Just like we have to eat quality food to stay healthy, the same also goes for our dogs. While dogs are very accommodating in their choice of food, it is your responsibility as a dog owner to ensure they consume a nutritionally balanced diet that caters to their needs. If you notice symptoms of food intolerance in dogs, you should consider changing their diet.

Below, we will consider various safe and healthy nutrients every dog meal should contain. Let’s begin.

The Requirements of Healthy Dog Food

A well-balanced and healthy dog food is one that contains ingredients that offer herbs and slices, fiber, fatty acids, protein, fats, minerals, water, carbohydrates, and vitamins.

Herbs and Spices 

While you may not think that herbs and spices are important in your dog’s meal, these ingredients make your dog’s food taste better and offer well-rounded nutrition. For instance, many wonder can dogs eat cinnamon, but it helps stabilize blood sugar level and reduces digestive discomfort.

According to PetMeds, ginger soothes indigestion and nausea while also having anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, tumeric is high in anti-inflammatory properties and is a natural pain reliever, helps heart health and can even prevent cancer due to its major ingredient curcumin.

Oregano’s thymol and phenols carvacrol have strong antibacterial and antifungal properties that might help in tackling bacteria. It also tackles the oral bacteria that causes bad breath. Lastly, Parsley has anti-inflammatory, diuretic, and antiseptic properties allowing it to soothe digestion, freshen breath, and prevent urinary tract infection. 

Vitamins and Minerals 

Vitamins and minerals are necessary for your dog. However, it can be a challenge to ensure they receive the right amounts. Your dog’s minerals and vitamins usually come from vegetables and fruits, while quality dog foods also incorporate them. Some of the most vital vitamins and minerals your dog needs include vitamins, A, B, C, E, phosphorus, and calcium. 

Healthy Fats

While “fat” generally has a negative connotation, healthy fats are beneficial for your dog. Aside from the fat in your dog’s meat, coconut oil, fish oil, flaxseed oil, and sunflower oil are also good sources of healthy fats. 

Carbohydrates and fiber

You can find carbohydrates and fibers in grains, vegetables and fruits. These ingredients offer your dog energy. However, not every source of carbohydrates is good. Avoid carbohydrates like soy and corn, but opt for sources like broccoli, carrots, blueberries, lentils and peas.

Meat 

Meat is an essential ingredient in dog food, with the optimal level being about 60% of their diet (from a quality source). Some of these beneficial meat sources include salmon, rabbit, chicken, beef and kangaroo. 

Salmon is rich in omega fatty acids, rabbit are low fat and high in protein, free range chicken have high nutritional value due to vitamin D from sunlight, beef is rich in iron, vitamin B and high in protein, and kangaroo meat is flavourful, rich in vitamins and minerals and high in protein while being low fat.

Endnote

You should never compromise on quality when dealing with your dog food. Your dog’s food quality affects their longevity, vitality, and energy. To keep your dog’s at their best, consider adding the above ingredients when next preparing their meal.