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This is the definitive guide to finding the best dog food for Portuguese Water Dogs (PWDs).
Are you perplexed by the multitude of brands? Worry not. This article provides breed-specific food recommendations to meet the nutritional needs of Portuguese Water Dogs.
We also dissect the ideal diet for PWDs and the nutritional needs of this breed so you can make a more informed decision on selecting your dog’s diet. Let’s dive in!
Providing your Portuguese Water Dog with the appropriate food from weaning to maturity is crucial for their overall health and happiness. Before we recommend the top dog food options for your Portuguese Water Dog, it’s important to understand how food affects their well-being.
As a medium breed, the Portuguese Water Dog has distinct nutritional needs that require careful consideration. The ideal food for your Portuguese Water Dog should be of high quality and tailored to their unique dietary requirements, taking into account factors such as:
Age
Activity level
Health
Weight (size)
Food & Portuguese Water Dog Age
Portuguese Water Dogs have specific nutritional needs at different stages of their life. A diet that meets these life-stage needs is essential for proper development and health maintenance.
Portuguese Water Dogpuppies. Require a diet that is higher in calories and a high protein count of at least 22% to support their growth and development. They also need a balanced calcium and phosphorus diet for healthy bone growth. Feeding high-quality puppy food formulated explicitly for Portuguese Water Dog puppies can help ensure they receive the necessary nutrients during this crucial developmental stage.
Adult Portuguese Water Dogs. Require a diet that is moderate in calories and protein to maintain their weight and prevent obesity. They also need a balanced diet of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins to support their overall health and energy needs. You must slowly transition your dog to an adult recipe at one year old. Adult dog food should typically have a protein content of around 18-26%, depending on the specific needs and dog activity level.
Senior Portuguese Water Dogs. Senior dogs may require a diet lower in calories and fat to maintain a healthy weight and higher fiber to support digestive health. Senior dog foods often contain joint supplements to help mobility and joint health. At around 8 or 9, you should slowly transition your Portuguese Water Dog to senior food. Senior formulas concentrate on the unique needs of a dog’s aging body. Vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants are important to boost their weakening immune system.
Food & Portuguese Water Dog Activity Level
Portuguese Water Dogs are known for their high energy levels and athleticism. They were originally bred for water work, including retrieving nets, delivering messages between ships, and helping fishermen, which means they are naturally active and require regular exercise. This high activity level necessitates a nutrient-rich diet to fuel their energy requirements.
A high-quality, balanced diet with plenty of protein is essential for these dogs. Protein provides amino acids for muscle growth, repair, and maintenance, which is particularly important for active breeds. Additionally, a diet that is adequate in healthy fats is crucial.
If a Portuguese Water Dog doesn’t exercise enough, they can become overweight or obese, even when fed an appropriate diet. Conversely, if they are very active but not fed a sufficient or proper diet, they can lose weight, become malnourished, and have lower energy levels. It’s also important to note that highly active dogs may need more food or more frequent meals than less active dogs.
It’s crucial to adjust the quantity and quality of food based on the activity level of your Portuguese Water Dog. Consulting with a vet or a canine nutritionist can be very helpful in determining the proper diet for your dog’s specific needs. Regular weight checks and body condition scoring can also help ensure your dog maintains a healthy weight, irrespective of activity level.
Food & Portuguese Water Dog Health
Generally, Portuguese Water Dogs are healthy dogs, but like any breed, they are susceptible to several health concerns. Although certain health issues that Portuguese Water Dogs may experience are congenital and beyond our control, others can be influenced by environmental and lifestyle factors, such as diet.
Some of the most common health issues faced by Portuguese Water Dogs include the following:
Food allergies. Certain ingredients in their food can cause allergies in Portuguese Water Dogs. Food allergies in Portuguese Water Dogs may present as dry, itchy skin, ears, or paws. It’s important to note that food intolerances can also occur. However, unlike allergies, food intolerances do not involve the immune system but can lead to vomiting or diarrhea.
