10 Critical Foods Your Dog Should Be Eating for Healthy Functioning.

We are all pet parents and we want our fur babies to live long, healthy and fulfilling lives. Keeping your dog on a high-quality diet with all the important nutrients is one of the most important aspects of keeping your dog healthy. Dogs, like humans, also need certain vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients to survive. During this detailed guide, we will be covering all the 10 nutrients all dogs require for good health and discuss why they are important, where they are available, and how to make sure your pet is getting plenty of each.

1. Proteins – The Keys to Dog Health.

Proteins are, by far, dogs’ most important food source — an element that is necessary for almost every function of the body. These large molecules are composed of amino acids that contribute to:

• Repair and create muscles and tissues.
• Supporting a healthy immune system.
• Producing hormones and enzymes.
• Maintaining healthy skin and coat.

Dogs need 22 amino acids to make the proteins that their bodies need. They might be able to make some of these amino acids at home, but 10 of them must come from their diet. They are essential amino acids.

High-Quality Protein Sources for Dogs

For high-quality protein, ensure your dog is eating the following sources:

• Light proteins (chicken, turkey, beef, lamb)
• Fish (salmon, sardines, mackerel)
• Eggs
• Organ meats (liver, kidney)
• Dairy products (in moderation)

For commercial dog food, look for products with a particular source of meat in the first ingredient (i.e., “chicken” or “beef”), rather than some vague term like “meat meal” or “animal by-products”.

2. Fats: Energy Generator & Trace Element.

Fats may be demonised when it comes to human diets, but for dogs, they’re crucial. Fats provide:

• A concentrated source of energy.
• Basis for cell form and activity.
• Absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K).
• Promoting healthy skin and shiny coat.
• Enhancement of food palatability.

Canines need both saturated and unsaturated fats, particularly omega-3 and omega-6.

Healthy Fat Sources for Canines

Try these healthy fats on your dog:

• Fish oil (omega-3 fatty acids).
• Flaxseed oil.
• Chicken fat.
• Vegetable oils (in moderation).
• Egg yolks.

Don’t forget that fats are necessary, but they are also calorie-rich. Limit portions because obesity, in dogs, is a cause for many problems.

3. Carbohydrates: Fuel for Active Pups

Dogs have no specific dietary needs for carbohydrates, but they can be a great source of energy and fiber. Carbohydrates provide:

• Quick energy for active dogs.
• Dietary fiber for digestive health.
• Support for beneficial gut bacteria.

Other people promote a grain-free diet, but recent research indicates that grain-inclusive diets are good for most dogs unless they have certain allergies or sensitivities.

Healthy Carbohydrate Sources for Dogs

Try these healthy carbohydrate sources for your dog:

• Brown rice.
• Oatmeal.
• Sweet potatoes.
• Pumpkin.
• Quinoa.
• Barley.

When you’re feeding carbohydrates to your dog, make sure they’re complex carbohydrates that give your dog long-term energy, rather than simple sugars that increase blood suugar in a hurry.

4. Vitamins: Micronutrients with Macro Impact

Vitamins are small molecules that aid a wide range of bodily functions. Dogs need them in smaller quantities than macronutrients such as proteins and fats, but their impact on health is massive. Let’s look at a few vital vitamins and what they do:

Vitamin A

Vital for:

• Vision health.
• Immune system function.
• Growth and development.
• Skin and coat health.

Sources: Liver, fish oils, egg yolks, green vegetables and leafy greens.

Vitamin D

Important for:

• Calcium absorption.
• Bone and teeth health
• Muscle function.

Sources: Oily fish, yolks of eggs, liver (dogs can also produce vitamin D from sunlight)

Vitamin E

Crucial for:

• Antioxidant protection.
• Cell membrane integrity.
• Immune system support.

Sources: Vegetable oils, nuts, seeds, leafy green vegetables.

B-Complex Vitamins

Essential for:

• Energy metabolism
• Nervous system function
• Red blood cell production

Sources: Meat, liver, fish, whole grains, leafy green vegetables Make sure to include some of these foods with vitamins in your dog’s diet or buy a quality dog multivitamin supplement with vet advice.

