6 Best Dog Food For Coton De Tulear for their Nutritional Needs

If you are a pet lover and have a Coton de Tulear at home, it’s very important to take care of it properly and feed it the right nutrition. Having endless brands in the market, it’s pretty confusing to find out the best dog food for Coton de Tulear. You must feed them a safe and nutritious diet made of high-quality ingredients. Besides, these little dogs have different nutritional requirements than other breeds. So, the food must be formulated containing the right amount of nutrients.

To help you find the ideal Coton de Tulear dog food, let’s meet the top six dog foods in the market right now!

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Best Dog Food for Coton de Tulear Review

1. Best Nutritious- Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Adult Small Breed

Blue buffalo small breed is a good option for the best dog food for coton de tulear

As the name informs, Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Adult Small Breed has no artificial preservatives or colors and is high-quality dog food! Resultantly, Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula is one of the most dependable Coton de Tulear Dog foods to ensure their healthy lifespan. 

The diet is formulated to meet the needs of small breeds which is perfect for the Coton De Tulear which weighs in at roughly 11 pounds. With higher protein levels of 26% and a smaller kibble size for small jaws.

Featuring real meat as the primary ingredient, this dog food is full of pure protein. Therefore, it helps your small puppies grow strong muscles. 

One good thing about this dry kibble is that it contains quality ingredients full of vitamins and minerals. High levels of antioxidants to fight free-radical damage and improve immunity are a big plus.

Being manufactured with nutritious fruits, veggies, grains, and omega 3 and 6 fatty acids. No wonder it has successfully made its place on this top dog food list.

Pros

  • Natural dog food with no artificial by-products, colors, or additives
  • High levels of antioxidants for immune system health
  • Real meat as the first ingredient makes the food more palatable and increases the protein level
  • Small breed-specific, small kibble size and higher energy per 100kcal for active adult dogs
  • People report it is great for stomach and skin issues

Cons

  • Some dogs dislike it for being too high in protein
  • On the more expensive side but quality food Is worth it

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2. Overall Best- Purina Pro Plan High Protein Small Breed Dry Dog Food Shredded Blend

 

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Best Overall for the Coton de Tulear is Purina Pro Plan’s high protein diet for small breeds.

To begin with the features, we must praise its high protein formulation with a crude protein of 33% protein with lamb as the first ingredient. It’s made of kibble and crunchy shredded lamb pieces which dogs report to love the taste of. 

Moreover, it’s carefully prepared with the help of animal nutritionists and veterinarians to have the exact taste and texture suitable for small breeds of dogs.

Apart from Coton de Tulear, it is suitable for all small breed dogs with the complete essential formula. 

But it might cause digestive issues for dogs with sensitive stomachs. Beware of that!

Pros

  • High protein 33% to help support lean muscle for active little dogs
  • Promotes healthy and shiny skin and coat with added Vitamin E
  • 100% natural nutrition with no added flavors or preservatives
  • Manufactured at Purina owned Facilities in the USA
  • Veterinarians and nutritionists on staff

Cons

  • Contains poultry-byproduct meal and beef tallow which are cheaper ingredients
  • Some dogs pick out the small “shredded” bits and leave the kibble!

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3. Best Digestible- Hill’s Science Diet Adult, Small and Mini, Sensitive Skin and Stomach

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Coton de Tulear’s are known to have sensitive stomachs as well as skin problems and this diet is perfect for them!

Similar to the Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Dog Food, it too is made of natural ingredients with no artificial colors or flavors. That’s why it’s appropriate for the Coton de Tulear’s sensitive stomach.

Perhaps, the most attractive feature of this high-quality diet is the highly digestible protein sources of chicken meat, chicken meal, and egg. It also contains flaxseed and beet pulp which are great prebiotic fibers for digestive health. Veterinarians highly recommend it, for good reason of course.

