When building your pup’s diet, a nutritious foundation is key. This can be kibble, canned food, freeze-dried or raw foods that add moisture, palatability and meat content to help your dog thrive.
Lean meats like chicken, ground turkey and beef provide protein for muscle function and coat health. Other high protein options include nutrient dense organs for immune support and vegetables for fiber, potassium, magnesium, vitamin C and folate.
Protein
Protein is an essential macronutrient for your dog that provides the building blocks for all cells, enzymes and antibodies. It also supports healthy skin and hair. Proteins are found in both animal and plant sources. However, plant proteins are not as digestible as meat proteins. High quality meat-based protein is highly digestible and will provide all the amino acids needed to thrive.
High protein diets are especially important for puppies, pregnant and lactating females. To avoid nutrient deficiencies, these pups need at least twice as much protein as adult dogs at maintenance.
When choosing a pet food for your pup, check the ingredient deck for high-quality protein sources such as lean muscle meats, eggs, poultry, and fish. Avoid dog foods with protein from plant-based sources, such as peas and legumes, as these are less digestible. Many of these plant-based ingredients are also processed to increase their protein content, which can be detrimental to your pup’s health.
You can help your pup get more protein in their daily meals by adding egg whites (free of shells) or a raw meat or organ, such as chicken liver, to their bowls. Be sure to cook these meats in small chunks to avoid choking and add them in as a dietary supplement rather than a primary source of protein.
Alternatively, you can also add no-sodium, bone broth to your dog’s meal. This nutrient-dense liquid can stimulate their senses, make their meal more appealing and help them feel full while providing extra hydration. Bone broth can also offer additional vitamins and minerals to keep their immune and digestive systems strong.
Nutrient-dense toppers are an easy way to add additional protein, hydration and nutrients to your dog’s dinner bowl without having to prep a whole new recipe. These recipes are crafted with organic produce, pure and unrefined vitamins and minerals, and high-quality meats that have been gently cooked or freeze-dried to lock in their nutritional value. These ingredients are a great addition to any dog’s meal, but always be sure to consult with a board-certified veterinary nutritionist before adding these supplemental foods to your dog’s diet.
Fat
Fats are a key nutrient that offers our pets energy. They are also essential for absorbing and storing vitamins A, D and E. The best sources of healthy fats are raw, unprocessed foods and healthy oils. A high-fat diet supports optimal body functions, reduces inflammation, promotes brain health and aids in digestion. Two important polyunsaturated fats that provide the body with these vital nutrients are docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). DHA is found in oily fish like anchovies and sardines while EPA can be directly synthesised from alpha linolenic acid, which can be found in flaxseed or hemp seed oil.
Carbohydrates are a source of glucose, which is the body’s main energy source. While they are not considered an essential nutrient for dogs, a healthy amount of carbohydrates helps support a balanced diet by providing essential vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Healthy carbohydrates are low in glycemic index and contain fiber.
Another great way to add a variety of beneficial nutrients is by adding a handful or two of vegetables and/or fruits. Fresh or frozen, these tasty additions are packed with vitamin A, C and K as well as phytochemicals, antioxidants and other nutrients that help promote overall health. When selecting veggies and fruits, it is important to choose a variety that are in season for maximum nutrition and taste.
Lastly, adding nutrient-dense organ meats like beef liver and beef kidney is a great way to improve the nutritional value of your pet’s meals. These incredibly palatable and nutritious food sources are full of vital vitamins and minerals that boost immune system function, promote muscle function and support coat health.
Adding a few of these nutrient-rich foods can dramatically improve the quality of your dog’s diet. However, it is important to remember that every pup has unique nutritional needs based on breed, size and activity level. Building a balanced bowl using combinations of proteins, toppers, hydrators and supplements is the best way to help your pet thrive.
Fiber
The right type of dietary fiber is essential for your pup’s health and wellbeing. It provides bulk that helps keep the digestive tract healthy and promotes bowel motility. This is especially important for dogs with a sensitive stomach, inflammatory conditions or other issues that may prevent them from digesting their food properly.
As you explore options to enhance your dog’s nutrition, consider the quality and balance found in Authority Dog Food. If you find yourself asking, “who makes authority dog Food?” rest assured, it’s a brand known for its commitment to providing a nutritious and wholesome diet for your furry companion. Authority Dog Food offers a range of options to cater to your dog’s specific needs, ensuring their digestive health is well-supported.
The most common sources of dietary fiber for pets are whole grains, vegetables and legumes. These items are high in soluble fiber, which helps prevent constipation by drawing water into the stool and speeding up the movement of waste through the digestive system. These foods also provide a wide range of nutrients including vitamins, minerals and protein.
Leafy greens, like spinach, kale and Swiss chard are great ways to add more soluble dietary fiber to your dog’s diet. They’re also full of micronutrients, vitamins and minerals that are beneficial for your dog’s overall wellness. Fermented veggies are another low calorie, high-fiber option that can be added to your pet’s food. They are rich in probiotics, which are bacteria that can help keep your dog’s gut healthy. However, it’s important to add fermented veggies slowly to your dog’s diet so that they don’t cause any digestive upset.
Another way to add more soluble dietary fiber is by adding brown rice to your dog’s meal. This food is high in soluble fiber and provides many essential nutrients, including protein, vitamin A, niacin and magnesium. It’s also a good source of iron, which is important for growing puppies and adult dogs.
Finally, adding fresh fruits and vegetables can be a delicious way to boost the nutritional value of your dog’s meals. Fruits like apples, blueberries and oranges are high in soluble fiber, and veggies like carrots are rich in Vitamin A and beta carotene. However, some fruits and vegetables are more toxic for pups than others, so always be sure to check if they’re safe before adding them to your pup’s bowl.
There are a variety of nutrient-dense food toppers on the market, such as dehydrated fruits and veggies, fresh herbs, freeze dried foods, supplements and more. Changing up the types of toppers you use can give your dog a variety of flavors to keep them interested in their meals, while also helping to ensure they’re getting all the nutrients they need to thrive.
Water
Like us, our dogs want a little bit of juice with their food. This extra liquid aids digestion and hydration, helps them absorb nutrients from their meals and keeps mealtime interesting.
Water-based toppers can range from a simple splash of water to no-sodium, homemade bone broth. Bone broth is a rich source of nutrients that includes essential amino acids and minerals, as well as gelatin. It’s loaded with vitamins and minerals that can support joint health, digestive health and the immune system.
It’s also important to keep your pet hydrated when switching diets, especially during hot weather. Many pet parents find that adding a splash of warm water to their dog’s dry food or wet canned food helps with hydration and adds an additional tasty flavor that may appeal to picky eaters.
Another way to add moisture and nutrition is by including fresh fruits and vegetables. Fruits and veggies are nutrient-dense, delicious additions to any dog’s diet. They are also high in fiber which can help with digestion and bowel movements, plus many fruits and vegetables offer antioxidants to promote overall health.
However, before feeding your dog any fruits or vegetables, it’s always best to consult with your veterinarian first to make sure they are safe for your pup. Some fruits and veggies can be toxic to pets if not prepared properly.
For example, kale contains oxalates that can be harmful if eaten in large quantities. In order to prevent this, kale should be blended or pureed before being added to your dog’s food. It’s best to start by adding a small amount of fruit or vegetable to your dog’s food and gradually increase it until you reach the recommended serving size for their specific weight. When using a new food, it’s important to make the transition slowly in order to avoid upsetting your pup’s digestive tract. This will allow them to get used to the taste and texture of the food, as well as reduce the likelihood of digestive upset and gas.
