When you think of a Chinese Crested, you probably picture a slender and elegant toy dog breed, known to be hairless except for its fluffy feet, tail and head. Well, you’re not wrong! Chinese Crested dogs are one of the most unique petite canines out there, and they also have some very distinctive dietary needs. Believe it or not, these adorable little pups are often compared to their human pals when it comes to dietary requirements.
Owning a Chinese Crested doesn’t come with a manual. However, the best food for a Chinese Crested must be able to meet their nutritional needs, be easily digestible, and be potentially beneficial to their skin health. What can this food be, you ask? A nutritionally balanced and high-quality protein-based diet comes in first place!
Let’s get a wiggle on and explore more about their dietary habits, nutritional needs, and top food suggestions to keep your Chinese Crested healthy, happy, and hearty.
LET’S TALK PROTEIN
Your Chinese Crested is a petit powerhouse. Even though they’re a small breed, they’re incredibly energetic and require food that will keep ‘em up and running. The best sources of food for your Chinese Crested include lean meats like chicken, turkey, and fish. Animal protein sources tend to be easily digestible and provide essential amino acids that these petite pups need. Don’t worry, it doesn’t mean you have to feed them from your dinner plate. High-quality commercial dog foods also use these proteins as their primary ingredients.
How much protein do they need? You may wonder. Approximately 18 % of their daily food intake should consist of good quality protein. This number can slightly vary depending on the age and overall health of your pooch.
FEED ‘EM FATS
Fat in a dog’s diet is just as essential as proteins. Fat provides energy, helps absorb vitamins, and significantly influences skin and coat health, which is super important for the Chinese Crested considering their sparse fur and susceptible skin! It is advisable to include omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in their diet.
Healthy sources of fats can come from fish, fish oil, flaxseeds, and even chicken fat. An average Chinese Crested dog’s diet should contain about 5% of fat. If you’re using commercial dog foods, make sure you check the label for these fatty ingredients!
CARBS ARE OPTIONAL
While proteins and fats are important, carbs are more optional when it comes to dogs. They provide energy and fiber, but it’s crucial to pick the right kind of carbs. Whole, unprocessed grains like oatmeal, brown rice, and barley are good for them. Also consider foods like sweet potatoes and peas for a nutrient-dense carbohydrate source.
But remember, your Chinese Crested doesn’t need a ton of carbs, so keep them as a smaller part of their diet. An excessive load of carbohydrates could lead to obesity or other health issues.
VITAMINS AND MINERALS
Just as important as their major macronutrients are the vitamins and minerals in your Chinese Crested diet. Remember the comparison we made between these lovely dogs and humans earlier in the article? It does ring true in this aspect as well!
Vitamins like A, D, E, and K, along with vital minerals like calcium, potassium, and sodium, are important for bone development, muscular health, and to support various other bodily functions.
Whew, can you believe we’ve covered all that already? Now, let’s get a little bit more practical. It’s time to explore some specific food options for your Chinese Crested.
BEST FOOD OPTIONS FOR YOUR CHINESE CRESTED
1. Fresh, Home-Cooked Meals: If you’re a culinary maestro and don’t mind cooking for your canine, go for it! Make a balanced meal comprising of lean meats, a dollop of fat and a sprinkle of good carbs, and voila, your Chinese Crested’s homemade meal is ready.
2. High-Quality Commercial Foods: If you’re more inclined towards commercial foods, make sure you choose premium brands that are high in animal proteins, packed with healthy fats, and reasonably low in carbs.
3. Wet Foods: Wet foods are typically the preferred choice for dogs with dental issues or are picky eaters in general, and they can be a great option for your Chinese Crested.
Remember, every dog is unique and their dietary requirements might differ slightly. Always consult with your vet before making any major changes to their diet. Regular visits and dietary discussions with your vet can ensure that your fur baby’s health is on the right track!
Moreover, there’s nothing wrong with treating your pup with some fruit pieces or veggies from time to time. But never, ever feed them chocolate or anything caffeinated. Also, too much of anything could lead to obesity, so controlled portion sizes are important.
In conclusion, a Chinese Crested’s diet should be rich in good quality animal proteins, the right amount of healthy fats, a moderate quantity of digestible carbs, and an adequate amount of vitamins and minerals.
Raising these beautiful, crested canines can be such a joy, especially knowing that their dietary habits somewhat mirror ours. The Chinese Crested truly are the snazzy fashionistas of the dog world, and they’re bound to light up your life with their elegance, energy, and enduring companionship! Just give them the care, love, and especially the diet they need, and they’ll surely reward you with their amazing companionship.
