Dante Carrillo
A dog's diet is an essential part of its health and well-being. Dogs have evolved to use proteins and fats as their primary energy sources, but they can also derive energy from carbohydrates. Dogs are omnivores, meaning they can digest both meat and vegetables. A well-balanced dog diet must include appropriate amounts of minerals, vitamins, essential amino acids, and specific essential fatty acids. The quantities and ratios of macronutrients and micronutrients your dog requires will depend on their life stage and health issues. It is important to consult a veterinarian to understand your dog's specific nutritional needs and ensure they are being met.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Macronutrients | Proteins, fats, and carbohydrates |
| Micronutrients | Vitamins and minerals |
| Water | Essential |
| Carbohydrates | 20% of a dog's daily diet, for energy and gastrointestinal function |
| Amino acids | Essential, as dogs cannot create them in their body |
| Fibre | Important for gastrointestinal function and health |
| Commercial dog food | Easier to get right than homemade dog food |
| Vegetarian diet | Should be formulated and balanced by a board-certified veterinary nutritionist |
| Raw food | Can be dangerous for young dogs and carry risks for dogs and people in the home |
| Age | Nutritional requirements change as a dog ages |
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What You'll Learn
Carbohydrates for energy
Carbohydrates are one of the macronutrient groups, along with protein, fat, fibre, and moisture, found in food. Carbohydrates are not essential for dogs, and they can survive without them. However, they are a crucial source of energy for dogs. Glucose, a simple carbohydrate, provides the body with a quick and readily available source of energy. Starch, a common complex carbohydrate, is digested in the small intestine with the help of the enzyme α-amylase, which is released by the pancreas.
Carbohydrates are needed in a dog's daily diet as they provide energy in the form of glucose. The body craves glucose, and if it is not available from carbohydrates, it will take amino acids away from other processes in the body. Growing animals and dogs with high energy needs should be fed a diet with at least 20% carbohydrates.
The most common types of carbohydrates used in dog food are cereal grains, such as corn, wheat, and white rice. While these are not inherently harmful, they are common allergens and offer limited nutritional benefits compared to whole grains. Lower-quality carbohydrates can lead to spikes in insulin levels and quick bursts of energy followed by a slump or crash.
Fibre, a form of carbohydrate, is very important for a dog's normal gastrointestinal function and health. It keeps the colon healthy and promotes the growth of healthy bacteria in the gut. Fibre is not a required nutrient for dogs, but it is included in most dog foods because it helps keep dogs full, preventing obesity and aiding weight loss. It also maintains colon health, aids digestion, and helps control blood sugar levels in diabetic dogs.
When choosing a dog food that contains carbohydrates, it is important to look for high-quality options that are high in fibre and vitamins A, C, and B6, and low in fat. Commercially produced dog food is recommended over homemade dog food as it is difficult to get the right balance of nutrients. It is also important to choose food that is appropriate for the dog's life stage (puppy, adult, or senior) and tailored to their individual needs and lifestyle.
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Proteins for muscle, skin, hair, nail and blood formation
A dog's diet should be well-balanced and contain all the nutrients that the dog needs. The six basic nutrients that should be part of a dog's diet are water, proteins, fats, carbohydrates, minerals, and vitamins.
Proteins are essential for muscle, skin, hair, nail, and blood formation in dogs. They are the building blocks of the body and are responsible for providing physical structure and regulating the function of organs and tissues. When proteins are broken down, they create amino acids, which are essential nutrients for dogs. These amino acids help create energy for dogs and sustain life. There are 10 essential amino acids that are needed for dogs to maintain a healthy life, and these nutrients must be supplied through their diet. Animal protein sources tend to have higher amounts of essential amino acids, but dogs can also be sustained on a completely plant-based protein diet, as long as it includes various sources of protein.
Protein is one of the foundational elements in collagen synthesis, which is necessary for the structural element of skin, hair, and nails. Collagen synthesis also requires vitamin C, which can be obtained through fruits and vegetables. When vitamin C is lacking, it leads to poor collagen structure formation, resulting in brittle nails and hair, as well as poor skin health.
Keratin, a fibrous protein, is the main structural protein found in hair, nails, and skin. It provides strength and structure to these body parts. Consuming an unhealthy diet or not getting enough calories and protein can lead to slow hair growth, dry and brittle hair, and eventually, hair loss.
It is important to consult with a veterinarian or a board-certified veterinary nutritionist to ensure your dog's diet meets all their nutritional requirements.
