My Scottie's Diet
My Scotties come running when they hear "DINNER"
Feeding is a controversial area. I didn't know if I wanted to risk talking about this important area of care. However I have found that new puppy owners are taking their duty of care with their new puppies very seriously and like to be guided by their puppy's breeder. So I have decided to simply share information about what I do (As this changes all the time it is best to contact directly, I am always happy to talk).
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Ideas about feeding change as we learn more about nutrition, and as information comes to hand about possible harmful ingredients. Keep in mind that there are different beliefs about what is best for our dogs. Sometimes those beliefs are influenced by manufacturers, retailers and even health care professionals who are motivated by profit.
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​I believe in feeding a raw meat and bone diet balanced with a small amount of various vegetables, offal meats and grain. Because I am into natural and homemade things I dehydrate my own slices of chicken breast, chicken livers, hearts and giblets as treats for my dogs, rather than buying commercial, highly processed treats that often contain unnecessary sugars or salts. And guess what..... it's cheaper! Dehydrators can be purchased for around $40 and they pay for themself in no time. You can also dry chicken livers in the oven quite successfully.
Green lipped mussels are also a great source of omega 3s to guard against inflammation caused by excess omega 6 fats. They to, can be dehydrated easily providing a great healthy snack.
Feeding a completely raw meat and bone diet can be easily managed. You will need to source your meat thoughtfully. I do not recommend meats from pet food suppliers, as they often contain large amounts of preservatives added to mask rancid meats. Remember that Pet meats are not regulated in Australia. Therefore, pet meat companies are free to add whatever preservatives they deem necessary to make their products seem fresh. I have always been able to buy fresh Turkey meat, Turkey necks, whole chicken, drumsticks, wings and frames and human grade red meats from supermarkets and Butchers quite reasonably. Scotties are essentially omnivores, so to provide a balance diet, raw meat and bone should be accompanied by some fruit, veggies and grain (yes grain). Fish also provides important omega 3s to balance dietary fats. Does all this sound too hard? A little room in your freezer can make feeding very simple.
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My Scotties each consume around 200 to 230g of human grade meat each day, and to ensure that they receive the correct amount of calcium they have around 100g to 150g of bone dense meat (chicken frames and turkey necks are a good choice because they do not have skin).
Because Scotties on a raw diet also need plants, offal meats and grain to balance their diet and provide optimal nutrition it is recommended to include 10% fruit and vegetables, 10% offal meats and 10% grain. Yes! grain.
Is all this sounding overwhelming? Don't worry, I am going to break it right down for you.
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Here is a simple recipe for 6 days supply of balanced raw food diet for one Scottie
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Meat:
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1kg Meat (My favourites are diced beef, diced chicken, turkey mince, and fish)
Other Ingredients:
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100g Offal (My favourites are chicken hearts, livers, kidney or brain)
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100g Fruit and Veg (My favourites are Kale, carrots, celery, zucchini, Brussels, broccoli, parsley, pumpkin, green apple, blueberries)
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100g Grain (My favourite is cooked pearl barley)
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Method:
Prepare 500g of cooked grain. Both barley and rice are nutritious grains for dogs, but pearl barley offers more fibre and protein for digestion and muscle health. Pearl Barley provides B vitamins, and minerals like selenium, manganese, phosphorus, and zinc. Rice may be better for dogs with gluten sensitivities, however I have not personally come across any Scotties that seem sensitive to gluten.
Rough rule of thumb here, if you are cooking barley or rice at 1:1 or 1:1.25 water, simply take one cup of grain and 1 cup or a little more of water, cook and cool. (I use a pressure cooker for this, but you can also steam or even boil your grain), set aside to cool.
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Prepare 500g Plant (Keep in mind that dogs have a very short digestive tract. This does not allow them sufficient time to digest raw plant nutrients effectively. The way we help them with this is to steam the veggies OR start the breakdown process before feeding by processing the plant matter). Take your veggies and fruit and place in a food processor or Thermomix or similar and finely chop or pulp. For example, I would choose 100g of carrot, 100g of zucchini, 100g green apple, 100g celery, 100g blueberries, and pulp.
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Prepare 500g of Offal meat. I choose a different Offal meat each time. For example this week liver. Take 500g of Liver and finely chop or pulp to a consistency that can be easily distributed through the meat.
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Once cooled mix these three components together. Let's call this mixture Other Ingredients mix. This amount is enough to add to 5kg of meat. Therefore divide this Other Ingredients mix into 5 portions x 300g each.
So for each 1kg of meat, take one 300g portion of the Other Ingredients mix, and combine evenly.
