Let's talk Irish Wolfhounds

When choosing food for an Irish Wolfhound, there are many factors to consider: Their age, lifestyle, activity level, physical condition, and health including potential sickness or sensitivities. Food provides energy to cover a dog’s vital functions, and a complete nutritional formula should contain an adjusted balance of nutrients to avoid any deficiency or excess in their diet, both of which could have adverse effects on the dog. As giant-sized breed dogs have a higher risk of a condition called gastric dilatation volvulus (GDV), where the stomach becomes overstretched and rotated because of excess gas (usually caused by overfeeding during a meal), it’s recommended to split the daily allowance into three meals for puppies and try to keep this routine into their adult years.

De l'eau propre et fraîche doit être disponible en permanence pour favoriser une bonne régularité urinaire. Par temps chaud et surtout lorsque vous faites de l'exercice, apportez de l'eau à votre chien pour qu'il puisse s'abreuver fréquemment. L'apport énergétique peut également devoir être adapté aux conditions climatiques. Un chien qui vit à l'extérieur en hiver aura besoin d'un apport énergétique plus élevé.

Les recommandations suivantes s'appliquent à des animaux en bonne santé. Si votre chien souffre de problèmes de santé, consultez votre vétérinaire qui vous prescrira un régime alimentaire exclusivement vétérinaire.

An Irish Wolfhound puppy’s requirements, in terms of energy, protein, minerals, and vitamins, are greater than those of an adult dog. They need energy and nutrients to maintain their body, but also to grow and build it. During their growth, an Irish Wolfhound puppy’s immune system develops gradually. A complex of antioxidants – including vitamin E – can help support their natural defences during this time of big changes, discoveries, and new encounters. Their digestive functions are different from an adult Irish Wolfhound’s, too: Their digestive system is not mature yet so it is important to provide highly-digestible proteins that will be effectively used for the building of bones, tissues, and organs. Prebiotics, such as fructo-oligosaccharides, can support digestive health by helping balance the intestinal flora, resulting in good stool.

Les chiots de taille géante, dont la période de croissance est longue et intense, sont particulièrement sensibles aux problèmes squelettiques et articulaires, notamment les malformations des membres, les déformations osseuses et les lésions articulaires.

The first part of growth (up to 8 months) is mainly concerned with bone development, although the muscles also start to grow. This means that a puppy that eats too much (takes in too much energy) will put on too much weight and grow too quickly. A food with an adjusted calorie content to support a high growth rate while at the same time avoiding excess weight gain will help minimise these risks. A balance of energy and minerals (calcium and phosphorous) during this first phase of growth will contribute to bone mineralisation in order to support bone consolidation and the development of healthy joints. Although the calcium content in the food needs to be increased, giant-sized breed puppies are more sensitive to excessive calcium intake. It’s important to understand that adding any ingredients to a complete food formulated for the growth phase is at best unnecessary and at worst dangerous for the animal, unless prescribed by a veterinarian.

As with many giant-sized breed dogs, Irish Wolfhounds are prone to digestive sensitivity, and their body weight can create stress on their joints throughout their lifetime. Irish Wolfhounds’ nutritional needs then should include high-quality protein and a balanced supply of dietary fibre to help promote optimal digestibility, as well as glucosamine, chondroitine, and antioxidants to help support the health of their bones and joints. A formula enriched with omega-3 fatty acids, such as EPA and DHA, will help maintain healthy skin. An adapted taurine content is also important to support healthy heart function.

It is important to avoid feeding Irish Wolfhounds human foods or fatty snacks. Instead, reward them with kibble taken from their daily meal allowance, and strictly follow the feeding guidelines written on the package.