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As it turns out, dogs need many of the same nutrients as humans. Those nutrients — protein, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and water — can be found in lots of dog foods in varying quantities and qualities.
If you’re like most pet owners, you want your dog to have all the vitamins and minerals they need. But not all dog foods are made equal, and figuring out the best one for your dog can be overwhelming. Read on to discover what nutrients your dog needs in their food and natural dog treats:
You may recall learning in biology that the amino acids in protein are the building blocks of life, and it’s true. Dogs can’t survive without protein in their diets. Of all the amino acids dogs need, there are 10 that can’t be produced in their bodies. To get these essential amino acids, you must incorporate them into their food.
Luckily, there are lots of protein-rich foods that provide your dog with all the essential amino acids. These include both plant and animal sources, such as beef, chicken, grain, and soy. These proteins should make up approximately 22 percent of your dog’s caloric intake. By feeding them foods that are rich in protein, you help keep their muscles, hair, and blood healthy. Keep in mind that certain treats such as healthy dog chews also contain high amounts of protein and can be a great supplement to their diet.
Shop Healthy Dog Chews OnlineUnlike humans, dogs get most of their energy from fat and protein, not carbohydrates. This means that your dog’s fat intake should make up approximately 14 percent of their daily calories. But fat is also more calorie-dense than protein or carbohydrates, so there’s no need to start feeding your dog a full-fat diet (despite how much they might enjoy it).
Like protein, there are numerous plant- and animal-based fat sources for dogs. These include lamb fat, chicken fat, flax oil, and sunflower oil. These ingredients help keep your dog energized and alert, as fats promote healthy brain and eye function. They also keep your dog’s coat soft and skin supple.
You might’ve heard rumors that dogs can’t digest carbohydrates, but that isn’t true. In reality, dogs need carbohydrates in order to stay healthy and active. On top of being a third energy source, carbohydrates are important for reproductive and intestinal health.
Grains, potatoes, and corn are great sources of carbohydrates for dogs. But there’s an important caveat: These foods should always be cooked, which makes them more easily digestible. If eaten uncooked, they might irritate your dog’s stomach.
In addition, the fiber found in carbohydrates contributes to healthy digestion. Fiber isn’t a necessary nutrient for dogs, but it does promote digestive health and regular bathroom breaks. It also keeps them feeling full.
Carbohydrates should make up 30-70 percent of your dog’s daily caloric intake. We know that’s a big window, and the exact amount depends on your dog’s breed, activity level, and many other factors. If you’re worried that your dog is eating too many or too few carbohydrates, consult a vet.
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For dogs, only very small amounts of vitamins are necessary for good health. But that doesn’t make those vitamins any less important! Dogs can’t synthesize most standalone vitamins, which is why you should ensure that you’re feeding your dog vitamin-rich food. Here’s what they need:
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Minerals are nutrients that dogs (much like humans) cannot produce for themselves. In other words, your pet needs to be consuming minerals in his dog food. Minerals are crucial for development, including bone and cartilage formation, fluid regulation, and more.
When it comes to minerals, there are two main groups. Macrominerals form the first group, which includes calcium, phosphorus, sodium, chloride, and potassium. These are the minerals that your dog needs a greater amount of. The second group is trace minerals, like zinc, iron, copper, magnesium, and selenium. Trace minerals are needed only in small (but important!) doses.
For a commercial dog food to advertise that it’s “complete and balanced,” it must contain all the vitamins and minerals your dog needs to survive. This standard is upheld by the Association of American Feed Control Officials. If your dog food is “complete and balanced,” it should contain sufficient nutrients. However, you still may wish to supplement their diet with collagen chews and other healthy add-ons.
Buy Collagen Chews for DogsWater is the most essential ingredient for your dog’s health. After all, our dogs are biologically more than 50 percent water! Dry and wet dog foods don’t provide dogs with the hydration they need, which is why it’s so important to give your dog access to plenty of fresh water.
Even if you take away your dog’s food after mealtime, always leave the water bowl out. Dogs should drink about one ounce of water per pound of bodyweight every day, which could mean a few sips for toy breeds or half a gallon for large dogs. No matter their size, keeping your pet hydrated is important all year long.
What we feed our dogs can greatly impact their health. Both at snack time and mealtime, dog owners should choose healthful foods that provide their pups with all the nutrients they need.
Best Bully Sticks are a snack you can feel good about giving your pet. Browse our selection of single-ingredient treats, or sign up for our dog treat subscription box to have them delivered straight to your door every month!
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