Canine Nutrition & Digestion · 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

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.