Dogs like humans need the proper nutrients in their food in order to stay healthy and have a lot of energy. They need energy in the form of calories. The nutrients that provide that energy are fats, proteins and carbohydrates. Without all three of these nutrients, your dog could end up unhealthy and have very low energy levels. Your dog also needs certain vitamins and water. Here is a breakdown of each:
Fats: Fat is an energy dense nutrient. High-quality fat sources come mainly from animal fat. They are usually a mixture of saturated and unsaturated fats. Dogs use fats that are commonly known as Omega-6 long-chained acids. Another common type of fat is the Omega-3 fats. Omega-3 fats include qualities such as anti-inflammatory qualities and potential help to decrease the risk of certain types of cancers and tumors.
These fats usually come from fish oils and linseed oil. Too much of the Omega-3 fatty acids can be dangerous to your dog. This is because the blood thinning qualities can inhibit clotting and the potential for bleeding out if the dog is injured could be a great risk.
Protein: Again, protein is an essential nutrient. It's the main component of enzymes, hormones, and antibodies. Protein helps to repair muscle, build and maintain plasma volume and red blood cells, and build mitochondrial volume in working dogs. Protein contains 23 different amino acids. Out of these 23, your dog's body will manufacture 13. The other 10 amino acids must come from your dog's nutrition. So you can see how important protein is to your dog's well-being.
Carbohydrates: Because dogs primarily eat meat, they need much less carbohydrate than humans, although carbohydrates do play an important role in your dog's health. Carbs provide energy, fiber, and replacement of glycogen in your dog's cells. Fiber helps in absorbing water and in maintaining good bowel movements.
Vitamins: Vitamins are a very important part of your dog's health. If a dog food is formulated to the AAFCO standards, your dog will have all of the vitamins he needs. So there would be no reason to give him supplements. Some of the vitamins your dog needs are:
The minerals your dog needs are:
Water is the most important nutrient your dog can get. Just like humans, dogs can't live very long without water. If he doesn't get enough water, he will become dehydrated and can die. You should always have plenty of fresh water available and make sure you know where it comes from. Streams and creeks can contain parasites and organisms which could harm or kill your dog. Knowing the nutrients your dog needs will help keep your dog at optimum health.
Fats: Fat is an energy dense nutrient. High-quality fat sources come mainly from animal fat. They are usually a mixture of saturated and unsaturated fats. Dogs use fats that are commonly known as Omega-6 long-chained acids. Another common type of fat is the Omega-3 fats. Omega-3 fats include qualities such as anti-inflammatory qualities and potential help to decrease the risk of certain types of cancers and tumors.
These fats usually come from fish oils and linseed oil. Too much of the Omega-3 fatty acids can be dangerous to your dog. This is because the blood thinning qualities can inhibit clotting and the potential for bleeding out if the dog is injured could be a great risk.
Protein: Again, protein is an essential nutrient. It's the main component of enzymes, hormones, and antibodies. Protein helps to repair muscle, build and maintain plasma volume and red blood cells, and build mitochondrial volume in working dogs. Protein contains 23 different amino acids. Out of these 23, your dog's body will manufacture 13. The other 10 amino acids must come from your dog's nutrition. So you can see how important protein is to your dog's well-being.
Carbohydrates: Because dogs primarily eat meat, they need much less carbohydrate than humans, although carbohydrates do play an important role in your dog's health. Carbs provide energy, fiber, and replacement of glycogen in your dog's cells. Fiber helps in absorbing water and in maintaining good bowel movements.
Vitamins: Vitamins are a very important part of your dog's health. If a dog food is formulated to the AAFCO standards, your dog will have all of the vitamins he needs. So there would be no reason to give him supplements. Some of the vitamins your dog needs are:
- Vitamin A for the immune system, eyes, growth and repair of the body tissues, skin, hair and reproduction
- Vitamin D for his bones and teeth
- Vitamin E for muscles, heart, blood and also reproduction
- Thiamine or B1 for the whole nervous system
- Riboflavin or B2 for the eyes, skin, nails, nervous system and hair
- Pantothenic acid for adrenal glands, nervous system, skin, and hair
- Niacin for the blood, heart, and nervous system
- Pyridoxine or B6 for the immune system, nervous system, and blood
- Folic acid for reproduction, blood, and bones
- Vitamin B12 for the blood and nervous system
- Choline for the nervous system, blood, and bones
The minerals your dog needs are:
- Calcium and phosphorus for bones and muscle
- Potassium for the nervous system, heart, and cells
- Sodium for the cells and water metabolism
- Chloride for cells and water metabolism
- Magnesium for the nervous system, muscles, and bones
- Iron for the blood
- Copper for the blood
- Manganese for the bones and reproduction system
- Zinc for skin, hair, bones, muscles and the immune system
- Iodine for the thyroid
- Selenium for the bones and heart
Water is the most important nutrient your dog can get. Just like humans, dogs can't live very long without water. If he doesn't get enough water, he will become dehydrated and can die. You should always have plenty of fresh water available and make sure you know where it comes from. Streams and creeks can contain parasites and organisms which could harm or kill your dog. Knowing the nutrients your dog needs will help keep your dog at optimum health.
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