BALANCING ACT:

NUTRIENTS IN A DOG’S DIET

Ensuring that the body receives the right amount of nutrients is important for both dogs and humans; it’s only that the proportions are different for each species. Veterinarians are often cautious about endorsing home-cooked meals because they suspect the average recipe may be missing many of the vitamins and minerals necessary for good health. While there are some vitamins and minerals that need to be supplemented, some are actually manufactured within your dog’s body and others can be met through modest servings of fresh foods. The following is an overview of the nutrients necessary for good health, their functions, and examples of how they are met through fresh foods.

PROTEIN

While the category of proteins earns most of the attention when talking about dog food, it’s the amino acids that make up proteins that are truly important. In the digestive system, acids and enzymes break the proteins consumed down into amino acids, which are then utilized by the body to create cells, muscles, hormones, antibodies, blood, and even other amino acids. Of the 22 amino acids that a dog’s body needs, 12 can be synthesized from other amino acids in the diet. The remaining 10 are called essential amino acids and need to be supplied in sufficient quantities for the body’s functions. Protein sources are measured for how readily they are absorbed and utilized on a scale of biological value. Eggs earn the top rating of 94 percent, followed by fish at 76 percent, and beef at 74 percent; most grains earn values in the 60 percent range. The higher the quality of a protein source, the less protein needs to be consumed. When it comes to energy, the body’s preferred source is fat and carbohydrates. When excess protein is consumed, some of the amino acids can be stored, although not to the extent of fat and carbohydrates. Too much protein puts additional stress on the kidneys, so dogs fighting illnesses should follow their veterinarian’s recommendation for protein content. The recommendation for the average adult dog is 18 percent protein, whereas growing puppies, working dogs, and lactating bitches require 28 percent.

The essential amino acids all take part in the aforementioned bodily functions, but some have special purposes:

 

• Arginine—plays a role in cell replication and growth, so growing animals need more. Also aids in the detoxification of ammonia created by the digestion of proteins and stimulates the production of urine to carry away excess nitrogen.
• Histidine—plays a role in transporting oxygen through the blood.
• Isoleucine—only known function is in the creation of proteins.
• Leucine—assists in the synthesis of proteins and in preventing muscle from degrading.
• Lysine—diets heavier in grains have lower concentrations; however, the more protein in a diet, the more lysine is needed to utilize the protein consumed and synthesize other necessary proteins.
• Methionine—necessary for replication of DNA and RNA and for the synthesis of cystine, which is a major component of hair.
• Phenylalanine—contributes to the color of black hair, to creating the amino acid tyrosine, and to thyroid function.
• Threonine—supports healthy skin, healing of wounds, and the immune system.
• Tryptophan—believed to have an effect on the neurotransmitters that reduce aggression.
• Valine—active in the transportation of fats and the creation of milk.

 

The daily recommended amount of protein and the essential amino acids for a 40-pound dog can be met by ¹∕³ pound of chicken breast, which provides only 15 percent of the dog’s necessary calories per day, leaving plenty of room for adding the right fats, vegetables, and even some grains in the diet.

Another amino acid, taurine, is synthesized by dogs using the methionine and cystine in the diet. Although there is not an established requirement for dogs, breeds that are predisposed to heart conditions, as well as Newfoundlands and cocker spaniels, can benefit from supplementation either by powdered formulations or through the inclusion of fish in the diet.

CARBOHYDRATES

While most nutrients have a set requirement, carbohydrates are the one nutrient for which it is really up to you as a pet owner to decide how much your dog receives. Dogs do not have a biological requirement for carbohydrates, and they’re quite happy with a bowl full of meat for dinner. However, there are many reasons why including grains and vegetables are beneficial as part of a meal:

 

• As a source of energy, carbohydrates are more readily used than protein and lower in calories than fat.
• Carbohydrates slow digestion, allowing other nutrients more time to be absorbed and keeping your pet feeling fuller longer.
• Carbohydrates are a good source of essential vitamins, minerals, and the antioxidants that are not present in proteins or fats.
• Carbohydrates are less expensive than protein.

