Dogs need several different kinds of nutrients to survive

Amino acids from proteins, fatty acids and carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and water. The tables in this pamphlet provide recommended daily allowances for dietary nutrients based on the minimum amount required to maintain good health in normal dogs. Your dog’s unique nutritional requirements will depend on its size, its breed, and its stage in life,among other factors.

Proteins & Amino Acids

Fats & Fattyacids

Dietary fats, mainly derived from animal fats and the seed oils of various plants, provide the most concentrated source of energy in the diet.

They supply essential fatty acids that cannot be synthesized in the body and serve as carriers for important fat-soluble vitamins. Fatty acids play a role in cell structure and function. Food fats tend to enhance the taste and texture of the dog’s food as well. Essential fatty acids are necessary to keep your dog’s skin and coat healthy. Puppies fed ultralow-fat diets develop dry, coarse hair and skin lesions that become increasingly vulnerable to infections. Deficiencies in the so-called “omega-3” family of essential fatty acids may be associated with vision problems and impaired learning ability. Another family of essential fatty acids called “omega-6” has been shown to have important physiologic effects in the body.

	PUPPIES (Weighing 12 lb, 33 lb at maturity)	ADULT DOGS (Weighing 33 lb)	PREGNANT/ NURSING DOGS (Weighing 33 lb with 6 puppies)
Crude Protein	56 g	25 g	69 g /158 g
Total Fat	21 g	14 g	29 g/67 g

Vitamins

Vitamins are organic compounds that take part in a wide range of metabolic activities.

Dogs require vitamins in their food, albeit at low concentrations. First noticed in dogs some 75 years ago, vitamin deficiencies can cause a variety of health problems. Clinical signs of vitamin A deficiency, one of the first deficiencies studied in dogs, include motor and vision impairment, skin lesions, respiratory ailments, and increased susceptibility to infections. Dogs fed diets lacking vitamin E show signs of skeletal muscle breakdown, reproductive failure, and retinal degeneration. Thiamin deficiency can lead to brain lesions and other neurological abnormalities if the deprivation is sudden and to heart damage and death if it is chronic. Some vitamins, such as vitamin D, are not only essential in small doses, but also toxic in excess amounts.

Energy Needs

Dogs need a certain amount of energy to sustain the normal activities of their daily lives.

Growth, pregnancy, lactation, and exercise all increase these normal energy requirements. Generally measured in terms of calories, energy comes from three major dietary components: carbohydrates, protein, and fats. Omnivorous animals get some of their energy from carbohydrates, which include sugars, starches, and dietary fibers. The major sources of carbohydrates in commercial dog foods are cereals, legumes, and other plant foodstuffs. So-called absorbable carbohydrates, including glucose and fructose, can be directly absorbed and do not need to be digested by enzymes. Digestible carbohydrates are readily broken down by intestinal tract enzymes. Fermentable carbohydrates include certain starches and dietary fibers that pass undigested through the small intestine to the colon, where they are fermented by microbes into short-chain fatty acids and gases. Some studies suggest that fermentable fibers may aid in the regulation of blood glucose concentrations and enhance immune function. Nonfermentable fibers, such as cellulose and wheat bran, contribute little interms of energy or nutrition and are primarily used to decrease caloric intake of the overweight animal.

AVERAGE DAILY ENERGY NEEDS

CALORIES PER DAY(Kilocalories per day*)

TYPE OF DOG	10 lb	30 lb	50 lb	70 lb	90 lb
PUPPIES (10 lb puppy growing to 33 lb at maturity)	990	___	___	___	___
INACTIVE DOGS—dogs with little stimu- lus or opportunity to exercise.	296	674	989	1,272	1,540
ADULT ACTIVE DOGS—dogs with strong stimulus and ample opportunity to exercise, such as dogs in households with more than one dog, in the country or with a large yard.	404	922	1,353	1,740	2,100
PREGNANT DOGS—from 4 weeks after mating until delivery.	518	1,274	1,940	2,570	3,170
Young Adult Active Dogs	436	993	1,451	1,876	2,264
Older Active Dogs	327	745	1,093	1,407	1,700

Enery Needs of Growing Puppy

The growing puppy starts out needing about twice as many calories per pound of body weight as an adult dog of the same breed. Owners should start feeding puppies food at approximately 4 weeks after birth, because mother’s milk is no longer sufficient. Food is best offered to puppies in multiple, well-spaced meals.

