How to Select the Best Dog Food for Jack Russell Terrier Puppies
The Jack Russell Terrier pup is an active pooch; full of vim and vigor. This energetic little pup traces its roots to 19th century England where it was employed as a highly prized hunting companion. The Jack Russell Terrier is considered to be a go to ground terrier, meaning its main role on a hunt was to drive foxes from their dens beneath the earth above ground to continue the hunt.
A lively, spirited breed, the Jack Russell Terrier is full of adventure and fun. Very intelligent, this breed requires regular daily exercise and mental stimulation to remain physically and mentally content. The Jack Russell Terrier puppy can be intensely stubborn, making training a challenge. However, establishing boundaries is very important with this headstrong breed.
If not kept properly exercised, the Jack Russell Terrier puppy can get up to a lot of mischief. The most common problems seen in bored Jack Russell Terrier puppies include barking, digging, and general destruction.
This happy little white wonder loves the company of people and generally enjoys spending time with other dogs. However, the Jack Russell Terrier puppy will not tolerate what it considers to be rude behavior or rough treatment.
Because this breed is highly active, the Jack Russell Terrier puppy requires a diet that is comprised of top quality ingredients. The best dog foods for Jack Russell Terrier puppies should consist of a minimum of 22 percent protein and 8 percent fat. In addition to this, it is important to select a food with the correct amount of calcium to phosphorus: 1.2 parts of calcium to each part of phosphorus. This proportion supports a healthy rate of bone growth.
Choosing the Correct Calorie Count for Jack Russell Terrier Puppies
Jack Russell Terrier puppies have energy to spare, and thus, require an exceptional quality diet to thrive. The best dog foods for Jack Russell Terrier puppies list suggested serving sizes on the side of the bag to assist owners with determining correct portion sizes. These amounts should be used as a starting point. They can be adjusted gradually with the dog’s weight, activity level, age, and appetite all serving as helpful guides.
Since the Jack Russell Terrier puppy is very active, it often will not stop to enjoy its meals. This means the breed can be predisposed to becoming underweight. To prevent this from happening, it is important that this breed not be free fed. All food should be measured and intake monitored at each meal time to ensure a healthy body condition.
Dietary Requirements for Jack Russell Terrier Puppy Foods
The spirited Jack Russell Terrier puppy is a carnivore, and thus, requires a diet based on lean meat to thrive. White meats are preferable as red meats are too hot a protein for the Jack Russell Terrier and can lead to skin and stomach discomfort. Whole meats or meat meals are the preferred basis for any diet for this active pooch.
By-products are typically taken from parts of the animal that are not favored for human consumption. As a result, they can be more difficult to chew and to eat and are not as easily digested for some dog breeds. Foods containing these items as well as the plant-based proteins soy, corn, and wheat should be avoided. Other ingredients that are not desirable for the Jack Russell Terrier puppy include chemicals, fillers, additives, preservatives, artificial flavors, and colors.
Carbohydrates contribute fiber and antioxidants to the Jack Russell Terrier puppy’s diet. These ingredients fuel good digestion and a strong immune system. They can be included in the form of whole grains, fruits, or vegetables. Dogs that have expressed sensitivities to grains may benefit from a grain-free diet.
Healthy fats assist with coat and skin health, fuel energy reserves, and also provide support for brain and eye development. These are best obtained from animal sources such as chicken fat and oily fish. Ample amounts of essential fatty acids can also be found in plant-based oils such as safflower, canola, or coconut.
Supplements help a diet to be more well-rounded. The best supplements to look for in a food for the Jack Russell Terrier puppy are prebiotics, probiotics, glucosamine, and chondroitin.
Things to Look for in the Best Dog Food for Jack Russell Terrier Puppies
Here is a basic list of the most important things to look for in the best dog food for a Jack Russell Terrier puppy:
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Complete proteins listed at the beginning of the ingredients list
As carnivores, Jack Russell Terrier puppies require a diet based on lean meat. White meats are the preferred option for this breed that can be prone to allergies. Whole meats or meat meals make the best foundation for a food for this pup.
By-products and plant-based proteins such as soy, corn, and wheat should be avoided.
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Prepared without the addition of chemicals, flavorings, fillers, or mystery ingredients
Chemicals, flavorings, fillers, and mystery ingredients add no nutritional value to a food. Any puppy food that contains any of these elements should be avoided.
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Enriched with probiotics and helpful supplements
It is always a good idea to consider a food that contains helpful supplements. The most beneficial supplements for the Jack Russell Terrier puppy include prebiotics, probiotics, glucosamine, and chondroitin.
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Meets AAFCO nutritional requirements for a complete and balanced food
All puppy foods considered for the Jack Russell Terrier pup should bear the AAFCO seal of approval, indicating it is a complete and balanced diet.