Did you know that American Eskimo Dogs, affectionately known as “Eskies,” were once the high-flying stars of America’s traveling circus? These clever, agile, and fluffy performers would walk tightropes, dance on their hind legs, and even jump through fiery hula hoops! But these fur-balls are not just all show; they’re also wonderfully friendly and devoted family pets.
Now, just think. If the American Eskimo Dogs were energetic and dynamic enough to do all those fantastic circus tricks, what might they need to eat to keep up all that energy and vitality? You’re right. Eskies need a special diet that fuels their agility, maintains their beautiful fluffy coats, and keeps them healthy and happy.
But before we delve into what they should be eating, let’s get a little familiar with this breed. Categorized into three sizes—standard, miniature, and toy—American Eskimo Dogs belong to the Spitz family, renowned for their striking white coats, fuzzy tails, and fox-like faces. Bred primarily to be a faithful companion, Eskies are a perfect mix of high-spirited charisma, clownish antics, and fierce loyalty.
Now, let’s look at that gorgeous coat of theirs—a stunning, pure white double coat that’s straight and stands off the body beautifully. To maintain this coat’s brilliance, Eskies need high-quality nutrition and care. Therefore, their diet should be a vital part of your care routine.
So, what’s the best food for American Eskimo Dogs?
Eskies thrive on a balanced diet of proteins, carbohydrates, healthy fats, and necessary vitamins and minerals. Therefore, their food should include meat, chicken, fish, fruits, vegetables, and grains representing these nutrients.
Protein, the cornerstone of all dog food, plays a vital role in your Eskie’s diet. High-quality animal proteins help them maintain good muscle mass and overall body condition. Foods like beef, chicken, turkey, and fish are rich sources of protein.
Carbohydrates provide your Eskie with useful energy to carry out their daily activities. Good carbohydrates for your pooch may include sweet potatoes, brown rice, or barley. However, they should be fed in moderation as excessive carbs can lead to obesity.
As for fats, they are necessary to maintain your Eskie’s healthy skin and beautiful coat. Fish oil is an excellent choice, rich in essential fatty acids like Omega 3 and Omega 6.
Fruits and vegetables are also crucial. They offer a bounty of essential vitamins and minerals, fiber, and antioxidants, all necessary for your Eskie’s health. Providing them in their natural form can often be better – think blueberries, apples, spinach, and carrots.
However, since every Eskie is unique, their dietary needs may vary based on their age, size, and activity level. Puppies, for instance, require a diet that’s high in calories and protein because they’re growing and developing rapidly. Adult dogs, especially those who are active, still need a protein-rich diet, but with fewer calories to prevent unnecessary weight gain. Older and senior dogs generally require even fewer calories, but their diet should have a focus on maintaining joint health.
Although dry and canned commercial dog foods are convenient and can provide balanced nutrition, it’s essential to choose high-quality brands that use natural ingredients and avoid artificial additives, preservatives, and fillers. Look out for a product that boasts a whole protein source as its first ingredient, and ideally, the food should be specifically formulated for your dog’s life stage.
So yes, while it might seem challenging to work out the perfect diet for your American Eskimo Dog, it doesn’t have to be. Just remember to focus on a balanced diet with high-quality proteins, healthy fats, and well-digested, wholesome carbohydrates, and your Eskie will be well-nourished, happy, and ready to perform any trick (or snuggle) that comes their way!
And remember, any changes to your dog’s diet should be done gradually and under the guidance of your veterinarian to prevent any dietary upsets. So here’s to feeding your Eskie the best food and to long, happy, and healthy lives together!
