Why do dogs require nutrients? What Nutrients Are Required For Dogs?

Just like human beings, our dogs also require a properly balanced diet in order to carry out their day-to-day activities. By activities, we mean regular growth, playing and exercising, pregnancy, lactation, etc. It is the responsibility of the pet parent to make sure that their fur babies get a properly balanced diet with all the nutrients required.

Now… the question that arises in the minds of most pet parents is what all nutrients are required for the healthy growth of their dog?

Well… the answer to this is very simple. Dogs basically require food for getting energy which mainly comes from three dietary components; carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. Let us now discuss this same thing in detail.

What Nutrients Are Required For Dogs?

1. Proteins and Amino Acids

It would not be wrong to say that a dog will not be able to survive without the presence of fats and amino acids in its diet. Proteins and amino acids are one of the most important nutrients. They are required for the healthy growth of a dog. 

We know that dogs have natural instincts. They naturally pick up food that is high in protein.

2. Fats and fatty acids

Fats and fatty acids are an important part of the nutrients. They are essential for dogs. Dietary acids should be a part of your dog’s diet as they are believed to be the most concentrated source of energy. Essential and appropriate fatty acids contribute to keeping your dog’s coat healthy and shiny as well.

According to vets, a puppy should be fed about 21 grams of total fat. Whereas, we should feed 14 grams of total fat to an adult dog.

3. Vitamins

Vitamins are considered an important nutrient that is required our dogs as they simply contribute to a wide range of metabolic activities of our dogs. However, the concentration of vitamins in our dog’s food should be low. If not fed in a required amount, vitamin deficiency in dogs can even lead to motor and vision impairment.

By the term vitamins, we mean Vitamin A, D, E, K, B1, B6, B12

4. Minerals

There are a total of 12 minerals that are believed to be essential for our dogs. They are:-

Calcium.	Iron.
Potassium.	Copper.
Magnesium.	Zinc.
Chlorine.	Manganese.
Sodium.	Selenium.
Phosphorus.	Iodin.

Each mineral has its own importance as well as allowance. They should only be fed in the required quantities in order to keep your dog healthy. 

5. Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates are a very important part of a balanced diet for a dog as they are the main source of energy. Foods rich in carbohydrates help in providing energy to your pooch. 

A deficiency of carbohydrates can even lead to a deficiency of proteins and amino acids. Thus a pet parent should make sure that he is feeding enough carbohydrates to his dog in order to keep him healthy and fit.

6. Water 

Last but not the least, and the most important one as well, WATER.

Water is an essential nutrient for dogs and human beings as well. Along with various minerals, water even contains many electrolytes in the form of chloride, fluoride, etc which are necessary for the digestion function and absorption functions of all living beings. 

In order to facilitate the proper functioning of our dog’s bodies, every pet parent must provide enough fresh water to their dogs.

Conclusion 

Just like human beings require a healthy and properly balanced diet in order to facilitate regularly, our fur babies also require the same. Dog parents should always make sure that they provide their fur babies with all the required nutrients in order to let them live happy and healthy life. 

I would suggest you go through the blog Best 5 Foods for Dogs. It contains those 5 foods that are appropriate for dogs.