You now have 6 days of a balanced raw food diet for your Scottie, plus 4 more portions of the Other Ingredients mix. Freeze your excess Other Ingredients mix ready for next time.
For one Scottie, you can now divide your balanced raw meat diet into 6 x 200g portions, freeze and thaw as needed.
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Ah! But where is the bone you ask?
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​Scotties are a big dog in a little body. Little body means small stomach size, therefore an adult Scottie should eat twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening. My Scotties have the raw meat, offal, veggies and grain mix (described above), for their breakfast. Regularly I change around vegetables and add things like raw egg yolk or whole fish, even sardines. Then for evening their meal they have 100g to 150g chicken carcass or turkey necks to make sure they are getting sufficient calcium from the bones, mental stimulation from chewing and a heathy and cleansing workout for their teeth and gums.
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Bones must never be cooked.
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It is also important not to allow Scotties to graze all day long. Having continual access to food leads to obesity and all the related health problems that go along with that.
Chicken necks can be okay for puppies, however you will find that around eight months of age, a developing Scottie will swallow chicken necks whole. They may still get calcium from swallowed bones whole but they miss out on all the other benefits associated with raw bones.
Ripping into a nice big bone is one of the best activities your Scottie can do! It’s a great muscle-building activity building a strong neck and spine. In fact, if you watch your Scottie work on a big bone, you can see they are working their whole body!
Bones are also nature’s toothbrush … chewing removes plaque and tartar from teeth and freshens breath.
But don’t grab any old bone. The type of bone you give your Scottie matters …
You need to choose bones appropriate for Scotties.
Brisket bones are a good choice. They are not too hard like many weight bearing bones (which may crack teeth).
I look for (or ask the butcher to cut) pieces of brisket bones that are between the size of a golf ball and a tennis ball.
I also prefer sections of kangaroo tail - another softer bone that Scotties manage easily.
If I can't get these I often buy chicken carcasses or frames or Turkey necks. These are good choices because they do not have skin and they are managed quite well by Scotties (they are also readily available from supermarkets).
(Turkey necks can be quite large, I tend to cut them in half)
I do understand that convenience is part of our decision making process in today's busy lifestyles. Feeding a natural raw diet does require some planning, sourcing and preparation. If you have a freezer then it won't be too bad. I strive to make feeding as uncomplicated as possible. For example, my local supermarket sells bags of fresh chicken frames nd turkey necks. I buy them, bring them home and freeze them individually to ensure they stay fresh. I sometimes feed them completely frozen to my Scotties. It is like having a chicken icy-pole. It ensures they always have fresh human grade chicken or turkey, it provides excellent balance of protein and calcium and chomping on frozen meaty bones provides excellent dental hygiene and exercise for the jaws. And guess what? They love em! and it's easy...!
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​My local supermarket is now selling containers of fresh chicken hearts, livers and giblets. These are easily added fresh to daily meals or dehydrated or baked in the oven for treats.
Cans of sardines in spring water are also readily available in supermarkets. I add them to my Scotties breakfast once or twice a week (Take care with sardines for puppies under 6 mths as they can be a little too rich and may cause loose poops).
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Veggies... best organic home grown veggies! In a perfect world achievable. I just buy veggies from the supermarket and I will often use frozen blueberries. I try to provide fresh veggies, but I understand that modern busy lives make that a little less achievable. I think frozen veggies from the supermarket are a nutritious alternative and most importantly, they are easy, clean and convenient.
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​I have been following this feeding regime for a long time. I also monitor my Scotties health and wellbeing very closely. I have noticed significant benefits to this diet that should not be ignored. Scotties do very well on this diet. They are full of energy and vitality. They enjoy keen senses and mental clarity. Other benefits include, healthy lawns that are not dappled by burnt areas from urination. Scotties fed on a raw diet of mostly meat and bone, drink less, urinate less, and their urine is actually better for the environment. And guess what? They poop less, and poops stink less!
It seems obvious to me that a diet that is larger in volume going in, with smaller volume coming out, indicates that the system is effectively using the fuel that is being put in, rather than just passing it through. Dogs that eat a kibble diet poop more often, and poop bigger and stinkier poops. These observations indicate that my Scotties are getting more out of this diet than any dog gets out of artificial diets.
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You will be given a printed copy of your puppy's specific diet once your puppy reaches 6 weeks of age. It is important to continue to feed your new puppy the same diet that they have been eating until they are settled in with their new family and home. Once your new puppy seems confident and adventurous in their new environment, you can then gradually make changes to their diet that suit your lifestyle after that.
