As a responsible dog parent, giving your pup only the best is a must, especially with the food you feed them.
Finding the best dry dog food entails reading reviews and asking for suggestions from your vet and fellow fur parents. Although these steps can help you narrow down your options, you still have the challenging task of choosing the ideal one for your pet.
You can go through the final stage of selecting the best dry dog food for your pet productively by checking each product’s nutritional content. 0521108338
Important Nutrients Dry Dog Food Should Have
Dogs need essential nutrients to grow and develop healthily and stay happy and energetic.
Since your canine friend gets the majority of nutrients from the food they eat, you need to ensure their dog food has them.
But what are the key nutrients you should look for in your pet’s new dry dog food? Below are the top six:
1. Vitamins
Vitamins are crucial for your dog’s healthy growth. They support several body functions, including bone development and brain and eye functions.
Some of the specific vitamins your pet needs that your dog food should have are the following:
- Vitamin A, helps strengthen your dog’s immune system.
- Vitamin B12, which supports the dog’s nervous system.
- Vitamin D, a nutrient that regulates calcium and phosphorus levels.
- Vitamin K, which helps with blood clots.
- Vitamin C and E, are nutrients that work as antioxidants.
Read food product labels to check which vitamins your dog can get from the product and at what amounts.
2. Minerals
Minerals help with a dog’s bone and cartilage formation and nerve and muscle function. These nutrients aid with hormone regulation and the flow of oxygen in their body as well.
Some of the important minerals that your dog should get from their diet include the following:
- Calcium and phosphorus to strengthen your canine’s bones and teeth.
- Iron to help carry oxygen throughout the body.
- Zinc to support wound healing.
- Selenium provides antioxidant support.
Dogs also need magnesium, potassium and sodium since these minerals help with nerve transmission and fluid balance in their body.
3. Protein
Protein is a crucial component of a dog’s diet since it plays a vital role in their overall health and well-being. It provides the essential building blocks for their muscle growth.
Dogs also need protein for tissue repair and to strengthen their immune system. It helps keep their coat, skin, nails and bones healthy as well.
Dogs can only produce 13 of the 23 amino acids that make up the building blocks of proteins. They need to get the other 10 from their food.
Because of this, you have to ensure your pet gets enough protein from their food.
According to the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), adult dogs need at least 18% of protein, while puppies require at least 22% for healthy growth and development.
To ensure your canine companion gets the right amount of protein, look for dog food that contains natural, high-quality meat, fish or poultry.
4. Carbohydrates
In addition to protein, dogs also need carbohydrates since they are sources of energy as well as dietary fibre.
However, too much carbs can be harmful to pets. Because of this, you need to ensure they get the right amount of this nutrient.
In general, growing dogs and those with high-energy requirements should have a diet with at least 20% carbohydrates.
The usual sources of carbohydrates in dog food are:
- Barley
- Buckwheat
- Corn
- Brown rice
- Legumes
- Potato
- Quinoa
If you’re unsure how much carbohydrates your dog should get daily, ask your vet.
5. Healthy Fats
Fats provide dogs with a concentrated form of energy, giving them more fuel than they can get from carbohydrates and proteins.
Healthy fats protect your pet’s internal organs, support their nervous system, control inflammation and regulate their body temperature.
If your canine doesn’t get enough fat, they are likely to have dry, itchy skin and dull coats.
Linoleic acid, omega-6 and omega-3 are some of the essential fatty acids your dog needs.
Fat in wet and dry dog food comes in the form of oil, such as corn, vegetable and sunflower oil. Animal fat, fish oil, fish meal and flax seeds are also sources of this nutrient.
6. Fibre
Fibre is an indigestible carbohydrate that comes from plants. It has two forms: soluble and insoluble.
Most dry dog food contains a type of insoluble fibre called cellulose.
Both forms of fibre help dogs digest other foods and support their digestive tract function. It also improves their gut health, which can prevent colon cancer.
Giving your pet the right amount of fibre helps regulate their bowel movement. The lack of it can cause them to have regular bouts of diarrhoea and constipation.
Since fibre plays a vital role in your dog’s digestive function, it can help you manage your weight.
Whether you’re shopping for new wet or dry dog food at a local store or considering getting it from a provider of pet food delivery in Dubai, ensure these nutrients are in the product you choose for your furry pal to help them stay healthy and happy.
