Being an energetic breed, all three Schnauzers need proper nutrients to maintain their active lifestyle. It’s up to us as owners to choose the right dog food for Schnauzers. We need to choose carefully as each Schnauzer variant has its own individual nutritional requirements.
We at FeedFond are here to ensure that you and your Schnauzer get the best from the market. This step-by-step guide will cover nutritional needs, health problems, and provide our recommendations for the best food for each Schnauzer variant.
The Best Dog Food for Schnauzers in 2020
#1. Blue Buffalo Life Protection
Overview
Hailed as one of the top premium brands available on the market, it maintains the standards required for your pet. You can safely feed your dog Blue Buffalo products resting assure that they deliver a high nutrition value. Due to its kibble size, it’s great for standard and Giant Schnauzers alike.
Blue Buffalo uses lamb as their main ingredient, which is a high-quality source of protein in addition to having a great taste.
They also use natural ingredients for essential nutrients to take care of the dog’s digestive system and improve their general health. It contains vitamins, minerals, antioxidants sourced from fruits and vegetables and no artificial preservatives.
What We Love About It
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Adult Dry Dog Food contains high-quality real meat that enriches your Schnauzer’s muscles and promotes health. Other than that, it also contains essential vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and no artificial chemicals and by-products.
Pros Cons
- Available in three delicious flavors.
- Selected by veterinarians and nutritionists.
- No artificial additives.
- Well-balanced diet.
- Approved by the AAFCO.
- Not grain-free
#2. Rachael Ray Nutrish Natural
Overview
Rachael Ray, the creator of this brand, designed this dog food taking special care regarding the health of your dog. No chemicals preservatives or artificial flavors were used to make this product.
The main ingredient contains real meat, later adding in vitamins and minerals sourced from rich fruits and veggies. The superb blend includes prebiotics to take care of your Schnauzer’s digestive system. It’s also affordable!
What We Love About It
Rachael Ray Nutrish Natural Dry Dog Food has small kibbles that make it easier to feed your Schnauzer. Additionally, it is the best food for your dog since it contains no artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, by-products, fillers, wheat or gluten.
Pros Cons
- Available in four flavors.
- Available in seven sizes.
- Farm-raised chicken.
- Contains natural prebiotics.
- No artificial supplements.
- Not for dogs with poultry allergies.
#3. Natural Balance Original Ultra
Overview
Natural Balance is excellent for your Schnauzer because of its maximum use of natural products. There are practically no allergic reactions to this product. It also promotes brain health and enhances their brain function. It’s an excellent choice as Schnauzers are naturally very intelligent.
Natural balance uses a chicken meal as its primary product. For Giant Schnauzers, this is one of the best sources of protein.
Their formula not only promotes muscle and bone health, but it also takes care of their eyes, heart, and skin.
With the added DHA and EPA, It’s an excellent choice for standard and Giant Schnauzers. Not only adult dogs, but senior dogs can also enjoy this meal because of Natural Balance’s disease-fighting capabilities.
What We Love About It
The product contains a sufficient amount of DHA, EPA, Omega-3, Omega-6, premium quality protein, good fibers, and essential antioxidants nutrients that promote a healthy heart, strong bones and overall good health in your Schnauzers.
Pros Cons
- Available in three styles and six sizes
- Created by expert nutritionists
- Contains various types of fibers
- Passes through 9 safety tests
- Balanced omega-3 and omega-6 ratios
- Some ingredients may cause skin allergies
- Expensive
#4. Royal Canin Miniature Schnauzer
Overview
As a trusted food brand, Royal Canin makes food for all sizes and breed. This particular product is specially made for puppies as they have different nutritional needs than adult and senior Miniature Schnauzers.
Royal Canin includes all the nutrients in this product so that your Miniature puppy Schnauzer can grow into a healthy adult.
It features small kibble sized perfectly for puppies. Promoting healthy bones and muscles, it has antioxidants that boost the immune systems for healthy digestion and skin. The fat content is low with Royal Canin to prevent obesity because puppies can be voracious eaters.
What We Love About It
Royal Canin Dog Food has been manufactured after fifty years of scientific experimentation. It helps Schnauzers maintain a healthy weight, and keeps their skin and coat gleaming.
