Dog food is not rocket science but it is science. The right nutrition for every dog depends on their breed, size, life stage, and gender among other factors. E.g. according to AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials), a puppy needs between 22-32% more protein than an adult dog which requires only 18%. A mother dog needs 1.5 to 3 times the nutrition of an adult male dog depending on her breed and the size of her litter. Hence, she needs more protein and fats to nurture new life.
AAFCO states that there are essential nutrients are required to support life and function in every dog. These are –
Protein – The essential amino acids that a dog gets from its protein intake assists in maintaining good skin & coat health. It’s also important for generating hormones, antibodies & enzymes in a dog’s body.
Carbohydrates – Grains & vegetables are the main sources of carbohydrates and every dog needs to have them included in its daily diet for getting sugar, starch, and fiber. As dogs are omnivores, they don’t have a real need for vegetables and fruits but they can be given for fibrous needs or as snacks. They are necessary for maintaining the intestinal health & power of the tissues in your dog’s body.
Fats – Apart from helping maintain your dog’s skin & coat health, fats serve as the main source of a dog’s energy. Fatty acids promote the repair & growth of skeletal muscle tissue. The most important fatty acids for a dog are – Linoleic Acid, Omega-6 & Omega-3.
Vitamins & Minerals – A proper balance of all minerals & bioavailability of minerals in the dog’s food is necessary for cartilage formation, enzymatic reactions, and transportation of oxygen in the blood, nerve function & even the production of hormones. Dogs make their Vitamin C internally.
Water – Water is just as important for animals, as it is for humans, to the extent that it becomes life-threatening if they lose 10% of the water in their body. Even though canned dog food has a lot of water in it, it’s not enough for a dog. This is why fresh, clean water should always be available at your dog’s disposal.
Essential Nutrients- Every dog’s body makes 13 out of the 23 amino acids that serve as a foundation of protein intake; the remaining 10 need to be acquired from their daily diet.
How to Choose the Right Dog Food
When you go to select any dry food, make sure it’s made of Non-GMO food products and contains no added sugar or gluten. If the ingredients list contains anything that ends with ‘ose’ like glucose or fructose, it is empty calories and not good to feed. Artificial food preservatives, dyes, and coloring are not good for humans or animals alike, so it’s best to avoid them.
Make sure the food is highly palatable. The kibble should have a texture and smell designed for dogs. The size and brittleness should be optimized for their mouth. Brands like EveryDawg are also fortified with good-quality ingredients and natural superfoods that provide growth-inducing nourishment and an added boost to their overall wellness.
Depending on which life stage your dog is in, it’s essential to devise a food regime suitable for their specific needs. The right nutrition is key to your pet’s growth, long-term health and activity levels. EveryDawg variants offer the right nutrition that every dog deserves. Available in three variants, Mother and Puppy, Puppies and the soon-to-be-launched Adult, they are carefully crafted to meet the daily nutrition needs of dogs depending on their life stage.