Hip dysplasia. A condition where the hip joint does not develop properly, leading to discomfort, pain, and difficulty in movement.
GM1 storage disease. A genetic disorder that affects the nervous system. It can lead to progressive neurological symptoms such as muscle weakness, tremors, and difficulty coordinating movements.
Follicular dysplasia. This is a genetic skin disorder that can cause hair loss and skin hyperpigmentation. It typically develops in the dog’s first two years of life.
Addison’s disease. Also known as hypoadrenocorticism, it occurs when the adrenal glands do not produce enough hormones. Symptoms can include weakness, weight loss, vomiting, and lethargy.
Alopecia. Alopecia refers to hair loss or baldness.
Juvenile cardiomyopathy. It affects the heart’s muscle, impairing its ability to pump blood effectively.
Inflammatory bowel disease – IBD. Symptoms include bloody or chronic diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain and weight loss. Untreated, it can be life-threatening.
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA). PRA is a degenerative eye disorder that affects the retina, leading to progressive vision loss and eventual blindness.
Distichiasis. It is an eyelid abnormality where extra eyelashes grow on the inner surface of the eyelid, causing irritation and discomfort.
Portuguese Water Dog-Specific Dog Food Qualities To Look For
To help maintain their health and prevent some health problems that may arise from poor nutrition, it’s essential to provide Portuguese Water Dogs with a well-balanced and nutritious diet and preventative supplementation when your veterinarian advises.
Here are the key qualities to look for in dog food for Portuguese Water Dogs, considering this Portuguese Water Dog’s specific health and nutritional requirements.
Avoid common allergies. Because Portuguese Water Dogs can develop allergies or food intolerances, we highly recommend conducting an at-home dog allergy test like the 5Strands kit. This particular kit can test for up to 255 ingredients and determine which ones may cause food intolerance in your dog. Once you receive the results, you can use the list to avoid dog food formulas that contain potential allergens.
Probiotics. Portuguese Water Dogs can have sensitive digestive systems. Look for a dog food that adds probiotics to its formula. Dog probiotics support a healthy digestive system and immune system. Probiotics also help to reduce your Portuguese Water Dog’s inflammatory responses to allergens, immunological attacks and IBD.
Digestibility. Portuguese Water Dogs can be prone to digestive issues, so look for dog food that is minimally processed, such as fresh dog food or homemade dog food for Portuguese Water Dogs. Lower-quality kibble may contain fillers, artificial preservatives, and other ingredients that can be harder to digest and may cause digestive upset in some dogs.
Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids: Crucial for skin and coat health, they can help manage symptoms of follicular dysplasia and alopecia. Omega-3 fatty acids also have anti-inflammatory properties which can benefit dogs with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and joint conditions.
Antioxidants. Antioxidants can help reduce the risk of degenerative diseases, such as PRA. They also support the immune system, potentially mitigating the impact of Addison’s disease. Antioxidants are found in many fruits and vegetables like blueberries, spinach, and carrots.
L-Carnitine and taurine: These nutrients support heart health and can be beneficial for dogs with juvenile cardiomyopathy.
Vitamins A and E: Vitamin A supports skin health and vision, helping with conditions like follicular dysplasia, alopecia, and PRA. Vitamin E has anti-inflammatory properties and supports the immune system, aiding dogs with Addison’s disease and IBD.
Omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3s can support a healthy coat, potentially alleviating symptoms of alopecia. Additionally, they have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help with conditions like hip dysplasia and juvenile cardiomyopathy. They’re also beneficial for brain health, possibly aiding dogs with GM1 storage disease. Fish, particularly salmon, and flaxseeds are good sources of Omega-3s.
Other General Tips To Pick The Best Food For Portuguese Water Dogs
Other factors to consider when picking food for this breed.
