Nutrition is an essential part of dog care without which your four legged friend will not be healthy and have many diseases. Dogs, like humans, have nutritional requirements that you must take care of. It is best to seek the advise of a vet so that your dog does not lack anything. Given below are 6 basic nutritional requirements for your pet that you must incorporate into his diet:

Cute white fluffy puppy

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates are a very source for providing energy. They are found in cereal grains like wheat, rice et al. You must feed you dog with milk as it is also known to sufficient quatity of carbohydrates. However, it is best to check if your pet has a tolerance for milk as it causes diarrhoea in some canines. Carbohydrates are also found in fibrous foods that are essential for your dog to keep constipation away. It also prevents obesity in the pet.

Fats

Fats provide the maximum energy in dogs but they also cause obesity. But the result of a diet with low fat willlead to your dog having dry skin and dull coat.Therefore, maintain a proper balance and prepare a diet chart that included fats in consultation with the vet.

Proteins

Proteins are very important for your dog’s diet. However, your dog needs the amino acids that form proteins. Since, the quantity of amino acids in each protein varies, there are some proteins that are better. Feed your dog with food made from lamb, beef, and turkey et al, as the protein quality in these is better than foods made of plant.

Vitamins

Vitamins encourage normal metabolism in canines. They are substances that are present in small quantitities in most dog foods but care should be taken to feed only vitamins that are water-soluble. They are eliminated via urine and hence toxicity risk is low. However, vitamins that are fat-soluble get accumulated in the fat tissues and can cause harm.

Minerals

Minerals are important for metabolism of dogs. Your dog needs good quantity of phosphorus and Calcium for good health and growth of bones. Major sources of calcium are bones and legumes. Therefore, add sufficient quantity of phosphorus and calcium to maintain a good diet.

Water

Water is essential for all living beings and dogs are no different. It helps regulate the body’s temperature. Water is also essential for transporting nutrients to different parts of body and it is essential for eliminating toxins from the dog’s system. Dogs are known to have special taste buds and can also taste water.

A perfect and well balanced mixture of all these nutrients will not only ensure that your dog is healthy and well-structured but will also increase its longevity. You can always check the nutritional label given on the dog food packs at the online dog supplies store to be sure that you are buying the right product.

Nancy Lyttle is a financial expert and a dog lover. She is an advisory for credit score information on the site at various online forums and finance websites.

Photo source:ansapo.blogspot.com

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