6 essential components in the dog’s diet

Your dog will feel healthier, stronger and happier if he is on a proper diet . It’s very simple. However, we often do not know what are the main components that should be present in the dog’s diet, to pamper and take care of him properly. Find out with us in today’s article.

The nutrients needed in the dog’s diet

When we buy food for our dog, we believe that it covers all his food and nutritional needs, even if it is not really the case! When we feed him, we need to keep in mind how balanced his diet should be:

1. Proteins

These are essential components for cells and for building and regenerating tissues. Furthermore, they are very important for the formation of enzymes and hormones, as well as for antibodies, to prevent you from becoming ill.

Puppies need more dietary protein than adults (except pregnant or nursing bitches) . These nutrients are “dispersed” through feces, urine and fur . The main sources of protein for dogs are meat and grains.

When you have a protein deficiency, your dog will not grow as it should, will lose weight, will have a dull colored coat, will get sick more frequently and will have no appetite.

2. Fats

They are not the bad guys of the situation when ingested in the right quantities. They are a great source of energy and provide fatty acids, which are useful for synthesizing prostate glands and for building cell walls.

Corn oil mixed with food is an excellent source of Omega 6 fatty acids (the lack of which results in dandruff, skin lesions, dry coat and reduced fertility). Keep in mind that if your dog does a lot of exercise he will need more fats: these are especially good for the heart and in general for other organs as well.

3. Carbohydrates

There are three types of carbohydrates in food: starches, sugars and polysaccharides. As in the case of fats, when consumed in the right quantities, they are good for your health. They are used to avoid fatigue, obesity and diarrhea , retain water in the body (like a sponge) and interact with other nutrients, such as minerals, to increase their properties.

Older , sick, sedentary dogs or pregnant bitches and infants need a diet with more carbohydrates.

4. Water

Not only what they can drink, but also what is present in food . Pups are made up of 80% water and adults 60%.

It is another nutrient and should not be left aside, as a deficiency in this nutrient can cause very serious problems and even death . It is known that a dog can lose up to 40% of his body weight if he does not eat, but only 10% if he does not drink.

Water, among other things, regulates body temperature, eliminates residues via urine, aids digestion and blood flow.

5. Vitamins

Obviously they are necessary for the daily life of the animal, both for its health and for its vital functions. The only vitamin that can be synthesized by dogs is C, the others must be given to them through food. Vitamin D, on the other hand, will acquire it by exposing itself to the sun.

Each vitamin has a specific function. For example: Vitamin A repairs tissues and improves vision; D is good for the skin and immune system; E intervenes in reproduction and in the circulatory system.

6. Minerals

They are present in almost all foods, so their deficiency is not common. Also, a small amount is  enough, but they are no less important for this .

Among the minerals most used by the dog are calcium (for the formation of bones, muscles and tendons), iron, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium (intervenes in the water balance) and zinc (participates in digestion ).

Finally, we cannot forget about fibers : these help digestive processes and are found in vegetables and cereals. Their deficiency causes constipation.

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