Like human babies, puppies need special food and nutrients to grow strong and healthy. Instead of tossing whatever food scraps or leftovers you can find into your puppy’s bowl, you need to give them dog food that has all the nutrients that are essential for their growth.
Undernourishment or overfeeding at this developmental stage of a growing pup’s life can set them up for a lifetime of systemic disorders and abnormalities.
Hence, highly nourishing and safe animal food is necessary for the prevention of bone malformations, terminal illnesses, and stunted growth.
Here are seven essential nutrients that will aid the healthy development of your beloved puppy.
Protein
This class of nutrients is responsible for building up the tissues, bones, and muscles in your dog’s body.
When ingested, protein breaks down to form amino acids, essential and non-essential. As they are not capable of producing essential amino acids, puppies need to be given food that will provide them with all they need.
Dog food with a real meat source can supply the required amount of protein.
Carbohydrates
Puppies expend a lot of energy while playing, and they need a significant source of energy to keep them going at a healthy pace.
Carbohydrates are nutrients that provide energy in the form of glucose, which is stored in the body for future use.
The addition of plant-based food items like grains, potatoes, and vegetables to your dog’s food will provide healthy stores of energy for them.
Fat
Apart from carbohydrates, fat is a richer source of energy for puppies. It also helps in the formation of healthy skin and hair and bolsters up the internal organs and prevents them from getting injured easily.
Fat aids in the transport and digestion of vitamins and minerals, and they help to keep the body warm. Your puppy’s coat and hair will benefit significantly from a diet rich in fat.
Vitamins
Vitamins are nutrients that help to build up immunity through antibodies and antioxidants. They are necessary for building healthy teeth and bones. They also keep the nervous system running adequately.
Vitamins A, B, C, and D help in brain development, good vision, healthy bones, and excellent blood circulation.
Minerals
Minerals such as iron, calcium, magnesium, and sodium are essential for the healthy growth of your puppy.
Calcium is responsible for building up bones, teeth, and nails, and making them strong. Iron is necessary for adequate blood production and transporting oxygen through the body.
Fibre
All the right nutrients in the world would be useless if your dog can not digest and absorb them fully.
Fibre keeps the intestines working correctly and aids digestion. It allows the food to be absorbed and helps in good bowel movements.
Wheat and corn are good sources of fibres that are readily fermentable and would work wonders for your pet’s gastrointestinal system.
Water
Water is the most crucial component of your puppy’s diet. It accounts for most of your dog’s weight and is needed for all the body’s major functions.
Although pets can get some water out of their dry and wet food, it is not enough to sustain proper body functioning.
Hence, ensure that your pup gets fresh and clean water regularly to prevent dehydration and the health issues that come with it. Change the water often or when it gets dirty to prevent your dog from drinking harmful water.
While it is best to give your growing pup adequate amounts of these essential nutrients, you must ensure that you are not giving them too much.
Excess fat causes obesity, which can lead to countless health issues like diabetes. Adding too much protein to the diet can also affect the formation of their bones and muscles adversely.
It is a good idea to get your puppy’s nutritional needs assessed by a professional to know the kind of supplements that they would need.
