Nutritional requirements for dogs: 1. Water

Water is one of the nutrients for dogs! The body of an adult dog contains about 60% water, and the proportion of puppies is even higher. All physiological activities and the metabolism of various substances in the dog's body must be attended by water to proceed smoothly. Dogs have no special ability to store water in their bodies. Loss of water will cause death faster than fasting.
When the water content in a dog's body is reduced by 8%, severe thirst will occur, appetite will be reduced, digestion will be slowed down, and resistance to infectious diseases will be reduced due to dryness of the mucous membrane.
Long-term insufficient drinking water will cause blood viscosity and cause circulatory disorders. When 20% of body weight is lost due to dehydration, death may result.
It is recommended to provide water to dogs throughout the day. The water should be clean and hygienic to avoid bacteria and unhygienic water causing diarrhea in dogs.

Nutritional requirements for dogs 2. Protein

Protein is the basis of a dog’s life activities. It is the most abundant substance in the body besides water, accounting for about half of the dog’s dry weight.
The main way to obtain protein in daily life is in dog food. Eggs, fish, beef, and pork will better increase the protein in the dog's body.
Generally, adult dogs require about 4.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day, while puppies during growth and development require about 9.6 grams.

Nutritional requirements for dogs 3. Fat

Fat is one of the important sources of energy required by the body.
The fat content in a dog’s body is about 10~20% of its body weight. Fat is also the main component of cells and tissues, promoting the absorption and utilization of vitamins. The daily fat requirement for puppies is 1.1 grams per kilogram of body weight. The daily fat requirement for adult dogs is calculated based on the dry matter of the feed. It is appropriate to contain 12 to 14%.
When there is a lack of it in the feed, it can cause severe digestive disorders, dysfunction of the central nervous system, fatigue and weakness, rough coat, lack of sexual desire, stunted development or abnormal estrus in female dogs.

Nutritional requirements for dogs 4. Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates are mainly used in the body to supply heat, maintain body temperature, and are sources of energy for various organ activities and exercise. Excess carbohydrates can be converted into fat in the body and stored.
When a dog does not have enough carbohydrates, it must use body fat or even protein to supply calories. The dog will become thin as a result and cannot grow and reproduce normally.
The daily carbohydrate needs of adult dogs can account for 75% of the feed, and the daily carbohydrate needs of puppies are 10%.
If the carbohydrates provided in dog food are not enough for the dog to consume, you can choose from grains (such as rice, wheat, corn, barley, oats, sorghum, etc.), fruits (such as melon, watermelon, banana, etc.), dried fruits , obtained from root vegetables (such as carrots, potatoes, etc.).

Nutritional requirements for dogs: 5. Vitamins

Vitamins are indispensable nutrients for the growth and health of dogs. Although their amounts are very small, they play an important role in regulating physiological functions.
Vitamin can enhance the functions of the nervous system, blood vessels, muscles and other systems, and participate in the composition of enzyme systems. If it is lacking, the necessary enzymes in the body will not be synthesized, thereby destroying the entire metabolic process, and the dog will collapse and die.
When feeding dog food, pay special attention to the vitamin supply.

Nutritional requirements for dogs 6. Inorganic salts

Inorganic salts do not produce energy, but they are the main components of animal tissue cells, especially bone pathways, and are responsible for maintaining acid-base balance and osmotic pressure. It is the basic substance and the main component of many enzymes, hormones and vitamins. It plays an important role in promoting metabolism, blood coagulation, nerve regulation and maintaining the normal activity of the heart.
Trace amounts of calcium, iron, zinc, phosphorus, and other trace inorganic salts can be obtained from cereal crops, animal livers (viscera), fruits, and meat.

Nutritional requirements for special dogs

Puppies: mostly foods with high protein and calcium content. Because the bones of young dogs are not fully developed and they are still growing, they need to supplement the necessary nutrients for their physical development. It is even more necessary to prepare food that is easy to digest and highly absorbable. At the same time, young dogs should eat small meals more frequently every day, and it is best to prepare 3-4 meals a day

Pregnant dogs: folic acid supplementation is very important, and feed low-salt meals Or salt-free dog food. Pay attention to vitamin supplements.

Old dogs: The body functions begin to slowly deteriorate, the digestive function decreases, the metabolism slows down, and the calcium in the bones is lost. At this time, in addition to preparing nutritious food that is easy to digest and highly absorbable, the owner should also provide the dog with appropriate calcium supplements to prevent symptoms such as osteoporosis.

Picky eaters: Dogs who are long-term picky eaters and do not eat dog food well, or eat human meals, and have a very simple diet, need to supplement certain nutrients: such as vitamins, inorganic salts, etc.

Suffering from diseases: Dogs with convulsions caused by calcium deficiency should supplement calcium.

Precautions for nutritional supplementation for dogs

① Protein supplementation: Excessive feeding of protein not only causes waste, but also causes metabolic disorders in the body, causing dysfunction of the heart, liver, digestive tract, and central nervous system. Sexual function decreases, and acidosis occurs in severe cases.
② Fat supplement: Excessive fat storage will cause obesity and affect the normal physiological functions of dogs, especially reproductive activities.
③ Vitamin supplement: Excessive vitamins can cause damage to the dog’s health.
Excessive supplementation of vitamin B6 will cause unstable gait, numbness of limbs, and even damage to joints.
Excessive supplementation of vitamin C will cause growth stagnation and affect the development of puppies. so-calledGrowth stagnation does not only refer to the stagnation of the dog's body shape, but the stagnation of all physiological functions.
Excessive vitamin E supplementation will seriously reduce the dog’s immunity.