Joyful jesters, doting companions, and exceptional runners, an Italian Greyhound is a wonderful breed of dog to have by your side. Despite being small in stature and having fragile bones, these pups are known to run up to speeds of 25 miles an hour. They also have an extremely strong prey drive.
Sometimes people think this breed is malnourished, but in reality, a tucked-in tummy is a common characteristic. The best dog food for Italian Greyhounds has minimal carbohydrates, maximum protein, and is packed full of fruit and vegetables. This breed is known to be sensitive eaters so it is even more important to find the best dog food brand for your dog.
About Italian Greyhounds
History
This breed dates back over 2000 years to a time when the Roman Empire occupied the Mediterranean. It is supposed Italian Greyhounds were originally bred in what we now refer to as Greece and Turkey. Having an Italian Greyhound as a pet was a symbol of status among the wealthy and aristocrats in Renaissance Italy. There are many popular figures in history that owned Italian Greyhounds such as Queen Victoria, Anne of Denmark, and Catharine the Great.
The American Kennel Club recognized this breed in 1886. In Europe, the breed was almost completely wiped out following World War I and World War II. However, American breeders helped repopulate the Italian Greyhound following the wars.
Physical Appearance
The Greyhound Italian is the smallest of all Gazehounds, and is commonly referred to as Sighthounds. They look similar to a Greyhound dog, but are overall smaller and more slender. Their heads and muzzle are narrow and long, tapering at their dark nose. These pups have long slender legs which can appear fragile. The back is curved with tall hindquarters and they carry their skinny tail low.
Typically they measure between 13 and 15 inches and weigh between 7 pounds and 14 pounds. People frequently think Italian Greyhounds are malnourished and starving but the breed is known to have a tucked-in stomach.
This breed has short, glossy fur that is soft to the touch. Italian Greyhounds have a wide variety of markings and colors. Their fur can be white, black, chocolate, blue, fawn, orange or red. Because they are a low fat breed, your pet will require extra care in the winter, so remember to bundle them up in a sweater or stay inside in extremely cold temperatures.
Demeanor
If you are looking for an active companion, an Italian Greyhound is a wonderful option. This breed constantly wants human attention. They can become extremely high energy and destructive, or very shy and timid, if these pups are not constantly interacting with their owners.
As previously mentioned, these dogs are fast runners, reaching up to 25 miles per hour. They always have lots of energy and love to run and leap. Despite being a smaller dog, an Italian Greyhound’s bark is typically described as a true bark, and not a ‘yap’ or ‘yip.’
Nutritional Requirements
The Italian Greyhound breed is known to have a lot of sensitivities to food. On top of that, people tend to overfeed them to make the dog look less skinny - which is a completely normal breed characteristic. This leads to having an obese dog, which is especially dangerous for Italian Greyhounds because of their petite bones and delicate frame.
Due to their high energy levels it is key to feed Italian Greyhounds dog food that is high in protein and contains ingredients that naturally provide vitamins and minerals, like vegetables and fruit.
In addition, because of their stomach sensitivities, dog foods with digestible proteins, like eggs, are great additions to their diet.
Adult
Adult Italian Greyhound dogs require between 400 and 450 calories per day. If your pet is extremely active you will want to consider feeding them up to 700 calories per day.
Protein content in their food is key for these adult dogs. Remember that treats should account for up to 10% of a dog's daily calorie consumption.
Senior
It is well known that senior Italian Greyhounds tend to lose their appetite. You may need to try different food brands and protein types until you find one your senior dog will eat. Taste is important and will motivate them to consume those much-needed calories.
These pups in their prime years require between 350 and 400 daily calories.
How to feed an Italian Greyhound puppy
Italian Greyhound puppies grow extremely fast and their nutritional requirements can change on a weekly basis. It is important to establish the right amount of calories with your vet, which will establish a baseline.
Every week you will want to factor in your pet’s weight and activity level to determine if there needs to be a calorie increase. A good rule to follow is, if after 15 minutes of feeding, if there is still food left in the bowl you have most likely given them too much.
A puppy will need anywhere between 300 and 500 calories.
Macronutrients: Proteins, Carbs, Fats Split
To ensure your dog eats the healthiest possible food, it is important to consider the macronutrient levels in dog food. The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) determines the appropriate percentage of proteins, carbs, and fat that should be found in dog food.
The recommended macronutrient levels for an Italian Greyhound are:
This breed has a low fat threshold and naturally look skinny, so feeding them ‘filler’ food ingredients, like corn, will cause health problems. It has been noted that these dogs are usually very sensitive to grains, so a grain-free dog food is recommended.
Always keep an eye out for natural ingredients, like fruits and vegetables, which provide high levels of vitamins and minerals and help boost your dog’s immune system.
Common Health Problems
An Italian Greyhound typically has a long lifespan of 14 to 15 years.
Common health problems this breed experiences include dental disease, eye disease, bone fractures or breaks, and pancreatitis. For all of these issues, there are food remedies that help mitigate and proactively reduce the chances of your pet experiencing one of these maladies.
