Fresh Food for Otterhounds
An old English breed, otterhounds were, as you might expect, originally bred to hunt otters. Weighing anywhere from 80 to 115 pounds, these are big, scruffy dogs, built for swimming. These friendly pups make great family companions provided they get ample, intense exercise–that means daily swimming or running, or enrollment in dog sports, instead of a few casual walks a day. An uncommon breed today, otterhounds are vocal dogs known to howl, and their sense of smell is exceptionally keen. Their shaggy coats should be brushed a couple of times a week, and their beards need brushing after they eat.
What’s the best dog food for otterhounds?
A diet of fresh food for your Otterhound is the best way to support their health and happiness — along with A LOT of exercise, regular vet care, and someone devoted enough to clean their beards after meals.
Why fresh is best for your Otterhounds
Highly processed kibble can contribute to many issues that can compromise your Otterhounds’s health. Recipes from The Farmer’s Dog are made with fresh, human-grade ingredients, steamed to retain nutrients, and pre-portioned to help maintain weight.
Feed Fresh TodayProtect joints
Otterhounds are prone to joint issues. Maintaining a lean body condition can help. And fresh food from The Farmer’s Dog contains Omega-3 fatty acids, proven to reduce inflammation and improve arthritis. Even if kibble contains these healthy fats, they can go rancid sitting on the shelf for long periods. Rancid fats don’t deliver the intended health benefits, and in fact can contribute to inflammation. Fresh food delivers these powerful nutrients intact to your otterhound.
Promote better digestion (and poops)
A fresh diet provides human-grade, highly digestible protein, which contributes to many facets of your otterhounds's health. It supports optimal muscle growth and maintenance and a strong heart. Another hallmark of a digestible diet is what we call “high quality poops.” Research shows that a digestible, bioavailable diet affects the quality and quantity of your dog’s poop—making it less voluminous, and less stinky, than their poop on a kibble diet!
Know what’s in the bowl
For otterhounds with dry and itchy skin, sensitive stomachs, or other signs of food allergies and sensitivities, it’s important to know exactly what you’re feeding—something that can be impossible with kibble, which often contains ingredients not listed on the bag. Allergies and intolerances to food are all too common and many dog owners notice symptoms clear up when they switch to fresh food.
Maintain a healthy weight
It’s critically important to avoid overfeeding any dog, big or small. Being even a little overweight can increase your otterhound's odds of developing a host of diseases like arthritis, diabetes, and even cancer. A fresh-food plan, tailored to your dog’s needs, and delivered in pre-portioned packs, makes weight maintenance easy.
Read more about dog food and Otterhounds
- Fatty Tumors In Dogs: What To Know And Do About Them
- Superfoods in Your Kitchen: Pumpkin Seeds for Dogs
- What Color Should My Dog’s Gums Be?
- Top 14 Fresh Snacks for Dogs