Just like us, dogs require a well-balanced diet to thrive. What they eat directly impacts their growth, development, immune system, and overall well-being. What exactly is a well-balanced diet for dogs?
Some dogs will eat anything. Others are fussier than a four-year-old with a chicken-nuggets-only food fixation. But all dogs have one thing in common: when it comes to their diet, they rely on their humans to make the best possible food choices for them. Which is why understanding proper pet nutrition — the basics of a balanced dog diet — is important.
5 ESSENTIAL NUTRIENTS DOGS NEED TO THRIVE
A proper balance of essential nutrients will ensure your pooch receives the right fuel for their daily activities in the short term, and their overall health, happiness, and longevity in the long term.
1. WATER
Water is an essential nutrient for pets (obviously). Ensure that fresh, clean water is always available to keep your dog hydrated. That being said, it is recommended that water be removed when your dog is eating, and made available again one hour after they finish their meal.
2. PROTEINS
High quality animal and plant-based proteins are essential for building and repairing tissues, promoting muscle growth, and supporting a healthy immune system.
3. CARBOHYDRATES
Sourced from grains, vegetables, and fruits, carbs provide energy and fiber, which are necessary for digestive health and vitality.
4. FATS
Healthy fats from sources like algae oil and flaxseed are necessary for energy, maintaining healthy skin and coat, and aiding the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.
5. VITAMINS & MINERALS
These micronutrients play vital roles in maintaining various bodily functions, supporting immune health, and ensuring proper growth and development.
POWER FOOD FOR POOCHES
How do you ensure you’re choosing a dog food that covers all the above? Earth Animal’s Wisdom air-dried dog food makes it easy. Their veterinary-formulated recipes offer everything your dog needs to thrive, in a complete, balanced dog diet that is:
- Highly digestible: A unique holistic formula, with organic sprouted seeds, helps maintain the microbiome and gut health in dogs of all breeds, at all life stages — puppy to senior.
- Highly palatable: A gentle air-drying process creates a soft texture with the perfect amount of moisture, locking in excellent flavor and aroma.
- Highly nutritious: Carefully crafted recipes combine premium protein, ancient grains, dehydrated fruits, vegetables, vitamins, and minerals. GAP-certified chicken and turkey and wild-caught seafood make it highly nutritious for dogs, especially those with sensitive stomachs.
Choose your dog’s food wisely, and fuel your furball’s health, vitality, and happiness for years to come.
The post The Basics of a Balanced Dog Diet appeared first on Animal Wellness Magazine.
The post “The Basics of a Balanced Dog Diet” by Bob Goldstein, VMD was published on 11/11/2023 by animalwellnessmagazine.com