Pros Cons
- Contains exclusive antioxidants.
- Supports intestinal health.
- Contains L-Carnitine.
- Kibbles are chewy and good for their teeth.
- No flavors available
#5. Fromm Gold
Overview
Family recipe made dog foods are always reliable and made with love. Fromm Family is such a brand that produces large breed pappy foods formulated with fresh ducks, chickens, eggs and cheese for generations. The key ingredient as you see are premium protein sources.
So, it’s ought to be good for your dog’s growth. Though a bit expensive, this dog food is worth every penny as the high protein elements aid to your pup’s shiny coat and gorgeous fur.
What We Love About It
Fromm Family Dog Food is a family-owned company that dedicates in producing the perfect food for dogs. All the ingredients are procured in North America, and it is most-suitable for large breed dogs.
Pros Cons
- Available in three sizes.
- Suitable for puppies, adults, and seniors.
- Highest quality ingredients.
- Small kibbles.
- Trusted family recipe
- May not be suitable for some dogs.
Best Mini Schnauzers Dog Foods
Find below a list of the premium quality dog foods for mini Schnauzers in 2020.
#1. Wellness Complete Health Natural
Overview
Each kibble in the Wellness Complete Health Natural Dry Small Breed Dog Food contain vitamins, minerals, and protein that all mini Schnauzers need. The nutrients of turkey, oatmeal and salmon in the dog food improve their skin, digestive health, immunity, energy, gums, teeth, and eyes.
It also contains DHA that promote brain development of the dog in their younger years. Vitamins and minerals in the kibbles additionally boost their overall cellular health. Carbohydrates in the kibbles allow them to stay energetic all throughout the day.
What We Love About It
Wellness Complete Health Natural Dry Small Breed Dog Food is the best for miniature Schnauzer puppies because of the size of its nutrients-packed kibbles. It is the healthiest choice out there since the kibbles don’t contain any fillers, artificial additives or meat by-products.
Pros Cons
- Available in two sizes.
- Contains balances nutrition for puppies.
- Small kibble size.
- No artificial preservatives or colors.
- Affordable price.
- Green tea extracts may cause liver problems to some dogs
- Not resealable pack
#2 Farmina Natural
Overview
Farmina Natural brings the flavorsome Italian recipe of delicious chicken and pomegranate for your mini and medium Schnauzer puppies. This dry dog food formula follows the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Guideline in preparing the wholesome food for Schnauzers.
Grain-free and gluten-free, the product contains all the healthy ingredients for the growth and well-being of miniature Schnauzers. It is suitable for dogs who are having various health deficiencies.
What We Love About It
The ingredients for this product has been made in and sourced from Italy. Hence they are of the highest quality. Each kibble is full of nourishing organic fruits, vegetables, and meat nutrients.
Pros Cons
- For Mini and medium-sized dogs.
- Gluten-free and grain-free.
- Contains protein, fiber and carbohydrate.
- Meets the nutritional requirements set by the AAFCO.
- Contains no GMOs.
- Unpleasant smell
#3. Diamond Naturals
Overview
The dog food is made of high-quality protein, amino acid for fit muscles, vitamins and minerals to provide antioxidants, and fatty acid for healthy skin and coat. Additionally, K9 strain probiotics in the kibbles promote healthy digestion and immune system for the puppies.
Chia seed, kale, pumpkin, carrots, spinach, oranges, fish, flaxseed, coconut, dried kelp, chicory root, and blueberries are included in the kibbles along with other nutrients. DHA in the kibbles promotes brain and vision development in the pups.
What We Love About It
This product has been made in the USA with high-quality ingredients collected from all over the world. The company follows scientific food safety protocols to ensure proper growth and well-being of miniature Schnauzers.
Pros Cons
- High digestibility.
- Ingredients are sourced from all over the world.
- No artificial additives.
- No wheat, corn or fillers.
- Guaranteed proprietary probiotics
- Can only be shipped in the USA.
#4. Natural Balance Limited Ingredient
Overview
Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Diets Dry Dog Food is a great option for miniature Schnauzer as it contains all the necessary ingredients like- sweet potato and fish in balanced portions.
