Dog Nutrition

A Short Guide to Pet Nutrition from flynnthedog

The phrase ‘you are what you eat’ has been drummed into we humans for many years but, when it comes to our pets, many of us can unwittingly undermine their health by forgetting this adage. It’s not surprising - there are so many varieties of pet food out there, at hugely divergent prices, containing a bewildering array of ingredients, that it’s tempting to go for the one with the prettiest packaging.

So What Does My Pet Actually Need?

Food that is nutritionally balanced, that contains the right amounts of proteins, carbohydrates and fats along with essential vitamins and minerals. It’s the balance that is important. Generally speaking the cheaper the food the less nutritionally valuable it is likely to be. For example, you may feed your pet a product that boasts impressive levels of protein and fat but your animal may lack energy, have a dull coat and be ‘off-colour’. It’s the quality of the ingredients and, just as important, how easily your pet’s digestive system takes up and uses those nutrients that matter.

What is the ‘Good Stuff’?

Good quality animal protein. The more active your pet is the higher its need for protein. Hard working dogs, puppies and bitches in whelp need a higher level of protein than other dogs.

Energy-providing carbohydrates like ground corn or ground rice are highly digestible. Ground barley provides not just carbohydrate but protein too. High quality fats such as chicken fat that allows the absorption of fat soluble vitamins. Chicken fat is also highly digestible which means that the toxic load on your pet is reduced. Look out for lecithin too. This fat is required by every single cell in the body, cell membranes are composed largely of lecithin and it helps with the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.

Dried beet pulp is a non-irritant fibre that helps keep pets’ digestive tracts mobile. The essential fatty acid omega 3, which promotes a healthy heart and arteries, supports a healthy immune system, helps maintain supple and flexible joints, helps support brain function and promotes positive levels of polyunsaturated fats, is as vital to our pets as it is to us. Look out for flaxseed, linseed and fish oils. Omega3 also supports the production of hormones known as eicosanoids.

The inclusion of ash on a label may seem strange to us but this provides essential vitamins and minerals. Brewer's Yeast is also a great, natural source of vitamins and minerals that include B12, calcium, phosphorous, potassium, manganese, copper, iron, zinc, magnesium and chromium. Egg is high in protein and also provides iron and vitamins B12, A and D.

Inulin is a prebiotic that encourages the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut which in turn promote nutrient absorption, the body's manufacture of Vitamin B, support the immune function and optimise digestion.

And not forgetting water (listed as ‘moisture’.) It’s essential to all life – just make sure it’s not one of the primary ingredients!

What Are ‘Animal Derivatives’ and ‘Bulking Agents’?

Animal derivatives may include feet, beaks, hair and feathers! Bulking agents include cereals, vegetable material from the human food preparation industry and bakery waste. An abundance of synthetic preservatives, antioxidants, flavourings and colourings will be used in lower quality foods to keep manufacturing costs to a minimum and should be avoided if at all possible.

What About Cost?

The more of a food that your pet’s body can use the more economical that food is in the long term. A higher quality food with a digestibility of up to 92% means that 92p of your money actually feeds your pet whilst only 8p ends up as waste. Digestibility is key.

DISCLAIMER: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained here it is for educational purposes only. The writer of this article and flynnthedog can not diagnose any physical, mental or behavioural condition in animals nor prescribe treatment. We urge you to consult your vet if you have any concerns about your pet.

*With thanks to JM International Distribution Ltd, Holmeswood, Lancashire, for additional information.