How to Choose the Best Dog Food for Samoyeds
The Samoyed is well-renowned for its unique trait commonly referred to as the “Sammy smile.” A friendly breed that is alert, lively, and fun, the Samoyed descends from the Spitz family of dogs and thrives when given a job to do.
Samoyeds can be predisposed to certain health conditions. The main problem which can be affected by diet is hip dysplasia. However, in general, the active Samoyed is not a dog breed that is prone to becoming overweight. Care must be taken to feed this breed the correct amount of a high-quality food and to monitor the dog’s intake to prevent the dog from becoming too thin.
In general, the Samoyed is a breed that excels on a diet of moderation. Adult Samoyeds should be fed a diet that contains a minimum of 18 percent protein and 5 percent fat. The best dog foods for Samoyeds are nutritionally balanced and fortified with vitamins, minerals, and nutrients to meet the needs of active breeds.
Choosing the Correct Calorie Count for Samoyeds
A highly energetic and busy breed, the average adult Samoyed needs a generous helping of a healthy, well-balanced food to fuel its unique needs. The dog’s activity level and age should be taken into account to determine the correct portion sizes for each meal. As a general guideline, an adult dog requires between 1,200-1,500 calories each day of the best food for Samoyeds.
Dietary Requirements for Samoyed Dog Foods
This beautiful, spirited breed requires a balanced, high-quality diet to keep pace with its daily activity levels. Since all dogs are carnivores, the primary ingredient in any food for the Samoyed should contain meat as its foundation. Whole meats are the best choice, but meat meals are also a good source of protein. By-products should be avoided entirely.
Plant-based proteins are added to some dog foods as they are a cheaper quality ingredient. However, these items are difficult for the Samoyed to process and utilize effectively. The most commonly used plant proteins include soy, corn, and wheat. Any food that contains these items should be left on the shelf as Samoyeds are very sensitive to these ingredients.
Samoyeds are able to tolerate grains well so long as they are included in their whole form and do not include common grains such as corn or wheat. Carbohydrates in a diet for this breed can be derived from whole grains, fruits, or vegetables. The primary criteria for inclusion in the best dog food for Samoyeds should be digestibility and the amount of nutrients such as dietary fiber and antioxidants.
Healthy fats are an important component of the Samoyed’s diet, providing the dog with energy and forming the basis for the development of healthy skin and a beautiful coat. These are best derived from animal origins and include such items as chicken fat and oily fish such as salmon, mackerel, anchovies, and salmon.
Things to Look for in the Best Dog Food for Samoyeds
Here is a basic list of the most important things to look for in the best food for a Samoyed:
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Whole proteins heading up the ingredients list
Any diet suited to the needs of an active breed like the Samoyed should list meat as its first ingredient. Whole meats are the best choice, but meat meals can also form an excellent foundation for a healthy diet.
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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 Samoyed. Diets containing these ingredients should be avoided.
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Enriched with probiotics and helpful supplements
Probiotics and additional supplements can provide a vital help in supporting the Samoyed’s health and wellness. The most beneficial supplements to look for in a food for this energetic breed 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 Samoyed should bear the AAFCO seal of approval, indicating it meets the standards for a complete and balanced food.