Shar Peis look
like they eat anything in sight because of their wrinkles, and by rights they
probably would if given half a chance, but it is very important as his or her
owner to make sure their diet is controlled properly and carefully. Because your
dog cannot make his own decisions, you need to take the initiative and realize
that Shar Pei care involves proper diet and nutrition.
With being so cute
and wrinkly, it is hard to turn down the little face staring back at you when
you’re eating and they are asking for table scraps, but it is in your best interest
and the dog’s best interest to exercise discipline. The following information
will help you determine what is best for your dog, in terms of Shar Pei care including
diet and nutrition.
Diet and Allergies
Shar Pei care begins with
a healthy diet and superb nutrition, especially for this breed, as they are prone
to allergies. Shar Peis are prone to a disease called Swollen Hock Syndrome, which
stems from the inability to break down and process amyloid protein which causes
the unprocessed protein to take over the kidneys and liver, resulting in death
at an early age.
While not all Shar Peis have this problem, careful watch
should be kept so that the diet can be changed immediately if necessary. A diet
low in protein, high in natural sulfur and parsley can be helpful to prevent this
disease.
Dog Food and Human Food
For those puppies and dogs who
do not have this problem, Shar Pei care is based around choosing commercially
prepared foods, preferably the dry food version. Wet dog food is more prone to
mold and spoiling, but is often a favorite of the Shar Pei. A good alternative
to this situation is adding water to dry food, making the pellets less crunchy
and more appetizing.
Those who do not believe in commercial dog food can
use human foods to prepare meals for their beloved pup. Shar Peis handle cottage
cheese, vegetables (cooked or raw), baked fish, canned tuna, chicken, and turkey
along with eggs and rice pudding extremely well and they find them quite tasty.
Spacing Out Meals
One other consideration when making decisions
about Shar Pei care and nutrition, is the rate at which they eat. Shar Pei dogs
and especially puppies have the tendency to gulp their food and develop a painful
syndrome known as gastric torsion. Spacing their meals out throughout the day
is a good way to take care of this problem. Instead of feeding them once a day,
they should be fed two half-size portions, one in the morning and one at night.
Their eating schedule should be timed so that they are not exercising within
an hour of their meal. It is also a crucial part of Shar Pei care that they are
given the opportunity to drink water as often as possible, as they get overheated
easily. Special occasions should offer the opportunity for you to experiment and
look at some
delicacies you can cook for your Shar Pei.
Breaking
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