Feeding Your Eurasier

There are so many dog food options that it can be difficult to make an informed selection. These are the following vet-approved recommendations that I look for in a diet:

• Protein greater than or equal to 28% from animal-based sources

• Fat greater than or equal to 18%

• Carbohydrates are greater than or equal 22%

• Calcium: Phosphorus ratio of 1.2:1 to 1:1

• Omega 6:3 fatty acid ratio of 5:1 to 10:1

• An Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) statement indicating the food is complete and balanced for the appropriate life stage.

  
  

Do note that these percentages are for an active dog lifestyle so if you are not free feeding you may need to reduce your portions.

Why I Prefer Grain-Inclusive Diets

Despite the popularity of grain-free foods, most dogs do not benefit from avoiding grains. Quality grains such as oats, barley, rice, and corn provide digestible energy, fiber, vitamins, and minerals that support digestive health and overall nutrition. True grain allergies are uncommon in dogs, and food sensitivities are far more often linked to animal proteins.

For this reason, I generally recommend feeding a quality grain-inclusive diet.

Why I Avoid Foods High in Peas and Legumes

Veterinary researchers have identified a potential association between diets high in peas, lentils, chickpeas, and other legumes and diet-associated dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), a serious heart condition. While the exact cause is still being studied, many veterinary nutritionists recommend avoiding foods that rely heavily on peas, pea protein, lentils, or similar ingredients as major components of the diet. A few peas in an ingredient list are not necessarily concerning, but I prefer foods where these ingredients are not prominent protein or carbohydrate sources.

Feeding Eurasier Puppies

Eurasier puppies should remain on a quality puppy food until at least 14 months of age.

Puppy diets provide the calories, protein, fat, and nutrients needed to support healthy growth and development during this important stage.

Free Feeding and Eurasier Appetites

One of the wonderful traits of the Eurasier breed is that they are typically natural grazers. Unlike many breeds that will eat everything available, most Eurasiers are remarkably good at regulating their own food intake.

For healthy Eurasiers, I generally recommend free feeding. When food is consistently available, most Eurasiers eat small meals throughout the day rather than overeating. In my experience, free feeding helps many Eurasiers maintain a healthy weight naturally and allows them to adjust their intake based on growth, activity level, and seasonal changes. Free feeding can also help your dog avoid bloat.

New owners are often surprised when their Eurasier occasionally eats less than usual or skips a meal altogether. This is normal for many healthy Eurasiers. As long as your dog is maintaining a healthy weight, energy level, and body condition, these fluctuations are usually nothing to worry about.

Regardless of feeding method, monitor your dog's body condition regularly. You should be able to easily feel the ribs beneath a thin layer of fat and see a visible waist when viewed from above.

My Recommended Foods

• Open Farm Ancient Grains

• Fromm Ancient Grains

• Wellness CORE+ Healthy Grains

• FirstMate Grain-Friendly Formulas

When changing foods, transition gradually over 7 to 10 days to help avoid digestive upset.

Homemade and Raw Diets

I do not recommend feeding a homemade diet unless the recipe has been properly formulated and analyzed to ensure it provides complete and balanced nutrition. Meeting a dog's nutritional requirements consistently is much more complicated than simply feeding fresh ingredients, and deficiencies may not become apparent until months or years later.

Similarly, feeding a raw diet successfully is difficult. Raw diets require careful formulation, sourcing, handling, and storage to minimize nutritional imbalances and bacterial contamination risks. Most owners will find it far easier to provide complete nutrition through a high-quality commercial kibble produced by a reputable manufacturer.

Another consideration for Eurasier owners is that the breed can become surprisingly selective about food. Eurasiers that are frequently offered home-cooked meals, raw food, or numerous toppers often learn to hold out for something "better." Some will quite literally go on hunger strikes and refuse a balanced diet they previously ate without issue. For that reason, I recommend keeping meals simple and consistent whenever possible.

Veterinarians generally advise against feeding raw meat to puppies because their immature immune systems make them more susceptible to foodborne pathogens. Puppies have enough challenges during growth without adding unnecessary nutritional or food safety risks.