Why Every Ingredient Matters in Canine Nutrition
Last Updated 30 APRIL 2024
We are what we eat. So it makes sense that the ingredients and quality of what we feed our pets can have a direct impact on their health and wellbeing.
Therefore, prioritising our dog's nutrition and tailoring it to meet their specific needs, should be a top priority for every pet owner.
Understanding Pet Nutrition Basics
Ingredients in pet foods are formulated from two essential categories - macro and micro nutrients.
Macronutrients:
- These are required by the body in relatively large amounts.
- There are three main types : carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.
Micronutrients:
- These are required in smaller amounts.
- They include vitamins and minerals.
The Role of Ingredients in Pet Food
Each specially selected ingredient, when balanced in the right amounts, provides a different attribute for your pet's daily health.
- Proteins are essential for building and repairing tissues, as well as for various metabolic functions. They are found in foods like meat, fish, eggs, and legumes.
- Grains and Carbohydrates provide energy and an important source of fibre for digestive health. They are found in foods like grains, fruits, and vegetables.
- Fats are concentrated sources of energy and are important for cell structure, hormone production, and nutrient absorption. They are found in foods like oils, nuts, seeds, and fatty fish.
- Vitamins are organic compounds - essential for various metabolic processes in the body. They play roles in energy production, immune function, cell growth and repair and are found in a wide variety of foods.
- Minerals are inorganic elements that are essential for various bodily functions, such as bone health, fluid balance, and nerve function. They include calcium, iron, zinc, magnesium, and potassium, among others and are also found in a variety of foods.
Premium pet foods such as Blackhawk are complete and offer these essential ingredients in perfect balance to support your dogâs nutritional needs.