Nutrition plays a huge role in the health and wellness of any dog, but especially the whippet.
Maybe you've been wondering whether or not you are feeding your whippet the best dog food. Or maybe you are planning ahead for your future dog. Either way, you've come to the right place!
Here we'll discuss all about the best dog food for whippets.
First, let's talk whippet
The whippet is one of the most versatile dog breeds. Originally bred to chase after rabbits, the whippet remains one of the fastest of all the dog breeds.
Even their name sounds fast: whippet!
Whippets were born to run.
Although whippets are still used for their original purpose, they have since become jogging partners and have taken on numerous dog sports. Today, you can find whippets excelling at flyball, lure coursing, agility, dock diving, and more.
But don't be fooled; the whippet is more than happy to snuggle up next to you on the couch, or take to a steady heel in obedience and rally.
Even though whippets are born sprinters, they just as easily have an "off switch" that allows them to settle down and relax throughout the day.
Whippets are fantastic family dogs that have a quiet, gentle nature despite their drive to chase.
As with all sighthounds, whippets will likely run after small animals, but should never display aggressive qualities.
Whippets are more than happy to be a couch potato at the end of the day, as long as they've had some exercise or play sessions to burn off some energy.
In essence, the whippet is in many ways, the perfect family dog.
Whippet diet and nutrient requirements
Whippets do best with a high quality balanced food made with a meat protein as the first ingredient.
Nutrient requirements for all dogs are set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials aka AAFCO. AAFCO has set strict minimum and/or maximum nutrient levels for all dogs.
Not every dog food meets AAFCO guidelines. It is important to look at the labels on the bag of dog food or treats before buying.
Why are AAFCO guidelines important when considering what kind of dog food for whippets is best?
AAFCO nutrient requirements set standards for dog food. These standards guide the dog food company on how much of each ingredient should be in that dog food, in order to prevent a dog from having a toxicity (overdosing) or a deficiency (underdosing) of vitamins and minerals, amino acids, and others.
For example, too much vitamin D, or a poorly balanced dog food that contains high concentrations of fatty fish, eggs, liver, or milk (that naturally contain higher vitamin D), can be a real problem.
Vitamin D toxicity leads to an abnormal balance of calcium and phosphorus, which can cause death.
Among the nearly 40 dog food nutrients that AAFCO provides guidance on, these nutrient levels are typically measured in a laboratory setting by analyzing the specific content of the dog food.
The best food for adult dog maintenance is going to contain a minimum of 18% crude protein, minimum of 5% crude fat, not more than 0.3% magnesium, and at least 0.6% potassium, for example. You may also see fiber, moisture, and other percentages listed, which will vary for wet and dry dog food.
The best food for whippets should meet AAFCO requirements.
Thankfully, you don't need to remember all of the specifics of what your dog needs. You should make sure, however, that the dog food you are buying has a statement on the bag that says it meets AAFCO requirements.
The best whippet food is going to have an optimal protein-to-fat ratio, which is crucial for maintaining your dog's ideal body condition. They require a higher level of protein than some dog foods offer.
Whippets need to maintain the ability to reach high speeds very quickly, zig-zag, and turn on a dime. This activity takes a toll on their joints, muscles, and organ systems. Proper intake of critical macronutrients will help with their stamina and recovery.
The following percentages of macronutrients are ideal for an active, adult whippet:
It is critical to note that the protein and fat ranges should be divided together.
The ideal protein:fat ratio for active adult dogs is 1.3 to 1.7. For example, a diet with 30% protein and 20% fat would equate to 30/20= 1.5 which is in the acceptable range.
The amount of calories your whippet should consume will vary.
Senior whippets, adults, and puppies all require a different amount of calories. Not to mention, the amount of activity your whippet is getting on a daily or weekly basis is going to change how many calories they should be eating.
Whether or not your whippet is spayed or neutered, the number of treats they get, and their current size or weight will also influence how many calories they should take in.
Older dogs will probably need less than this, and pregnant or breeding dogs will likely need more than this.
The key is to adjust how much you feed your whippet based on if they are losing or gaining weight with your current amount.
