learn about dog nutrition. photo shows bone shaped bowl with kibble.
Food,  Wellness

3 Things Dog Owners Should Know About Great Nutrition

As a pet parent and dog owner, you know providing your pet with good nutrition is essential for their health and well-being. But did you know that there are specific things you can do to make sure your dog is getting the best possible nutrition? This article will discuss three things every dog owner should know about great nutrition.

Dog Food Labels

You may be familiar with nutrition labels for human foods, showing the calories and nutrition. Dog food labels are different, and you should understand how to read them. 

You will notice that most national dog food brands have been tested by an independent laboratory or recognized by AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials), which helps to establish rules in labeling, ingredients and quality. Locally made dog food companies like you find at a farmers market or pop-up likely don’t have these approvals. 

However, every dog food you buy should have a label that includes a “Nutritional Adequacy Statement”, “Ingredients” and a “Guaranteed Analysis.” The Nutritional Adequacy Statement will tell you if the food is for puppies, adult dogs, seniors or nursing mothers. The Ingredients list is pretty self explanatory and we review that below. The Guaranteed Analysis tells you the percentage of each of the nutrients in the food, including protein, fat, fiber, moisture and other nutrients.

dog food nutrition varies based on what you feed your dog

Supplements

Dog nutrition supplements are a great way to ensure your pet gets all the nutrients they need. These can be added into their diet or mixed in with water before being given orally as treats during playtime or training sessions. This is especially helpful if you have an active pup who needs extra energy. You should always consult with your veterinarian before giving your dog any supplement to ensure it’s safe and will not conflict with any medications they may be taking.

There are many supplements on the market today, but some of the most common include omega-fatty acids, probiotics, antioxidants, and multivitamins. In the words of specialists behind Tails N Tummies, these supplements promote good health in dogs and help with joint pain to skin problems. Adding a good quality supplement to your pup’s diet is an easy way to ensure they’re getting the nutrients they need for optimal health.

Balanced Diet

Your dog needs to have a balanced diet, which means feeding them the right amounts of protein, carbohydrates and fat in their food. You can achieve this by feeding homemade meals or commercial kibble that has been specially formulated with all three nutrients. Dogs need good nutrition because they’re growing and developing rapidly. They may suffer from health problems down the line without proper nutrition.

To ensure your canine companion gets all of these essential nutrients, try adding some high-quality dog food to their diet. You can also supplement their meals with fresh fruits and vegetables like applesauce or pumpkin puree (ensure it’s unsweetened). Dogs love getting a variety of tastes and textures in their food, so mixing things up every once in a while is a great way to keep them healthy and happy.

Those are three things every dog owner should know about providing good nutrition for their furry friend. By following these tips, you can ensure your pup gets the best possible diet and live a long, healthy life.

happy healthy dog smiling

HoustonDogMom Rebecca G. is a Houston-based dog lover and shelter volunteer.