Canine Nutrition Basics

Dog owners who buy foods with natural preservatives should be sure to check the

"best by" date on the package.

The ingredients and labeling of dog food are regulated in two ways.

-The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) enforces laws requiring that pet foods, like foods for people, be safe to eat, produced under sanitary conditions, free of harmful substances and truthfully labeled. -In addition to the FDA rules, most states follow more specific standards set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials.

There are __ minerals that are essential for dogs.

12

Dogs are considered overweight when they are ___ percent above their ideal weight.

20

Most owners feed their dogs well-known brands of commercial wet or dry dog foods. However, there is a growing movement of pet owners who are skeptical about the quality and safety of commercial dog foods and the effectiveness of the agencies regulating pet foods. This movement gained momentum in ___, when hundreds of pets in several countries died from melamine contamination in commercial foods. The contamination was traced to gluten products from China.

2007

The AAFCO's Dog Food Nutrient Profile says food for adult dogs should contain at least 18 percent protein, while foods for puppies must have at least ___ percent protein.

22

A food with a qualifying word such as "dinner," "platter," "fare," "formula" or "entrée" in its name only has to have ___ percent of the named ingredient, not counting water. In the case of a food labeled "beef dinner for dogs," beef might make up only 25 percent of the food by weight, and it might be the third or fourth ingredient listed.

25

Dog foods are not required to have a particular percentage of carbohydrates. Most contain between

30 percent and 70 percent carbohydrates.

Some scientists think the first dogs may have started to live alongside humans more than _____ years ago

30,000

The Dog Food Nutrient Profile requires that foods for adult dogs have at least __ percent fat; puppy foods must have 8 percent fat.

5

Commercial dog foods typically have many times more omega-6 fatty acids than omega-3s. Some research indicates that the optimal ratio of omega-6s to omega-3s is between

5 to 1 and 10 to 1.

Grains such as corn, rice, wheat and barley make up ___ percent of some commercial dog foods. Critics argue that grain is a cheap filler that is not as digestible or nutritious as meat. They insist that dogs should be eating more like their wild ancestors. In recent years, a growing number of grain-free dog foods have appeared on the market.

70

Under AAFCO rules, if a food claims to be "beef for dogs" or "chicken for dogs," the named ingredient must make up at least ___ percent of the product, not counting water. With water taken into account, the named ingredient must still be 70 percent of the food.

95

-Dry foods may be less appealing to dogs than wet foods, but they are more convenient for owners. -They are generally less expensive. -They can be stored in a tightly closed bucket at room temperature for long periods or left in a pet's bowl for hours. -Also, dry foods may be better for a dog's teeth because they scrape off some tartar, although dogs tend to wolf down their food without chewing much, so this benefit is limited.

Advantages of Dry dog food

The Food and Drug Administration and some veterinarians warn that there are potential problems with raw diets. A scientific analysis of homemade diets showed they tended to be deficient in some nutrients and to have too much of others. There is also a danger of salmonella or listeria poisoning to both dogs who eat raw meats and owners who handle them, the FDA warns. Bones may damage a dog's teeth or cause choking or internal punctures. Also, a raw diet is generally quite a bit more expensive than a commercial dry or canned food.

Arguments Against a Raw Diet

Advocates say their pets have shinier coats, cleaner teeth and more energy when they eat a raw diet. These advocates say it is worth the extra expense to make sure their dogs are getting wholesome and appropriate foods. They insist that concern over food poisoning is overblown because dog owners handling raw meats know they must follow proper safety procedures just as they would when preparing meat for people to eat.1

Arguments for a Raw Diet

As the dog food industry grew, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) began regulating the safety of pet food. The ______, a voluntary organization, began publishing and updating a Dog Food Nutrient Profile based on the current scientific understanding of canine nutritional needs.

Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO)

This is a group of local, state and federal officials that defines ingredients and sets nutritional requirements. It also establishes standards for pet food names, nutrition claims and feeding directions.

Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO)

A raw diet for dogs has become increasingly popular in recent years as an alternative to dry or canned foods. Advocates say dogs thrive on a diet similar to what their wild ancestors ate. An Australian veterinarian first popularized a raw diet for dogs in the 1990s. He used the acronym ____, which stands for either Bones and Raw Food or Biologically Appropriate Raw Food. The idea attracted the attention of more dog owners after the recall of melamine-tainted pet foods in 2007

BARF

Through most of the long partnership between humans and dogs, people fed their pets whatever they could spare—bread crusts, vegetable trimmings, meat scraps, and perhaps a bone or two. It wasn't until 1860 that the first commercial dog food— a type of biscuit—was sold in England. By the 1920s, dog owners could buy canned foods made of horsemeat. After World War II, an economic boom caused demand for both canned and dry dog food to soar. In the 1950s, manufacturers figured out how to produce kibble with equipment designed for making breakfast cereal.

Canine Nutrition through the Years

____-____ foods are not as easily digested as meats, but dogs have evolved an enhanced ability to digest starchy foods.

Carbohydrate-rich

-Wet foods in general are more expensive than dry foods -While the cans (and some rolls) can sit on the shelf for a long time, once they are opened, they are less convenient to store—they must be refrigerated. -Wet dog food shouldn't be left in the pet's dish for hours because of the risk of spoilage.

Disadvantages to wet food

True or False: AAFCO rules require calorie information on dog food packages

False, they do not require it

The ingredients for kibble are mixed together and mashed up into dough. Then the mixture is cooked under high heat and pressure. The cooked dough is forced—or extruded—like Play-Doh through holes and then cut into pieces. When the dough emerges from the high-pressure cooker, it puffs up. The puffed pieces are put through a drier and then sprayed with nutrients and oil. Manufacturers usually add preservatives to keep the dry food from turning rancid. Then the food is packaged and sealed.

How Dry Food Is Made

To make wet dog food, manufacturers grind meat and meat byproducts to the desired texture. They may add texturized vegetable protein to make pieces that look like meat chunks. The meat products are mixed with grains, minerals and vitamins, along with gravy or gel to hold the mixture together. The food is slow-cooked and then poured into cans or pouches. A special cooker applies heat and pressure to kill bacteria and pressure-seal the cans.

How Wet Food Is Made

____ maintains thyroid function and helps regulate metabolism.

Iodine

_____ is necessary to form hemoglobin, the molecule in red blood cells that carry oxygen.

Iron

______ are used in dry dog foods to keep fats in them from turning rancid.

Preservatives

While the AAFCO makes rules about ingredients and labeling, it does not have any enforcement powers and does not actually test and certify dog foods. ___ ___ ___ ____ are responsible for enforcing rules about pet food ingredients and labeling.

State feed-control officials

Can changing what a dog eats reduce behavior problems?

The answer may be "yes" in some cases, although the research on nutrition and canine behavior is limited. Veterinary scientists have more work to do to confirm that changes in diet can reduce problem behaviors and make dogs more receptive to training.

True or False: While artificial preservatives keep dry foods from going bad for up to a year, foods with natural preservatives have a shorter shelf life.

True

Vitamin __ is important for vision, growth and immune function.

Vitamin A

Vitamin __ helps maintain proper levels of minerals.

Vitamin D

Vitamin __ is an antioxidant that protects cells from damage.

Vitamin E

-Usually have more meat than dry foods. -Usually don't contain preservatives as dry foods do because the canning process preserves the food. -Dogs generally find the smell and taste of wet foods more appealing. -Can benefit a dog that is a picky eater or has health problems that affect appetite. -Canned foods obviously contain much more water than dry foods, so they can be a good choice in hot weather or for dogs that don't drink enough water. -They also are easier to eat for dogs with sore or missing teeth

Wet food advantages

_____ is essential for cell reproduction, wound healing and keeping skin healthy.

Zinc

A food meeting the basic requirements "for maintenance" is suitable for

adult dogs with a normal activity level.

Like the wolf, the dog has a short digestive tract that is suited to digesting

all kinds of meat

The building blocks of proteins are

amino acids.

