Canine Nutrition

With increasing concerns growing over what is in commercial dog food, more and more people are choosing to take control over what they feed their animals.  Much like people, dogs need certain nutrients, vitamins, and minerals to keep them happy and healthy.  Too much or too little of something can cause problems, so finding the right balance for your pet is key.  Dogs of different sizes, and dogs with different activity levels will have different needs.  

 

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                                  carbohydrates 

 

 

Proteins: after water is removed, protein is what makes up the body.  Forms of protein include the muscles, skin and blood.  The hair, fur, nails and internal organs are all made entirely of protein. Anti-bodies that fight infection are all made of protein, and hormone production relies on it as well.  Proteins are also essential for healthy blood.  In the body these proteins are constantly being recycled and turned into amino acids, which are then built again.

 

Amino Acids: proteins are made up of a variety of amino acids.  Dogs can synthesize 12 out of the 22 non-essential amino acids.  The other 10 essential (must be eaten daily) to prevent a protein deficiency.  The Association of American Feed Control Officials list the following as essential amino acids for dogs:

 

 

 

Complete proteins are proteins that contain all the amino acids needed. Incomplete proteins contain only some of the amino-acids needed.  Complete proteins include: eggs, poultry, muscle meats, fish, and some dairy.  Incomplete proteins are: beans, peas, grains and potatoes.

 

Some common symptoms of protein deficiency include:

 

infections or chronic skin problems

a weakened immune system

chronic ear problems and infections

poor coat (dry, dull) excessive shedding or poor pigmentation

hormone deficiencies, poor/reduced adrenal gland function

slow healing from illnesses, wounds and injuries

   

 

Fat: circulates through a dog's body all the time and the excess is stored in the body.  Omega-3 fatty acids, omega-6 fatty acids and archidonic acid are all vital in cell structures, creating and maintaining cell membranes, supporting the immune system and helping blood movement.  Omega-3 fatty acids are found in fish (salmon, mackerel, halibut, herring), flax-seeds and walnuts.  Omega-6 fatty acids are found in sunflower, safflower, corn and evening primrose oils, and chicken fat.  Arachidonic fatty acids are primarily found in fish oils.

 

Some common symptoms of fat deficiency include:

 

lack of energy

dry skin, itching or thickened areas of the skin

dull, dry or poor hair coat

poor growth 

slow healing from injuries/illnesses

heart/circulatory problems

poor blood clotting 

 

Excessive fat can lead to weight gain and obesity, however fat is the best source of energy.  Hard working, hard playing, and dogs under stress require more fat intake.

 

Carbohydrates: are sugars and starches in various forms, and are made up of molecules of oxygen, hydrogen and carbon.  Carbohydrates are broken down into glucose for energy and various functions.  Glucose is vital to the correct functioning of the nervous system.  Low levels of glucose in dogs can lead to seizures.  Some glucose is stored into glycogen and is stored in the muscles and liver for quick energy.

 

Nutritious and digestible carbohydrates for dogs:

 

alfalfa

barley

brown/wild rice

flax-seed/flax-seed meal

molasses

oatmeal

potatoes, sweet potatoes, yams

 

              

 

Fiber:  Carbohydrates provide us with fiber, which is important for intestinal tract function and the forming of stools.  Dogs don't have the correct enzymes to completely digest fiber, so bacteria in the large intestine digests the fiber through fermentation.  Soluble fiber (those that dissolve in water) are fruits, potatoes, beans and oatmeal.  Insoluble fiber is cellulose, which is found mostly in plants.  It doesn't dissolve in water be absorbs water for healthy stool formation.  Too much fiber can leave your pet bloated.

 

Micro-nutrients are: vitamins

                               minerals 

                                   probiotics

                                      phytonutrients

 

Micro-nutrients are essential to good health, but are found in smaller quantities than macro-nutrients.

 

 

Vitamin A: is essential for good eyesight, including the health of the retina for night vision.  It keeps the mucus membranes healthy in the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts.  It is a powerful antioxidant that keeps the immune system healthy and is vital for cell reproduction.  It is a fat soluble vitamin, and the excess is stored in the liver.  it can be toxic if too much is ingested, however this is very rare when obtained form whole food sources.  Natural sources (not synthetic) include egg yolks, fish oils and liver.

 

Vitamin B: there are several B vitamins, all of which are water-soluble an often referred to as the B complex vitamins.  These vitamins are vital to canine bodily processes.  They are found in cereal grains which are sensitive to heat, so the process of making commercial dog food unfortunately destroys most of these vitamins. 

 

B1 (thiamine): needed for normal nerve cell function and mental health.  Dogs with a lack of B1 have learning difficulties.

 

B2 (riboflavin): it is the co-enzyme for cell respiration, and is necessary for good vision and the digestion of carbohydrates.

 

B3 (niacin): vital for the digestion of proteins, fats and carbohydrates and it also assists in blood circulation.  The amino acid tryptophan can produce niacin in the body.

 

B5 (panthotenic acid): needed in the normal functioning of the adrenal glands, and vitamin metabolism.  It helps convert food into energy.

