Have you ever beheld the irresistible beauty of a Belgian Tervuren? Doesn’t their shaggy, infatuating coat make you want to pet them all day? Whether you’re a seasoned owner or plan to adopt one, knowing the best diet for a Belgian Tervuren should be at the top of your priority list.
Belgian Tervurens, affectionately known as Belgians, are a form of Belgian Shepherds. They belong to the herding dog breed – Yes, they’re guarding experts! These intelligent beauties have a high-energy level requiring nutritious meals to match their active lifestyle. What’s more exciting is that they came from a rich history of tough work back in Belgium. People have admired these dogs for trotting tirelessly alongside horse-drawn carts, herding sheep, and even pulling ambulance carts during World War I!
Now comes the million-dollar question: What’s the best food for a Belgian Tervuren?
First and foremost, you must know that there is no one-size-fits-all answer. Every Belgian, like people, has individual dietary needs based on age, size, metabolism, and activity level. You should consult your veterinarian for the exact measure. That being said, let’s dive into the basics of a Belgian Tervuren’s diet.
A diet packed with high-quality protein is the way to go for Belgians. Protein is a vital building block for your dog’s cells, organs, tissues, and antibodies. Interestingly, dogs, unlike us humans, do not store protein. So, supplying them daily with adequate protein is fundamentally crucial. Great options include chicken, turkey, fish, and eggs, but do avoid low-quality distillation meal, which is a processed form of protein and not as beneficial.
Belgian Tervurens need carbohydrates for energy, but don’t go binging on carbs! A balanced amount is beneficial for their digestive systems and helps prevent obesity. Look for whole grain carbohydrates such as brown rice, oatmeal, and sweet potatoes. Avoid cheap fillers like corn or soy often found in lesser quality dog food brands.
Just as we revel in the benefits of fruits and veggies, so do Belgians. Vegetables provide necessary vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Fruits like blueberries provide antioxidants that help fight diseases. However, remember certain fruits like grapes and raisins are harmful to dogs.
A good meal isn’t complete without some good fats, right? Healthy fats from sources like flaxseed, fish oil, or chicken fat provide essential fatty acids for your Belgian Tervuren, promoting shiny coats and overall good health.
An essential but often overlooked part of a Belgian’s meal is water. As Belgians are highly active, they need to hydrate more. Remember, water accounts for up to 60-70% of an adult dog’s body weight. A general rule is that a dog requires 1 ounce of water per day for each pound they weigh. For example, a large Belgian Tervuren which typically weighs 60 pounds, should consume around 60 ounces of water every day.
Lastly, don’t forget to customize the diet with your dog’s age and size. As puppies, Belgians need more fat and protein for growth but less overall volume. As adults, they require balance in everything for maintenance. As senior dogs, they need more fiber, less fat for digestion, and fewer calories overall as they’re less active.
Now that you know the what, let’s talk about the how – feeding methods.
Some prefer free-feeding, wherein the dog decides when and how much to eat. This casual method may cause Belgians to overeat leading to obesity. A better approach would be portion-controlled feeding. With this method, you provide small controlled meals at regular intervals, which can be highly beneficial for their digestive system.
No matter what method you choose, remember to adjust based on each Belgian’s unique metabolism and weight trends. Like our kind, every Belgian Tervuren is unique and requires special consideration in what they munch on!
Caring for Belgian Tervurens goes beyond choosing their food; it all comes down to love, commitment, and understanding their unique needs. The best buddy need the best treats. Go ahead, cater to your Belgian Tervuren’s diet and watch them grow into healthy and content companions.
Armed with this detailed Belgian diet plan, you can now confidently stroll down the pet food aisle. Pick up all the right kind of meal your Belgian Tervuren needs. Yes, even that blueberry you weren’t sure about! Go on, grab the chicken, fetch the brown rice, oh! don’t forget the fish! A happy, healthy, and gorgeous Belgian Tervuren is on the horizon.