HOW MUCH to feed
Questions I am often asked include "HOW MUCH DO I FEED"? and "HOW OFTEN"? I think these are valid questions from new puppy owners and it shows your concern for the optimum wellbeing of your puppy! It is important to keep our dogs within a healthy weight range. An adult Scottie should weigh between 8kg to 10kg. So smaller Scotties will be at the 8kg end and larger Scotties will be at the 10kg end. There are other indicators of healthy weight range. A healthy Scottie should always have a very slight waistline.
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All dogs should consume 3% of their adult weight. Therefore, a Scottish Terrier should eat between 240g - 300g per day. I do not suggest that you have to weigh your dog's food every day but it is a good practice when you start out or when you are freezing meats in daily portions for example. It will also be necessary if your Scottie needs to lose or gain a little weight. (I have been breeding Scotties for 18 years now and I still weigh all their meals every day - that way I know I am feeding correctly and I can make small adjustments for those that are more active and require a little more and those less active that seem to need a little less). This way you will soon get to know the right amount. The amount will also depend on their activity level so if they are too thin and more active, feed more or if they are gaining too much or they are less active, cut back!
II have an adult male Scottie that eats 230g of human-grade red meat with a little veg and a couple of sardines every morning for breakfast. In the evening he has 1/2 a turkey neck or 100g to 150g chicken frame or brisket bone. This amount keeps him in perfect fettle. I have an adult bitch however, that only needs 180g of human-grade red meat, veggies and sardines for breakfast each day and 1/2 a turkey neck or 100g to 150g chicken frame or brisket bone in the evening. This amount seems to suit her size, activity level and metabolism. I have another adult bitch that is a little more active and she has 200g or human-grade red meat, veggies and sardines for breakfast and 1/2 a turkey neck or 100g to 150g chicken frame or brisket bone in the evening. So I hope this example will help! At your vet visit (if you ever need one), your vet will most likely inform you if they feel you are feeding too much. If your Scottie starts looking like a wombat you are probably over feeding. They should have a slight waist line and you should be able to count their ribs with your fingers.
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The 300g per day applies to all ages. Even your young puppy needs to consume this amount. It is only because puppies have a much smaller tummy that we divide their 300g meal into 4 smaller portions a day to begin with. This makes it easier for puppy to digest smaller amounts and feeding at regular intervals throughout the day also means that puppy is receiving an even energy intake to support healthy growth and development.
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Puppy's meal size can be increased and the frequency of feeding reduced as they grow. So until your puppy reaches 4 month of age they should be eating 4 times a day, from 4 months to 8 months they can go to 3 times a day which is the best for active small to medium breeds. By 9 months your Scottie can go to two meals a day. I believe that larger breeds can manage one meal a day.
HOW OFTEN to feed
Fasting is natural to a dog’s physiology. Some dogs will naturally fast themselves, which usually distresses their owners. This is unlikely for Scotties, but sometimes they skip a meal here and there, this is nothing to worry about. Sometimes they may be experiencing minor digestive upset which they take in their stride. Fasting mimics what would happen in nature and it gives the digestive system a break. So don’t fret if your dog doesn’t eat for a day. Some experts even recommend fasting dogs one day a week, perhaps just giving them a recreational bone to gnaw on that day. If your Scottie refuses meals they will always start eating within three days. If it persists beyond that, you need to seek medical advice.
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I feed twice a day. Human-grade meats, fruits, veggies, offal meats and grains for breakfast and 1/2 a turkey neck or 100g to 150g chicken frame or brisket bone for tea.
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Dogs are omnivores and are built for periods of gorging and fasting. Not grazing all day like a cow. The majority of their immune function is performed in the gut. If their digestive system is continually working, which is the case with grazing or leaving food available all the time, there is no time for maintenance and their immune system may suffer. So feed intermittently, separate meal times. Remove uneaten portions after 5 minutes. Sometimes you can even turn your Scottie out with a nice meaty bone to chew on, instead of breakfast.
SUPLEMENTS
Apple Cider Vinegar added to your dog's food or water bowel adds acidity to your dog's blood which makes them less appealing to ticks, fleas and worms. Acidity also guards against bacteria and yeast infections.... no more ear infections!
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(RDI for your Scottie 1/2 tsp per day)
Bone Broth is good for whatever ails your dog! It supports healthy joints. It super amazing amounts of natural glucosamine, it's also packed with other joint protecting compounds like chondroitin and hyaluronic acid. It helps the liver to detox. It also promotes a healthy gut and has loads of calcium. Make some today! I put 6 or 8 chicken drumsticks or 2 or 3 carcasses in a slow cooker overnight. Once you have cooked, cool and strain liquid and refrigerate. you will find that when cold it will have a jelly like consistency and you can pour a little over your Scottie's meals.
