canine nutrition & digestion · different foods are rich in different minerals. meat is high in...
TRANSCRIPT
Stage One
Canine
Nutrition &
Digestion
CONTENTS Digestive System
The Dogs Body System
Protein, fat, minerals & vitamins
What does good nutrition do for your dog?
The importance of water for dog
How much water should a dog drink a day?
Digestive System The function of the digestive system is to digest
food, thereby absorbing and assimilating
appropriate nutrients, then eliminating solid wastes
from the body.
• Mouth & Teeth- Dogs have 42 sharp teeth designed for
crushing, slicing, scraping and tearing. The jaw only moves
up and down, not side to side meaning that they are
unable to chew. Compared to humans, dog saliva does
not contain digestive enzymes and only acts as a lubricant
to help bigger pieces of food get down the oesophagus.
Normal dog saliva has a pH of about 8 compared to
humans who have a pH of 5.5 due to the presence of the
digestive enzymes.
•
• Pharynx- The pharynx is important in the process of
deglutination (the process of swallowing) and helps guide
the food down the oesophagus rather than the trachea.
•
• Oesophagus- A connecting tube leading from the mouth
to the stomach, it consists of smooth muscle that contracts
in wave-like motions to move the food to the stomach. This
movement is called peristalsis.
•
• Stomach- A storage area where the food is further broken down into a think liquid
called ‘chyme’. The environment in a dog’s stomach is extremely acidic with a pH of
1-2 compared to a human stomach which has a pH of 1.5-3.5. These low pH levels are
caused by hydrochloric acid which allows the digestive enzymes in the stomach to
act at their optimum level in order to hydrolyse the food. The lining of the stomach has
a thick mucus which ultimately prevent the stomach from digesting itself.
• Pancreas- Secretes enzymes that further break down proteins, lipids and
carbohydrates so they are easier to absorb in the small intestine.
• Liver- Where bile is produced.
• Gall bladder- Stores and regulates the release of bile which is required to break down
fats (lipid molecules).
• Small intestine- The small intestine in a dog is about 4 times the length of your dog’s
body. This is shorter than that of a human due to the fact that dogs are carnivores
and so food must be processed quickly for all the meat protein they would naturally
eat. The lining consists of many little finger-like structures called villi which act to
increase the surface area of the small intestine to better absorb and assimilate the
nutrients from the food.
• Colon- Also more commonly known as the large intestine which is important in
keeping hydration in the body at a constant level. In the colon, water and mineral
ions are removed from the waste to solidify it. Dogs also have additional bacteria here
to help break down the harder to digest material.
• Rectum & Anus- Where faeces exit the body.
THE DOGS BODY CONDITION
Protein, fat, minerals, and vitamins, All living organisms need a wide variety of nutrients — substances from food that
provide energy and enable our bodies to function — to survive. There are six major
classes of nutrients for dogs and people: water, protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins
and minerals. Let’s take a closer look at dog nutrition and six essential nutrients your dog
needs to eat:
1. Water
• What it is: A tasteless, colorless, odorless chemical made up of two hydrogen
molecules and one oxygen molecule — hence the name H2O.
• Why it’s important: Without water, life cannot exist. Water makes up 70 to 80 percent
of a mature dog’s lean body mass. Water’s many important functions include
dissolving and transporting nutrients to the cells; helping regulate body temperature;
hydrolyzing protein, fat and carbohydrates for digestion; cushioning the organs and
nervous system; flushing waste from the body.
• Special considerations: A dog’s water requirements vary based on health, activity
level and environmental temperature. Most dogs self-regulate their water intake to
meet their needs. Dogs fed high-moisture foods typically drink less than kibble-fed
dogs. All dogs should always have access to clean, fresh H2O.
•
Get it from: Straight from the tap fitted with a good quality filter.
2. Protein.
• What it is: Along with fats and carbohydrates, protein is a macronutrient, meaning
that it supplies energy. Protein is made up of amino acids, the building blocks of life.