Some have said that whippets, among other sighthounds, tend to be resistant to becoming overweight or obese. Although whippets are less prone to developing obesity, you still need to keep a close eye on how much they are eating and feed more or less.
Common health problems with whippets
Whippet owners should be aware of the potential health issues that whippets can have. Though we want to keep our pets as healthy as possible, most dog breeds are genetically predisposed to certain conditions.
The whippet is no exception.
Common health problems don't mean your whippet necessarily will get these diseases or conditions, but they could. Screening tests are available for some of these health issues.
So what common health problems in whippets should you be aware of?
- Joint/bone problems (hip dysplasia, fractures)
- Eye problems (hereditary cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy, and primary lens luxation)
- Heart problems (mitral valve insufficiency)
- Cancer (canine cutaneous histiocytoma, hemangiosarcoma, and lymphoma)
- Skin problems (allergies to food or environmental triggers, hair loss, low thyroid hormone)
What foods or ingredients can help with these health problems?
Thankfully, since dog food is so important for a pup's health and wellness, we can pick out some specific ingredients that can reduce or delay onset of some of these health issues.
For example, a proper balance of vitamins and minerals can prevent brittle bones, and glucosamine can help strengthen joints and prevent arthritis. Other supplements like chondroitin and green-lipped mussel can also be added to your dog's diet to help improve their joint health.
Antioxidants and fatty acid supplements do wonders against heart disease, cancer, and the immune system. DHA and EPA may decrease inflammation and your risk of chronic diseases, such as heart disease
Trying novel proteins, novel grains, or switching to a grain free pet food (limited ingredient dog foods) are all options to help with skin allergies that are due to food. Additionally, essential fatty acids like Omega-3 and Omega-6 help improve skin, hair, and overall coat condition.
Sweet potatoes are easy to digest and provide vitamins and minerals such as vitamin A, C, B6, potassium, calcium, and iron. Other fruits and vegetables in food for dogs provide supportive nutrients.
Are whippets picky eaters?
Not all whippets are picky eaters, but a few are. Some dogs never have a problem gobbling down their meals, while others prefer more variety.
The more table scraps and handouts a whippet gets, the more likely they will be a picky eater.
So avoid giving your dog too many handouts. Instead, if they seem to be getting bored of their current food, try changing to a new flavor within the same brand, or alternating flavors.
Use meal toppers, bone or chicken or beef broths, and sauces on top of their normal food to entice them as well.
As always, if your veterinarian has your dog on a special diet such as a prescription food, please discuss with them before switching foods or adding in new ingredients to avoid making medical conditions worse, such as bladder stones, allergies, or kidney disease.
How much food should a whippet eat per day?
The most important thing to remember when feeding your whippet is to not overfeed him/her.
A fat whippet dog will be more prone to joint problems, diabetes, and other health issues.
As we've already mentioned, whippets are meant to be lean, sleek, and muscular. In fact, most people would probably consider them a little 'skinny', as they are used to seeing pudgier pooches when out and about.
But a nice tuck to their waist and minimal fat covering the ribs is really ideal for the whippet.
When considering weight, whippets that have been bred to the American Kennel Club's breed standard will typically weigh around 25-40 lbs.
Because there is such a wide range of the whippet's average weight, the best things to do to ensure your whippet is not overweight is to feed a high quality food, provide enough exercise, not overfeed, familiarize yourself with the canine body condition score chart, and schedule regular veterinary check-ups.
Follow this whippet feeding guide: a typical adult diet will provide 800 to 1500 calories (approximately 1 ½ to 2 1/2 cups of dry dog food) daily. The range takes into consideration the dog's age and weight, so the lower amount is for younger and smaller dogs.
Extremely active dogs will likely require over 2000 calories, while seniors closer to 1000 calories.
How much food should a whippet puppy eat per day?
Whichever whippet puppy food you choose, make sure it is of high quality ingredients so that you can set your puppy up for success.
Whippet puppies may appear gangly as they are growing, and to the non-whippet owner, even underfed. However, owners should follow a standard whippet growth chart to ensure their puppy is growing close to target.
Their growth will be determined by several factors, including genetics or how large their parents were (although there are always exceptions), diet, environment, and more.
