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Most pet owners don't realize that different breeds of dogs have different nutritional needs, and not all pet foods are alike. When buying food for your dog, you must read the labels for nutrients. Manufacturers choose the amounts of proteins, minerals, and vitamins to include, and many commercial brands are not sufficient in vital nutrients. Cost and brand names are not indicative of quality.
Dogs are carnivores, so they should be provided with protein and meat, vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, fats, and water. More active dogs need more animal proteins, such as beef, chicken, and lamb. Less active dogs get their protein more from plants or grains, like corn, rice, soy, and wheat. You want to see that the first three items in the ingredients list contain two animal proteins. This is true for puppies, as well. Puppy food generally has more protein content than maintenance or adult foods.
Dogs need carbohydrates, but only in tiny amounts. Avoid dog foods with soy, because although soy is a protein, it's a carbohydrate that causes the digestion process to slow down, preventing the proper absorption of other minerals and vitamins.
There are two types of vitamins, water soluble and fat soluble. Examples of water soluble vitamins are Vitamins B and C, and need to be continuously replenished at every meal because they are lost through urination. Vitamins A, D, E, and K are fat soluble and are stored in the body’s fatty tissues and the liver.
Different types of dog foods are digested more slowly than others. Dry dog food takes up to 16 hours to digest and give the dog energy. Processed semi-moist food takes 9 hours to make it past the dog's stomach. Raw foods, such as meat, vegetables and fruit are the easiest foods to digest, and the dog will feel the benefits within 4 ½ hours.
For more information specific to your dog, your veterinarian is the way to go. Vets are the most accurate judges of your dog's nutritional needs. But it's up to the owners to read the labels, and take the best care possible for their adored and lovable pet dogs.
