Proper nutrition is essential for all canine life stages.

One of the best things a dog owner can do for their pet is to provide proper nutrition. However, for many pet owners, canine nutritional needs are confusing. Protein, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals each play a part in keeping dogs of all ages healthy.

Water: An Essential but Easily Overlooked Canine Nutrient

Water plays an important role in keeping all dogs healthy. Fresh clean water should be made available to your dog at all times. Failure to allow your dog access to an adequate water supply can result in dehydration, illness and even death.

Protein: A Building Block in Canine Nutrition

Proteins are needed for all stages of the canine life cycle. Proteins are necessary for growth of young dogs, reproduction, and for maintenance and repair of body tissues in dogs of all ages. Proteins are a critical source of energy for cells, tissues and body organs and are also required for the production of enzymes, hormones and antibodies.

Proteins are made up of amino acids. Essential amino acids for dogs include arginine, methionine, histidine, phenylalanine, isoleucine, threonine, leucine, tryptophan, lysine, and valine. These amino acids must be supplied through the dog’s diet because dogs are unable to synthesize adequate amounts of these amino acids by themselves.

Protein sources may be animal- or plant-based. Animal-based sources are considered to be complete because they contain the essential amino acids required by all dogs. These sources include chicken, lamb, turkey, beef, fish and egg. Plant sources include vegetables, cereals and soy. These sources may not contain all of the essential amino acids.

Fat: A Potent Nutritional Energy Source for Dogs

Fats are required as a source of canine nutrition. For dogs, fat:

• provides a concentrated source of energy
• is an essential part of the structure of all cells
• is required for the production of some hormones
• is needed for absorption and utilization of fat-soluble vitamins
• provides the body insulation and protection for internal organs

Linoleic acid is an essential fatty acid for dogs and must be provided in the canine diet. However, a proper balance of omega-6 fatty acids and omega-3 fatty acids is also recommended to help control inflammatory responses in the skin, intestinal tract, kidneys and joints. Ideally, the omega-6 to omega-3 ratio should be 5-10:1.

Carbohydrates in the Canine Diet

Carbohydrates play an important role in the diet of all dogs. Minimal levels of glucose are necessary to maintain an adequate energy source to the brain and other essential body organs. Carbohydrates not only provide energy for body tissues, but they also play an important role in keeping the intestinal tract healthy. In addition, they are likely needed for reproduction as well.

Various types of fiber can produce a good source of carbohydrates in the canine diet. However, different types of fiber have different fermentation properties, which makes some sources of fiber more appropriate than others as a source of carbohydrates. Fiber is also responsible for maintaining the bacterial population in the intestinal tract. A proper mix of “good” bacteria in the intestines can help regulate the bowels and prevent diarrhea.

Vitamins and Their Role in Canine Nutrition

Vitamins are necessary to promote normal metabolism and power enzymatic reactions within the body. Vitamins are normally required in small amounts and must be provided in the food because the canine body is not capable of manufacturing them. However, in most cases, supplementation of vitamins is unnecessary as long as a complete and balanced diet is fed.

Minerals in the Canine Diet

Minerals are required in many metabolic reactions and are also a normal part of the structure of teeth and bones. They are also necessary to maintain a proper fluid balance within the body. Minerals must be added to the canine diet because dogs are incapable of synthesizing them alone.

A proper mix of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals together with a constant fresh source of water are the building blocks for a successful nutritional program that will keep your dog healthy throughout his lifetime. However, the mix of these nutrients will change over time as your dog grows, matures and ages.

This entry was posted on Monday, March 8th, 2010 at 4:05 am and is filed under Canine Nutrition, Dog Care, Dogs, Features. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.