Dobermans are very intelligent and active dogs breeds. Dobies do well as watch & service dogs and are also used in rescue operations. This dog can fit well in loving homes to perform the role of a loyal companion to responsible owners. The breed is better off with proper training, daily exercise, activities that keep it mentally stimulated/engaged and last but not the least a good diet. Dobie owning families have to most importantly focus on offering the best diet to their pets to keep it going and to prevent unwanted health issues.  In order to select the best food for your Doberman you will have to consider things like your dog’s level of activity, age, weight, health status and nutritional requirements. Below mentioned are some pointers that’ll help you ascertain the best dog food options for your Dobie:

1) In Terms of Daily Caloric Intake:

An active adult Dobie that weighs close to 90 pounds will require approx 2100 calories each day as suggested by the National Research Council of the National Academies. Older dogs will require precisely 1333 calories a day. Also the ones that are spayed or neutered require lesser calories to prevent obesity. A young adult weighing 70-80 pounds & getting sufficient exercise would require 1876 Cal per day. A puppy would need about 1800 calories a day for its healthy growth.

Males can weigh between 75 to 100 pounds and their height is around 25 to 28 inches at the withers. Female Dobies weigh from 60 to 90 pounds and are slightly shorter compared to their male counterparts.

2) In Terms of Nutritional Requirements:

Protein intake: The breed requires food with higher protein content and its diet should comprise of 25% - 30% protein. When purchasing food for your active Dobie make sure the top two or three ingredients include meats such as whole chicken, lamb, beef or fish. Meat meal is also a good source of Protein. Completely avoid foods that compose of meat by products as main ingredients. This nutrient should be the main component of the product you wish to select for your canine. On the flip side a very high protein diet can make matters worse for this dog that is prone to kidney disease. This makes it important to get the veterinarian’s opinion on the matter. He/she will be able to determine the amount of Protein suitable for your pet in accordance with its weight & activity level.

Fats intake: Doberman’s diet must constitute 30% of fat. The food you select must comprise of omega3 & omega 6. Flaxseed oil, Chicken and Salmon oil are great sources of these essential fatty acids. The fat content in food will help the short-haired Dobie keep warm as well as keep its coat healthy & shiny. It has been seen that their short fur is susceptible to drying out.

Carbohydrates intake: Their diet must include 25% of complex carbohydrates that burn gradually. Sweet potatoes serve as an excellent source of carbs that are easily digestible and release energy slowly to keep your pup active for a longer time. The breed can also be offered good quality grains like brown rice. Since Doberman Pinschers can get afflicted with low blood sugar, carbs that burn steadily are ideal in avoiding blood sugar highs and lows.

Vitamins and Minerals intake: When opting for food for your adult pooch, make sure it comprises approximately 2% calcium. Calcium helps puppies develop strong bones. Vitamins and Minerals help strengthen the immune system and must form a total of 10% of your dog’s diet. Leafy green vegetables, carrots, green beans, pumpkin, etc offer dogs ideal amounts of vitamins, minerals, fibre and antioxidants.

3) In Terms of any Health-related Issues:

Hypothyroidism: If your pooch is suffering from this condition its best to avoid grains such as corn & wheat as well as red meat. Hypothyroidism can cause weight gain.

Bloat: Big deep-chested dogs are prone to this issue that can turn fatal. To avoid the build up of gases in the tummy offer your dog three or four small meals a day. Another way to reduce gas is to add wet meal to its dry food. Do not exercise the pet dog one hour prior to or after eating. The pooch must have access to drinking water at all times.

Wobbler’s Syndrome: A tiny percentage of this breed may suffer from this condition that commonly affects large dogs. This disease affects the spinal cord that causes the dog to lose balance, wobble and fall. Weight management must begin at a very young age to prevent this ailment from afflicting the dog later on in life. The pooch mustn’t be fed puppy food after six months of age. Weight gain should be a gradual process. It has also been suggested to avoid extra intake of calcium and phosphorus. When it comes to large & giant breed puppies supplemental minerals and vitamins are best avoided to prevent such problems from cropping up during middle age.

Optimum food for your Doberman:

Large breed puppy food focuses on lesser calories so that the pup grows steadily, since large dogs can grow very rapidly. Also the special calcium to phosphorus ratio leads to slow growth of bones. NutriSource, Royal Canin maxi junior and Holistic select are some good options for your large puppy. For an adult Doberman Pinscher you could consider dog food brands such as Taste of the Wild, Royal Canin maxi adult, Orijen, Canidae Life Stages, and Pedigree Professional.

The above guide is a great way to understand your Dobie’s dietary needs and how adjustments in food/nutrients can help tackle health issues. Feeding the right amount of premium quality food ensures your pet stays at an ideal weight and enjoys good health throughout its lifetime.