Dental Diseases
This breed is one of many that are prone to suffering from dental diseases, the most common being gum infections. This is a direct result of their long muzzle, tight lips, and tendency to have a dry mouth.
To combat the build-up of tartar and plaque, feed your dog hard kibble, as it will force them to use their back teeth to chew the food. While chew toys will help the situation, it is very important to brush this breed’s teeth daily. It can be a lot of work, but once you establish a routine, your pup will love the extra attention they get!
Eye Diseases
In addition to dental diseases, this breed is also susceptible to eye diseases, such as glaucoma. If you notice your pup is experiencing goopy eyes, has red in the white part of their eyes, or is running into furniture or walls, it is recommended to take them to your vet. Left untreated, glaucoma can lead to blindness.
To help combat eye-related illnesses, the best dog foods will have broccoli, kale, fish, and/or blueberries as ingredients.
Fractured or Broken Bones
Because of their small stature, these pups are prone to experiencing fractured or broken bones. When choosing dog foods, look for food that includes calcium, Vitamin C, glucosamine, and chondroitin. All of these ingredients will help keep your pet’s bones and joint healthy and strong.
Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis is another common health issue attributed to this breed. If you notice your dog having abdominal pain, vomiting, or constantly in a fetal position, you will want to ask your vet to perform an examination for pancreatitis. T
he best way to combat this health problem is by reducing or eliminating fatty foods from your dog’s diet. The best dog foods will offer high levels of fiber and nutrients, both of which are found in fruits and vegetables.
Recommendations for the Best Food for Italian Greyhounds
1. Member’s Mark Exceed Grain-Free Dry Dog Food, Wild Caught Salmon and Pea Recipe
Member’s Mark’s Wild Caught Salmon and Pea Recipe is an excellent choice of dog food for your Italian Greyhound. The first ingredient is wild caught salmon, which is an excellent lean protein. The fatty acids will contribute to a healthy coat, strong vision, and increased brain function.
Other ingredients in this food include peas and beets, which help with digestion and also provide vitamins and minerals to keep your dog’s immune system strong. It contains chickpeas which is a complex carbohydrate that will keep your dog full for longer.
This dog food contains no artificial colors, flavors, by-product meals, soy, wheat, or corn. Lastly, people rave that their dogs love the flavor of the Wild Caught Salmon and Pea Recipe, so this is a great dry dog food to try with your senior Italian Greyhound that may be losing their appetite.
Your dog will love the taste of Rachael Ray Nutrish’s grain-free Beef, Potato, and Bison Recipe. The protein in this dry dog food from the beef contributes to healthy organs and provides your dog energy. Meanwhile, the lean bison contains essential amino-acids that help build and maintain strong muscle mass.
Ingredients like potatoes, peas, and beet pulp assist with easy digestion. The flaxseed in this food will help ensure your dog’s coat stays shiny and strong.
This brand of dog food contains no gluten, no grains, and no filler ingredients. The food is also free of artificial colors and flavors.
The unique proteins, plus having no poultry ingredients whatsoever, makes this food friendly for dogs with allergies or sensitive stomachs. Plus, the high number of ingredients in this dog food that aid with the digestive system make this a great option for an adult Italian Greyhound.
Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredients line of dry dog food is another excellent option for Italian Greyhounds with sensitive stomachs. This dog food contains no chicken, beef, soy, wheat, dairy, corn, or eggs.
So what does it include? Deboned turkey is its number one ingredient, which helps maintain strong muscle mass. It is also a lean source of protein which means it will keep your dog fueled with energy all day long, but does not contain high levels of fat and carbohydrates.
Two ingredients in this dog food that are very important for an Italian Greyhound are pumpkin and pea fiber. Both of these ingredients help with digestion.
In addition, Blue Buffalo foods always contain Lifesource Bits which are packed full of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Your puppy will get all of the nutrients required from Nature's Chicken, Sweet Potato, and Pumpkin Recipe. The pumpkin and sweet potato provide grain-free alternatives that will keep your dog full and are nutrient-dense. The chicken will ensure their muscle mass is maintained and stays strong.
It contains no soy, no artificial flavors or preservatives. The calcium levels in this dog food are wonderful for this breed, as it will keep their bones strong. The sweet potato will help ensure their vision stays strong and provides fiber to their diet.
Plus, kibble is specifically shaped for small dogs, ensuring they can properly chew and digest this delicious food.
Conclusion
There are quite a few dog food brands on the market that are appropriate for this breed, with lots of protein, vegetables, and fruit. Complex carbohydrates are also important
Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredients, Grain-Free, Turkey and Potato Recipe is the best dog food for Italian Greyhounds. This dry dog food provides your pup with a healthy lean protein, and contains high levels of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Plus, the food contains ingredients that aid with digestion. Your dog will love the taste and it will keep them healthy throughout their entire life.
An Italian Greyhound dog makes an excellent active companion that will always want your attention. They may be small but they are speedy and require food with lots of protein to maintain their energy level. Try a lure course to see how fast they can really go!