The protein in dog foods can come from

animal sources, plant sources or both

There is some research showing that nutrients can play a role in slowing mental decline in older dogs. In one series of studies, researchers added ______ to the diet of older dogs. The dogs were able to learn complex tasks better than a control group could. Another study showed that older dogs fed a diet rich in ______ had fewer age-related behavioral changes such as excessive licking and pacing.

antioxidants

Obese dogs are at higher risk for

arthritis, diabetes, high blood pressure and some kinds of cancer.

Another nutrient that has been studied to see how it affects animal behavior is the essential fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid, or DHA. In people, DHA has been linked to reduced inflammation and improved mental functioning. In one study, rodents fed extra DHA became

better learners, while rodents that didn't get enough DHA developed learning problems.

The AAFCO ingredient listings define several kinds of meat ingredients in dog foods. First there is actual meat or poultry. The ingredient lists of ____-____ dog foods often specify the actual source of meat—beef, lamb or chicken, for example. Some foods list just "meat," but critics say that leaves the consumer guessing about the source of the meat.

better-quality

How much food does a dog need? The answer depends on many factors, including

breed, size, age and activity level.

Dogs need ____ and ____ to build strong bones and teeth.

calcium and phosphorous

The best way to compare the appropriate servings of different products is to look at the ____ ____

calorie count.

Fats are the most concentrated source of energy, and they also play an important role in

cell structure and function.

Dogs, like people, may show signs of mental decline as they age. Some senior dogs experience a form of dementia called _____ ____ ____. An older dog may begin to act disoriented, lose interest in socializing, have accidents in the house or experience sleep disruptions.1

cognitive dysfunction disorder

Dog food makers use all kinds of wording on their labels to appeal to dog owners. Some of these label claims mean something, but others do not. For example, dog foods that claim to be "organic" must meet the U.S. Department of Agriculture's rules for organic human foods. However, dog foods that claim to be "premium," "super-premium" or "gourmet" are not required to contain any special ingredients. They simply must meet the same standards as any ____ and ____ dog food.

complete and balanced

One of the most important things to look for on a dog food label is a statement that the food is "_____ and ____" (or similar wording). A dog food that claims to provide this must have the proper amounts of all the nutrients on the AAFCO's Dog Food Nutrient Profile.

complete and balanced

Dogs need some minerals—such as ____, ____, and _____—only in tiny amounts, but these minerals are crucial in many chemical reactions within a dog's body.

copper, molybdenum and selenium

The AAFCO maintains an extensive list of ingredients allowed in dog foods, from alfalfa meal to whey. Each ingredient used must comply with its _____ on the AAFCO list.

definition

A dog who doesn't get enough fatty acids may develop

dry hair and sores as well as a weakened immune system.

Although carbohydrates are not an essential part of the canine diet, dogs are able to get _____ from carbohydrates as well as from proteins and fats.

energy

Dogs can produce about half of their needed amino acids, but there are 10 that they cannot make. A nutrient that cannot be made by the body is called an ____ ______. Dogs must get the 10 essential amino acids from food. Proteins from animals, such as poultry, beef, lamb, fish and eggs, provide a complete set of amino acids. Grains provide some but not all of the amino acids. A deficiency of an essential amino acid can cause serious health problems.

essential nutrient

Fats are made up of molecules called ____ ____.

fatty acids

Because ingredients are listed in order by weight, if a food is labeled "beef for dogs," beef should be the

first ingredient on the list.

Comparing the nutrition labels for a wet food and a dry food is tricky because the wet food is mostly water—usually about 75 percent—while the dry food has only about 10 percent water. So a wet food appears to have much lower levels of protein and other nutrients than a dry food. To make a meaningful comparison, consumers should convert the nutrient levels for both products to a dry basis. -A shortcut way to do this is to assume a dry food has about ____ times as much dry matter as a wet food. Suppose a wet food has 8 percent crude protein and a dry food has 27 percent. Multiply the wet food's 8 percent by 4 and you will see that the wet food actually has a little more protein when water is removed from the equation.

four

Dog foods may also contain dietary fiber such as oat bran, rice hulls or peanut shells. These ingredients are not digested, but they make dogs feel ____.

full

Other foods that are potentially toxic to dogs include

grapes and raisins, macadamia nuts, onions and garlic.

