We all know the importance of giving animals proper diets, ourselves included, but oftentimes we will forget to actually provide this healthy diet or will simply not know if what we are providing fully covers the required nutrition. Many times, the actual amounts of required nutrients are not obvious to owners, nor are the ways in which pets can get these nutrients. For the diets of both dogs and cats – which are primarily carnivores – both rely heavily on animal fats, proteins, and other associated nutrients, but knowing what they need is a must-know piece of information.
Caloric Intake
Dogs and cats, when in nature, mainly survive off of diets of fish, meat, and poultry depending on what they find, so as a result they still need high protein diets. According to Fetch, a cat’s diet should not generally be higher than 200 calories per day while dogs, with their variety of sizes, can range from 700 to even nearly 1,400 calories for daily life with proper activity and exercise. With exercise and a healthy diet, it is not hard to see your pet living life to its fullest for longer, especially when considering how many of the nutrients they should be eating help with various health issues across the board.
Nutrients
Proteins provide certain amino acids for the body, helping with cell growth, muscle repair after overuse, body health, and others, and as a result these amino acids are key to your pet’s physical health. Most foods for your pet will contain ingredients that supply the body with these amino acids. Additionally, cats must have Taurine in their diet, as it aids with their vision and heart health as well as their reproduction capabilities. Since Taurine is not a commonly occurring chemical in their bodies either, it must be consumed from the food they have in their lifetime. Taurine is regularly occurring in animal proteins only, so the more a cat can get, the better.
Omega 3s are a key nutrient that both cats and dogs need, as well as most animals. Omega 3 fatty acids are able to help with skin and coat health, joint health, hormone development, and more. With benefits of aiding in clearing brain fog and overall body health through better nutrient absorption, Omega 3s also add flavor to your pet’s diet. The added healthy fats found in omega 3-rich foods is a flavor that pets enjoy since the added fats make their foods more tasty, which means your pet will appreciate the added fatty flavor as well as the health benefits they provide.
Related to the Vitamins required for pets to function properly that we have covered in the past, ensuring your pet eats the right amount of carbohydrates and drinks enough water play majorly important roles. Carbohydrates include fiber and overall can affect your pet’s energy levels and digestive health. Proper hydration is important as well, as it helps prevent a slew of health problems associated with dehydration. Access to clean drinking water is an absolute necessity for your pets and a lack of it can cause serious problems.
