Dog Nutrition A major responsibility of dog owners is to provide their dog with the necessary nutrients required for its growth and maintenance. Dogs need a diet that contains protein, fat, minerals, vitamins, and water. Those nutrients are the building blocks of body tissues, essential for normal metabolism, and necessary to supply energy for growth and maintenance. The Canine Nutrition Expert (CNE) subcommittee of the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) establishes the basic minimum nutritional requirements for dogs. Pet-food manufacturers use those standards when producing dog foods. Commercial dog foods are formulated as dry, semi moist, and canned. The products differ in water content, protein level, caloric density, palatability and digestibility. The differences are primarily attributed to the processing methods used by pet-food manufacturers. A quality dog food provides the necessary nutrients in a properly balanced proportion. Reading the nutrition label on the package is the best way to compare dog foods. Pet-food manufacturers are required to supply certain nutrition information on the package. Labeling regulations are established by the AAFCO and the United States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) to ensure compliance with federal and state feed regulations. The section labeled "guaranteed analysis" lists the percentages of protein, water, fat, fiber, and ash. The amount to feed your dog should be based on caloric content, quality of nutrients, and your dog's special dietary needs. Meat scraps from the table and specialty dog treats can be fed from time to time but should not be a steady diet for your dog. Those treats often lack the proper proportion of basic nutrients a dog requires to maintain its health. A rule of thumb is not to let treats exceed 10 percent of your dog's daily diet. Although raw meat is an excellent source of many nutrients, it is not recommended as food for dogs, because it is a potential vehicle for salmonellosis, E. coli, and other infectious agents. Throughout a dog's life, there are stages in which the dog requires different nutrients. Those include puppy hood, pregnancy, lactation, and old age. Be certain to select a food designed for your dog’s stage of life. Also, there are special dietary needs associated with certain nutrition-sensitive diseases such as food allergies, kidney disease, liver disease, congestive heart failure and diabetes. Consult your veterinarian with any questions you might have concerning the proper feeding of your dog.(More Dog Nutritional Health Products)

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