Essential Nutrients
Protein
Protein is comprised of amino acids which are converted into energy and support metabolism and DNA formation. Complete diets must contain essential amino acids.
Key Sources
- Meats, poultry and fish
Fat
Fat is comprised of fatty acids which are converted into energy and support health and condition of skin and coat. Balance is critical - the right balance can resolve problems with itching, scratching, dry skin, dull coat, and hair loss, while too much can lead to a variety of health issues.
Essential Nutrient
Description / Function
Unsaturated Omega-6 should be at least 1.1% of total fat.
Key Sources
- Safflower Oil
- Poultry
- Brown Rice
Description / Function
Saturated Omega-6 should be no more than 80% of total fat.
Key Sources
- Meats
- Oils
Description / Function
Omega-3 should be at least 15% of total fat.
Key Sources
- Fish Oils
- Chicken
- Brown Rice
Water Soluble Vitamins
Excess amounts are easily flushed from the body and pose no risk of toxicity.
Essential Nutrient
Description / Function
Thiamin helps convert nutrients into energy. (Raw fish may contain large amounts of thiaminase, an enzyme that destroys thiamin, so only cooked fish should be fed to dogs.)
Key Sources
- Vegetables
- Cooked Fish
- Meats
Description / Function
Riboflavin is essential for growth, muscle development, and healthy skin and coat.
Key Sources
- Meats
- Organ Meats
- Vegetables
Description / Function
Niacin helps enzymes to function properly.
Pantothenic Acid helps to convert carbohydrates, fats and proteins into energy.
Pyridoxine aids in processing of amino acids.
Key Sources
- Meats
- Vegetables
Description / Function
Cyanocobalamin helps in the production of red blood cells.
Aids in production of red blood cells.
Key Sources
- Meats
- Organ Meats
Description / Function
Promotes healthy skin and hair, growth, digestion, and muscle function. Raw egg whites contain avidin which destroys biotin and only cooked eggs should be fed to dogs.
Key Sources
- Beef Liver
Description / Function
Aids in development and maintenance of brain and liver cells.
Key Sources
- Chicken
- Beef Liver
- Turkey
- Poultry Liver
Fat Soluble Vitamins
Stored in the liver, quantities should be controlled to avoid reaching toxic levels over time.
Essential Nutrient
Description / Function
Contributes to vision and many other functions.
Animal sources of vitamin A should be controlled in the diet. Plant sources of vitamin A have antioxidant properties and do not pose any known risk of toxicities in dogs or cats.
Key Sources
- Organ meats
- Vegetables
- Fruit
Description / Function
Helps to regulate calcium and phosphorous levels required for bone development and nerve and muscle control.
Key Sources
- Liver
- Fish Oils
Description / Function
Antioxidant aiding in cell development and metabolism of fats.
Key Sources
- Sunflower Oil
- Liver
- Fish Oils
Minerals
Help development of bone and cartilage, muscles and nerves, regulation of blood chemistries, and production of hormones.
Essential Nutrient
Description / Function
Essential for teeth and bone formation, blood coagulation, and nerve and muscle function. The level of calcium is critical – too little can result in poor bone development and weakened immune system, too much can contribute to skeletal problems including hip dysplasia.
Key Sources
- Vegetables
- Whole grain brown rice
- Supplements
Description / Function
Helps form structural framework of DNA, and is essential in formation of teeth and bone.
Key Sources
- Meats
- Rice
- Potatoes/Yams
- Vegetables
Description / Function
Helps muscles and nerves to function, and balance fluids in the body.
Key Sources
- Potatoes/Yams
- Brown Rice
Description / Function
Helps carry cells throughout the body, including the removal of waste products.
Key Sources
- Most Foods
- Salt
Description / Function
Helps to balance acid/alkali in the body, and aids in digestion.
Key Sources
- Supplements
Description / Function
Helps in bone growth and production of protein.
Key Sources
- Whole Grains
- Fish
Description / Function
Aids in bone development, absorption of iron, and production of red blood cells.
Key Sources
- Muscle meats
- Organ meat
- Fish
- Whole Grains
Description / Function
Helps in the processing of protein and carbohydrates which produce energy and help to regulate metabolism.
Key Sources
- Vegetables
- Whole Grains
Description / Function
Helps in development and maintenance of healthy skin and coat. Thinning coats or hair loss is frequently attributed to zinc deficiencies.
Key Sources
- Brown Rice
- Meat
Description / Function
Aids in the functioning of the thyroid gland, which regulates growth and metabolism.
Key Sources
- Kelp
- Iodized Salt
Description / Function
Antioxidant which works with vitamin E to protect cells.
Key Sources
- Meats
- Whole Grains
Fiber
Regulate fluid in intestines to control both diarrhea and constipation, and helps prevent growth of harmful bacteria. Also reduces risk of colon cancer. Balance is critical - too much can irritate the intestinal system, too little can cause gas or loose stools, and lead to anal gland issues.
Key Sources
- Whole Grains
- Vegetables
Carbohydrates
Converted into energy and play a key role in the digestive process. Should not exceed 20% of the diet as fed. Higher levels can lead to a variety of health issues including obesity.
Key Sources
- Vegetables
- Whole Grains
- Fruit