The Benefits Of Good Nutrition For Your Dog
- by Chris Irwin
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Pet parents the world over will tell you that they only want the best for their furry friends. It's true; we all want to see them grow up happy and healthy, without the issues that come from a lack of care or adequate diet.
But what role does good nutrition ultimately play in a pet's life? While one may not always see the immediate benefits of a proper, healthy diet, the effects it will have on them in the long-run should never be underestimated. After all, animals (people included!) need an appropriate combination of proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and fats to function normally. Without these essential elements, the body struggles to function efficiently. Additionally, every nutrient your pooch consumes plays a vital role in their development, from building and repairing muscle, to fighting off illnesses.
It can be a little overwhelming when we think of how these nutrients require such a careful balance, but there's no need to fret!
Most food suppliers work tirelessly to ensure that their meals are healthy and tasty, giving your pup the nutrition they require throughout every stage of their life. Additionally, many meals today help control health conditions and prevent illness, so it's easier than ever to ensure your pup is eating well!.
With all of this in mind, we're going to outline a few key benefits of proper nutrition, and how this will change your dog's life for the better.
How nutrition affects muscle tone and body condition
A pet's diet should be rich in protein, which isn't just essential for building and maintaining skin, muscle, organs, and vital tissues, but also helps to repair damaged cells and rebuild new ones. Protein is vital at all stages of life, but it's particularly necessary for animals who are young and growing, or pregnant pets, when there's a great deal of physical stress on the body. On food labels, protein will always be one of the first listed ingredients.
How nutrition affects skin and coat health
A nutritious diet will contain a proper balance of both omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids. Having a balanced amount of these fatty acids will lead to clear, healthy skin that helps protect your pup from the elements, letting them run and play outside without stress. If your dog isn't getting enough omega 3 and 6, it can lead to skin drying out and growing brittle, which in turn makes their hair fall out, split, and break apart far more easily than it would otherwise. Additionally, foods rich in omega 3 have been found to have an anti-inflammatory effect, which can significantly reduce itching, as well as the effects of the environment they live in, such as low humidity during the dry winter months. These fatty acids can even cut down on potential discomfort caused by allergies, so omega 3 and 6 are definitely worth incorporating into your furry friend's diet!
Digestion and elimination
Carbohydrates are of particular value to our best friends, as they provide the body with vital fibres that help aid digestion and the elimination of harmful waste. Premium dog food manufacturers will focus on digestion, and ensure that the body can absorb food with as little difficulty as possible. Your dog's meals should ideally work to provide them with optimal nutrition and digestive aid, leading to only a small amount of stool accompanying regular bowel movements, leaving fewer stomach problems, and far less mess to deal with daily.
Immunity and prevention of disease
The vitamins and minerals found in your dog's food will work in tandem to ensure that their immune system functions as it should, and that their metabolism is working at a healthy level. As vitamins reduce the damage done to cells within your pup's body, adequate vitamin content in their food will ensure they stay in peak condition for longer. Meanwhile, minerals promote the normal function of cells that your dog needs to maintain their health. In your dog's food, these vitamins and minerals can be derived from both plant and animal sources. Take caution, though, as a lack of vitamins and minerals can lead to severe illness, so keeping them in steady supply is very important.
The benefits of good nutrition definitely can't be understated. Hill's understands this, which is why they've developed their delicious, nutritious Special Care range. Daily nutrition feeds a better tomorrow, and with this in mind, the Special Care range is designed to assist your pup with every stage of life, allowing them to grow up strong and healthy, living happily into their golden years.
Browse Hill's Special Care range with ZUKi, and get your dog looking and feeling their best.