The importance of dog nutrition
Having a dog in your home is a major responsibility. It is like having kids as you are required to treat them as you would with your small children. A big part of this is dog nutrition.
Proper nutrition result in a healthier coat, stronger bones and muscles, and healthy vital organs. With healthy ingredients in a dog food digestive and allergy complications will be reduced. There will also be less intestinal gas and firmer and more infrequent stools. Mood and behavior can be affected by food intake too – the better the food, the better the behavior.
1. Protein
Protein is an essential component of any diet because it allows the continued growth and development of dog’s immune system. Amino acids are the key element to this nutrient. Lack of amino acid may lead to severe illnesses and even death.
2. Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates can be converted into the same energy that dogs get from proteins. The only downside to this is even though eating lots of carbohydrates can give them energy, your dog MUST be exercised on a regular basis.
3. Fats
Dry dog food needs fat, and it depends on the type of food and any specific conditions and feeding requirements that your dog may have. Again, regular exercise as simple as walking is imperative.
Also keep in mind that feeding your pet with fat-free food is not healthy as they contain chemicals that harm your dog’s overall health.
It is highly recommended that you go for premium dog foods.
4. Calories
Calories is very important in a dog’s diet. They are gained from food intake, and it may be in the form of protein, carbohydrates, or fats. This is critical because it will determine your dog’s health.
The amount of calorie needed by your pet also depends on how active it is. The more active the dog is, the more calories it should consume daily. In general, younger dogs need more calories. There are even instances when you have to double their calorie intake. If this is higher than what the dog can burn off by playing or exercising, then it will be stored as fat.
Conclusion
Proper dog nutrition is something that you have to prioritize if you are thinking about getting a dog for your home or if you already have one. Make sure that you provide your pet with all the nutrients that it needs to maintain a healthy body. If you have a pitbull, check out the best dog food for pitbulls. Check the labels and make it a point that it has protein, carbohydrates, fat, and calories.