Pet owners should understand that feeding directions on dog foods are only recommendations. Owners need to adjust their dogs' rations until they find an amount that maintains a ____ ____.

healthy weight.

For one large study on the effects of DHA, researchers monitored 28 litters of puppies. The mothers of some litters were fed DHA supplements during pregnancy and lactation, and the puppies got extra DHA after they were weaned. The researchers then put the puppies through training exercises. The puppies that got extra DHA scored

higher and made fewer mistakes than those that were fed less DHA. Additional research is needed to see if adult dogs become easier to train if they consume extra DHA.

In addition to grain-free foods, manufacturers are offering a growing number of gluten-free dog foods. Gluten is a protein found in wheat and also in barley and rye. A food may be gluten-free but not grain-free. Gluten allergies in dogs are rare. However, gluten-free diets are popular among ______, and some dog owners extend their own dietary concerns to their dogs.

humans

Dog foods must provide higher levels of nutrients if they are

labeled "for growth"—meaning they are for puppies—or "for reproduction"—meaning they are for pregnant or lactating dogs

The xylitol used to sweeten sugar-free gums and candies can cause

liver damage in dogs.

Most of these grain-free foods—especially the dry versions—still contain carbohydrates, but they may substitute other starchy foods, such as white potatoes, sweet potatoes or peas, for the grains. Advocates say dogs can more easily digest grain-free foods. They also say that these foods are less likely to trigger allergies. However, critics of the grain-free trend note that studies have shown that ____ and ____ are more common triggers for canine allergies than are grains.

meat and dairy

Many dog foods also contain ____ ____. These are the leftovers of animal slaughter— lungs, spleen, kidneys, brain, blood and intestines, among other parts. They are supposed to exclude hair, horns, teeth and hooves.

meat byproducts

It's important for consumers to pay attention to the full ingredient list. In some cases, dog food makers list meat as the first ingredient in a food, but then they list several types of grain ingredients, such as different forms of corn, right after the meat. In reality, such a product has

more corn than meat.

Raw diets for dogs typically include ______. Some dog owners prepare their own raw food using meat and other ingredients from the grocery store.

muscle meats, whole or ground bones, organ meats, eggs, vegetables and fruit

Proteins make up a large part of every cell in a dog's body—from

muscles, bones and hair to eyes, ears and teeth.

Some dog food makers have switched to _____ ____. These natural alternatives include antioxidants—such as vitamin E (mixed tocopherols) and vitamin C (ascorbic acid)—as well as plant extracts.

natural preservatives

Magnesium, potassium, sodium and chloride help

nerves and muscles function properly.

Scientists know that nutrition affects the way people behave. For example, diets high in vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids reduce antisocial behavior in children and adults. Hormones and brain chemicals called _______ help determine behavior. Consuming more or less of the nutrients that go into making these substances can alter the way people— and other animals—behave.

neurotransmitters

By far the most common nutrition-related health problem in dogs is

obesity.

Dogs are more likely to become obese as they get ____. Also, some breeds are prone to obesity. These include Labrador retrievers, dachshunds, beagles, basset hounds, collies and cocker spaniels.

older

Dogs need two types of essential fatty acids—_____ and ____. These nutrients help to keep a dog's coat and skin healthy

omega-6 and omega-3.

For dogs eating a balanced dog food, vitamin and mineral supplements usually are not needed unless a veterinarian diagnoses a nutritional deficiency. Because of the widespread use of vitamin supplements, ______ caused by excess vitamins is more common these days than vitamin deficiency.

poisoning

Minimum and maximum mineral levels are set down in the Dog Food Nutrient Profile. Dogs that get too little of essential minerals—or too much, in some cases—can have serious health problems ranging from

poor growth and weakness to skin lesions and bone loss.

