Dogs have become full members of our families. Gone are the days of throwing some food in the backyard. Our dogs now play with our kids, sleep in our beds, and eat with the family. So naturally, we worry about their nutrition as much (or more) as we worry about our own.
We’ve learned a lot about pet nutrition over the last few decades, which is excellent! Proper nutrition for your dog means a shinier, thicker coat; skin that doesn’t itch; healthier teeth; improved digestion; strong muscles and bones; better immunity; and longer, happier lives.
Poor nutrition can cause dogs to have poor energy levels, weight gain, tooth loss, and a higher prevalence of chronic conditions such as diabetes and heart disease.
It’s no wonder pet nutrition comes up so often in the veterinarian’s office! So what are the basics of the necessary nutritional requirements for dogs?
Water
Water needs vary greatly between dogs. The more activity they do, and the more time they spend in hot environments, the more water they need. Luckily, as long as you provide access to clean water, dogs will regulate their water intake without input from you. You’ll often see a dog that’s been roughhousing spend some time at the water bowl. She’s just taking care of herself!
Remember, though, that an unexplained increase in water intake can mean a health problem is brewing. If your doggo suddenly can’t stop drinking, take him to the vet!
Protein
Protein has so many jobs; it’s no wonder everyone talks about its importance.
Proteins are large molecules made up of many amino acids, some of which dogs can make and some they cannot. These molecules build muscle and bone, form part of the immune system, help digest food, and much more.
Protein should make up a minimum of 18% of your dog’s daily calories, though higher intakes are more typical.
Dogs typically prefer protein-rich foods, making protein (or amino acid) deficiency pretty rare.
Dogs differ from cats in that they can eat a completely vegetarian diet, though this is usually only done when your dog demonstrates food allergies to various meats. Your vet should be a part of this trial and elimination process.
Taurine, an amino acid, can become deficient in certain circumstances. In dogs, this is often an unwanted side effect of a grain-free diet.
Fats
Fat should be a minimum of 6% of your dog’s daily calorie intake, though they usually eat more. Fats provide energy, maintain coat and skin, and improve food taste. For the best health, fats should come from fish and oils, though other animal fats are acceptable.
Carbohydrates
Carbs can comprise up to 50% of a dog’s diet, though many eat less. Carbohydrates provide fast energy, so active dogs may need more than their sedentary counterparts.
Grains, starchy vegetables (sweet potatoes, potatoes, winter squashes, corn), and legumes are frequent carb sources for dogs.
Vitamins/Minerals
Dogs need a wide variety of vitamins and minerals, just like us! These small compounds are important in hundreds of metabolic functions in the body.
AAFCO standards dictate that vitamin and mineral levels are sufficient and safe in commercially available foods. If you buy food with an AAFCO label, your dog should not experience any nutrient deficiencies or toxicities.
Homemade diets
Concerned pet parents often consider homemade diets. However, an analysis of 200 homemade dog recipes showed at least 1 deficiency in 190 recipes! 167 of these recipes had multiple deficiencies.
The most common nutrient inadequacies were zinc, choline, copper, and calcium. If you decide to make your dog’s food, talk to your vet, and consider a good multivitamin/multimineral meant for dogs.
A note on byproducts
While scary sounding, these are generally organ meats rich in vitamins and minerals, such as iron, zinc, and taurine.
Conclusion
- Water – as long as you have clean water available, your dog will likely drink what he or she needs.
- Protein – dogs have lower protein needs than cats and can be healthy on a vegetarian diet if they don’t seem to tolerate meat well.
- Fats – fats provide energy and improve the taste of food. Consider looking for fish sources of fat.
- Carbohydrates – the more active the dog, the more carbohydrates they need. This is a fast source of energy for them.
- Vitamins/minerals – Commercially prepared food with an AAFCO label will provide all the vitamins and minerals your dog needs. Be cautious with homemade diets.
Nutritional deficiencies are exceedingly rare in dogs fed most commercially available foods. However, grain-free diets have shown to increase severe heart disease in dogs due to metabolic effects that induce taurine deficiencies. Avoid these unless discussed with your dog’s veterinarian first.
If you choose to make your dog’s food, ensure you include all of their necessary nutritional requirements but still consider a multivitamin supplement intended for dogs.
Consider taking a hybrid approach. Feed a high-quality dog food and add in other foods for fun. Cook an extra egg for breakfast and top his food with it. Various (dog-safe) fruits and vegetables as treats or mixed in work well. Peanut butter is another fave and is great for keeping them occupied during those nail trims!
Sources
https://www.merckvetmanual.com/management-and-nutrition/nutrition-small-animals/nutritional-requirements-and-related-diseases-of-small-animals
https://sci-hub.hkvisa.net/10.2460/javma.242.11.1500
Your Dog’s Nutritional Needs from the National Research Council, Committee on Nutrient Requirements for Dogs and Cats, 2006