Sunday, January 1, 2012

Good Food For Your Dog

By Zachary Justice


Dogs' nutritional needs may differ from ours. We may deem some foods as healthy for us but for them, they are not sufficient or appropriate. You will have to understand their specific needs and how to address them if you want to give your dog the best nutrition available. After all, taking care of man's best friend does take a little preparation and know-how.

The essential nutrients are what your dog needs in order to grow, go, and glow. Poor health, stunted growth, lethargy, and shortened lifespan could be the result if your dog does not receive proper nutrients.

Carbohydrates, protein, fats, vitamins, and minerals are the six basic nutrients for survival and dogs, like most animal life forms, need these nutrients. These nutrients serve different functions in sustaining the health and well-being of your dog. It is possible to elaborate on the dog's need of these nutrients because of this guide.

Proteins. The building blocks of your dog's health. Chemicals known as proteins are made of amino acids. What your dog is able to do is produce some of these chemicals into their own bodies. The rest has to be supplied through food. The best sources of these amino acids are meat and its byproducts. Dogs can extract proteins from these sources a lot easier than it would with plant sources. Choose feeds that have an adequate amount of protein in them to help your puppies and working dogs grow. Too much of this, however, may cause kidney problems and has been known to cause temperament problems.

All about fats. How it delivers other nutrients to the body. Everyone tried to avoid fats as it sounds like a bad word and because it causes tons of health problems. Dogs, however, just like man, also have a need for these nutrients - albeit in a moderate amount.

The right amount of fat is needed to promote good skin health, and to transport fat-soluble vitamins. To kidney function and reproductive health, fats are also essential. Also, they make food tastier. But if there is too much fat, then it will result in lethargy and obesity.

Facts about carbohydrates. This is doggie fuel. Fifty percent of your dog's diet should consist of carbohydrates since they need it for their energy. For this nutrient, one of the more popular sources would be corn along with soybeans. If this source is clean and of good nutritional quality then that should be fine as well.

Keeping your dog healthy are vitamins and minerals. It would have been easier if your dog only had to splurge on vitamins and minerals to get optimal health. The opposite is true however. In order for your dog to be healthy, he would need the exact amount of vitamins and minerals. Your dog may receive these nutrients from food but still, it would be helpful if your dog has vitamin supplements. Also making it easier for dog owners to give their dogs good nutrition are specially formulated commercial feeds.




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