6 Essential Nutrients Your Dog Needs Daily

Dogs need six key nutrients every day to stay healthy: protein, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and water. These nutrients support everything from muscle growth to maintaining a shiny coat, strong bones, and proper hydration. Here's a quick breakdown:

• Protein: Builds muscles, repairs tissues, and keeps skin and hair healthy. Adult dogs need at least 18% in their diet.

• Fats: Provide energy and keep skin and coat healthy. Look for balanced omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.

• Carbohydrates: Supply energy and fiber for digestion. Choose nutrient-rich sources like sweet potatoes and whole grains.

• Vitamins: Strengthen the immune system and prevent deficiencies. Vitamin D and E are especially important.

• Minerals: Support bones, teeth, and vital body functions. Calcium and phosphorus are critical.

• Water: Essential for hydration, nutrient absorption, and organ function. Dogs need about 1 ounce of water per pound of body weight daily.

To meet these needs, consider high-quality freeze-dried raw dog food, which retains nutrients and avoids unnecessary additives. Always consult your veterinarian to create a diet tailored to your dog’s age, size, and health needs.

Guide to Dog Food Nutrients: Canine Diet and Nutrition Tips

1. Protein: Muscle and Tissue Support

Protein is essential for your dog's body, helping build and repair muscles, tissues, skin, and hair. Did you know your dog's coat is about 95% protein? Around 20–30% of their daily protein intake goes toward keeping it healthy [5].

Protein needs vary depending on age and life stage. Adult dogs need at least 18% protein in their diet, while puppies and nursing mothers require a minimum of 22.5%. Older dogs might need up to 50% more protein than younger ones, meaning about 25% of their daily calories should come from protein [6].

High-quality protein sources, like premium freeze-dried raw dog food, can meet these needs. For instance, RAWZ Freeze Dried Nutrition is made with 95% meats, organs, and ground bones from animals raised without hormones or antibiotics [4]. Another great option is ORIJEN, which was named the best dog food by Business Insider Magazine in 2021. ORIJEN uses WholePrey animal ingredients to align with a dog's natural diet [3].

Be alert for signs of protein deficiency, such as muscle loss, skin problems, poor growth, fatigue, or digestive issues. If you notice any of these, consult your veterinarian [6].

When your dog digests protein, it breaks down into amino acids - 10 of these are essential for their health [1]. These amino acids help produce energy and support critical functions like tissue repair and blood production. To ensure your dog's food meets their protein needs, check the guaranteed analysis on the packaging and look for an AAFCO statement verifying it meets the minimum requirements for their life stage.

2. Fats: Healthy Skin and Energy

Fats provide about 2.5 times more energy than proteins or carbohydrates and are metabolized with 95% efficiency [10]. Adult dogs typically need 10–15% fat in their diet, while puppies require 15–30% to support their growth [12].

The two key fatty acids for your dog's health are omega‑3 and omega‑6. These fats play a role in keeping your dog's skin healthy and coat shiny. Additionally, omega‑3 fatty acids can help reduce inflammation [7]. Many commercial dog foods, however, have an omega‑6 to omega‑3 ratio as high as 50:1, while the ideal ratio is closer to 4:1 [10]. Premium freeze-dried foods are often formulated to meet this balance by using carefully selected fat sources.

K9 Natural uses sunflower oil for linoleic acid (an omega‑6 fatty acid) and flaxseed flakes for omega‑3s to meet these dietary needs [9]. Similarly, Loyal Saints' freeze‑dried raw food offers balanced fat nutrition using human-grade ingredients without artificial additives.

Signs of Fat Deficiency:

• Dull, dry, or flaky coat

• Hair loss

• Greasy skin, especially on the ears or between toes [11]

For commercial dog food, adding fish or fish oil can boost omega‑3 levels. For raw diets, using pasture-raised meats can help reduce excess omega‑6 intake [10]. According to AAFCO, the minimum crude fat level is 5% for adult dogs and 8% for puppies [7], but higher levels are often ideal.

Fats also aid in absorbing fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E, and K. Quality fat sources include chicken fat, beef fat, fish oil, and purified algal oil [7]. These fats support hormone production and neurological development, making them an essential part of your dog's diet.

3. Carbohydrates: Daily Energy Source

Carbohydrates make up 30–70% of most dry dog food recipes [14]. Once consumed, they break down into glucose, which powers both muscle activity and brain function. Healthy adult dogs can efficiently process up to half of their diet as carbohydrates [13][15]. Complex carbohydrates, in particular, offer additional benefits.

These carbs are packed with:

• Antioxidants

• Fiber

• Starches

• Vitamins

• Minerals [13]

Premium freeze-dried dog food brands often rely on nutrient-rich carbohydrate sources. For example:

• pawTree's Freeze-Dried Raw Turkey recipe includes garbanzo beans and dried sweet potatoes [16].

• Grandma Lucy's Pureformance features chickpeas, carrots, and celery [16].

• Stella & Chewy's Chicken Dinner Patties incorporate pumpkin seeds and organic cranberries [16].

Fiber from these ingredients is key for digestive health. Research shows that fiber encourages the growth of beneficial gut bacteria and helps regulate bowel movements [17]. Additionally, studies reveal that diets with 35–40% starch (on a dry matter basis) are over 99% digestible for dogs [18].

To ensure your dog absorbs these nutrients effectively, follow these tips:

• Gradually introduce new carbohydrate sources to avoid upsetting their stomach [15].