It is manufactured in the USA by a US company. There are high levels of Vitamin E and Omega-6 fatty acids to support the Coton de Tulear’s skin and coat. For such small breeds, it’s literally a full package with lifelong immune system support. 

This food is reported to be super tasty, Which will help those fussier eaters empty the bowl.

Pros

  • No artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives added
  • Easy to digest with highly digestible protein sources
  • Reviewers report excellent palatability for fussy eaters
  • Added prebiotic fibers from beet pulp and flaxseed
  • Added Vitamin E and Omega-6 fatty acids to improve skin and coat
  • AACO statement: Formulated to meet Adult life stage: better than an all life stages diet

Cons

  • Not suitable for puppies
  • Freshness reduces towards the bottom of the bag so make sure you only purchase a bag size that will last 4-6 weeks and no longer

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4. Most Affordable- NUTRO NATURAL CHOICE Small Breed Adult Dry Dog Food, Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe

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The fourth place of this review is occupied by an amazing dry food for your favorite Coton de Tulear. Rest assured that the superb savory flavor won’t disappoint your little darling in any way.

Pretty similar to the Purina Pro Plan High Protein Dry Dog Food, it offers complete nutrition being filled with appropriate vitamins and minerals. Furthermore, the antioxidants are extremely valuable and contribute to the Coton de Tulear diet. As a result, things get easier for pet owners to provide their little pups with flavorful food recipes. 

At an affordable price point of under $3 per pound, you might wonder about the quality. The ingredient list is quite impressive containing the typical nutritious ingredients of chicken, chicken meal, and whole grains. It is slightly lower in protein than others at 26% and there are no veterinarians on staff. 

Most importantly, the delicious chicken flavor attracts the pet most which is completely healthy. Moreover, the golden combination of omega-6 fatty acid with zinc promotes healthy and shiny skin. 

Being manufactured with whole grains and premium-quality protein, Pedigree doesn’t include any inferior ingredients in this precious Coton de Tulear puppy food. In fact, only the finest flavorings are collected to prepare the package. 

Another good thing to add about this pet meal is the soft and meaty food kernels. They are not too tough to bite. 

Despite the positives, a slightly dissatisfying factor is the less amount of roasted veggies. Keeping this minor issue aside, it’s a great value for the money though!

Pros

  • Made of the finest ingredients 
  • The best package on budget with complete nourishment
  • Highly delicious with no added sugar
  • Made with non-GMO ingredients
  • Affordable
  • Great for picky eaters

Cons

  • Lower in protein and higher in carbs than some of the other recommendations.

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5. Most Palatable and Highest Rated by Reviewers- Royal Canin Small Breed Adult 

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Royal Canin Small Breed Adult Dry Dog Food is designed to meet the specific nutritional needs of small dog breeds. These breeds require more calories per pound of bodyweight than large dogs, and the food contains L-carnitine to help metabolize fat and maintain a healthy weight if your dog is prone to weight gain. The food is also enriched with the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA from fish oil to support healthy skin and a beautiful, shiny coat. Plus, it is highly palatable to ensure that even the pickiest eaters are satisfied. You can mix this food with your dog’s favorite wet food if they like to mix it up. The small kibble is quite a unique star shape with a savory aroma. Reviewers noted that even their fussiest dogs loved this food and rated it 4.8/5 stars across various review sites.

Pros

  • Most dogs love its delicious taste
  • Scientifically formulated with a unique kibble shape
  • Adapted energy for dogs prone to weight gain with added L-carnitine to help burn fat and fuel muscle

Cons

  • Lower in protein at 27% dry matter basis
  • Corn is the first ingredient and chicken-byproduct meal is the second. While both of these ingredients do provide valuable nutrients there is no mention of chicken meal or chicken in the ingredient deck.

