Your dog’s nutritional needs supersedes every other in terms of importance, it is what guarantees your pup would live a long, healthy life. You may skimp from time to time on grooming or neglect to take Milo walking on rare occasions. But for his meals, you want to pay extra care to guarantee that he’s getting all the right nutrients in the right proportions. What are these vital nutrients? Check them out:
- Water
A mature dog’s lean body mass is made up of about 70-80% of water. It is vital for digestion, regulating body temperature, and even the elimination process. On a biological level, it serves as a transportation system for conveying nutrients to the various cells.
Your pup’s water needs depend on activity level, health, and temperature. Most dogs can regulate water intake on their own, and if your dog is on high-moisture food, they would generally take less water. However, always make clean and fresh water available.
- Fat
Fat is a better source of energy than both protein and carbohydrates, supplying up to twice as many calories. It also provides omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids which function in protecting the organs, absorbing fat-soluble vitamins, and boosting a healthy nervous system.
On the flip side, excess fats can cause gastrointestinal problems or pancreatitis, so, it should be well regulated. Pup fat sources include plant-based oils like hemp seed and flaxseed as well as low-mercury fish and fish oil.
- Protein
Protein is a source of both essential and non-essential amino acids that your dog needs to stay alive and healthy. Pups are unable to produce their required amount of proteins, so they need to get it from their diet.
Proteins are responsible for a range of structures ranging from bones to muscles to nails and even healthy hair. It also has some energy components and complements that are supplied by carbs and fat. Fish, eggs, and lean-muscle meats are great sources of protein for pups.
- Carbohydrates
Dogs are able to get a measure of glucose from fat and protein, therefore, carbs are not essential. However, they are important because they are the main source of glucose which supplies energy for daily activity.
A good measure of carbohydrates also provides the body with minerals, antioxidants, and vitamins for general pup health. It can be gotten from gluten-free grains and legumes.
- Vitamins
Vitamins play several important roles such as aiding blood clotting (K), boosting the immune system (A), functioning as antioxidants (C and E), amongst others.
They are usually required in minute quantities and can be gotten from diets like dog-friendly plant-based foods or muscle meats.
- Minerals
Minerals are essential to the body for sustaining metabolic functions and play a major role in various processes.
For instance, calcium and phosphorus are a major constituent of bones, iron transports oxygen, zinc aids injury recovery, nerve transmission is aided by sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium amongst other functions.
Dogs are unable to naturally manufacture minerals, hence, their only source is their diet. Feed like meat and bone is rich in phosphorus and calcium respectively while a great source of zinc is shellfish.
