The nutritional needs of the dog
Macronutrients
Macronutrients refer to the proteins, lipids and carbohydrates present in the daily food intake. In dogs, animal proteins must be the majority: their protein needs are 3 to 5 times higher than those of humans. Without these proteins, the animal cannot develop harmoniously because they are the basis of the constitution of muscles, tendons, skin, and participate, in particular, in hormonal regulation, in the proper functioning of the immune system and in the digestion.
In dog food, the proteins must, above all, be provided by meat, fish or offal. Manufacturers tend to offer it in the form of cereals and legumes. However, plant proteins are much less digestible for dogs than animal proteins. They are also rich in carbohydrates, causing health risks (obesity, diabetes).
Animal proteins must represent at least 60% of the solid ingredients and 15% of the ration, knowing that a can of dog food is made up of 70 or even 80% water. In terms of energy, proteins provide 4 Kcal/g. Other essential macronutrients for dogs: lipids. These are the fats that dogs need on a daily basis to meet the different needs of their body.
They thus participate in the constitution of cell membranes. Lipids are present in fatty fish, animal fats and vegetable oils. Lipids should represent 5 to 10% of the solid ingredients in the ration for a dog with moderate activity and 15% for a sporting dog. They provide 9 Kcal/g.
Finally, carbohydrates refer to simple sugars, complex sugars and fiber. Simple sugars are of no benefit to dogs: they are a source of excess weight. Complex digestible sugars such as starch should be present in small amounts. As for fiber, it improves digestive comfort. Complex carbohydrates are provided by cereals as are fibers which are also contained in vegetables.
Ideally, carbohydrates should not exceed 5% in a dog's daily diet. However, a carbohydrate level of less than 20% is acceptable, knowing that unlike proteins and lipids, the manufacturer is not required to specify the carbohydrate level.
Micronutrients
Micronutrients refer to trace elements, vitamins and minerals. They are necessary for the health of the dog but must be present in small quantities. Calcium and phosphorus are particularly important since they participate in bone growth but also in the proper functioning of the kidneys. Sodium and chloride protect the cardiovascular system.
Factors influencing the nutritional needs of the dog
Age
A puppy does not have the same nutritional needs as an adult dog or an aging dog. Puppies and active dogs require a substantial intake of proteins, vitamins and minerals. An aging dog limits its energy expenditure: macronutrient intake must therefore be reduced. Their food should also be more digestible and easy to chew.
Size
A large dog requires a larger volume of food than a small dog. However, its metabolism is slower. It is therefore important to limit calories to avoid weight gain.
Breed
The breed of a dog influences its character and therefore its dietary needs. An energetic dog like the Labrador therefore has a greater calorie requirement than a calm dog like the Newfoundland, obviously considering the weight/Kcal ratio.
Activity level
A dog's calorie expenditure varies depending on its activity level. A dog with moderate activity for 1 to 3 hours/day expends approximately 110 calories/kg while a working dog with high activity for 3 hours per day expends between 150 and 175 calories/kg.
Castration
In 2018, more than 15% of dogs and more than 27% of female dogs were sterilized. Castration constitutes a factor in obesity, particularly in the two years following the operation. Calorie intake must therefore be subject to increased monitoring.
Pathology
A dog suffering from a disorder or chronic illness may require a specific diet. Thus, the presence of chronic kidney failure requires a greater intake of Omega 3 fatty acids.
The consequences of poor dietary intake for dog health
Overweight and obesity
Too much carbohydrate in your pet's daily ration will increase caloric intake and cause weight gain. Overweight and obesity are responsible for multiple ailments including overuse of joints and ligaments, a source of arthritis, osteoarthritis and rupture of the cruciate ligaments.
The accumulation of fat in the chest can cause respiratory and pulmonary problems. The presence of these fats in vital organs can lead to heart or liver failure. Diabetes is also a chronic disease often secondary to obesity.
Allergies
Pet food contains ingredients that are potentially allergenic to many animals. Among the ingredients mentioned by the manufacturer, beef, dairy products, corn or soy are often responsible for allergic phenomena but also intolerances or sensitivities. Allergies generally manifest themselves through skin conditions, transit problems and ear infections.
Other disorders and illnesses
Poor dietary intake can lead to other health concerns for your pet such as dental or gastrointestinal infections but also much more serious diseases that appear late such as pancreatitis.
The ideal food for a dog in great shape
Right proportions
In summary, it is not that difficult to choose the best dog food! By arming yourself with a little patience, take the time to read the product labels to know the different ingredients so that their proportions come as close as possible to the ideal dog food, namely:
- 75% water;
- 15% meat;
- 5% lipids;
- 2% carbohydrates;
- vitamins and minerals.
These proportions must be modulated according to the profile of your dog which will determine its specific needs.
An observable nutritional balance
There is no need for complex and scholarly evaluations to know if the dog food you offer your companion meets his needs! A slender dog, with a weight/height ratio close to the standard, devoid of untimely itching, with a shiny coat and perfect transit, presents no deficiency or overdose of nutrients. Monitoring the stools constitutes a relevant clue: they must be well molded, regular and chocolate brown in color.
The choice of formula
You can offer dog food to your pet as complete or complementary food. Don't make the mistake in store! Complete dog food contains, a priori, all the nutrients necessary for a good nutritional balance and should therefore be served without accompaniment. Complementary dog food, as its name suggests, is intended to supplement a basic diet, generally kibble, which is insufficient to avoid deficiencies.
And what about the ideal amount of dog food?
Generally, dog food manufacturers indicate on the packaging of their products the recommended daily amount of food based on the weight of your animal. Obviously, this must be modulated according to the profile of your dog, as seen previously. As an indication, we consider that a dog's daily ration:
- From 2 to 4 kg is approximately 270 g;
- From 5 to 8 kg is approximately 450 g;
- From 9 to 15 kg is approximately 700 g;
- From 16 to 20 kg is approximately 900 g;
- From 20 to 30 kg is approximately 1250 g;
- Over 30 kg is a minimum of 1450 g.
The daily ration of dog food must be given to your animal in several installments because it is less concentrated in nutrients than kibble. Its distribution at least twice (morning and evening) allows you to meet the energy needs of your companion from morning to evening. Also be sure to respect your dog's taste sensitivity: like humans, they have their preferences. So try to combine business with pleasure: a good food for his health that he will enjoy.
Choosing the right food for your dog sometimes seems difficult given the plethora of products in the animal food section of your store. Opting for veterinary products or purchased in specialized stores is recommended to benefit from better quality which will allow you to keep your dog in great shape for many years.