AAFCO approved
High-quality protein as the first ingredient
Avoid meat meals or meat-byproducts
Made in the USA
Avoid food that contains fillers, by-products, or artificial additives
Your dog’s preferences
It’s important to note that each Portuguese Water Dog has unique dietary needs. Seek guidance from a veterinarian who can help you choose the most suitable food that fulfills your Portuguese Water Dog’s nutritional requirements.
Chapter 2: The Reviews
The best dog food for Portuguese Water Dogs reviewed
Here are Canine Bible’s top picks for the best dog food for Portuguese Water Dogs.
Our research team chose all dog foods listed below based on AAFCO’s nutrient guidelines, Portuguese Water Dog’s exclusive nutrition needs, customer reviews, price, and more. This Portuguese Water Dog food list also includes food for specific needs such as weight loss, allergies, and more.
Flavors: Beef, turkey & chicken┊ Life stage: All ages ┊ Food type: Fresh Ingredients: Human-grade ┊ Manufactured: USA ┊ Nutrition: AAFCO
Overview
•Flavors: Beef, turkey & chicken •Life stage: All ages •Food type: Fresh •Ingredients: Human-grade •Manufactured: USA •Nutrition: AAFCO
Why We Picked & Recommended It
Open Farm fresh recipes win the spot for the best dog food for Portuguese Water Dogs. This Brand stands out because they use fresh human-grade ingredients. Think of fresh recipes as balanced home-cooked meals formulated by veterinarian nutritionists. Feeding your dog Open Farm offers many research-backed health benefits of fresh dog food, including longer lifespans, better digestibility, higher energy levels, and more. It’s also ideal for dogs with food allergies, sensitive stomachs, or other dietary concerns because they avoid cheap fillers, additives, and harmful chemicals.
What Sets It Apart From Competitors
Unlike traditional kibble, Open Farm’s fresh food is gently cooked from scratch, ensuring all nutritional integrity is retained — this means that your Portuguese Water Dog receives the healthiest, most nutritious and most flavorful meal with every serving.
Key Features
Vet-designed. Recipes are made by board-certified veterinary nutritionists that comply with AAFCO standards.
Human-grade. Cooked in human-grade kitchens with human-grade ingredients.
Excellent ingredient sourcing. Sourced ingredients from reputable suppliers, local farms, and other human food purveyors that meet USDA standards.
What We Like & Don’tLike
Pros
Packaged as daily portions for easy serving
Zero chemicals
Pre-portioned pouches for easy serving
Never uses feed-grade ingredients
Doesn’t process ingredients to be shelf-stable
Enhanced with proprietary nutrient blends
Cons
It’s on the expensive side
Our Video Review
Our readers have access to 20% Off on their first order with the code CANINEBIBLE. Just use this link to get started!
Sundays dog formula is our top pick for the best all-around dry dog food for Portuguese Water Dogs. Unlike traditional dry dog food, Sundays is minimally processed. Sundays recipes are [cooked /// air-dried] using our unique process, which gently dries out whole foods to preserve nutrients and flavor and maximize nutritional integrity.
What Sets It Apart From Competitors
Sundays is a superfood-powered kibble with functional ingredients that support and boost gut, skin and coat, immunity, heart, weight management and more.
Key Features
100% human-grade. Made with USDA meat proteins, vegetables, and fruits.
Nutritionist formulated. Designed by veterinarians and backed by science to provide balanced nutrition
Digestive health. Contains naturally occurring pre- and probiotics to help to regulate the dog microbiome
What We Like & Don’tLike
Pros
Exceeds industry standards
No artificial flavors or preservatives
Cheaper than fresh dog food
Crunchy texture
Cons
It’s a bit more expensive than traditional kibble. NUTRO Ultra dry dog food is another great alternative if you want a more traditional dry dog food that’s less expensive.
