Feeding your dog the right diet can make a huge difference in their health and happiness.
Dogs need about 37 nutrients daily including proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and water to maintain optimal health and wellbeing.
Understanding your dog’s nutritional needs isn’t just about keeping their bowl full—it’s about providing them with the building blocks their body needs to thrive.
Your furry friend’s dietary requirements will change throughout their life.
Puppies need more calories and protein for growth, while senior dogs may benefit from fewer calories and special nutrients for ageing joints.
Many complete and balanced commercial dog foods are formulated to provide all the nutrients your dog needs. It’s important to choose the right food for your pet’s specific stage of life, size, and activity level.
You can also supplement your dog’s diet with certain fruits and vegetables.
Carrots, broccoli, and strawberries can be healthy alternatives to processed treats.
However, creating a fully homemade diet for your dog can be complicated, so consult with your vet before making major changes to your dog’s nutrition plan.
Key Takeaways
- Dogs require a balanced diet with proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals to maintain good health throughout their lives.
- Your dog’s nutritional needs change with age, size, and activity level, requiring adjustments to their diet at different life stages.
- While commercial dog foods offer complete nutrition, some fresh fruits and vegetables can be healthy additions to your dog’s diet when given appropriately.
Canine Nutritional Fundamentals
Dogs require specific nutrients to thrive, with proper balance being essential to their overall health.
Getting the right mix of energy sources, proteins, vitamins, and minerals can make a significant difference in your dog’s wellbeing.
Understanding Energy Requirements
Dogs need the right amount of energy from their food to maintain healthy body functions. This energy requirement is often measured as Maintenance Energy Requirement (MER), which varies based on several factors.
A dog’s energy needs depend on:
- Age (puppies need more calories per kg than seniors)
- Activity level (working dogs require up to twice the energy of pet dogs)
- Size and breed (smaller breeds often need more calories per kg than larger breeds)
- Health status (illness or recovery periods may increase requirements)
To determine if you’re feeding the proper amount, monitor your dog’s weight regularly.
A healthy dog should have a visible waist when viewed from above and ribs that can be felt but not seen.
Overfeeding leads to obesity, while underfeeding can cause malnutrition. Both extremes shorten your dog’s lifespan and quality of life.
Importance of Proteins
Proteins are fundamental building blocks for your dog’s body and essential within their diet.
Dogs require proteins for muscle development, immune function, and overall cellular health.
High-quality protein sources for dogs include:
- Animal-based proteins (chicken, beef, lamb, fish)
- Eggs (complete protein with all essential amino acids)
- Some plant-based proteins (although less complete than animal sources)
What makes proteins crucial is that they break down into amino acids during digestion.
Dogs require 22 amino acids, with 10 being “essential” – meaning they must come from food as dogs cannot produce them internally.
These essential amino acids include arginine, histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan, and valine. Without adequate amounts of these, your dog may develop health issues including poor coat condition, muscle wasting, and reduced immunity.
Vital Vitamins for Health
Vitamins play critical roles in your dog’s metabolism and overall health. These organic compounds support everything from vision to bone growth and immune function.
Key vitamins your dog needs include:
Fat-soluble vitamins:
- Vitamin A: Supports vision, immune function, and cell growth
- Vitamin D: Crucial for calcium absorption and bone health
- Vitamin E: Acts as an antioxidant, protecting cells
- Vitamin K: Essential for proper blood clotting
Water-soluble vitamins:
- B-complex vitamins: Aid energy metabolism and nervous system function
- Vitamin C: While dogs produce this naturally, supplementation may help during stress
Most complete and balanced dog foods contain adequate vitamin levels.
However, homemade diets require careful planning to avoid deficiencies or excesses, as both can cause health problems.
Essential Minerals
Minerals are inorganic nutrients vital for numerous bodily functions in dogs. They support everything from bone development to nerve transmission and fluid balance.
Important minerals in canine nutrition include:
Macrominerals (needed in larger amounts):
- Calcium and phosphorus: Crucial for bone and teeth formation (maintain proper ratios)
- Sodium and potassium: Regulate fluid balance and nerve function
- Magnesium: Supports muscle and nerve function
Microminerals (needed in trace amounts):
- Iron: Essential for oxygen transport in blood
- Zinc: Supports immune function and skin health
- Copper: Necessary for red blood cell formation
- Selenium: Works as an antioxidant
Mineral balance is crucial. Too little can cause deficiencies, while too much may lead to toxicity.
