Providing your dog with the right nutrition is crucial for their health and well-being. Here, we delve into the complete picture of canine nutrition, from animal sources to vegetables, and how to balance calcium and phosphorus in their diet.

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Proportions and Feeding Amount:

The amount of food a dog needs varies depending on factors such as age, activity level, and health. A general guideline is that an adult dog should eat 1-5% of their body weight per day, while puppies and lactating females may need 3-10%. However, it's crucial to adjust the amount based on your individual dog's needs.

Recommendation: Monitor your dog's weight and body condition closely and adjust the food quantity as needed. Overfeeding can lead to obesity and other health issues.

 

Balancing Calcium and Phosphorus:

Maintaining the right balance of calcium and phosphorus in your dog's diet is crucial to preventing skeletal disorders in puppies or urinary stones in adult dogs. By providing different parts of the prey animal, including bones and organs, a natural balance can be achieved.

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Recommendation: For puppies and pregnant females, consider consulting a veterinarian or specialist to ensure the correct balance of calcium and phosphorus in the diet.

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Feeding Fatty Fish to Dogs:

Unlocking the Benefits of Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 fatty acids play a pivotal role in maintaining your dog's overall health, from a lustrous coat to joint mobility and cognitive function. To ensure your canine companion reap the full benefits, it's recommended that they consume a minimum of 120 grams of fatty, wild-caught fish per every 10 kilograms of body weight each week.

The inclusion of Omega-3 fatty acids, found abundantly in fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel, and sardines, in your dog's diet can bolster their immune system, reduce inflammation, and promote heart health. These essential fatty acids are particularly crucial for dogs with skin conditions, arthritis, or allergies.

When introducing fish into your dog's diet, it's essential to ensure it's been frozen for at least 2 days. 

 

Animal Sources:

Dogs are natural carnivores, so it's of utmost importance to include animal sources in their diet. These sources provide essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals (per 100g):

• Beef:

  • Vitamins: Vitamin A, B-vitamins

  • Minerals: Iron, Zinc

  • Protein: 20-25g

  • Fat: 10-20g

• Chicken:

  • Vitamins: B-vitamins

  • Minerals: Iron, Selenium, Zinc

  • Protein: 20-25g

  • Fat: 7-10g

• Fish:

  • Vitamins: Vitamin D, B-vitamins

  • Minerals: Iodine, Selenium

  • Protein: 20-25g

  • Fat: 5-10g

• Elk/Deer:

  • Vitamins: B-vitamins

  • Minerals: Iron, Zinc

  • Protein: 20-25g

  • Fat: 2-5g

• Milk:

  • Vitamins: Vitamin D, B-vitamins

  • Minerals: Calcium, Phosphorus

  • Protein: 3-4g

  • Fat: 3-5g

 

Recommendation:

To ensure a complete range of nutrients, vary the sources. Also, be aware that certain parts of the animal, like the liver, should be limited due to high levels of specific nutrients (e.g., vitamin A).

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Cereals (Gluten-Free):

While dogs are primarily carnivores, they can also benefit from some cereals. Opt for gluten-free options to reduce the risk of intolerance and allergic reactions (per 100g):

• Quinoa:

  • Calcium: 31mg

  • Phosphorus: 283mg

  • Iron: 4.6mg

  • Vitamin B1 (Thiamin): 0.12 mg

  • Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin): 0.32 mg

  • Vitamin B3 (Niacin): 1.52 mg

  • Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine): 0.12 mg

• Millet:

  • Calcium: 17mg

  • Phosphorus: 292mg

  • Iron: 3.9mg

  • Vitamin B1 (Thiamin): 0.11 mg

  • Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin): 0.041 mg

  • Vitamin B3 (Niacin): 2.385 mg

  • Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine): 0.112 mg

• Brown Rice:

  • Calcium: 33mg

  • Phosphorus: 223mg

  • Iron: 0.8mg

  • Vitamin B1 (Thiamin): 0.191 mg

  • Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin): 0.02 mg

  • Vitamin B3 (Niacin): 2.337 mg

  • Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine): 0.509 mg

 

Recommendation:

Cereals should constitute a small part of your dog's diet and should be used sparingly, especially if your dog is overweight or has digestive issues. Always keep your dog under supervision for the first few weeks when adding cereal to the food. Pay attention to behaviors such as a noisy stomach, itching, and so on.

 

Vegetables:

Vegetables can be a valuable addition to your dog's diet, offering various vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants. Here are examples of some vegetables and their nutritional content:

• Carrots:

  • Vitamin A: 8350 IU

  • Vitamin K: 13.2 mcg

  • Vitamin C: 7 mg

  • Fiber: 2.8 g

  • Protein: 0.9 g

  • Fat: 0.2 g

• Broccoli:

  • Vitamin C: 89.2 mg

  • Vitamin K: 101.6 mcg

  • Vitamin B6: 0.175 mg

  • Fiber: 2.6 g

  • Protein: 2.8 g

  • Fat: 0.4 

• Spinach:

  • Vitamin A: 9377 IU

  • Vitamin K: 482.9 mcg

  • Vitamin C: 47.7 mg

  • Iron: 2.7 mg

  • Fiber: 2.2 g

  • Protein: 2.9 g

  • Fat: 0.4 g

• Cauliflower:

  • Vitamin C: 48.2 mg

  • Vitamin K: 15.5 mcg

  • Vitamin B6: 0.184 mg

  • Fiber: 2 g

  • Protein: 1.9 g

  • Fat: 0.3 g

• Beets (Beetroots):

  • Vitamin C: 4.9 mg

  • Vitamin K: 0.2 mcg

  • Fiber: 2.8 g

  • Protein: 1.6 g

  • Fat: 0.2 g

• Zucchini (Courgette):

  • Vitamin C: 17.9 mg

  • Vitamin K: 4.3 mcg

  • Fiber: 1 g

  • Protein: 1.2 g

  • Fat: 0.3 g

 

Recommendation:

To ensure a wide spectrum of nutrients, vary the vegetables. Note that some vegetables, like onions and garlic, are toxic to dogs and should be avoided.

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Providing your dog with a balanced and nutritious diet is a fundamental aspect of ensuring their health and longevity. Remember that every dog is unique, so it's always best to consult with a veterinarian or a pet nutrition specialist to tailor the diet to your dog's specific needs. By following these guidelines, you can help your best friend live a long and healthy life.

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Read more about dog food here.