•
Why it’s important: Protein supplies essential and non-essential amino acids that are
critical to life. Proteins give the body structure (think strong hair, skin, nails, muscles
and bones) and are necessary to make hormones, neurotransmitters, enzymes and
antibodies that keep the body functioning optimally. Dogs must receive the
essential amino acids from diet, as their bodies cannot produce them at the
required levels. Protein can also supply energy in the absence of sufficient
carbohydrates and fats. Because the body can’t store protein, it needs a constant
dietary supply.
•
Special considerations: Growing puppies and pregnant and lactating females
require about twice as much protein as an adult dog at maintenance.
•
Get it from: Animal sources such as lean-muscle meats, fish and eggs;
plant-based sources such as beans and lentils.
3. Fat
• What it is: A macronutrient made up of fatty acids. Dietary fats are either
saturated (e.g., butter, cheese meat), polyunsaturated (e.g., fish oil, flaxseed oil,
sunflower oil) or monounsaturated (e.g., olive oil).
• Why it’s important: Fat supplies the most concentrated source of energy, with
more than twice as many calories as protein and carbohydrates. It also provides
essential omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids; enables absorption of fat-soluble
vitamins; protects the internal organs; regulates body temperature; and
promotes a healthy nervous system.
• Special considerations: Too much fat can trigger pancreatitis or gastrointestinal
issues. Avoid fatty table scraps. Be aware that coconut oil does not supply
essential fatty acids.
• Get it from: Low-mercury fish and fish oil; plant-based oils, such as flaxseed and
hempseed.
4. Vitamins
• What they are: Vitamins are organic compounds (meaning that they contain
carbon) that are required in small quantities for proper metabolic function.
Vitamins can be soluble in fat (A, D, E and K) or in water (B and C). Fat-soluble
vitamins are stored in fatty tissues and the liver; water-soluble vitamins are not
stored. Because the body can’t synthesize vitamins in sufficient quantities, they
must come from the diet.
• Why they’re important: Vitamins play a variety of critical roles, including:
regulating calcium and phosphorus levels (D); boosting the immune system (A);
serving as antioxidants (C and E); enabling the blood to clot (K); and maintaining
nervous system function (B12).
• Special considerations: All home-prepared diets require vitamin
supplementation. If you feed a commercial “complete and balanced” food, do
not add additional fat-soluble vitamins, as toxicity can occur. Toxicity of water-
soluble vitamins is unlikely, as excess is excreted in the urine.
• Get THEM from: A varied diet containing organ and muscle meats and dog-
friendly plant-based foods.
5. Minerals
• What they are: Minerals are inorganic compounds that the body needs to maintain
proper metabolic functions. The body cannot manufacture minerals and so must
get them from food. There are two classes of minerals: macro minerals (calcium,
magnesium, phosphorus, sodium, potassium, chloride) and microminerals (iron,
copper, zinc, manganese, selenium, iodine). Macro minerals are required by the
body in higher levels than microminerals, but both types are equally important.
• Why they’re important: Like vitamins, minerals perform a variety of functions in the
body that are essential for supporting life, including: constituting a major part of
bones (calcium, phosphorus); carrying oxygen throughout the body (iron); assisting
in wound healing (zinc); providing antioxidant support (selenium); aiding in nerve
transmission (sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium); and regulating fluid balance
(sodium, chloride, potassium).
• Special considerations: Growing puppies require more than double the calcium of
adult dogs at maintenance. Calcium and phosphorus levels and ratios must be
monitored closely in large-breed puppies to avoid risk of developmental orthopedic
disease.
• Get THEM from: Different foods are rich in different minerals. Meat is high in
phosphorus, while bone is high in calcium. Organ meats provide copper and iron,
while shellfish is rich in zinc.