For example, excessive calcium can cause skeletal problems in large-breed puppies.
The perfect diet depends on your dog’s individual needs including age, size, and activity level. Commercial foods labelled as “complete” should provide appropriate mineral levels.
Dietary Requirements for Different Dog Life Stages
Dogs have unique nutritional needs that change throughout their lives. Proper nutrition supports growth in puppies, maintains health in adult dogs, and addresses age-related concerns in senior pets.
Puppy Nutrition
Puppies require more calories and nutrients than adult dogs to support their rapid growth and development. They need diets with higher protein content to build strong muscles and develop properly.
Calcium and phosphorus are critical minerals for puppies. They help build strong bones and teeth, but the ratio between these minerals must be carefully balanced to prevent skeletal problems, especially in large breeds.
Puppies should eat 3-4 meals daily until six months of age, then transition to twice-daily feeding. Their food should contain:
- Higher protein (22-32%)
- Higher fat (8-17%)
- Essential fatty acids for brain development
- DHA for cognitive function and eye development
Select food specifically formulated for growth or puppy life stages that meets AAFCO standards for complete and balanced nutrition.
Adult Dog Dietary Needs
Adult dogs require balanced nutrition to maintain their body condition and support their activity level.
Their calorie needs are typically lower than puppies but vary based on activity level, metabolism, and breed.
The ideal adult dog diet provides complete nutrition without excess calories that could lead to weight gain. Most adult dogs do well on diets containing:
- Moderate protein (18-25%)
- Moderate fat (10-15%)
- Complex carbohydrates for energy
- Fibre for digestive health
You should feed your adult dog twice daily to maintain stable blood sugar levels.
Portion control is crucial as many adult dogs tend to become overweight without proper feeding guidelines.
Monitor your dog’s body condition regularly and adjust portions as needed. An ideal weight allows you to feel the ribs without excessive fat covering.
Senior Dogs Nutrition
Senior dogs (typically 7+ years for larger breeds, 10+ for smaller breeds) have different nutritional requirements that address age-related changes.
They often need fewer calories due to decreased activity and metabolism, but require high-quality protein to prevent muscle loss.
Joint-supporting nutrients become increasingly important for older dogs:
Key nutrients for senior dogs:
- Glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health
- Antioxidants to combat cellular aging
- Omega-3 fatty acids for inflammation reduction
- L-carnitine for maintaining muscle mass
Many senior dogs benefit from foods with enhanced digestibility and moderate protein levels (18-22%) that support kidney function while preventing muscle wasting.
Consider dividing meals into smaller, more frequent portions if your senior dog has digestive issues.
Also, ensure fresh water is always available as older dogs may be more prone to dehydration.
Evaluating Commercial Dog Foods
Choosing the right commercial dog food requires understanding labels and industry standards.
Quality dog foods provide balanced nutrition that meets your pet’s specific needs based on age, size, and health condition.
Interpreting Pet Food Labels
Pet food labels contain vital information about what’s inside the packaging.
Look for a complete and balanced statement, which indicates the food meets minimum nutritional requirements. The ingredients list shows components in order of weight, with the heaviest items first.
The guaranteed analysis section tells you the minimum percentages of protein and fat, and maximum percentages of fibre and moisture.
Many commercial dog diets vary significantly in their actual nutrient content compared to what’s listed.
Pay attention to feeding guidelines, but remember these are just starting points. Your dog’s individual needs may vary based on activity level, metabolism, and environment.
Pet Food Industry Standards
The pet food industry follows regulatory standards to ensure safety and nutritional adequacy. In the European Union, the European Pet Food Industry Federation (FEDIAF) establishes guidelines that manufacturers should follow.
These standards define minimum nutrient requirements and maximum limits for various ingredients. Quality control measures include testing for nutritional value and microbiological safety to prevent contamination.
Different types of dog foods, such as grain-free versus grain-containing formulas, have significant differences in protein and amino acid content. When evaluating options, consider that premium brands often undergo more rigorous testing.
You should assess multiple nutritional aspects when choosing dog food, not just protein content or ingredient quality alone.
