Nutrition For the Health of Your Puppy

There was a time when nobody has a second thought to whether their dogs nutritional needs were met. At this time, all the old dog would do. But now, after study and research, we have learned that a high-quality food, wet or dry dog will impact our health. A quality dog food has minimal fillers, vitamins and minerals, and is appropriate for dogs life stage. Dogs are not naturally produce all the nutrients they need, so they depend on us to feed, then quality, nutrient rich dog food.
It has been a trend in recent years to feed dogs bones and raw food, or "BARF", as it is known. The idea is to feed dogs, what they ate in the wilderness before they were domesticated. The truth is, it is dangerous for your dog by toxins, food borne bacteria, intestinal obstruction and the possibility of intestinal perforation. If you stop to think about, you know, dogs do not live as long or even in the wilderness, as they do now.
In this article, I will discuss only a few of the major nutrients necessary for a healthy dog. A food item that you may not be familiar with iodine. Iodine is vital for the smooth functioning of the thyroid. Just like in humans, the thyroid plays an important role in regulating metabolism and growth. Symptoms of hypothyroidism, not enough thyroid hormones include poor growth, weight gain and hair loss, and weakness and irritability.
Zinc is a mineral that works with red blood cells, carbon dioxide from the tissues of the lungs. Zinc also promotes normal growth and wound healing. Zinc toxicity is rarely a problem, but certain breeds, like Siberian Huskies and Alaskan Malamute have an inability to absorb zinc. The most common problems associated with zinc deficiency is a skin condition known as "zinc dermatosis react." Symptoms include hair loss and dry, Crusty skin around the head, face and legs and a dry, dull skin. Zinc can be supplemented by a good, quality PET-vitamin. A high-quality, all natural vitamin-PET contains ingredients that aid in the intake of zinc.

Two other well-known dietary supplements are glucosamine and chondroitin. These nutrients are especially beneficial for older dogs and large dogs to breed, because they treat osteoarthritis. Glucosamine and Chondroitin ease joint pain in the hips and other joints. They are also to aid healing after spine or joint surgery. The use of these two additions have pain eased enough for some dogs, if they are to be more active later in their senior years. Glucosamine works by providing the necessary elements for the joints for the production of new cartilage. Chondroitin fighting enzymes, degradation of cartilage. Pets can stay on glucosamine and chondroitin for an indefinite period.
These are just some of the many nutrients needed for your dogs health. Thanks to research and study by veterinarians and other scientists, we are now able to extend the life of our beloved dogs as long as possible by providing the best food available.