Feeding Your Lapphund

There are as many opinions on how to feed a Finnish Lapphund as there are dog food manufacturers, dog owners, and of course the breeders.  If you are starting out with a new puppy, the recommendation would be to communicate with your breeder and find out the breeder’s feeding program.  If this makes sense to you, then just continue with the breeder’s feeding program.  You can also solicit information from your veterinarian, other breeders, pet store chains such as Petco and Petsmart, and you can go online and research the various dog food manufacturers.

There are many premium dog food companies that have done extensive research into product development to come up with the most nutritionally balanced, palatable, digestible formulations.  Dog Food Manufacturers test using AAFCO procedures certifying their ability to provide balanced and complete nutrition.  Raw dog food diets, brands and recipes are also found to be used by certain breeders, owners and can also be researched online.

It is very important to monitor weight gain in your puppy’s development.  Nutrition and environmental factors such as sliding on a slippery floor, standing repeatedly on rear legs, jumping off objects, such as a couch or a step as your puppy shows off his athletic abilities, can lead to disastrous results, in particular with the hips, and muscle problems.  Northern Breeds can also have a slower metabolism and have a tendency to gain weight rapidly if over fed.   Good feeding practices from the beginning are important for the continued good health of your pet for its entire life.  Proper exercise goes hand in hand with good health and feeding.

Dogs can also have allergies to certain dog foods and specific ingredients.  Please be aware of this and how it can be detected.  Watch for excessive itching and scratching, dry and flaking skin, and monitor your yard or exercise area for problems when taking your puppy outside after eating to detect how he digests his food and monitor weight gains or losses.  Also, discoloration/staining around the mouth, staining on the legs and paws, may also be an indication of a feeding problem.  If you see this, consultation with your breeder and veterinarian would be a logical first step. The Finnish Lapphund Club of America does not recommend nor endorse any type of dog food, feeding programs, or point of purchase.