When making decisions regarding the feeding of our Otterhound friends, a compromise should be made between what the dog likes, what is appropriate and what the human wants. In the discussion of nutrition for Otterhounds, some misinformation that has been generated regarding canids and their diet needs to be clarified. First and foremost, neither wild nor domestic canids are true carnivores and should not be fed as such. The importance of having added fiber in all canine diets is to maintain a healthy gastrointestinal system, particularly the colon. Additionally, some grain free diets have been linked to dilated cardiomyopathy in dogs.
Nutritionists formulate scientifically required essential nutrients in feeds based on energy need. However, not all foods are created equally. For instance, one cup of kibble is not equivalent to another. Calorie content in a cup of kibble can vary substantially, typically more so between brands, but also within some brands. There are some brands of large breed kibble with calorie content as low as 350 kcal per cup and some that approach 500 kcal per cup. This is an important consideration when switching foods to avoid over or underfeeding. Calorie content is required to be on dog food labels.
The feeding guidelines on dog food are just that, a guideline. Intake must be adjusted based on a dog's condition, age and health status. Frequently changing diets for captive canids can cause digestive upset and disruption of gastrointestinal bacteria that are important for gut health and proper fecal formation. Keep track of your Otterhounds body condition and weight. Understanding body condition scores will aid in making proper judgements (Figure 1). Avoid overfeeding as it can lead to obesity, a serious problem that can stress the heart and joints.
Nutritionists formulate scientifically required essential nutrients in feeds based on energy need. However, not all foods are created equally. For instance, one cup of kibble is not equivalent to another. Calorie content in a cup of kibble can vary substantially, typically more so between brands, but also within some brands. There are some brands of large breed kibble with calorie content as low as 350 kcal per cup and some that approach 500 kcal per cup. This is an important consideration when switching foods to avoid over or underfeeding. Calorie content is required to be on dog food labels.
The feeding guidelines on dog food are just that, a guideline. Intake must be adjusted based on a dog's condition, age and health status. Frequently changing diets for captive canids can cause digestive upset and disruption of gastrointestinal bacteria that are important for gut health and proper fecal formation. Keep track of your Otterhounds body condition and weight. Understanding body condition scores will aid in making proper judgements (Figure 1). Avoid overfeeding as it can lead to obesity, a serious problem that can stress the heart and joints.
An Otterhound of a healthy weight
While there may be no one-size-fits-all dog food, based on science we can make some reasonable assumptions. We must, however, be assured that it is complete and balanced based on scientific knowledge and not hearsay. A high-quality COMPLETE food from a reputable manufacturer that has a good quality control program should be chosen (Figure 2).
Raw diets are not a good choice in almost any situation. The potential for bacterial contamination is extraordinarily high. The potential to share that with any children, elderly people or those with compromised immune systems with which the dog may come into contact is even higher. Commercially prepared raw diets are more likely to be reasonably balanced but have a higher potential for bacterial growth. Home prepared raw diets are highly unlikely to be properly nutritionally balanced for your dog, but if handled correctly have a lower potential for bacterial contamination.
If dogs are eating fresh, freeze dried or pelleted foods we need to consider the issue of oral health. Extruded kibble of appropriate size is a big contributor in maintaining healthy gums and keeping teeth clean, soft foods will not help. Therefore, if not feeding extruded food, more attention must be paid to oral health.
Raw diets are not a good choice in almost any situation. The potential for bacterial contamination is extraordinarily high. The potential to share that with any children, elderly people or those with compromised immune systems with which the dog may come into contact is even higher. Commercially prepared raw diets are more likely to be reasonably balanced but have a higher potential for bacterial growth. Home prepared raw diets are highly unlikely to be properly nutritionally balanced for your dog, but if handled correctly have a lower potential for bacterial contamination.
If dogs are eating fresh, freeze dried or pelleted foods we need to consider the issue of oral health. Extruded kibble of appropriate size is a big contributor in maintaining healthy gums and keeping teeth clean, soft foods will not help. Therefore, if not feeding extruded food, more attention must be paid to oral health.
IN THE BEGINNING
Those puppy foods formulated specifically for large breeds are the best choice for Otterhounds. They are formulated to have very tight nutrient specifications and have less potential to cause growth issues. A high-quality complete and balanced food is essential, particularly for a young growing puppy. A proper balanced diet can make a big difference in a puppy’s general health and growth. Your Otterhound’s breeder should provide the name, amount, and type of food your puppy has been fed. Additionally, they should provide the current feeding schedule and enough food for a week. If you are unable to purchase that food in your area or wish to change, be sure to make the change to a new diet gradually over the course of a week.
When feeding puppies from weaning it is not just about meeting their immediate needs for growth and development but also setting up the health and development of the gut for life. One of the reasons this is important is that the mucous membrane lining of the gut is recognized as one of the largest contributors to immunity in mammals.
