Whippets, known for their slender build, deep chest, and sleek coat, require a well-balanced diet to fuel their athletic nature and maintain their playful spirit. With so many options available, from kibble to raw food, choosing the best diet can feel overwhelming. This comprehensive guide will help you navigate the world of whippet nutrition, ensuring your furry friend thrives.
Understanding Whippet Nutritional Needs
Whippets are medium-sized hounds with unique metabolic needs. The best dog food for whippets will vary depending on their health, activity level, and age. Generally, a diet with 20-25% protein and 10-14% fat hits the sweet spot for balanced energy.
The Importance of a Balanced Diet
A balanced diet is crucial for a whippet's overall health. It supports their energy levels, muscle development, and coat condition. Whippets, bred for hunting, thrive on a diet comprising approximately 30% protein and 20% fat, especially if they are involved in racing. In their later years, a diet that provides enough high-grade protein is essential to uphold their muscle structure.
Monitoring Your Whippet's Condition
It’s crucial to carefully monitor your whippet’s physical health and calibrate their food intake as needed. Whippets reach full adult sizes by about eight months old. Monitoring your Whippet’s body condition and adjusting their food quantity accordingly is key. At a good weight, you should be able to see a few vertebrae, hints of hip bones, and a rib or two. Whippets should have narrow little waists and a defined tuck-up, not looking like labs.
Debunking Diet Myths
There is no one “right” way to feed your dog. Anyone who tells you “you have to feed raw” or “you have to feed Brand X” is mistaken. There is no singular diet or brand of food that is “the best” for every dog. Some people treat certain diets like a religion and will preach the virtues and magical properties of it and convince you that anything else you try and feed is akin to poison. There are some diets that are better than others. The best you can do for your dog is feed the best food you can reasonably afford that agrees with your dog.
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The Most Expensive Isn't Always the Best
The most expensive food is not always the best for your dog. If you’re paying a high price for a bag of kibble and your dog has diarrhea and horrible gas, you are wasting your money. If your dog is eating a grocery store brand and looks good, with firm formed stools, a glossy coat and rippling muscles then obviously that is the better food for them.
Choosing the Right Type of Food
There are several types of dog food to consider, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.
Premium vs. Grocery Store Kibble
The main difference between grocery store kibble and premium kibble is the quality of ingredients. Premium kibbles have ingredients that are more easily digested and have less filler. Using a premium kibble you will be able to feed much less. Be aware that some premium kibbles seem to be too rich and may cause gas and loose stools. You may have to try a few before you find one that works.
Raw Diets
Raw diets can be very good, but should not be undertaken lightly. You can’t just decide to switch to raw and pick up some hamburger meat from you grocery store. Well you could, but chances are your dog will suffer from an imbalanced diet. If you want to try feeding raw, do some reading first. Feeding raw takes a lot of effort and becomes more of a lifestyle than a dog food. You find yourself buying a meat grinder, becoming well acquainted with your butcher or even joining a raw food co-op. If the idea of sifting through a box of chicken necks makes you gag - you may want to try one of the pre-made frozen diets. These diets are also expensive.
Fresh Food
Modern dogs may appear different from their wild ancestors, but biologically, they remain remarkably close to wolves. Raw dog food is whole food served in their most natural state with no heat processing. It’s the most biologically aligned option for dogs. It delivers nutrients in their most digestible and usable forms, with no need for synthetic additives, preservatives or mystery fillers. A raw, species-appropriate diet, also referred to as BARF diet for dogs (biologically appropriate raw food diet), includes muscle meat, organ meat, bone, raw fats, and a small amount of vegetables or berries.
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Transitioning to a New Diet
Some dogs have no issue with diet changes and you can just start with the new food. During the transition, keep an eye on your dog’s poo (yes, really), energy levels, and appetite. Digest, a dog gut health supplement, can help soothe the gut, reduce gas, and ease the shift to fresh food.
Feeding Schedules and Portion Sizes
Adult Whippets, including seniors Whippets, over the age of 12 months can be fed either once or twice daily, depending on your preference. Most Whippet owners prefer to feed their Whippet twice daily as this fits in with their own schedule. Whichever frequency you choose, make sure that you evenly split the daily feeding amount accordingly. The amount of calories a Whippet needs changes as they grow from puppies to adults and then into their senior years.
Be careful if you feed kibble - the recommended amounts on the bag are usually way more than your dog actually needs. There is nothing sadder than a fat whippet. Please, please do not allow your whippet to get fat.
Addressing Specific Health Conditions
Some whippets may have specific health conditions that require special dietary considerations. Whippet dogs are also prone to gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV), commonly known as bloat, where their stomach fills with gas and twisting. Whippets are also prone to developing dental disease, which can lead to cardiac problems.
The Role of Supplements
Nutritional Supplements for Growth: Omega fatty acids benefit cognitive function, visual acuity, and skin and coat health. Similarly, prebiotics and probiotics contribute to maintaining a balanced and healthy gut.
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The Dangers of Grain-Free Diets and DCM
In light of the diet related DCM (dilated cardiomyopathy) we need to take seriously. There is currently research and data gathering going on, with suspicion targeting grain-free, boutique foods. Especially foods with novel protein sources and heavy on the legumes (lentils, peas, chickpeas etc). Until this all shakes out I’m sticking with a diet that’s safe and follows the WSAVA guidelines.
Practical Feeding Tips and Accessories
Using feeders designed for spillage protection or automatic dispensing can be a real time-saver. Store whippet food in airtight containers away from moisture and sunlight for the top-shelf freshness. Meat, fish, veggies and fruits are shared in small quantities.