Energy Needs of Older Dogs

Because of decreased physical activity and slowed metabolism, older dogs need 20% fewer total calories than do middle-aged adult dogs. As dogs age, they tend to become overweight. It may take obese dogs longer for their blood glucose concentrations to return to normal. This disrupted carbohydrate metabolism can lead to diabetes.

Energy Needs of Lactating Dogs

New mothers generally suckle their puppies for at least 6 weeks. The mother’s need for calories increase with the number of puppies and the week of lactation, up to 4 weeks. Giant breeds (like Great Danes) have proportionately smaller digestive tracts and may not be able to eat enough to sustain themselves during lactation. Owners of such dogs may need to start feeding puppies supplemental food at an early age.

Vitamin K	Activation of clotting factors, bone proteins, and other proteins	0.41 mg	No reports of naturally occurring deficiencies in normal dogs
Vitamin B1 (Thiamin)	Energy an carbohydrate metabolism; activation of ion channels in neural tissue	0.56 mg	Failure to grow, weight loss and neurological abnormalities in puppies; damage to the nervous system and to the heart in adult dogs
Riboflavin	Enzyme functions	1.3 mg	Anorexia; weight loss; muscular weakness; flaking dermatitis; eye lesions
Vitamin B6	Glucose generation; red blood cell function niacin synthesis nervous system function; immune response; hormone regulation; gene activation	0.4 mg	Anorexia and weight loss in pup- pies; convulsions, muscle twitch- ing, and anemia in adult dogs Impairment of motor control and balance; muscle weakness
Niacin	Enzyme functions	4 mg	Anorexia; weight loss; inflamma- tion of the lips, cheeks, and throat; profuse salivation; bloody diarrhea Bloody feces; convulsions
Pantothenic Acid	Energy metabolism	4 mg	Erratic food intake; sudden pros- tration or coma; rapid respiratory and heart rates; convulsions; gastrointestinal symptoms; reduced antibody production
Vitamin B12	Enzyme functions	9 μg	Appetite loss; lack of white blood cells; anemia; bone marrow changes
Folic Acid	Amino acid and nucleotide metabolism; mitochondrial protein synthesis	68 μg	Weight loss; decline in hemoglobin concentration
Choline	Phospholipid cell membrane component	425 mg	Loss of body weight; fatty liver

DAILY RECOMMENDED ALLOWANCES FOR MINERALS

	FUNCTIONS	DAILY RECOMMENDED  ALLOWANCE*	SIGNS OF DEFICIENCY/ EXCESS
Calcium	Formation of bones and teeth; blood coagulation; nerve impulse transmis- sion; muscle contraction;cell signaling	1 g	Nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism; significant decreases in bone mineral content,which can result in major skeletal abnormalities Different types of skeletal aberrations, especially in growing puppies of large breeds
Phosphorus	Skeletal structure; DNA and RNA structure; energy metabolism; locomotion; acid-base balance	0.75 g	Reduced weight gain; poor appetite; bowing and swelling of forelimbs in puppies
Magnesium	Enzyme functions; muscle and nerve-cell membrane stability; hormone secretion and function; mineral structure of bones and teeth	150 mg	Reduction in weight gain, irritability, and convulsions in puppies;hyperextension of carpal joints and hind-leg paralysis later in life
Sodium	Acid-base balance; regulation of osmotic pressure; nerve impulse generation and transmission	200 mg	Restlessness; increased heart rate, water intake, and hemoglobin concentration; dry and tacky mucous membranes
Potassium	Acid-base balance; nerve- impulse transmission; enzymatic reactions; transport functions	1 g	Poor growth in puppies; paralysis of neck muscles and rear legs and general weakness later in life
Chlorine	Acid-base balance; transfer of extracellular fluids across cell membranes	300 mg	Reduced weight gain and weakness in puppies
Iron	Synthesis of blood components; energy metabolism	7.5 mg	Poor growth; pale mucous membranes; lethargy; weakness; diarrhea At acute levels, dangerous oxidative reactions that lead to gastrointestinal and other tissue damage
Copper	Connective tissue formation; iron metabolism; blood cell formation; melanin pigment formation;myelin formation; defense against oxidative damage	1.5 mg	Loss of hair pigmentation in puppies; anemia
Zinc	Enzyme reactions; cell replication; protein and carbohydrate metabolism; skin function; wound healing	15 mg	Poor weight gain; vomiting; skin lesions
Manganese	Enzyme functions; bone development; neurological function	1.2 mg	No studies of deficiency in dogs
Selenium	Defense against oxidative damage; immune response	90 μg	Anorexia; depression; breathing discomfort; coma; muscular degeneration
Iodine	Thyroid hormone synthesis;cell differentiation; growth and development of puppies; regulation of metabolic rate	220 μg	Enlargement of thyroid glands;dry, sparse hair coat; weight gain Excessive tearing, salivation, and nasal discharge; dandruff

