The nutritional needs of dogs differ from those of humans. What we think is healthy for us is often not enough or appropriate for dogs. To ensure that your dog receives the best nutrition, you must understand a dog’s specific needs and how to address these needs. Taking care of man’s best friend requires a bit of preparation and knowledge.
There are essential nutrients needed to grow, thrive and shine. If your dog does not receive the correct nutrients, poor health, stunted growth of puppies, lethargy, and a shorter lifespan may result.
Dogs need five basic nutrients to survive: carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals. These serve different roles in maintaining your dog’s health and well-being and our guide will help you ensure your dog is receiving these nutrients.
1. Protein
Proteins are the building block of health; are chemicals made from amino acids. Your dog can make some of these chemicals in his own body, but the rest must be supplied through his food intake. The best sources of these amino acids are meat and its derivatives. Dogs can extract protein from these much more easily than from plant sources. I repeat: meat.
Choose foods that have an adequate amount of protein to help your puppies and dogs grow.
2. Fats
Fat is something that everyone tries to avoid because it can cause many health problems, but dogs, however, like humans, also need the nutrients contained in fat.
The right amount of fat is necessary to promote good skin health and transport fat-soluble vitamins. Fats are also essential for kidney function and reproductive health, and they also make food more flavorful. Too much fat will, of course, result in obesity and lethargy.
3. Carbohydrates
Fifty percent of your dog’s diet should consist of carbohydrates, necessary for energy. Corn and soybeans are two of the most popular sources of this nutrient. If this source is clean and of good nutritional quality, make sure your dog’s diet contains at least 50% of these. Other carbohydrates include cooked rice and dry cereals prepared specifically for dogs.
4.Vitamins and Minerals
A dog needs an exact amount of vitamins and minerals to be healthy, and while your dog can receive these nutrients from his general food intake, vitamin supplements should be considered for your dog. Today, promoted commercial dog foods also make it easy for owners to ensure their dogs are getting good nutrition.
Tips for buying dog food
Dogs need proper nutrition to be healthy, happy, and to keep their coats soft and shiny. The cost of any dog food and its brand is only important if the dogs can read or afford the food. The easiest and best way to know what food is best for your dog is to see how he responds to the food he eats.
The following are tips to remember when feeding your dog kibble, snacks, or any type of treat.
o Chocolate is lethal to dogs. The main components are methylxanthine alkaloids and theobromine in regular chocolate and are digested and excreted by humans in less than 3 hours, but the same compounds when ingested by dogs remain within them for 18 hours and this has been shown to It is fatal. Symptoms of chocolate poisoning include vomiting, excessive urination, hyperactivity, diarrhea, and these can be followed by seizures, coma, and ultimately death.
o Read the product label. Dogs should have a diet rich in meat protein, so when shopping for canned food look for chicken, turkey, any red meat, pork, or other animal by-products, as these keep your dog’s coat soft and healthy. Dogs prefer meat-based diets because they are easy to digest and are a great source of energy.
o Don’t give a dog just any bone. Contrary to popular belief, feeding bones to dogs is not necessarily a good idea. Small soft bones gnawed and eaten by dogs can splinter inside their throats and cause them to choke. Chicken necks do not splinter, nor does the breast bone of any animal, so these are good to give to the dog, as they also provide gum and teeth care when the dog chews on them. Dogs have short digestive tracts and also do not have amylase in their saliva, the enzyme humans have that is used to predigest starch.
o Dog food supplements are unnecessary only if you are sure that your dog receives a regular intake of complete and balanced dietary nutrients. Good sources of carbohydrates include rice, corn, oats, wheat. A highly specialized nutrition diet is only necessary if your dog is not getting enough physical activity or is going through a stressful change in routine.
o Raw fish and eggs are prohibited in a dog’s diet. Constant consumption of raw eggs causes a dog’s skin to become flaky as the eggs deplete the available biotin in his body and the usual results are dermatitis and hair loss. Raw fish creates a thiamine deficiency in a dog and its effects are loss of appetite, abnormal posture, weakness, and sometimes death.
Feed your dog a healthy diet as described above and he will always have a beautiful coat and many years of companionship.
