What Nutrients Is Your Dog Missing Out On?
Our Dog’s Diets Change with Age, But It Can Be Hard To Tell What They Are Missing Out On and If Your Dog’s Food Is Really Doing the Trick.
As pet parents, we always want our fur babies to grow happy and healthy. Dogs need a balanced diet containing proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, minerals, and water to support their physiological functions. Proper nutrition is essential to promote longevity and vitality. By understanding their dietary requirements and providing a well-balanced diet, pet parents like you can ensure the optimal health and well-being of their canine companions. First, I want to break down what ingredients help make up that balanced diet I was referring to.
| Group | Ingredients | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Protein |
Meat, poultry, eggs, fish, and plant-based proteins like soy and lentils |
essential for muscle development, tissue repair, and growth |
|
Carbohydrates |
Grains, vegetables, and fruit |
provide energy and dietary fiber for digestive health |
|
Fats |
Fish oils, plant oils and animal fats |
maintain healthy skin and coat and provide concentrated energy |
|
Vitamins |
A, D, E, and B-complex |
play a significant role in metabolism, immune function, and overall health |
|
Minerals |
Calcium, Phosphorus, Magnesium, Iron, and Zinc |
promote bone health, nerve function, and enzyme activity |
And of course, clean water should always be available to prevent dehydration and support digestion of all those great food nutrients.
As Pets Age
Now that we’ve addressed standard nutritional needs, we must remember that a dog’s nutritional needs change as they age. This is due to changes reflected in their metabolic rate, activity level, and overall health.
Puppy diets typically consist of more protein and calcium for muscle and bone development – because, well, they’re growing! Puppies also require frequent, smaller meals throughout the day to support their rapid growth and metabolism.
Adult (ages 1-7) diets shift to more moderate amounts of protein and fats to sustain energy level without promoting excessive weight gain. It may be comforting to some pet parents to know their pet is well-fed, but serious health implications can arise after your dog sustains significant additional weight for too long.
Senior diets will typically have fewer calories but higher digestible proteins to prevent age-related weight gain but maintain muscle mass. So as the body starts to slow down on the inside and cannot break down foods as easily or as quickly as before, they need a special diet that ensures they’re not missing out on anything.
To ensure senior pets are getting those simple, digestible proteins, turning to supplements and food toppers is not uncommon. The KVP Mendy Chews is a great example of a hyperpalatable wellness chew that provides senior pets with the building blocks for muscle, bone and digestive stability that can be difficult to find through just a dog food.
Your dog’s diet is not only influenced by age but also includes other factors such as:
- Genetics
- Size
- Health conditions
Proper nourishment will reveal healthy skin and coat and promote proper bone and growth development. Regular veterinary check-ups and attention to feeding guidelines are key to supporting a healthy lifestyle for dogs.
