Monday, April 9, 2007

The Nutritional Requirements Of Your Adult Dog - Fats & Carbohydrates

Chapter #2: The Daily Dietary Requirements for Dogs
Dog Food

Fats:

Fats are saturated or polyunsaturated, and your dog needs both. Together, they form the essential fatty acids (EFA's) necessary for good health. Fats increase palatability of food, provide a media for fat17 soluble vitamins, and affect food storage. They are vital for a healthy coat and skin, reproductive efficiency and kidney function. They also provide energy and aid metabolic processes.

Fat deficiencies result in a dull coat, delayed healing of wounds, lack of energy, heart problems, growth deficits and dry skin. Excess fats can result in obesity and liver disease.

Dietary sources for fats include animal and vegetable fats and oils. Fats should make up about 5% of the total diet.


Carbohydrates:

Carbohydrates comprise a large group of compounds and include all sugars and starches. They provide energy and are a source of bulk in the diet. Carbs should make up no more than 50% of a dog's balanced diet, including 2 - 5% from fiber. Too much fiber in the diet can decrease the digestibility of other important nutrients and result in loose stools, frequent defecation and reduced palatability of the dog food.

Carb deficiencies can result in possible fertility and whelping problems. Excessive carbohydrates cause obesity.

Dietary sources for carbs include cereals, rice, pasta and potatoes. Oats, barley and brown rice are whole grains which contain a lot of vitamins and nutrients. They also contain protein and fat. Corn is a popular choice. Soy is another popular choice, but some experts warn that soy binds up other nutrients and makes them unavailable for absorption. Hence, dog foods containing soy are best avoided.

Dog Food

1 comment:

Matt said...

Good info. Thanks for the research.