5 Essential Pet Food Nutrients in a Healthy Meal

1. Proper nutrition is essential for your pet's health and ability to survive. A balanced diet should include all essential nutrients for your pet, regardless of its age or physical activity. Look out for these five nutrients when you purchase pet food. This will help you decide how much your pet has eaten. Different animals need a different amount of these biomolecules so it's not one shoe fits all theory. 1. Proteins As the essential building blocks of tissues and bones, healthy proteins must be part of every pet's diet. Amino acid chains are essential for maintaining a healthy body and muscle structure. Proteins cannot be compromised in your pet’s food. There are two sources of proteins for pet food i. Animal protein This kind of protein www.petdoghk.com/ is a compulsory part of the diet for carnivorous pets. Most animal protein, also known as meat protein, comes from the skeletal or smooth muscles of animals that have been slaughtered. Choose the pet food with the largest amount of protein. Many food companies offer frozen meat, or they add it to dry food. Dry protein can be fed dry or soaked as per your pet's preference. ii. Plant protein All types of proteins herbivorous animals eat are from plants. These amino acids are usually obtained from grains, nuts, seeds which are either fed directly to animals or are crushed and mixed in the packed food. When you buy pet food, look out for the smaller portion of plant-based proteins too. 2. Carbohydrates Glucose is also a major energy source for animals. Most vets do not recommend too many carbs in pet food but it really depends on what your little friend likes. Just as we humans consume carbs based on how they would be metabolized in our body, animals need the same preference regarding the choice of carbohydrates. This means that there are two types carbs, and they each metabolize differently. i. Simple carbs These are the carbs in all tasty things. Means all refined things like white bread, pizza dough, etc. And also these are the carbs you need to be aware of the most as so many companies add these in pet food to make it delicious and appealing for animals. It might be a good idea to start with refined carbs if your pet is not eating anything. But getting them used to such carbs can be harmful in the long run. Simple carbs have high glycemic values which means they are absorbed quickly in the bloodstream of your pet

2. and can raise blood sugar levels. With frequent consumption, these high sugar levels would cause insulin resistance and diabetes which is common mostly among dogs and cats with no physical activity. ii.Complex carbs A bit lesser percentage of complex carbs than proteins is a good idea for pet food. They have a low glycemic index and take longer to digest which would keep your pet full for a longer time. When combined with healthy proteins, they can provide satiety and good health. It is important to limit the amount of nutrients that you eat. Before you buy pet food, check for the source and percentage of carbs in it. Whole grains and starchy veggies are the best sources. 3. Fats Fat sources usually appear with protein or carbohydrates portions, especially in dog food. But there are two different kinds of fats too and animals need them both at different stages. i. Saturated fats Not all animals need it, but most do. Saturated fats can be found in butter, milk, or bread with meat for domestic pets. These fats are essential in the building of the lipid portion of the cell membranes. This is why they are given to kittens and young dogs as well as cattle. If your pet lives in colder climates, you can add these fats into its food. Animals who do not have fur beat the cold by burning fats in their body. ii. Unsaturated fats These are called omega fatty acids, and they are essential for pets' development in the early stages. Nevertheless, pet food should contain small amounts of unsaturated fats. 4. Water content Many animals don't like to drink water or have difficulty digesting dry food. You can help them by soaking the pet food in water before you give it to them. This would keep them safe from digestive distress and dehydration. Dry pet food is better than wet, as it lacks important nutrients that can be absorbed water. 5. Micronutrients Along with water content and macronutrients, pet food requires vitamins, zinc, calcium, and many others in just a few milligrams for proper tissue growth and elasticity, healthy bones, and proper brain functioning. These nutrients act as co-factors, helping macronutrients to properly metabolize.