I am going to address a subject that I have seen debated over and over again amongst different dog lovers: What kind of food should my dog be eating? There will never be a "correct" answer to this question but as a dog breeder I want to share some of the knowledge that I have gathered during my experiences with our dogs and puppies.
We personally use and recommend 4health Performance Formula kibble for our adults and 4health Puppy Formula for our growing puppies as they are affordable, nutritious and our dogs never seem to get tired of the flavor. We selected this brand after extensive research on good quality kibble that is also friendly to a set budget. It is also nice to use brands and formulas that don't incorporate unnecessary dye into the food for a more appealing "look." Here is a link from a dog food review site that explains several of the reasons why this formula and brand is nutritious and checks almost all the boxes!
Miniature Schnauzers can be prone to certain digestive ailments such as pancreatitis, but this can normally be avoided by giving them a relatively low fat diet and refusing to give them table scraps which may upset their stomachs (although I know it can be very tempting with their adorable puppy eyes). Kibble is generally much lower in fat content than wet food is and therefore is easier on the stomach with a lower possibility of digestive related issues. Noting the fat content and main ingredients of different kinds of food can help you to make an educated decision on the healthiest formula for your precious pooch.
Certain dogs may also have a more difficult time keeping their teeth clean than others. While you can improve their dental hygiene by brushing their teeth daily, it is much more simple to allow them to clean their own teeth by chewing on toys, dental chews or even just their food. This is a big reason why we prefer kibble over wet dog food. The crunching of the dry kibble helps them to clean their teeth while they're eating, whereas a dog who eats wet food may rely more on dental chews and daily brushing to clean their teeth. Wet food may be necessary for older dogs who have sensitive teeth or gum problems who may need the softer food to be able to comfortably eat. Mixing some wet food or low sodium broth may also help entice a picky eater to eat their kibble because it adds variety to the kibble that they may be getting tired of.
Ultimately, choosing what kind of food for your dog is entirely up to you and your furry friend. If you notice loose stool or digestive issues that have persisted for extended amounts of time then consider changing your dog over to a different kind of food and monitor if there is any improvement (100% pure pumpkin and sweet potato may help alleviate loose stool by adding helpful fiber). It may also help to discuss these issues with your veterinarian because they often recommend nutritious food brands that will be beneficial for your dog. Always remember when changing your dogs food that you should gradually add in more and more of the new food and slowly decrease the amount of old food over a 7-10 day time period, this will help to avoid upset tummies. We personally use and recommend 4health Performance Formula for our adults and 4health Puppy Formula for our growing puppies but we support anyone who chooses to switch over to another brand or formula in the best interest of their furever friend.
Schnauzer Tales