Frequently asked questions.
   

    My dog is now 7 years old, does she need to switch to a senior diet?

I have a 3-year-old Irish Setter but I cannot get her to put on any weight.

Why should I feed a flaked food?
 


My dog is very overweight..
Obesity is the most commonly occurring nutritional problem seen in dogs - between one third and a half of all dogs in this country is thought to be overweight. You are quite right to want to help your dog - the overweight dog is far more prone to arthritis, heart disease, breathing difficulties, diabetes mellitus, reduced liver function, reduced resistance to disease and, almost certainly, a shorter life expectancy.

A dog of any breed can, of course, suffer from obesity, but some breeds are more prone to weight problems than others - Cocker Spaniels, Labradors Retrievers, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and Daschunds are frequently overweight. The reason for obesity in the majority of cases is very simple: more calories are taken into the body than are used during exercise and these excess calories are converted into fat and stored in the body. The safest and most effective way to reduce the weight of a dog is to administer a calorie-controlled diet and to increase the level of exercise.

Wilson's is a wholly balanced diet. This means that by feeding slightly less than normal you can reduce the calorie intake without the other nutrional requirements of your dog suffering. Carbohydrares provide a less dense form of fat when stored in the body which immediately reduces the strain on the heart.
 


Are you products Genetically Modified.
Here at Wilson's we are very conscious of the current public concern with regard to Genetically Modified Ingredients. To this end, we have sought and received assurances from our suppliers that they have taken every possible precaution to ensure that the ingredients we purchase are GM Free

 


I have a bitch in whelp.
The majority of foetal growth takes place during the last three weeks of pregnancy. It is essential to increase the total food allowance by 10% each week from the sixth week of pregnancy onwards. Therefore the bitches' intake at whelping is 40 to 50 times more than she was at mating. She should be fed a high nutritious energy rich food that is easily digested and absorbed. Wilson's Extra Choice is ideal. At 20% protein and a good level of carbohydrates it provides plenty of available energy nutrients for the dog to cope with the increased demand put upon it. It must be remembered however that the pregnant mother will go off her food one or two days before giving birth. This is normal and should not cause any concern.
 


My dog has terrible wind.
Gases are produced in the bowel, and are the result of bacterial fermentation of food. It is only natural for a dog to pass wind, however if this becomes an embarrassing problem it should be investigated. Monitor to see if your dog is scavenging outside or eating foreign debris. This can result in the intake of bacteria that can cause a digestive upset. The Wilson's Original or Extra Choice Ranges offer an excellent all round adult food that will help to satisfy the dogs appetite and reduce the likelihood of him/her scavenging. Also try to reduce the amount of scraps and titbits given so you are in control of the dogs diet and it doesn't become to rich. If the dogs diet is good and his/her motions are regular with no signs of diarrhoea you can try charcoal bones or biscuits. These help to absorb any unwanted gases and therefore reduce the likelihood of any unpleasant smells.
 


My dog is now 7 years old.
NO. Senior diets are designed to provide roughage for the older, less active dog. All Wilson's flaked products naturally contain this therefore we do not manufacture age specific food. In effect our adult foods are just that. A complete lifestage product rolled into one.

The quantity fed may be reduced marginally as the dog gets older and less active.
 


I have a 3 years old Irish Setter.
Irish Setters are renowned for being very energetic dogs that are often very hyper. They are often highly strung and so use a tremendous amount of energy bounding around. You must get the dog onto a stable diet that is well balanced. It must provide the dog with all the necessary nutrients for an active life style. The Wilson's Original is ideal, it will provide all the nutrients to allow for good growth and repair of tissues as well as plenty of energy for the dogs energetic nature.
 


Why a flaked food?
The main difference between flaked foods, and any other form of dog food is the main energy source in the food. By cooking the cereals the starch content is converted into a digestible carbohydrate that is easily stored and retrieved. Dogs fed on museli type food will always have energy when they need it most i.e. when out for a walk.

You can always see the main ingredients in a muesli. There can be nothing hidden, therefore you know you are always going to get quality raw materials and, in turn, a quality food for your dog.
 


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