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Last Updated on February 15, 2023
If you have been living in the cave, then you might not have heard of the astonishing news that had to trigger a response from the Guinness World Records. No, I am not talking about your absence in the secular world. I am talking about the news that an Irish Wolfhound has broken the Guinness World Records for the dog with the longest dog tail. When our human baby grows too big, a common response will be parents asking one another what in the world is the baby consuming. Similarly, for the case of this particular Irish Wolfhounds, it does make you wonder what it ate. Or rather, what is the best dog food for Irish Wolfhounds?
Understanding the Nutritional Needs of Irish Wolfhounds
Irish Wolfhounds are a large dog breed, and they require a well-balanced diet that provides adequate nutrition for their size and activity level. Due to their large size, they are prone to several health issues, such as joint problems, bloat, and heart disease. Therefore, it’s crucial to choose a dog food that addresses these potential issues and promotes overall health.
Protein is one of the most important nutrients in a dog’s diet, and Irish Wolfhounds need a lot of it to support their muscle growth and development. Look for a dog food that has high-quality sources of protein such as chicken, beef, or fish.
In addition to protein, Irish Wolfhounds require a healthy balance of fats and carbohydrates in their diet. Fats are a rich source of energy, and they play a vital role in maintaining healthy skin and coat. On the other hand, carbohydrates provide the necessary energy to fuel their daily activities.
Best Dog Food For Irish Wolfhounds
It is a fact that the food that dogs consume has a direct impact on their body size. Do understand that dogs can be obese as well as be underweight too. We always believe that you should choose the best dog food for your dog, as each breed has its own needs. It is important not to overfeed your dog with food or supplements, or they jolly well end up with multiple problems when their old, or perhaps having a long tail…unless that’s what you are looking for. But before we choose the best dog food for Irish wolfhounds, do you know your dog’s requirements?
Health Facts About Irish Wolfhounds
Irish Wolfhounds are regarded as the tallest dog breed in the world. They are considered to be extra-large, and hence they need proper food to sustain their calorie needs. Overfeeding the Irish Wolfhounds will cause multiple problems when they are older, which is actually a common problem when a large dog age. One of the main reasons is that they are being overfed during its adult phase. As such, they grow too big, and their bone structure isn’t able to support the massive weight.
In terms of physical size, the Irish Wolfhounds can be as tall as 2 feet, and they weight hovers around 110 pounds to 190 pounds. They are considered to be an active breed, and as such, they require at least 40 minutes of exercise per day. The amount of food to feed your dog really depends on how active they are. For inactive dogs, expect to hit about 2,300 calories in a day. I know this may sound a lot, but you should really consider the size of the Irish Wolfhound! For active dogs, expect to hit at least 4,300 calories per day. I do know of some Irish Wolfhounds who eat way more than that, and that is because the dog itself is an ADHD dog who simply cannot sit still.
Common Health Issues That Irish Wolfhounds Have
While the Irish Wolfhounds can be a special breed to many, they are pretty susceptible to many health issues. This attribute is common amongst dogs of the larger breed. It is because most of the health problems are due to them being too large, and hence their bone structure might not be able to take their weight. Also, the poor Irish Wolfhounds can be overfed due to their owner’s ignorance. This leads to multiple health problems too.
Some health issues include heart diseases, bloat (due to them eating too fast) as well as having pneumonia. As mentioned earlier, the more common problems are joint issues as well as arthritis. That is why we strongly urge you to purchase the orthopedic dog bed for the Irish Wolfhounds.
Ingredients or Food Types to Look for in Irish Wolfhound Dog Food
When choosing the best dog food for your Irish Wolfhound, it’s essential to look for specific ingredients that meet their unique nutritional needs. Here are some key ingredients to look for:
- High-quality sources of protein – As mentioned earlier, protein is an essential nutrient for Irish Wolfhounds. Look for dog food that has real meat as the first ingredient, such as chicken, beef, or fish.
- Whole grains – Whole grains are an excellent source of carbohydrates, and they provide the necessary energy for your Irish Wolfhound’s daily activities. Look for dog food that includes whole grains such as brown rice, barley, or oatmeal.
- Fruits and vegetables – Fruits and vegetables are a rich source of vitamins and minerals, and they play a vital role in maintaining your Irish Wolfhound’s overall health. Look for dog food that includes a variety of fruits and vegetables such as sweet potatoes, carrots, and blueberries.
- Joint supplements – Irish Wolfhounds are prone to joint problems due to their size, and they may benefit from dog food that includes joint supplements such as glucosamine and chondroitin.
What To Look Out For When Choosing Dog Food For Irish Wolfhounds
Due to the sheer size of the Irish Wolfhound, you should choose commercial ready food that is high in protein. First of all, we mentioned commercial ready food because it is not easy to conjure up a diet that is super-rich in protein. Why not let the professionals do it? Also, we mentioned the food needing to be high in protein because of the dietary needs as well as the activeness of the dog. Protein is needed to repair muscles and main growth in the dog. This is exactly what the Irish Wolfhound needs!
Typically, we will always recommend kibbles that contain fish or chicken as the first ingredient. As you may know, the first ingredient that is listed on the labels means that it is the main component of the dog food. Do try to use grain-free food, as most dogs are more receptive to grain-free food than others.
Having said that, do not ever feed adult food to the Irish Wolfhound Pup. Irish Wolfhound pups are known to have a spurt in growth, and hence they need proper food that is suitable for them. We are specifically looking at food that is catered to large breed puppies. This is because such food knows exactly the proportion of minerals that large breed puppies need. The Irish Wolfhound puppy requires food that is low in calcium. The calcium level is deliberately lowered so that your dog will not outgrow its size, which will cause multiple problems when they are older.
For the purpose of the Irish Wolfhound puppy, we recommend the Orijen Large Breed Puppy dog food as the top choice for your large breed puppy.
Conclusion
Choosing the best dog food for your Irish Wolfhound is crucial for their overall health and well-being. By understanding their unique nutritional needs and looking for specific ingredients, you can provide your Irish Wolfhound with a well-balanced diet that promotes their growth and development.
