🐶 The nutritional needs of dogs – what your four-legged friend really needs

Our dogs aren't just pets; they're family members. And just as we humans should pay attention to a balanced diet, the same applies to our furry friends. But what exactly does "nutrient requirements" mean for dogs? Which nutrients are important—and how much of each is really necessary?

🧬 What are the nutritional requirements?

Nutritional requirements refer to the amount of a specific nutrient a dog needs daily to maintain its physical functions. These include:

• Energy supply

• Cell regeneration

• muscle building

• Hormone production

• Strengthening the immune system

• and much more.

This refers to an average minimum amount that is sufficient to meet the needs of a healthy animal under normal conditions. Neither too little (deficiency) nor too much (oversupply) – the right balance is crucial.

❗ Why it is important to know the needs

Both deficiency and excess intake can lead to long-term health problems. For example, too little calcium can weaken the skeleton, while too much energy can lead to obesity and related diseases.

🐶 What does the need depend on?

Your dog’s nutritional needs depend on many things:

• 🐕 Age: Puppy, adult or senior – the needs are different.

  Young dogs, for example, need a lot of high-quality protein because their bodies are still growing and developing. For them, not only the quantity but also the bioavailability of the protein is crucial. The better the protein is absorbed, the more effectively the body can use it.

• ⚖️ Size and weight: A Chihuahua obviously needs less than a Great Dane.

• 🏃♂️ Activity: Is your dog a cozy couch potato or a sporty adventurer?

• 💊 Health: Illnesses, allergies or special life situations (e.g. pregnancy) influence the need.

🔥 Basal metabolic rate vs. performance metabolic rate – What does this mean for dogs?

When it comes to your dog's energy needs, two terms quickly come to mind: basal metabolic rate (BMR) and activity metabolic rate (ER ). But what do they mean?

🛌 Basal metabolic rate – the basic energy

The basal metabolic rate is the amount of energy your dog needs when completely at rest to maintain vital functions – i.e.:

• breathing

• heartbeat

• digestion

• Body temperature

• Cell functions

You could say this is the “energy to survive,” even if your dog just dozes all day.

👉 The basal metabolic rate depends on the following factors, among others:

• Weight

• Old

• Body composition (muscle mass!)

• Hormone balance

🐕🦺 Energy expenditure – energy for movement & co.

The energy expenditure is the additional energy your dog uses above and beyond the basal metabolic rate – through activities such as:

• Walking or running

• Play

• training

• Pregnancy or lactation

• growth

• Illnesses (e.g. fever)

👉 The energy expenditure varies greatly – a couch potato dog needs significantly less energy than a sporty herding dog that is on the move for hours.

⚖️ Added together: The total energy requirement

Basal metabolic rate + performance metabolism = total energy requirement

This is the energy your dog should get from food every day to maintain his weight and health.

What exactly does my dog need?

Your dog needs a mix of different nutrients. Here's a brief overview:

🥩 Proteins

When it comes to healthy dog nutrition, they're at the top of the list: proteins , also known as proteins . But what makes them so important for your four-legged friend?

🧬 Amino acids – the little builders in the dog’s body

Proteins are made up of so-called amino acids – these are the basic building blocks from which your dog's body builds cells, tissue, muscles, skin, organs, and much more. A total of about 20 amino acids are involved in vital processes, including:

• Cell formation

• Hormone production

• Function of the immune system

• Blood formation

• and even behavior (e.g. mood - see below)

A distinction is made between essential and non-essential amino acids. It's important to note that dogs cannot produce essential amino acids themselves ; they must be supplied through their food.

Essential amino acids for dogs:

• Arginine

  Important for the immune system, wound healing and urea excretion (detoxification).

• Histidine is involved in blood formation and growth, important for the myelin sheaths of nerves.

• Isoleucine supports muscle building, energy production and the regulation of blood sugar levels.

• Leucine Important for muscle protein synthesis, healing and energy production.

• Lysine Essential for the formation of collagen, hormones and antibodies.

• Methionine supports fat metabolism, contains sulfur (important for coat and skin) and is a precursor for cysteine.

• Phenylalanine is the starting material for the production of important neurotransmitters (e.g. dopamine, adrenaline).

• Threonine Important building block for proteins in skin and connective tissue, supports fat metabolism.

• Tryptophan 🧠 Precursor of neurotransmitters serotonin & melatonin – important for mood, sleep and stress resistance.