 

The growth and production of grains and vegetables have less of an impact on the environment, requiring less land, water, carbon emissions, and fossil fuels to deliver the same amount of calories as protein sources.

A concern with many commercial foods, especially those of lower quality, is that they are so high in carbohydrates because their protein sources originate largely from plant material as well. The amount of carbohydrates in your dog’s diet is a choice for you to make, incorporating your own values and economics, and it doesn’t have to be all or nothing. This book contains a variety of recipes for you to choose from that are grain free, low in carbohydrates, or contain a sensible balance of protein and carbohydrates.

FIBER

When a pet consumes carbohydrates, fiber rides along. Fiber remains largely undigested and slows the digestive system to balance the water content in the intestines, creating a healthy colon and increasing the amount of flora in the digestive tract to aid in the resistance to bacteria and intestinal disorders. Only a modest amount of fiber (less than 5 percent) is needed, because excess can encourage gas depending on the rate at which it is fermented.

FATS

Like carbohydrates and proteins, fats can cause obesity when consumed in excess. They have 225 percent as many calories per gram as either protein or carbohydrates. However, it’s important to include fats in a diet because of their role in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K; the production of hormones; the health of hair and skin; in increasing immunity; and as a source of energy. There are two types of essential fatty acids:

 

• Omega-6 fatty acids are abundant in most diets that contain vegetable oils or animal fats; 1½ teaspoons of corn oil provides enough of the linoleic acid to meet a 40-pound dog’s daily requirements. Omega-6 fatty acids also partner with zinc to create a healthy coat. However, an excess of omega-6 fatty acids (or more than 4 times the recommended daily allowance) can increase chemicals in the body that cause inflammation.
• Omega-3 fatty acids are found in high concentrations in fish and fish oil; ¼ teaspoon of salmon oil or as little as 1 tablespoon of mackerel will provide enough to meet a 40-pound dog’s daily requirement. Omega-3 fatty acids are strong anti-inflammatory agents that reduce the risk of heart disease, aid wound repair, and improve immunity. Despite these benefits, no requirement has been set by the AAFCO because there have been no studies to show that a deficiency causes issues. Because omega-3 fatty acids are worth including to aid your dog’s overall health, there are recipes containing fish in each section of this book so that you can provide these nutritional powerhouses to your dog.

MINERALS

Minerals are inorganic chemical elements occurring naturally in the soil that are absorbed by plants and the animals that consume plant material. There are 12 minerals that have been subject to sufficient scientific research to demonstrate their daily requirement in a dog’s diet.

