How to Choose the Best Dog Food for Newfoundland Dogs
The Newfoundland dog is not only large of size, it is also big of heart. A breed that is truly gentle by nature, the Newfoundland dog is sweet natured and affectionate, making it a popular choice for a family companion. A dog breed that is loyal and devoted to its family, the Newfoundland dog is excellent with children and also gets along well with other family pets.
The Newfoundland dog traces its roots to Canada. The breed is well renowned for its beautiful dense coat that was a great help during its work assisting fishermen in the waters of the cold North Atlantic. An avid swimmer, the Newfoundland dog’s conformation includes both webbed feet and impressive musculature to provide them with immense stamina during work in the water.
Due to the breed’s giant size, the Newfoundland dog is more expensive to maintain than smaller breed dogs. Because the Newfoundland dog has only moderate activity needs, it can easily succumb to becoming overweight if free fed. This should be strongly discouraged.
As a giant breed, the Newfoundland dog is predisposed to bloat. Though experts do not yet know what factors must combine to result in this deadly condition, it is generally believed that eating too much and too rapidly may contribute to the problem. To prevent the potential for bloat, the best dog food for Newfoundland dogs should be measured and fed in smaller portions throughout the day to discourage overeating.
The ideal diet for a Newfoundland dog should contain a minimum of 18 percent protein and 5 percent fat. Feeding a formula that is designed for less active dogs is an excellent strategy to help maintain a healthy weight in this giant breed.
Choosing the Correct Calorie Count for Newfoundland Dogs
Giant breed dogs like the Newfoundland have unique nutritional requirements. It is vitally important that the best dog foods for Newfoundland dogs be fed in the correct portion sizes to maintain optimal health and wellness. Determining precisely how much to feed can be a daunting task.
AAFCO regulations mandate that all commercially prepared diets must include suggested serving sizes on their packaging. It is best to use these as a starting point. The dog’s weight, activity level, age, and appetite will all be helpful guides in determining what adjustments should be made to ascertain the best meal size for the dog.
Dietary Requirements for Newfoundland Dog Foods
Like all dogs, Newfoundlands are carnivores, and thus, require a meat-based diet to thrive. The best dog foods for Newfoundland dogs list a meat protein as their primary ingredient. Whole meats are preferred, but meat meals are also an excellent option to sustain the health of this giant breed.
By-products are typically inferior in quality and offer no real nutritional benefit to the Newfoundland dog. Likewise, foods based on plant-based proteins such as corn, wheat, and soy, are best avoided entirely. Other ingredients that would make a food unsuitable for the Newfoundland dog include chemicals, artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives.
Newfoundland dogs can enjoy a diet that is grain-inclusive or grain-free without any ill effects. Should a dog display a tendency towards allergies, a grain-free food may be best. Carbohydrates can be from whole grains, fruits, or vegetables. Of primary importance in any carbohydrate selected for a diet for the Newfoundland dog is that it be high in fiber and antioxidants to support good digestion and a healthy immune system.
Healthy fats play a critical role in any high quality diet for dogs. Fats are vital for coat and skin health and also provide the Newfoundland dog with daily energy. These healthy fats are best derived from animal origins such as oily fish or chicken fat; however, both canola and safflower oils are also excellent sources of omega 3 and 6 fatty acids.
The addition of supplements helps a food to be more efficient. The most beneficial supplements for Newfoundland dogs include prebiotics, probiotics, glucosamine, and chondroitin.
Things to Look for in the Best Dog Food for Newfoundland Dogs
Here is a basic list of the most important things to look for in the best food for a Newfoundland dog:
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Meat-based proteins heading up the ingredients list
As carnivores, Newfoundland dogs need a diet that takes a lean meat as its foundation in order to achieve optimal health and wellness. Though whole meats are preferable, meat meals also offer all of the nutrition this giant breed needs to thrive.
What should be avoided in a diet for the Newfoundland dog are foods that include by-products or plant-based proteins such as soy, corn, and wheat.
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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 the Newfoundland dog. Any diet which includes these items in its recipe should be avoided.
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Enriched with probiotics and helpful supplements
Supplements added to a food can be a great help to the Newfoundland dog. The most beneficial supplements to look for in a diet include prebiotics, probiotics, glucosamine, and chondroitin.
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Meets AAFCO nutritional requirements for a complete and balanced food
All foods appropriate for the Newfoundland dog should bear the AAFCO seal of approval, indicating it meets the standards for a complete and balanced food.