How to Choose the Best Dog Food for Cairn Terriers
The spunky Cairn Terrier is a dog full of charm and fun. A lively little pooch, the Cairn Terrier was forever made famous through a starring role as Toto in the popular film The Wizard of Oz. A breed that originated on the Isle of Skye over 200 years ago, the Cairn Terrier is believed to have been developed in its earliest stages by Captain Martin MacLeod.
A dog full of confidence and mischief, the Cairn Terrier is naturally nosey and loves the opportunity to learn new skills. Like all terriers, the Cairn has a mind of its own and can be prone to obstinate behavior. This breed requires an owner committed to teaching and expecting boundaries to be respected.
Soft and sweet at heart, the Cairn Terrier is a sensitive soul. Its feathers get ruffled when scolded or treated in a rough manner. For this reason, the Cairn should only be trained using positive methods that are based on treats and praise.
True to its terrier roots and its original job as rodent control in its owner’s home or on the farm, the Cairn possesses a strong prey drive and loves to chase animals or moving objects. For this reason, this active pooch requires a yard that is securely fenced in to prevent any escape attempts it might undertake. Its natural penchant for hunting also means this breed loves to dig and bark.
Patient and good natured, the Cairn Terrier is a true people lover and particularly enjoys spending time with children. This breed bonds very deeply with its family and prefers to be in its loved ones’ company as much as possible. If left alone for long periods of time, the Cairn will not do well and may develop nuisance behaviors as a result.
An active little dog, the Cairn Terrier requires regular daily exercise to remain physically and mentally content. This dog type is not typically predisposed to weight gain so long as it receives regular exercise and is not overfed.
The Cairn Terrier can be predisposed to a number of different health conditions including hip dysplasia, entropion, cataracts, and corneal dystrophy. To support eye and joint health, it is recommended that the Cairn be fed a diet that is enriched with the supplements glucosamine, chondroitin, DHA, and ARA.
The best dog foods for Cairn Terriers consist of a minimum of 18 percent protein and 5 percent fat.
Choosing the Correct Calorie Count for Cairn Terriers
To support its active lifestyle, the Cairn Terrier requires a well-balanced diet that is based on a lean, meat-based protein. Determining how much of a commercially prepared food to feed a dog can be a difficult task. The best dog foods for Cairn Terriers will offer suggested serving sizes based on a dog’s weight and age. It is recommended that owners begin with these suggestions, making the necessary adjustments until the correct meal size is found.
Though busy and not naturally predisposed to weight gain, it is still not advisable to free feed the Cairn Terrier. Because this breed can suffer with hip dysplasia, maintaining a healthy body weight is vitally important particularly for dogs affected by this problem. To achieve the ideal body condition, all food for the Cairn Terrier should be carefully measured and all intake monitored.
Dietary Requirements for Cairn Terrier Dog Foods
A busy little fellow, the Cairn Terrier requires a high performance food derived from top quality ingredients to enjoy optimal health and wellness. The best dog foods for Cairn Terriers are based upon a lean, meat-based proteins. Experts agree that whole meats or meat meals make the ideal foundation for the Cairn’s diet. Because by-products and the plant-based proteins corn, soy, and wheat are lacking in nutritional value, foods that include these ingredients are best avoided if possible.
Chemicals, additives, fillers, artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives are sometimes added to a food to enhance flavor or improve shelf life. Unfortunately, these ingredients have been known to trigger allergies in some dogs. It is recommended that diets containing these ingredients be left on the shelf as they are not suited to the Cairn’s nutritional needs.
Cairn Terriers are not typically prone to allergies, and thus, can enjoy both grain-inclusive and grain-free foods without suffering any adverse effects. The carbohydrates in the Cairn’s diet can come from whole grains, fruits, or vegetables. These ingredients assist the Cairn Terrier with achieving healthy digestion and a strong immune system. The ideal carbohydrates included in a diet for the Cairn are rich in antioxidants and dietary fiber.
From healthy fats, the Cairn Terrier gains the support it needs for strong energy reserves and exceptional coat and skin quality. The ideal sources for these fats are animal-based and include such powerhouse foods as chicken fat and oily fish. Plant-based oils such as safflower, canola, and coconut are also rich in the essential fatty acids the Cairn needs.
Things to Look for in the Best Dog Food for Cairn Terriers
Here is a basic list of the most important things to look for in the best dog food for a Cairn Terrier:
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Lean meat-based proteins listed at the beginning of the ingredients list
The Cairn Terrier requires a diet based on a lean, meat-based protein to thrive. Whole meats and meat meals are the best foundation for a diet for this breed.
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Prepared without the addition of chemicals, flavorings, fillers, or mystery ingredients
All items introduced into a food formulation should add nutritional value. Chemicals, flavorings, fillers, and mystery ingredients do not contribute anything positive to a Cairn Terrier’s diet. In fact, many of these ingredients can be the cause of allergy issues in Cairn Terriers.
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Enriched with probiotics and helpful supplements
The ideal supplements for the Cairn Terrier are glucosamine, chondroitin, prebiotics, and probiotics.
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Meets AAFCO nutritional requirements for a complete and balanced food
The AAFCO seal approval should accompany any food considered for the Cairn Terrier. This designation indicates a food has been assessed and found to be complete and properly balanced.