Some general information that might be useful for your puppy includes:
Those puppy foods formulated specifically for large breeds are the best choice for Otterhounds. They are formulated to have very tight nutrient specifications and have less potential to cause growth issues. A high-quality complete and balanced food is essential, particularly for a young growing puppy. A proper balanced diet can make a big difference in a puppy’s general health and growth. Your Otterhound’s breeder should provide the name, amount, and type of food your puppy has been fed. Additionally, they should provide the current feeding schedule and enough food for a week. If you are unable to purchase that food in your area or wish to change, be sure to make the change to a new diet gradually over the course of a week.
When feeding puppies from weaning it is not just about meeting their immediate needs for growth and development but also setting up the health and development of the gut for life. One of the reasons this is important is that the mucous membrane lining of the gut is recognized as one of the largest contributors to immunity in mammals.
Some general information that might be useful for your puppy includes:
- Traveling to their new home may affect your puppy’s appetite and fecal consistency for a few days due to stress. Contact your veterinarian if it persists.
- Feed your Otterhound in a space where they will not be disturbed.
- Feeding on a regular schedule, at least twice a day, is recommended and will help with housebreaking.
- Be sure to have at least 1 hour before and after feeding when exercising your Otterhound.
- Avoid feeding table scraps and high fat treats. They are not good for your Otterhound and may cause digestive upset, health issues and encourage bad behavior.
- Treats used should be specifically formulated for dogs and used sparingly so as not to upset the nutritional balance of the total diet.
AS TIME MOVES ON
As Otterhounds age, it is even more important to maintain a healthy body condition. Barring any health issues, a large dog's life can be extended up to 2 years by keeping them lean (Figure 1). Therefore, reducing total calorie intake may need to be considered. Reducing the total amount fed is a place to start. Calories will be reduced, and micronutrients will be better balanced if switching to a large breed formula and likely even more reduced by switching to a weight loss or senior formula. As a large breed, Otterhounds are considered to be entering their senior years at age 6.
Some general information that might be useful as your dog ages:
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS
Many common food items may be dangerous or potentially toxic to your Otterhound (Table 1). The general rule is: if you don’t know, don’t feed it! For instance, xylitol, a common sweetener that is deadly to dogs, can be found in foods like peanut butter. Read labels!
Research regarding food and seizures/epilepsy in dogs indicates glucose metabolism can be disrupted and that medium chain triglycerides are most helpful for brain metabolism. Specialty diets have been developed and are commercially available from some manufacturers to address this issue. Top dressing with additives without professional advice can be dangerous.
As Otterhounds age, it is even more important to maintain a healthy body condition. Barring any health issues, a large dog's life can be extended up to 2 years by keeping them lean (Figure 1). Therefore, reducing total calorie intake may need to be considered. Reducing the total amount fed is a place to start. Calories will be reduced, and micronutrients will be better balanced if switching to a large breed formula and likely even more reduced by switching to a weight loss or senior formula. As a large breed, Otterhounds are considered to be entering their senior years at age 6.
Some general information that might be useful as your dog ages:
- Be aware of changes in metabolism and activity; lower activity requires fewer calories, higher activity requires more.
- Maintain healthy weight and body condition even with changes in activity and metabolism.
- Monitor and maintain healthy stool consistency. Seek professional help if a significant change that lasts more than 2 days occurs.
- Specific concerns such as sensitive skin/stomach or declining cognitive function in senior dogs should be monitored and specialty diets can be fed.
- Be sure to have at least 1 hour before and after feeding when exercising your Otterhound.
- Avoid feeding table scraps and high fat treats. They are not good for your Otterhound and may cause digestive upset, health issues and encourage bad behavior.
- Treats used should be specifically formulated for dogs and used sparingly so as not to upset the nutritional balance of the total diet.
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS
Many common food items may be dangerous or potentially toxic to your Otterhound (Table 1). The general rule is: if you don’t know, don’t feed it! For instance, xylitol, a common sweetener that is deadly to dogs, can be found in foods like peanut butter. Read labels!
Research regarding food and seizures/epilepsy in dogs indicates glucose metabolism can be disrupted and that medium chain triglycerides are most helpful for brain metabolism. Specialty diets have been developed and are commercially available from some manufacturers to address this issue. Top dressing with additives without professional advice can be dangerous.
Table 1. A partial list of food items dangerous to dogs:
Chocolate
Onion
Chives
Garlic
Grapes
Raisins
Apple seeds
Stone fruit pits
Coffee
Tea (including green tea)
Avocado
Macadamia nuts
Raw dough
Cooked bones
Xylitol / birch sugar / E967
Chocolate
Onion
Chives
Garlic
Grapes
Raisins
Apple seeds
Stone fruit pits
Coffee
Tea (including green tea)
Avocado
Macadamia nuts
Raw dough
Cooked bones
Xylitol / birch sugar / E967
This page was created by 2 comparative animal nutritionists with over 65 years combined of research, clinical and practical experience. Our thanks for their assistance.
Figure 1: Body condition score
Figure 2. Guide to selecting pet food.
