Dealing with a picky eater is one of the issues you can face as a pet owner. Most first-timers worry about their pet’s health and weight, especially when they don’t seem to eat as often as they should. Although dogs have different personalities, we endeavor to understand more about the lurcher’s feeding habits.
So, how much do lurchers eat? Lurchers eat around 300 to 450g a day, depending on their size and age. You can break the amount into two portions and feed them in the morning and the evening to prevent overfeeding. Considering they have sensitive stomachs; their bodies can only digest a tiny amount of food at a time. Notably, different dogs have their preferences and feeding habits; therefore, the amount of food your pet will eat varies based on the individual.
If you want to know about your lurcher’s diet, this is the guide for you. We will advise you on the best food to provide, how much they usually eat and whether they have sensitive stomachs. Read on for a more detailed analysis.
A Lurcher’s Feeding Habits
Dogs have different habits; while some will eat as long as there’s food in their bowl, others would only feed when hungry. Primarily, lurchers are skinny dogs, making it more tasking to understand how their feeding system works. You may worry that they are starving, but at the same time, you don’t want to overfeed them.
Most lurchers prefer eating at least twice a day. However, the quantity and the food type depend on the individual. You can feed your lurcher the first portion during breakfast and the rest in the evening. Similarly, you can provide most of the food in the morning and the remainder after their evening exercise.
Alternatively, you can switch it up and feed most of the food in the evening instead. Some owners also provide some snacks and treats like biscuits during the day. Your lurcher’s feeding habits will always depend on their personality and preference. If you take the time to understand them better, you will know how much and how often they like to eat.
Running dogs are not supposed to be fed on a lot of fatty foods. They typically have thin legs because their bodies are supposed to be active; thus, it is not healthy to overfeed them. Excess fat may strain their internal organs, meaning that it is just fine for their ribcages to show a little bit (but not too much).
If you notice that your dog is getting tubby, it may be time to reduce the portions or do away with some foods. If you notice it being fussy at some point, it could indicate that it is satisfied. It is unusual for a dog to lack appetite unless it is sick or full. When you provide food, it is best to leave it there but take the bowl away after some minutes and try again later.
Some dogs prefer eating in private; therefore, you can help by placing their bowl in their kennel or a secluded room. Secondly, dogs tend to read their owner’s energy. Hence, if you two are close, they will refuse to eat when you are stressed or are fussing about their lack of appetite. You can also provide the favorite food to entice them to eat more. Lastly, note that it isn’t safe to feed your dog immediately before exercising or after because it can cause fatal digestive issues.
Do Lurchers Eat a Lot?
There’s a thin line between overfeeding and underfeeding your pet. Depending on its appetite, your pet will gobble everything down and eat again in a couple of hours, while other times, they will seem uninterested. Therefore, knowing your lurcher’s eating habits will go a long way in helping you provide the food they need.
Unlike other dog breeds, lurchers do not eat a lot of food. Their bodies’ cannot take a large amount of food at once; hence, it is best to feed them twice a day. Other dogs can gulp a massive pile in one day and be okay until the next meal but not lurchers.
You can feed them twice depending on their preference, but it is advisable to provide food in the morning and the last bit in the evening. You can also supplement it by giving them a small chunk of their favorite treat in between the meals.
Generally, lurchers eat about 300 to 450g a day, depending on their size and age. You can consider feeding them with food at least 2% of their body weight. Owners usually distribute this amount throughout the day to make it easier for them to break it down. It is not advisable to give them a lot of food at a go because they will refuse to eat it at some point or stuff themselves, which will only render them inactive.
Some dogs would also get stressed because they don’t want to leave food in the bowl. They get an innate feeling that they will lose it, making them relentlessly watch over the bowl. Additionally, you also need to help them exercise to keep their bodies in shape. Playing and walking will help them maintain their weight and keep them active.
Do Lurchers Have a Sensitive Stomach?
Not all foods are safe for your pets; therefore, you need to be cautious in your decisions. It is wise to understand your dog; whether it has an underlying issue and how to go about their diet.
Lurchers experience stomach upsets when they eat some new foods or those with a lot of chemicals. When this happens, you will notice symptoms such as loose stool and gas. They can also vomit or suffer from constipation, meaning that the food takes a toll on their digestive systems.
Stomach sensitivity in dogs may come with age; older lurchers and puppies are the most vulnerable because their organs are weak. You can always tell that something is amiss if you detect any of these symptoms. They are the signs you can use to know that your buddy has tummy discomfort.
Note that sometimes, your dog may show the signs above to suggest that it has tummy issues, but it could be ailing for a different reason. The best and only way to find out is to consult a vet who will run a diagnosis to find out what is wrong. If the doctor establishes that your dog has digestive problems, you will have to reconsider the previously provided food. You can also ask them for the way forward to help you provide the healthiest and safest food.
Consequently, you can switch your options and replace beef with chicken, duck, or turkey meat. Similarly, you may go for options like mashed potatoes, cooked rice, or fish. The next task will be to introduce the dog to its new normal. Some are adaptable, while others are somewhat doubtful about trying out new things.
What Is the Best Food To Feed a Lurcher?
Dogs are omnivorous, meaning that they can eat most human foods. However, there are highly nutritious feeds specifically for lurchers available in the market, but you need to be cautious in your purchase as some contain lethal chemicals and additives. Let’s look at the safest options for your pet.
You can feed your lurcher dry or wet food as long as you check the protein levels. Foods with excess proteins can cause digestion issues and stomach discomfort. The best place to obtain quality dog food is in trusted retail shops or pet stores. You can also feed your pets home-cooked food if you are skeptical about the safety of the sold feeds.
You can feed it veggies, chicken, and animal liver. Meaty bones and fish are also viable options since they are healthy for their teeth. It is best to consult your vet before putting your dog on a new diet because some pets are picky and sensitive to some foods.
Moreover, you can occasionally provide treats but not in excess as it can make them overweight. Generally, if you decide to buy dog food, ensure it is natural and free from harmful additives or preservatives.
On the other hand, if you choose to go home-based or barf, you can balance by serving fruits, vegetables, cooked rice, soft chicken, animals’ organs, and herbs. It is also crucial to let your dog exercise to burn excess calories.
Although dogs usually eat any edible item you provide, it doesn’t mean that every choice is safe for them. Experts recommend that you desist from feeding them cakes, chocolates, or any other food with a lot of sugar since they can cause digestive hiccups. Avoid tasty fruits too, or any other human foods that are do not contain any essential nutrients. It would be best if you avoided meals with a lot of salt, including some seafood.
Finally
The main problem with feeding lurchers is that owners are usually uncertain about their feeding habits. It is more worrying for new owners since the dogs are typically slender. They are not like other breeds that can comfortably down a lot of food and eat only once a day. Instead, they cannot eat more than 500g a day, and, even so, they can only eat it in portions throughout the day. Therefore, it is advisable to help them maintain their weight since being obese can be fatal. One way to monitor weight is by exercise and avoiding excessive proteins.
