Nutrition Basics for Your Dog
Basic Dietary Needs for Your Canine Companion
Your dog’s diet is an essential element in keeping him healthy. Many nutritional problems arise from deficiencies within the dog’s diet. Good nutrition functions to support a healthy immune system, healthy body systems, good skin and coat and maintenance of a healthy weight. While the dog food nutrition and diet debate rages in the industry, most canine food nutritionists agree that some ratios can be standardized over various activity levels and life stages.
Dog food nutritionists suggest that for each stage of your dog’s life there are specific dietary requirements. In fact, dogs are considered carnivores-meat eaters. However, in order to obtain complete nutrition, a dog must eat a variety of foods that include carbohydrates (in small amounts), proteins, and vegetables. Factors that influence specific diets include age, activity level, and any special health considerations such as epilepsy, kidney-liver involvement, diabetes, and cancer. It is extremely important to recognize that some of the illnesses and health related concerns involved with foods and nutrition, come from the fact that dogs are often allergic to one or more of the ingredients in a commercially prepared food. Common allergies in dogs stem from their intolerance to grains, specifically soy, wheat, and corn. This may lead to signs that your dog is not getting the optimum benefit from the food that he is given. It is a good idea to seek the help of your veterinarian if you suspect that your canine companion may be reacting to an ingredient in the food, such as the grain, coloring, or artificial flavorings that are popular in commercial dog foods. Dogs may even be allergic or sensitive to a protein source in the food.
To remove the guess work from canine nutrition, the National Research Council’s Nutrient Requirements of Dogs (NRC) has provided general guidelines but labels can sometimes be very misleading. It is suggested that you look on the label for AAFCO-American Association of Feed Control Officials to see that the food you choose has been reliably assured of nutritional quality, nutrients, and digestibility.
Several factors are important when determining the proper nutrition for your dog. Protein contains essential amino acids needed for the growth and repair of the canine body. A diet that includes between 25-28% proteins is necessary throughout your dog’s life and should be adjusted depending on age and activity level. Fats are critical for maintaining healthy coat and skin, reproduction and growth. They provide the essential fatty acids that a dog’s body does not manufacture. Fats also assist in the body being able to utilize all of the fat soluble vitamins: A, D, E, and K. It is fats that play a role in reducing inflammation and regulation of the immune system.
Vitamins and minerals are needed in the proper balance in the dog’s diet. If there is an imbalance, health related problems may be evident in your dog. Bad breath, dull coat, loss of hair, and dry skin, are among some of the signs that there may be a deficiency in a vitamin or mineral. Be sure that you do not over-supplement your canine or he may suffer serious complications. Not all dogs require vitamin-mineral supplements. Some assistance from your veterinarian may be required when making a decision. Carbohydrates provide needed energy for nervous system and brain function.
One of the most important and almost always the best place to begin the determination about your dog’s health and nutritional needs is with the dog. Evaluate the dog’s weight, age, and body condition. Think about the amount of energy that the dog will be spending (hunting, agility, show). Choose the foods that match closest to AFFCO recommendations.
A healthy dog is one that receives the maximum amount of usable nutrients in the appropriate ratios. If you have a healthy, happy dog, you have found the right diet.
Supplement the diet depending upon your companion dog’s health and nutrition requirements throughout his life. Develop a close relationship with your dog and enjoy him through his ages and stages.
