How to Choose the Best Dog Food for Vizsla Puppies
The active Vizsla puppy is a wonder to behold. Lively, loving, and deeply affectionate, the Vizsla pup is often referred to as a Velcro dog. The breed bonds very deeply to its family and is most content when in the close presence of those it loves most.
The Vizsla traces its roots to Hungary where hunters sought to develop a dog type that was a combination of the Pointer and the Retriever. One of their main goals was a dog that remained close by the hunter’s side during the heat of the chase. This was successfully achieved, and today’s Vizsla puppy remains so close to its owner it is as though they are attached.
Fiercely intelligent and highly athletic, the Vizsla excels at many different pursuits including hiking, running, tracking, and dog performance sports. This dog type has very high energy levels and must be exercised vigorously on a daily basis to remain content. This natural athleticism means the Vizsla is not predisposed to weight gain.
The best dog foods for Vizsla puppies contain a minimum of 22 percent protein and 8 percent fat. In addition to this, owners should select a diet that contains the correct amount of calcium to phosphorus. This is rated as 1.2 parts of calcium for each included unit of phosphorus.
Choosing the Correct Calorie Count for Vizsla Puppies
Finding the correct amount to feed a Vizsla puppy can be challenging, particularly since the breed is so highly active. The best dog foods for Vizsla puppies list suggested servings sizes on the side of the bag. These are an excellent starting point.
Owners can make adjustments to the suggested amounts. The puppy’s age, weight, activity level, and appetite will give helpful hints as to whether portions should be increased or decreased.
Since Vizsla puppies are natural athletes, and thus, are very active each day, it is best for this pup to be fed several mini meals throughout the day as opposed to two large meals given in the morning and at night. This breed should never be free fed. All food should be measured and all intake monitored to ensure a healthy body condition is achieved and maintained.
Dietary Requirements for Vizsla Puppy Foods
Since Vizsla puppies are very active, they need a diet that is well-balanced and based on a lean meat to support them through each phase of their development. Whole meats make the best foundation, but meat meals are also an excellent choice. By-products are typically taken from inferior cuts of an animal and can be difficult for puppies to digest. Foods containing these items should be avoided.
The plant-based proteins soy, corn, and wheat are common allergens for many dogs including Vizsla puppies. These foods should be avoided. Other ingredients of no benefit to Vizsla puppies include chemicals, additives, preservatives, fillers, artificial colors, and flavors.
Vizsla puppies can suffer from food-related allergies. Dogs that have previously displayed this predisposition may do best on a grain-free diet. Otherwise, the carbohydrates in a diet can be taken from whole grains, fruits, or vegetables. The main priority in any carbohydrate included in a diet for the Vizsla pup is its high concentration of dietary fiber and antioxidants.
From healthy fats the Vizsla puppy gains fuel for strong reserves of energy, support for coat and skin health, and a boost for eye and brain development. The best sources of these fats are taken from animals and include such foods as chicken fat and oily fish. Safflower, coconut, and canola oils also offer ample servings of the essential fatty acids Vizsla puppies need.
All foods can benefit from the addition of supplements to help them be more well-rounded. The ideal supplements for Vizsla puppies include prebiotics, probiotics, glucosamine, and chondroitin.
Things to Look for in the Best Dog Food for Vizsla Puppies
Here is a basic list of the most important things to look for in the best dog food for a Vizsla puppy:
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Lean meat-based proteins heading up the ingredients list
Vizsla puppies do best on a diet that takes a lean meat as its foundation. Whole meats and meat meals are the most beneficial choices. By-products and plant-based proteins such as corn, wheat, and soy 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 Vizsla puppies. Diets containing any of these items are best left on the shelf.
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Enriched with probiotics and helpful supplements
Supplements help a diet to work its most effectively. The most beneficial supplements for Vizsla puppies include glucosamine, chondroitin, prebiotics, and probiotics.
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Meets AAFCO nutritional requirements for a complete and balanced food
All foods appropriate for the Vizsla pup should bear the AAFCO seal of approval, indicating it meets the standards for a complete and balanced food.