Your dog should have a life that is both healthy and active. To ensure a healthy life, your dog should be maintained on a diet containing the right combination of proteins, oils, carbohydrates, fats, minerals and water. This diet pattern should be followed at all times from the time your dog is a puppy until his old age, in the exception of there being a special condition affecting your dog. An example of which would be your dog being pregnant or having just delivered a litter of puppies or is going through some major health problems.
The needs of a dog are different from the needs of human beings. Humans are recommended to eat fresh fruits and vegetables in order to gain vitamin C. But the bacteria inside a dog’s stomach helps to provide enough vitamin C to fulfill his needs. They can also survive without carbohydrates yet are not completely carnivorous. Thus, they cannot live on meat only. They need the right amount of cereals, vegetables and meat in their daily food.
All the brands of dog food that are commercially available have been prepared in such a way that they contain all the nutrition that a dog requires. In addition, they also taste good. Adding portions of the family’s leftovers will not benefit the dog in any way and it could even harm him.
Proteins come from amino acids, which are the building blocks of life. Your dog can obtain proteins through being fed chicken or beef. Proteins also produce energy when combusted by the body. They are also essential for forming muscles, skin, hair, enzymes, antibodies, blood clots, hormones and haemoglobin.
Oil and fats help your dog to remain active as they provide more energy when combusted compared to carbohydrates and proteins. Fats and fatty acids are a good wellspring of vitamins and they are also required for good skin as well as a healthy coat and a strong immunity system. Fats also provide good taste to the food and enhances digestibility.
Carbohydrates are found in items like rice, pasta and cereals. They are a large fount of energy and the fiber present in them improves digestibility.
Minerals such as calcium and phosphorous are required for strong bones and teeth. Minerals are also important in making sure cells and tissues are well developed. Furthermore, they help maintain the balance of fluids and also the metabolic processes. Mineral intake should be balanced in the correct manner so that there are no excesses or deficit of minerals.
Vitamins are needed in small quantities. They help the growth process, keep the skin and coat healthy and also maintain the immunity system. An excess of certain types of vitamins can be detrimental whereas a deficiency of other vitamins can be dangerous. Vitamins that can dissolve in fat (such as vitamin A, D, E, K) are present in the fat tissues of your dog and vitamins which are dissolved in water (such as vitamin B Complex and C) are excreted through the urinary process. Contrary to human needs, your dog does not need vitamin C.
Water is necessary for both human beings and dogs. The amount of water that your dog requires depends on several factors, such as:
- The weather
- The activity level of the dog
- Whether he eats canned or dry food.
Your dog’s body temperature is maintained by water. Water also helps to provide nourishment to cells throughout the body. Moreover, it helps remove your dog’s bodily waste. Fresh and clean drinking water should be available for the dog at all times.
Your dog’s food should not contain too much meat. Nor should it be lacking in other nutrients such as calcium. Foods consumed by humans such as onions, soy (or soya), spinach, beetroot or kidney beans can be very dangerous to dogs. Even chocolates can prove to be fatal for your dog.
If your dog is fed a proper, healthy and balanced diet, then he won’t require any additional nutritional supplements. But if the dog is being fed leftovers, and he is not getting enough exercise, then he might need a specialized diet.
Some people hold the opinion that more calcium should be present in the diet of a dog that is pregnant or has just given birth, and in the diet of growing puppies. Minerals are an essential part of the dog’s diet during these times. However, an unproportional amount of vitamins and minerals can lead to serious health problems.
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