Bone Appetit: The basics of canine nutrition

As dog owners we are, in theory, completely in control of what goes into our dog’s mouth. Of course, in the real world it’s not always quite that simple. Most owners can share the experience of finding a now empty package of something that used to be a full package of something, with some tell-tale teeth marks and a sheepish (and sometimes sick) looking pup. Or, do we all have that person in our lives who can’t quite say no to that cute little face and will sneak them snacks and treats no matter how many times we politely ask them not to? Even the lick of the lips when emerging from a bush out on a walk can be enough to strike fear into the hearts of owners everywhere… “WHAT HAVE YOU JUST EATEN?!”

Whilst real life might not be black and white, even the black and white advice can sometimes seem… shades of grey. There is so much information out there, it can be overwhelming and confusing. Here at JD this isn’t our area of expertise, and we recommend chatting to your vet or a certified canine nutritionist about your pet’s diet if you have any questions. However, in the spirit of keeping things simple, here is some basic information and advice when it comes to canine diets. 

Macronutrients:

A good quality commercial dog food should already meet your dog’s macronutrient needs, but you might need to be a little more mindful if you choose to make your dog’s food at home. Dogs have evolved to use fat and protein as their prime energy source. The minimum amount of fat required in an adult canine diet is reported at 5% of dry matter, fats are important for energy, healthy coats and skin, and vitamin absorption. Protein, often in the form of chicken, beef, fish or eggs, is vital for maintaining and growing muscle, and for tissue repair. Minimum protein requirements for an adult dog are 18% dry matter. Whilst there are no legal maximum limits for fat and protein, most diets stick to less than 20% fat and less than 30% protein. High fat diets can be utilised for highly active dogs, such as working dogs, but in the average Joe, can lead to issues such as obesity and pancreatitis.  Carbohydrates are not strictly required, but are a great source of energy and can be a fibre source for gut health and digestion. Exact amounts will depend on your dog’s age, size and activity level, so if you’re ready to get specific- check in with your vet or a canine nutritionist!

Micronutrients: 

There are a number of micronutrients, that’s vitamins and minerals, that are also essential for canine nutrition. Calcium, phosphorus, zinc, iron, vitamins A, D, E, and K… the list goes on. Micronutrients are key to allow for system function, immune health and energy production. Dogs, unlike humans can synthesise their own vitamin C, but most other micronutrients must come through a balanced diet. Now, I could provide you with a long and complicated list of micronutrients and their appropriate dosage, but the key phrase here is “balanced diet”. You don’t need to get caught up in the nitty-gritty details, just feed your dog an approved life-stage appropriate dog food, or ensure their diet is varied with high quality ingredients. Monitor your dog's health, and if you notice any changes, check in with the vet. At times, it may be appropriate to use a supplement- but the vet will let you know!

What's their Goldilocks number?

 As a general rule of thumb, provided your dog is a healthy weight (i.e does not need to lose or gain weight) is spayed or neutered and is moderately active, their daily calorie intake can be calculated using the formula below: 

30 x Weight in Kg + 70 = Daily caloric needs

This includes all meals, all treats and all crumbs hoovered up under the dining table!

If your dog needs to lose weight, then this will need to be reduced by 10-30% depending on their goals. It's important to discuss weight loss plans with a certified canine nutritionist and your veterinarian. 

Hydration:

Hydration is fairly easy; a dog should always have access to clean, fresh water. Water supports the function of your pets body, from body temperature regulation to joint health to digestion. In the heat of Hong Kong it is especially important to ensure your dog stays hydrated to avoid heat stroke. It’s a good idea to have a rough idea of how much your dog normally drinks. Changes from this amount, both in drinking a lot more or a lot less, can be a sign that something may be wrong and may be worth reviewing with your vet. 

Treats:

While it can be nice to give your dog a treat, it is vital that a treat remains just that- an occasional indulgence. It is not a key part of the canine diet and should not be used all the time. Treats in moderation can however be a great tool for training purposes, and to help with mental enrichment (check out our blog exploring enrichment). When selecting a treat, there are definitely healthier options. Try and avoid treats with high sugar or salt content, and go instead for natural ingredients. Dehydrated meats, small pieces of fresh vegetables, or sweet potato chews are all good options that can add some nutritional value, without adding too many additional calories. 

Wet versus Dry 

There is no one size fits all when deciding to feed wet or dry food, as both come with their advantages and disadvantages. Wet food can be especially helpful for older dogs or puppies, as it is easy to chew and digest. It also is a good source of hydration and tends to be more palatable. However, it needs to be stored in the fridge, it can be harder to control portion sizes, and the soft texture does not aid dental cleaning. In contrast, dry food can help reduce dental plaque and is easy to feed consistent portions. Kibble tends to be cheaper and easier to store, but often contains less protein, more preservatives, and fussy dogs may find it less appealing. In an ideal world, many vets will recommend a combination of both, but either is an acceptable option. When making your choice, consider your budget, lifestyle, and your dog's health and age. 

Home-Made Diets: 

The concept of a home made diet may seem like a simpler way to control exactly what your dog is getting to some, and completely overwhelming to others. In some ways, both are true. Home made diets allow customisable meals that are tailored to your dogs needs, which can include avoiding preservatives and allergens. They can be particularly helpful for dogs with specific dietary restrictions or needs, or for fussy eaters that need a bit more encouragement to get their required nutrients. However, preparing meals is both time consuming and expensive. It is important to have input from a vet or nutritionist to ensure that all nutritional needs are met- it can be worryingly easy to get it wrong! In fact, a recent study showed 94% of homemade dog diets are nutritionally incomplete. In comparison, most commercial foods are nutritionally complete, as well as being convenient and more economical. 

Raw Diets:

Raw diets have been all the rage in the last few years, with supporters claiming it more closely mirrors a dog’s “natural” diet, and boosts health. Raw diets can be easier than kibble to digest, and can be better for weight management and avoiding preservatives. However, like home-made diets it is more costly, time-consuming, and it can be easy to end up with a nutritional imbalance. Additionally, raw diets increase the risk of exposure to harmful bacteria, not only to the dog but to the owner and other people living in the home. This is manageable with some basic safe handling practices but should be noted when weighing up the pros and cons. Raw diets are not automatically superior to kibble, and if you are planning a raw food diet, consult with a veterinarian to formulate a complete diet that is suitable for your pooch.

So, to sum up, there is no “right” or “wrong” diet, and dietary needs can be specific to a dog’s weight, age, and medical needs. Most store-bought kibble is nutritionally complete, cheap and easy to use- for a lot of owners this is the simple answer! If kibble doesn’t suit your dog or your lifestyle, then check in with your veterinarian to make sure that all your dog’s dietary needs are met.