Did you know that your Belgian Tervuren’s namesake, the small Belgian village of Tervuren, is home to some of the world’s finest confectionery, including their globally renowned Belgian chocolate? But while we’re talking food, here’s something interesting that you might not have heard before: your furry friend’s nutrition matters just as much as yours. That’s right! Much like humans, dogs also need a well-balanced diet to stay healthy and fit.
The question is whether or not your Belgian Tervuren needs a special kind of dog food. Now, that’s an inquiry that requires a bit of digging.
The Belgian Tervuren, beautiful and elegant, is a medium-to-large dog breed, believed to be the most elegant among the four Belgian sheepdogs. It boasts an impressive double coat, around 24-26 inches in height, and weight ranging from 45-75 pounds. This breed is not just beauty, though, but brains as well. It’s known for its intelligence, agility, and sociability.
So, what’s the best meal for this furry superstar?
To answer that, let’s break it down to the fundamental things a Belgian Tervuren, like any dog, needs in their diet. Generally, the canines’ food should comprise proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals. Regardless of breed, all dogs need these nutrients in the correct proportions to function correctly.
Let’s translate that to your Belgian Tervuren. What exactly does he need from his daily meals?
As an active and energetic breed, the Belgian Tervuren requires high-quality vitamin-rich, protein-packed food sufficient to sustain its energy levels. Proteins are fundamental for muscle growth and repair, immune function, and creating essential hormones and enzymes. Chicken, turkey, fish, and lamb are excellent protein sources for dogs, including your Belgian Tervuren.
But that’s only part of the story. Fats are the most concentrated form of food energy for dogs, providing more than twice the energy of proteins or carbohydrates. Fats are essential in the structure of cells and are needed for the production of some hormones. Ideally, seek out dog food that lists good fats like chicken fat or fish oil, rather than unnamed “animal fat”. It assures you know what kind of animal the fat came from.
Carbohydrates are also necessary. Though not required in large quantities as protein and fats, they provide essential energy and help in digestion. Sweet potatoes, peas, and carrots are good sources of carbs that you can commonly find in most dog diets.
Don’t forget the vitamins and minerals! Everything from helping body processes function to boosting the immune system, minerals and vitamins are crucial. Most commercial dog foods will include these but it’s worth checking the label just to be sure.
Now, what about so-called breed-specific foods? Numerous dog food brands in the market advertise breed-specific variants, including those tailored for Belgian Tervurens. It sounds convincing. After all, a breed-specific diet sounds like it would cater to your fur baby’s every nutritional need. But pushed by marketing aside, does your Belgian Tervuren truly require a breed-specific diet?
The answer is a resounding – maybe.
Yes, each dog breed has unique needs. For instance, Belgian Tervurens, as earlier mentioned, are particularly active and need slightly higher protein and fat levels in their diet than some other breeds. However, these breed-specific diets sometimes cost more and might not offer any significant benefits than regular high-quality dog food.
What’s crucial is ensuring your Belgian Tervuren gets high-quality dog food that satisfies his nutritional needs, breed-specific or not. Age, health status, activity levels, and size are often more important considerations than breed when choosing the right dog food.
Remember, whether you choose kibble, canned, raw, homemade, or a mix of these, ensure the food is satisfying and nutritionally well-balanced. If in doubt about what to feed your Belgian Tervuren, consult with your vet. They can provide you with the best advice tailored to your furry friend’s specific needs. And that ensures one happy, healthy, and energetic Belgian Tervuren.
So there you have it! Buying the right food for your Belgian Tervuren does not have to be “ruff”. It’s all about learning the essential nutrients your dog needs and finding the best way to provide them. Because at the end of the day, their health is your priority.
