Dogs
exhibit omnivorous feeding behavior and therefore their diet should be
comprised of proteins,
carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, minerals and water in the
correct proportions. A dog food that meets
these requirements is called a “Complete” or “Balanced”
diet. The amount of food a dog requires
depends on the animal’s age, breed, gender, activity,
temperament, environment and metabolism.
Proteins
Comprised of 23 different amino acids, proteins are often
called the “building blocks” of the tissues. The
dog’s body can manufacture 13 of these amino acids. The
other 10 amino acids, however, must come
from dietary meat and plant sources and are called the
“essential amino acids”. The biological value of a protein is a measure of that
protein’s ability to supply amino acids, particularly
the 10 essential amino acids, and to supply these amino
acids in the proper proportions. In general,
animal proteins (meat, by-product meal) have higher
biological value than vegetable proteins (soybean meal, corn gluten meal).
Fats
Fats are used to supply energy, essential fatty acids, and transport
the fat-soluble Vitamins A, D, E and K. In addition, fats make a diet more
palatable to a dog.Fats help to maintain a healthy skin and haircoat. However,
if a dog’s diet is very high in fat it may
result in the dog eating an excessive amount of energy that
may predispose to weight gain and obesity.
If the fat becomes rancid, it destroys Vitamins E and A, and
linoleic acid, leading to deficiencies of
these essential nutrients. Commercial dog foods contain special
natural or synthetic additives called
“antioxidants” to prevent fat rancidity and prolong
shelf-life.
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates provide energy and are made up primarily of
sugars, starches and cellulose (fiber).
Carbohydrates are supplied in the diet from plant sources
such as grains and vegetables. The sugars
are 100 percent digestible. Starches, which are the largest
part of most plant carbohydrates, need to be cooked before they can be digested
and utilized by the dog. Cellulose is not digestible, but it is used for its
fiber content in the diet, which helps prevent constipation, diarrea and
maintain gastroint estinal health.
Carbohydrates are a direct source of energy and are also
protein-sparing nutrients. Without carbohydrates and fats, the dog’s body must
convert protein to glucose to obtain energy; consequently, these proteins are
no longer available for the building and maintenance of lean body tissues
Vitamins
Vitamins are necessary for many of the body’s chemical
reactions. Fat-soluble Vitamins A, D, E and K need fat in the diet to be
absorbed by the body. The B-complex vitamins dissolve in water and are readily
absorbed by the body. Vitamin C also dissolves in water, but it is not needed
in the canine diet
because dogs can make it themselves.“Complete” and
“Balanced” commercial dog foods don’t need additional vitamin supplementation
for most normal dogs.
Minerals
Minerals are needed by the body for structural building and
chemical reactions. Like vitamins, minerals
are supplied in the correct proportions in “Complete” and
“Balanced” commercial dog foods. Damage can be done by over supplementation.
This is particularly true for calcium and phosphorus, because the
proportions of these two minerals must be supplied to the
dog in the proper ratios for nutritional health.
Water
Water is the most important nutrient for all animals.
Healthy dogs regulate their water intake so long as
clean and fresh water is always available. A dog can lose
all its body fat and half of its protein and survive; but if it loses only
one-tenth of its water, the dog may not survive. Feeding a Balanced Diet Dogs
require a diet that regularly includes proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins,
minerals and water
for proper nutrition. Of equal importance is the balance of
these nutrients in the diet. A
commercial dog food is the most convenient method of
ensuring a dog receives these ingredients in correct proportions
