One of the most important aspects of caring for Miniature Schnauzers is knowing how much to feed them. Being the smallest among all the Schnauzer types, the Miniature Schnauzer requires a distinct feeding guide.
Because of their small size but high activity level, many pet parents are still uncertain about their exact feeding amount.
What’s more, is that they are prone to being overweight and developing health issues related to diet.
However, you no longer need to worry because this article will be your comprehensive feeding guide in determining how often and how much to feed your Miniature Schnauzer. Let’s start!
Miniature Schnauzer Feeding Chart by Age: How Much to Feed Your Miniature Schnauzer?
Miniature Schnauzer puppies typically consume ¼ to ½ cups of dog food daily. Adults can be fed ½ to 1 cup of dog food, while seniors only require about ¾ cup of age-appropriate dog food every day.
These dogs have a reputation for being impulsive eaters. This causes them to eat until they are stuffed, which can cause digestive problems like bloat and can lead to obesity over time.
The Schnauzer Collective has suggested that a puppy must consume approximately 47 calories per pound of weight each day. When it gets older, the calorie intake will be reduced roughly to 28 calories per pound.
On the other hand, Miniature Schnauzers don’t really have a specific diet, but it’s still important to provide them with the right amount of food and enough time to eat.
To help your puppy develop into a healthy adult dog, this section will discuss how much to feed your Mini Schnauzers based on age.
Miniature Schnauzers Puppy Feeding Chart (2 months to 2 years)
A Miniature Schnauzer puppy can reach adult size in just one year, which is also considered the starting point for feeding adult dogs.
In order to support their rapid growth and, most importantly, to lay the groundwork for future development, puppies need more food than adults.
Moreover, puppies are fed with their mother’s milk prior to feeding them actual dog food. This occurs when the puppy is one or two months old.
Thus, once they become two months old, they can already consume meat, cottage cheese, or yogurt.
To determine how much food a Miniature Schnauzer puppy should eat, see the table below:
As shown in the table, a Miniature Schnauzer must consume 15 to 30 percent of its calories from protein and 20 to 25 percent from fats to meet its energy needs and survive every day.
Watch the video below to catch a glimpse of five-week-old Miniature Schnauzer puppies being introduced to food and water.
5 week old Mini Schnauzer Puppies - introduction to puppy food and water - Litter "F"<a href="https://youtu.be/crCQgGreNmY" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank"><img src="https://www.bubblypet.com/wp-content/plugins/wp-youtube-lyte/lyteCache.php?origThumbUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2FcrCQgGreNmY%2F0.jpg" alt="5 week old Mini Schnauzer Puppies - introduction to puppy food and water - Litter &quot;F&quot;" width="1280" height="700" /><br />Watch this video on YouTube</a>
Adult Miniature Schnauzer Feeding Chart (2 to 10 years)
A Miniature Schnauzer’s energy level, in addition to age and weight, should be taken into account when determining how much food to give.
Adulthood is the stage when Miniature Schnauzers begin to calm down. They normally have medium energy levels, which decrease as they age, along with the deterioration of their hearing and vision.
The following table details the appropriate food amount for an adult Miniature Schnauzer:
A Miniature Schnauzer is fed ½ to a cup of premium dry food twice a day once it reaches adulthood. Giving your dog a treat every now and then is not a bad idea, but it should be done in moderation.
Just always keep an eye on your adult dog’s weight to make sure you are not feeding them more than advised.
An adult Miniature Schnauzer is usually less than 20 pounds. You can use their current weight to calculate how many calories your dog requires per day.
Senior Miniature Schnauzer Feeding Chart (10 years and above)
A Miniature Schnauzer needs to meet specific nutritional requirements, especially when it reaches its senior year.
It is advised that they keep eating lean meat, vegetables, fruit, and fish as part of their healthy balanced diet.
However, dogs tend to have lower calorie needs at this age as their metabolisms slow down and their energy levels drop.
The table below provides information on how much food a senior Miniature Schnauzer should be eating:
Dogs of this age are susceptible to a number of health conditions, including diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and arthritis.
Apart from that, senior Miniature Schnauzers frequently experience changes in appetite that can lead to weight loss.
It is suggested that you feed them wet food, which is easier to digest and appears more appetizing. Feed them an amount equal to 2 percent of their body weight.
Miniature Schnauzer Feeding Frequency: How Often Should You Feed Your Miniature Schnauzer?