Macro Minerals

• Calcium is the most abundant mineral in your dog’s body, and is important for strong teeth and bones, the conduction of nerve impulses, blood coagulation, and muscular contraction. This mineral is the most likely to be deficient in home-cooked meals, and should be supplemented if more than 50 percent of your dog’s food comes from your kitchen. It would take almost 5 cups of spinach or ¹∕³ pound of mozzarella cheese to meet a 40-pound dog’s daily requirement. Rather than make a huge salad for your dog, you can use the Eggshell Powder recipe to meet that same dog’s requirement with just ¾ teaspoon.
• Phosphorus is just as busy as calcium, because they work in partnership and need to be balanced within the bloodstream. The majority of phosphorus is found in the skeleton. Elsewhere in the body phosphorus aids nerve impulses, maintains the pH balance in the blood, and assists in the metabolism of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates into energy. Although it takes ¾ pound of chicken to meet a 40-pound dog’s daily requirements, deficiencies are rare because phosphorus is readily found in many foods, especially organ meats, fish, and poultry.
• Magnesium, like phosphorus and calcium, is found in greatest concentration in bones, but it is also found in organs and body fluids, where it assists in removing toxins from the body, aids heart function, and enables hormones in the body to function. Magnesium is widely available in plants and meat, but it would require ¹∕³ pound of salmon or 1½ cups of cooked quinoa to meet the daily requirement for a 40-pound dog. Deficiencies can cause epilepsy and increase the risk of heart disease, so it’s a good idea to ensure that this is supplemented if your dog’s diet is more than 50 percent homemade.
• Sodium maintains the balance of fluids in cells, which in turn assists in the delivery of nutrients and the removal of waste. A 40-pound dog needs about 230 milligrams of sodium per day, half of which can be found in ¼ cup of cottage cheese. Although many commercial foods provide more than 400 percent of a 40-pound dog’s daily requirement (to enhance palatability), fresh foods like meat, fish, and cheese provide sufficient quantities to prevent deficiencies.
• Chloride maintains the pH balance of the body and is used in the digestion of protein. Chlorine is widely available in meats and plants; is especially high in table salt, seaweed, and tomatoes; and generally doesn’t require supplementation because the requirements can be met when the intake of sodium is met.
• Potassium is found mostly in the fluids of cells. This mineral is essential for nerve transmissions and muscular contraction. Potatoes, yams, bananas, and whole grains are good sources, with 1 cup of yams supplying a full day’s requirement for a 40-pound dog.
• Iron is mainly found in the blood. where it is used to transport oxygen to all cells in the body. Organ meats, beef, and fish are rich sources of iron; ¹∕³ pound of turkey giblets provides enough to meet the needs of a 40-pound dog.
• Iodine is required by thyroid hormones for growth and maintaining the metabolism. Because it’s not stored in the body, a little bit is needed every day from foods like kelp, which can supply a full day’s requirement for a 40-pound dog in as little as ¹∕8 teaspoon.
• Copper is necessary for healthy bone and connective tissue and for the formation of blood and the pigment in hair. Beef liver, quinoa, and millet are all great sources of copper, with just ½ ounce of liver providing a full day’s requirement for a 40-pound dog.
• Manganese assists in the metabolizing of fat and carbohydrates, growth, reproduction, and the formation of bone. A 40-pound dog’s daily requirement can be met with less than ¼ cup of oats.
• Zinc is widely used by more than 200 enzymes in the body that assist growth, healing, reproduction, and the metabolizing of carbohydrates and protein. The daily needs for a 40-pound dog can be met with ²∕³ pound of lean ground beef.
• Selenium is essential to antioxidant activity within cells and is believed to help protect against cancer. Selenium also plays a role in the production of thyroid hormones, in reproduction, and in the immune system. Whole grains and organ meats can be great sources, but the strongest source is Brazil nuts, which meet a whole day’s requirement for a 40-pound dog with one nut.

Micro Minerals

There are some micro minerals that are beneficial and required in only trace amounts. Because research on these minerals is lacking, they might not be supplemented in commercial foods, although they are found naturally in fresh foods.

 

• Boron contributes to the metabolism of minerals essential to bone growth, electrical impulses in the brain, and the regulation of the parathyroid hormone. It may also help alleviate symptoms of arthritis. Boron can be found in whole grains, vegetables, and fruits, with ½ cup of vegetables providing enough boron to meet a 40-pound dog’s daily requirements.
• Chromium assists the body in using fat for energy and maintaining muscle tissue while enhancing the effect of insulin. Chromium is widely available in meat and plants, with nutritional yeast, grains, and wheat germ providing the greatest concentrations. One whole egg meets a 40-pound dog’s daily requirement.
• Molybdenum assists growth, the usage of iron, and in reproduction. Molybdenum is found in grains, dark leafy greens, and organ meats. It is estimated that one baby carrot can meet the nutritional needs of a 40-pound dog.

VITAMINS

Organic compounds required in the diet can be broken into two groups: fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K), which can be stored in the body’s fat cells and organs, and water-soluble vitamins (B complex and C), which must be consumed on a regular basis to maintain bodily functions.

