Dog Food have a behavioural need to lick, tear and chew food. In order to satisfy this need a diet must be nutritionally balanced with sufficient energy from proteins, fats, carbohydrates and vitamins. A complete and balanced diet also needs minerals, trace nutrients and water. The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) sets guidelines for minimum nutrient levels that will meet the requirements of dogs in different life stages.
A dog food’s protein should come from a variety of sources to ensure that it provides adequate levels of amino acids. These sources should include meat, fish or poultry. Some foods also contain plant-based proteins such as soy, corn or wheat gluten. These ingredients are used for their cost effectiveness but are not as nutritious as a meat source.
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The fats found in a dog’s diet provide the majority of its energy and supply important fatty acids that are required for health. They also supply a source of vitamins A, D and E and help to maintain a shiny coat.
Minerals are essential components of a dog’s organs and tissues, body fluids and electrolytes, muscle contractions and enzyme and hormone systems. They are divided into two groups – macro-minerals and trace minerals. The latter have less daily requirement and are found in smaller quantities.
Trace nutrients are necessary for all bodily processes, but are not required in the same quantity as macro-minerals. Vitamins A, D and E are the most common trace nutrients found in dog food and they are naturally occurring in vegetables and fruits. The other required trace nutrients are iron, calcium and phosphorus. These can be obtained from plant-based food such as flaxseed or chia seeds or animal-based food such as liver or kidney meal.