Best Food For Portuguese Water Dog Puppy — Open Farm
Flavors: Blend of chicken, pork & salmon┊ Life stage: Puppies ┊ Food type: Fresh Ingredients: Human-grade ┊ Manufactured: USA ┊ Nutrition: AAFCO
Overview
•Flavors: Blend of chicken, port & salmon •Life stage: Puppies •Food type: Dry •Ingredients: Fresh •Manufactured: USA •Nutrition: AAFCO
Why We Picked & Recommended It
The Gently Cooked Open Farm puppy recipe is the best dog food for Portuguese Water Dogs. This puppy-specific formula provides the necessary nutrients for the optimal growth and development of Portuguese Water Dog puppies, including prebiotic fiber like pumpkin and chicory root, supports healthy digestion and calcium iodate as a source of energy production, and also promotes muscular and cognitive development in puppies.
What Sets It Apart From Competitors
This formula is designed specifically for Portuguese Water Dog puppies and has a purposeful blend of three proteins to help prevent allergies. It also has added collagen for healthy joint development.
Key Features
Human-grade meats. High-quality meats are raised without antibiotics or added hormones.
Superfoods. Boosted with chia seeds, kale, flaxseed and other wholesome ingredients.
Flavors: Beef, chicken, lamb & fish ┊ Life stage: Adult ┊ Food type: Dry Ingredients: Natural ┊ Manufactured: USA ┊ Nutrition: AAFCO
Overview
•Flavors: Beef, chicken, lamb & fish •Life stage: Adult •Food type: Dry •Ingredients: Natural •Manufactured: USA •Nutrition: AAFCO
Why We Picked & Recommended It
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula is great if you are looking for the most affordable dog food for Portuguese Water Dogs. For a slightly lower price than other brands, this dry food is formulated to provide your Portuguese Water Dog pup with sustained healthy energy from high-quality animal-based proteins. This dog food helps build strong, lean muscles and maintain optimal body conditions. It is made with real meat, brown rice, and sweet potatoes, which are easily digestible and provide a balanced diet for adult dogs.
What Sets It Apart From Competitors
Blue Buffalo’s exclusive LifeSource Bits are a precise blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals to support your dog’s immune system and overall health. It is made with real meat as the first ingredient, rare in most affordable dog food brands.
Key Features
Omegas. This dog food is also packed with omega-6 and -3 fatty acids to promote healthy skin and a radiant coat.
Muscle support. L-Carnitine to help burn fat while preserving lean muscles
Bone and joint health. It also contains Glucosamine and chondroitin for strong bones and joint development.
What We Like & Don’tLike
Pros
No chicken (or poultry) by-product meals, corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors, or preservatives
Cons
It may not be suitable for dogs with severe food allergies or sensitivities, as it is not specifically designed for these conditions
The inclusion of brown rice and sweet potatoes may be higher in carbohydrates than some dogs need, which could be a concern for overweight or diabetic dogs
Best Food For Senior Portuguese Water Dogs — Orijen
Most veterinarians consider a dog a senior once it reaches seven years old. If your Portuguese Water Dog is in that stage of his life, it might be time to switch to a high-quality senior dog food diet. Open Farm Senior dog food will support long-life vitality if you’re concerned about keeping your Portuguese Water Dog healthy during his older years. It’s crafted specifically for your senior Portuguese Water Dog to help them stay healthy by supporting lean muscle mass and weight maintenance.
What Sets It Apart From Competitors
Open Farm protein sources come from humanly sourced turkeys and chickens raised in a cage-free environment with gentle handling, space and a premium diet without antibiotics or growth hormones. In general, humanly-raised meats are thought to be nutritionally superior to caged and conventionally produced meats.
Key Features
Bones and joint support. It is enhanced with glucosamine and chondroitin to aid with cartilage wear and tear as your pet ages.
Human-grade meats. No rendered poultry or meat meals.
What We Like Don’tLike
Pros
Transparent sourcing practices
Great feedback from senior dog parent
Cons
A bit expensive
Our readers have access to 20% Off on their first order with the code CANINEBIBLE. Just use this link to get started!
