Balance is important in every area of our lives, but for our dogs it’s probably most critical in their nutrition.
A dog that eats an unbalanced food that does not contain all the essential nutrients he needs is likely to suffer health problems and live a shorter and less happy life.
How Do I Know My Dog Food is Balanced?
A balanced pet food for your dog should contain protein (from an animal), vegetables, whole grains, fat, and micronutrients (omega 3 fatty acids for skin and brain function; and for large breed puppies and older dogs, glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate).
Dogs also require more than 50 key nutrients, the most vital of which are vitamin C and minerals magnesium, calcium, and phosphorus. The balance between these nutrients is important, too. “The body is a very complex organic place where biochemical reactions are going on,” explains Kerri Marshall, DVM, a licensed veterinarian and chief veterinary officer at Trupanion.
Tasty Tips
Should I Change My Dog Food According to My Dog's Lifestage?
Yes! Like humans, dogs have different nutritional needs depending on their life stage. Puppies, and lactating and pregnant females in particular, need plenty of calcium and magnesium for bone health and growth; older animals typically need fewer minerals to avoid kidney damage.
Because of these different requirements, “be sure to always buy pet food that’s specifically balanced for the life stage of your pet,” says Dr. Marshall.
If your dog has one of a number of diseases, such as arthritis or renal disease, his problems could worsen if you feed him an incorrectly balanced food. To avoid problems, there are foods that are especially designed for these issues, which dogs can eat indefinitely.
And, says Dr. Marshall, there are even foods specifically balanced for shorter-term medical problems like obesity, bladder infections, vomiting, kidney stones, and anemia.
If your dog is on a special food for a short-term medical problem or a short-term life stage like being a puppy or pregnancy, be sure to switch onto the new dog food — or back to the old food — gradually, warns Dr. Marshall, or your dog could suffer vomiting or diarrhea from the sudden change. The transition should take at least a week.
For the complete article on balanced dog food and choosing the best food for your dog’s health, visit petMD!
Related products
Adult 7+ Perfect Digestion Chicken, Whole Oats & Brown Rice Recipe Dog Food
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome for dogs age 7+
Adult Perfect Weight & Joint Support Chicken Recipe Dry Dog Food
This weight management and mobility support dog food was created with Hill’s unique understanding of the biology of overweight dogs.
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Healthy Cuisine Braised Beef, Carrots & Peas Stew Dog Food
Delicious braised beef paired with tender vegetables in a succulent stew
Adult 7+ No Corn, Wheat, Soy Chicken & Brown Rice Dog Food
Supports energy level and beautiful coat in mature dogs
Related articles
What to Feed Your Pregnant or Nursing Dog
Proper nutrition for your pregnant or nursing dog is vital to her and her puppy's health. Learn what you should do provide her with the proper nutrients.
Hill's Puppy Food: Quality Ingredients for Health & Nutrition
Learn about Hill's puppy food and the nutritional benefit & high quality ingredients that it contains for your pup.
Special Diet Needs for Large & Giant-Breed Puppies
Large and giant breed puppies have different nutritional needs than other dogs. Learn how to provide the special care they need to grow up big and strong.
How Fatty Acids Can be Healthy for Your Dog
Understand the role that Omega-6 and Omega-3 fatty acids play in your dog's overall health, and how you can ensure they are getting enough.
Put your dog on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your dog's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Put your dog on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your dog's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.