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6. Best Fresh Food: PetPlate Tail Waggin’ Turkey

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We know it can be tough to find great fresh recipes for your furry friend, but we’ve got just the thing! This high-protein turkey recipe is made with lean turkey protein and fresh veggies. It’s perfect if you’re looking to feed a homemade diet without the cooking. This meal contains no unhealthy chemicals whatsoever; all ingredients are 100% human-grade ingredients (no cheap stuff here!). Kettle-cooked at USDA certified kitchens following safety standards identical to ones used when cooking food consumed by humans themselves. 

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Coton De Tulear Feeding Routine 

If you don’t follow a balanced feeding schedule for your Coton puppies, they might encounter health issues down the track. That is why feeding a complete and balanced diet for their life stage is so important. Nutritional deficiency can lead to retinal atrophy, hyperoxaluria, dental problems, joint and growth problems. Deficiencies can also add to orthopedic diseases that can cause a 9% rate of hip dysplasia in the breed. 

Here is an ideal feeding routine for Coton puppies to keep them well maintained-

  1. You should feed a Coton de Tulear 2-3 times a day between 3 to 6 months of age. Feed them according to the feeding guide of the diet you choose. Make sure they are on a puppy-specific diet. 
  2. Between 6 to 12 months, feed them twice a day. Once they are spayed or neutered be careful of their calorie intake as their calorie requirement drops between 10-20%
  3. Between 10 months to 7 years, they should be on an adult diet from the list above.
  4. After 7 years, they are considered seniors and should be on a small breed senior diet.

The Buying Guide For Coton De Tulear’s Food

When it comes to choosing the best food for your Coton De Tulear, there are a few things you need to take into consideration. The first is their age, as puppies have different nutritional needs than adult dogs. You’ll also want to think about their activity level, as more active dogs will need more calories.

If your dog has any allergies or sensitivities, you’ll need to find a food that doesn’t contain any of the ingredients they’re allergic to. And finally, you’ll want to consider your budget and how much you’re willing to spend on dog food each month.

AAFCO: Complete and Balanced

Look for dog foods approved by the American Association of Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). It’s normally mentioned on pet food labels just after the ingredient deck. If the label doesn’t say “complete and balanced,” then it doesn’t meet AAFCO standards for a maintenance diet you can feed long term.

Lifestage

I am a strong proponent of choosing a diet for the appropriate life stage. There are so many diets on the market that state “all life stages” on the AAFCO statement. It is a lot cheaper to formulate a diet that covers “all life stages” rather than one for growth or adults.

Diets with an “all life stage” statement are designed for the most demanding life stage which is growth and reproduction. Diets for growth are high in calories and are generally not appropriate for adults and senior dogs who will likely gain weight on these formulations.

For a Puppy up until 10 months of age if a small breed (or 12 months if a medium breed) make sure that they are on a specific puppy formulation. And the AAFCO statement states it is for growth. Adult dog food is often lacking high enough minerals and energy for puppies and can lead to growth and health problems.

The Ingredients

All the ingredients making up the food should be listed by water weight with the heaviest first. Ensure that meat, such as chicken, beef, or pork, is the main ingredient since they are a source of biologically appropriate high-quality proteins.

Additionally, look out for fresh fruits and vegetables as they are reliable sources of antioxidants that boost overall immunity. They need to be higher up the ingredient deck. If they are lower down they are an afterthought and there for marketing purposes only as they will have minimal to no benefit.

Just like humans, dogs need vitamins and minerals. Ensure the food you buy has all the essential minerals for complete nutrition. Some of the vitamins and minerals your dog needs include vitamin A, vitamin B12, calcium, and more. Vitamin E is often added for skin and coat health which is important for Cavapoo’s and other Doodles.

Prebiotic fibers are a great addition as well. They are nondigestible fibers such as psyllium, cellulose and beet pulp that feed the good gut bacteria and help improve the microbiome and firm the stools

Omega fatty acids are a nutrient to look for in the ingredient list. Look out for fish oils which are high in Omega-3 fatty acids and can help fight inflammation and improve the skin. Omega-6 fatty acids from vegetable oils can also help improve the skin and coat.

