Fresh Food for Papillons
Their stature is small—they grow to no more than 11 inches tall and up to nine pounds—but a papillon’s ears, and their personality, are larger than life. This tiny dog is descended from the lap-warming spaniels of European nobility. But while they are a people-focused, friendly dog, they are surprisingly athletic, and make an all-round, active companion for humans interested in devoting ample time to exercise and training. Those trademark ears (which inspired the breed name—papillon means “butterfly” in French) come in both drop and erect varieties, and with their silky, single coat they’re not big shedders.
A diet of fresh dog food for your papillon is the best way to support their health and happiness—along with daily exercise, regular vet care, and an active family to run around with.
What’s the best dog food for papillons?
A diet of fresh dog food for your papillon contributes to a healthy, active life, and could help stave off some of the ailments common to this breed.
Why fresh is best for your Papillons
Highly processed kibble can contribute to many issues that can compromise your Papillons’s health. Recipes from The Farmer’s Dog are made with fresh, human-grade ingredients, steamed to retain nutrients, and pre-portioned to help maintain weight.
Feed Fresh TodayProtect joints
Papillons are prone to joint issues. Maintaining a lean body condition can help. And fresh food from The Farmer’s Dog contains Omega-3 fatty acids, proven to reduce inflammation and improve arthritis. Even if kibble contains these healthy fats, they can go rancid sitting on the shelf for long periods. Rancid fats don’t deliver the intended health benefits, and in fact can contribute to inflammation. Fresh food delivers these powerful nutrients intact to your papillon.
Dial up dental health (and fresh breath!)
For dogs like papillons, who may be prone to dental disease, don’t look to a dried pellet to clean teeth. Kibble is an ultra-processed food—it sticks to teeth, contributing to plaque, and it can contain substances that actually fuel inflammation in the tissues of the body, including the mouth. Eating for dental health means eating for overall health. A fresh, whole-food diet promotes a healthier immune system, which helps ward off dental infections—and it doesn’t stick to teeth.
Know what’s in the bowl
For papillons with dry and itchy skin, sensitive stomachs, or other signs of food allergies and sensitivities, it’s important to know exactly what you’re feeding—something that can be impossible with kibble, which often contains ingredients not listed on the bag. Allergies and intolerances to food are all too common and many dog owners notice symptoms clear up when they switch to fresh food.
Maintain a healthy weight
It’s critically important to avoid overfeeding any dog, big or small. Being even a little overweight can increase your papillon's odds of developing a host of diseases like arthritis, diabetes, and even cancer. A fresh-food plan, tailored to your dog’s needs, and delivered in pre-portioned packs, makes weight maintenance easy.
Read more about dog food and Papillons
- How to Prevent and Manage Separation Anxiety in Dogs
- The Wonder of Your Dog’s Paws and How To Take Care of Them
- Top 14 Fresh Snacks for Dogs
- Your Dog’s Amazing Coat and How To Take Care of It