Unlike cats, who are strict carnivores (only consume meat), dogs are omnivores. And although they can tolerate a diet that’s high on meat products, dogs also benefit nutritionally from fruits, vegetables, and grains. A proper balance of vitamins and minerals is necessary to maintain your dog’s growth, health, and longevity. And human-grade certified dog food can further guarantee the food was processed to the quality standards you would expect for human food. To know if you are feeding your dogs a proper diet read the tips below.
Why is a Nutritionally Balanced Diet Important?
Pets are ultimately dependent upon their owners for their food. The health and safety of pets are a priority for pet owners, which is why dog food manufacturers are closely regulated and monitored. The pet food industry utilizes a basic formula for dogs and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that commercial dog food meets that formula. Every ingredient has a purpose. Some dog foods are targeted towards the health or developmental state (puppy, aging, active, etc.), while others target specific health conditions, like diabetes or obesity. Overall, manufacturers make dog foods to keep your dog healthy and strong.
The sign of a healthy dog is thick and shiny fur and a solid body structure. That coat and muscle come from fatty acids and protein in their dog food. The balanced nutrition in dog food also helps maintain a dog’s immune system, promotes digestion, and keeps your dog cognitively engaged. Because of that basic formula and oversight by the FDA, you can rest reassured that the dog food your dog consumes meets minimum requirements. Here are some of the primary nutrients your dog needs:
1. Protein
Dogs require much more protein than humans do. Protein builds your dog’s bones, muscles, hair, nails, and immune system. Dogs can get protein from non-meat sources, but the highest quality protein comes mostly from beef, poultry, and fish. When a dog experiences protein deficiency, you may start to see thinning fur, growth problems, and frequent illness. Too much protein can cause problems in dogs who have kidney or liver issues.
2. Fats
Dogs use fats as an essential source of energy, and it’s the basis for healthy skin, brain, eyes, and organs. When a dog doesn’t consume enough fat, they can become lethargic and lose their fur. However, too much fat can cause obesity and hyperlipidemia (excess fat in the blood).
3. Carbohydrates
Although carbohydrates don’t comprise the bulk of most dog food, it’s still an essential part of a dog’s diet. Carbohydrates like grains and rice often contain vitamins and minerals that dogs need. Although carbohydrates are essential, their consumption should be closely monitored. For example, sedentary dogs require fewer carbohydrates than active dogs, and too many carbohydrates can quickly lead to obesity.
A vital component of carbohydrates is fiber. Just like humans, fiber aids in digestion for dogs. There are two types of fiber, soluble and insoluble. Both affect the digestive process in different ways:
- Soluble fiber helps promote beneficial digestive bacteria and absorbs water, but can produce excessive gas when consumed in large amounts.
- Insoluble fiber cleanses the digestive tract and creates regular bowel movements, though too much can lead to loose stools.
Finding a balance between the two keeps bowel movements regular and prevents malnourishment in dogs.
4. Vitamins and Minerals
Like humans, dogs require vitamins and minerals for adequate brain and nerve functioning. These nutrients also help with the processing of fats and carbohydrates for energy. Calcium, magnesium, and iron are all examples of vitamins and minerals that dogs need. (Interestingly, dogs don’t require Vitamin C because their livers create it.) Vitamins and minerals are the most challenging part of a dog’s diet to balance. Dog food manufacturers employ scientists and veterinary nutritionists to evaluate the vitamins and minerals in the food that they develop.
Feeding a Dog Table Food
Because dogs have their own nutrient requirements, feeding a dog table food isn’t the ideal treat to give your dog. A small treat for a human can be a calorie and sodium-laden feast for a dog. And too many of these “small” treats can lead to weight gain and poor nutrition. Also, some seemingly benign table food can be toxic to dogs. Xylitol and chocolate, for instance, may cause seizures and abnormal heart rhythms. If you provide small bits of table food for your dog to eat, it’s necessary to know what foods to avoid.
Home Cooking and Raw Feeding
There’s a current trend of home raw feeding for dogs. Unfortunately, the American Veterinary Medical Association, the American College of Veterinary Nutritionists, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention all do not support a raw food diet for dogs. For dog owners who wish to feed their dogs a raw or homemade diet, consulting a veterinary nutritionist is recommended. Not only is there a concern regarding establishing a consistent proper diet for dogs, but raw meats pose an infection control issue for humans and animals alike.
Human-Grade Dog Food
For dog owners who have concerns regarding how dog food is processed, human-grade certified dog food ensures that the food made for your dog is manufactured in the same way as for humans.
Human-grade dog food guarantees your dogs will enjoy balanced nutrition which was processed and packaged to the same quality standard human food is handled.
Human Grade, high-quality pet food certification
Although dog food may contain the basic necessary nutrients required, traditional dog food often includes meat and plant ingredients inferior to human-grade food. For example, the correct protein requirements are met, but the content may come from diseased meat or scraps. Human-grade dog food undergoes the same inspection guidelines that human food does, so you can be sure your pet receives the quality you consume.
Balanced Food Meant for Dogs
Despite your best intentions, it’s challenging to obtain the nutritional balance and safety that commercial dog food manufacturers adhere to. Whether you feed your dog kibble or wet dog food, you are providing your dog with the essential nutrients they need. Along with regular exercise and a lot of love, feeding your dogs a proper diet is the recipe for a healthy and happy dog.