It’s the responsibility of any dog owner to ensure the health and wellbeing of their dog. This duty starts as soon as you get your dog and lasts all throughout their life. One of the biggest aspects of this is giving your dog the right food. Different dog breeds can mean big differences in nutritional needs, and giving the right dog food to your Staffy will give them the best chance of success. Ensuring that your Staffy gets the best nutrition is of paramount importance so that they can grow up to be strong, intelligent and well-adjusted dogs.
What do Staffies Need?
Luckily, Staffies aren’t typically known to be picky eaters. Their dietary needs are in line with what is required for most moderate- to high-energy dogs of their size and weight. There are some conditions that Staffies may be prone to, such as skin allergies and food sensitivities. To be sure that your Staffy gets what they need, it’s a good idea to visit a trusted veterinarian so they can help guide you.
First you’ll need to have your dog weighed so you can get a more accurate estimate of how much food they need. Then, your vet should be able to check for the common Staffy health issues, such as skin problems, eye problems and joint problems. These conditions will take priority for treatment, and may have specific diets that your Staffy will need to follow. Your veterinarian’s advice should take precedence over any other recommendation, since they know your dog best.
What is the Best Dog Food for a Staffy
There are no specific nutritional requirements for Staffies, but it’s best to avoid things that may cause them to develop food sensitivities in the future. The amount of dog food to give your Staffy depends on a variety of factors, such as age, weight, activity level and any medical conditions.
Many Staffy owners are concerned about the possibility of overfeeding their dog, but in our experience, it’s not hard to tell when your Staffy is starting to pack on weight. If you do notice that your Staffy is outside the normal range of 11 to 17 kilograms, then you can cut back on their total food intake by 20 to 25 percent and see if they stop gaining weight.
Bearing all that in mind, we would advise getting a dog food that has the following traits:
- Contains 400 to 450 calories per standard measuring cup
- Has a high amount of omega-3 fatty acids for skin and joint health
- Has low or no grains, and minimal amount of starches
- Is formulated for either medium breed dogs or terrier breed dogs
A dog food that fits all these conditions may be on the expensive side, but we think it’s a good investment. After all, prevention is better than a cure, and a good diet can definitely prevent certain medical conditions.
Of course, don’t forget to consider the quality of the dog treats you give. When giving your Staffy treats, make sure you give them dog treats that follow the AAFCO standards, use quality ingredients that are safe for Staffies and low in harmful chemicals.