6. Carbohydrates
• What they are: A macronutrient made up of units of sugars, starches or indigestible
fibre. Since dogs can synthesize glucose from sufficient dietary protein and fat,
carbohydrates are the only nutrient class that is not essential for dogs. Why they’re
important: Carbohydrates are the main source of glucose, the “fuel” the body runs
on. Although carbohydrates are not an essential nutrient for dogs, healthy
carbohydrates supply important vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and plant-based
nutrients that help promote optimum health.
• Special considerations: Consuming a portion of energy from healthy carbohydrates
spares protein for other important functions. Steer clear of high-glycemic “junk”
carbohydrates that provide little to no nutrition and rapidly raise blood sugar levels.
• Get THEM from: Dog-friendly vegetables, fruits, legumes and gluten-free grains.
The importance of each nutrient class could — and does — take up entire books, so
I’ve only skimmed the surface. The bottom line in dog nutrition is that all dogs need
an ample supply of nutrients to survive and thrive. The fewer of these
nutrients that come from food, the more supplementation is needed
to fill the gaps.
Power Sources for Dog Nutrition
Not sure which foods hold the most nutrient “bang for their buck”? Check out this list to
get you started:
1. Water • Filtered tap water: Clean; pure; cost-efficient; readily available
2. Protein • Whole egg: Considered the most bioavailable source of protein (1 large
egg provides about 6 grams of protein)
3. Fat • Sardines: Low mercury; nutrient-rich; high in the essential omega-3 acids EPA
and DHA
4. Carbohydrates • Butternut squash: High in vitamins A and C; loaded with antioxi-
dant-rich carotenes; excellent source of many vitamins and minerals, such as vita-
mins E and B6, magnesium, manganese and potassium.
5. Vitamins • Dark leafy greens: Rich in vitamins A, C, E, K and folate; also high in ca-
rotenoids and many minerals; shown to protect against cancer.
6. Minerals • Oysters: Excellent source of copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, phos-
phorus, selenium, zinc; also rich in vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids
WHAT DOES GOOD NUTRITION DO FOR YOUR DOG?
The proper balance of nutrients is essential when feeding your dog. Animals (and
humans) need a certain combination of protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, minerals
and water every day in order to function normally. Balanced nutrition is no accident –
pet food manufacturers work hard to determine the exact formula that goes into their
products so that they provide everything your dog needs on a daily basis.
There are foods designed for specific stages of life (such as for puppies or geriatric
dogs), while some provide hypoallergenic nutrition and other formulations are
developed to control specific health conditions like heart disease, kidney disease, etc.
Each and every nutrient in your dog’s food has a purpose. Without adequate nutrition,
your dog would not be able to maintain muscle tone, build and repair muscles, teeth,
and bone, perform normal daily activities with ease or fight-off infection. Proteins
provide a source of energy and help with muscle function and growth. Fats provide
energy, help the brain function, and keep the skin and hair coat shiny and healthy.
Carbohydrates supply a source of quick energy that allow your dog to be active and
energetic. Vitamins and minerals are necessary for muscle contraction and nerve
conduction and they work to prevent disease.
MUSCLE TONE AND BODY CONDITION
Every single cell in the body is made up of protein. It is integral in building skin, hair,
muscles, organs and other tissues. Protein is necessary to repair damaged cells and
make new ones. Protein is especially important for young, growing and pregnant
animals. The protein in your dog’s diet ensures that he is able to build and maintain
strong muscles. This is why one of the first few ingredients on a dog food label should be
a protein source (chicken, beef, etc.).
SKIN AND HAIR COAT HEALTH
Everyone knows that a dog with a rich, shiny hair coat is most likely in good health. This is
because dogs eating the proper balance of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids will
have skin that is healthy which produces hair with a nice sheen. Skin that is dry
will lead to hair that easily splits, breaks, and falls out easily.
Foods with adequate omega-3 fatty acids have an anti-inflammatory
effect to reduce itching and other irritations caused by allergies or
environmental conditions (like low humidity levels in the winter).
