Puppies are an adorable creature that makes your home brighter. However, this new house member needs a lot of care and attention for them to grow healthily. For new paw parents, many questions arise and amongst them, the most confusing one is what to feed the pup. There are several dog food brands available in the market. So, before you visit any dog food retailers in Kolkata for buying pet food, first, you need to understand dog nutrition.
The digestive systems of dogs and humans are entirely different. Unlike us, your furry baby has a more acidic stomach and holds food in their stomachs for longer periods of time. Therefore, you can’t just give your pet whatever you are having. However, the basic nutrients your pup needs are similar to us humans. For instance, they also need water, fat, protein, carbs, vitamins, and minerals for their health and well-being. However, the food we consume may not be suitable for your pet.
Here’s a short explanation of the importance of the basic nutrients and where they come from:
Water: For Hydration
Water is the source of life for all living beings. For a mature dog, 70 to 80 percent of its body mass is made up of water. Drinking adequate amounts of water also aids in bodily functions, including nutrient transportation to cells, regulating body temperature, aiding in digestion, and flushing out waste.
Depending on the breed, size, shape, and other factors, your pup may need to consume less or more water than the other dogs. For instance, small dogs weighing about 9-10 Kg may need about 600-1200 ml of water, whereas medium dogs of 10-22 Kg need about 1180-1770 ml. Please keep in mind that this is an approximate amount. Consult your veterinarian for a more personalized chart.
Fat: For Healthy Nervous System
For dog lovers, who are afraid of giving your furry baby fat-riched food, just know that it is actually healthy for your pet. Consuming fat helps in protecting your pup’s insides, keeping their temperature in check, and supporting their nervous system.
But some fats (also called essential fatty acids) are crucial for dogs since their bodies can’t produce them on their own. So, you have to feed them food riched with such fats. There are some pet food suppliers in Kolkata that sell food for rottweiler puppies, labradors, golden retrievers, and more.
Protein: For Body Development
For canines, protein is a fundamental component of their diet. The essential amino acids give them the necessary energy and also help to develop strong structures like skin, nails, muscles, and bones. However, not all of the amino acids are produced in their body and require to be consumed from outside.
Royal Canin medium puppy & Royal Canin recovery are two popular food choices for pet owners. The foods are rich in fat, protein, vitamins, and other essential minerals for your pup to grow healthily. Reach out to your nearest dog food retailers & dealers in Kolkata to shop the products.
Carbs: For Energy
Carbohydrates are the primary fuel source for dogs. However, carbs are not necessarily important for your pup’s diet. Food ingredients like rice, wheat, barley, oats, peas, etc., are a good source of dietary fiber, good for digestion.
Vitamins: For Overall Health
Be it a growing pup or an adult dog, vitamins are essential for their growth and overall health. Different vitamins play different roles in a dog. For instance, Vitamin D regulates calcium and phosphorus levels. Vitamin A boosts the immune system, Vitamins E and C act as antioxidants, and more. So, when buying foods from dog food retailers in Kolkata, consider whether the food ingredients contain vitamins.
Minerals: For Supporting Body Functions
Your pup’s diet is incomplete without minerals. Calcium and phosphorus are particularly significant for promoting bone development and strength. Iron is essential to facilitate the transportation of oxygen throughout the body. Zinc contributes significantly to the effective healing of wounds. Aside from that, the other minerals include copper, iodine, chromium, selenium, manganese, and fluorine. So, when reaching out to dog food retailers in Kolkata, consider whether they have minerals-rich dog food.