17 ounces of water for every 10 pounds of body weight. This differs based on their activity level, weight, as well as the weather. Puppies tend to drink more water than adults. The right water intake is required to remain hydrated and transport nutrients. It also serves as a lubricant for the joints. Your dog needs access to fresh water and likely drink more water if its diet consists primarily of dry dog food.

Too much water intake may signify that the dog is thirsty, but sometimes, it could be a sign that something is wrong internally. You need to check with your veterinarian if you think that your dog drinks too much water, especially if there is a sudden water intake increase lasting more than one day.

Sensitive stomach and stomach problems

Do Samoyeds have sensitive stomachs? Yes, Samoyeds are known to have a sensitive stomach and may need their diet to be adjusted to suit their digestive system. The cause of this differs. It could be the result of an underlying health concern, a genetic predisposition, or greater receptivity to certain ingredients. Common symptoms of digestive issues are:

• Inability to eat

• Vomiting (with blood)

• Excessive lip licking and swallowing

• Loose stools/diarrhea

If your Samoyed has a sensitive stomach, you need to avoid foods containing:

1. grains

2. wheat

3. corn

4. turkey

5. chicken

Some great options for Samoyeds with sensitive stomachs are:

• Purina ONE SmartBlend Sensitive Systems Dry Dog Food

• Nature's Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

• Purina Pro Plan Salmon and Rice Dry or Wet Dog Food

• CANIDAE All Life Stages Lamb Meal and Rice Formula Dry Dog Food

• Hill's Science Salmon & Vegetable Wet Dog Food

Dog dry food versus homemade food

What is the best dog food for Samoyeds? Should you be giving them dry food or relying on homemade food? Each has its pros and cons, and you need to decide based on what's convenient for you. Let's explore both.

Dry food is convenient, affordable, and designed to meet your Samoyed nutritional requirements at different stages of their life. To thrive, your dog needs a combination of:

1. proteins
2. vitamins
3. minerals
4. carbohydrates
5. fiber

Dry food also serves as an abrasive cleaner, making it better for your dog's dental health. It's also convenient to store and can be taken on travels easily.

On the downside, some low-quality dry foods make use of meat by-products rather than wholesome meats or use fillers that can irritate your dog's digestive tract. Its low moisture content can also cause itchy skin and lead to dehydration.

Here are some guidelines to make the right choice of dry food for your Samoyed:

• Make sure ingredients are listed in descending order based on the amount

• Make sure the name of meat is mentioned and not generic "meat"

• The first 3 to 5 ingredients must list one or more meat types included

• Call the number mentioned on the label to get clarity on marketing terms used such as "premium", "natural" or "human-grade ingredients".

If you're looking for healthy food to prepare for Samoyed dogs, you must rely on homemade food. This can be economical when compared to high-quality commercial dog food. Homemade food also allows for better control over food quality and elimination of risk of allergens. There are plenty of organic dog food recipes for Samoyeds consisting of a combination of meat, sweet potato, greens, carrots, rice.

Fussy eaters tend to do better with homemade food. If you plan to feed your Samoyed homemade meals, you need to consult with a vet to get an idea of your dog's nutritional requirements. The meals you prepare should have 55% protein, 30% fat, and 15% carbohydrates.

Supplementation of multivitamins is also necessary to give your pet a complete nutrient profile. You also need to be careful to avoid toxic foods, which may not be damaging to humans but can be dangerous for your dog. Homemade food may also pose certain challenges if you need to travel.

If you're relying on Samoyed homemade food, here is what you need to pay attention to:

• Cover the different food groups in the food you prepare.

• Supplement essential vitamins and minerals that aren't available through homemade food.

• Use lean meats and remove poultry skin before feeding your Samoyed, unless you have a very active dog.

• Ensure you get your diet plan reviewed by a vet.

