What are the three keys to the ideal canine diet?

Complete pet food is nutritionally complete: providing all the nutrients in the amounts and proportions your pet needs. The first 3 provide the energy your pet needs for e.g. growth, digestion, temperature regulation and of course activity. Proteins are the building blocks of organs, muscles, bones, blood, immune system and hair and nails. Fats in pet food are a source of essential fatty acids which are needed to make certain hormones and maintain the cell membranes. Vitamins are nutrients needed in very small amounts, but they enable many functions in the body. Dogs and cats cannot make all the vitamins they need; so these must be supplied by the food. Pet food manufacturers have developed the nutritional expertise to ensure pet food contains the right ingredients in the right amounts to supply the needed nutrients. Pet food must provide the right balance of nutrients. Besides water there are 5 key nutrients: Proteins Carbohydrates Fats Vitamins Minerals.

So you’ll need to make sure they’re eating complete and balanced food, that is formulated specifically for puppies and that provides all the necessary nutrients in the proper quantities and ratios to each other. Water aids in hydration, helps regulate temperature and transports nutrients throughout the body. Protein is the building block of muscle development and tissue repair. Fats are actually a concentrated form of energy – and a source of essential fatty acids that will help your puppy absorb certain vitamins and maintain a healthy skin and coat. Carbohydrates like oats, wheat, corn and rice will help keep their motors running. Minerals like calcium, magnesium, potassium and iron are necessary to help your puppy’s body perform certain important functions – like growing strong bones and teeth, maintaining normal muscle and nerve function and producing hormones. DHA helps support brain and vision development. With the exception of water, dog foods identified as 100% complete and balanced contain the proper proportions of all of the required nutrients for this life stage.