The product contains 21% protein, 10% fat, 5% fibre, 0.5% Omega 3, 1.1% Omega 6, 0.05% DHA, 0.6% Calcium, and 0.5% Phosphorus.
It is a well-balanced diet contains minerals, vitamins, protein, fat, and carbohydrate. The diet ensures dogs have healthy skin, coat, muscles, bones, and digestive health.
What We Love About It
Containing no artificial colors, flavors or preservatives, the L.I.D(Limited Ingredients Diet) of this product promotes skin health, healthy digestion and overall growth for the puppies.
Pros Cons
- Available in two styles.
- Available in four sizes.
- Grain-free formula.
- No artificial additives.
- Affordable pricing.
- May not be suitable for some dogs.
- Must check of mold contamination before use.
#5. Nature’s Recipe
Overview
Having no artificial flavor or color, Nature’s Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog Food is the designed for your mini Schnauzer’s healthy digestive system. Chicken is the number one ingredient in this product, which helps in maintaining strong muscles of mini Schnauzers.
Pumpkin and sweet potato in the dog food makes it easier for the dogs to digest. Additionally, carbohydrates from such ingredients let them stay strong and energetic throughout the day.
What We Love About It
Nature’s Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog Food is made with real chicken that provides adequate protein to mini Schnauzers. All the ingredients in the product are natural and healthy.
Pros Cons
- Contains high-quality protein.
- All natural ingredients.
- Available in two sizes.
- Grain-free sources.
- Easy digestibility
- Not for dogs allergic to pumpkins
Best Standard Schnauzers Dog Foods
Read on to find out more about the most popular food for Standard Schnauzers.
#1. Wellness Complete Health Natural
Overview
Made with high-quality deboned chicken, brown rice and salmon, Wellness Complete Health Natural Dry Large Breed Puppy Food are ideal for standard Schnauzers. The kibbles are large, and it is made of deboned chicken and DHA for proper development of eyes, brain, and bones.
It is a complete package of fat, carbohydrate, protein, minerals and essential vitamins. Overall, the dog food maintains wellness of eyes, gums, teeth, immunity, energy, digestion, coat and skin of the dogs.
What We Love About It
Wellness Complete Health Natural Dry Large Breed Puppy Food is designed specifically for large breed pups. In addition, calcium and phosphorus in the dog food also aid in bone development of the Schnauzers.
Pros Cons
- Large kibbles.
- The Wellness Guarantee.
- All natural ingredients.
- Contains no fillers, by-products and artificial preservatives.
- Balanced diet.
- The new packaging design removed zip-locks
#2 Taste of The Wild High Prairie
Overview
Taste of The Wild Grain-Free Premium High Protein Dry Dog Food is perfect for Standard Schnauzers. It is made of roasted meat and high protein content, which are essential nutrients for growing puppies.
Despite it being rich in nutrients, it is easily digestible. It contains DHA for eye and brain health, superfoods for antioxidants and protein for sturdy muscles.
What We Love About It
Taste of The Wild Grain-Free Premium High Protein Dry Dog Food tastes just like the wild, and standard Schnauzers love it. It is grain-free, high in protein, and easy on the stomach.
Pros Cons
- Available in three sizes.
- Pure ingredients from all over the world.
- No artificial flavor, color and preservatives.
- Highly digestible.
- High protein.
- Quite expensive.
- Some dogs may not like it.
#3. Iams Proactive Health
Overview
Iams Proactive Health Large Breed Adult Dry Dog Food promotes healthy metabolism, strong bones, healthy skin and coat, and strong muscles. L-carnitine burns fat and maintains good metabolism. Omega-6s help maintains a glossy coat.
Chicken and egg protein energizes the muscles, and the minerals in the product promote healthy bones. Finally, glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate retain healthy joints.
What We Love About It
Iams Proactive Health Large Breed Adult Dry Dog Food is made of wholesome grains, veggies, fruits, and beet pulp. These ingredients produce fiber and probiotics that maintains healthy digestion of standard Schnauzers.
Pros Cons
- Available in four sizes.
- Available in three styles.
- Recommended by veterinarians.
