What Nutrients Do Dogs Need?
If you want to give your dog the best possible diet, it's important to choose a brand that has a team of professionals dedicated to dog food development.dogfood They include veterinarians, nutritionists, and scientists who can help create a formula that will deliver the nutrients your dog needs at each stage of his or her life.dogfood
Protein
A high-quality protein source is one of the most crucial factors when choosing a dog food.dogfood Look for a brand that offers a variety of meats, such as chicken, beef, salmon, duck, lamb and pork.dogfood
Go for a formula that has no fillers, as well, such as pressed grains, corn gluten meal and wheat flour.dogfood These fillers can add a lot of calories, but they're not necessary to provide quality energy that dogs need.dogfood
Soluble Fiber
Many foods contain soluble fiber, which retains water and softens the feces of the dog, making it easier for them to go to the bathroom.dogfood Common sources of soluble fiber are fruits and gums (gums also improve canned food texture).dogfood
Insoluble Fiber
Insoluble fiber is found in grains like corn and rice, but it does not soften feces as much as soluble fiber.dogfood These types of fiber are used as a digestive aid and to control weight gain or diarrhea in certain cases.dogfood
Vitamins
There are several vitamins that dogs need from their diets, including thiamin (B1), riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3), pantothenic acid (B5), and folic acid.dogfood These vitamins are important for many functions in the body and help with normal growth, a healthy immune system, skin, hair, eyes, heart, liver, and kidneys.dogfood
They also help maintain a healthy blood count and a balanced metabolism.dogfood A deficiency of these vitamins can cause weakness, drooling, lack of appetite, diarrhea, decreased muscle tone, and weight loss.dogfood
Iron (Fe)
Iron is an essential nutrient for dogs.dogfood It helps transport oxygen throughout the body and is essential for cellular repair and growth.dogfood It can be found in organ meats (liver, spleen, lungs), some plant foods (cereal germs, legumes, and oilseeds) and some animal foods.
Deficiencies of iron can lead to anemia, a rough coat, lethargy, and stunted growth in dogs, as well as liver and kidney problems.dogfood Fortunately, dogs can easily obtain enough iron from their diets to prevent deficiencies, but it's still important to feed your pet a diet that includes plenty of sources of this nutrient.dogfood
Niacin (B3)
Niacin is an important antioxidant that plays a role in metabolizing proteins, fats and carbohydrates.dogfood A deficiency of niacin can lead to decreased eating or anorexia, decreased energy, dermatitis, liver disease, and even death in some cases.dogfood
Choline
Choline is another B vitamin that's important for dogs.dogfood It's essential for cell metabolism and plays a key role in the formation of neurotransmitters in the brain, as well as assisting with the absorption of other B vitamins.dogfood A deficiency can cause a number of health problems, including depression, poor bone and joint health, increased blood clotting times, liver damage and a weak immune system.