Dog Health; Nutritional Needs

All dogs, regardless of the breed, have very specific nutritional requirements.

It is important that your dog’s nutritional needs are met on daily basis. You must be very diligent in choosing the best pet food for your canine. Many products boast being the best when actually, the contents lack in nutritional value. Some foods are expensive and others are cheap.

Dog Health Nutritional Deficiency Signs and Symptoms

There are many ways to tell if your dog food is the best for your pet. If your dog is suffering from frequent illnesses or becomes infested with worms, they may not be getting adequate nutrition. Low energy and flea problems are also a sign of a poor diet.

When your dog’s coat is dull and the feel is anything but soft, there may be a problem as well. You may also notice an increase in shedding. Bad breath, excessive burping or gas and large loose stools are also a sign that something is imbalanced.

The oral health of a dog is often a good way to tell if the nutrition in the diet is correct. Teeth that are very dirty and brown in color are often a good way to determine if the diet you are feeding is the right one.

Dog Health Nutritional Guidance

Remember that all dogs are considered carnivores. They eat meat and need it. Meat contains protein which is a vital part of all dogs' diets.

When choosing a pet food for your dog, try to select one with good percentage and source of protein. The source of protein is most generally plant sources and dogs need protein from meat sources. The more active your dog is the more animal protein that will be needed to nutritionally balance their diet.

Carbohydrates are also needed to balance the diet and for the dog to remain healthy. Thyroid functioning, consistency of stools and the metabolism of your dog are affected by the carbohydrate intake. Excess carbohydrates can affect the health of a canine as well. Try to choose from a food that has barley, rice and oats to balance this level effectively.

The diet of your dog should contain fat, either saturated or polyunsaturated. Most fat is added to dog food as a flavor enhancer. Too much fat of either variety can be damaging to the health of the dog. Fat is required in the diet to improve the condition of the skin and the health of the coat.

Vitamins and Water

Much like humans, dogs must have water and vitamins. The vitamins, such as B and C, are water soluble. Vitamins A, K, and D are fat soluble.

The water soluble vitamins are usually destroyed in the processing of many pet foods. Humans produce vitamin D in the body naturally.

Dogs produce vitamin C in their bodies naturally. However, experts tend to believe that the amount they produce is inadequate. You may consider giving your pet vitamin supplements.

If you've ever wondered at your dogs insatiable appetite for horse manure, it's because horses create vitamins in their gut, unlike dogs.

Be sure that your pet has access to fresh water at all times. Never limit the intake of water unless you are house training a new puppy.

You may then limit the water in the evening and overnight hours. Vitamins and water are a very important part of the nutritional needs of your dog. They help in keeping them healthy for a long life of companionship.

Dog Health Nutritional to Dog Health Questions