- Promotes healthy skin and coat.
- Promotes healthy digestion.
- Not resealable pack
#4. Hill’S Science Diet
Overview
Hill’s Science Diet Adult Large Breed Chicken & Barley Recipe Dry Dog Food Bag contains chicken, salmon or lamb as protein content. The product also provides antioxidant benefits to pets that consume it. Chondroitin and Glucosamine provide strong joints and cartilage.
Quality standards are maintained strictly with this product. Providing all-round nutrition for Standard Schnauzers. Moreover, it contains no fake color, flavor, preservatives and harmful ingredients.
Pros Cons
- Contains Glucosamine and Chondroitin.
- All imported natural ingredients.
- Veterinarian recommended.
- Contains no artificial additives or by-products.
- 100% money back guarantee
- Massive kibble size
- Original formula changed
What We Love About It
Hill’s Science Diet Adult Large Breed Chicken & Barley Recipe Dry Dog Food Bag have been manufactured after it has been researched by over 220 food scientists, veterinarians, Ph.D. nutritionists, and technicians.
#5. Pro Plan BRIGHT MIND
Overview
Pro Plan BRIGHT MIND Senior 7+ Adult Dog Food has essential botanical oils that increase their mental acuteness within thirty days. But the product is strictly for Schnauzers older than seven.
The product contains 14% fat content and 29% protein diet. Joint health and movement are taken care of by the presence of EPA and glucosamine. The size of the kibbles is also perfect for older dogs.
What We Love About It
Pro Plan BRIGHT MIND Senior 7+ Adult Dog Food is well balanced for Standard Schnauzers. It contains nutritional ingredients which are not limited to fish oil, glucosamine, vitamins, and whole grain.
Pros Cons
- Available in seven flavors.
- Available in eight sizes.
- Contains botanical oils for mental alertness.
- Protein-rich.
- EPA and glucosamine support mobility
- Not all flavors are suitable for Schnauzers
Giant Schnauzers Dog Foods
Now that we know about dog foods on the market for mini and standard Schnauzers, it’s time to get to gain some knowledge on dog foods for giant Schnauzers.
#1. Stella & Chewy’s
Overview
There is too much to love about this product. Stella & Chewy’s Freeze-Dried Raw Stella’s Super Dinner is grain-free, gluten-free, made with 90% or more organs, bones, and meat, and is minimally-processed to maintain the rawness.
The chickens in the product are grass-fed, cage-free and wildly caught. So they are as fresh as it can get. The nutritional benefits of the product include healthy skin and coat, strong teeth and gum, thriving digestion and stellar stamina and vitality.
What We Love About It
Stella & Chewy’s Freeze-Dried Super Dinner should be awarded for all the benefits it provides to its canine consumers. The best part is that this dog food is not cooked or heated like other dehydrated dog food, so it retains all the essential nutrients.
Pros Cons
- Available in seven sizes
- Produced with care in compact batches
- Produced from cage-free chickens
- 100% organic fruits and veggies
- Sustainable sources of ingredients
- No added hormones, antibiotics or fillers
- Inconsistent formula
#2. Acana Singles Limited Ingredient
Overview
Acana Singles Limited Ingredient Diet Lamb and Apple Formula Dry Dog Food is the most-suited food for giant Schnauzers because of its 50% lamb and freeze-dried lamb ingredients. It is highly rich in meat protein. It is also free of tapioca, potato, and grain.
The dog food also contains plenty of calcium, vitamins, minerals and omega fatty acids. Maybe on the pricey side, but the product is worth every penny.
What We Love About It
Designed for fussy dogs, Acana Singles Limited Ingredient Diet Lamb and Apple Formula Dry Dog Food contain digestible lamb protein. The lambs are grass-fed and the meat is packed fresh and raw.
Pros Cons
- Fresh and raw meat.
- 50% grass-fed lamb.
- Suitable for fussy dogs.
- Organic fruits and vegetables.
- Expensive
#3. Orijen Puppy
Overview
Orijen Puppy dog food contains a combination of chicken, egg and turkey protein. All natural ingredients let the dogs digest the food easily without allergic side effects.