Feeding Practices and Portion Control
Proper feeding practices and portion control are essential for maintaining your dog’s health and preventing obesity. Smart choices about how much and how often to feed can make a significant difference to your pet’s wellbeing.
Determining the Right Portion Size
Dogs need specific amounts of food based on their size, age, activity level and metabolic rate. To find the right portion size, you should calculate your dog’s daily calorie requirements, often called Metabolic Energy Requirements (MER).
A simple starting formula:
- Inactive/older dogs: 25-30 calories per kg of body weight
- Average adult dogs: 30-35 calories per kg of body weight
- Active/working dogs: 35-40+ calories per kg of body weight
Food packaging guidelines offer general suggestions, but these often overestimate needs. Adjust portions by monitoring your dog’s weight and body condition score regularly.
Portion size directly affects consumption – dogs tend to eat more when given larger portions. Use a measuring cup or scale for accuracy rather than estimating by eye.
Feeding Frequency and Schedules
Most adult dogs benefit from eating once or twice daily on a consistent schedule. Puppies require more frequent meals – typically three to four times daily until 6 months of age.
Establishing regular mealtimes helps:
- Regulate digestion
- Prevent hunger-related behaviour issues
- Make house training more predictable
- Allow medication timing if needed
Free feeding (leaving food out all day) isn’t recommended for most dogs as it can lead to overeating and makes monitoring intake difficult. It may work for highly self-regulating dogs but rarely suits most pets.
Set mealtimes should be consistent daily. If your dog doesn’t eat within 15-20 minutes, consider removing the food until the next scheduled feeding to reinforce good eating habits and maintain healthy feeding patterns.
Specialised Diets and Nutritional Adjustments
Some dogs require tailored nutrition plans to address specific health concerns and conditions. These specialised approaches help manage existing issues and can prevent future complications.
Allergies and Sensitivities
Dogs can develop food allergies or sensitivities just like humans. Common allergens include beef, dairy, wheat, chicken, and soy. If your dog shows symptoms like itching, ear infections, or digestive problems, they might need a special diet.
Signs of food allergies:
- Excessive scratching or licking
- Recurring ear infections
- Gastrointestinal issues (vomiting, diarrhoea)
- Red, inflamed skin
Elimination diets involve feeding your dog a novel protein (one they’ve never eaten) to identify triggers. Hydrolysed protein diets, where proteins are broken down into smaller, less allergenic pieces, can also help.
Limited ingredient diets (LIDs) contain fewer components, making it easier to avoid allergens. Many specialised diets now offer grain-free options, though these should be chosen carefully based on veterinary advice.
Weight Management
Maintaining proper weight is crucial for your dog’s overall health. Obesity increases risk of diabetes, joint problems, and heart disease.
Weight management diets typically feature:
- Reduced calorie content
- Higher fibre to maintain fullness
- Balanced protein to preserve muscle mass
- Controlled fat levels
Portion control remains essential even with weight management foods. Follow feeding guidelines and adjust based on your dog’s activity level and progress.
Regular weight checks and body condition scoring help track your dog’s progress. Aim for gradual weight loss—about 1-2% of body weight per week is ideal for overweight dogs.
Exercise partnered with diet creates the best results. Increase activity gradually, especially for previously sedentary dogs.
Prescription Diets
Veterinary prescription diets address specific medical conditions and are formulated with precise nutrient profiles. These diets require veterinary recommendation and monitoring.
Common conditions requiring prescription diets:
- Kidney disease (reduced phosphorus, controlled protein)
- Liver disease (modified protein sources, increased zinc)
- Heart conditions (sodium-restricted formulas)
- Urinary issues (controlled mineral levels)
- Diabetes (consistent carbohydrate content)
These diets contain balanced nutrition specifically modified to manage or improve health conditions. Many include omega-3 fatty acids for their anti-inflammatory benefits.
Prescription diets might seem costly, but they often reduce medication needs and veterinary visits. Always transition gradually to any new diet over 7-10 days to avoid digestive upset.
Regularly review the diet plan with your veterinarian, as nutritional needs may change as your dog’s condition improves or progresses.
The Role of Fats and Fatty Acids in Canine Health
Fats provide essential energy and support many bodily functions in dogs. Dogs actually need essential fatty acids (EFAs) in their diet because they cannot produce these important nutrients on their own.
