As a pet parent, you’d want the best dog diet plan for your furry baby. To be able to do that you need some in-depth understanding of fundamental dog food facts and nutritional needs. A dog’s nutritional and energy requirements are contingent on a variety of factors, such as:
• Growth
• Reproductive abilities
• Age
• Level of activity
• Breed
• Medical conditions
• Behavioral issues
As a dog parent, it falls upon you to identify your pooch’s specific requirements and make sure they’re met. In the absence of which, your pet may suffer from deficiencies that can impact their overall health and lead to a host of medical repercussions, ranging from minor irritants like poor skin health to major complications like gastrointestinal issues.
Sounds overwhelming? Fret not, All About Dog Parenting with delve into greater detail about different dog food fundamentals to help you find the right answers to whatever question you may have in your mind about the right kind of diet for your furry baby.
Let’s begin by taking a closer look at some of the key nutrients every dog needs to thrive and their role in promoting optimal health:
1. Protein
Since protein is often presumed to be the most important nutrient in a dog’s diet, let’s start with its role in maintaining their health. Regular protein intake in the right quantities is essential for muscle, skin, blood, hair, and nail health as well as for the development and maintenance of tendons, ligaments, and cartilage. The process of breaking down protein also results in the formation of amino acids, which are an essential source of energy and sustenance for dogs.
2. Carbohydrates
Contrary to popular belief, carbohydrates are an integral part of a dog’s nutritional requirements and serve as a powerhouse of energy as well as a source of fiber. In the absence of carbohydrates, the body’s glucose requirements are not met and it leaches onto amino acids from energy, diverting them from other essential bodily processes.
3. Fiber
Fiber is a type of carbohydrate but it deserves a separate mention on account of its role in maintaining dogs’ overall health, specifically, gastrointestinal function and gut microbes.
4. Vitamins
Vitamins are among the most crucial micro-nutrients for dogs that play a vital role in a range of bodily functions such as,
• Neurological health
• Eye function
• Bone development
• Blood clotting
• DNA synthesis
5. Fat
Apart from energy production, fat is also critical for the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. It provides essential fatty acids (EFAs) such as omega-3 and omega-6, which are crucial for keeping the skin and fur healthy, and also, reducing inflammation at the cellular level. A deficiency of fat can result in,
• Slow healing of wounds
• Dry and dull hair coat
• Dermatological conditions
On the flip side, high-fat diets can increase the risk of obesity. So, it’s absolutely crucial to regulate the portion of fat in your dog’s diet and limit it to 1% to 2% of the food.
Now that we’ve touched upon the basics, let’s foray deeper into the nuances of dog food fundamentals to help you make an informed choice about what goes in your pooch’s bowl.
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