DAILY RECOMMENDED ALLOWANCES FOR VITAMINS

	FUNCTIONS	RECOMMENDED  ALLOWANCE*	SIGNS OF  DEFICIENCY/ EXCESS
Vitamin A	Vision; growth; immune function; fetal development; cellular differentiation; transmembrane protein transfer	379 μg	Anorexia; body weight loss; ataxia;  conjunctivitis; corneal disorders; skin lesions; respiratory ailments; increased susceptibility to infection Imbalance in bone remodeling processes; artery and vein degeneration; dehydration; central nervous system depression; joint pain
Vitamin D	Maintenance of mineral status; phosphorous balance	3.4 μg	Rickets; lethargy; loss of muscle tone; bone swelling and bending Anorexia; weakness; diarrhea; vomiting; calcification of soft tissue; excessive mineraliza- tion of long bones; dehydration; dry and brit- tle hair; muscle atrophy
Vitamin E	Defense against oxidative damage	8 mg	Degeneration of skeletal muscle; reproductive failure; retinal degeneration

Cats Diet and Nutrition

Good nutrition is essential to your cat’s overall health. The best diet for your cat is one that replicates what she would eat in the wild—a moisture-rich, meat-filled diet. Cats are obligate (true) carnivores, and therefore require more quality-source protein in their diets than most other animals. We suggest feeding your cat a diet consisting mostly of quality canned foods.

Why canned food?

Cats usually rely on their diet for moisture and don’t drink as much water as they might need. Canned foods have significantly more moisture than dry or “semi-moist” foods. Canned foods also are lower in carbohydrates and can be especially beneficial for cats with urinary issues, diabetes, and other illnesses, as well as in the prevention and treatment of feline obesity. Although there has been concern in the past that feeding only canned food could result in dental disease, we now know that most dry diets do not significantly improve dental health. In fact, only specific dry dental diets with the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) seal have been shown to reduce tartar and plaque formation and gingivitis.

How often and how much should I feed?

We recommend meal feeding rather than free feeding. Meal feeding means that you feed a specified amount of food, as opposed to leaving out a large quantity of dry food for your cat to graze on throughout the day. You can start by feeding twice daily, using the food label as a guideline. Then review that amount with your veterinarian during your cat’s annual or semiannual examination. The amount to feed may vary depending on your cat’s ideal weight and activity level. Meal feeding also gives you an opportunity to monitor your cat’s appetite and helps you notice any change in your cat’s overall food intake, which is often one of the first signs of stress or illness. Depending on your cat’s specific situation, it might be best to consult with your veterinarian before implementing any diet regimen.

What flavors should I choose?

Of course, every cat will have her own preferences, so you may need to test several flavors and brands to discover what food your cat prefers. It is important, however, to avoid feeding too many fish flavors as fish is high in magnesium, thiaminase, and heavy metals, all of which may be detrimental to your cat’s health, if fed in excess.

This food is cheaper. Is it the same?

