Essential nutrients that your dog can’t miss out on

As is the case with humans, dogs also need a well-balanced diet to grow normally and lead a healthy life. There are certain essential nutrients that they need in their daily meal. It could be from your kitchen or the pet food you purchase off store shelves. The idea is to ensure that what your furred buddy eats comprises every nutritional value needed for her / him to stay fit, energetic and with high metabolism.

Proteins

Proteins are highly essential for dogs as they help generate strong muscles and repair body tissues. The amino acids found in proteins build cells, tissues and organs, and produce enzymes, hormones and antibodies. Proteins are rich in animal-based meats such as chicken, lamb, turkey, beef, fish and eggs and in vegetables, cereals and soy.

Fats 

There is a misconception that fat is not good for pets, but dogs would do better by consuming certain fatty acids. So much so, fats are the most concentrated form of food energy, nourishing your pet with more than twice the energy of proteins or carbohydrates.

Fats play a major role in defining the structure of cells, which are necessary for the secretion of hormones, and for assimilation and utilisation of certain vitamins. Fats also provide insulation and protection for internal organs. Coconut oil and eggs are good sources of fat.

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates are a source of energy and also help maintain intestinal health. They also significantly contribute to the reproduction process. While there is no minimum carbohydrate requirement, there is a minimum glucose requirement necessary to supply energy to critical organs, such as the brain. Brown rice is a good alternative to white rice in providing healthy carbs to your pet.

Vitamins and Minerals

Vitamins, however minimal they are, ensure normal metabolic functioning of a dog’s system. Another important point to note is that since most vitamins are not synthesised in the body, the diet has to provide it.

Minerals are also like vitamins that cannot be synthesised by animals. Minerals are the building blocks of strong bones and teeth, apart from maintaining fluid balance and for their role in standardising several metabolic reactions. Vegetables like carrot and beans, and meat offer your dog high vitamin and mineral content.

Water                                                                                                          

Water contributes to 60 to 70 per cent of an adult pet’s body weight, very similar to their human counterparts. In the case of dry food, there is around 10 per cent moisture and canned food offers nearly 78 per cent.

Furresh blends all these nutrients in the right proportion and offers much more to your pet in every pack.