Pekingese parents seek foods their picky pekes will enjoy and accept on a regular basis as they try to put together a healthy menu. Even with an occasional refusal that pekes are known for, it is possible to create nutritious and delicious eating plans they will be willing to eat most of the time.
Protein Comes First
The base of a good Pekingese diet is animal protein. Whether feeding commercial foods or homemade diets, meat should always be the first ingredient. Feed somewhere between 50 - 80 percent animal protein from meats like poultry, fish, lamb, bison and organ meats, along with smaller amounts of eggs. Pekes have tiny teeth, posing a chewing challenge for some meats. Cutting meat into tiny pieces, blending or offering soft commercial food helps him eat more easily.
Fruits and Veggies
Dogs can generally eat many items people do, including carrots, broccoli, asparagus, squash, and peas. Fruits might include blueberries, apples, bananas and more. Like people, your little one has his preferences. Whether commercial or homemade, produce can make up about 25 percent of your pup's diet. Offer small pieces of cooked veggies, which are more digestible. This is important, in order to help reduce peke-famous gastrointestinal issues like gas.
Starches and Fats
Alongside produce, your Pekingese can have small amounts of starches like rice, oatmeal and potatoes. Aim for these to comprise about 10 percent of the diet, and focus on digestibility. Avoid hard to digest foods like corn.
Fats slow digestion -- also good for the sensitive peke tummy. They also offer vitamins A,D,E, and K; some oils, like wild salmon oil, contain essential fatty acids that fight inflammation and improve skin condition. Strive for about 15 percent fat in your Peke's diet.
Incorporating Healthy Foods
If you are transitioning your Pekingese to a healthy homemade diet, do slowly, over a month or so. This allows his sensitive belly to adjust, and lets you monitor him for signs like increased gas, bloating and allergic reactions. If you're looking to feed commercial, switch brands slowly. With an average weight of about 8 to 10 pounds, your Pekingese needs about 300 to 400 calories per day, depending on activity level and age.
References
Writer Bio
Sarah Whitman's work has been featured in newspapers, magazines, websites and informational booklets. She is currently pursuing a master's degree in nutrition, and her projects feature nutrition and cooking, whole foods, supplements and organics. She also specializes in companion animal health, encouraging the use of whole foods, supplements and other holistic approaches to pet care.