The feeding frequency of a Miniature Schnauzer depends on its age and activity level. Generally, a puppy should be fed three to four times, while adults should eat twice or thrice daily. Meanwhile, senior Miniature Schnauzers should be fed twice a day.
After teething or developing a set of baby teeth, Miniature Schnauzer puppies need to eat more frequently than adults do. As they age, they need to be fed less frequently due to slower metabolism.
The following table outlines how frequently you should feed your Miniature Schnauzer dog according to age:
Since their small stomachs can digest food quickly, they can be vulnerable to pancreatitis and even diabetes.
Feeding them the right number of meals a day will lower the risks for these diseases and help keep them healthy.
Additionally, determining how frequently to fill their pets’ food bowls should be done to prevent uncontrollable weight gain, which can lead to complications as they grow older.
Optimal Feeding Times For Miniature Schnauzers
Miniature Schnauzer puppies between the ages of 2 and 3 months should be given four meals at four-hour intervals, while pups between 3 months and 2 years should be fed thrice. Adult dogs should be given three meals at six-hour intervals, while senior dogs must be fed twice at 12-hour intervals.
Due to their high energy level, Miniature Schnauzers dislike taking things slowly. Therefore, no matter how much food you put in their bowl, they will eat it all.
That being said, giving your dog meals on a regular schedule at a definite time can help them maintain healthy digestion.
The optimal feeding times for Miniature Schnauzers are shown below:
As you can see from the table, it is generally recommended to feed your adult and senior Miniature Schnauzer at least twice a day, approximately 12 hours apart.
If you exceed the time range, their stomachs may become hyper-acidic and cause them to feel sick.
Furthermore, it’s a common misconception that puppies should eat as much food as they want all at once, a practice known as “free-feeding.”
This is strongly discouraged as it can result in abdominal discomfort and slow digestion.
Setting up a feeding schedule will teach Miniature Schnauzers to control their impulsive eating habits.
For example, if your dog is accustomed to eating at the same hour every day, its body will only anticipate food at those times.
However, if it skips meals or suddenly changes its eating habits, that could be a sign of an illness that necessarily involves a veterinarian’s intervention.
Best Dog Foods for Miniature Schnauzers
Even though they enjoy eating, you shouldn’t give your Miniature Schnauzer everything. For instance, while fruits like grapes and avocados are healthy for humans, they could be toxic for your pet to consume.
Being knowledgeable about the various foods that you can prepare for your dog is crucial because eating plays a significant role in keeping them healthy and active.
Here are some of the best dog foods you can feed your Miniature Schnauzer:
Dry Food: Dry dog food or kibble is ideal for feeding your Miniature Schnauzer because it can be stored for an extended time. Moreover, it can help to maintain healthy gums and fend off more serious oral health problems by preventing plaque and tartar buildup.
Wet Food: Wet foods are composed of 75 to 80 percent water and 25 percent dry food. Thus, they will weigh and cost more as they are stored in a can or pouch. On the other hand, it is tastier and healthier than dry foods because it has a high protein content and no preservatives added.
Homemade Food: Homemade food such as boiled chicken breast is a great option for Miniature Schnauzers because they have delicate stomachs. This way, you can feed your pet nutritious, high-quality food without upsetting its stomach or exceeding your budget.
Biologically Appropriate Raw Food (BARF) Diet: A BARF diet for your Miniature Schnauzer consists of raw ingredients that contain the needed nutrients for your dog. It typically includes raw bone, meat, nuts, fruits, vegetables, liver, and other edible-secreting organs.
The number of calories consumed must always be taken into account when making your dog’s food and should always depend on your pet’s age, weight, and level of activity.
Additionally, seek advice from a veterinarian regarding your pet’s specific nutritional requirements.
Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Miniature Schnauzer
Fats improve food taste, give it a smooth texture, and effectively satisfy hunger in humans. However, this is the type of food you should avoid giving your Miniature Schnauzer.
Foods with high-fat content, such as chocolate, avocado, nuts, and fried foods, will cause your dog to put on weight quickly.
These foods also put Mini Schnauzers at a higher risk of having pancreatitis, diabetes, and joint problems like hip dysplasia.
Aside from that, chocolate contains chemicals like theobromine and caffeine, which can be toxic to dogs even when eaten in small amounts.
Moreover, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) asserted that avocado fruit contains persin, which can cause vomiting and diarrhea in dogs.
