If not regulated your typical Manchester Terrier would eat much more
than needed to maintain its optimal weight. My Manchesters are fed a
carefully measured amount of food. Adults eat twice a day and puppies
need three meals daily until they are around six months old. Feeding
at the same time everyday to establish a routine or schedule. I always
feed my dogs in their crate to avoid any competition and also to
monitor their intake. That way I am aware if there is any change in
appetite and possible illness in beginning stages. The recommended
amounts must be adjusted to meet you own dogs daily activity level. A
couch potato definitely needs less food than a dog that is more
active. Just as growing puppies need more food than they will as an
adult. Make sure that you keep your Manchester on the leaner side,
they should have a waistline; not be shaped like a sausage. The worst
thing you can do for your dog is to over feed it. Obesity among our
canine friends is the number one cause of disease and ill health. Yes,
you can certainly shorten your animal friends life by overfeeding and
allowing it to become fat. So do keep that in mind when giving in to
those sad begging eyes, your dog will be rewarded with a long and
healthy life.
What to Feed
We use and recommend a premium dry dog food called "Pro Plan Brand
sensitive skin & stomach" made by Purina for all my breeding and show
dogs. Another brand that I have recently tried and am very impressed
with is, "Artemis" All life stage formula. I find it agrees well with
my Manchesters and keeps them in nice condition with the addition of
some of the following. Raw beef marrowbones, or knuckle bones, sold as
soup bones in the grocery store, given twice a month or so. My guys
will occasionally get small bits of fresh fruit, apples, bananas,
melon, also veggies like raw carrots, celery, and broccoli. As a treat
I will add a little can tuna juice to dry kibble. Maybe once a month I
will buy a can of human grade sardines in oil or mackerel and give
each dog a small portion instead of their regular meal. I believe in
variety in my dogs diet, and keep my treats and supplements to around
the 10% level, with 90% of the diet coming from a quality dog kibble.
Amounts To Feed
I will normally add a small amount of warm water (2 tablespoons) to
the dry kibble just before serving, that way they will get a nice warm
meal. I will add a spoonful of a premium quality all natural canned
food mixed with the dry kibble, to encourage picky eaters or to help
put and keep weight on thin dogs or dogs under stress.
PUPPIES
start out with about 1/4 cup of dry kibble three times daily,
increase to 1/3 cup or more as puppy grows, or until six months of
age. Then change to a twice daily schedule.
ADULTS
between 1/3 cup - 1 cup dry kibble twice daily according to
weight and energy level. Increase or decrease as needed to keep dog
in good condition.
Information on Artemis Pet
Food is available at their website.
Do feel free to contact us with any questions or problems you may
encounter concerning nutrition. We have had Manchesters in our lives
now for over 20 years and have learned what foods seem to make them
thrive.