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Fats for energy and absorption of vitamins
Dogs require fat in their diet as a source of energy and to aid in the absorption of vitamins. Fats are lipids that are solid at room temperature and are composed mainly of triglycerides. They are insoluble in water and are the most concentrated form of energy in pet foods, providing more calories per gram than proteins or carbohydrates.
Fat plays a crucial role in optimising a dog's metabolism. A diet with a greater proportion of fat helps deliver more calories to an exercising dog, boosting the food's energy density. This is especially beneficial for hardworking sporting dogs, as their metabolism relies primarily on fat for energy during rest and light to moderate-intensity exercise.
Fat is essential for the absorption and digestion of fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K, which depend on normal fat absorption for their uptake and utilisation in the body. A deficiency in fat can lead to a dull, scruffy coat and flaky skin, indicating a lack of omega-6 fatty acid linoleic acid, which is important for maintaining the epidermal water barrier for healthy skin and coat.
The body can synthesise most fatty acids, but some, known as essential fatty acids (EFAs), must be supplied by the diet. These include the omega-6 and omega-3 series, which can be found in ingredients like fish oil, purified algal oil, flaxseed oil, and certain plant-based oils. EFAs help with inflammation at the cellular level and support healthy skin and coat quality.
The ideal fat content in a dog's diet depends on various factors. Growing puppies, pregnant or nursing dogs, very active dogs, and those needing to gain weight generally require higher fat levels. The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) provides guidelines, with a minimum crude fat level of 5% for adult dogs and 8% for puppies.
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Vitamins and minerals for overall health
A well-balanced diet is vital to a dog's overall health and well-being. Dogs require a combination of nutrients, including water, proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. Vitamins and minerals are some of the building blocks of dog health.
Dogs need vitamins to live, but these should come primarily from their food. Commercial dog food diets labelled "complete and balanced" are formulated to contain all the vitamins, minerals, and nutrients a dog needs. These foods are catered toward different life stages, such as puppy, adult, and senior diets, and contain varying levels of vitamins and minerals to meet the requirements of each life stage. For example, large-breed puppies can develop diseases like hip dysplasia if their food contains vitamins and minerals that cause them to grow too quickly. Dogs fed an appropriate commercial diet generally do not require vitamin supplements unless recommended by a veterinarian.
If you are feeding your dog a homemade diet, it is important to ensure they are getting all the necessary vitamins and minerals. In these cases, supplements may be beneficial, but you should always consult your veterinarian first to determine which supplement is needed. Some vitamins and minerals that may be lacking in homemade diets include iron, copper, calcium, and zinc.
Vitamins A, B, C, D, E, and K are considered essential for dogs. For example, vitamin C is an important antioxidant that helps reduce inflammation and cognitive ageing. Vitamin D allows the body to balance minerals like phosphorous and calcium for healthy bone growth and maintenance. Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin that is essential for cell function and fat metabolism, and vitamin K is instrumental in activating the blood's ability to clot.
In addition to vitamins, minerals such as copper are necessary for a dog's long-term health and wellness. Copper can be found in liver, fish, whole grains, and nuts, and it aids in iron metabolism, connective tissue development, and nervous system function.
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Water for hydration
Water is an essential part of a dog's diet and nutrition. A dog's health can be seriously affected if it does not drink enough water. Most dogs drink enough water, but some may not, so it is important to find ways to actively encourage them to stay hydrated.
The size of the water bowl can influence how much water dogs drink. Tall, narrow bowls are best for dogs with long ears, such as Bassett Hounds and Spaniels. Low, shallow bowls are best for small breeds, and a large, wide bowl suits medium and larger breeds.
It is important to ensure that the water is always fresh and clean, and easily accessible to encourage regular drinking. If your dog still isn't drinking enough water, giving them wet food can supplement their water intake. In some cases, a lack of thirst can be a sign of an underlying health condition.
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Frequently asked questions
Dogs are omnivores, so they can digest both meat and vegetables. A well-balanced diet for dogs includes proteins, fats, fibre, minerals, vitamins, and certain essential amino and fatty acids.
It is important to feed your dog the right amount of food to maintain a healthy weight. Dogs can eat a combination of wet and dry food, or a mix of both, but it is important to ensure their diet is well-balanced. You can feed your dog commercial dog food that is labelled 'complete', or feed them a home-cooked diet that has been evaluated by a veterinarian.
Dogs can eat small pieces of lean meat, fruits, and vegetables as treats. Some safe vegetable options include broccoli, brussel sprouts, carrots, celery, and green beans.
If you are changing your dog's diet, do so gradually to avoid upsetting their digestive system. If your dog has diarrhoea after changing their diet, it is usually temporary, but if it lasts for more than a day or two, consult your veterinarian.
