How to Choose the Best Dog Food for Brussels Griffon Puppies
The sweet-natured Brussels Griffon puppy is the picture of adventure and fun. A dog breed whose cute little face is reminiscent of a monkey, this happy, sociable pup is small of size but big on personality. A dog of impressive musculature and strong construction, the Brussels Griffon pup traces its roots to Belgium where the breed’s first purpose was to provide rodent control on its owner’s property.
The Brussels Griffon puppy soon moved from the barn to the home when families discovered the breed’s friendly and affectionate nature made it well suited to life as a cherished family companion. Though naturally very friendly, the Brussels Griffon puppy can also be prone to moodiness and hyperactivity. The breed can become very possessive of its owner, wanting their time and attention directed only at them.
A highly active dog, the Brussels Griffon puppy does have a high prey drive. For this reason, this dog breed requires a securely fenced yard to play in when outdoors. With high reserves of energy to expend each day, the Brussels Griffon puppy requires regular daily exercise to remain physically and mentally content.
The Brussels Griffon puppy comes in two different varieties in the United States: smooth coated and rough coated. However, in its native Belgium, there is a third variety; a coat that is striking shade of red.
This puppy typically enjoys good health. However, as with most dog breeds, the Brussels Griffon can be prone to developing certain health conditions. Among the problems that can befall this pup include hip dysplasia, cataracts, heart problems, and patellar luxation. To help promote optimal health and wellness in this pup, it is recommended that the dog food for the Brussels Griffon include supplements to support eye, joint, and heart health.
The best dog food for the Brussels Griffon puppy is a high quality puppy formulation that is comprised of approximately 22 percent protein and 8 percent fat. Also important in a diet for this pup is that it contain the proper proportions of calcium to phosphorus to support a healthy rate of growth. Experts agree that this ratio is 1.2 parts of calcium for each included unit of phosphorus.
Choosing the Correct Calorie Count for Brussels Griffon Puppies
Brussels Griffon puppies are active pups, requiring a diet that is well-balanced and that takes a lean meat as its primary ingredient. Determining how much of a puppy formulation to feed a pup can be a challenging task, necessitating some trial and error. Thankfully, the best dog foods for the Brussels Griffon pup offer suggested serving sizes as a starting point. These amounts can be adjusted incrementally until the proper amount per meal is found.
Free feeding the Brussels Griffon puppy is not recommended. Though this pup is unlikely to become overweight, maintaining a healthy body weight is an important part of remaining well. It is best to measure this puppy’s daily meals and to monitor all consumption, including meals, snacks, and treats.
Dietary Requirements for Brussels Griffon Puppy Foods
The happy, energetic Brussels Griffon pup does best on a high quality puppy food comprised of easily digestible ingredients. The best dog foods for Brussels Griffon puppies make a whole meat or meat meal the foundation of their diet. By-products are not of sufficient nutritional quality to support this athletic breed’s needs as it grows. Likewise, the plant-based proteins soy, corn, and wheat have been linked to allergies in many dogs, and thus, are best avoided.
Chemicals, additives, fillers, preservatives, artificial flavors, and colors are sometimes included in commercially prepared dog diets to improve flavor, appearance, or shelf life. They offer no nutritional benefits to the Brussels Griffon puppy.
Carbohydrates help the Brussels Griffon puppy to maintain fluid digestion and a healthy immune system. These carbohydrates can come from antioxidant and fiber-rich fruits, vegetables, whole grains, or a combination of the three. Dogs with sensitivities to grains may do best on a grain-free diet.
From healthy fats, the Brussels Griffon puppy is able to enjoy optimal coat and skin health, support for brain and eye development, and fuel for energy reserves. The ideal sources for these fats are chicken fat and oily fish. Some plant-based oils also offer these vital nutrients including canola, safflower, sunflower, and coconut.
Supplements help a food to work its most effectively. The best supplements for the Brussels Griffon puppy include glucosamine, chondroitin, taurine, prebiotics, and probiotics.
Things to Look for in the Best Dog Food for Brussels Griffon Puppies
Here is a basic list of the most important things to look for in the best dog food for a Brussels Griffon puppy:
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Lean, meat-based proteins heading up the ingredients list
The best dog foods for the Brussels Griffon puppy include a lean meat as their foundational ingredient. Whole meats or meat meals are the ideal options. By-products and plant proteins such as soy, corn, and wheat are best avoided.
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Prepared without the addition of chemicals, flavorings, fillers, or mystery ingredients
Chemicals, fillers, artificial flavorings and colorings, and mystery ingredients provide no nutritional benefit to a growing Brussels Griffon puppy. Diets containing these ingredients should be avoided.
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Enriched with probiotics and helpful supplements
The ideal supplements to look for in puppy food for the Brussels Griffon pup include prebiotics, probiotics, taurine, glucosamine, and chondroitin.
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Meets AAFCO nutritional requirements for a complete and balanced food
All foods appropriate for the Brussels Griffon puppy should bear the AAFCO seal of approval, indicating it meets the standards for a complete and balanced food.