When it comes to feeding your dog, there are a few essential nutrients that they need in order to stay healthy. Water, proteins, fats, carbohydrates, minerals and vitamins are all necessary for your pup’s well-being. It’s important to understand the basics of dog nutrition so you can make sure your pup is getting all the nutrients they need.

Water

Water is an essential part of any diet and dogs are no exception. It makes up 70-80% of their total body weight and is needed daily for hydration and other bodily functions. Make sure you always have fresh water available for your pup and change it out regularly.

Proteins

Proteins are an important part of a dog’s diet as they provide energy and help build muscle mass. Eggs are a great source of protein for dogs as well as lean meats like chicken or turkey. Fish is also a good option but should be fed in moderation due to its high fat content.

Fats

Fats provide energy and help keep skin and coat healthy. They should make up about 8-10% of your pup’s diet but be sure to choose healthy sources such as fish oil or flaxseed oil instead of saturated fats like lard or butter.

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates provide energy and fiber which helps with digestion. Whole grains like brown rice or oats are good sources of carbohydrates for dogs as well as vegetables like sweet potatoes or carrots. Avoid processed carbs such as white bread or crackers which can cause weight gain if eaten in excess.

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamins and minerals are essential for proper growth, development, metabolism, immunity, reproduction and more! Vitamin A helps with vision while Vitamin D helps with calcium absorption; Vitamin E aids in cell repair; Vitamin K helps with blood clotting; B-complex vitamins aid in metabolism; Calcium helps with bone health; Phosphorus aids in energy production; Iron helps carry oxygen throughout the body; Zinc boosts immune system function; Copper assists in red blood cell production; Iodine supports thyroid function; Selenium protects cells from damage; Magnesium aids in muscle relaxation; Manganese helps form connective tissue; Potassium regulates fluid balance; Sodium maintains nerve cell activity and Chloride works with sodium to maintain fluid balance within cells. Be sure to include these vitamins & minerals into your pup’s diet either through food sources or supplements if needed!

How Much To Feed Your Dog?

The amount you feed your adult dog should be based on his size, age, activity level, breed type and any existing health conditions he may have (such as diabetes). Puppies require more calories than adults because they’re still growing so it’s important to feed them accordingly depending on their age group (i.e., 8-12 weeks old vs 4-6 months old). You should also consider the quality of the food you’re feeding – some brands may contain more calories per cup than others so read labels carefully when selecting a food for your pup! Generally speaking though, most adult dogs require 1/2 – 2 cups per day depending on their size/activity level/etc..

Now that you know the basics of dog nutrition, you can make sure your pup is getting all the nutrients they need each day! Remember that water is essential for hydration while proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins & minerals all play an important role in keeping them healthy & happy!

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I Love My Dog So Much is an American-Based Online Magazine Focused On Dogs, Including Entertainment, Wellness, Educational Resources For Pet Owners, Advocacy, And Animal Rescue.

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