Dogs are hearty eaters, with appetites that can tear down mountains of food. Every dog owner wants their best friend to live a long life, and it starts with what goes into their bowls. But with so many options out there, it can be challenging to identify what dogs eat.
In this blog, we’ll discuss the nutrients your dog needs as well as the available food options for its nutrition. By the end, you’ll be able to give your dog the food they need to grow and develop.
Key Takeaways
Dogs need balanced levels of high-quality protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals.
They can eat dry and wet food, as well as lean proteins and dog-safe fruits and vegetables.
Dogs should not be served chocolates, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, alcohol, xylitol, or macadamia nuts.
What Nutrients Do Dogs Need?
A balanced diet for dogs must include a combination of different nutrients to stay active. Each nutrient has a specific part in maintaining a dog's bodily functions, from building strong muscles to supporting a healthy immune system.
Protein
Protein is a crucial nutrient for dogs, as it helps build and repair tissues. It also supports muscle growth and maintenance, ensuring their bodies remain strong. Plus, good amounts of protein aid in immune system strength and healthy skin and coat.
Lastly, protein is important for energy and metabolic function. Common examples of high-quality protein include chicken, beef, fish, organ meats, and eggs.
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates provide dogs with daily energy, supporting them through playtime and other exciting activities. Plus, they support healthy digestion through fiber, which in turn enables muscle repair. Fiber-rich diets also help dogs feel full, preventing them from overeating.
Carbs safe for dogs include sweet potatoes, carrots, and pumpkin.
Fats
Dogs need fat in their diets, as these help in energy production, vitamin absorption, skin and coat health, and cognitive function. Look for foods with good levels of healthy fats like omega-3 and omega-6. Common options include foods with chicken fat, fish oil, and flaxseed oil.
Vitamins
Vitamins are necessary for various body functions. Here are some of the common ones your dog needs:
Vitamin | Functions |
A | Supports vision, boosts the immune system, promotes good skin and coat health, and helps with growth and development |
B-Complex | Improves skin and coat, maintains nervous system function, promotes digestive health, and aids in energy production and metabolism |
C | Strengthens the immune system, promotes joint and bone health, reduces inflammation and antioxidant damage, and promotes healthy skin and coat |
D | Supports muscle and tissue health, regulates calcium and phosphorus, improves bone and joint health, and supports the immune system |
E | Protects from oxidative damage, promotes a shiny coat, supports eye and muscle health, and reduces inflammation |
K | Synthesizes blood clotting factors, regulates bone metabolism, and promotes cardiovascular health |
Minerals
Minerals are essential inorganic compounds that support a ton of bodily functions. Here are the key macrominerals needed for dogs.
Mineral | Functions |
|---|---|
Calcium | Responsible for strong bones and teeth, supports muscle functions and nerve transmission, and facilitates blood clotting |
Phosphorus | Works with calcium for bone and teeth strength, promotes cellular function and repair, helps with metabolism, and aids in energy production |
Potassium | Helps with muscle and kidney health, and supports heart and nerve function |
Sodium | Works with potassium for fluid and electrolyte balance, essential for nerve transmission and muscle function, and crucial for kidney and urinary health |
Magnesium | Facilitates nerve and muscle function, works with calcium and phosphorus for bone health, regulates neurotransmitters, and promotes heart health, energy production, and metabolism |
Chloride | Crucial for digestion, supports the nervous system, regulates pH levels in the body, and works with sodium for healthy blood pressure and fluid levels |
What Foods Do Dogs Eat?
Dogs are omnivores that can eat a variety of well-balanced foods. This includes high-quality proteins such as meat and beef, as well as properly prepared fruits and vegetables.
Commercial Dog Food
Two types of commercial dog food are available in the market. These are:
Dry Food
Dry kibble is one of the most convenient options for dogs, as it offers a nutritionally balanced diet that’s also affordable. The crunchy texture helps reduce plaque and tartar buildup, while also being easy to store. However, dogs on a dry food diet need constant access to water.
Wet Food
Wet food has higher moisture content compared to dry food, which benefits dogs who won’t always want to drink water. It also has a stronger taste and smell that appeals to picky eaters. Wet food is much easier to chew and can help dogs feel fuller, helping with weight management.
However, it can easily stick to the dog’s teeth and lead to plaque buildup without dental care. It’s also much more expensive and has a shorter shelf life when opened.
Homemade Dog Food
Dogs can also eat homemade meals, as long as they’re balanced. This includes foods like:
Protein Sources | Vegetables | Fruits |
|---|---|---|
Chicken | Carrots | Blueberries |
Beef | Green beans | |
Turkey | Strawberries | |
Fish | Pumpkin | |
Lamb | Watermelons |
Raw Food Diets
A raw diet for dogs, either through the BARF or PMR types, provides substantial benefits when prepared correctly. However, the risks are often too significant. Common options include raw chicken and beef, organ meats like liver, and raw bones. Fruits and vegetables may be offered as well.
What Foods Should Dogs Not Eat?
Some foods are bad and even dangerous for dogs. These include:
Chocolate
Chocolate is considered poisonous to dogs because it contains theobromine and caffeine, which can be toxic. These affect the dog’s heart, central nervous system, and kidneys, causing severe symptoms. The darker the chocolate, the more dangerous it is.
Grapes and Raisins
Grapes are highly toxic to dogs, causing acute renal failure. Raisins carry a greater risk as they’re more concentrated than fresh grapes. While the exact reasoning for this is still unknown, these should be avoided.
Onions and Garlic
Onions and garlic are two ingredients in human foods that are dangerous for dogs. These foods contain organosulfur compounds that destroy the dog’s red blood cells and cause anemia.
Alcohol
Alcohol and alcohol-based foods are dangerous for dogs because they cannot efficiently metabolize the ethanol present. This leads to rapid absorption, severe poisoning, and central nervous system depression.
Xylitol
Xylitol is an artificial sweetener present in many foods. It triggers a rapid release of insulin in dogs, potentially causing severe hypoglycemia. Xylitol also causes liver failure when ingested in high amounts.
Macadamia Nuts
Macadamia nuts are one of the most dangerous foods for dogs. They can cause neurological and muscle symptoms, and the high-fat content may trigger pancreatitis.
Vet Tips: How to Help Dogs Eat
If you have a hard time making your dog eat, follow these simple tips.
Feed at Consistent Times
Feed your dog at the same time every day so their body gets used to it. Consistent feeding schedules promote digestive health, prevent overeating, and reduce anxiety.
Warm the Food
Warming the food before serving it helps make it more appetizing for dogs. You can simply microwave the wet food or the dry kibble mixed with water.
Add Toppers
When giving your dog dry or wet food, you can add a few boiled chicken strips, potatoes, spinach, or other health additives. This makes each meal unique.
“Helping our dogs eat is one of the most efficient ways to help them stay happy and healthy.”
- Dr. Paulina Czerska
Final Thoughts
Knowing what dogs eat helps you decide on the best foods for your dog’s nutrition. From commercial options to homemade diets, make sure each meal meets your dog's needs.
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