Whippets are a sighthound breed initially developed for hunting small game, such as rabbits. As such, their diet should be high in protein and fat, with moderate amounts of carbohydrates. Here are some foods that are suitable for a whippet’s diet:
- High-quality commercial dog food: Choose a brand that contains high-quality meat as the first ingredient, and avoid products with fillers, such as corn or wheat.
- Raw or cooked meat: Whippets can eat raw or cooked meat, such as chicken, beef, or lamb.
- Fruits and vegetables: Whippets can eat small amounts of fruits and vegetables, such as apples, bananas, carrots, and green beans.
- Supplements: Whippets may benefit from supplements such as fish oil for a healthy coat and joints and probiotics for digestive health.
Whippet Puppy Diets
Puppy Kibble
Feeding a whippet puppy a high-quality commercial puppy kibble is an excellent place to start. Choose a kibble specially formulated for puppies, as it will contain the right balance of nutrients for your growing whippet.
When selecting a kibble, look for one that lists meat as the first ingredient, as this will ensure your puppy is getting enough protein. Avoid kibbles that contain a lot of fillers, such as corn, soy, and wheat, as these ingredients are less nutritious and difficult for puppies to digest.
The amount you feed your whippet puppy will depend on their age, weight, and activity level, according to PDSA Pet Charity. Check the feeding guidelines on the kibble packaging for an idea of how much to feed your puppy, and adjust the amount as needed based on their growth and energy levels.
Wet Food
Wet food can also be a good option for feeding a whippet puppy. Wet food typically has a higher moisture content than dry kibble, which can help keep your puppy hydrated. In addition, many wet foods are formulated to provide complete and balanced nutrition, so you can feel confident that your puppy is getting the nutrients they need.
When selecting a wet food for your whippet puppy, look for options high in protein and low in fillers and additives. It’s also essential to choose a food that is appropriate for your puppy’s age and size.
Raw (BARF)
Feeding a whippet puppy a raw diet, also known as a BARF (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food) diet, can be a good option for some owners. A BARF diet consists of raw meats, bones, organs, fruits, and vegetables.
Proponents of the BARF diet argue that it can be more nutritionally complete and closer to a dog’s natural diet. However, it is essential to note that a raw diet can be challenging to balance and risky if not done correctly.
Healthy Treats for Your Whippet
- Fresh fruits and vegetables: Whippets can enjoy small fruits and veggies like apple slices, banana pieces, blueberries, carrot sticks, and green beans. Remove any seeds or pits and chop the pieces into small bite-sized portions.
- Plain-cooked meats: Whippets love meat, so you can give them small pieces of cooked chicken, beef, turkey, or pork. Avoid giving them any seasoned or processed meats.
- Natural dog treats: Look for natural dog treats with ingredients like whole grains, sweet potatoes, and peanut butter. Avoid treats with artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.
- Homemade treats: You can also make dog treats by baking whole wheat flour, rolled oats, peanut butter, and mashed banana. Cut the dough into small pieces and bake until golden brown.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Feeding Your Whippet
- Overfeeding: Whippets are prone to weight gain, leading to various health problems. Avoid overfeeding your whippet, and make sure to measure their food portions.
- Feeding table scraps: Human food is often high in fat and salt, harming your whippet’s health. Avoid feeding them table scraps, and stick to a balanced diet specifically formulated for dogs.
- Feeding low-quality food: Low-quality dog food can lack nutrients for your whippet’s health. Choose a high-quality, nutrient-rich dog food that meets their dietary needs.
- Feeding too many treats: Treats are essential to a whippet’s diet but should be given in moderation. Too many treats can lead to weight gain and other health issues.
- Inconsistency in feeding: Whippets thrive on a consistent feeding schedule. Feeding your whippet at the same time every day can help maintain their digestive health and prevent stomach upset.
- Need to provide more water: Always ensure your whippet has access to clean drinking water. Dehydration can lead to serious health issues.
- Giving them bones: Whippets can easily choke on bones, and bones can also cause digestive problems. Avoid giving your whippet bones, and choose safer chew toys instead.
Tips for Properly Feeding Your Whippet
- Choose a high-quality dog food appropriate for your whippet’s age, size, and activity level. Look for dog food brands that use high-quality protein sources, such as chicken or lamb, but only contain a few fillers, such as corn or wheat.
- Feed your whippet at regular intervals throughout the day. Puppies require more frequent feedings than adult dogs, so follow the recommended feeding guidelines for your whippet’s age.
- Do not overfeed your whippet. Whippets are prone to obesity, which can lead to various health problems. Be sure to measure your whippet’s food and monitor their weight regularly.
- Avoid feeding your whippet table scraps or human food, which can be high in fat, salt, and other unhealthy ingredients.
- Provide your whippet with fresh water at all times. Keep their water bowl clean and refill it regularly.
- If you choose to feed your whippet a raw or homemade diet, do your research and consult with a veterinarian or animal nutritionist to ensure that your dog receives all the nutrients they need.
- Use puzzle feeders or food-dispensing toys to provide mental stimulation and prevent your whippet from eating too quickly.
- Finally, pay attention to your whippet’s individual dietary needs and preferences. Some dogs may require a special diet due to health issues or allergies, while others may prefer a particular food or treat.
