Dogs Nutritional Needs Dogs are thought to be carnivores meaning a diet composed of meat. However, dogs are actually omnivores in that they require the proper balance of vegetables and grains as well as meats to meet their nutritional requirements.
Energy is supplied by fats, carbohydrates and protein. Dietary energy is measured in calories.
Protein for the growth and development of haircoat, repair of muscle tissue and bone development is essential. Meat, poultry, fish, eggs and soybean meal are commonly used sources of protein.
Fats are an excellent source of dietary energy for an animal supplied either from oils extracted from plants or from animal sources. Fats are essential for the normal growth and development processes of dogs. They can also influence weight gain or loss, and haircoat condition.
Vitamin A - for healthy vision and cell growth. Can be provided with fish and animal products. Beta carotene from plants can be converted to Vitamin A in the body of dogs.
Vitamin D - for strong healthy bones. Can be provided with liver, fish oil and can also be produced in the body of dogs.
Vitamin E - is known to have two uses in pet food. The first is as an essential nutrient and the second is as a preservative for fat. As a nutrient, Vitamin E protects cells from damage caused by oxidation. Vitamin E is a naturally occurring anti-oxidant and is found in vegetable oils, it is also added to meet the nutritional needs.
Vitamin K - needed in blood clotting. This vitamin is naturally synthesized in the digestive tracts of dogs.
Water Soluble Vitamins Those vitamins which are soluble in water and not stored in large quantities in the body are:
Ascorbic Acid, Vitamin C - important in bone formation. This vitamin is normally synthesized by the dogs body in sufficient quantities, and is not required in the diet.
The Vitamin B Complex - includes thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, pyridoxine, folic acid and B12, biotin, choline and inositol. These vitamins play key roles in enzyme systems throughout the body.
