Basic Facts about Dog Nutrition

Similar to humans, dog's culinary likes and nutritional needs change through out their lives. The dog's health, age, activities, sexual maturity and environment all play a part in his food needs. It is interesting to note that wild dogs, which hunt for their food, eat the belly of their prey first. This area of the animal contains the intestines and stomach, which in the case of herbivores is full of vegetation. Even domesticated dogs that are also classed as carnivorous need to get this kind of well balanced diet in the course of their meals. Dogs that eat only meat can develop what is referred to as "all meat syndrome" which is the result of an imbalance of calcium and phosphorous ratios in their diets. The results of this syndrome can be fragile bones, weight loss, joint diseases, diarrhea and a poor looking coat.

The nutrients that dogs need are the same as humans: protein, fat and carbohydrates. Amazingly enough they even need them in about the same percentages as a human's daily calorie intake.