A balanced dog diet provides your four-legged friend with all the important building blocks: proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals and sufficient water. Whether classic or vegan: it is crucial that all nutrients are present in the right amount and combination. Even a vegan dog diet can provide all essential nutrients if it is scientifically developed.
Why you should pay attention to the nutrients in the food
Every nutrient fulfills a specific function in your dog's body. A balanced ratio ensures energy, mobility and immune defenses. If a building block is missing or something is present in excess, it can lead to deficiency symptoms or health problems in the long term.
In this blog, we have compiled an overview of all essential nutrients for a balanced dog diet.
Proteins
Proteins are indispensable for muscle building, cell regeneration and a strong immune system. High-quality protein sources do not necessarily have to be of animal origin: plant proteins also provide all the essential amino acids your four-legged friend needs.
These include, for example, plant protein sources from
- soy
- peas
- lentils
- or potato
It is important that the protein profile is complete and thus contains all essential amino acids.
Carbohydrates
Dogs are not pure carnivores, but have evolved from carnivorous wolves into so-called omnivores during domestication by humans. This means that they can also utilize plant nutrients excellently.
Easily digestible carbohydrates such as rice, oats or sweet potato provide energy, fiber and ensure healthy digestion.
Fats
Fats are concentrated energy sources and important for shiny fur, healthy skin and hormone balance. Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are crucial, as they inhibit inflammation and support the heart and joints. These fatty acids can be obtained from plant sources such as linseed oil, algal oil, sunflower oil or safflower oil and are used, for example, as an alternative to fish oil.
Vitamins and Minerals
Vitamins and minerals control a whole range of processes in the dog's body:
- Vitamin A is important for skin, eyes and mucous membranes
- Vitamin D & Calcium ensure strong bones and teeth
- Vitamin E protects cells from oxidative stress and strengthens the immune system
- Vitamin K is indispensable for normal blood clotting and bone health
- Phosphorus ensures strong bones and a balanced energy metabolism
- Magnesium supports normal muscle and nerve function
- Potassium regulates fluid balance and also supports muscles and nerves
- Sodium chloride ensures electrolyte balance and water balance regulation
- Chlorine supports digestion and regulates the pH value of stomach acid
- Sulfur supports fur, skin and joints as a component of important amino acids
- Zinc & Biotin promote skin, fur and regeneration
- Taurine is important for heart function and vision
- L-Carnitine supports muscle metabolism, energy supply and heart health
Many nutrients traditionally derived from meat can now be completely replaced by high-quality plant-based or synthetic equivalents, so your dog doesn't have to go without anything. Even in meat-containing food, vitamins and minerals are often added through synthetic substances.
Often forgotten, but essential: Water
Nothing works without water. It regulates body temperature, transports nutrients and supports digestion and metabolism. Make sure your dog always has access to fresh water – especially during exercise or high temperatures. Wet food products generally have a higher water content. If you only feed your four-legged friend dry food, you should pay particular attention to ensuring that they drink enough fluids.
A rule of thumb to remember: you can calculate between 20ml and 100ml of water per kilogram of body weight.
Vutter! meets all requirements for a complete feed according to FEDIAF
We at Vutter! shed light on the nutrient jungle of your dog's food: Both our wet and dry food cover your dog's complete nutrient needs. The FEDIAF guidelines contain minimum or maximum limits for trace elements, minerals, vitamins and many other important nutrients, for example. Vutter! is therefore 100% needs-based and provides your four-legged friend with all the important nutrients they need for a happy and, above all, healthy life.
Everything important at a glance
A balanced dog diet provides your four-legged friend with all the important building blocks: proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals and sufficient water. Whether classic or vegan: it is crucial that all nutrients are present in the right amount and combination. Even a vegan dog diet can provide all essential nutrients if it is scientifically developed.