Garlic is a healthy addition to your dog's diet as long as you don't over do! It is antibiotic, prebiotic, antifungual and antiparasitic. It supports beneficial bacteria in the digestive tract and eliminates harmful bacteria. It guards against fleas, ticks and worms. It prevents the formation of blood clots, decreases cholesterol build up, widens blood vessels and helps prevent the formation of tumours. It stimulates the lymphatic system to remove wastes. A small amount can be added to the Other Ingredients mix
(RDI 1/4 clove per day)
​Do not give garlic under 12mths of age.
Pumpkin seeds are amazing for your Scottie! Use them to eliminate worms. I can definitely attest to the effectiveness of raw, pumpkin seeds as a parasitic treatment on both humans and Scotties. They have been used to cure kidney ailments and urinary problems. They are an effective deworming agent against tapeworms and other intestinal parasites. They are loaded with protein, amino acids, fibre, iron, copper, phosphorus, magnesium, calcium, zinc, potassium, folic acid and niacin, all important nutrients for your dog's overall good health.
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They can be fed whole as a treat. Don't feed them the salted type from the grocery store, find some raw pepitas instead. If your dog doesn't enjoy them as a treat you can grind them in a coffee grinder or a magic bullet or a thermomix and add them to their meals. A small amount can be added to the Other Ingredients mix
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To eliminate worms (RDI for your Scottie, 2 tsp once or twice a day until they are rid of the parasites)
Parsley is more than just a breath freshener! It is packed with chlorophyll which improves digestion. Chlorophyll increases oxygen utilisation in your dog's body. It also breaks down calcium oxalate stones in the bladder. Importantly, chlorophyll reduces the ability of carcinogens to bind with DNA in the liver and other organs. Dogs have the right idea when they eat grass, but the sad truth is that they do this because they have no other source of green plants. So give them parsley!
Parsley can definitely be added to the Other Ingredients mix
Oats have many benefits for our Scotties health. They are anti-inflammatory and calming so add a sprinkle daily. Not only are oats a good source of protein, they provide soluble fibre, iron, manganese, zinc, B vitamins and Folate. Oats act as a great nerve tonic. They benefit the skin, nervous system, stomach, spleen, lungs, urinary and reproductive systems. They can also be added to the Other Ingredients mix
EGGS
Eggs are best whole and raw!
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When feeding your dog eggs on a regular basis, simply make sure they get the whole egg, not just the white. Eggs do contain salmonella but dogs are well equipped to handle the bacteria in raw foods.
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If you give your dog eggs with the shell on, they are a nearly complete food. It is especially a great idea to feed eggs shell and all as the shells can provide lots of calcium especially good for dogs that struggle with eating bones. It is recommended to dry the shells out and grind them into a powder and sprinkle the powder on your dog’s food (my scotties did not like this and refused food laced with ground egg shells..... I guess just try and see, don't add to much!). Eggs are cheap, available and they provide an excellent source of nutrition for your dog. The health benefits of eggs certainly outweigh the risks – and feeding eggs whole, the way nature intended, goes a long way to counteract harmful imbalances.
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Try feeding your Scotties an egg or two per week and you’ll see better health, inside and out.
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Some people believe that eggs are too high in cholesterol and they pose a risk of salmonella. This is simply not true! Eggs are affordable and a safe source of raw food for your dog, they are one of the most complete and nutritious meals you can choose! Eggs are an important source of nutrition and are also one of the most complete sources of amino acids, the building blocks of protein. They are a good source of: Vitamin A, Riboflavin, Folate, Vitamin B12, Iron, Selenium and Fatty Acids.
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​Egg whites also contain enzyme inhibitors which can interfere with digestion but that just means that eggs should not be the mainstay of the diet. It is perfectly safe to feed a couple of eggs a week to the average dog. If you don’t see evidence of digestive upset when feeding eggs to dogs, then they should have no trouble if eggs are a regular part of their diet.
From 7 weeks of age a Scottie can manage a raw chicken drumstick and love it! They may leave the very middle bone segment which can be taken away until they are old enough to devour the lot!
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I do not claim that the diet I provide for my dogs is what everyone should feed. It is what I am feeding my Scottish Terriers and I have included it on my website as an example to help you get started if you want to offer a real food diet to your Scottie.
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Please visit Calanclan Blogs and check out 'Paw Prints On Our Hearts' ... PODCASTS, for new ideas and shared discoveries from other breeders... we never stop learning!
