Dietary Nutrients for Dogs and Cats

Dietary Nutrient FAQ

Good nutrition is essential for the health of your pet. This is true for a pet at any age, but especially true for our senior friends. First, it is important to feed a good quality dog food that is not corn based and high in fat. Secondly, it is important to make sure they receive the proper exercise so our pets don’t become obese. Here is a quick reference guide to help pet owners understand nutrient function at the basic level.

Carbohydrates

Most dog and cat food is full of carbohydrates (40% or more) so adding carbohydrates to your pets diet is not usually necessary or recommended. Dog and cats are naturally meat-eating animals so providing more protein in place of carbohydrates is a good idea. The right carbohydrates such as whole grains can be easily digested and can be a plus for senior dogs whose digestive system isn’t functioning as it did in their younger years. Carbohydrates are important in that they provide energy in the form of heat (metabolized energy) and serve as important building blocks for other physiological components of the body.

Fats

Fats are another important energy source and are an important source for fat-soluble vitamins such as A, D, E and K that contribute to a healthy coat. Omega-3 and 6 fatty acids help maintain cell structure and strengthen the immune system. Omega-3 fatty acids support joint health which is important for senior pets with joint or arthritis problems.

Protein

Protein is critical for building enzymes, hormones, antibodies (immune system) and muscle maintenance. Maintaining muscle mass is especially important for senior pets. Dogs and cats are carnivores by nature and need high-quality proteins from meat and fish to maintain their health. Vegetable derived proteins are usually not sufficient. A pet owners’ dietary choice of vegan or vegetarian diets might serve them well but are not appropriate for your pet. They require meat and fish proteins to maintain their health. Please be advised that dogs with liver disease do not process proteins as well as healthy pets; so check with your veterinarian before any dietary changes are made.

Minerals

Minerals such as calcium, copper, iodine, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, sodium, chloride and zinc are critical for maintaining the body processes. Each mineral has critical functions associated with it. For example, calcium is critical for bone formation, muscle contraction and the nervous system. However, these minerals need to be balanced; too much of one mineral is just as bad as too little. For example, too much magnesium can result in bladder stones. So, be careful! Consult with your veterinarian before adding any minerals to your pets diet.

Vitamins

Vitamins A, B complex, C, D, E and K all help provide essential proper cellular metabolism in the body. A proper balanced healthy diet usually will provide the vitamins needed. For example, B complex vitamins (thiamin, riboflavin and biotin) are found in meats, whole grains and vegetables. Vitamin A which helps maintain vision is commonly found in fish oils. Check with your veterinarian to see if your pet requires any supplemental vitamins or minerals to their diet.

Water

Give your pet access to clean water at all times. Pets on a dry food diet require more water than those that receive canned food. Canned food contains about 80% water. Make sure to give your pet access to water even when you are not home. If your pet has urinary issues such as incontinence please provide them with access to an outside area that has adequate shelter from the elements, is warm or cool enough depending upon the season and has plenty of clean, cool water. Depriving your pet of water to save your home flooring is not a good solution.