Trusted sources
Nutrition
Trusted veterinary and standards-body sources on feeding a Weimaraner, until vet-reviewed guides are ready.
This section is for anyone choosing, changing or checking their Weimaraner's food. We are preparing nutrition guides, and none will appear here until a qualified veterinarian has reviewed them.
Until then, this page lists the sources WeimLife relies on itself: the World Small Animal Veterinary Association's nutrition committee, pet food standards and industry bodies in Australia, Europe and North America, and welfare charities.
These pages explain how to read a label, judge a food and check your dog's condition. How much and how often to feed your own dog is a question for your vet.
Choosing a food
Your vet is the best person to advise on what and how much to feed your dog. These pages help you prepare the questions.
- WSAVA Global Nutrition Committee
Guidelines on Selecting Pet Foods
The questions vets suggest asking a pet food company, from who formulates the diet to its quality control, plus what to look for on the label.
Read on wsava.org: Guidelines on Selecting Pet Foods - WSAVA Global Nutrition Committee
Global Nutrition Guidelines and toolkit
The World Small Animal Veterinary Association's collection of free nutrition tools for owners and vets, including label guides, condition charts and fact sheets.
Read on wsava.org: Global Nutrition Guidelines and toolkit - WSAVA Global Nutrition Committee
Frequently asked questions and myths
Vets' answers to common feeding questions: grains, by-products, raw and home-made diets, supplements, treats and switching foods.
Read on wsava.org: Frequently asked questions and myths - WSAVA Global Nutrition Committee
The Savvy Dog Owner's Guide: Nutrition on the Internet
How to judge feeding advice found online: who wrote it, what evidence it cites and which claims deserve caution.
Read on wsava.org: The Savvy Dog Owner's Guide: Nutrition on the Internet - RSPCA Australia
What should I feed my puppy?
Australian puppy feeding basics, including the pet food standard to look for, why vets weigh and condition-score puppies, and foods to avoid.
Read on kb.rspca.org.au: What should I feed my puppy? - RSPCA Australia
What should I feed my dog?
General feeding guidance for adult dogs in Australia, covering commercial diets, treats, bones and raw meat.
Read on kb.rspca.org.au: What should I feed my dog?
Labels and standards
- AAFCO
Reading labels
What each part of a North American pet food label means, including the nutritional adequacy statement and life stages.
Read on aafco.org: Reading labels - AAFCO
Selecting the right pet food
Why species, life stage and condition matter when choosing a food, and what complete and balanced means.
Read on aafco.org: Selecting the right pet food - FEDIAF European Pet Food
Labelling
The European industry's code of good labelling practice for pet food, with a plain-language guide for owners.
Read on europeanpetfood.org: Labelling - FEDIAF European Pet Food
Nutritional Guidelines
The nutrient guidelines European manufacturers follow for complete and complementary cat and dog foods, peer reviewed by veterinary nutritionists.
Read on europeanpetfood.org: Nutritional Guidelines - Pet Food Industry Association of Australia
Understanding pet food labels
What the Australian pet food standard requires on a label, from the nutritional adequacy statement to ingredients and feeding guides.
Read on pfiaa.com.au: Understanding pet food labels
Body condition
- WSAVA Global Nutrition Committee
Body Condition Score: dogs
The illustrated body condition chart vets use, describing how ribs, waist and abdominal tuck look and feel from under ideal to over ideal.
Read on wsava.org: Body Condition Score: dogs - WSAVA Global Nutrition Committee
Muscle Condition Score chart for dogs
A companion chart vets use to assess muscle over the spine, shoulder blades, skull and hips, which body condition alone can miss.
Read on wsava.org: Muscle Condition Score chart for dogs
Food safety
- WSAVA Global Nutrition Committee
Raw Meat Based Diets for Pets
A veterinary summary of the evidence on raw meat diets and bones, and the risks they carry for pets and the people around them.
Read on wsava.org: Raw Meat Based Diets for Pets - RSPCA Australia
Why is chocolate toxic to dogs and other animals?
Why chocolate and cocoa products are dangerous to dogs and why darker chocolate is a greater risk.
Read on kb.rspca.org.au: Why is chocolate toxic to dogs and other animals? - RSPCA Australia
What should I know before feeding dog treats?
Background on kidney illness linked to some pet treats in Australia, the signs to watch for and safer alternatives.
Read on kb.rspca.org.au: What should I know before feeding dog treats?