Nutrition in Dogs

Rachel Williams Author

Dog food is a hot topic that is fiercely debated within the pet industry. I am not a vet nutritionist and so the information in this blog is based off my personal experience, research and from attending the Butternut Box Nutrition School.

Why dog nutrition is so important

Understanding what our dogs eat is fundamental to their wellbeing. Just like us humans, food helps to develop a strong and healthy body as a child, it gives us the nutrients we need to keep our body functioning correctly and provides us with energy.

Dog food typically comes in four main categories:

1. dry e.g. kibble
2. wet e.g. tins or pouches
3. fresh food e.g. human quality meat and vegetables, gently cooked
4. raw e.g. muscle meat, organ meat, bone, offal

Research has shown that your dog's gut microbiome can have an impact not only on their health, but also their behaviour. Lower quality dog food, such as those that are cooked at extreme temperatures, can have very little nutrient content left with several additives included to make the food last for months.

How nutritionally balanced is your dog food?

If you're interested in finding out how your dog food measures up, check out Allaboutdogfood.com. It is a great resource for checking out the nutritional value in well-known dog food brands.

A staggering 35-59% of dogs are overweight or obese in the UK with obesity being the most common nutritional disorder in companion animals. Weight impacts both a dog's health and longevity so if you think you're dog is carrying a few extra lbs, visit your vet for a full health check.

Dietary considerations

Contrary to popular belief, there is no evidence to suggest puppies have a more sensitive stomach than adult dogs. In fact, by offering puppies a range of different tastes and textures it improves their gut health and is a great enrichment activity; taster platters are a fun way to find out what foods your dog enjoys the best.

Allergy or intolerance?

Food allergies are a hypersensitivity reaction by the immune system. The body mistakes the proteins found in food as a threat and triggers an inflammatory response. Symptoms include: itching, inflamed skin, frequent ear infections, vomiting, diarrhoea.

A food intolerance is a digestive disturbance due to the inability to digest a particular ingredient. Symptoms include: vomiting, diarrhoea, sometimes skin issues. More common than food allergies.

The most common food allergens in dogs are beef, 

dairy products, chicken and wheat.

As a Butternut Box Ambassador, I have an affiliate link* where you can receive 50% off your first two boxes. There is a range of recipes to try, even for dogs with food intolerances or specific dietary needs such as a low fat diet. The food is delivered frozen, but you can leave it in the fridge to thaw for a week unopened. You can even warm it up in the microwave to increase the aroma for super fussy eaters.

50% off your first two Butternut Boxes

www.butternutbox.com/ScentsationalDogs50

*Disclosure: some of the links in this blog are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.

Categories: : health