Salukis are among the oldest dog breeds, recognized for their graceful looks, quickness, and stamina. Now fuels his being with a diet common to the graceful breed of desert-hunting dogs from the Middle East. Also, if you have a puppy or an adult Saluki, their nutrition during those months is an important factor in their health. So in this guide, we will probably talk about the best diet for Salukis — what they can eat, how often they should be fed, and while what should be avoided.
Nutritional Needs
They are lean, athletic dogs with a very rapid metabolism, meaning they need quite a high protein, healthy fat balanced diet. Their beneficial requirements are:
- High & Bioavailability Protein for Muscle preservation & Energy (chicken, fish, lamb, turkey)
- Healthy fats to promote their coat and skin (omega-3, omega-6 fatty acids)
- Vitamins and minerals: for their immune system and bone health. They also have a delicate digestive system, so they should be fed high-quality and very digestible foods.
Feeding Adult Salukis
How Often Do Salukis Eat?
Adult Salukis thrive on two meals a day — one in the morning and one in the evening. They encountered digestive system issues or loss of weight after being fed only once a day due to their lean body structure.
What Is the Daily Food Intake of a Saluki?
The quantity of food needed varies with age, activity levels and metabolic rate, but an adult Saluki requires on average – 2 to 4 cups of high-quality dry food daily – in two meals (morning/evening)
Highly active Saluki dogs may need slightly more and less active Salukis may need less.
What Do Salukis Eat?
A Saluki diet needs to be every bit high-quality:
- Food Sources of Protein: Lean meats such as chicken, turkey, lamb, fish
- Healthier Carbs: Brown rice, quinoa, sweet potatoes
- Healthy Fats: Fish oil, olive oil, flax seeds
- Veggies: Carrots, green beans, spinach for vitamins A, C, and K Stay clear of cheap kibble with artificially based preservatives or overly processed food.
How Much Water Can Salukis Consume?
Water is important for Salukis especially because of their active personality. They must always have free, clean water available, and a typical adult Saluki will drink approximately:
- Daily water intake of 1 to 1.5 ounces per pound of body weight
In the scenario of hot weather or after practice, they may need a greater amount of water intake.
Can Salukis Drink Milk?
Some dogs tolerate milk, but Salukis are known for having sensitive stomachs, so dairy may be an issue. When introducing, be on the lookout for any signs of digestive upset, like farting or diarrhea. It’s better to limit milk and rather go for lactose-free options, such as goat’s milk, but in small amounts.
Feeding Saluki Puppies
How Much To Feed A Saluki Puppy? Since Saluki puppies grow rapidly, they need nutrient-rich food. The amount of food they eat is determined by their stage of growth:
- 8-12 weeks old: 2 to 3 cups a day — 3-6 months: 3 to 4 cups a day
- 6-12 months: 4 to 5 cups daily
How Many Times a Day Should You Feed Saluki Puppies?
Puppies, unlike adults, need more frequent meals to fuel growth:
- 8-12 weeks: 4 meals a day
- 3-6 months: 3 meals a day
- 6–12 months: 2 meals per day They can graduate to an adult feeding schedule of two meals a day by their first birthday.
How Many Ounces of Water for a Saluki Puppy?
Young puppies require additional water as their bodies grow and develop. An adult saluki should consume 1—2 cups of water per day. Ensure that there is clean water available at all times.
Is Milk Safe for a Saluki Puppy?
Puppies can also be lactose intolerant, just like adult Salukis. If giving milk, use lactose-free puppy-safe alternatives.
Best Foods for Salukis
Fruits Salukis Can Eat
Natural vitamins and antioxidants in fruits: Salukis can try them as a treat.
- Fruits safe to eat: Bananas, apples, mango, papaya, watermelon, pineapples, strawberries
- Don’t Give: Grapes (toxic to dogs), citrus fruit such as oranges (digestion problems)
What Vegetables Can Salukis Eat
Vegetables are rich in nutrients and fibers.
