To keep your dog healthy, you really need to look at the dog food you are feeding. You need to understand a dog's particular nutritional requirements and how to address them.
In order for your dog to grow, they need essential nutrients. Without these nutrients, your dog may experience poor health, stunted growth, shortened lifespan, and allergy symptoms.
Dogs, like any other animal, need five basic nutrients to survive: protein, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. These nutrients provide different functions and are necessary to sustain the health and well-being of your pet.
Proteins are made up of amino acids. They are considered the building blocks to your dog's health. Some, but not all, necessary amino acids are synthesized by the dog. However, the other essential amino acids must come from your dog's food.
When choosing dog foods, ensure there is an adequate amount of protein to keep your dogs healthy. And the majority of the protein source needs to be from an animal source, not grain. But too much protein, however, can cause obesity as excess protein is converted to fat.
Fats are as necessary for dogs as humans. Most people don't think about the fat content, or the kind of fat, that is in their dog's food. But without the correct kinds and amounts, your dog will suffer. Fats are needed for a healthy skin and coat, proper kidney function, and to transport the fat-soluble vitamins to cells. But just like with proteins, too much can cause problems, such as obesity.
Carbohydrates are nutrients which are converted into energy for your dog. The best source of carbs for your dog are whole grains as they have the most nutrients still in them. Inferior dog foods will use grain by-products (left-over parts from other food processing) which tends to boost carb and protein ratios, but really has very little nutritional value for your dog. These grain by-products are also common allergy triggers for dogs. Look for minimal grain by-products in your dog food, and if your dog has allergies, stay away from common allergy triggers such as corn, wheat, and soy.
Vitamins and Minerals are needed to keep your dog healthy and almost all dog foods have added in vitamins and minerals. However, what most people don't realize is that the quality and quantity of these diminish as soon as the bag of dog food is opened. Specially formulated vitamin supplements are available for your dog and will ensure they get all the elemental vitamins and minerals needed for optimal health. - 29955
In order for your dog to grow, they need essential nutrients. Without these nutrients, your dog may experience poor health, stunted growth, shortened lifespan, and allergy symptoms.
Dogs, like any other animal, need five basic nutrients to survive: protein, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. These nutrients provide different functions and are necessary to sustain the health and well-being of your pet.
Proteins are made up of amino acids. They are considered the building blocks to your dog's health. Some, but not all, necessary amino acids are synthesized by the dog. However, the other essential amino acids must come from your dog's food.
When choosing dog foods, ensure there is an adequate amount of protein to keep your dogs healthy. And the majority of the protein source needs to be from an animal source, not grain. But too much protein, however, can cause obesity as excess protein is converted to fat.
Fats are as necessary for dogs as humans. Most people don't think about the fat content, or the kind of fat, that is in their dog's food. But without the correct kinds and amounts, your dog will suffer. Fats are needed for a healthy skin and coat, proper kidney function, and to transport the fat-soluble vitamins to cells. But just like with proteins, too much can cause problems, such as obesity.
Carbohydrates are nutrients which are converted into energy for your dog. The best source of carbs for your dog are whole grains as they have the most nutrients still in them. Inferior dog foods will use grain by-products (left-over parts from other food processing) which tends to boost carb and protein ratios, but really has very little nutritional value for your dog. These grain by-products are also common allergy triggers for dogs. Look for minimal grain by-products in your dog food, and if your dog has allergies, stay away from common allergy triggers such as corn, wheat, and soy.
Vitamins and Minerals are needed to keep your dog healthy and almost all dog foods have added in vitamins and minerals. However, what most people don't realize is that the quality and quantity of these diminish as soon as the bag of dog food is opened. Specially formulated vitamin supplements are available for your dog and will ensure they get all the elemental vitamins and minerals needed for optimal health. - 29955
About the Author:
Just like with humans, dogs need a balanced diet - the correct ratio of proteins, carbs, fats, vitamins and minerals. And it is up to you to make sure his dog food is healthy. To learn more about healthy dog foods and how to read dog food ingredients, visit the Healthy Dog Food blog - helping you learn how to keep your dog healthy through nutrition.
