Your dog needs a balanced diet to stay healthy, whether you buy their food or make it yourself. That combines a variety of
- Proteins
- Carbohydrates
- Fats
- Vitamins
- Minerals
- Water
Look for the phrase “complete and balanced nutrition” on the label to ensure the dog food you purchase contains the proper combination of nutrients..Additionally, the label may include “Meets the nutritional requirements for dogs established by the American Association of Feed Control Officials (AAFCO)” or “Complete and balanced nutrition for dogs based on AAFCO feeding trials.”
Your dog will receive a balanced diet from both canned and dry food. Because dry food may promote healthy teeth and gums, some experts favor it.
Use nutritionist-created recipes for making your own dog food if you want it to be “complete and balanced.”
Essential Vitamins
Proteins: Proteins make up body tissues. Only 13 of the 23 amino acids, which are the building blocks of protein, are produced by your dog’s body. The remaining 10 must be obtained by eating.
Fats: Fats provide energy for your dog. Additionally, they support healthy skin and hair on your dog. The following fatty acids are crucial for your dog:
- Linoleic acid
- Omega-6
- Omega-3
Your dog has to eat food containing essential fatty acids because their body cannot produce enough of them on its own.
Carbohydrates: Plants produce carbs. You give your dog grains and vegetables to give them:
- Sugars
- Starches
- Fiber
Carbohydrates provide energy to the body tissues of your dog. Additionally, they support the intestinal health of your dog.
Vitamins and minerals: Your dog’s body depends on these for a variety of chemical processes, including the formation and maintenance of strong bones.”Balanced” dog food has all the vitamins and minerals your dog needs, including:
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin D
- Vitamin E
- Vitamin K
- B-complex vitamins
- Calcium
- Phosphorus
Since their bodies produce it, dogs don’t need vitamin C in their diet.
Your dog doesn’t require vitamin or mineral supplements if they are eating a nutritious diet. In actuality, feeding nutrients to your dog might be harmful.
Water: Dogs can survive even if they lose all of their body fat and half of their protein. However, water is so vital that they risk dying even if only 10% of their body’s water is lost. An adult dog weighs more than half of its body weight in water.
Even though canned dog food may include a lot of water, your dog doesn’t need that much. Ensure that your dog has access to clean, fresh water at all times.
Feed Continually
Adult dogs typically need to be fed once or twice a day. To prevent overeating and bloating, most large-breed dogs should be fed at least twice a day.
Treats and table scraps should never make up more than 10% of your dog’s daily caloric intake, according to experts. Overeating can make your dog overweight, just like it does with us. And that can result in the same health issues that individuals have, such as diabetes and heart disease.
The ideal diet and feeding regimen for your dog’s health can be determined with the assistance of your veterinarian.