When fully grown, adult males should reach 19-22 inches tall at the withers, and adult females should reach 18-21 inches tall (by American Kennel Club standards). Most medium breed puppies reach full height between 6 and 10 months old. Use this as your guideline for staying on track.
A typical whippet puppy diet will provide 200 to 600 calories (approximately 1/3 to 1 cup of dry puppy food) daily. The range takes into consideration the puppy's age and weight, so the lower amount is for younger and smaller puppies. You will need to slowly increase their food as they continue to grow.
4 of the best dog foods for whippets
Unfortunately, there is no whippet brand dog food. Royal Canin is one of several premium brands that formulate foods for specific breeds. They have not created food for your whippet, however.
Then how do you know what diets will provide your pup with the best care so that they can stay healthy for years to come?
Never fear!
We've tried to point out a few dog foods that check all the boxes on what a whippet needs. You may need to try one or several of them before you select the brand that your whippet likes the best.
1. Fromm Gold Nutritionals Adult Dry Dog Food
What sets this dry dog food above so many others is the perfect balance of good and wholesome foods like chicken, sweet potatoes, eggs, flaxseed, and carrots.
This Fromm dog food contains special ingredients such as probiotics to aid in healthy digestion, and salmon oil for healthy skin. Their protein sources are all sourced and manufactured within the United States.
Bonus: Fromm makes both a grain-free and puppy foods version to feed your whippet too!
Chicken is the number one ingredient in this dog food specifically formulated for dogs involved in a high level of activity, in sporting or working homes.
Pro Plan SPORT provides the perfect balance of protein and fat for your whippet's metabolism, at a 30%/20% split of ingredients.
Also comes in a grain free version, beef, or salmon versions!
Added glucosamine and EPA support mobility and healthy joints. This dog food is also rich in essential fatty acids and antioxidants for all of your whippet's immune system needs.
This food also comes in an ACTIVE formula which has less protein, at 26%. The slightly lower protein level is meant for dogs that receive everyday exercise such as walks, fetch, and playtime at the dog park or doggie daycare, but less than one involved in harder sports or competitions.
If your pup is sensitive to dog food that contains corn, wheat, and other grains, Blue Buffalo is a great choice for a grain free puppy or dog food.
Blue Buffalo avoids using poultry by-products or chicken meal as the main ingredients, which are a more processed form of the whole meat your whippet craves. These recipes are also free from soy ingredients and artificial flavors or preservatives.
Blue Buffalo has a wide variety of other limited ingredient puppy and dog food, called BLUE Basics, which do not contain any of the following ingredients: beef, eggs, chicken, corn, wheat, dairy, or soy. This food is a great grain free option for dogs that have food sensitivities while still meeting all nutritional requirements.
Raw feeding has benefits but some cons are that it can be time-consuming to prepare at home and expensive. If you're looking to feed your whippet a convenient raw diet, Stella & Chewy's is an excellent choice to save yourself from extra time in the kitchen.
Formulated for all life stages, including adults and puppies, their raw meals come in every meat protein under the sun: beef, goat, lamb, venison, chicken, salmon, turkey, rabbit, duck, and pork that are grass-fed, wild caught, or cage-free.
Perfect for your pup that has skin allergies, is a picky eater, or is aging! These patties can be fed as they are, and they can also be soaked in water before feeding to your dog.
The ingredients in these all-natural freeze-dried raw dinner patties have undergone minimal processing, include organ meats for balanced nutrition, and organic fruits and vegetables.
To top it off, Stella & Chewy's raw foods recipe is free of some ingredients such as peas, lentils, and potatoes. Plus it uses added taurine for heart health.
This brand also makes meal mixers, treats, and raw-coated kibble.
You'll easily be able to find your favorite dog food formula!
"Bone" appétit!
There you have it! Now you know all about the best dog food for whippets!
We've covered a lot of information about the whippet's diet and nutritional requirements, how to help combat common health problems with their food, which ingredients should be the first on the list (protein!), and the ins and outs of some of the absolute best dog food for whippet adults and puppies.
Your dog will thank you for picking out the very best foods.
Bon appétit!
