Health, nutrition and adequate care for dogs according to each individual’s needs

Perhaps the most common question pet owners ask their veterinarian is, “How should I feed my dog? Well, feeding your dog an adequate amount of food and a well-balanced diet is vital to his overall health. To understand how to feed your dog, you must understand what the nutritional requirements of dogs are and how these requirements have developed through the process of biological evolution.

Since dogs are carnivores, does this mean they should eat a meat-only diet?

As a species, the dog is part of the carnivore group, a large group of animals (usually mammals) that have a similar dental structure. The nutritional needs of animals belonging to this order vary. Some members of this group have a strong need for meat in their diet (they are called true carnivores), while others can satisfy their nutritional needs by consuming plant elements (herbivores) or a combination of meat and plants (omnivores). Cats are an example of carnivores, cows are an example of herbivores, and dogs and humans are two examples of omnivores.

Due to the dietary needs of dogs, both the dental structure and the intestinal tract have adapted to an omnivorous diet. This means that, under normal circumstances, dogs can meet their nutritional needs by consuming a combination of plant and animal foods. The source of protein and fat is less important than the quality and digestibility of these essential components of the dog’s diet. However, a diet consisting exclusively of meat could cause an imbalance and not meet all of a dog’s nutritional needs.

Dogs cannot digest carbohydrates. It is true?

To meet their energy needs, dogs have evolved to use proteins and fats as primary energy sources, but they can also use carbohydrates for energy. The fact that the dog’s digestive system produces specific enzymes for the digestion of starch and sugars demonstrates that it is capable of digesting carbohydrates. However, complex carbohydrates such as grains are more digestible when cooked.

Dogs should only eat raw foods and cannot properly digest cooked food. It is true?

Domestic dogs have adapted over millennia to consume the diets provided by their human companions, including cooked foods. As mentioned above, dogs can digest complex carbohydrates more easily after completing the cooking process. Feeding only raw foods can cause a number of risks for your dog, as well as people in your home.

What are the nutritional requirements of dog food?

The six basic nutrients are water, proteins, fats, carbohydrates, minerals and vitamins. These essential nutrients are needed as part of your dog’s regular diet and are involved in all basic bodily functions. Minimum dietary requirements have been established for many nutrients. The maximum tolerable quantities of some nutrients are known and toxicity results have been established. What is less understood is what can happen over time with marginal shortages or excesses.
Keep in mind that every dog ​​is different and may need more or less food throughout the day, depending on their health, weight and how active they are. Talk to your vet for more information on specific nutrients your dog may need.

How much should my dog ​​eat?

The ideal method to determine how many calories to give your dog is to determine what your dog’s ideal weight should be and feed him according to that weight. Unfortunately, this requires constant monitoring (and weighing) and is not always practical.

Your vet can estimate how many calories your dog needs each day based on his lifestyle and health. For example, the standard formula used to calculate the energy needs of the average adult dog who lives indoors, gets moderate daily physical activity, and is neutered is:

30 x weight in kg + 70 = daily calorie requirement

Please note that some of our dogs are “medium” sized, so this formula is just a starting point. Most dogs will need fewer calories per day, while others will need slightly more. This daily calorie total includes not only your dog’s meals, but also other snacks and treats. If your dog needs to lose weight, your vet will recommend calorie restrictions (usually ranging from 70% to 90% of the calculated weight maintenance amount).

Are there differences depending on the breed in terms of nutritional needs?

Over the past few decades, nutritionists and veterinary researchers have identified that there are distinct breed variations in metabolism and nutritional requirements. Dog breeds that were developed in specific locations, such as Arctic Circle breeds and some aquatic breeds, may have adapted to specialized diets common in their place of origin. Genetic differences between individuals of each species may lead to the additional need to individualize the animal’s diet to optimize its health.

In addition to considering your dog’s breed, you should also consider his lifestyle. Animals that perform intense physical activity (hunting dogs, field trial dogs, herding dogs) require a different ratio of protein and fat in their diet than sedentary domestic dogs.

Nutrition according to age

Older dogs, especially those over the age of 7, will benefit from a diet formulated for their needs. Diets for senior dogs are often lower in calories, higher in protein, lower in sodium and lower in carbohydrates. Many diets also contain ingredients such as prebiotics or probiotics to keep gut microbial populations healthy, increase omega-3 fatty acids and other antioxidants to fight inflammation, and glucosamine to promote joint health. Be sure to ask your vet for dietary recommendations for your senior dog. Some diets for seniors will include medium-nickel triglycerides to help slow brain changes that can lead to senility issues (because yes, they can, too).