Your dog's nutritional needs are different from ours. What we think is healthy, is not necessarily good for them. To keep you dog healthy, you will need to understand their particular needs and how to address them.

In order for your dog to grow, they need essential nutrients. Without these nutrients, your dog may experience poor health, stunted growth, shortened lifespan, and allergy symptoms.

All animals need five basic nutrients to survive: protein, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. Without the proper balance of these five nutrients, they can provide the different functions necessary to sustain the health and well-being of your pet.

Proteins consist of amino acids and are the building blocks of your dog's health. Although some of these amino acids can be synthesized by the dog, not all are. That is where your dog's food come into play - they must contain the essential amino acids that the dog cannot produce.

You therefore need to have a satisfactory amount of protein in your dog food to help your dogs grow and stay healthy. But too much protein can be a cause of obesity, as excess can be stored as fat, and has even been linked to temperament problems in dogs.

Fats are used to deliver other nutrients to the body as well as a source of energy. So much bad press about fats in diets has most of us thinking to avoid them as much as possible. But this is not true. Fats are necessary in diets, for both humans and their canine companions. It's the kind and amount of fat that can lead to health problems and obesity. Your dog needs the correct fats for proper kidney function, to transport fat-soluble vitamins to cells, and for a healthy skin and coat.

Carbohydrates are a main source of energy for your dog. But not all carbohydrates are created equal, and some are more common allergy triggers in sensitive dogs. Corn, wheat, and soy are common carb sources in dog food. By themselves, they are acceptable sources. However, if your dog is only getting by-products of these grains, they are not getting all the nutrients they need.

Vitamins and Minerals are needed to keep your dog healthy and almost all dog foods have added in vitamins and minerals. However, what most people don't realize is that the quality and quantity of these diminish as soon as the bag of dog food is opened. Specially formulated vitamin supplements are available for your dog and will ensure they get all the elemental vitamins and minerals needed for optimal health.

The bottom line is that dogs need a balanced diet, with the correct ratio of proteins, carbs, fats, vitamins, and minerals. Since you are the source of food for your dog, it is up to you to provide a healthy dog food. To learn more about healthy dog foods and how to read dog food ingredients, visit the Healthy Dog Food blog - helping you keep your dog healthy through nutrition.

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Written by K.C. Jones using tags: canine nutrition, dog, dog food, dog nutrition, healthiest dog food, healthy dog food, nutrition for dogs, Pets