70 FEEDING OF DOGS. 



such as are much confined and do litttle, then vegetable matter is 

 best adapted to their wants. This subject appears to be one of 

 very general interest ; for no questions have been more frequently 

 asked the author of these pages, than — What kind of food is the 

 best for dogs, and what quantity of it ? It is difficult to prescribe 

 generally a precise quantity — some dogs require even naturally 

 more than others; and, for the same reasons, it is not easy to 

 give general directions with regard to the quality and kind also. 

 If, however, the rationale of nutrition be attended to, and the 

 above principles kept in mind, the owners will find no difficulty in 

 deciding when one or the other kind is proper, or when a mixture 

 of both is to be preferred. 



Many opinions prevail on the subject of horse-Jlesh as food for 

 dogs ; its qualities being as strenuously supported by some as they 

 are condemned by others. The proper mode of considering the 

 matter is to regard it as a strong and actively nutritious food, very 

 fit for dogs who undergo great exercise; to such it never proves 

 hurtful : but where it is given to those who have little exercise, it 

 may prove too nutritious, and may probably produce a foul stinking 

 coat and itching skin. Much diversity of opinion prevails also as 

 to whether it is better to be given raw or dressed. In a state of na- 

 ture, it is evident that dogs live entirely on raw food, and principally 

 on flesh ; and there is no doubt that this best fits them for very 

 active exercise, and endues them with the most vigour and durabi- 

 lity. The raw flesh of animals appears particularly to increase the 

 courage and ferocity ; and where these qualities are requisite, this 

 mode of feeding will undoubtedly tend thereto, and therefore is 

 the best food for hounds ; and of the varieties of flesh, that of the 

 horse is the best ; and it may therefore be considered as proper 

 for sporting dogs, as greyhounds, foxhounds, and harriers, in the 

 height of the season of their employ : for pointers,' setters, and 

 spaniels, in very hard and constant work, it is equally good ; but 

 with moderate work, I have found mixed food preferable, obedience 

 and sagacity being here more wanted than ferocity. When there- 

 fore, raw meat, as horse-flesh, can be procured sweet and fresh, it 



