5 Top Nutrients to Supplement Your Dog’s Diet
Every pet parent knows that living with a dog makes everything instantly better. Whether you are going through happy or sad times, these four-legged animals offer devoted companionship and unconditional love to their owners who in return provide them with a warm home and constant care.
One essential way of taking care of your dog is by giving them healthy and well-balanced food. This is important because a high-quality diet helps keep your pup’s overall health in great shape and prevents the development of various health conditions.
Generally speaking, every dog needs to obtain nutrients from various foods and supplements which serve as sources of energy and help in the process of maintaining their well-being.
So, whether you have just become a dog parent or you still aren’t sure what to feed your pup, take a look at these five essential nutrients you should include in your dog’s everyday regime.
Vitamins and minerals
The implementation of vitamins and minerals in a dog’s diet is very important. They bring numerous benefits that maintain the general health of every canine, boost their energy and help them fight against severe medical conditions.
For example, liver disease is very common in dogs. Unfortunately, if it isn’t properly managed it can lead to greater liver dysfunction and abdominal pain. One of the most efficient ways to prevent this from happening is to use liver supplements for dogs which serves as a homeopathic formula that helps to alleviate the symptoms of this condition.
In addition to giving your dog dietary supplements, you can also turn to actual foods that contain various vitamins and minerals. For example, leafy green vegetables such as spinach and cabbage are some of the favorite foods among pups from which they can get their daily doses of vitamins A, E and K.
Water
Probably the most important nutrient for your dog is water. This is because it is the main component in healthy cells and if there is a lack of it, your pup’s body wouldn’t function properly. Plus, water deficiency can easily lead to severe dehydration and even organ failure within a few days.
So, the best way to prevent this from happening is to supply your dog with fresh and clean water every day. By doing so, you are helping them regulate their body temperature as well as break down carbohydrates, proteins and fats.
Also, if you want, you can opt for a blend of caffeine-free herbal tea to use as a water alternative which you can give your pup once in a while. Tea is loaded with antioxidants as well as relaxing and soothing properties. Always take note that the tea should be with no caffeine. Before giving any herbal tea infusion to your pooch, make sure to consult with your vet first for the right daily dose and type.
Besides drinking it, dogs can also get the daily minimum of water through food. Fruits and vegetables such as carrots, watermelon, green beans and pumpkin are some examples of how you can increase moisture in their diet.
Proteins
Unfortunately, dogs’ bodies aren’t able to produce the required amount of protein. For that reason, it is important that you include this essential nutrient as part of your pup’s regime in order to supply them with sufficient levels.
The reality is proteins are considered the best sources of energy because they are made up of amino acids that are essential in maintaining your dog’s health. They are important for giving your best friend a strong bone structure and assisting in muscle, skin, hair, nail and blood formation.
One of the best sources to obtain the highest amounts of amino acids comes from animals such as pork, beef and fish.
However, if you want to avoid giving your dog animal protein, you can turn to plant proteins. Although they tend to have a lower digestibility, they can still provide the daily minimum of protein your pup needs to maintain good health.
Carbohydrates
Another important nutrient which should be part of your furry companion’s diet are carbohydrates. They are the main sources of dietary fiber and provide energy in the form of glucose. In addition, carbs help generate heat in the body and form the foundation for other nutrients.
While there is no specific required amount of carbohydrates for dogs, it is recommended that every meal contains just enough carbs to meet the daily dose of glucose. This can come either from digestible carbs such as starches and sugars or soluble and insoluble fibers.
For example, one very common type of carbohydrate you can give your dog are cereal grains. These can include barley, oats, brown rice, corn or potatoes. The most important thing you should remember about these grains is that they must be either ground up or cooked well enough so your pup can digest them easily.
For example, one very common type of carbohydrate you can give your dog are cereal grains. These can include barley, oats, brown rice, corn or potatoes. The most important thing you should remember about these grains is that they must be either ground up or cooked well enough so your pup can digest them easily.
Fats
Fats also play a major role in maintaining your dog’s health. Similar to proteins and carbs, they are another excellent source of energy and are best known for helping with the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.
The essential fatty acids are one of the most common types of fats which are crucial for lowering inflammation at the cellular level and helping dogs maintain healthy skin and coat. The best-known types of fatty acids are omega-3 and omega-6 which can be mainly found in fish and flaxseed oil.
Other great sources of fats for dogs are coconut, sunflower and olive oil as well as plant-based spreads. For example, sunflower oil is highly rich in omega-6 fatty acids which can certainly benefit your pup’s immune system, coat, heart and energy levels.
Also, peanut butter is another canine favorite healthy fat. Although they love its flavor, you should give it in moderation in order to avoid weight gain in your pup.
Final thoughts
In addition to giving your dog unconditional love and attention, you must always strive for keeping their well-being in the best possible shape. An effective way to do so is to provide them with a well-balanced diet filled with protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins and water.
By including these nutrients as part of your dog’s regime, you will be able to maintain their health at all times and help them fight against various health conditions.
In case you still aren’t sure how each nutrient benefits your dog, make sure you refer back to this post and use it as a guide to help you create the best diet for your pup.
