canine nutritional requirements

Minerals
There are 12 minerals that are essential for dogs. Dogs need calcium and phosphorous in the proper ratio (1.2 or 1.3 to 1) to build strong bones and teeth. Iron is necessary to form hemoglobin, the molecule in red blood cells that carry oxygen. Magnesium, potassium, sodium, and chloride help nerves and muscles function properly. Zinc is essential for cell reproduction, wound healing, and keeping skin healthy. Iodine maintains thyroid function and helps regulate metabolism. Canines need some minerals—such as copper, molybdenum, and selenium—only in tiny amounts; however, these minerals are crucial in many chemical reactions within a dog’s body.

Minimum and maximum mineral levels are set down in the Dog Food Nutrient Profile. Dogs that get too little of essential minerals—or too much, in some cases—can have serious health problems ranging from poor growth and weakness to skin lesions and bone loss.

Vitamins
You might have started the day with a glass of orange juice, but your dog doesn’t need one. Unlike humans, dogs can make the vitamin C they need. However, dogs must get other vitamins from their diets. Vitamins play a vital role in a broad range of chemical functions in the canine body. Vitamin A is important for vision, growth, and immune function, as it supports the production of new cells. Vitamin D helps maintain proper levels of minerals, ensuring that calcium is absorbed effectively. Vitamin E is an antioxidant that protects cells from damage caused by free radicals, which can lead to chronic diseases.

Minimum and maximum vitamin levels are spelled out in the Dog Food Nutrient Profile. As with minerals, deficiencies of vitamins—or excess amounts—can cause serious health issues like skeletal deformities or impaired immune responses.

Canine Dietary Requirements
The energy for everything a dog does comes from protein, fats, and carbohydrates. These nutrients, along with minerals and vitamins, are crucial for many canine body structures and processes. Here’s a look at the role different nutrients play in keeping a dog healthy and active.

Protein
Proteins make up a large part of every cell in a dog’s body—from muscles, bones, and hair to eyes, ears, and teeth. The building blocks of proteins are amino acids. Sources for omega-3 fatty acids include fish (salmon, shellfish, shrimp, etc.), flaxseed oil, chia seeds, and English walnuts. Omega-6 sources include vegetable oils, avocados, seeds, and nuts. Note:

Twenty or so different amino acids can combine in different ways to form thousands of proteins. Dogs can produce about half of these amino acids, but there are 10 that they cannot make. A nutrient that cannot be made by the body is called an essential nutrient. Dogs must get the 10 essential amino acids from food, primarily from high-quality protein sources.

Proteins from animals, such as poultry, beef, lamb, fish, and eggs, provide a complete set of amino acids needed for growth and maintenance. Grains provide some but not all of the amino acids. A deficiency of an essential amino acid can lead to serious health problems, including developmental issues and immune dysfunction.

The AAFCO’s Dog Food Nutrient Profile states that food for adult dogs should contain at least 18 percent protein, while foods for puppies must have at least 22 percent protein. This level ensures adequate growth and development during the early life stages.

Fats
Fats are the most concentrated source of energy and play an important role in cell structure and function. Fats are made up of molecules called fatty acids. Dogs need two types of essential fatty acids—omega-6 and omega-3. These nutrients help to keep a dog’s coat and skin healthy, as well as support brain function and overall metabolic regulation.

Due to their high fat content, dog-safe nuts (e.g., almonds, cashews) should only be given on a limited basis, according to Dr. Carol Osborne, DVM, and integrative veterinarian at Chagrin Falls Pet Clinic. A dog who doesn’t get enough fatty acids may develop dry hair and sores, as well as a weakened immune system. Commercial dog foods typically have many times more omega-6 fatty acids than omega-3s. However, even though research is ongoing, the optimal ratio that is healthiest for dogs is still unknown.

The AAFCO’s Dog Food Nutrient Profile requires that foods for adult dogs have at least 5 percent fat; puppy foods must have 8 percent fat.

Carbohydrates
Although carbohydrates are not an essential part of the canine diet, dogs are able to get energy from carbohydrates as well as from proteins and fats. Carbohydrates include sugars, starches, and dietary fibers. Manufacturers add carbohydrates—usually in the form of grains, corn, legumes, and other vegetables—to commercial dog foods because these ingredients are less expensive than meat and can round out the nutrient profile of a product.

Dog foods may also contain dietary fiber such as oat bran, rice hulls, or peanut shells. These ingredients are not digested but help make dogs feel full, providing the necessary bulk to their diet.

Carbohydrate-rich foods are not as easily digested as meats, but, as noted in the section on canine evolution, dogs have evolved an enhanced ability to digest starchy foods. Dog foods are not required to have a particular percentage of carbohydrates. Most contain between 30 percent and 70 percent carbohydrates.

Dog Food Regulations
In addition to the FDA rules, most states follow more specific standards set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). This organization defines ingredients and sets nutritional requirements for pet food, ensuring that food products meet quality standards. While AAFCO makes rules about ingredients and labeling, it does not have any enforcement powers and does not actually test and certify dog foods. State feed-control officials are responsible for enforcing rules about pet food ingredients and labeling.

