Here are some things I wish I knew when we started cooking for Riley.
Giving her real food was our starting point.
The bigger goal is to provide nourishment that supplies energy, proteins, fats, minerals and vitamins to maintain health.
I’ve learnt to see ingredients by how each contributes to growth, mental alertness, coat health, healing or immunity when part of a recipe.
The following gives a broader perspective of each food’s role in health:
ROLE OF PROTEIN
- proteins are the major components of the body ~ enzymes, hormones, antibodies, tissue like heart, muscle, cells and bones are proteins
- hair is 65-95% protein, so dogs with long hair need more protein to maintain hair growth
- bodies replace older proteins as they break down ~ all protein molecules in the body degrade and are eventually replaced
- this is called protein turnover:
- turnover of skin is 15 to 30 days
- turnover of enzymes is in minutes to hours
- turnover of red blood cells is 90 to 120 days
- proteins are also used to produce energy
protein malnutrition can lead to a weak immune system and compromised intestinal cell health
ROLE OF FATS
- an important energy source, especially for dogs engaged in high performance activities
- as fat content increases in a diet so does the energy it provides
- needed for the synthesising hormone like compounds that are critical for functions like skin health, immunity, modulating inflammation and more
- dietary fat is needed as a carrier for the fat-soluble vitamins
- fat increases the palatability of food
- omega 3 fats are anti-inflammatory
ROLE OF CARBOHYDRATES
- dogs and cats do not require carbohydrate in their diets
- dry pet foods contain the highest amount of carbohydrate
- they are an inexpensive way to provide energy and dry carbohydrates have much longer shelf-lives
- diets with significant levels of starch can be a contributor in the development of diabetes in dogs and cats
TYPICAL NUTRIENT CONTENTS OF COMMERCIAL DOG FOOD
- these are on a dry matter basis ~ which means percentage when moisture content is 0%
| FAT | ||
| PROTEIN | ||
| CARBOHYDRATE |
WHAT COMPLETE NUTRITION MEANS
- two regulatory bodies (AAFCO & FEDIAF) provide guidance on minimum levels of proteins, fats, minerals and vitamins needed in feeds to be considered complete
- diets are considered complete when they provide nutrition that meet all minimum levels
TIP
Food diversity & variety help minimise the possibility of deficiencies.
WHEN LOOKIN AT RECIPES
- a diverse range of good quality proteins, fat and ingredients help play a part in providing well rounded and balanced nutrition
- ingredients can be seen by how they help provide minimum levels of vitamins, mineral and fats needed by your dog as well as the health functions they support
ROLE OF VITAMINS & MINERALS
- have a look at this to see the role different nutrients play in our bodies
MINERALS TO PAY ATTENTION TO
- calcium, iron, copper and zinc need attention as homemade diets made up of three or four ingredients often lack these in inadequate levels
- calcium and phosphorus levels in meals should also be at a minimum ratio of 1:1
- egg shells are a way of adding much needed calcium to diets
VITAMINS TO PAY ATTENTION TO
- vitamins A D E can often be at insufficient levels in homemade diets
- excessive feeding of marine fish and fish liver oils can pose a risk of too much vitamin D
- B vitamins are widely found in animal and plant foods, except for B12
- when a good range of ingredients are used in recipes, deficiency of B vitamins is uncommon
- moderate excesses of vitamins (up to 10 times the requirement for most vitamins) do not compromise the animal*
*Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats ~ National Research Council, Division on Earth and Life Studies, Board on Agriculture and Natural Resources, Committee on Animal Nutrition, Subcommittee on Dog and Cat Nutrition
CONCERNS ABOUT OBESITY
- obese dogs and cats frequently develop glucose intolerance and may predispose them to diabetes
- your dog likely overweight if you are unable to see a concave abdominal tuck when viewed from the side
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Content Notice
Articles and videos are Informational only and not intended to replace professional veterinarian advice. Always consult a veterinarian or veterinary practitioner regarding your pet’s health and nutrition.
