Dog nutrition – the key to a healthy and happy pet

Nutrition is the foundation on which your dog's health, energy, appearance and longevity are built. The right food helps maintain a healthy weight, protects gums and skin, and provides enough energy for play, work and family time. But choosing the right food can sometimes be confusing - here are simple and helpful answers!

What does a dog need in its diet?

Dogs are carnivores, but omnivores , which means they need a combination of animal and plant nutrients. Their diet should include:

  • Protein : minimum 18 % dry matter for adults and 22 % for puppies . Quality sources include chicken, fish, beef. (1*)
  • Fats : essential for energy, skin and hair health, and hormonal balance.
  • Carbohydrates : dogs digest them – best cooked potatoes, rice, oats.
  • Vitamins and minerals : supports growth, immune system, bone development and vital functions – including linoleic acid, calcium, magnesium, EPA/DHA, vitamins A, E and zinc.

Mixing different types of food – advantages and pitfalls

Wet + dry food

  • Advantages :
    • Better taste – helps with eating quality, especially for picky dogs.
    • Moisture – provides additional hydration, which is beneficial for certain health conditions.
    • Fast satiety and weight control – fewer calories per serving. (2*)
  • Traps :
    • Pay attention to your calorie intake – too rich a combination leads to obesity.
    • Don't mix unnecessarily: if the diet is therapeutic, stick to the recommended type of food.

Raw, home-cooked, and wholesome commercial foods

  • A raw food diet (RMBD) may have benefits – better stools, dental, skin and ear health – but it does pose risks (bacteria, improper feeding).
  • Homemade food can only be right if it is prepared by a veterinary nutritionist.
  • High-quality commercial foods , labeled by AAFCO or FEDIAF as "complete & balanced," meet nutritional standards.

How to eat wisely?

  1. Choose food adapted to your dog's age, weight, activity level and health condition .
  2. Introduce all new things gradually (~7 days) – so that the digestive system can adapt.
  3. Ensure a varied diet – a combination of different proteins, fats and a few fresh foods, such as apples or pumpkin, strengthens the microbiome and well-being.
  4. Regularly monitor your weight and health status – annual check-ups with weighing are recommended.

Common dietary mistakes

  • Too many treats or human food – leads to obesity and even malnourished dogs.
  • Only one type of food (monoprotein diet) – possibly less diverse; mixed amino acids and minerals are recommended.
  • Failure to meet nutritional needs in therapeutic diets – this can endanger health.

Proper nutrition is key to your dog's health - with high-quality proteins, balanced fats, an appropriate amount of carbohydrates and an adequate intake of vitamins and minerals. A varied diet, respecting calorie limits, weight control and choosing labeled products (AAFCO/FEDIAF) are the basis. Homemade or raw food should only be given after consulting a nutritionist. And of course - regular veterinary check-ups are just the icing on the cake of a quality diet.

Literature:

1.      Source: Dog Nutrition: Guide to Dog Food Nutrients, (Dr. Tiffany Tupler), https://www.petmd.com/author/dr-tiffany-tupler

2.      Source: Comparison of the effects of different kibble shape on voluntary food intake and palatability of weight loss diets in pet dogs, (E. Sagols, MA Hours, I. Daniel, A. Feugier, J. Flanagan, AJ German), https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0034528819302280

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