Minerals, fatty acids, and vitamins in the product promote strong teeth, joints, and bones. Whereas, antioxidants in the product develop their immune system. Also, the goodness of wild-caught fishes in the food is all natural and free of preservatives.
What We Love About It
Orijen Puppy dog food is an ideal choice for growing giant Schnauzers. The product does not contain any fillers or artificial additives, which prevents dogs from unwanted allergies and ailments.
Pros Cons
- Small kibbles.
- Natural regional ingredients.
- Biologically suitable food.
- Not outsourced.
- No fillers.
- Expensive
#4. Primal RAW
Overview
Primal Dog Food is soy-free, gluten-free, grain-free, corn-free and wheat-free, hence there is no chance for your Giant Schnauzer to get allergies or upset their stomachs. All the protein-rich ingredients are free of steroids, hormones, and antibiotics as well.
The product contains natural calcium supplements from fresh ground bones of poultry and wild game. The result is a dog food nourished with a sufficient amount of amino acid, food enzymes, and fatty acids.
What We Love About It
The ingredients of this dry dog food are produced from the ranches and fields of the USA and New Zealand. This fresh food diet provides palatable kibbles every time you feed your pup.
Pros Cons
- Available in two sizes.
- Balanced diet.
- Chicken without additives or additives.
- Grain-free, gluten-free.
- 100% human-grade ingredients.
- Nuggets are too dry
- Packaging contains wrong feeding guidelines
#5. Now Fresh
Overview
Fresh Grain Free Large Breed Dog Food contains all the nutrients giant Schnauzers need to live a healthy lifestyle. Protein and fats from 100% fresh duck, turkey and salmon are balanced in the dog food.
Omega oils from coconuts canola help their skin and coat shine. Other than that, antioxidants in the dog food help improve their immune system. It is a relief to know that the food does not contain any artificial additives, preservatives, soy, wheat, rendered meat or by-products.
What We Love About It
Customers, breeders, and vets absolutely love this large breed dog food. You will be surprised if anybody has any complaints about this product. It is perfect for giant Schnauzers with gluten allergies since it’s 100% grain free.
Pros Cons
- Gluten-free, grain-free.
- Balanced diet.
- No artificial chemicals, preservatives or rendered meat.
- Suitable for dogs with allergies.
- Recommended by breeders.
- Expensive
Calorie Requirements for Schnauzers
Since Schnauzers were originally bred as working dogs, they have a lot of energy. Even so, they have turned into house pets; we have to make sure they get enough exercise to stay healthy.
The amount of food your Schnauzer requires will depend upon their size, weight and daily activity level. Check the general calorie requirement for Mini, Standard and Giant Schnauzers in the chart below.
Calorie Requirements for Mini Schnauzers
Mini Schnauzers weigh between 12 to 20 pounds and can grow to be up to 14 inches tall. The general calorie requirements for this small breed dog is 480 calories per day; active Schnauzers require more energy, so you’ll need to boost their calorie intake up to 775 calories.
For senior minis, adjust their food to 390 calories daily.
- Calorie Requirements for Standard Schnauzers
A healthy standard can grow as tall as up to 18 inches and weighs between 30-50 pounds. Their general calories come to roughly 1000 calories per day.
If your Schnauzer is active, increase their intake to 1600 calories daily.
Senior standard Schnauzers will be in good shape with 800 calories daily.
- Calorie Requirements for Giant Schnauzers
Giant Schnauzers are aptly named as they grow to be over two feet tall and tip the scales at 60-80 pounds as adults. Generally, a giant Schnauzer will need around 1680 calories per day.
Large Schnauzer variants tend to be very active, and if that’s the case with your dog then it will need as much as 2800 calories per day.
However, seniors will be healthy with around 1500 calories each day.
Nutritional Requirements for Schnauzers
Schnauzers need a balanced diet to maintain their weight, lustrous coat, energy level, mood, and internal health. Since they vary in size, their meals have to portioned according to their weight.
It is very difficult to make up your mind when you’re trying to find the right dog food for your Schnauzers. The more you know about their nutritional requirements, the easier it will be for you to make a pick.
The list below will guide you to understand all the nutrients they really need to eat on a daily basis in order to stay fit and healthy.