Defenders of the use of byproducts note that dogs don't mind eating animal parts that might make us squeamish. Critics point to byproducts high on the ingredient list as a sign of a

poor-quality dog food.

The energy for everything a dog does comes from

protein, fats and carbohydrates.

Nutritional deficiencies are ____ in dogs that eat a "complete and balanced" commercial dog food. Nutritional deficiencies or excesses are more likely in dogs that are fed homemade diets or given large amounts of human food.

rare

Many pet food brands use the word "natural" on their labels. This means the food has no artificial flavors, colors or preservatives. However, artificial flavors and colors are ____ used in dog foods.

rarely

You may see dog foods labeled for other life stages, such as "senior" or for dogs of certain sizes or breeds, but there are no specific nutrient requirements for these foods. They simply have to meet the requirements for

regular adult dog foods.

Many dog foods contain meat meal or bone meal. These are produced by a process called ______. This intensive cooking process removes the water and leaves a concentrated powder residue. Meat meal is high in protein. However, critics note that the meal is only as good as the meat from which it is made. They say lower-quality meals are made from supermarket meats that have passed their expiration dates or from meat of diseased or dying animals.

rendering

Questions have been raised about the safety of some synthetic preservatives. These include BHA (butylatedhydroxyanisole), BHT (butylatedhydroxytoluene) and ethoxyquin. In the 1990s, the FDA told pet food makers to reduce the amount of ethoxyquin in their products after tests showed the preservative could cause liver damage. The FDA says synthetic preservatives are ____ at the levels currently used in dog foods.

safe

Minimum and maximum vitamin levels are spelled out in the Dog Food Nutrient Profile. As with minerals, deficiencies of vitamins—or excess amounts—can cause

serious health problems.

Dog foods that do not meet the nutrient profile or have not been tested must be clearly labeled as a

snack, treat or supplement.

Swedish scientists who compared DNA from wolves and dogs discovered a surprising difference in the genes that control digestion of ______. Dogs have evolved a greater ability to break down and absorb starchy foods like grains and rice.

starch

Dog foods typically have instructions on the label about how many cups to feed per pound of body weight. These instructions are only a ___ ___. Owners should adjust the portion to the amount the dog needs to maintain a healthy weight.

starting point

Carbohydrates include ____, ____, and ____ ___. -Manufacturers add carbohydrates—usually in the form of grains, corn, legumes and other vegetables—to commercial dog foods because these ingredients are less expensive than meat and can round out the nutrient profile of a product.

sugars, starches and dietary fibers.

In one limited study, aggressive dogs were fed a low-protein diet supplemented with tryptophan. The dogs fed this diet showed less ____ _____. Larger studies are needed to find out to what degree extra tryptophan can reduce aggression in dogs—and to establish the optimum amount to feed them.1

territorial aggression

Most dog owners know that their pets should not have chocolate. It contains _______, which dogs metabolize much more slowly than people do. Chocolate can cause vomiting and diarrhea in dogs, and in extreme cases, seizures and death.

theobromine

Obesity results from

too much food, too little activity, or a combination of the two.

Some amino acids affect levels of neurotransmitters in the brain. One of these neurotransmitters, serotonin, is linked to feelings of well-being in humans. Studies have shown that diets high in _____, an essential amino acid, can raise serotonin levels in the brains of lab animals. Having more serotonin made monkeys less aggressive and helped them recover from stress more easily.

tryptophan

In general, experts advise owners who make their own dog food to follow a recipe from a _____ ____ to make sure the food provides all of the nutrients a dog needs.

veterinary nutritionist

You may have started the day with a glass of orange juice, but your dog doesn't need one. Unlike humans, dogs can make the ___ ___ they need. However, dogs must get other vitamins from their diets.

vitamin c

There's even an exception in the AAFCO rules that allows a dog food to have an ingredient in its name even if that ingredient makes up only 3 percent of the food. This is permitted if the maker uses the word "____" before the ingredient in question. For instance, "dog food ___ beef" is only required to have 3 percent beef.

with