Omega-3 and Omega-6
Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are crucial components of your dog’s diet. Both types are considered essential fatty acids because dogs’ bodies cannot manufacture them naturally.
Omega-6 fatty acids primarily come from plant oils and some animal fats. These help maintain skin health, coat shine, and support proper cellular function. Your dog needs a good supply of omega-6 for normal growth and development.
Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish oils and some plant sources, play a different but equally important role. They help reduce inflammation throughout the body and support brain development. The ratio between omega-6 and omega-3 matters greatly—most experts recommend a balance of 5:1 to 10:1 for optimal canine health.
Many quality dog foods now include a proper balance of these essential fatty acids, but supplements might be recommended in certain cases.
Benefits of Fatty Acids
Fatty acids provide numerous health benefits beyond basic nutrition for your dog. They serve as building blocks for cells and help control inflammation at the cellular level.
Dogs who receive adequate fatty acids often display:
- Healthier skin and shinier coats
- Reduced inflammation in joints and other tissues
- Improved cognitive function, especially in older dogs
- Better heart health and circulatory system support
- Enhanced immune system response
Interestingly, dogs fed high-fat diets have greater capacity to burn fatty acids and may perform at higher levels physically. Athletic and working dogs particularly benefit from proper fatty acid intake.
Fat also improves the palatability of your dog’s food, making it more appealing. Even more importantly, fat helps your dog absorb fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K) that are essential for overall health.
Understanding and Preventing Nutritional Disorders
Proper nutrition is vital for preventing health problems in dogs. Feeding your dog a complete and balanced diet helps avoid both excess weight and nutrient deficiencies that can lead to serious conditions.
Obesity in Dogs
Obesity is one of the most common nutritional disorders in dogs today. When your dog consumes more calories than they burn, the excess is stored as fat. This extra weight puts strain on their joints, heart and other organs.
Signs of canine obesity include:
- Difficulty feeling ribs under fat
- Missing waistline when viewed from above
- Decreased activity level
- Heavy breathing after mild exercise
To prevent obesity, measure your dog’s food carefully rather than feeding “free choice”. Treats should make up less than 10% of daily calories to avoid nutritional imbalances.
Remember that feeding your dog a slice of toast is equivalent to a human eating a portion of chips! Exercise is equally important for weight management.
Malnutrition and Deficiencies
Dogs require specific nutrients to maintain health. Deficiencies can cause serious problems.
Unlike humans, dogs need a combination of both plant and animal foods to meet their nutritional requirements.
Common signs of nutritional deficiencies include:
- Poor coat quality and skin problems
- Lethargy and weakness
- Digestive issues
- Slow wound healing
- Behavioural changes
To prevent deficiencies, feed your dog a high-quality commercial food formulated for their life stage. If you prepare homemade food, consult with a veterinary nutritionist.
They can ensure it contains appropriate levels of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals. Regular veterinary check-ups can help identify nutritional problems before they become severe.
Alternative Feeding Options
Many dog owners are exploring feeding options beyond commercial kibble. These alternatives can offer fresh ingredients and customisable nutrition plans that may benefit some dogs with specific needs.
Raw Diets
Raw diets typically include uncooked meat, bones, fruits, and vegetables. These alternative pet diets aim to mimic what dogs might eat in the wild.
Supporters believe raw feeding can improve coat quality, energy levels, and dental health.
However, raw diets require careful planning to ensure nutritional balance. They also carry risks of bacterial contamination from uncooked meat, which can affect both pets and humans.
If you’re considering a raw diet, consult your vet first. They can help you understand:
- Proper food handling techniques
- Necessary nutritional components
- Safety precautions for preparation
- Whether your dog has health conditions that might make raw feeding unsuitable
Homemade Meal Plans
Creating homemade dog food gives you complete control over what goes into your pet’s bowl. You can select high-quality ingredients and avoid additives or allergens that might affect your dog.
Balanced homemade meals should include protein sources like lean meats, carbohydrates such as rice or sweet potatoes, and vegetables. Some fruits and vegetables like carrots, broccoli and strawberries make excellent treats.