Protein
Protein in your dog’s diet helps to build muscles and tissues in Schnauzers. When their tissues weaken due to injury or old age, protein helps repair them. The dogs also need protein to maintain healthy nails and hair.
Schnauzers are known to be active. Having a well-balanced protein in their diet will keep them energetic and fit all throughout the day. Proteins will also provide your Schnauzer with the essential amino acids required for a healthy life.
You can find protein in chicken, lamb, beef, and fish. It is better to stay away from any type of by-products, as they are not healthy. Only low-quality products will contain fillers, by-products, and artificial additives, which you should never give to your dogs.
Fat
Schnauzers only need about 5-10% of fat in their daily diet, depending on their size. It’s an essential ingredient that escalates your dog’s energy, help cell functioning and carries vitamins or minerals throughout the body.
In addition, fats make your Schnauzer skin and coat healthy. Plus, prevent them from going dry and flaky. Fats contain Omega 3 fatty acid and DHA which improve their cognitive and eye functions. This also helps in increasing their food taste.
However, too much fat content in their meals can lead to obesity and laziness.
Carbohydrates and Fiber
Some owners of Schnauzers avoid carbohydrates so that their dogs don’t gain unnecessary weight. But carbohydrates give the Schnauzers the energy they need to get through the day. They may feel weak without it.
Schnauzers should always have at least 50% carbohydrates with u to 4.5 fiber content in their meals. Carbohydrates help nurture their brain and nervous system.
Good choices of carbohydrate ingredients are oats, peas, barley, and sweet potatoes. However, please avoid soy and corn, which can trigger allergies and can interfere with the digestion.
Vitamins and Minerals
Vitamin D, K, Magnesium, Phosphorus, and Calcium take care of the Schnauzer’s bone health. They also protect their teeth and prevent birth defects. Additionally, they help dogs fight various diseases.
Vitamins and minerals can be obtained from fruits and vegetables. Before you purchase any dog food that contains such elements, make sure the ingredients in the product were obtained from natural sources.
Water
Needless to say, water is the most important element in a Schnauzers diet. They do get some hydration from eating fruits and vegetables, but there is no alternative of water to keep themselves hydrated throughout the day.
If your Schnauzer is 20 pounds, it needs to drink about 10 to 20 ounces of water every day.
Dangerous Food for Schnauzers
Schnauzers can eat pretty much everything, except for a few options that are harmful to all dogs, no matter their breed. Here is a list of foods they must avoid, as they can have a detrimental effect on their health.
Chocolates
Chocolates can cause heart failure, coma, seizure, and death. It is highly toxic for dogs, and you must never give them anything chocolate.
Caffeine and Alcohol
Taking caffeine has the same effect on dogs as chocolates do. So, never feed them anything caffeine.
It is common sense that we must not give alcohol to our dogs. Even humans could not escape their vicious nature!
Onion, Chives, and Garlic
Onion, chives, and garlic can damage their red blood cells, eventually leading to anemia. You don’t want this to happen to your Schnauzers.
Macadamia and Walnuts
These nuts are bad for Schnauzers. They can cause vomiting, muscle tremors, loss of appetite, drooling, weakness, jaundice and even death.
Apple, Apricots, Cherries, Peach and Plum
Only the apple core is dangerous for dogs, but the rest of the apple can be digested by Schnauzers.
On the other hand, fruits with pits like apricots, cherries, peaches, and plums are lethal to Schnauzers. The cyanide present in the pits of these fruits are the main culprits.
Citrus, Raisin, and Grapes
Citrus fruits such as grapefruit, lemon and oranges can cause digestive problems in Schnauzers. Meanwhile, grapes and raisins are responsible for kidney failure in dogs.
Others
Other foods that Schnauzers should stay away from are – fatty food, moldy food, mushroom, yeast, green parts of tomatoes, hops, nutmeg, rhubarb, and xylitol.
Feeding Guide for Schnauzers
Schnauzers need to be assigned proper portions of dog food every meal time. The portion may differ according to their age, weight, and personality. Follow the guide below to get an idea of their feeding needs.
