A Guide to Essential Nutrients for Dog Food and Chewy Promo Code

Our beloved canine companions are cherished members of our households, deserving the finest nutrition for a vibrant and prolonged life. Today, many pet owners are increasingly discerning about the contents of their dog's food bowls, actively seeking optimal dog food ingredients in commercial diets to support their pet's overall health and weight management.

At Chewy, we prioritize your pet's well-being, ensuring that every meal is enriched with 100% of the vital nutrients essential for their flourishing. Discover more about our pet food offerings in our dedicated sections, "Every Ingredient Has a Purpose," and "Your Questions Matter," where we delve into comprehensive details about our formulations.

Understanding Dog Food:

Dogs, being omnivores, rely on a balanced intake of 37 essential nutrients, categorized into six vital groups: water, proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. An ideal commercial dry dog food and wet dog food should encompass quality ingredients covering these fundamental nutrient categories.

Key Nutrient Groups:

Proteins:

Proteins, derived from various sources such as meat, poultry, fish, and plant-based ingredients like corn gluten and soybean meal, are vital for a dog's overall health. These macronutrients serve as the building blocks for tissues, muscles, organs, enzymes, hormones, and antibodies. Adequate protein intake is essential for maintaining healthy skin, a lustrous coat, strong muscles, and optimal bodily functions. Additionally, proteins play a crucial role in repairing and regenerating cells, supporting immune function, and aiding in growth and development, especially in puppies and young dogs.

Fats:

Fats, sourced from meats, fish, and plant oils such as flaxseed and vegetable oils, are indispensable for a dog's well-being. These lipid molecules serve multifaceted roles in the body, including regulating body temperature, cushioning vital organs, and providing a concentrated source of energy. Fats are integral for the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (such as vitamins A, D, E, and K), promoting healthy skin and coat, and supporting cognitive function. Additionally, certain fatty acids like omega-3 and omega-6 play key roles in reducing inflammation, supporting cardiovascular health, and enhancing joint function, contributing to overall vitality and longevity.

Carbohydrates:

Carbohydrates, found abundantly in plants and grains like corn, soy, whole wheat, rice, oats, barley, and peas, serve as a primary energy source for dogs. While dogs possess a carnivorous ancestry, they have evolved to efficiently digest and utilize carbohydrates in their diet. Complex carbohydrates provide sustained energy levels, promote digestive health by supporting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, and contribute to overall dietary balance. However, it's important to choose carbohydrate sources that are easily digestible and well-tolerated by your dog, particularly if they have specific dietary sensitivities or allergies.

Vitamins and Minerals:

Vitamins and minerals are micronutrients that play essential roles in numerous physiological processes within a dog's body. These micronutrients act as cofactors, catalysts, and regulators in various biochemical reactions, ensuring proper growth, development, and maintenance of overall health. Vitamins such as B-vitamins (biotin, pyridoxine, riboflavin, thiamine), Vitamin A, and Vitamin E are crucial for energy metabolism, vision, immune function, and antioxidant defense. Similarly, minerals like zinc, iron, potassium, calcium, and manganese are integral for bone health, muscle function, nerve transmission, and electrolyte balance. Including a diverse array of vitamins and minerals in a dog's diet is essential for meeting their nutritional requirements and supporting their overall well-being.

Choosing Quality Ingredients:

When selecting dog food, prioritize diets with:

Whole animal protein as the primary ingredient.

Easily digestible carbohydrates.

Healthy fats like chicken fats and salmon oils.

Essential nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, chondroitin, and glucosamine.

Natural preservatives like vitamins C and E.

What to Avoid:

Steer clear of dog foods containing:

Artificial preservatives (e.g., BHT, BHA, ethoxyquin).

Ambiguous protein sources labeled simply as "meat" or "meat-meal."

Artificial colors and flavors, often listed as E numbers or "colorings/flavorings."

Chewy Promo Code:

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