Nutrition Center
Of all the decisions you make on behalf of your dog, his dog diet is the most important. Beginning his life with the best puppy food and transitioning into the best dog food will have an immediate and significant effect on the length and quality of his life. That being true, it is helpful to understand some fundamentals of canine nutrition. Nutrients are comprised of six basic categories: 1) carbohydrates 2) protein 3) fats 4) minerals 5) vitamins 6) water.
1. Carbohydrates. Carbohydrates main role is to supply energy for your healthy dog. During digestion, carbohydrates are broken down into glucose which travels through the bloodstream and provides energy to requiring cells.
Carbohydrates are stored in small amounts in your dog’s muscles. They release energy that is used for short and quick bursts of energy. Carbohydrates that contain fiber also play a healthy roll in digestion and bowel health.
2. Protein. Protein is required for heathy tissue growth, maintenance and repair and is an important source of calories. There are 22 essential amino acids and, out of those, only 12 of them are produced by your dog’s body. The others must come from diet and are found in food sources rich in high quality protein such as beef, lamb and turkey.
3. Fats. Fats are energy yielding nutrients and the only source that can be stored long term for future use. If there is more fatty acids than needed, they are converted and into fat and stored in the body. They provide the most concentrated source of calories and add flavor and texture to food. Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids contribute to skin and coat condition, aiding in relief from itching, scratching, dry skin, dull coat and hair loss. Fat also contains vitamins A, D, E and K.
4. Minerals. Minerals are required to aid in nerve transmission, muscle contraction, development of bone and cartilage, regulate blood, maintain water and electrolyte balance among many others.
More info about minerals for dogs.
Calcium (Ca): Of all the minerals, calcium is required in the greatest volume. It is used for bone development, blood coagulation, muscle contraction and nerve function.
Phosphorous (P): Together with calcium this element is required for normal bone development, cell membranes and energy metabolism.
Magnesium (Mg): It is necessary for proper function of the nervous system, bone growth and the production of protein. It is necessary for the absorption and proper use of certain vitamins and minerals including Vitamins C and E, calcium and phosphorous, sodium and potassium. It is also necessary for the functioning of many enzymes in the body.
Sulfur (S): Sulfur is essential for a healthy dog coat, skin, and joints. Sulfur works with B-complex vitamins for basic body metabolism and is a part of tissue building amino acids. It is needed to maintain the flow of fluid and nutrients into cells and to remove waste and toxins.
Sodium (Na): Sodium is required for the passage of nutrients in the cells and involved in water metabolism.
Potassium (K): Potassium helps muscle and nerve transmission and helps maintain fluid balance in the body.
Chloride (Cl): Chloride is necessary for the production of HCL (hydrochloric acid) which aids in digestion. It also balances the pH (acid/alkali) in the body.
Iron (Fe): Iron combines with copper and protein to form hemoglobin, the molecule that carries oxygen in red blood cells. Iron also provides energy and helps in the early stages of brain development.
Copper (Cu): Copper is necessary for the absorption of iron, formation of collagen, growth, development and maintenance of bone, connective tissue and heart as well as the formation and maturation of red blood cells, the utilization of iron and the synthesis of proteins and enzymes. These enzymes are important as they produce cellular energy and regulate nerve transmission, blood clotting and aid in transport of oxygen.
Manganese (Mn): Manganese is essential for normal bone growth and development. It helps nourish the nerves and brain and aids in the coordination of nerve impulses. Manganese helps the body utilize key nutrients such as biotin, thiamin, ascorbic acid and choline as well as aiding in the synthesis of fatty acids and protects cells from free-radical damage.
Iodine (I): Iodine is necessary for the proper functioning of the thyroid gland and the production of thyroid hormones, which regulate the rate of metabolism in the body and play an important role in normal growth.
Selenium (Se): Selenium serves as an anti-oxidant and works in combination with vitamin E to protect cells.
Zinc (Zn): Zinc is needed for the body’s immune system to work properly. It plays a key role in cell division and growth, aids in healing wounds and assists in the digestive process.
5. Vitamins. Vitamins are comprised of two major categories, fat soluble and water soluble.
Fat soluble. It is not possible for an excess of these vitamins to be excreted from the body via urine so toxicity levels can be reached more quickly compared to water soluble vitamins. However, the advantage in fat soluble vitamins is that your dog’s system can store them in the liver for future synthesis.
More on fat soluble vitamins.
Vitamin A (Retinol)
Vitamin A is essential for normal growth and the formation of strong dog bones and teeth, healthy skin, good vision and cell structure. It also protects the lining of the respiratory, digestive and urinary tracts against infection.
Vitamin D (Calficerol)
Vitamin D promotes absorption of calcium and phosphorus and helps development of dog teeth and bones. Other uses in the body are muscle contraction, blood clotting, nerve conduction, cell signaling and helps balance phosphorous levels.
Vitamin E (Tocopherol)
Vitamin E protects Vitamin A, allowing it to function properly. It also is an anti-oxidant and is thought to play a role in the DNA repair and in the body’s immune system.
Vitamin K (Naphthoquinone)
Vitamin K allows blood to clot normally and is a critical nutrient for dog bone health. It plays a role in the protection against oxidative damage and supporting brain and nervous system structure.
Water soluble. Water soluble vitamins are absorbed in the small intestines and excess amounts easily leave the body via urination. Because these vitamins cannot be stored, your dog needs his daily portion of each.
More on water soluble vitamins.
Vitamin B complex
There is no single one substance vitamin B but a whole range of chemical compounds that have been given a number for easy pronunciation.
Thiamine (B-1)
Thiamine is required in carbohydrate and protein metabolism. It helps fuel your dog’s body by converting blood sugar to energy. It's essential for the nervous system and a healthy heart function.
Riboflavin (B-2, also known as vitamin G)
Riboflavin is required for the metabolism of amino acids, fatty acids and carbohydrates. It is also needed to activate vitamin B6, assists the adrenal gland and helps to create niacin. It may also be used for cell respiration and growth as well as red blood cell formation.
Niacin (B-3, also known as vitamin PP)
Niacin helps enzymes function properly which aids digestion. It has a role in the production of certain hormones. It also enhances blood flow, helps in healing, aids in sleeping and plays a role in the nerves, skin and coat.
Pantothenic Acid (B-5)
Like other B vitamins, pantothenic acid helps the body extract energy from carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It also helps to metabolize fats and produce red blood cells and hormones from the adrenal gland.
Pyrdozine (B-6)
Vitamin B6 is needed to break down proteins, carbohydrates and fats, maintains blood sugar and is involved in making hormones, insulin antibodies and cell membranes. It also helps your dog’s muscles use energy and is needed by the nervous and immune systems.
Biotin (B-7, also known as vitamin H)
Biotin is essential for the metabolism of fats and carbohydrates. It helps support adrenal function and maintain a healthy nervous system.
Folate (B-9, also known as vitamin M)
Vitamin B9 is essential for growth and development as well as encouraging normal nerve and proper brain function. It also aids in the production of red blood cells.
Cyanocobalimin (B-12)
Vitamin B12 is necessary for the support of adrenal function and to maintain a healthy nervous system. It is also vital for the development and maintenance of red blood cells and nerve cells as well as aiding in the production of DNA.
6. Water. Water is considered the most important nutrient. It regulates body temperature, maintains hydration and lubricates joints and eyes among many other functions. Always keep plenty of clean, fresh water available for your healthy dog.