Food allergies

Food allergies can result from your Samoyed's immune system wrongly identifying a specific ingredient as dangerous and creating protective antibodies to fight off the enemy. Symptoms of dog food allergy are:

• Itchy skin and rashes
• Eye discharge and ear infections
• Sneezing
• Pigmented, scaly, or oily skin
• Red eyes
• Itchy paws
• Hair loss
• Vomiting and diarrhea
• Skin infections from excess scratching
• Yeast or bacterial infections of ears and skin

Your dog may also have a genetic predisposition to certain food allergies. Common food allergens for your Samoyed may include:

1. Beef
2. Dairy
3. Wheat
4. Eggs
5. Chicken
6. Lamb
7. Soy

You need to consult your vet to identify allergens if you notice any of the symptoms described.

You can prevent food allergies by paying careful attention to what they eat and how they react to it. Adopting a diet challenge or an elimination diet will help you pinpoint the cause of the allergic reaction. It is where you remove the suspected ingredient from their diet as per the specifications of the vet. You need to watch if the symptoms disappear. It must be followed for at least 6-12 weeks, after which, the ingredient is reintroduced into their diet. It will confirm the actual cause of the allergic reaction. You must avoid feeding them such foods once you know what they're allergic to prevent food allergies in your dog. Your vet may prescribe a special diet for your dog that does not contain any allergens.

Samoyed food diet

The diet of your Samoyed can comprise dry food, homemade food, or even raw food. The diet you choose needs to take into consideration your dog's:

1. Level of activity

2. Common health concerns

3. Eye care

4. Coat care

5. Skin care

You can avoid common grains like wheat and corn, especially if they're allergic. Use high-quality grains like barley and oats instead. Follow a consistent feeding structure with fixed timings so that you have more control over how much they're eating. A Samoyed dog raw food diet plan can also be followed as it offers multiple benefits to your dog:

• Improvement in skin

• Better teeth and gum care

• Lesser stools produced

• Reduction in allergic responses

• Can be less expensive than some commercial dog food

• Avoids growth spurts so that pups may grow at the right rates

• The time taken and effort required to chew through raw food promotes the development of the jaw, ear, shoulder, and neck muscles. It also helps to improve digestion because the stomach has time to move the acids along.

• A more natural diet for your dog

If you want to transition your Samoyed from what they currently eat to raw food, make it gradual and spread it out over 2 weeks, at least. Slowly add some raw food to their current food. With time, increase the amount of raw food while reducing the amount of their current food. Eventually, you will manage to make their entire meal raw.

What to feed overweight Samoyeds?

If your dog is overweight, there are greater chances of them developing issues like:

• Diabetes

• Tumours

• Arthritis

• Herat disease

• Laryngeal paralysis

• Bacterial skin diseases

• ACL tears

If your Samoyed is overweight, you need to start looking at premium foods with reduced-calorie and reduced fat content. These will provide them with the right balance of nutrients and promote weight loss. Simple portion reduction may deprive them of essential nutrients. Dry food and wet food labeled "light" or "lite" must be chosen for overweight Samoyeds. The dry food chosen should not have over 3,100 kcal per kilogram of food, and the wet food should not have over 900 kcal per kilogram of food. "Lean" foods for weight management should not have more than 9% fat (dry) or 4% fat (wet). Such foods must also mention the percentage of calorie or fat reduction and state the comparison product.

Get a vet's input on daily calorie requirements and stick to a consistent feeding schedule. You must also get your dog started on an exercise regimen and follow it consistently.

Related questions:

•Is special food necessary for Samoyeds?

While Samoyeds do not require any special food, it's good to stick to standard feeding instructions. They will need special food if they are overweight or suffering from health issues. Do ensure that they get enough exercise to reduce the likelihood of them developing diabetes or hypothyroidism. You may also consider a grain-free diet if you see that they are developing signs of any grain intolerance. While raw foods aren't the only way to promote the health of your Samoyed, they can be a great addition to your Samoyed's diet.

•Is free feeding a Samoyed okay?

Free feeding involves leaving food out at all times so that your Samoyed eats at any time. Some people think of this as a great practice to follow, but it's not a great idea to free feed your Samoyed. Samoyeds tend to wolf down food and like many other dogs, find impulse control to be challenging. This can cause them to overeat and quickly lead to obesity, which poses several health risks that you want to avoid. Measure out the portions you give your dog and stick to consistent feeding times. It gives you greater control over their feeding schedule.

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Source: https://www.samoyed-dogs.net/samoyed-care/what-should-samoyed-eat/

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