Age of Your Dog
Below is a feeding guide of Schnauzers of three age groups – puppies, standard and senior.
Schnauzer Puppies
Schnauzer puppies need about 400 calories a day to grow properly. Because they are growing still, they need to eat more than their adult counterparts. Puppies younger than eight weeks need to be fed three to four times a day.
Adult Schnauzers
Standard Schnauzers can be fed two to three times a day. They need about 1000 calories a day, so you must give them big portions of dog food each meal time.
Senior Schnauzers
Senior Schnauzers don’t need as much as the standard Schnauzers, but also not as less as the pups. They need only about 800 calories a day to stay fit and healthy.
The Quality of Food Matters
The quality of the food that you feed your Schnauzers can determine the amount of food you need to portion for them. Good quality food is rich in high-quality ingredients, hence they don’t need to be fed too much of it per meal.
However, poor quality food contains artificial flavor, color and preservatives, animal by-products, fillers and other unnecessary ingredients, which fail to give the dogs what they need nutritionally.
That’s why it’s best to avoid products made of poor quality ingredients. We suggest you to buy high quality and natural ingredient made dog foods, which may be a bit pricey but still worth your schnauzer’s health.
Don’t Always Rely on Commercial Products
If you have a busy schedule, you may prefer to rely on commercial products to feed your Schnauzers. However, make some adjustments so that you can feed them home-cooked meals sometimes.
Learn about all the natural foods that Schnauzers can eat, and make them meals that are healthier than commercial foods. You can consult with your vet about the recipes that are healthy and safe for your canine buddies.
Don’t Overfeed Them
Overfeeding not only causes obesity, but it can also cause digestion problems and vomiting in dogs. It can also cause hair loss, bone problems, hyperlipidemia, allergies, and kidney stones. Treating diseases is expensive, so you don’t want to go down that road.
Therefore, maintain the portions of their meals, and keep up-to-date about their health conditions with the vet at all times. Remember, even a little change of food or portions can impact the dogs in unimaginable ways.
Common Health Concerns for Schnauzers
If your Schnauzer has any health concern, regular nutrients and portions may not help them stay healthy. After consulting properly with your vet, you have to adjust their diet according to their health condition.
Learn more about the common health conditions Schnauzers are likely to suffer from.
Cataracts
Cataracts can be noticed in the Schnauzer from birth till the age of six. At worse, the disease can blind your dog completely. But surgical options are available for cure.
When the dogs incur the disease from birth, it is called Congenital Juvenile Cataracts (CJC). This condition is rare, and treatment also costs a lot.
Progressive Renal Atrophy (PRA)
PRA can develop in a Schnauzer from an early age. It is genetic in nature. The disease degenerates the retina gradually until the dog is completely blind in both eyes within two years. Unfortunately, there is no treatment for PRA.
Entropion
Entropion is a disease in which the dog’s eyelids roll inward. The eyelashes touch the cornea and irritation ensues. It is quite painful for the dog, and surgery is required to completely fix the problem.
Other Eye Problems
Schnauzers are also prone to catching eye diseases such as glaucoma, retinal dysplasia, and lens luxation. Before you adopt puppies, you must ensure their parents were certified by the Canine Eye Registration Foundation (CERF).
Ear Infections
Ear infections can be caused by yeast, bacteria, and allergies. The common signs of ear infections are scratching the ears, shaking their heads because of itchy ears, and not letting you touch their ears.
Dental Infections
Schnauzers can develop dental infections when their teeth are not taken care of. Plaque in the mouth can deteriorate their gums.
Don’t consider it to be a minor matter. Because if you don’t take them to the doctor as soon as possible, it may eventually lead to kidney damage, liver damage, heart disease, and weak joints.
Heart Diseases
Pulmonic stenosis, sick sinus syndrome, and mitral valve disease are the common heart diseases Schnauzers are prone to. These diseases can result in their valves to decay, ensue irregular heartbeat and blood clot.
Frequent check-ups and treatment are essential for your dog to stay healthy.
Skin Diseases
Malassezia dermatitis is a yeast infection results in itchiness, hair loss, and bad smell. Comedo Syndrome, also known as Schnauzer bumps, occurs when blackheads appear on their backs. Hair loss and scabbing also ensue.