DIGESTION AND ELIMINATION
Carbohydrates provide fibre that helps aid digestion and elimination. Dog foods are
formulated so that the needed nutrients are readily available to your dog’s digestive
system and thus easily absorbed by the body. Digestibility is important so your dog can
use all the nutrients in his food and easily rid his body of waste products. Your dog’s food
should provide all the nutrition he needs while producing only a minimum of stool to be
picked up as the end result.
IMMUNITY AND PREVENTION OF DISEASE
The vitamins and minerals found in every bag of dog food work together to keep your
dog’s immune system and metabolism functioning normally. Vitamins work to reduce the
damage done to body cells on a daily basis. Minerals promote the normal function of
the cells that maintain health. Vitamins and minerals come from both plant and animal
sources in the diet. Without adequate levels of vitamins and minerals, your pet would
eventually become ill.
Vitamins
• Vitamin A
o Found in: Carrots, spinach, sweet potatoes, fish oil, & eggs.
o Benefits: Weight loss, fights disease, eye & skin health
• Vitamin B
o Found in: Whole grains (such as brown rice), green vegetables, & beans.
o Benefits: Aids in cell growth & development
• Vitamin C
o Found in: Many fruits & vegetables, such as potatoes, green beans.
o Benefits: Immune boosting promotes healing & fights illness
• Vitamin D
o Found in: Fish oil, egg yolks, beef & cottage cheese.
o Benefits: Strengthens bone & teeth
• Vitamin E
o Found in: Leafy green vegetables (like kale), seeds & whole grains.
o Benefits: Eye & skin health, a powerful antioxidant
• Vitamin K
o Found in: Leafy green vegetables, cabbage & fish.
o Benefits: Blood-clotting keeps bones strong
Minerals Minerals come from a variety of sources and play unique roles in conjunction with the
essential vitamins listed above.
• Calcium & Phosphorus
o Found in: Green beans, broccoli, and cauliflower (calcium). Meats, eggs &
fish (phosphorus)
o Benefits: Blood coagulation, muscle growth and nervous system function in
dogs
o Caution! Too much can cause fractures, bone deformities, & weakness.
Too little can lead to abnormal growth & development
• Potassium, Sodium & Chloride
o Found in: Fruits, vegetables, and grains.
o Benefits: Control the balance inside and outside the body's cells. Assists in the
function of muscles, nervous system & heart. Chloride helps in the production
of stomach acid.
o Caution! Imbalances can lead to weakness, hair loss, dehydration and in
some instances, paralysis. A deficiency in potassium means abnormal
heartbeat
• Magnesium
o Found in: Nuts, whole grains, and leafy vegetables.
o Benefits: Aids in muscle and bone development. Helps with calcium
absorption
o Caution! Magnesium, calcium & phosphorus are joined in pet health
harmony. One cannot function without the other.
• Sulphur
o Found in: Eggs, fish, meat & molasses.
o Benefits: Beautiful hair, nails & skin.
• Iron
o Found in: Red meats, fish, poultry, eggs, and legumes.
o Benefits: Oxygenating red blood cells, strengthening the immune system &
production of energy.
• Zinc
o Found in: Eggs, pork, liver, brewer's yeast, and lamb meat.
o Benefits: Boosts immune systems, aids in healthy hair and skin.
Protein digestion.
• Iodine
o Found in: Seafood, dairy, and kelp.
o Benefits: Production of thyroid hormone for metabolism.
• Selenium
o Found in: Seafood, meat, brown rice, and vegetables.
o Benefits: Paired with vitamin E to promote the immune system.
• Copper
o Found in: Seafood, whole grains, seeds, and legumes.