Natural Composition

The food should be 100% natural without any artificial preservatives and colors. These additives can cause an adverse food reaction such as diarrhea.

Kibble size and size appropriate Diet

Coton De Tulear is a small breed dog and you should select a small breed appropriate diet.

Small breeds have specific nutritional requirements unique to their size. They tend to have higher energy requirements and smaller mouths so need slightly higher energy, small kibbled diet.

by-products

By-products are the leftovers after the meat for human consumption has been removed. This could include chicken intestines, bones, fat, and feet. There is an argument that animal by-product meals provide valuable nutrition. Personally, this isn’t something I would consume, or want to feed to my dog.

Digestibility

Whichever food you give to your pet should be highly digestible for maximum absorption of nutrients and be easier on the stomach. A highly digestible food also means less poop to pick up and firmer stools!

Vet and Experts’ Recommendations

Does the pet food company conduct research and employ vets on staff? Making pet food is a lucrative business and many companies do no research to see if their pet food actually performs as they say it will.

What about Allergens in the Food?

True food allergies are very uncommon. While skin allergies are common, they are more typically associated with environmental allergies and flea allergies. 

If you suspect your Coton De Tulear is allergic to something in their diet talk to your veterinarian as they may need to go on a diet trial.

However, food intolerances and sensitivities are more common and usually manifest in diarrhea, soft stool, or increased frequency of stools. Try a diet formulated for sensitive stomachs if you think this may be a problem in your Coton De Tulear.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Does Coton de Tulears get along with children?

A: Yes, they get along easily with children. Also, they become friends with other cats and dogs as well. In fact, Coton puppies are socially affectionate animals that get attached to all your family members quite easily.

Q: Do Coton de Tulears require a lot of grooming?

A: Like every dog, Coton also needs grooming regularly. They have long coats and require daily brushing.

Q: How much to feed a Coton de Tulear?

A: This is the most common and burning question new Coton de Tulear owners ask when it comes to feeding their four-legged friends. Puppies eat more than adult dogs and it is important to make the transition gradually. The best advice is to feed your chosen diet using the feeding guidelines on the back of the bag. It is really important to limit treats and table scraps and feed to the guidelines to avoid obesity which can lead to other health issues.

Q: Can you feed some of the nutrients directly to the pooch without them being on a commercial diet?

A: Yes, you can, provided you do so under the guidance of your vet so that you administer the nutrients appropriately and in the right quantities. Nutritional deficiencies (or excess) can lead to severe health problems.

Q: What are some of the common health problems that you are likely to find in Coton De Tulears?

A: Common health issues that often plague the CotonDe Tulear dog breed include

  • Allergies
  • Heart diseases
  • Dental problems
  • Orthopedic disease including hip dysplasia
  • Hyperoxaluria

Q: What can’t a Coton de Tulear eat?

A: There is a long list of bad foods which you should avoid at all costs. Do not buy food that has chemical preservatives such as BHT and BHA. Eating these can cause:

  • Skin conditions such as dry and itchy skin
  • Poor textured coat
  • Upset stomach
  • Abnormal stools
  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea
  • Decreased appetite

Our Top Pick

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In the end, the food brand that we felt stood out from the rest is Purina Pro Plan High Protein Small Breed Dry Dog Food Shredded Blend. Besides having the perfect combination of ingredients to meet the dog’s nutritional requirements, it is well-priced, high protein, and specific to small breeds.

Final Words

We prepared the list of best dog food for Coton de Tulear which describes only high-quality all-natural dog foods. As per veterinarian recommendations, go with the Hill’s Science Diet Dry Food for Small Breed Dogs for the most digestive dog meal. 

And for the healthiest ingredients, check out the Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Dog Food.

However, the other four foods on the list also perform equally well when it comes to maintaining a balanced life for your dearest Coton de Tulear.

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