Through all the years of raising Miniature Schnauzers I've talked to a lot of people.  Most of them looking for a Schnauzer because
theirs just died.  Around 85% of the people that get Miniature Schnauzers from us have had Schnauzers before. 

Its heart breaking to me when people say that their little Miniature Schnauzer just died and was only about 6 years old.  For some
reason, I'm finding out that 6 years old is the magic number.  It seems as if problems in this breed seem to come around this age.

One of the most common problems that people are reporting to me is that their Schnauzer died of Liver failure.  It seems as it first
comes apparent when the dog is noticed to have loose bowels.  Irritiable bowel syndrome is one of the signs that something may be wrong.  Also, this is usually followed by traces of blood in their stool.  I urge everyone that notices anything like this happening to take immediate action.  Take your Schnauzer to the doctors!  Take them to your Vet!

Notably, everyone knows that its important to eat right, and its just that important that your Miniature Schnauzer eats right also.

In all the years that I've been raising Miniature Schnauzers I've only had one die early and that was at age 18.  My little Regie, a male
Salt and Pepper, died of a stroke.  He died back in the early 80's.  He, as all the Miniature Schnauzer breed is, was so loving we treated
him like part of the family.  We let him eat what ever he wanted, well almost.  He was over weight but in his older years we only wanted him to be happy.  I've always believed that these dogs are here for our companionship.  They give us so much and never ask for anything
except for our love and to be with us.  A long story made short, I attribute his death at 18, his stroke, from too much fat in his diet.  He probably would have lived another 2 years if we watched his diet.

What I'm writing this for is for the dogs that are still in their single digit years.  Diet is so important for Miniature Schnauzers and their health. 

We feed our dogs, all 10 of them, home made food.  We complement that food with dry Eukenuba, canned Pedigree, treats and table scraps.  I've always believed that moderation is the key to good health.

We make rice based meals and store them in the fridge for our dogs.  A simple meal that they love to eat can be made cheap and provide
a truly balanced diet.  We take rice and mix in either boiled Chicken, Fried Hamburger, or beef.  We mix in peas or lima beans for a vegetable.
We also add real, natural butter for a better taste.  I usually taste test the food myself.  If I like it they will too.

Like almost all dogs, Miniature Schnauzers love meat.  But, as I mentioned above, everything in moderation.  Too much meat can overload
a Miniature Schnauzer's liver very fast.  When your vet says to keep your dog from eating cat food, he's right.  The protein in cat food is
usually much higher than that in dog food.  Reason is that cats usually require a much higher protein intake. 

Below are a few things to keep check on.  Please check with your vet for a more defined explanation. 

1) Liver problems.  Watch their protein intake and keep it below 40%.
2) Kidney problems.  Watch the Ph in your water and make sure that they always have enough water.

Again, as always, check with your vet.  All the above examples are just that, examples.  Its what we do for our dogs and has worked for
us in providing healthy Miniature Schnauzers for close to 30 years.  As in everything there are a lot of variables.  Your dog may have a unique problem that is not apparent just yet and you may have to have a different type of diet for your dog(s).