Bundle up and let’s go on an expedition to discover a secret that few people know about the American Eskimo Dog (AED), one of the most distinctive breeds out there. Did you know this dog has nothing to do with Eskimos, nor did it originate in America? This fluffy companion was actually bred in Germany under the moniker ‘Deutscher Spitz’ before being brought to America. Over time, the AED earned its misleading name, and countless hearts in the process. However, their peculiar heritage is not the most remarkable quirk about them.
The fascinating truth is, these beautiful and intelligent dogs possess a unique metabolic trait that rapidly breaks down their food, which could mean that your American Eskimo Dog may actually need special dog food!
With their thick white double-coat designed for harsh winters and ancestry linked to Siberian dogs, these darling canines can power through low temperatures with ease. This special ability influences their metabolism significantly. Even when they appear to be calmly perched on their favorite spot, their bodies are hard at work, burning calories to keep them warm. This means a higher metabolic rate than many dog breeds which leads to their unique dietary requirements.
Let’s embark on a journey to better understand our AED’s dietary needs and learn ways we can keep them healthy and happy. Spoiler alert! It involves carefully chosen dog food, regular exercise, friendly interaction, and lots of love.
The first checkpoint in our journey is the famous pet aisle in your local supermarket filled with numerous brands of dog food. Not all of them will be suitable for your AED. Since these dogs burn through their food faster than others, they need a high-quality, protein-rich diet to fuel their energy.
Small to medium-sized breeds like the American Eskimo Dog need roughly 40 calories per pound of body weight. But these values should be seen as guidelines, not laws. Age, size, activity level, and health cause caloric requirements to fluctuate. So a young, active AED might need more calories than an older, less active one.
Another crucial component is protein. Dogs are natural carnivores, and their dietary needs reflect that. An adult American Eskimo Dog should eat food that is at least 18% protein, while puppies should consume at least 22%. High-quality dog food brands often use whole meats like chicken, beef, fish, or lamb as their primary protein source. Be on the lookout for these options when reading the food labels.
For their special metabolic needs, consider specialty dog food that provides a balanced fat-to-protein ratio. Fat serves as an excellent energy source for dogs and aids digestion. Also, who can resist the shiny coat it yields? The ideal dog food for your American Eskimo should preferably contain 5% fat for adult dogs and 8% for puppies, giving them the required calorie boost as they burn, burn, burn!
Despite the meaty emphasis, don’t forget to serve up some greens! No, not that leftover spinach salad. American Eskimo Dogs benefit from specific carbohydrates, preferably low-glycemic ones like sweet potatoes and brown rice. These complex carbs will help maintain your AED’s energy level over time.
Watch out for dog foods that use cheap filler ingredients like corn, wheat, soy or meat by-products. These have less nutritional value and can cause digestive issues. Also avoid dog foods with artificial colorings, flavorings and preservatives, some of which have been linked to behavior problems and cancer in dogs.
Feeding your American Eskimo Dog correctly is an exercise of care. To avoid overfeeding, it’s smarter to divide their food into two equal meals a day to prevent obesity and ensure constant energy supply.
Pro tip: Since every dog is an individual, it wouldn’t surprise me if your dog has its own dietary preferences or restrictions. You should always consult with a veterinarian before making major adjustments to your dog’s diet.
Finally, remember that diet is just part of the equation to raise an American Eskimo Dog. Regular exercise, mentally stimulating activities, frequent grooming, routine vet visits, and a loving environment also contribute significantly to their well-being.
Think about diet and exercise like you would a good pair of gloves. The right balance of nutrition and exercise will protect your AED, just as gloves protect your hands while making a snowball, which your American Eskimo Dog will undoubtedly want to chase after… repeatedly.
The beautiful truth behind the American Eskimo Dog’s diet is that they don’t necessarily need “special dog food”. Instead, they need a special kind of care, knowledge and understanding when selecting and serving their food. When given a balanced and nutrient-rich diet, your gorgeous fluffy companion will not only survive but truly thrive! Who knew dog food could create such a winter wonderland?
Now that you are equipped with the expert insight on what to feed your American Eskimo Dog, let’s hope your next expedition is to the pet food aisle, where you can confidently pick out the best dog food for your winter-loving companion.