The challenge with homemade feeding is achieving proper nutritional balance. Dogs need specific amounts of:
- Proteins and amino acids
- Calcium and phosphorus in correct ratios
- Essential vitamins and minerals
- Appropriate fats and carbohydrates
Work with a veterinary nutritionist to create a meal plan that meets all your dog’s dietary requirements.
Supplements and Nutraceuticals for Dogs
Proper supplementation can fill nutritional gaps in your dog’s diet, addressing specific health concerns. Nutraceuticals are naturally occurring substances that provide health benefits beyond basic nutrition.
Joint Health Supplements
Joint supplements are vital for dogs with mobility issues, especially ageing pets or breeds prone to arthritis.
Glucosamine and chondroitin sulphate are among the most common ingredients that support cartilage repair and reduce inflammation.
These compounds help maintain joint fluid viscosity and slow cartilage degradation. For optimal results, look for supplements that combine these ingredients with MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) for additional anti-inflammatory benefits.
Omega-3 fatty acids from marine sources are particularly beneficial for reducing joint inflammation. They work by decreasing inflammatory compounds in the body and have been shown to improve mobility in arthritic dogs.
The timing of supplementation matters—starting before severe symptoms appear can provide preventative benefits for at-risk breeds.
Skin and Coat Enhancements
Skin and coat supplements can transform your dog’s appearance while addressing underlying health issues.
Omega-6 fatty acids found in evening primrose oil or borage oil help maintain skin moisture and elasticity.
Key supplements for healthy skin and coat:
- Vitamin E (antioxidant that protects skin cells)
- Biotin (B vitamin that strengthens hair follicles)
- Zinc (essential for healing and protein synthesis)
- Fish oil (reduces inflammation and adds shine)
Omega-3 fatty acids not only improve coat shine but also help reduce itching and inflammation in dogs with allergies. For best results, combine external supplements with a balanced diet.
Herbal extracts like calendula and chamomile can provide additional soothing properties for irritated skin when included in quality supplements.
Practical Tips for Dog Owners
Feeding your dog properly isn’t just about buying the right food; it’s about understanding the nutritional needs of your pet and adapting to them over time. Good feeding habits help prevent health issues and ensure your furry friend stays happy.
Creating a Balanced Diet at Home
A properly balanced diet for your dog should include proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. When preparing meals at home, ensure you’re meeting all these requirements.
Key components of a homemade dog diet:
- High-quality protein sources (lean meats, eggs)
- Healthy fats (fish oil, flaxseed)
- Complex carbohydrates (brown rice, sweet potatoes)
- Fresh vegetables (carrots, peas, green beans)
- Limited fruit (berries, apples without seeds)
Avoid feeding your dog table scraps or human foods that can be toxic, such as onions, garlic, chocolate, and grapes. These can cause serious digestive issues or even poisoning.
Always introduce new foods gradually and watch for allergic reactions or digestive upset.
Integrating Nutritional Advice
When incorporating new feeding advice, do so gradually over 7-10 days to prevent tummy upsets. Mix increasing amounts of new food with decreasing amounts of the current food.
Tips for following nutritional advice:
- Measure portions carefully rather than guessing
- Adjust amounts based on your dog’s activity level
- Monitor weight regularly and adjust portions accordingly
- Consider life stage (puppy, adult, senior) when planning meals
Your dog’s ideal weight should guide feeding amounts, not just what’s on the packet. Slightly reduce portions if your dog is gaining unwanted weight.
Keep a food diary to track what works well and any adverse reactions. This helps identify patterns and preferences that can inform better feeding decisions.
Behavioural Considerations and Nutrition
What your dog eats directly affects how they behave and feel. Proper nutrition can influence mood stability, energy levels, and even anxiety in dogs.
Diet Impact on Canine Behaviour
Poor diet quality can lead to behavioural issues in dogs, including fearfulness, reduced focus, and low energy levels.
When dogs receive adequate nutrients, their brain chemistry improves, which positively impacts their behaviour and overall mood.
High-sugar foods and artificial additives may contribute to hyperactivity and attention difficulties in some dogs. These ingredients can cause blood sugar spikes followed by crashes, creating erratic behaviour patterns.
Protein levels are particularly important for behaviour regulation. Too little protein may result in lethargy, while excessive protein might increase excitability in sensitive dogs.
It’s worth noting that dietary changes alone cannot replace proper training. Think of nutrition as a supportive tool rather than a complete solution for behavioural challenges.