Flavors: Chicken, lamb & beef┊ Life stage: All ages ┊ Food type: Raw Ingredients: Raw┊ Manufactured: USA ┊ Nutrition: AAFCO
Overview
•Flavors: Chicken, lamb & beef •Life stage: All ages •Food type: Raw •Ingredients: Natural •Manufactured: USA •Nutrition: AAFCO
Why We Picked & Recommended It
As more dog parents opt to raw feed their dogs, it’s essential to understand the ins and out of a raw diet for dogs. If you are in the market for raw dog food for Portuguese Water Dogs, Instinct Frozen Raw Bites Real Beef Recipe formula is one of our top picks for the best raw dog food delivery brands. This formula is protein-packed with 85% meat and organs and 15% non-GMO fruits, vegetables, vitamins, and minerals to give your Portuguese Water Dog a complete BARF diet. It’s minimally processed, never cooked, pure, natural nutrition to keep your best friend strong.
What Sets It Apart From Competitors
Raw dog food benefits a shinier coat, healthier skin, cleaner teeth, more energy, and smaller stool. Instinct Raw states that raw dog nutrition can promote strong, lean muscles and energize your pup.
What We Like Don’tLike
Pros
Never cooked
Non-GMO vegetables, fruits, and wholesome ingredients
All ingredients are frozen in their prime to maintain the highest level of nutrients
Cold-pressure processing to keep the nutrients and taste intact
Cons
Needs to be kept frozen until it’s your pet’s mealtime
Not as convenient as feeding dry dog food. Open Farm freeze-dried raw dog food is an excellent alternative for a more convenient way to feed raw.
Best Food For Portuguese Water Dogs With Sensitive Stomach — Hill’s
If you are looking for the best food for Portuguese Water Dogs with sensitive stomachsHill’s Science Diet For Sensitive Stomach & Skin is a top choice. This kibble is formulated to protect sensitive tummies and skin. It’s made with easily digestible ingredients, including barley, beet pulp, and brown rice, and contains no soy, wheat, or artificial that can cause upsets or skin flare-ups on your Portuguese Water Dog.
What Sets It Apart From Competitors
Specialized formula fortified with prebiotics fiber for healthy digestion, sensitive stomachs and immune health. Prebiotic fiber nourishes healthy intestinal bacteria.
Key Features
Omega-6. Excellent source of omega-6 fatty acids to nourish your dog’s skin and help maintain a healthy, shiny coat.
Highly digestible. The food is gentle on the stomach
What We Like Don’tLike
Pros
Supports a balanced gut microbiome in your grown dog
No artificially colored, flavored, or preserved
Cons
Not recommended for puppies and pregnant or nursing dogs.
15% may still be sensitive to this diet. Another option is going fresh with a premium choice like JustFoodForDogs Balanced Remedy. Its plain composition of a single protein source, single starch source, and low-fat levels make it perfect for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
Best Food For Portuguese Water Dogs With Allergies — Royal Canin
Flavors: Natural ┊ Life stage: All ages ┊ Food type: Dry Ingredients: Hypoallergenic ┊ Manufactured: USA┊ Nutrition: AAFCO
Overview
•Flavors: Natural •Life stage: All ages •Food type: Dry •Ingredients: Hypoallergenic •Manufactured: USA •Nutrition: AAFCO
Why We Picked & Recommended It
Whether your Portuguese Water Dog suffers from skin allergies, food allergies, or food intolerance to certain ingredients, Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Hydrolyzed Protein is the best hypoallergenic dog formula you feed an allergic Portuguese Water Dog. This vet-exclusive prescription formula helps dogs with itching, hair loss, skin allergies and digestive upset. It’s also highly digestible and supports gastrointestinal and dermatological health.
