How to Choose the Best Dog Food for Newfoundland Puppies
With their immense, fluffy coat and adorable ways, it’s hard to resist the appeal of the delightful Newfoundland puppy. Though Newfoundland puppies are working dogs that were originally developed to assist fishermen in their native Canada in the icy waters of the North Atlantic, they are equally at ease at work or play, enjoying their role by their family’s side on the couch.
A dog breed with moderate activity requirements, the Newfoundland puppy is easily satisfied with a daily walk. However, due to its thick coat, this breed does not do well in hot temperatures. The Newfoundland puppy is a natural swimmer; in fact, its feet are webbed and its body is heavily muscled to allow for excellent stamina and prowess when in the water.
As a giant breed dog, the Newfoundland puppy has a natural predisposition to developing the condition known as bloat. At this time, it is not known what factors must combine to produce this health problem. However, experts recommend feeding Newfoundland puppies a puppy food designed specifically for large breeds to encourage the dog to eat at a slower pace.
The Newfoundland puppy is not a high energy breed. Because of this and its natural love of food, it is important to prevent this pup from becoming overweight and putting it at risk for serious health complications. To this end, the best dog food for Newfoundland puppies should be carefully measured and all intake monitored. Free feeding should be strongly discouraged.
The ideal diet for the Newfoundland puppy should contain a minimum of 22 percent protein and 8 percent fat. Another important component of any diet for the growing Newfoundland pup is the ratio of calcium to phosphorus. Since foods that are too high in protein and/or that contain an imbalance of calcium to phosphorus can promote an unhealthy rate of bone growth, a food that has 1.2 parts of calcium for each unit of phosphorus is recommended.
Choosing the Correct Calorie Count for Newfoundland Puppies
A giant breed dog, the Newfoundland puppy needs a premium quality diet to thrive. As with all puppies of this size, the Newfoundland puppy should be fed a large breed puppy diet if at all possible. These foods have been properly prepared to address the unique needs of puppies of this size.
The Newfoundland puppy will not reach full maturity until after the dog is two years of age. However, this breed should only be fed a large breed puppy food until it reaches 12 months or 75 percent of its full adult size. Following this, the dog should be transitioned to an appropriate adult diet.
Determining how much of the best dog food for Newfoundland puppies to feed a pup can be challenging. The serving suggestions listed on the side of the bag can be exceptionally helpful. These can be used as starting points with adjustments made to reflect the dog’s age, appetite, activity, and body condition until the correct portion is found.
For best results, it is recommended that the Newfoundland puppy be fed 3-4 smaller meals throughout the day. This will allow the dog’s energy levels to remain primed and will also discourage eating too rapidly or too much, two problems that have been associated with bloat.
Dietary Requirements for Newfoundland Puppy Foods
Newfoundland dogs, like all dogs, are carnivores. The best dog foods for Newfoundland puppies place a high emphasis on excellent quality, lean meats. Meat-based proteins should be the first ingredient in any premium food for this breed. Whole meats are the best option; however, meat meals are also a very good choice, delivering excellent nutrients to support good health.
By-products are essentially the inferior portions of an animal that are not deemed fit for human consumption. These are not ideal for the growing Newfoundland puppy to eat. In addition to this, plant-based proteins such as soy, wheat, and corn have been linked to food sensitivities in dogs and foods that use these items in their recipes should be avoided. Other ingredients that offer no benefit for the Newfoundland puppy include chemicals, additives, preservatives, artificial flavors, and colors.
To support good digestion, all foods require complex carbohydrates. These can come from whole grains, fruits, or vegetables. Dogs that have shown no previous disposition towards allergies can enjoy a grain-free or a grain-inclusive formulation. The main priority of any carbohydrate is that it be rich in fiber and antioxidants to encourage good digestion and a healthy immune system.
Healthy fats are the building blocks that support cognitive and vision development as well as coat and skin health. These are best taken from animal sources such as chicken fat or oily fish. Other excellent sources of essential fatty acids include safflower and canola oils.
Supplements help a diet to be its most effective. The most beneficial supplements for Newfoundland puppies are prebiotics, probiotics, glucosamine, and chondroitin.
Things to Look for in the Best Dog Food for Newfoundland Puppies
Here is a basic list of the most important things to look for in the best food for a Newfoundland puppy:
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Lean, meat-based proteins heading up the ingredients list
Lean whole meats are the preferred foundation of premium diets. Meat meals are also a good choice, but by-products and plant-based proteins should be 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 Newfoundland puppy. Diets with any or all of these items added to them are best avoided.
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Enriched with probiotics and helpful supplements
Among the best supplements for Newfoundland puppies 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 Newfoundland puppy should bear the AAFCO seal of approval, indicating it meets the standards for a complete and balanced food.