 

B6 pyridoxine): processes amino acids, and is essential for the development and function of the nervous system.  It is needed for red blood cell production, and a lack of it can often lead to mental depression.

 

B12 (cyanocobalamin): this vitamin is a co-enzyme to a protein, and works with several other amino acids.  It is useful for healthy DNA, RNA and a healthy heart.  It also maintains a healthy nervous system and mental health.

 

Folic Acid: is important for the duplication of chromosomes during cell reproduction.  It also prevents birth abnormalities.

 

Vitamin C & Ascorbic Acid: is a water-soluble vitamin that is naturally produced by the bodies of dogs, but not by humans.  There is no listed requirement for it for canines, but many experts believe that not enough of it produced during times of stress.  Ascorbic acid is the antioxidant portion of Vitamin C.  This vitamin prevents bruises, fights infections, helps produce cartilage, slows down the development of cataracts, stabilizes blood sugar and prevents gum disease.  Excess Vitamin C is excreted through the urine, and in high doses it can cause diarrhea.  Prolonged high dosages may impede calcium absorption.  This vitamin is found in fruits, especially citrus fruits and some vegetables.

 

 

Vitamin D:  is a fat-soluble vitamin that is needed for the correct absorption of calcium and phosphorous, helps maintain healthy teeth and bones, aids the immune system, works with the circulatory system and it maintains correct thyroid function.  It can be produced in small amounts when exposed to sunlight, and a good source of Vitamin D is from egg yolks. 

 

Vitamin E: is another fat-soluble vitamin that aids in nerve/muscle function, it promotes good mental health, reduces the risk of heart disease, promotes normal blood clotting, and aids in healthy skin/hair.  Vitamin E is the most potent antioxidant and can be found in eggs, liver, green foods and rose hips.

 

 

 Vitamin K:  this is a relatively unknown vitamin, but it is necessary for correct calcium absorption which leads to healthy teeth and bones and normal blood clotting.  If there is a Vitamin K deficiency present it can lead to bleeding disorders and poor blood clotting.  Vitamin K is found in dark green vegetables like kale, spinach and broccoli.  Synthetic Vitamin K is not recommended due to its high reports of toxicity.

 

 

 

Calcium: without calcium there would be no life.  It is mostly found in the bones and is needed for muscle contraction and relaxation, nerve transmissions, and healthy blood.  The main sources of calcium come from dairy products and vegetables.  A lack of calcium can cause rickets and thyroid dysfunction, while in excess there can be skeletal disorders and mineral deficiencies.

 

Phosphorous: works along side with calcium and can be found in meats, beef, fish and poultry.  Deficiencies will be the same as with calcium.

 

Copper: works with iron, and is vital for the production of hemoglobin and red blood cells.  Excess Vitamin C can impair the ability to absorb copper.  Dogs metabolize copper from beef, chicken, other animal liver, and even water that flows through copper pipes. Excess copper is stored in the liver, and a lack of copper can cause anemia and poor bone development. 

 

Iodine:  is needed for proper thyroid function and can be obtained from fish, liver and kelp.  Deficiencies is iodine can cause growth/development problems and reproductive difficulties.

 

Iron:  the formation of hemoglobin relies on iron, and it is iron combined with oxygen that gives blood its bright red color.  It is important for healthy muscles and the formation of myoglobin which supplies oxygen to the muscles.  Iron is found in meats, vegetables and whole grains.  An iron deficiency can cause anemia, however excess is very rare because the body only absorbs what it needs. 

 

Magnesium: activates many of the enzymes, and aids in the development of bones and connective tissues.  It also works with enzymes to assist in maintaining glucose levels.  It is found in whole grains and vegetables.

 

Selenium: is an antioxidant that works with fatty acids to support the immune system, and work with the reproductive system.  It is said that it may protect against cancer.  Selenium is found in fish, meat and whole grains, but cooking these foods reduces its effectiveness.

 

Zinc:  is needed for the metabolism of foods.  It is a co-enzyme for 25 different digestive enzymes.  Zinc is a component of insulin and aids in the healing of wounds, and supports the immune system.  It can be found in meats and egg yolks.

 

Probiotics:  boost the beneficial bacteria colonies in the large intestine, yogurt that contains active cultures are an excellent source of probiotics.  High heat kills any probiotics.

 

Phytonutrients: are not vitamins or minerals, but rather the parts of plants that are said to have beneficial properties.  Capsaicin is found in chilli peppers and is a pain reliever and cancer fighter.  Genistein in soy beans may reduce breast/mammary gland cancers.

 

 

Life will not exist without water because all of the body's functions depend on water.  Respiration, digestion, assimilation/absorption of nutrients and the metabolism of nutrients all depend on water.  Water is also key in waste removal.  Your dogs needs will vary based on size and weight, their health and activity level.  Always make sure that your dog as access to clean drinking water especially on hot days, during exercise or when travelling.  Water can also be obtained through fruits like watermelon, apples (without the seeds) and pears.  This is a good way to keep your dog hydrated, and happy.