Must-Have Nutrients for Puppies

A new puppy is an exciting and wonderful time! As part of being a pet owner, one of your primary concerns is ensuring your puppy receives the proper nutrition to support their growth and development.

Puppy and Their Nutrient Needs

Puppies have unique dietary needs that differ from adult dogs and providing them with a balanced diet rich in essential nutrients is crucial for their overall health. In this blog post, we'll explore the must-have nutrients for puppies and why they are important.

Energy

Compared to an adult dog, puppies require much more energy to build and grow muscle and tissues! The energy requirements for a puppy can be fulfilled through protein, fats, and carbohydrates. By providing an energy dense food you can help set your pup up for healthy growth and development!

Protein

Protein is composed of amino acids and your puppy has a requirement for total protein, as well as requirements for specific amino acids. Protein is essential for the growth and repair of tissues, including muscles, skin, and organs, as well as for immune health, hormonal production and regulation, and other metabolic pathways. Specific amino acids that are needed at much greater amounts for growth can include arginine, histidine, isoleucine, and phenylalanine! It’s important to select a food that meets your puppy’s nutrient requirements.

Fats

Fats are a vital source of energy for puppies and play a crucial role in the development of their brain and nervous system. They also help in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K). Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are particularly important for brain development and for a healthy skin and a shiny coat. Fish oils and plant-based oils are often added to meet the fatty acid requirements for puppies.

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates are not necessarily essential for dogs; however, they provide an efficient energy source and are an important part of a balanced diet for puppies. By using carbohydrates as an energy source, puppies can utilize more of their protein intake for growth and muscle building! They also supply fiber, which aids in digestion and helps maintain healthy bowel movements. Whole grains, such as brown rice and oats, as well as vegetables like sweet potatoes and peas, are good sources of carbohydrates for puppies.

Vitamins

Vitamins are essential for various bodily functions, including immune system support, vision, and bone health. Many vitamins are needed in more amounts during growth to keep up with the demands for growth. Key vitamins for puppies include:

  • Vitamin A: Important for vision, immune function, and skin health.

  • Vitamin D: Crucial for calcium absorption and bone development.

  • Vitamin E: Acts as an antioxidant and supports immune function.

  • Vitamin C: Supports the immune system and acts as an antioxidant.

  • B Vitamins: Aid in energy metabolism and support nervous system health.

Minerals

Minerals are necessary for the proper functioning of your puppy's body. Similar to the vitamins, many minerals are needed at greater amounts in growing puppies than for adult dogs. Important minerals include:

  • Calcium and Phosphorus: Essential for strong bones and teeth. The ratio of calcium to phosphorus is crucial and an imbalance can lead to skeletal problems.

  • Iron: Vital for the formation of red blood cells and oxygen transport.

  • Zinc: Supports immune function and skin health.

  • Magnesium: Important for muscle and nerve function.

Water

Water is often overlooked but is one of the most important nutrients for puppies. It is essential for digestion, nutrient absorption, and temperature regulation. Ensure your puppy has access to fresh, clean water at all times.

Choosing the Right Puppy Food

When selecting puppy food, look for products that meet the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) standards for growth and development. These standards ensure the food provides a balanced and complete diet for puppies. Additionally, consult with your veterinarian to determine the best diet for your puppy's specific needs, considering factors such as breed, size, and activity level.

Tom&Sawyer Meals and Puppy Booster for Puppies

At Tom&Sawyer, you can add our Puppy Booster to our meals to make them complete and balanced for your puppy!

Please note that our low fat menu is not suitable for puppies unless under advisement with your veterinarian.

Providing your puppy with a diet rich in essential nutrients is key to their healthy growth and development. By understanding the importance of protein, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and water, you can make informed decisions about your puppy's nutrition. Remember, a well-nourished puppy is a happy and healthy companion, ready to bring joy to your life for years to come.

If you have any questions or concerns about your puppy's diet, don't hesitate to reach out to your veterinarian. Your puppy's health and well-being are worth the effort!

Written by: Hannah Godfrey
Animal Nutritionist
BSc.H. | MSc. Animal Nutrition
www.tomandsawyer.com


References

National Research Council. 2006. Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats. The National Academies Press, Washington, DC.  

AAFCO. 2021. Association of American Feed Control Officials Official Publication. Saint Paul, Minnesota: AAFCO, Inc. 

 

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