How to Choose the Best Dog Food for Xoloitzcuintli Puppies
The Xoloitzcuintli pup is unique in appearance and is considered to be quite rare. This dog breed is believed to have followed its own development path with no human assistance whatsoever. The Xoloitzcuintli is considered to be an ancient breed that is closely associated with the Aztecs.
The term Xoloitzcuintli was bestowed upon this pup by the Aztec people. Xolotl is the name of an Aztec god whose role was to rule over fire and to escort the dead to the underworld upon their passing. Itzcuintli is an Aztec term which means dog. The Aztecs had great respect for the Xoloitzcuintli, believing that this small hairless dog possessed the ability to heal the body. Sometimes, these dogs also became a source of food for them.
The Xoloitzcuintli puppy is sometimes called a Mexican hairless dog. Many years ago, this breed nearly died out, but through the concentrated efforts of breeders today, the Xoloitzcuintli still exists though its numbers worldwide are quite small. There are only 30,000 of these dogs alive in the world at this time. In its native Mexico, the Xoloitzcuintli puppy is considered to be a national treasure.
The Xoloitzcuintli is not truly hairless, possessing a small strip of hair that runs along the middle of its head that is similar in appearance to a mohawk. However, the rest of this dog’s body is typically hair-free, and sun protection is required to keep this dog from burning when outdoors.
The body of this sleek puppy is well-muscled and extremely lean. Its head is quite unique, beginning with a blocky wedge shape and narrowing to nearly a point at the muzzle. One of the most distinctive characteristics of this puppy is its brow wrinkles, giving this dog a quizzical air. The Xoloitzcuintli puppy’s eyes range in color from a brilliant yellow to coal black.
The Xoloitzcuintli puppy comes in three different sizes: small, medium, and large. The breed is well-renowned for its calm nature. Imposing for many to behold, the Xoloitzcuintli pup is loyal, affectionate, and loving to its family whom this dog type protects with fierceness. A breed that does not like strangers, the Xoloitzcuintli will bite if annoyed or feeling threatened.
A pup of only moderate activity needs, the Xoloitzcuintli pup is unlikely to gain weight easily. This pup is extremely territorial and possesses a high prey drive. A securely fenced yard is a must for this devoted pup.
The Xoloitzcuintli puppy is one breed that has very few genetic conditions families must be concerned about. The main issues that can affect this breed involve the skin and teeth.
Though diet alone cannot necessarily thwart predisposed genetic illness, the best dog foods for Xoloitzcuintli puppies can provide a vital help in maintaining the dog’s best possible health. The ideal diet for this unusual breed pup consists of approximately 22 percent protein and 8 percent fat. To promote a healthy rate of growth in this pup, it is recommended that any diet for the Xoloitzcuintli puppy contain the correct ratio of calcium to phosphorus: 1.2 parts of calcium for each part of phosphorus.
Choosing the Correct Calorie Count for Xoloitzcuintli Puppies
The Xoloitzcuintli puppy requires a high performance puppy food that is well-balanced and full of top quality ingredients to enjoy optimal health and wellness as it grows. Once this diet has been found, it is then time to determine how much of this food the pup needs each meal. The best dog foods for Xoloitzcuintli puppies include suggested serving sizes on the side of their packaging. These guidelines are based on age and weight and can be adjusted in small amounts until the correct portion for the pup is found.
Though unlikely to become overweight, the Xoloitzcuintli puppy should still not be free fed. To maintain a healthy body weight in this breed, all intake, including treats, should be carefully monitored and all meals measured.
Dietary Requirements for Xoloitzcuintli Puppy Foods
The Xoloitzcuintli puppy does best on a diet that is based on a lean meat protein. The best dog foods for Xoloitzcuintli puppies include a whole meat or meat meal as their foundational ingredient. By-products are a cheap meat source that commercial dog food companies often use as the basis for their recipe. These proteins are taken from cuts of meat that are less desirable for human consumption and are often lacking in overall nutritional quality when compared with whole meats or meat meals.
Plant proteins such as soy, corn, and wheat have been linked to food allergies in some dogs. Diets containing these ingredients are best avoided. Likewise, foods that utilize such ingredients as chemicals, additives, fillers, artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives are best left on the shelf.
Carbohydrates contribute the needed antioxidants and fiber to boost the Xoloitzcuintli puppy’s digestion and immune system. These carbohydrates can come from whole grains, fruits, or vegetables.
Healthy fats provide the Xoloitzcuintli puppy with the essential fatty acids required for coat and skin health, brain and eye development, and strong reserves of energy. The ideal sources for these fats are animal-based ingredients such as chicken fat and oily fish; however, some plant-based oils offer an excellent alternative.
Supplements added to a diet also increase the food’s efficacy. The most beneficial supplements to look for in a food for the Xoloitzcuintli puppy include glucosamine, chondroitin, prebiotics, and probiotics.
Things to Look for in the Best Dog Food for Xoloitzcuintli Puppies
Here is a basic list of the most important things to look for in the best dog food for a Xoloitzcuintli puppy:
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Lean, meat-based proteins listed at the beginning of the ingredients list
The Xoloitzcuintli puppy has only moderate activity needs; however, this growing pup still does best on a diet that is based on a lean meat. The ideal foundation for a diet for this puppy is a whole meat or meat meal.
By-products and plant proteins lack the nutritional quality that growing Xoloitzcuintl puppies need to thrive. Diets containing them are best left on the shelf.
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Prepared without the addition of chemicals, flavorings, fillers, or mystery ingredients
Chemicals, flavorings, fillers, and mystery ingredients add no nutritional value to a food. Any puppy food that contains any of these elements should be avoided.
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Enriched with probiotics and helpful supplements
It is always a good idea to consider a food that contains helpful supplements. The most beneficial supplements for the Xoloitzcuintli puppy include prebiotics, probiotics, glucosamine, and chondroitin.
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Meets AAFCO nutritional requirements for a complete and balanced food
All puppy foods considered for the Xoloitzcuintli pup should bear the AAFCO seal of approval, indicating it is a complete and balanced diet.