• Valine promotes muscle metabolism, regeneration and energy supply.

Excursus Neurotransmitters 🌿 Serotonin – a key to inner balance in dogs

Serotonin is a real feel-good chemical – also for your dog. It helps your four-legged friend feel balanced, calm, and content . A sufficiently high serotonin level can help reduce stress, anxiety, aggression, or sadness and promotes greater inner peace.

Impulsivity also decreases with a good serotonin level – your dog reacts more calmly to stimuli that could otherwise quickly throw him off balance.

🐟 Fats & fatty acids - essential. And how.

Fats often have a bad reputation – unfortunately, unjustified. For dogs, they are not only a valuable source of energy, but also a real health booster. They provide vital fatty acids , support metabolism, and ensure that important vitamins can be absorbed in the first place.

Fat is the primary energy source in dog food. It provides more than twice as much energy as carbohydrates —perfect for active dogs or those looking to gain weight.

But fat can do much more: It helps the body transport and utilize so-called fat-soluble vitamins such as vitamins E, D, K, and A ( EDKA for short ). Without sufficient fat, these vitamins cannot be utilized by dogs at all.

Saturated or unsaturated – which is which?

Fats consist of fatty acids. A distinction is made between:

• Saturated fatty acids – often found in animal fats (e.g. beef, poultry)

• Unsaturated fatty acids – are considered particularly healthy and are further divided

🌿 Omega-6 and 🐟 Omega-3 as polyunsaturated fatty acids

Both fatty acids are vital—many foods already contain plenty of omega-6. It's often more important to adjust omega-3 levels to restore balance.

🐟 Benefits of Omega-3 Fatty Acids

• Have an anti-inflammatory effect

• Support joints, heart, brain

• Promote regeneration & immune defense

👉 A balanced ratio helps to regulate inflammation, prevent chronic diseases and promote general vitality.

⚡ Carbohydrates for dogs – useful or unnecessary?

In contrast to its wild ancestor, the wolf, domestic dogs are now much better able to digest and utilize starch thanks to domestication . This means that carbohydrates are not an "unnatural" ingredient for dogs , but rather an easily digestible source of energy – provided they come from the right sources.

🌿 Crude fiber

Crude fiber is indigestible plant components (fiber) that keep your dog's intestines healthy .

Why is it important?

• Supports digestion

• Promotes healthy bowel movements

• Prevents constipation & diarrhea

• Helps the intestinal flora

🥦 Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamins and minerals are the invisible heroes in your dog's bowl - although they are present in small amounts in the food, they are essential for almost all bodily functions .

🌟 Vitamins – Vital for cells & metabolism

Vitamins are involved in almost all metabolic processes – from the immune system to cell regeneration and hormone production.

A distinction is made between:

• Fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K): → are stored in the body, can be overdosed

• Water-soluble vitamins (e.g. B vitamins, vitamin C) → must be regularly ingested through food , as they are not stored

💡 Tip: A food with high-quality offal (e.g. liver) usually provides all the important vitamins.

🦴 Minerals & trace elements – For bones, nerves & Co.

Important representatives:

• Major elements : calcium, phosphorus, magnesium

• Trace elements : iron, zinc, copper, selenium

They support, among others:

• bone formation

• the nervous system

• cardiovascular function

In most cases, all minerals are provided in feed. Nevertheless, although unlikely, over- or undersupply should be avoided.

🐾 Conclusion: A healthy dog starts with the right food

Nutrition is much more than just a matter of what's in the bowl—it influences your dog's entire life. Whether it's amino acids for muscles and mood, fatty acids for skin and coat, or vitamins and minerals for a strong immune system, every nutrient plays a role.

A balanced diet tailored to your dog's individual needs is the key to a healthy, happy life. Understanding the basics allows you to make more conscious choices about what goes into their bowl—providing not only energy but also a sense of joy.

Because: A healthy body is the best foundation for a stable psyche – also for our four-legged friends.

Sources & Literature:

Zentek, J. (2022). Dog nutrition: basics – feeding – dietetics .

9th edition. Georg Thieme Verlag KG.

O'Heare, J. (2009). The neuropsychology of the dog . Animal Learn Publisher.

Mehl, Robert (2021): The Psyche of the Dog – How Brain Processes Control Behavior. Kosmos Publishing