Nutritional Calming Aids
Several nutrients and supplements can help promote calming effects in anxious or hyperactive dogs:
- L-tryptophan: An amino acid that helps produce serotonin, supporting mood regulation
- L-theanine: Found naturally in tea, can reduce stress and promote relaxation
- Casein: A milk protein with natural calming properties
Complex carbohydrates that release energy slowly can help maintain steady blood glucose levels, preventing mood swings related to sugar spikes. Wholegrains like brown rice and oats are excellent choices.
Omega-3 fatty acids support brain health and may reduce aggression in some dogs. Fish oil supplements or foods high in these nutrients can be beneficial for dogs with behavioural challenges.
Always consult your veterinarian before adding supplements to your dog’s diet, especially if they’re taking medications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Dog nutrition involves understanding balanced diets, proper feeding portions, and essential nutrients that keep your canine healthy throughout all life stages. These answers address common concerns about creating nutritious meals and preventing deficiencies.
What constitutes a balanced diet for dogs?
A balanced dog diet contains proper proportions of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals.
Proteins should make up about 18-25% of an adult dog’s diet. High-quality animal proteins are the most beneficial.
Fats are crucial for energy and typically should comprise 10-15% of the diet.
Complete and balanced diets provide all essential nutrients in the correct amounts and proportions for your dog’s specific life stage.
Carbohydrates, while not technically essential, provide valuable energy and fibre. Water is also a vital component that must be fresh and available at all times.
How can one create a nutritious homemade diet for their canine?
Creating homemade dog food requires careful planning to ensure nutritional completeness.
Start with a protein source like lean meats, which should comprise roughly 50% of the meal.
Add appropriate carbohydrates such as brown rice or sweet potatoes for about 25% of the meal. Include vegetables for the remaining 25% to provide fibre and essential vitamins.
Consult your veterinarian or a canine nutritionist before starting a homemade diet. They may recommend specific supplements to prevent deficiencies that commonly occur in homemade preparations.
Which vitamins and minerals are crucial for a dog’s health?
Calcium and phosphorus are essential for bone health, with the ratio between them being particularly important. Adult dogs need a calcium-to-phosphorus ratio of about 1.2:1.
Vitamins A, D, E, and K are fat-soluble vitamins crucial for vision, immune function, and blood clotting. Meanwhile, B vitamins support energy metabolism and nervous system function.
Zinc, iron, and selenium play vital roles in immune function and cellular health. Inadequate levels of these minerals can lead to skin problems, anaemia, and reduced immunity.
How should one adjust a dog’s diet as they age?
Puppies require more calories and protein per kilogram of body weight than adult dogs to support growth. They typically need food specifically formulated for growth with higher protein content.
Middle-aged dogs generally require maintenance diets with balanced nutrients.
As your dog enters their senior years (typically around 7-10 years depending on breed), they often need fewer calories but increased levels of certain nutrients.
Senior dogs benefit from foods with enhanced antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids for joint health, and sometimes reduced phosphorus levels for kidney function. Adjust portions as metabolism slows to prevent obesity in older dogs.
What are the recommended portions for feeding a dog based on their size?
Small breeds (under 10kg) typically need about 40-60 calories per kilogram of body weight daily. Their higher metabolism means they often require more calories per kilogram than larger breeds.
Meanwhile, medium breeds (10-25kg) generally require 30-40 calories per kilogram daily. Large breeds (over 25kg) usually need only 20-30 calories per kilogram of body weight due to their lower metabolic rates.
Rather than relying on calorie counts per cup, measure food by weight for accuracy. Adjust portions based on activity level, neuter status, and individual metabolism to maintain ideal weight.
Are there any common nutritional deficiencies to be aware of in dogs?
Calcium deficiency is common in homemade diets that lack proper bone content or supplements. This can lead to skeletal issues, especially in growing puppies.
Essential fatty acid deficiencies, particularly omega-3s, can cause poor coat quality, skin inflammation, and reduced immune function. These are often missing in diets heavy in processed foods.
Vitamin B12 deficiency may occur in dogs with digestive disorders or those on strictly plant-based diets. Signs include lethargy, poor appetite, and neurological issues.
Regular nutritional assessments can help identify and address potential deficiencies before they cause health problems.
