Miniature Schnauzer Diet
If you have a Miniature Schnauzer, they do best with 10% to 15% fat daily and 20% to 25% protein (SOURCES: the AMCS and National Academy of Sciences). Please read the label of the food you feed them and make sure it is within this range--treats count towards this total as well. Wet food will need to be calculated differently. Many higher rated dog food brands are far too high in fat and protein for this breed. DO YOUR RESEARCH and stay within the limits of what is healthy for a Miniature Schnauzer.
Before you purchase a dog, you need to commit to what it is going to take to feed them a healthy food choice that best suits the breed. This is a very important discussion during the interview process of deciding whether or not a dk Schnauzer puppy is right for you. Sure, you can feed your dog whatever you want, but if you want to give your fur baby the best start in life and maintain a healthy lifestyle, you need to step up and make sure you are choosing the best choice. Otherwise, your puppy will have a shortened lifespan and possibly many vet visits for things that could be avoided simply by proper feeding. Read the nutrition label before you purchase dog food.
Schnauzers are prone to heart disease, pancreatic issues, and diabetes--very preventable with the right diet. The worst thing you can do is feed them fatty table scraps, high fat diets with treats, over feed kibble/wet, or feed higher protein levels that exceed what is recommended for a Miniature Schnauzer. Schnauzers have a tendency to beg for things that are bad for them and it is up to us to keep them healthy. Don't give in, unless small, healthy options are available.
NOTE: Grain-free and limited ingredient foods have been linked to heart disease in Miniature Schnauzers and dogs in general.
Allergies: if your dog is having skin issues, licking, tummy troubles, etc., then you should switch the protein they normally eat to something totally different (eg. switch from chicken/lamb to duck or venison, etc.).
PROBIOTIC: It's recommended that puppies and adult dogs are given a probiotic and dietary fiber to promote a healthy digestive system. Phytonutrients (plant-based) are also recommended to support general health and nutrition.
dk Schnauzer Pack Feeding
The dk Schnauzer pack is fed Royal Canin for just about all food related items except for my daily homemade breakfast/dinner add on. I also free-feed kibble in bowls throughout the house. We believe a dog that always has access to kibble is generally less greedy and does not overeat or eat too fast. We mix equal parts of Royal Canin Miniature Schnauzer adult and puppy kibble and also make a nice mixture of homemade food that they get twice a day. The recipe is below and has been modified over the years (make it your own with additional fruit/veggies). If there are pregnant females or ones that need to gain weight, this is the best way to manage the quantity each eats.
dk Schnauzer Pack One week Feedings (15 dogs)
Boiled chicken and rice mixture with green beans, carrots, spinach, broccoli, and pumpkin. Can food mixed into paste daily. Each dog gets 3-5 heaping tablespoons 2x per day. Royal Canin Schnauzer kibble free-feed containers throughout house. Average 25lb bag per week. Cost: $42
5lbs organic chicken breasts $15
Bag of rice $3.50
4 cans carrots $5.00
4 cans low sodium green beans $5.00
2 bags of steamed spinach $6.00
2 bags of steamed broccoli $6.00
Olive Oil $1.00
$41.50
14 cans of Royal Canin Intestinal High Energy $3.05 each = $42.70.
Another option is the Royal Canin weight management canned food.
Omega Chews- Every other day treat given each evening before bed 90 count $26 ($.29 each)
15 dogs x 4 days = $17.40
Nitramax Probiotic pill (80 @ $38 = $0.48/pill) (there are cheaper options for probiotics)
15 dogs x 3 days = $21.60
TOTAL: $ 123.22/week (EACH DOG $8.21)
This does not include dental chews and/or various other treats like fruit, bully sticks/deer antlers.