Additionally, your pet’s oral health will suffer from processed and sugary foods because they are high in fat and calories. Like other small dogs, Mini Schnauzers have crowded teeth where food particles can easily lodge.
These foods that contain high sugar or fat can easily cause plaque to build up on teeth, which can erode the enamel and cause cavities.
Meanwhile, Miniature Schnauzer dogs are also susceptible to bladder stones caused by high-sodium foods. So stay away from food with high sodium content as much as possible.
Other foods, such as grapes, coffee, alcohol, raisins, onions, and garlic, are also toxic to dogs because they contain harmful substances.
Some of these can be eaten by your dog without you noticing, as they are usually used as ingredients in human foods.
If this happens, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) immediately.
How to Transition Your Miniature Schnauzer to a New Food
A Miniature Schnauzer puppy will require you to change its food and switch to something new that is appropriate to its weight and age as it grows and develops.
After two months of feeding milk and soft foods, you can begin introducing new foods gradually. At this age, your pet can now eat raw meat and internal organs.
Meanwhile, deciding whether to switch it out for dry, raw, or wet food is entirely up to you as the pet owner and depends on the advice of a qualified veterinarian.
The right approach to getting your pet used to new foods is to introduce them gradually within a period of 5 to 7 days.
For a more straightforward and clearer view of the transition diet, see the table below:
By following this procedure, you will give your Mini Schnauzer’s body time to adapt to the new food and avoid indigestion, vomiting, and decreased appetite.
It is also critical to monitor your pet’s reaction during the diet transition. If it exhibits unusual changes in its appetite or experiences an upset stomach, you will need to prolong the transitional period.
However, it is recommended that you consult with your veterinarian if nothing changes and the problems continue.
Feeding an Overweight Miniature Schnauzer
An overweight dog is more susceptible to serious health risks and may have a shorter lifespan. So once Miniature Schnauzers become overweight, their meal plans need to be modified.
You’ll know that your Miniature Schnauzer is at its ideal weight when you can feel its ribs and see a waistline behind it. If your dog does not pass this test, you should reduce its daily food intake.
Start by eliminating potatoes and grains from your Miniature Schnauzer dog’s diet. Instead, feed it a well-balanced diet rich in lean meat, vegetables, fruits, and healthy fats.
Tapioca and flax, for example, are two excellent carbohydrate substitutes. These alternatives will make your pet feel fuller for a longer time than usual.
Furthermore, duck and salmon are low-fat meats high in iron and omega-3 fatty acids, which are good for your Miniature Schnauzer’s health.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Is My Miniature Schnauzer Not Eating?
Age-related health problems might affect a dog’s appetite, including periodontal disease, which affects 90% of Miniature Schnauzers by the time they are two years old.
Additionally, your Miniature Schnauzer might not be eating because it may be having emotional problems brought on by grief or depression or a sudden change in its environment.
Do Miniature Schnauzers Eat a Lot?
Miniature Schnauzers tend to overeat until they are full because of their love of food. For instance, if they see you eating, they will try to get some of your food, and they will also eat whatever you leave in their bowl.
Can Miniature Schnauzers Eat Bones?
Cooked bones that can be broken into small pieces once chewed are dangerous. These bone fragments have the potential to pierce the animal’s stomach and intestines, leading to peritonitis.
Large raw bones are also a choking hazard that can damage your pet’s teeth or get stuck in its throat.
Given these considerations, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is against feeding raw bones to Schnauzers and instead recommends bone-shaped doggy biscuits.
Can Miniature Schnauzers Be Vegetarians?
A Miniature Schnauzer, like other dogs, is an omnivore, but it cannot only eat vegetables. However, it can still be a great addition to its diet if given in the right quantities.
Moreover, a Miniature Schnauzer is more susceptible to genetic health problems that require an appropriate diet and calorie intake. The nutrients it needs cannot be found in vegetables alone.
Final Thoughts
Similar to humans, dogs have simple stomach anatomy that is prone to diseases. That’s why owners should be more cautious when feeding them, especially for Miniature Schnauzers that love to eat.
Choosing how much and what to feed a Miniature Schnauzer are vital starting points for keeping them healthy.
Aside from this article as your feeding guide, it is best to ask for nutritional guidance from a licensed veterinarian.
Most importantly, learning about the proper Miniature Schnauzer feeding guide will significantly lengthen their lifespans. If you own this breed, share your experience and feeding tips in the comments section!
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