Why proper nutrition Is important to man's best friend?

When it comes to feeding a dog, many people think of meat. Well, man's best friend is a meat-eater by nature. For that reason, many people feed their dog with dry and canned meat. It may seem convenient and cost-effective, but it is not the best way to give your furry friend the best nutritional diet. Did you know that your dog can metabolize carbohydrates efficiently and also synthesize essential nutrients from eating plant matter?

Nutrition should comprise of ten essential amino acids, and all this is not achieved from meat alone. On top of that, their diet should contain minerals, vitamins, fats, fiber, and carbohydrates to achieve the best canine diet.

1. It improves hair coat and skin health

The best diet for your dog will feature a balance of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids that will give your dog healthy skin with a subtle sheen. Dry skin will cause hair to split, break, and fall out easily, which makes your skin appear as if it has a burned skin. Moreover, foods with sufficient omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties essential for reducing skin irritations and itching caused by allergies.

2. It improves body condition and muscle tone

Since a dog is a meat-eater, meat should be at the top of your list. It's because it contains proteins, which is vital in building muscles, hair, skin, and other organs and tissues. Besides that, protein is essential in repairing damaged cells and building and maintaining healthy muscles. Some of the right sources of proteins can be found in chicken and beef.

3. It boosts digestion and elimination

Carbohydrates are also part of proper dog nutrition. It's because carbohydrates offer fiber that is important for aiding digestion and elimination. Including carbohydrates helps to improve digestibility as it allows your dog to use all the nutrients found in his food and get rid of waste products easily.

4. It prevents disease and boosts immunity

The minerals and vitamins present in a dog's diet work together to keep the immune system and metabolism of your dog functioning properly. Minerals are essential in promoting the normal functioning of the cells that maintains health while vitamins reduce the damage to the body cells. Excellent sources for vitamins and minerals include animal and plant sources. Placing your dog on a diet with adequate levels of minerals and vitamins can decrease the chances of your dog becoming ill.

5.  It can prevent pancreatitis

When it comes to the fat needed in your dog's diet, you have to ensure it  is the right dietary fat. However, there is no need to worry about heart disease in your dog as there is no evidence that links high-fat diet to heart disease in dogs. However, if you still don’t know which dietary fat to add in your dog’s diet, then a reduced (lower fat) dog food will suffice. It’s because a low-fat diet helps dogs suffering from pancreatitis as well as it can prevent disorders related to pancreatitis.

Proper nutrition will support healthy growth and development of your dog. At the same time, it will save you money as you will not be visiting the vets as frequently. Therefore, always take note of what you are feeding your dog.