How to Select the Best Dog Food for Doberman Pinscher Puppies
The sleek Doberman Pinscher puppy is an energetic pooch full of adventure and fun. Sweet by nature, the Doberman is a fiercely loyal dog, eagerly affectionate with its family members. Originally intended to serve as a protection dog, the Doberman excels in its role as guardian; however, by nature, the breed is courageous and brave when necessary but gentle of heart when no attack is perceived.
A breed renowned for its athleticism, grace, and intelligence, the Doberman Pinscher puppy excels at many different disciplines including agility, obedience, Rally, and Schutzhund. The Doberman pup requires daily physical and mental exercise to remain satisfied otherwise this smart pooch may develop nuisance behaviors.
Because the Doberman is an active breed, it is unlikely that this puppy will become overweight if kept properly exercised. However, free feeding this dog type is strongly discouraged. Maintaining a healthy body condition is very important in this breed that can be predisposed to developing hip dysplasia.
Since Doberman Pinscher puppies are considered to be a large breed pup, they should be fed a puppy formulation suited to their size until they reach one year of age or 75 percent of their full adult size. At this point, the puppy should be transitioned to an appropriate adult diet. The best dog foods for Doberman Pinscher puppies contain a minimum of 22 percent protein and 8 percent fat and have the correct ratio of calcium to phosphorus (1.2 parts calcium to 1 part of phosphorus) support a healthy rate of bone growth.
Doberman Pinschers can be predisposed to developing the life threatening condition known as bloat. At this time, it is not known what factors must combine to result in this problem. Veterinary professionals agree that eating too rapidly and too much may contribute to the development of this condition. To prevent this, it is best to feed a Doberman Pinscher puppy a large breed puppy food as the kibble pieces are big enough to encourage careful chewing and swallowing.
Choosing the Correct Calorie Count for Doberman Pinscher Puppies
The Doberman Pinscher puppy is a natural born athlete. Its high energy levels mean this pup requires a diet of exceptional quality to fuel its daily activities. The best dog foods for Doberman Pinscher puppies list suggested servings sizes on the side of their packaging. These are an excellent reference for owners to use as a starting point.
The best way to determine the correct portion size for a Doberman Pinscher puppy is to begin with the suggested size for the puppy’s age and weight. Adjustments can be made to reflect the pup’s activity level and appetite until the proper amount is found.
The Doberman Pinscher puppy should never be free fed. All food should be measured and all intake monitored to ensure a proper body condition is achieved and maintained.
Dietary Requirements for Doberman Pinscher Puppy Foods
Since Doberman Pinscher puppies are highly active, they greatly benefit from a high performance diet that has been carefully crafted to meet their unique nutritional needs. The best dog foods for Doberman Pinscher puppies take a lean meat as their foundation ingredient. Whole meats or meat meals are the best choice for this busy and athletic pup.
By-products are often taken from parts of an animal that are considered to be unlikely to be used for human consumption. This often means that they are difficult for puppies to process and utilize effectively. As a result, foods containing these items as well as the plant-based proteins soy, corn, and wheat are best avoided. Other ingredients which offer no benefit to the Doberman Pinscher puppy include chemicals, additives, preservatives, fillers, artificial flavors and colors.
From carbohydrates the Doberman Pinscher puppy gains fiber to strengthen digestion and antioxidants to fuel a healthy immune system. These can come from whole grains, fruits, or vegetables. Doberman Pinscher puppies that have expressed sensitivities to grains in the past may do best on a grain-free diet.
Healthy fats are a vital component of health and wellness in Doberman Pinscher puppies. These essential fatty acids fuel energy reserves, boost coat and skin health, and assist with brain and eye development. The ideal sources for these fats are animal-based and include such foods as chicken fat and oily fish; however, plant-based oils such as canola, safflower, and coconut also offer excellent servings of these important nutrients.
Supplements help a diet to work its most effectively. The most beneficial supplements for Doberman Pinscher puppies include glucosamine, chondroitin, prebiotics, and probiotics.
Things to Look for in the Best Dog Food for Doberman Pinscher Puppies
Here is a basic list of the most important things to look for in the best dog food for a Doberman Pinscher puppy:
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Lean meat-based proteins heading up the ingredients list
Doberman Pinscher puppies require a diet based on a lean meat to thrive. The best dog foods for Doberman Pinscher puppies make a whole meat or meat meal their primary ingredient.
By-products and plant-based proteins such as corn, wheat, and soy can be common allergens for many puppies. Foods that include these ingredients in their recipe 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 Doberman Pinscher puppy. Diets which include any of these items should be left on the shelf.
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Enriched with probiotics and helpful supplements
Supplements are an effective means to help support the Doberman Pinscher’s puppies nutritional needs. The ideal supplements for this busy pup are prebiotics, probiotics, glucosamine, and chondroitin.
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Meets AAFCO nutritional requirements for a complete and balanced food
All foods appropriate for the Doberman Pinscher puppy should bear the AAFCO seal of approval, indicating it meets the standards for a complete and balanced food.