• Cook vegetables or finely grind them if serving raw [17].

• Opt for whole grains, sweet potatoes, and oats as primary carbohydrate options [15].

4. Vitamins: Disease Prevention

Vitamins play a key role in strengthening your dog's immune system and reducing the risk of disease. Interestingly, about 75% of dogs show a deficiency in vitamin D [22].

Daily Vitamin Requirements

Vitamin D3 and vitamin E are crucial for supporting immune health. According to AAFCO guidelines, adult dogs need 50 IU of vitamin E (33.5 mg d‑alpha‑tocopherol) daily and between 500–3,000 IU of vitamin D per kg of food [20][21].

Signs of Vitamin Deficiency

• Vitamin A: Can lead to night blindness, skin problems, and muscle loss [23].

• Vitamin D: Linked to allergies, hair loss, weak bones, and even depression [22].

Premium freeze-dried raw diets can help maintain essential nutrients, offering a natural way to meet your dog's vitamin needs.

Smart Supplementation Tips

Work with your veterinarian to determine the right vitamin levels for your dog by conducting blood tests [19]. Many high-quality freeze-dried raw dog foods are crafted to preserve natural vitamins and minerals using advanced methods, promoting overall health without relying on synthetic additives [16].

5. Minerals: Bone and Teeth Health

Minerals play a key role in building your dog's bones and teeth, with calcium and phosphorus being the most important. Around 86% of your dog's phosphorus is stored in their bones and teeth [26], underscoring their importance for structural health.

Daily Mineral Needs

According to AAFCO guidelines, healthy adult dogs need 1.25 grams of calcium per 1,000 calories [24]. For phosphorus, small breeds require 0.6–1.3%, while large breeds need 0.7–1% [26].

More Than Just Bones and Teeth

Minerals do more than just support bones and teeth. They are also involved in essential body functions, including:

• Calcium: Helps maintain heart rhythm, aids muscle movement, and supports wound healing [24].

• Phosphorus: Assists the kidneys in filtering toxins [26].

• Magnesium: Helps with calcium absorption and supports muscle growth [25].

Quality Food Options

Premium freeze-dried dog foods, like ORIJEN Original Freeze-Dried Food Medallions, are designed to provide a balanced mineral profile. For example:

• Minimum 1.4% calcium

• Minimum 1.2% phosphorus [27]

These foods ensure your dog gets the right mineral balance as part of a complete diet.

Getting the Balance Right

A study of 100 homemade dog food recipes revealed that none met the recommended mineral levels [29]. This highlights how difficult it can be to create a balanced diet at home. Avoid over-supplementing, as too much of any mineral can cause harm. Always consult your vet to ensure your dog's mineral intake is safe and balanced.

6. Water: Basic Health Need

About 70% of your dog's body is made up of water, making it critical for nearly every bodily function. Without enough hydration, vital organs can fail, leading to serious health problems [30][34].

Daily Water Requirements

Dogs need about 1 ounce of water per pound of body weight each day [30]. Here's a quick guide:

Why Water Matters

Water supports your dog's health in many ways, including:

• Regulating body temperature

• Helping with nutrient absorption

• Cushioning joints

• Removing toxins

• Supporting kidney and liver function

• Keeping skin and coat healthy

This makes proper hydration, especially when paired with freeze-dried diets, incredibly important.

Hydration with Freeze-Dried Food

Hydration Tips

• Add warm water equal to the food's weight, then let it sit for 5–10 minutes.

• Use bone broth or goat's milk for added nutrients.

• Break freeze-dried nuggets into smaller pieces to improve water absorption.

Spotting Dehydration

Dehydration signs to watch for include:

• Dry nose and mouth

• Reduced skin elasticity

• Excessive panting

• Lethargy [33]

Keep Fresh Water Available

Always provide clean, fresh water. A water fountain can encourage drinking. Puppies under 16 weeks need extra water since they can't fully concentrate their urine yet [32][34].

Conclusion

Good nutrition, including the six key nutrients, plays a crucial role in your dog's health. Studies show that proper feeding directly affects energy levels, coat quality, and immune strength [2].

Daily Nutritional Needs

According to AAFCO guidelines, dogs require specific protein levels for growth and maintenance to stay healthy [1].

Simplifying Quality Nutrition

Loyal Saints freeze-dried food prioritizes:

• Human-grade ingredients

• Premium proteins

• Fruits and vegetables packed with nutrients

• No grains or starches [35][36]

These carefully crafted meals highlight the importance of a well-rounded, professional approach to feeding.

Creating a Tailored Nutrition Plan

To fully benefit from the nutrients discussed, a personalized diet is key. Collaborate with your veterinarian and, if needed, a board-certified veterinary nutritionist to create a plan based on:

• Your dog's age and activity level

• Current health status

• Any medical issues

• Environmental considerations [39]

For expert advice, visit www.acvn.org [37]. Dogs with conditions like allergies, obesity, or diabetes may need extra dietary adjustments while keeping their diet balanced [38].

With the right diet and professional support, your dog can enjoy a healthy, active life for years to come.

Related Blog Posts

• How Digestive Enzymes Improve Nutrient Absorption

• How Protein Fuels Active Dogs' Metabolism

• How Omega-6 Improves Dog Skin Barrier

• Freeze-Dried Proteins and Dog Immune Benefits