Allowed Ingredients in Dog Food
AAFCO maintains an extensive list of ingredients allowed in dog foods, from alfalfa meal to whey. Each ingredient used must comply with its definition on the AAFCO list. Dog food labels must list all ingredients in descending order by weight, and the ingredients must be referred to by their common names. Additionally, the packaging must list the minimum percentages of protein and fat, along with the maximum percentages of fiber and moisture in the product.

Complete and Balanced Claims
One of the most important things to look for on a dog food label is a statement that the food is "complete and balanced" (or similar wording). A dog food that claims to provide complete nutrition must have the proper amounts of all the nutrients specified in AAFCO’s Dog Food Nutrient Profile. As an alternative, dog-food makers can conduct feeding trials to demonstrate that their food is adequate to keep dogs healthy. Dog foods that do not meet the nutrient profile or have not been tested must be clearly labeled as a snack, treat, or supplement.

Life Stage Nutrient Profiles
AAFCO sets nutrient profiles for dogs at different stages of life. A food meeting the basic requirements for maintenance is suitable for adult dogs with a normal activity level. Dog foods must provide higher levels of nutrients if they are labeled for growth—meaning they are for puppies—or for reproduction—meaning they are for pregnant or lactating dogs. Foods marketed for special life stages, such as senior dogs or breeds with specific needs, must still meet the requirements for regular adult dog foods.

Feeding Directions
How much food does a dog need? The answer depends on various factors, including breed, size, age, and activity level. Dog foods typically have instructions on the label about how many cups to feed per pound of body weight. These instructions serve as a starting point, but owners should adjust the portion based on their dog's needs to maintain a healthy weight.

There’s even an exception in the AAFCO rules that allows a dog food to have an ingredient in its name even if that ingredient makes up only 3 percent of the food. This is permitted if the maker uses the word "with" before the ingredient in question. For instance, "Dog Food with Beef" is only required to have 3 percent beef. It’s crucial for consumers to pay attention to the full ingredient list. In some cases, manufacturers may highlight meat as the first ingredient in a product but then follow it with several types of grains, leading to a misleading impression regarding the meat to grain ratio in the food.

Protein Sources
The protein in dog foods can come from both animal and plant sources.

Meat and Meat Products
AAFCO ingredient listings define several kinds of meat ingredients in dog foods. Actual meat, poultry, or fish should be specified by type, such as beef, lamb, or chicken. While many better-quality dog foods do so, some simply list "meat," which can create uncertainty.

Some dog foods contain meat byproducts, which are the byproducts of animal slaughter; these include liver, lungs, spleen, kidneys, brain, blood, and intestines, among others. By AAFCO definition, byproducts exclude hair, horns, teeth, and hooves. These meat byproducts can be highly nutritious, which is why they are included in some brands. Still, critics argue that poor-quality foods may feature low-grade byproducts as primary ingredients.

Many dog foods contain meat meal or bone meal, produced through rendering—a process that removes moisture leaving a concentrated powder. Meat meal is high in protein content, but its quality reflects the source meat. Critics argue that lower-quality meals may originate from supermarket meats that have expired or from the remains of diseased or dying animals.

Grains
Grains such as corn, rice, wheat, and barley can compose up to 70 percent of some commercial dog foods. Critics argue that grains serve only as cheap fillers that are less digestible or nutritious than meat. However, research supports that grain digestibility increases with processing and/or cooking. Additionally, the modern dog's digestive system has adapted to break down and absorb grains and other starchy foods.

Recently, a market for grain-free dog foods has emerged, utilizing alternative starchy foods such as white potatoes, sweet potatoes, or peas instead of traditional grains. Advocates claim these foods may be less likely to cause allergies. However, studies have revealed that meat and dairy allergies are more common in dogs compared to grains. Typically, grain-free dog foods are also more expensive than conventional alternatives.

Gluten-free Dog Foods
In addition to grain-free options, an increasing number of gluten-free dog foods are now available. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. A food may be gluten-free but not necessarily grain-free. Although gluten allergies are rare in dogs, the trend toward gluten-free diets among humans has influenced some dog owners to adopt similar practices for their pets.

Types of Dog Food
Many pet owners debate the merits of wet food versus dry food. Each type offers unique advantages and disadvantages, and an increasing number of dog owners are exploring raw diets as an alternative to mainstream commercial foods.

Wet Dog Food
To make wet dog food, manufacturers grind meat and meat byproducts to achieve a specific texture, sometimes adding texturized vegetable protein to create chunks resembling meat. These meat products are blended with grains, minerals, and vitamins and bound with gravy or gel during a slow-cooking process before being sealed in containers. Some brands are shelf-stable, while others require refrigeration.

Wet foods generally contain higher meat content than dry foods and often lack preservatives because the canning process naturally preserves the ingredients. Dogs often find wet foods more palatable, which can be beneficial for picky eaters or dogs experiencing health issues affecting their appetite. These foods also provide more moisture, making them a good option in hot weather or for dogs that don't drink enough water. Additionally