How to Select the Best Dog Food for Poodles
The sophisticated Poodle is a dog of many talents. Many recognize this distinctive dog breed by its unique show coat; however, fewer people know that the Poodle is a highly intelligent and versatile dog that originally accompanied its owners on duck hunts. The Poodle is a skilled retriever, excelling in water. The show coat that many believe is purely ornamental actually serves to provide protection for the Poodle’s most sensitive areas of the body, including vital organs and joints.
The Poodle has gained popularity as a beloved family companion. A dog breed that is both friendly and sociable, the Poodle had never met a stranger, excelling at making friends wherever it goes.
Available in three difference size variations; the toy, the miniature, and the standard, there is a Poodle that is the perfect variety for every family. A breed in possession of a low shedding coat, the Poodle is highly prized by families that suffer from allergies to pet hair and dander. However, families should make no mistake, the Poodle’s coat requires a great deal of ongoing maintenance to keep in good condition.
The athletic Poodle is not particularly prone to weight gain if exercised regularly. Still, the best dog foods for Poodles should be carefully measured and all intake monitored to ensure the dog maintains a good body condition.
The ideal diet for a Poodle should consist of a minimum of 18 percent protein and 5 percent fat.
Choosing the Correct Calorie Count for Poodles
As a highly active breed, the Poodle requires a diet that can help it keep pace with its daily lifestyle. The best dog foods for Poodles include a lean, meat-based protein as the basis for their formulation.
Determining how much of a food to feed the Poodle can seem like a difficult problem to solve. Thankfully, AAFCO regulations mandate that all commercially prepared diets must list suggested serving sizes on their bags. These are a great place for families to start, paying careful attention to the dog’s weight, appetite, and activity, and making adjustments until the right portion is found.
As a general rule of thumb, Poodles should never be free fed.
Dietary Requirements for Poodle Dog Foods
To maintain excellent health, the Poodle requires a diet that is well-balanced and that consists of the highest quality ingredients available. The best dog foods for Poodles include a lean meat protein as the foundation for their diet. This can be included in its whole form or as a meat meal; either provides excellent nutritional benefits for the Poodle.
However, by-products are not of sufficient quality to meet the needs of this active breed. These are typically derived from portions of an animal that are not desirable for human consumption. Plant-based proteins such as soy, corn, and wheat are hard for most dogs to digest and have also been identified as common food allergens for many dogs. These should be avoided.
Carbohydrates play an important role in helping the Poodle to achieve good digestion and a strong immune system. These can be taken from whole grains, fruits, or vegetables. The best dog foods include a wide variety of nutrient-dense ingredients that are rich in fiber and antioxidants. It is best to steer clear of any food that includes such items as additives, chemicals, preservatives, artificial colors, or flavors as these offer no benefits to dogs on the whole and can trigger recurring allergies.
Healthy fats help the Poodle to enjoy excellent skin and coat health and also give them the fuel they need to remain active and strong. These are best derived from animal sources such as chicken fat and oily fish; however, safflower oil and canola oil also contribute ample amounts of these critical nutrients.
All diets can benefit from the addition of supplements to help them be their most effective. The ideal supplements to support the Poodle’s health and wellness are prebiotics, probiotics, glucosamine, and chondroitin.
Things to Look for in the Best Dog Food for Poodles
Here is a basic list of the most important things to look for in the best food for a Poodle:
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Lean meat proteins heading up the ingredients list
Since the Poodle is a carnivore, it requires a diet that lists a meat as its primary ingredient. Either meats in their whole form or as a concentrated meal are preferred.
By-products and plant-based proteins such as corn, wheat, and soy should be strictly 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 the Poodle. Foods containing these items are not suited for the needs of this breed.
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Enriched with probiotics and helpful supplements
Supplements can help a diet to be its most effective. The most beneficial supplements for the Poodle 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 Poodle should bear the AAFCO seal of approval, indicating it meets the standards for a complete and balanced food.