Vitamins A, D, E, and K

• Vitamin A supports the immune system, bone and muscle growth, vision and health of the skin, and the body’s internal linings. Vitamin A can be found in fish oils, liver, eggs, milk, and many root vegetables. A 40-pound dog’s daily requirement can be met with ½ teaspoon of cod liver oil.
• Vitamin D assists in the absorption of calcium and phosphorus to build healthy bones and aid in blood clotting and conduction of nerve impulses. Vitamin D can be found in fish oils, with ½ teaspoon of cod liver oil meeting a 40-pound dog’s daily requirement.
• Vitamin E is one of the most powerful antioxidants and is often used as a food preservative in commercial pet foods. Vitamin E also assists muscular health, nerve function, metabolizing fat, and hormone production. Vitamin E can be found in oils and some vegetables like spinach and butternut squash. The daily requirements for a 40-pound dog can be met with 1½ teaspoons of wheat germ oil.
• Vitamin K can actually be synthesized in a dog’s large intestines. Vitamin K assists in blood clotting and bone formation. Most dogs don’t require supplementation unless they are taking antibiotics. Leafy green vegetables are strong sources of vitamin K, with 1 tablespoon of parsley providing enough to satisfy the daily requirements of a 40-pound dog.

B Vitamins

The B vitamins all assist in the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. They also make unique contributions to your dog’s health:

 

• Vitamin B₁ (thiamin) contributes to growth, neurological function, and the prevention of stool eating. B₁ is found in nutritional yeast, organ meats, and whole grains, with 1¼ teaspoons of nutritional yeast meeting the daily requirements of a 40-pound dog.
• Vitamin B₂ (riboflavin) supports the actions of other vitamins, and benefits eye and skin health. B₂ is found in organ meats and dairy products. A 40-pound dog’s daily requirement can be met with the riboflavin found in 1 ounce of lamb liver.
• Vitamin B₃ (niacin) is especially important for energy metabolism and maintaining strong muscles. B₃ can be found in chicken, fish, and nutritional yeast, with 2 ounces of chicken breast meeting the daily requirements of a 40-pound dog.
• Vitamin B₅ (pantothenic acid) supports the production of hormones, and aids in digestion and reproduction. B₅ is found in meats, eggs, nutritional yeast, and dark green vegetables. The daily requirement for a 40-pound dog can be met with 1 tablespoon of nutritional yeast.
• Vitamin B₆ (pyridoxine) aids red blood cell production and the function of scores of enzymes. B₆ is found in meats and nutritional yeast. Two ounces of chicken breast can meet the daily requirements for a 40-pound dog.
• Vitamin B₁₂ (cobalamin) is necessary for red blood cell production, nerve transmission, and heart health. B₁₂ can only be found in meat products like poultry, fish, and organ meats. Two ounces of turkey giblets can provide the daily B₁₂ requirement of a 40-pound dog.
• Biotin helps transform amino acids into muscle and improves the health of both skin and hair. One reason to avoid feeding raw eggs to dogs is that the avidin in the egg white prevents biotin from being absorbed. Biotin can be found in egg yolks, liver, and nutritional yeast. The daily requirements of a 40-pound dog can be met with 1 egg yolk.
• Folic acid makes important contributions to the growth and division of cells, red blood cell production, and prevention of birth abnormalities during pregnancy. Folic acid is found in green leafy vegetables, liver, and nutritional yeast, as well as foods like rice and pasta, which are often enriched with vitamins and minerals. One-half cup of cooked white rice provides enough folic acid to meet the requirements of a 40-pound dog.
• Choline is not a true vitamin, but it acts much like the other B vitamins in the metabolism of fats and is utilized to create nerve chemicals for brain function. Eggs and organ meats can provide choline, but it would require 4 eggs or 2 tablespoons of soy lecithin to meet the requirements of a 40-pound dog. It’s recommended that supplementations you provide include choline.

Vitamin C

• Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) acts as an antioxidant, and assists collagen and hormone production and the growth and maintenance of tissue cells. Fruits and vegetables are high in vitamin C, but because dogs can synthesize vitamin C in their liver, no supplementation is generally required for healthy dogs.

 

You may recognize a lot of these nutrients as components of your own healthy diet, but a dog’s nutritional needs are certainly different from our own. The accompanying example illustrates the nutritional requirements of a dog and a human girl, both weighing 50 pounds and requiring the same amount of calories per day. Dogs require a higher amount of nutrients such as calcium, selenium, B vitamins, copper, and zinc. Commercial foods add these in as supplements in order to achieve “complete and balanced nutrition.” We can achieve the same results by providing a multivitamin and a balanced meal with the additional benefits of fresh foods.