What Sets It Apart From Competitors
This formula uses hydrolyzed soy protein (non-animal protein). Hydrolyzed protein is made by a process known as hybridization, which breaks down proteins to a size less likely to be recognized by the immune system, effectively stopping allergic reactions.
Key Features
Limited ingredients. Its limited ingredients also make it great against allergies. They use one single source of carbohydrates.
Supports GI health. Contains a unique blend of fibers and prebiotics.
What We Like Don’tLike
Pros
Specially designed for canines with food intolerances or allergies
Helps to reduce skin and GI reactions caused by proteins
Support healthy skin and help reduce inflammation
Best dog food for Portuguese Water Dogs with skin allergies
Best dog food for itchy skin Portuguese Water Dogs
Cons
A bit expensive
Requires vet authorization. While we recommend Royal Canine Veterinary for the best results, unfortunately, it requires a prescription. If you can’t wait to visit your vet or don’t have the budget to afford it, ACANA Lamb & Pumpkin Limited Ingredient Diet can help also help with allergies and does not require a prescription.
Best Grain-Free Food For Portuguese Water Dogs — Open Farm
•Flavors: Beef, chicken & turkey, salmon, lamb, venison & more •Life stage: All ages •Food type: Dry •Ingredients: Premium •Manufactured: USA •Nutrition: AAFCO
Why We Picked & Recommended It
Does your Portuguese Water Dog suffer from grain allergies or intolerances? If so, Open Farm’s grain-free dry dog food is your best bet. We picked it because they skip the grain, corn, soy and wheat in favor of science-backed superfoods like non-GMO pumpkin, carrot, leafy greens and coconut oil for a balanced and complete diet that provide antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals to support Portuguese Water Dog nutritional needs. Open Farm grain-free recipes are specifically designed for dogs with grain sensitivities.
What Sets It Apart From Competitors
It’s made responsibly from ethically sourced and sustainable ingredients free from antibiotics, hormones, and artificial preservatives, making it one of the most sustainable dog food brands.
Key Features
100% traceable ingredients. Instantly trace the origin of every ingredient in their bag of Open Farm pet food
Premium ingredients. Locally sourced non-GMO fruits and veggies
Ethically sourced protein. Only uses ethically sourced and humanely raised meats
What We Like Don’tLike
Pros
No rendered poultry or meat meals
Meats from audited higher welfare farms
High in protein
Local carbon footprint per bag
Cons
It can be more expensive than other brands on the market
Flavors: Chicken, turkey, beef, lamb & more┊ Life stage: All ages ┊ Food type: Wet Ingredients: Human-grade ┊ Manufactured: USA ┊ Nutrition: AAFCO
Overview
•Flavors: Chicken, turkey, beef, lamb & more •Life stage: All ages •Food type: Wet •Ingredients: Human-grade •Manufactured: USA •Nutrition: AAFCO
Why We Picked & Recommended It
Are you looking for the best-wet food for Portuguese Water Dogs? JustFoodForDogs Pantry Fresh is our favorite choice. JustFoodForDogs Pantry Fresh is a convenient and healthy option for dog owners who want to feed their dogs soft-textured meals and keep them hydrated, especially those in warmer climates. Unlike traditional canned wet dog food, Pantry Fresh uses only ingredient fit for human consumption to ensure the highest quality nutrition. Additionally, they use a unique cooking process to make Pantry Fresh preserves the nutritional value and taste of the ingredients, making it a nutritious and tasty option for dogs.
What Sets It Apart From Competitors
Aside from traditional flavors, they have specialized wet food for targeting health problems including joint, skin, sensitive stomach, renal, appetite loss, metabolism and liver function.
Key Features
Ready-to-serve nutrition. A team of veterinarians and canine specialists formulates every recipe.
Gently cooked. This process maximizes the nutritional value and promotes a healthy immune system.
Travel friendly. 2-year shelf life and transportable Tetra Pak® packaging make it easy to store and travel with.
