What's the Best Dog Food for American Eskimo Dogs?

As one of the most active dog breeds, American Eskimos have very specific nutritional and caloric needs that should be taken into consideration when selecting the right dog food. With the potential of living a long, healthy life, proper nutrition can help support these dogs being their fun-loving, intelligent, and loyal selves!

AKC Classification: Non-Sporting
Exercise Required: 45 minutes/day

Ideal Weight
Healthy Toy Adult: 6-10 lbs
Healthy Miniature Adult: 10-20 lbs
Healthy Standard Adult: 25-35 lbs

Breed Summary

Originally known as the American Spitz and thought to be descended from working farm dogs in Germany, the American Eskimo breed was not officially registered with the AKC until the 1990s. These highly active and intelligent dogs are playful, loyal, and energetic. They would make a great addition to families with children and, with proper socialization, can even become warm-welcoming to strangers. Separation anxiety and excessive barking can become an issue, but only if not properly trained. American Eskimos are very smart, quick and like to be mentally challenged; however, are usually quite easy to train - when they aren’t being stubborn or indulging their independent streak. With 3 different sizes (standard, miniature, and toy) ranging from 6-35 lbs, most American Eskimos would suffice living in an apartment only if they get plenty of time for exercise and play. Due to their natural curiosity and enjoyment of training activities, American Eskimos also excel at agility training and other sports.

Physical Traits
Small frame under fluffy hair, happy face, upright gait

Personality Traits
Child-friendly, loving, trainable

Health Considerations for American Eskimos

While some standard American Eskimos can be on the larger size, the breed is still suspectable to many of the health issues that commonly plague smaller dogs. They are also susceptible to becoming overweight, so proper diet and exercise is essential for an American Eskimo. However, obesity can be secondary to hypothyroidism, which this breed is prone to. Furthermore, being overweight can exacerbate joint issues. With an average lifespan of 12-15 years, many American Eskimos live long, healthy lives. As highly active dogs, this breed needs lots of nutritional and caloric support.

Eye Problems

American Eskimos are susceptible to hereditary Juveline Cataracts and Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), so foods with nutrients that support eye health are good.

Bone & Joint Issues

Joint Problems: Like many of their small-dog friends, American Eskimos can develop a variety of common joint problems including Luxating Patella, Hip Dysplasia and Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease, but feeding them a dog food with the following nutrients can help:

Dental Problems

Like many breeds, American Eskimos are known to develop dental problems like Gum Disease and Oral Infections, so we recommend that their food and supplements address this. Learn more about how to take care of your dog's teeth.

Endocrine Disorders

American Eskimos seem to be more likely than other breeds to develop problems with their endocrine system including Hypothyroidism and Addison’s Disease. Thankfully these issues can often be minimized with a healthy diet.

Foods We Recommend: American Eskimo Puppies

How long do American Eskimo dogs need puppy food?
Until they're 12 months old

Known for being especially rambunctious puppies, American Eskimos carry plenty of playful energy in those growing little bodies. During their early months, your pet will need extra nutritional support and a calorically-dense food - like the foods below - to help them keep up.

Blue Buffalo®
Basics Limited Ingredient Diet Turkey & Potato Recipe Puppy Dry Dog Food

This diet is available at:

CANIDAE
Petite Salmon Formula Small Breed Puppy Limited Ingredient Diet Freeze-Dried Raw Coated Dry Dog Food

This diet is available at:

INSTINCT®
Be Natural Puppy Real Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Freeze-Dried Raw Coated Dry Dog Food

This diet is available at:

BIL-JAC
Small Breed Puppy Food

This diet is available at:

Foods We Recommend: American Eskimo Adults

When do American Eskimo dogs become adults?
12 months old

To prevent obesity and encourage a healthy, active lifestyle, adult dog food for your American Eskimo should contain plenty of calories while packing a nutritional punch. As a highly intelligent breed, American Eskimos can also benefit from ingredients that support brain development.

Evolve
Deboned Salmon & Sweet Potato Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

This diet is available at:

Blue Buffalo®
Rocky Mountain Recipe with Red Meat Small Breed Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

This diet is available at:

Merrick
Real Texas Beef Small Breed, Grain Free, Natural

This diet is available at:

The Farmer's Dog
Fresh, Personalized Ingredient Meal Plan

+ Custom, human-grade diet
+ More expensive than kibble

This diet is available at:

The Farmer's Dog | Save 20%

Foods We Recommend: American Eskimo Seniors

When do American Eskimo dogs become seniors?
7-10 years old

In their senior years, your active American Eskimo will most likely begin to mellow out. Caloric requirements decrease with age, but proper nutritional support is still critical. Any of the foods below would be a high-quality choice.