 

 

Well-developed and supplemented home-cooked meals are even approved by the Small Animal Clinical Nutrition volume sitting on your veterinarian’s desk. Serving your dog an occasional meal without supplementation won’t do any harm, but prolonged feeding without supplementation can lead to deficiencies that can create problems for the skin and hair, eyes, skeleton, and even the functioning of internal organs.

Supplementation can be as easy as adding some Eggshell Powder and a multivitamin to your dog’s cooked food each day. If you’d prefer to have more nutrition come from natural sources, my Supplement Stew recipe relies first on food sources and then adds a vitamin–mineral tablet and the Eggshell Powder to round out the nutrition. Supplement Stew can be added to any recipe in the book unless otherwise noted for dogs with specific ailments.

 

UP TO 50 PERCENT OF THE TOTAL DIET FROM HOME-COOKED MEALS

Commercial foods are often supplemented at more than 200 percent of the recommended daily allowance for vitamins and minerals.

Supplementation with one of the methods below is optional but recommended.

 

 

MORE THAN 50 PERCENT OF THE TOTAL DIET FROM HOME-COOKED MEALS

Supplementation with one of the methods below is highly recommended.

 

Add 2½ teaspoons of Eggshell Powder to finished recipes after they have cooled and provide a daily vitamin according to manufacturer’s directions.

or

Mix ¹∕³ cup Supplement Stew with ²∕³ cup water and add to finished recipes after they have cooled.

Supplement Stew

Your dog will love the meat and veggies in the meal recipes, and those will provide many antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. However, as great as real ingredients are for your dog, no specific combination can meet all of your dog’s nutritional needs. The next source I look at to provide vitamins and minerals is natural ingredients. Collected here is a powerful supporting group of foods that are easy to assemble and add to your dog’s meals.

 

• Brazil nuts are loaded with selenium, which, when combined with vitamin E, acts as an antioxidant to prevent cell damage and support a healthy heart, joints, skin, and coat.
• Soy lecithin brings choline and linoleic acid to the diet for transporting fatty acids out of the liver and contributing to proper nerve function.
• Nutritional yeast is packed with B vitamins, which help to metabolize and assist the body in utilizing all the other nutrients for growth and energy.
• Eggshell Powder provides the calcium necessary to balance the phosphorus in your dog’s diet, build strong bones and muscles, and assist in the vital functions of blood coagulation, muscle contraction, and transmission of nerve impulses.
• Kelp provides marine minerals, including potassium, magnesium, calcium, and iron and is an excellent source of iodine, which supports thyroid function and regulating your dog’s metabolism.
• Yogurt provides bacteria, which are beneficial to your dog’s digestive system. Plain low-fat yogurt is the best choice because it’s low in calories and doesn’t contain added sugar.
• Apple cider vinegar should be purchased with the "mother" which is a cloudy sediment at the bottom of the bottle that contains vitamins and minerals. Although the amount of the minerals is negligible, apple cider vinegar also has antiseptic properties that benefit your dog from the inside out. This vinegar can be used on the outside as well, for cleaning ears with yeast infections (mix ½ teaspoon vinegar with ¼ cup water, then dampen a towel to gently clean ears).
• Salmon and cod liver oil are both high in omega-3 fatty acids and can be used interchangeably, although I prefer salmon oil and so do our dogs. If you’re using cod liver oil, do not use flavored oil because many dogs dislike the taste of the added orange or lemon flavorings. Fish oil has powerful anti-inflammatory properties and helps to provide a shiny, healthy coat. Salmon oil can usually be purchased at pet stores, and cod liver oil is widely available in pharmacies.
• Multivitamin tablets ensure all other vitamins and minerals are supplied. I use the One A Day Men’s formula because it doesn’t have excess iron and is a good match for dogs. You can also use multivitamin formulations made for dogs, if desired.
• Mix ¹∕³ cup Supplement Stew (recipe follows) with ²∕³ cup water, then blend into any finished recipe once the recipe has cooled. The water will help to evenly distribute the nutrition throughout the food and keep the calories per cup of food consistent.