5. Minerals — the Unsung Heroes of Dog Nutrition.

Minerals are inorganic molecules that are involved in many bodily processes. They’re also necessary for fluid stability, bone and tooth tissue, and many enzymatic reactions. Let’s look at some major minerals and their value for dogs:

Calcium and Phosphorus

These minerals function in synergy and are essential for:

• Bone and teeth formation.
• Muscle contraction.
• Nerve signal transmission.
• Blood clotting.

The ratio of calcium to phosphorus in a dog’s diet should be kept to a minimum, around 1.2:1 or 1.4:1. Sources: Dairy products, bones, fish (bones), green leafy vegetables.

Iron

Essential for:

• Oxygen transport in the blood
• Energy production
• Immune system function

Sources: Red meat, organ meats, fish, egg yolks.

Zinc

Important for:

• Immune system health
• Wound healing
• Skin and coat health
• Thyroid function

Foods: Meat, fish, eggs, and whole grains.

Magnesium

Crucial for:

• Muscle and nerve function
• Energy production
• Bone health

Sources: Leafy greens, nuts, seeds and whole grains.

Selenium

Vital for:

• Antioxidant function
• Thyroid hormone metabolism
• Immune system support

Sources: Fish, meat, eggs and Brazil nuts (in small amounts) Make sure to feed your dog plenty of these mineral-rich foods.

Make sure you get minerals properly balanced, too, if you’re making your own homemade food, or check with a veterinary nutritionist, because over or underfeeding will cause problems.

6. Water: The Little-Known Essential Mineral.

When we talk about nutrition, we tend to look only at solid foods but we should also keep an eye on the most important of all nutrients, water. Hydration is necessary for all body functions and contributes to:

• Regulating body temperature.
• Bringing food and oxygen to cells.
• Removing waste products.
• Cushioning joints and internal organs.
• Maintaining proper digestion.

Dogs should always have access to clean water. A dog’s needs can change depending on:

• Size and activity level
• Eating (dry kibble/wet food)
• Environmental temperature
• Health status
• Encouraging Proper Hydration

Keep your dog hydrated:

• Set up water stations in different spots around your house.
• Rinse and re-fill water bowls every day.
• Look into a pet fountain — some dogs love moving water.
• Feed dry food with water or low-sodium broth.
• Serve ice cubes to cool off in the heat.

Check your dog’s water intake and urine production. Retardations in your dog’s diet or urination patterns can be a symptom of medical trouble and schould be reported to your vet.

7. Fiber: The Guardian Angel of the Digestive System

Fiber, while not actually a nutrient, is a key part of a good canine diet. Fiber is a nondigestible carbohydrate that dogs need for:

• Promoting regular bowel movements
• Support gut health and probiotics.
• Helping maintain a healthy weight
• Regulating blood sugar levels

There are two types of fiber – soluble and insoluble. Both of these contribute to overall digestion.

Soluble Fiber

Such fiber dissolves in water and turns into a gel in the gut. It helps:

• Slow digestion
• Regulate blood sugar levels
• Lower cholesterol

Sources: Oatmeal, apples, carrots, peas.

Insoluble Fiber

This is a fiber that doesn’t dissolve in water and makes the faces thicker. It helps:

• Promote regular bowel movements
• Prevent constipation
• Support colon health

Sources: Beet pulp, pumpkin, sweet potatoes, green beans.

When you introduce fiber into your dog’s diet, do so slowly to prevent digestive problems. Always check with your vet if you’re making any major changes to your dog’s diet, particularly if your dog already has health issues.

8. Crucial Fats: Omega-3s and Omega-6s

We’ve already discussed fats, but these are the important fatty acids that can be given a special shout out because of their role in canine health. Dogs don’t naturally manufacture these fatty acids and must receive them through diet. Omega-3s and omega-6s are the two primary forms of dogs’ essential fatty acids.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

They are anti-inflammatory and are useful for:

• Heart health
• Brain function and development
• Joint health
• Skin and coat condition
• Immune system support

Essential canine omega-3 fatty acids:

• EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid)
• DHA (docosahexaenoic acid)
• ALA (alpha-linolenic acid)

Sources: Fish oil, flaxseed oil, chia seed, algae oil.