Benefits: Bone growth & promotes the use of iron
THE IMPORTANCE OF WATER FOR DOG NUTRITION
A balanced diet is not the only necessary part of keeping your dog healthy. Water for
drinking is also a very important part of your dog’s daily requirements and overall
nutrition. Water is the main component of healthy, living cells of the body. Without water,
your dog’s body will not be able to function properly. More specifically, your dog
will dehydrate. In order for your dog to get enough water daily, you need to provide
water along with a healthy, balanced diet (which also provides some moisture).
The purpose of water is to carry and move important nutrients into and out of the cells of
the body. It aids in the digestion of food and helps the body to absorb the nutrients.
Water also serves to cool the body down and works to maintain a normal body
temperature.
Water lubricates and cushions joints and makes movement easier. The spinal cord and
other internal tissues are also cushioned by moisture and wastes are removed from the
body through urination and bowel movements.
Basically, every important body function requires water and without adequate supply,
your dog can become ill quickly and become dehydrated. Organs will eventually
become damaged with sustained water deficiency. If the deficiency lasts long enough,
organs (such as kidneys, liver, etc.) will begin to shut down.
PROVIDING ADEQUATE WATER TO DOGS
To make sure that your dog always has enough water to keep him/her healthy, you must
provide clean, clear water daily that is easily accessible to your pet. Keep your dog’s
bowl filled at all times and always refill with fresh, clean water daily.
As a rule of thumb, dogs should drink approximately one ounce of water per pound of
body weight each day. There are many factors that can affect how much your dog will
drink, however. Depending on the environmental temperature and the amount of
exercise your dog performs during the day, more water may be necessary. This is
because water is lost due to excessive panting and salivation.
How Much Water Should a Dog Drink a Day? How much water should a dog drink exactly?
The answer depends on a few factors like his size, what he eats, his age, exercise, the
weather and any medications he takes. Here’s what you need to know.
• Size: On the average, a healthy dog drinks about 1/2 to 1 ounce of water per
pound of body weight per day.
• Food: A healthy diet is as important as water and the type of food your dog eats
affects his water intake. Dogs that eat only dry food will need a little more water
than those that eat canned. Also, avoid ingredients that can artificially increase
your dog’s thirst such as sodium.
• Age: Puppies need about a 1/2 cup every two hours and need to be closely
monitored. Senior dogs tend to naturally monitor themselves.
• Exercise: Bring water along on any exercise excursion with your dog. The bottles that
have the drop-down cup work well. After exercise, give your dog ice cubes to start
and then just a little water at a time to prevent bloat.
• Weather: Summer means more panting which means an increase in water intake.
• Medications: Check with your vet to see if you need to decrease or increase your
dog’s water intake while taking a medication.
Insuring Proper Hydration for Your Dog
Now that we’ve answered the question, “how much water should a dog drink,” let’s talk
about how to manage under-drinkers and over-drinkers. There are a few ways to manage
these pooches:
Under-Drinkers
• Behaviour Modification: Whenever your dog goes to get a drink, praise him and give
him a treat.
Strategic Placement: Keep water near his bed, near his food and
anywhere he normally plants himself.
• Up the Flavour: There are flavour packets such as chicken, bacon and beef that you can
add to your dog’s water to make it more tempting.
• Break Out the Broth: If your dog is refusing to drink water, offer him some chicken or beef
broth. Gradually add plain water into the mixture.
Over-Drinkers
• Free Refills: You can still leave water out in a bowl for your dog, but you need to ration it
during the day. This means several refills, so someone needs to be home to oblige.
• Automate It: The problem with most automatic water dispensers is they fill up whenever
the water gets low so you can’t control the amount. One option is to use an automatic
feeder instead, the kind that opens separate compartments at specified times.
• What’s Up Doc: For nighttime control, try using a rabbit water feeder in your dog’s crate.
The Canine Companion Club
Office: 32 Marriots Gate, Lutton, Spalding Lincolnshire PE12 9HN
Telephone: 01406 363806
The Canine Companion Club is a sister company to Norfolk K9 Training.