- Good vegetables: Carrots, corn, cucumber, spinach
- Do not feed: Onions and garlic (toxic to dogs)
Meats Salukis Can Eat
Salukis do well on high-protein diets, but be careful with certain types of meat:
- Safe meats: Deboned chicken, lamb, turkey, fish
- Not advised: Raw pork, cooked bones (they can splinter), extremely fatty cuts
Other Foods for Salukis
A few other foods can be added once in a while:
- Eggs: Prepared eggs are an excellent source of protein and vitamins
- Cheese: In moderation (low-lactose varieties are the most beneficial)
- Avoid: Chocolate, candy, and other artificial sweets (toxic to dogs)
Feeding Guidelines by Age
Here’s a straightforward guide for changing feeding practices:
- Puppies: 4-5 small food portions daily with high-calorie puppy food
- Young Adults (1-2 years): Adult dog food, 2 meals a day
- Adults (2-7 years): Well-balanced diet, maintaining nutritional needs
- Seniors (8+ years): Modify food for reduced energy levels, add joint-support supplements
Daily Caloric Requirements
Salukis generally require:
- Puppies: 1,200 – 1,600 calories daily
- Adults: 900 – 1,400 calories per day (varies with activity level)
- Senior Dogs: 800 – 1,200 calories a day (dependent on activity)
This breed can be easily underweight, so maintaining a healthy weight is paramount.
Avoid These Common Feeding Mistakes
When it comes to feeding a Saluki, you need to pay special attention to their dietary requirements. These are common mistakes that many owners make unknowingly, which can affect their health and energy levels.
1. Overfeeding or Underfeeding
Salukis are lean dogs, and both overfeeding and underfeeding can lead to issues. Overfeeding can cause them to become overweight and unhealthy while underfeeding can result in malnutrition and weakness. Follow age, weight, and activity level recommendations for portion sizes.
2. Feeding Low-Quality Kibble
Read the ingredient list for commercial dog foods as they often contain artificial additives and fillers with little nutritional value. Dog food should always be of the best quality available and use real meat as the dominant ingredient while steering clear of any with corn, soy, or by-products.
3. Sudden Diet Changes
A sudden change in food can upset a Saluki’s stomach, resulting in vomiting, diarrhea, or loss of appetite. When changing their diet to new food, transition slowly over 7-10 days to allow their digestive system to adjust.
4. Ignoring Food Allergies
Salukis have a tendency toward food sensitivities. Common allergens include:
- Grain-based fillers (corn, soy, wheat)
- Dairy products
- Artificial preservatives and dyes
Signs such as itchy skin, digestive upset, or lethargy should lead you to consider a hypoallergenic or limited-ingredient diet.
5. Giving Too Many Treats
Treats should not exceed 10% or less of their daily calorie intake. Do not share human snacks that include salt, sugar, or harmful substances like chocolate and xylitol. Instead, provide healthy treats like freeze-dried meat or crunchy vegetables.
Saluki Diet Supplements
Though a well-balanced diet is very important, some supplements can be great for a Saluki's overall health:
- Glucosamine & Chondroitin: Joint health support, crucial for older Salukis.
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Benefits coat condition and supports heart health.
- Probiotics: Helps with digestion, increases gut health.
- Vitamin E & C: Support immune function and reduce inflammation.
Consult with a veterinarian before adding supplements, as they can also assist in determining the proper dosage based on your dog’s individual needs.
Transitioning Your Saluki to a New Diet
If you’re transitioning your Saluki’s food, follow this gradual method to avoid digestive upset:
- Day 1-3: Start with 75% old food, 25% new food.
- Days 4-6: Transition to 50% old food and 50% new food.
- Days 7-9: Transition to 25% old food and 75% new food.
- Day 10+: Transition to 100% new food.
Be on the lookout for any digestive problems like diarrhea or loss of appetite during the transition. If complications arise, take the transition process slower.
Conclusion
The right diet is crucial in keeping a Saluki's health, energy levels, and general happiness. To thrive, these athletic and graceful canines need high-quality proteins, healthy fats, and digestible carbohydrates. With a balanced meal plan, feeding schedule, and avoidance of harmful foods, you can help your Saluki live a long and active life.
Be careful of their hydration needs, avoid common feeding mistakes, and take a gradual approach to introducing new foods. Whenever you are concerned about the diet of your Saluki, contact a veterinarian who can help customize his nutrition according to his needs.
Fed properly, your Saluki will be fit, healthy, and lively for many years.