If you are unsure about the quality of your cat food, check the first ingredient. If the first ingredient is a meat or fish, it’s most likely a good brand. If the first ingredient is not meat or fish, but is corn, rice, soy, or grain derivatives such as gluten or meal, we would not recommend it. Check for the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) certification for some assurance that the food has met minimal nutrient criteria. You should let your veterinarian know what type and brand of food you are feeding your cat. It may be best to feed foods that contain muscle meat (such as chicken or turkey) in addition to, or
instead of, organ meats (such as liver) and byproducts (items not suitable for human consumption).

What about “semi-moist” cat food?

We do not recommend these highly processed foods as they are high in magnesium (which may cause urinary tract problems) and carbohydrates, and they have little nutritional value. Also, their dyes, preservatives, and other additives can cause allergic reactions in some cats.

What about dry cat food?

Many cats enjoy dry food, and certainly it is an easy and convenient option for guardians; however, feeding exclusively dry food is not always the best choice for your cat. Because dry foods are high in carbohydrates, they can cause cats to develop diabetes, obesity, urinary or kidney problems, diarrhea, or vomiting. If your cat is on a dry food only diet and suffers from any of these ailments, you may want to consider reducing the amount of dry food you feed, and replacing it with quality wet food. If you’re committed to a dry food only diet, there are healthier options: try quality “fixed formula” dry foods, grain-free dry food, or prescription foods for cats with health problems and/or special dietary needs.

What about raw food?

Many argue raw food is the most natural and nutritionally complete feeding regimen, if prepared and fed properly. There are, however, some risks involved, and careful preparation and hygiene standards need to be followed to feed it successfully. If this feeding option is something you’re interested in, we advise that you discuss it with your veterinarian. Whether you feed a commercial product or you make your own, consult your veterinarian to ensure the diet is nutritionally complete for cats. Cats, although they need to eat meat, cannot live on meat alone; they require nutrients such as minerals, vitamins, and specific amino acids.

Are table scraps okay?

We don’t recommend feeding them in excess. Nutritionists suggest keeping table snacks to less than 10 percent of cats’ daily intake. Occasional treats of meat, fruit, or certain vegetables won’t hurt, as long as you feed them in small doses. Don’t feed dairy (if your cat is lactose intolerant), fried foods, or sweets as they can contribute to problems such as obesity, diabetes and stomach upset. Never feed cooked bones as they are sharp and brittle and can cause severe injury. Also, never feed onions or chocolate to cats—both are toxic.

My cat is overweight. Should I be concerned?

Yes. An overweight cat is more vulnerable to many chronic and lifespan-shortening health problems, such as diabetes and arthritis. Also, fat cats often are unable to groom themselves, so their coats become dull and oily and they develop dandruff and mats. In addition, cats who cannot groom themselves may become clinically depressed.

• Often fat cats cannot reach their own hindquarters, which means that fecal matter and urine can build up and cause discomfort and infection, even if you clean your cat on a regular basis.
• Although fat cats may be perceived as cute, you are doing your cat a disservice by allowing her to gain too much weight.
• You can control your cat’s weight by going to your veterinarian and working out a diet plan that will ensure very gradual weight loss (be sure to consider an all wet-food diet).

Never put your cat on a crash diet; it is very dangerous for a cat to lose weight too fast and doing so could lead to life-threatening liver issues. A safe way of promoting weight loss is to encourage your cat to become more active through play. Once your fat cat has become a slimmer, more active cat, you can be sure her overall health and, therefore, quality and length of life, has improved.

What should my cat drink?

Water! Keep plenty of fresh water available at all times. Also, using a pet water fountain encourages cats to drink more and keeps them away from toilets and faucets. We don’t recommend giving your cat milk on a regular basis. Many cats can’t tolerate it and can experience digestive troubles, including diarrhea. What about dishes? Plastic feeding dishes can cause skin irritation in some cats. A shallow, stainless steel or ceramic bowl is your best bet as cats prefer to keep their whiskers and faces out of their food. Don’t use chemical disinfectants or strong detergents to clean your cat’s food dishes. Not only can they be poisonous, but cats are easily put off by harsh odors.