Did you know that dog nutrition is just as important for your furry pal as it is for you? When it comes to canine health and nutrition, there is a lot of misinformation.
In this blog post, our experts at CanineJulz will talk about:
What nutrition for dogs is
Why it's important
Essential nutrients
CanineJulz’s dog nutrition course
We hope to get all your questions answered in this professional guide to canine nutrition!
Table of Contents:
What Is Dog Nutrition Exactly?
Why is Nutrition for Dogs Important?
6 Essential Nutrients Every Dog Needs
Proteins And Fats
Healthy Carbohydrates
Vitamins And Minerals
Water
Dog Nutrition Backed By Science: A Course From CanineJulz!
Conclusion
People Also Ask:
What is a balanced diet for a dog?
A balanced diet for your pup should consist of animal protein, fats, vegetables, and micronutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids.
For older dogs and puppies of large breeds, be sure to also give them glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate.
What is a good vitamin for dogs?
Generally, the most important vitamins and minerals for your dog include vitamins A, D, E, K, B-complex vitamins, folic acid, calcium, and phosphorus.
Can I feed my dog human food instead of dog food?
Your canine won’t be able to get the appropriate amount of nutrients by purely eating human food. It’s not recommended that you feed them a 100% human food diet.
What Is Dog Nutrition Exactly?
To understand dog nutrition as a pet owner, it's important to know the nutritional requirements for canines. Through decades of research and biological evolutionary understanding, these requirements have been established to provide dogs everything they need to be healthy and happy.
Dog nutrition is the type of diet that canines eat. It also includes how much water they drink daily, in addition to other factors like physical exercise and mental stimulation.
You'll want to look for foods that contain nutrients essential for building and maintaining healthy tissues during:
Puppyhood
Adolescence
Adulthood
Pregnancy
Senior years
One of the most important factors of your pup's diet is what they need during the different stages of their life. Believe it or not, dogs are omnivores. This means that the ideal diet for your furry family member includes both plant and animal (meat) resources.
Why is Nutrition for Dogs Important?
When your pup has good nutrition, they have the building blocks and energy components needed to develop, grow, and stay active throughout their lifetime. In other words, nutrition is vital for your dog because it directly affects their overall wellbeing.
A balanced diet for your four-legged friend is no accident. When it comes to proper nutrition, every ingredient in their food should have a purpose.
Without it, your dog cannot:
Maintain muscle tone
Build and repair muscles, tissue, and bone
Perform daily activities
Fight-off infection
Prevent disease (kidney disease, heart disease, etc.)
6 Essential Nutrients Every Dog Needs
The minimum and maximum requirements for canine nutrition have been developed by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). These guidelines have been established for a large variety of nutrients.
The six basic nutrients every dog needs are:
Proteins
Fats
Carbohydrates
Vitamins
Minerals
Water
Proteins And Fats
Like all living things, every cell in the body is made up of protein. It's essential for healthy skin, muscles, organs, hair, and other tissues.
Proteins: Your pup's body naturally makes 13 amino acids, which are the building blocks for proteins. However, they need 22 to require the proper amounts of protein. This means that the other 9 must come from their food. Proteins sources in your dog's diet (beef, chicken, fish, etc.) are essential to build and maintain healthy muscles.
Fats: Healthy fats provide your furry friend the energy they need. They also keep skin and fur healthy. Your dog's body doesn't produce enough fatty acids, so your pet needs to get them from their food. Essential fatty acids include omega-6, omega-3, and linoleic acid.
Healthy Carbohydrates
Think of carbohydrates as essential fuel for your dog's body. Carbs also help maintain intestinal health and provide power to the tissues. Many of the proper carbs your pup needs can come from plants.
By feeding them vegetables, your pet gets the necessary:
Starches
Sugar
Fiber
Vitamins And Minerals
Vitamins and minerals are needed to build bones and keep them strong.
Good nutrition through a balanced diet means your dog can get everything they need, including the following vitamins and minerals:
Vitamins A, D, E, and K
B-complex vitamins
Phosphorus
Calcium
Water
Even if your dog were to lose half their protein and all their body fat, they'll still survive. However, this is not the case with water.
Surprisingly, more than half of your pet's body weight is made up of water. In addition to their food, they should always have clean, fresh water available.
Dog Nutrition Backed By Science: A Course From CanineJulz!
As a responsible and loving pet owner, you want to do right by your dog. Unfortunately, food and nutrition can be complicated. You may find yourself wondering if your dog is getting enough nutrients, or maybe you're frustrated with all the misinformation regarding dog food.
At CanineJulz, we believe that proper nutrition and a balanced diet are essential parts of training. That's why our founder and professional Del Mar dog trainer, Julie has partnered with pet nutrition doctor, Dr. Evelyn Kass for our dog nutrition course!
Dr. Kass brings over 30 years of experience to this science-backed class. She uses her knowledge and expertise to teach pet owners like you:
How to read pet food labels and what to look for
Which ingredients are right for your pup
Why species-appropriate food is vital
The issues with grains
The important role of the microbiome in disease and health
Our goal with the CanineJulz nutrition course is to help dogs love mealtimes and start to feel better quickly. After this class, we'll also provide you with a free e-book guide with lists of pet foods and supplements recommended by both Dr. Kass and Julie!
Sign up for The Great Debate: Raw vs. Kibble dog nutrition course with the Pet Nutrition Doctor, Dr. Evelyn Kass!
Conclusion
Good nutrition and a balanced diet mean everything when it comes to your dog's overall health and happiness. From improving mental health and physical stamina to maintaining proper weight, feeding your pet the right food is essential.
At CanineJulz, our dog nutrition course will help you learn how to do just that!
Are you ready to find out how CanineJulz's dog nutrition course can help your pet?
To get in touch with CanineJulz, click here!
To book online, click here!