The Important Nutrients Every Active Dog Needs

Like humans, dogs require a complete and balanced diet and can benefit from nutrients that support their energy levels, joint health and overall health and performance.

A balanced diet helps active dogs meet their maintenance and high energy requirements. However, specific formulations of these diets might target extra nutritional benefits such as muscular strength and good digestion. So, let's explore these important specific nutrients. But before we do, it's important to note that individual dog requirements may vary based on age, breed, size and activity level. Therefore, consulting with a veterinarian to determine the specific nutritional needs of your active dog is always recommended.

In this Article:

• Protein: The Building Block of Muscles
• Fats for Energy
• Carbohydrates for Energy
• Hydration: Essential for Performance
• Vitamins & Minerals
• Joint Support for High-Impact Activities
• The Importance of Choosing High-Quality Dog Food

Protein: The Building Block of Muscles

High-quality protein plays a pivotal role in supporting the body and performance of active dogs. It is comprised of amino acids, fundamental components responsible for tissue development. Serving as the building blocks of muscles, protein holds immense significance in growth and maintenance. Consequently, ensuring active dogs receive a sufficient protein intake is crucial, as their muscles are subjected to continuous stress and strain.

To ensure your dog receives the right amount of protein, it is vital to choose high-quality and highly digestible proteins. Eukanuba diets provide high-quality animal protein, helping to promote optimal muscle development.

How Much Protein Do Dogs Need?

The daily amount of protein each dog will need will depend on their various life stage and lifestyle. For instance, growing puppies will need a higher protein amount in their diet compared to adult dogs to support the growth of muscles and overall body composition. Performance dogs and high-energy dogs will also need a higher protein content in their diet to help with muscle recovery.

If you are ever unsure of your dog’s requirements, please consult your veterinarian.

The Benefits of Protein for Your Dog

For dogs, proteins are essential for building muscle. Ensuring your dog consumes an adequate amount of high-quality protein after exercise helps provide the necessary amino acids for protein synthesis.

Eukanuba diets use only high-quality ingredients to ensure 100% complete and balanced nutrition that exceeds AAFCO standards. Our diets are specially formulated with high-quality proteins at different levels to meet the lifestyle (moderate to high intensive physical activity, as well as low activity) of your dogs as well as their life stage (puppy, adult, senior). Additionally, Eukanuba diets contain high-quality proteins that provide all essential amino acids necessary for the proper growth or maintenance of your dog at all life stages.

The benefits of using highly digestible protein sources include:

• Limiting the flow of indigestible proteins in the colon
• Improving the efficiency of the digestive system, particularly in puppies, senior dogs, sensitive dogs and larger dogs

Fats for Energy

Fats play a vital role in providing energy and supporting your dog's overall health. While protein is essential for muscle development, healthy fats provide a concentrated energy source to fuel their activities and maintain endurance. Besides supplying energy, fats also play a crucial role in maintaining joint health.

The National Institute of Health has shown that Omega-3 fatty acids, including Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) and DHA are linked to numerous health benefits in healthy dogs including brain development, skin and coat condition, bone and joint support.

Carbohydrates for Energy

The fuel necessary for physical activity and maintenance needs comes from carbohydrates which are a primary energy source. This energy is available as an organic molecule called Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) and stored within the muscles in the form of glycogen which must be replenished throughout the constant anaerobic metabolism of glucose. Unfortunately, the anaerobic metabolism of glucose although rapid provides little energy (compared to fats) and yields lactic acid. Therefore, carbohydrates as a source of energy are preferred when a dog is carrying out short intense exercise lasting less than 30 minutes The role of nutrition in canine performance and rehabilitation.

Hydration: Essential for Performance

Just like us, hydration is key to supporting your dog's overall performance and plays a crucial role in maintaining their health and well-being.

Always make sure your dog has access to fresh and clean water, especially during and after physical activities. Encouraging regular water breaks and monitoring their water intake is crucial in preventing dehydration.

NRC 2006 The National Research Council guidance on dog nutrition reports a range of 37.5 to 72.9 mL per kilogram of dog body weight each day. However, this guideline increases during intense exercise or hot weather conditions and may vary depending on your dog’s breed, size, activity level and environmental conditions.

Vitamins & Minerals

Active dogs require a range of vitamins and minerals to help support their immune function, overall health and post-exercise recovery from physical activities. These micronutrients play crucial roles in various physiological processes and are necessary for optimal performance as shown by Levi and co-authors 2013, 2013.

• Vitamin A supports vision, growth and immune response
• Vitamin C is an antioxidant and helps collagen synthesis
• Vitamin E helps protect your dog's cells from free radicals
• The B-complex vitamins are essential for energy production, as well as ensuring healthy nervous system function and red blood cell formation

Minerals are equally important and provide various benefits. Below are some specific attributes of each of these minerals:

• Calcium, phosphorus and magnesium are essential for maintaining strong bones, muscle function and overall cellular health
• Potassium and sodium electrolytes help maintain fluid balance and support proper muscle and nerve function
• Zinc, copper and iron are important for immune function, energy production and oxygen transport

Joint Support for High-Impact Activities

NRC (2006) states that maintaining healthy joints is paramount for active dogs engaging in high-impact activities. Dogs that exercise can have an additional strain on their joints; fortunately, there are specific nutrients to support joint health.

Additionally, Omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA also play a significant role in joint health for your dog. Omega-3 fatty acids contribute to the overall health of joint tissues, promoting flexibility and mobility Levi and co-authors, 2013.