How to Choose the Best Dog Food for Brussels Griffons
The sweet natured Brussels Griffon is often compared to a monkey for its striking likeness to this popular primate. A dog that is small of stature, the Brussels Griffon is a compact little fellow with strong construction and a spirited expression.
The Brussels Griffon is a breed that was developed in Belgium. Its original purpose was to function as rodent control for its family’s property, excelling at hunting rats and mice. In time, the affectionate, comical ways of the Brussels Griffon earned it a regular spot inside the home as a cherished family companion. The breed is happy and sociable with a natural zest for life.
However, the Brussels Griffon feels things quite deeply and can be prone to moodiness and hyperactivity. Though they bond well with their family, sometimes they can be clingy, stubbornly refusing to share their owner with others.
In some areas of the world, the Brussels Griffon can be found in two different coat varieties: the smooth and the rough. However, in the breed’s native land, there are three different versions of this beloved pooch: the smooth, a red coat variety, and a rough coat available in any hue but red.
Because of the Brussels Griffon’s unique facial features, many people have likened them to Ewoks, the characters in the Star Wars films. Though the breed is very cute, they are muscular, highly active, and natural born athletes. Versatile little dogs, the Brussels Griffon excels at many different pursuits including Rally, agility, obedience, and conformation.
A breed with energy to spare, the Brussels Griffon requires regular daily exercise. If properly exercised and not overfed, weight gain is not a problem in this small, sturdy pooch.
The Brussels Griffon loves the sound of its own voice, happily barking at every opportunity. For this reason, care must be taken to teach this dog breed a no bark command to keep the neighbors happy.
Though the Brussels Griffon most often enjoys excellent health, there are some genetic conditions which can befall the breed. These include heart issues, some eye problems, patellar luxation, and hip dysplasia. The best dog foods for Brussels Griffons contain supplements to support eye, joint, and heart health.
Ideally, the Brussels Griffon’s diet should contain approximately 18 percent protein and 5 percent fat.
Choosing the Correct Calorie Count for Brussels Griffons
The Brussels Griffon is a busy little pooch and thrives on a well balanced diet that is based on a lean, meat-based protein. Once the correct food has been selected for this charming little fellow, it is then time to determine the portion size of each meal. The best dog foods for Brussels Griffons offer suggested serving sizes based on the dog’s weight and age. These guidelines are very helpful, and owners can adjust the amounts incrementally until the ideal meal size is found.
Though not particularly predisposed to weight gain, the Brussels Griffon does need to maintain a healthy body condition to enjoy optimal health. For this reason, free feeding is not encouraged. All food should be measured and all intake monitored, including treats and snacks.
Dietary Requirements for Brussels Griffon Dog Foods
To enjoy optimal health and wellness, the Brussels Griffon should be fed a diet that is well-balanced and based on a lean meat protein. The best dog foods for the Brussels Griffon include a whole meat as their basis. However, owners can also feel good about feeding their pooch a dog food that includes a meat meal as its foundational ingredient.
By-products are not of sufficient nutritional quality to truly provide the Brussels Griffon with all it needs for a healthy body. Likewise, the plant-based proteins soy, corn, and wheat are common allergens for many dogs. Other ingredients to avoid in a food for the Brussels Griffon include chemicals, additives, fillers, artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives.
Antioxidant and fiber-rich fruits, vegetables, and whole grains are all excellent choices for carbohydrates in a food for the Brussels Griffon. Each of these ingredients plays a vital role in supporting optimal digestion and a healthy immune system. Dogs with sensitivities to grains may do best on a grain-free diet.
From healthy fats, the Brussels Griffon is able to gain the necessary nutrients to maintain excellent coat and skin health. The best sources for these healthy fats include chicken fat and oily fish. However, many plant-based oils offer alternative sources for the essential fatty acids the Brussels Griffon needs including canola, safflower, sunflower, and coconut.
All diets can benefit from the additional supplements to boost the nutrition contained within the food. The best supplements to look for in a high quality food formulation for the Brussels Griffon include prebiotics, probiotics, taurine, glucosamine, and chondroitin.
Things to Look for in the Best Dog Food for Brussels Griffons
Here is a basic list of the most important things to look for in the best food for a Brussels Griffons:
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Lean meat-based proteins heading up the ingredients list
A true meat lover like most dogs, the Brussels Griffon does best on a diet that bases its formulation on a lean meat protein. Whole meats or meat meals make the ideal basis for a healthy dog food for this breed. By-products and plant-based proteins such as soy, corn, and wheat are best avoided entirely.
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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. Diets which include any of these items should be left on the shelf.
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Enriched with probiotics and helpful supplements
The ideal supplements to look for in a diet for the Brussels Griffon are 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 should bear the AAFCO seal of approval, indicating it meets the standards for a complete and balanced food.