The Function Of Nutrients For Your Dog
You have just brought home your new pet and may be wondering what the function of nutrients for your dog is
. As a new dog owner you should know the function of nutrients for dog in the food that will be fed to your pet. You should become familiar with his nutritional vitamin and mineral health requirements. Knowing this information will help your puppy/dog to live a long and healthy life. This article will cover the following topics: function of fiber in dog food, how much water your dog needs, fatty acids and what minerals do dogs require.Function of Fiber In Dog Food
Fiber helps address the concern of obesity in dogs. It is important for special diets designed for weight reduction or weight management. Fiber helps reduce caloric intake and provides dogs a satisfied feeling of fullness when being fed fewer calories.
High fiber will not ensure weight loss. You will need to use strict portion control for a successful weight loss program. Work with your veterinarian to plan a weight loss program for your dog if he should be overweight.
Fiber also helps minimize constipation. Fiber absorbs water and lends bulk to the intestinal contents.
Some good sources of fiber in dog food include beet pulp, rice bran, soybean hulls, apple and tomato pomace (pulp of the fruit), peanut hulls, citrus pulp, and the bran of oats, rice, wheat, and cellulose. Be careful not to overdue the fiber. More is not better. Excessive fiber is associated with adverse effects such as loose stools, flatulence (or gas), and increased stool volume or density. Fiber needs will change as your dog moves into each life cycle stage. Get to know how much he needs for each stage.
How Much Water Should My Dog Drink?
As much as you're pet wants. There thirst is internally regulated. There is little chance they will drink too much. Hot weather and exercise will increase his thirst. Your job is to provide your canine with plenty of fresh cool water daily in the summer and room temperature water in the winter. Keep his water bowl filled at all times. If your water supply should have too much chlorine in it, filtered water will be healthier for your dog.
Try to monitor his water consumption, suddenly drinking lots more water or much less, could be a sign of disease and should be brought to your veterinarian's attention.
Fatty Acids
Dogs cannot reproduce fatty acids and must be supplied in his diet. Dogs require one fatty acid (linoleic acid) that is classified as one of the omega-6 fatty acids based on its molecular structure. They are found primarily in vegetable oils and animal fat and are provided in high-quality pet foods to:
Help regulate the blood flow to body tissues
Aid in Clotting after an injury
Aid in normal reproduction
Support a pet's immune system
Help maintain a normal hair coat and healthy skin
Proper levels of fatty acids can help provide benefits for a healthy dog. Be sure to read the food labels carefully to determine if there are any fatty acids in the dog food. Otherwise, you will have to purchase supplements which can be added into his food.
What Minerals Do Dogs Require?
Minerals are an important nutrient in your dog's diet. These help bone and cartilage formation, hormone production, and nervous system functioning. To be effective, minerals must be fed in correct ratios. For example, phosphorous and calcium are critical to bone health, but an imbalance could cause weakness.
Other minerals need for dogs include magnesium, which keeps the heart functioning well, potassium, which builds strong muscles; and sodium, which is important to cellular activity. Buying a complete and balanced food will contain the proper balance of essential minerals. Always consult your veterinarian if you should have any concerns.
Since not all dog food is the same, you may have to go through more than one type of food or brand that will satisfy your pet. If you must change his food to another, you should do this over a ten day period. Here's how:
Days 1-3, mix 75% old with 25% new.
Days 4-6, mix 50% old with 50% new.
Days 7-9, mix 25% old with 75% new.
Day 10, give him 100% of the new dog food.
Observe your pet for 30 days to determine if the new food is doing well for your pet.
Buy only the best quality premium dog food with no by-products or fillers listed in the ingredients. By-products or fillers are not nutritional and are used to keep the cost of the food down. Don't be tempted into buying cheap food for your pet. Over time, this will impact the health of your dog.
Armed with this information, you should be able to know the function of nutrients for your dog and should go a long way for him to live a long and healthy life.
Happy dog food shopping!
The Function Of Nutrients For Your Dog
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