Supplement Stew

4 multivitamin tablets (One A Day Men’s preferred)

6 Brazil nuts

½ cup soy lecithin granules

1 tablespoon nutritional yeast

3 tablespoons Eggshell Powder (recipe follows)

1 tablespoon dried kelp or seaweed powder

½ cup plain low-fat yogurt

¼ cup apple cider vinegar (shake vigorously before measuring)

¼ cup salmon or cod liver oil

 

• Crush the vitamin tablets individually and add to a food processor with the Brazil nuts. Pulse for 5 seconds, or until the vitamins are reduced to a fine powder and the nuts resemble small meal.

 

• Add the soy lecithin, nutritional yeast, Eggshell Powder, and kelp to the food processor, and then layer the yogurt, vinegar, and fish oil on top. (This helps to prevent any dust from forming when you open the food processor.)

Pulse the mixture for an additional 15 seconds and then divide into 4 portions of ¹∕³ cup each for adding to finished recipes.

Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 1 month.

 

• Yield: 1¹∕³ cups, enough to supplement 4 meal recipes

 

If you prefer to use other sources of calcium for supplementation, it requires much more to achieve the same effect as the Eggshell Powder. In the Supplement Stew recipe, the 3 tablespoons of Eggshell Powder provide 16,200 mg of calcium and almost no phosphorus.

Some common calcium supplements and their equivalent amounts for use in the Supplement Stew:

KAL Dolomite Powder: This product contains 1,100 milligrams per teaspoon and no additional phosphorus. The lower amount of calcium requires ¼ cup when used in the Supplement Stew.

Bonemeal: Different brands contain varied amounts of calcium and phosphorus. In most cases, half of the calcium is used in balancing out the additional phosphorus included in the Supplement Stew. Average bonemeal contains 960 milligrams of calcium and 360 milligrams of phosphorus in each teaspoon, which means that only 540 milligrams of calcium are provided, requiring ²∕³ cup in the Supplement Stew recipe.

Calcium carbonate: In powdered form, about 1,200 milligrams of calcium are provided in each teaspoon without any additional phosphorus. Use ¼ cup in the Supplement Stew recipe.

Seaweed Calcium is made from calcified seaweed and also contains magnesium, zinc, iodine, and selenium. Use ¹∕³ cup in the Supplement Stew recipe.

These calcium supplements are widely available at pet stores, pharmacies, and through the Internet.

Eggshell Powder

One of the most important supplements you’ll need to add to your dog’s meals is calcium. If dogs had the ability to chew on a good bone every day, they would be scraping off bits of bone that then would be broken down in their body and used to strengthen their own bones and teeth. It’s the job of the parathyroid to regulate the amount of calcium and phosphorus in the blood. If a diet is deficient in calcium, the parathyroid will go looking for it in your dog’s bones. When the parathyroid starts secreting extra hormones in order to balance the calcium-to-phosphorus ratio, it creates a condition known as secondary hyperparathyroidism. This disorder can cause permanent damage to the skeletal system, arthritis, and even broken bones. Extra calcium will be excreted in the urine, but while it’s in the body, excess calcium inhibits the absorption of phosphorus. So don’t overdo a good thing.

By diverting eggshells from the compost bin you can have an inexpensive and easy solution to providing your dog the appropriate amount of calcium. It requires only a couple of teaspoons of Eggshell Powder to balance out the phosphorus in most diets, and this recipe will make about 12 teaspoons, each with about 1,800 milligrams of calcium.

 

12 eggshells, cleaned and dried

 

• Once clean and dry, eggshells can be left at room temperature in an airtight container until you save enough to make a batch.

Preheat the oven to 300°F.

Spread the eggshells evenly on a baking sheet and bake for 5 to 7 minutes. The eggshells will still be mostly white or brown, but might have a light tint, which is okay. Baking eggshells any longer can produce an unpleasant smell.

Allow the eggshells to cool, then grind in a blender or clean coffee grinder for 1 minute, or until you achieve a very fine powder with no sharp edges.

Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 months.

 

• Yield: 12 teaspoons