• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
DogsBestLife.com logo

Dog's Best Life

The information you need to keep your dog happy, healthy, playful and loyal.

  • Top Stories
  • Blog
  • What We Do
  • About Us
  • Contact Us

How to make sure your dog gets enough essential nutrients

Posted August 13, 2022

Happy Cocker Spaniel runs through wheat field. To ensure your dog gets the essential nutrients he needs: proteins, fats, carbohydrates, and vitamin C, you may need supplements.
To ensure your dog gets the essential nutrients he needs: proteins, fats, carbohydrates, and vitamin C, you may need supplements.

A balanced diet is just as important for dogs as for humans. In the same way, processed human food is bad for us and often deprives us of essential nutrients, and so does processed dog food.

People may take supplements to ensure they have enough vitamins and nutrients without realizing that dogs might need the same to help to reach optimal health.

Keep reading to find out exactly how to ensure your dog gets all the essential nutrients they need.

What essential nutrients do dogs need?

Proteins: A dog’s body can only make 13 of the 23 amino acids they need, so the other 10 must come from their food

Fats: linoleic acid, omegas 3 and 6

Carbohydrates: sugars, starches, and fiber from grains and vegetables.

Vitamin C: since dogs’ bodies make vitamin C; most generic dog food doesn’t contain it.

Note: if dogs are eating a balanced and nutritious diet, there is no need for them to take supplements.

Prevent illness

Many environmental and dietary factors play a role in your dog’s health. The good news is you can do many things to help prevent illness.

Fresh air, exercise, and a healthy, nutrient-rich diet can go a long way toward boosting their immune system and reducing premature aging.

Understandably, many people are wary about what they can feed their pooch other than available dog food, which is why it is essential to get quality dog food rich in vitamins, minerals, and essential nutrients. 

You can then supplement as needed.

For example, you can add healthy fruits and vegetables to your dog’s diet.

Apples

Packed with vitamins A and C and plenty of fiber to assist digestion, apples are as good for humans as they are for us.

Spinach

You don’t need to feed your dog cups of spinach daily, but adding a few leaves to your dog’s bowl occasionally provides a powerful antioxidant for them.

Strawberries

When washed and cut up, strawberries are a great addition to your dog’s diet in moderation. Strawberries are full of fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants and can whiten your dog’s teeth.

Feed your dog on a schedule

One of the worst things you can do is overfeed your dog. Most dogs will eat way past when they are full.

So, feeding them too often or not regularly enough puts them in danger of overeating and gaining weight.

Ideally, you should feed adult dogs twice daily. 

While treats and the odd scrap of table food won’t harm your dog, ensure you only offer these things in moderation.

An overweight dog suffers many of the same health problems that humans do, including heart disease and diabetes.

Final thoughts on essential nutrients for dogs

And there you have all the basics you need to know to ensure your dog gets enough essential nutrients.

Richard Thomas has been a freelance writer for animal and pet care for over a decade. He also is a volunteer dedicated to animal rescue and welfare, working for different organizations. He lives with two adopted cats and a rescue dog.

Related Posts

  • Australian shepherd puppy eats eggshell. Eggshells are rich in nutrients that can be very beneficial for your dog. They help with development, immune function, metabolism, and growth. Consider grinding the eggshells into powder before adding them to your dog's food.  
    Boiled? Scrambled? Raw? Eggshells? Is it safe to feed dogs eggs?

    Eggs are rich in nutrients and minerals that can support…

  • Small white dog sits with pineapple. Start by checking with your veterinarian to determine if eating pineapple can exacerbate any underlying conditions. Before feeding pineapple to your dog, start by peeling and coring the fruit. Discard the peel and core where your dog can't reach it. 
    Can dogs eat pineapple? Safely give your dog this sweet treat

    Start by checking with your veterinarian to determine if feeding…

  • Happy German Shepherd runs outside. Breed-specific health supplements fill nutrition gaps and provide support for joints as well as promote eyesight and a lustrous coat. 
    Does your dog need a breed-specific health supplement?

    Breed-specific health supplements fill nutrition gaps and provide support for…

  • Innovet's Advanced Mobility Support Chews ingredients graphic.
    Mobility support supplements help dogs stay healthy and more active

    Innovet's Advanced Mobility Support Chews for Dogs help reduce pain,…

Share this post:

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Pinterest Share on Email Share on Reddit

Filed Under: Dog Health Tagged With: Dog food

« Previous Post
Next Post »

Primary Sidebar

Follow Us

Categories

  • Adoption
  • Dog Breeds
  • Dog Facts
  • Dog Fun
  • Dog Grooming
  • Dog Health
  • Dog Inspirations
  • Dog Training
  • Dog Travel
  • Holidays
  • Home Page
  • Puppies
  • Top Stories

Featured Posts

  • Tricolor Australian shepherd in front of white background. Take steps to stop dog pawing.

    Canine body language: What’s your dog saying with his paws?

  • Cute corgi puppy wrapped in a blanket. Talk with your vet about starting your dog on medication to protect him from parasites including flea and tick prevention, as well as heartworm prevention.

    Puppy training 101: 10 tips to prepare your dog for success

  • Thinking of getting a furry friend? Use the DogsBestLife.com perfect dog breed quiz to find the perfect canine companion.

    Take our dog breed quiz to discover the perfect breed for you!

Tags

RottweilerPoodleWaterSeparation anxietyPawRescue dogPotty trainingPuppy-proofPandemicPit bullOutdoor activitiesWorking dogsPuppy kindergartenThanksgivingtraining tipsValentine's DayPomeranianPetfinder.comSocializationOld dogsService dogsPet parentsTicksPet sitterSmall dogsSheddingVacation dog careVeterinarianYorkshire terrierTwo dogs

Footer

Quick Links

  • Home
  • Top Stories
  • Blog
  • What We Do
  • About Us
  • Contact Us

Recent Posts

  • Use 5 factors to choose the best veterinarian for your dog
    Research thoroughly and consider location, services, experience, cost, and staff before choosing the right vet for your dog. […]
  • Fight insomnia: 12 tips to help your dog get good sleep
    The most common cause of canine insomnia is pent-up energy. Help your dog sleep all night by ensuring it gets enough exercise. […]
  • Dog fears: 10 ways to fight separation anxiety
    Separation anxiety is one of the most common dog fears. Use our 10 steps to help your dog become more confident and overcome her fear of being left alone. […]
  • Is amoxicillin safe? What antibiotic is most effective for dogs?
    Consult your vet before giving your dog antibiotics. Know when your dog needs medication and watch for allergic reactions. […]

Get Our Newsletter

Get more news to help keep your dog healthy delivered right to your inbox. Sign up for DogsBestLife.com's monthly newsletter.

© Copyright 2023 DogsBestLife.com online magazine · All Rights Reserved · Privacy
Get Our Free Monthly Newsletter

Get more news to help keep your dog healthy delivered right to your inbox. Sign up for DogsBestLife.com's monthly newsletter.