Skin diseases can be prevented, unlike other diseases, by grooming the coat frequently, bathing often and by following a balanced diet.
Cushing’s Disease
Cushing’s disease is common in Schnauzer aged between six and eight. For some reason, female Schnauzers are more prone to this disease than males. The disease is known to cause an increased urge to pee, weight gain, soaring thirst, and even blindness.
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism can affect Schnauzers when they don’t produce enough thyroid hormones in their bodies. It can lead to lethargy, weight gain, depression, intolerance to cold and hair loss.
If not treated, the consequences include failure of the cardiovascular, reproductive and immune systems. Fortunately, the disease is quite inexpensive to treat compared to other common diseases.
Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis is a disease that causes inflammation of the pancreas. The symptoms of this disease are lethargy, vomiting, stomachache, fever, and diarrhea. Immediate treatment is required and the dog has to have a low-fat diet after treatment.
Urinary Stones
Miniature Schnauzers are very prone to having urinary stones like struvite and calcium oxalate. The females are at a higher risk of suffering from struvite stones, while the males are more likely to incur calcium oxalate stones.
Difficulty in peeing is the first symptom of his disease. Antibiotics can cure the disease, but sometimes surgery is required. For males, the disease can be life-threatening.
The Best Schnauzer Foods – Buyer’s Guide
Finally, take a brief look at the buyer’s guide to picking the right food for Schnauzers. This guide will help you make an informed decision on what’s best for your dog.
Scroll through to learn about what factors you should consider before purchasing the right food for your Schnauzers.
Nutrition Labels
Take note of the labels printed on the dog food packaging. Before purchasing a brand, you must check the back of the package for all the ingredients the dog food contains.
You must choose products that contain a balanced diet of protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, omega fatty acids and antioxidants.
Try to avoid products that contain animal by-products, artificial flavor or coloring, and other harmful substances.
Complete and Balanced Seal
Look out for the ‘complete and balanced seal’ on the product approved by the Association of American Feed Controls.
The association maintains control over the nutritional standards that all dog food must meet. The seal ensures the product is safe to consume.
Size Appropriate Product
Schnauzers can come in different sizes – mini, standard and giant. You have to pick the right food appropriate for their size. If you mess up the size, then your dog is in risk of getting overfed or malnourished.
Each Schnauzer breed size has different nutritional needs. For example, miniature Schnauzers will need less amount of food than the giant ones.
Age Appropriate Product
You should also consider the age of Schnauzers when you go shopping. It’s important because dogs have different nutritional needs at different stages of life. Even puppies of different age groups have different nutritional requirements.
Their calorie intake will fluctuate depending on their level of activity and growth.
Dogs with Health Problems
When it comes to dogs with health problems, you have to be extra sensitive. Give them more of what they need according to their health condition. It is better to take your vet’s advice before making purchases.
Overweight Dogs
Some dogs due to their personality and feeding habits become overweight. Obesity can lead to other dangerous diseases, so pick the right dog food with less fat content for the ones with obesity.
Natural Flavors
Artificial flavors can do more harm than good. The natural flavor of the dog food is derived from the protein in the food. According to your dog’s preference, you can pick the dog food with chicken, lamb, duck, turkey or beef flavor.
Premium vs. Value
Good products will contain all the necessary nutrients required for a Schnauzer’s well-being regardless of the price. Depending on your budget, you can choose whether you want to get a premium product or a value product.
Check the Package
Packaging can sometimes be affected during transport and handling. Packages with holes and scratches can easily be contaminated by mold and bacteria.
Do not accept damaged products as they might do your dog more harm than good. Request a return or a refund.
Conclusion
Taking care of Schnauzers – no matter the size – is not so hard after all. Just make sure to look after their diet, feed them on time, play with them, check them with the vets, and give them lots of love.
If you were not aware of the nutritional requirements, feeding guide according to age and daily calorie intake based on size, we hope you have learned a lot from this article.
The list of common diseases Schnauzers can be affected by provides a good guideline about the various health conditions they may suffer from. Finally, our last piece of advice is to try to feed them more of what they need, and less of what is harmful to them.