What We Like Don’tLike
Pros
USDA certified meats
Organ meats
A convenient way for busy people to feed their dogs a fresh diet
Offers health-specific options
A variety pack for picky eaters
Provides the benefits of fresh dog food
Cons
More expensive than traditional wet dog food
Other Best Dog Food For Portuguese Water Dogs
Best dehydrated dog food for Portuguese Water Dogs.The Honest Kitchen Dehydrated Gourmet is our favorite dehydrated food. Dehydrated food is often easier for Portuguese Water Dogs to digest. Additionally, if your dog has dental problems or is missing teeth, dehydrated dog food can be easier for them to eat than traditional kibble.
Best food topper for Portuguese Water Dogs.Portland Pet Food Company offers a fantastic variety of tasty fresh dog food flavors you can add as a topper to your dog’s kibble meals.
Best health-specific custom diet food for Portuguese Water Dogs.JustFoodForDogs makes creating a custom recipe for your fur baby easy. They work with your veterinarian to create a custom recipe if your Portuguese Water Dog has a medical need for a restricted diet.
Best dog food for Portuguese Water Dogs to lose weight.Natural Balance Fat Dogs Low is great if your Portuguese Water Dog needs to lose weight.
Best dog food for Portuguese Water Dogs to gain weight. With 600 calories per cup, Miracle Vet High-Calorie Weight Gain Dog Food is ideal for helping your Mastiff gain lean muscle mass.
The caloric needs of dogs are based on their weight. An adult Portuguese Water Dog usually weighs between 35 and 60 pounds, meaning most Portuguese Water Dogs need between 891 and 1335 calories daily. You can use our dog calorie calculator to find the exact caloric needs of your dog based on his weight.
How to Switch Portuguese Water Dog Food
If you decide to switch your Portuguese Water Dog’s food to a new dog formula, it’s advised to adhere to the following recommendations by vets:
Week 1: 25% new food and 75% old food
Week 2: 50% new food and 50% old food
Week 3: 25% new food and 75% old food
Week 4: 100% new food
Pro tip: Never change your dog’s food abruptly. It could cause an upset stomach, diarrhea, or vomiting.
Only increase the weekly food percentage if your Portuguese Water Dog seems to be doing well during each transition. Monitor closely, and if you notice any adverse reaction to his new food, stop feeding it to your dog.
Health Dietary Changes In Portuguese Water Dogs
If your Portuguese Water Dog is struggling with the following health conditions, adopting a new diet or adding supplements can be beneficial to get these dog-related issues under control.
Condition
Dietary Needs & Adjustments
Coat Color Changes
Increase amino acids which can be found in protein (>75 grams per 1000 calories)
Concurrent GI Signs
Avoid foods with tryptamine and histamine, such as dairy, fermented vegetables, and meats (yes, this includes bacon); try a simple ingredient food trial.
Chronic Itching and Dermatitis
Fortify the diet with Vitamin E, B Vitamins, Zinc, omega-6, and the omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil; add a dog probiotic; try a simple ingredient food trial.
Dull Coat and Scaling
Adjust EPA and DHA levels in the diet (added fish oil being the most common way); try food with added zinc.
Dandruff and Crustiness
Add Zinc and Vitamin A levels
Best Dog Food For Portuguese Water Dogs — Conclusion
To ensure the well-being and vitality of your Portuguese Water Dog, it is essential to choose the best dog food that aligns with their specific nutritional requirements. By incorporating the right recipes into your Portuguese Water Dog’s diet, you provide them with the necessary fuel to maintain an active lifestyle, promote a shiny coat, support a strong immune system, and ensure optimal energy levels. Investing in their nutrition not only enhances their overall health but also strengthens the bond you share with your beloved Portuguese Water Dog.
If your Portuguese Water Dog suffers from health issues related to poor nutrition, don’t let financial concerns prevent you from providing the best care for your pet. Consider getting the best pet insurance for Portuguese Water Dogs today.
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