Canine Nutrition: Food Feeding and Function

Canine Nutrition: Food, Feeding, and Function is an essential guide for anyone who lives with dogs and wants to understand more about how to feed them properly. It provides a strong grounding in canine and nutritional science and offers practical approaches to supporting canine health, wellbeing, and activity through nutrition, with a firm evidence base in canine nutritional science.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 192 pages
Publication date: 20 February 2023
Publisher: The Crowood Press Ltd

Canine nutrition is a highly contentious subject in the dog community. Canine Nutrition: Food, Feeding, and Function seeks to assist dog owners in navigating the realm of dog food and feeding, and is a vital resource for anyone who lives with dogs and desires to learn more. This book provides a solid foundation in canine and nutritional science, introducing key concepts and fundamental knowledge of what dogs require nutritionally. It explores how our relationships with our dogs and our decision-making processes influence what and how we feed them, as well as how we can best fulfill their needs while also meeting our own. Throughout, practical approaches to supporting canine health, well-being, and activity through nutrition are examined in a clear and accessible manner, while also acknowledging the diverse range of food options available to dog owners. This is all accomplished with a strong evidence base in canine nutritional science.

The importance of proper nutrition for dogs cannot be overstated. Dogs are carnivores, which means their bodies require a high-protein diet to maintain healthy muscle mass, bones, and organs. However, not all dog food is created equal, and it is essential to choose a high-quality brand that meets your dog's specific nutritional needs.

One of the key factors to consider when choosing a dog food is the protein content. Dogs require a minimum of 18% protein in their diet, but some breeds may require more. Look for dog food that lists protein as the first ingredient, followed by a variety of healthy carbohydrates and fats.

Another important aspect of canine nutrition is the nutrient balance. Dogs require a wide range of vitamins and minerals to maintain their health, including vitamins A, B, C, D, E, and K, as well as minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, iron, and zinc. It is also important to ensure that the dog food contains adequate amounts of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which are essential for healthy skin and coat.

In addition to protein, carbohydrates, and fats, dog food should also contain a variety of other nutrients, such as fiber, antioxidants, and probiotics. Fiber is important for promoting healthy digestion, while antioxidants help protect against oxidative stress and inflammation. Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that can help support your dog's immune system and digestive health.

When feeding your dog, it is important to follow the recommended feeding guidelines provided by the dog food manufacturer. These guidelines will vary depending on the breed, size, and activity level of your dog, so it is essential to choose a food that is appropriate for your pet. It is also important to provide your dog with fresh water at all times and to avoid overfeeding, as this can lead to obesity and other health problems.

In conclusion, canine nutrition is a complex and important topic that requires careful consideration. By choosing a high-quality dog food that meets your dog's specific nutritional needs, providing them with fresh water, and following the recommended feeding guidelines, you can help ensure that your pet enjoys a healthy and happy life.

Weight: 414g
Dimension: 190 x 247 x 11 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780719841835