Omega-6 Fatty Acids

Omega-6s are sometimes neglected due to their proximity to omega-3s, but they are equally crucial. They support:

• Skin and coat health
• Proper growth and development
• Reproductive health
• Immune function

Dogs' major omega-6 fatty acids are:

• Linoleic acid
• Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA)
• Arachidonic acid

Sources: Poultry fat, vegetable oils (sunflower, safflower, corn), evening primrose oil.

The formula for essential fatty acids is harmony. Omega-6-to-oleagin-3 ratio in a dog diet would be between 5:1 and 10:1. Omega-6s are abundant in many commercial dog foods so omega-3s might help. Pleaze always talk to your vet before introducing supplementes into your dog’s diet.

9. Amino Acids: The Protein Powerhouses

So, we’ve talked about proteins but let’s explore amino acids, which form proteins. Dogs need 22 amino acids to make the proteins their bodies need. Of these, 12 they can manufacture in-house, but 10 more have to be extracted from food. These are called essential amino acids.

The 10 Essential Dog Amino Acids.

1. Arginine: Vital for eliminating ammonia and healing wounds.
2. Histidine: Used for growth, tissue repair and red blood cell production.
3. Isoleucine: Ensures muscle metabolism and energy balance.
4. Leucine: Important for muscle building and repair.
5. Lysine: Essential for the synthesis of calcium and for the development of antibodies.
6. Methionine: Helps liver and coat health.
7. Phenylalanine: Supports thyroid and coat pigmentation.
8. Threonine: Helps with immunity and gastrointestinal functions.
9. Tryptophan: Synthetic precursor of serotonin that helps regulate mood.
10. Valine: Improves muscle metabolism and tissue regeneration.

It’s important to make sure that your dog’s diet includes all these amino acids for optimal health and wellness. Good-quality animal protein such as meat, fish, and eggs are excellent sources of these amino acids.

Conditional Amino Acids

Aside from the essential amino acids, there are also conditional amino acids. These are non-essential and could be necessary at times of stress or illness. Examples include:

• Cysteine: Supports coat and antioxidant activity.
• Glutamine: Improves digestion and immune system.
• Tyrosine: Source of thyroid hormones and neurotransmitters.

If you’re choosing a commercial dog food, or are making your own, make sure it contains multiple high-quality protein sources to provide a balanced amino acid profile.

10. Antioxidants: Guardians of Cellular Health

And not to be overlooked, antioxidants are important to your dog’s health and wellness. These potent compounds protect cells from damage by free radicals, unstable molecules that can attack cell membranes and lead to ageing and disease. Antioxidants support:

• Immune system function.
• Brain health, especially in the elderly dogs.
• Skin and coat health.
• Overall cellular health and longevity.

Key Antioxidants for Dogs

• Vitamin E: Antioxidant that shields cell membranes from oxidation.
• Vitamin C: Promotes immunity and collagen synthesis.
• Beta-carotene: Precursor of vitamin A, promotes eye and skin health.
• Selenium: Works in combination with vitamin E to shield cells.
• Flavonoids: Natural ingredients with a host of health properties.
• Coenzyme Q10: Promotes healthy hearts and cell energy production.

Natural Antioxidant Food for Dogs.

Include these antioxidant-packed foods in your dog’s diet:

• Blueberries
• Cranberries
• Sweet potatoes
• Spinach and other leafy greens
• Carrots
• Pumpkin
• Fish (for selenium)
• Chia seeds

Antioxidant-rich ingredients are now a common component of most good commercial dog food. :If you feed a homemade diet, consider a few handfuls of dog-safe fruits and vegetables for antioxidants. Remind yourself that antioxidants are good, but you can’t go too far with them. Always talk to your vet before supplementing or making changes to your dog’s diet.

And if you feed your dog all of these nutrients together in the proper ratio, you’re preparing him or her for a long life of health and happiness. It’s a combination of regular visits to your vet, and a healthy diet designed for your dog’s individual needs, age, and health that will allow your dog to enjoy life for years to come.