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After explaining some of the bits and bobs of our fabulous formula in the previous S-Files, there was an urge to top it off with a general scientific article on the functions of nutrition. The bowl of kibble we place before Fido is more than meets the eye.
Nutrition influences many crucial processes intertwined with survival’s very essence. A lack of proper nutrients spells a dire predicament, underscoring its critical role in maintaining health and vitality.
Let’s check out the connection with body temperature, movement, internal processes such as breathing, digestion, and keeping “the light on up there”. A balanced diet emerges not as a luxury, but as a fundamental necessity.
Reflecting on the past, dogs, much like their human counterparts, were once scavengers. Our ancestors shared a similar indifference towards dietary specifics, focusing solely on the availability of a mammoth slice with berries as a side dish. The internal systems were all dialed into that lifestyle.
The first canids that thought it was a good idea to hang around those bipeds had a different approach than the pampered pups of nowadays. The alliance benefited both species.
One provided protection and assistance in hunting in return for scraps and meals they didn’t have to fight for. It started a magical relationship that evolved into the deeply familial connections we cherish today.
In this era, the modern dog (‘Canis Modernus’) enjoys the privileges of evolution, particularly in how their metabolic systems have adapted. Metabolism, from the Greek for “change,” transforms food into life-sustaining nutrients.
While we often celebrate food through the lens of color, texture, aroma, and flavor, our canine companions perceive their meals through a vastly different sensory world. For them, the allure of food lies not in its appearance but in its scent.
Enter the bulbus olfactorius, or as I like to call it, the “sniffing command center.” This marvel of canine biology is approximately a hundred times more potent than our own, enabling dogs to distinguish individual ingredients within a meal rather than the combined scent we humans detect.
We’ve been introduced to the evolution and the linguistic meaning of metabolism, let’s see what it does. It’s an aspect of caring for your best friend that has exponentially become a hot topic in the last few decades. Going from the first concepts of dog food in the late 19th century to the neutronical age we live in today.
Sit back, clutch your salad bowl a little closer, and embark on a journey to find out how the combination of proteins, carbohydrates (affectionately known as carbs), fats, water, vitamins, omega fatty acids, and various molecular chains, have an impact on a myriad of processes.
In “Fur Seasons In One Day” from the S-Files, you’ve embarked on a journey through the fascinating world of thermoregulation, discovering the pivotal roles that surrounding temperatures and hormones play in maintaining the well-being of your remarkable canine companion.
Delving deeper into the realm of nutrition, we encounter a critical component influencing this delicate balance: the fat or oil content in your pet’s diet. Let’s unravel the mystery behind this element listed on the side of your dog food bag.
Navigating the nutritional maze of fats in our canine friends’ diets reveals that not all fats are created equal. We distinguish between the nourishing ‘white’ fat and the troublesome ‘yellow’ fat, highlighting the need for a harmonious diet.
Healthy ‘white’ fat, akin to the marbling in a succulent steak, does more than just tantalize your dog’s taste buds. It’s a powerhouse of energy, essential for cushioning vital organs and supporting overall vitality.
Rich in nutrients, this fat is a concentrated energy source, pivotal for fueling daily activities and aiding in thermoregulation. This is particularly crucial for breeds that thrive in colder environments.
Moreover, white fat aids in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K), instrumental in maintaining a healthy skin, coat, and immune system. When derived from lean meats, this fat contributes positively to a dog’s diet, blending taste with functional benefits.
However, it’s essential to remember that while vitamins K, A, D, and E are crucial, they must be balanced to avoid vitaminosis, unlike the water-soluble B and C vitamins, which are safely excreted if overconsumed.
Conversely, ‘yellow’ fat—the excess adipose tissue encasing a dog’s midsection—serves no beneficial purpose. This type of fat, prevalent in overweight dogs, signifies an overabundance of stored energy.
Its accumulation not only impairs organ function but also inflames it, leading to serious health issues such as diabetes, heart disease, and reduced mobility. The notion that it offers additional insulation is a myth; instead, it burdens the dog’s body, diminishing their quality of life.
The sight of a fat Husky in Alaska or a corpulent Finnish Lapphund herding Santa’s reindeer is unheard of, illustrating a vital principle in canine health. The natural or working lifestyles of these breeds ensure that dietary fats are efficiently converted into energy, preventing unhealthy fat storage.
This contrast with the sedentary lifestyle of many pets today underscores the importance of a balanced diet coupled with regular physical activity.
Their robust physiques are living proof of the benefits of a diet rich in appropriate fats, proteins, and carbohydrates, meticulously aligned with their high activity levels. Recognizing the difference between beneficial and harmful fats is key to fostering not just an active and joyful life for our furry companions, but a healthy one as well.
Feeding Fido isn’t just about maintaining a healthy weight; it’s about building the foundation for every step, leap, and sprint our canine companions enjoy. Seeing their tails wag in ecstasy when you throw the ball for the millionth time is what every righteous dog guide would love to see.
At the heart of this foundation are proteins and certain fats, yes again those fats, each playing a crucial role in muscle growth, repair, and overall mobility.
So let’s start with the proteins as they are indispensable in your dog’s diet. Serving as the primary building blocks for muscle tissue, high-quality proteins support the growth of muscle mass.
Regular physical activity naturally stresses muscle fibers, leading to wear and tear. Adequate protein intake ensures that these fibers are not just repaired and maintained, but also strengthened, facilitating movement and agility in dogs of all ages.
We already know that not all fats are foes of the body. Omega-3 fatty acids have been recognized for their anti-inflammatory properties and are commonly used in veterinary medicine to help relieve inflammation in dogs with arthritic joints. They can also potentially aid in the maintenance of healthy joints.
Overweight dogs are not always lazy, or protective of their temple by refusing wear and tear caused by exercise. They face a unique set of challenges since their condition isn’t merely a result of inactivity or a penchant for an easy life.
Instead, it’s a complex interplay between the brain’s inclination to maintain the status quo and the body’s distress signals when burdened with excess weight. Each movement becomes a strenuous activity, placing undue strain on joints and ligaments.
This scenario creates a vicious cycle where the dog, advised by its own body and instincts against movement, opts for stillness, further exacerbating the issue of immobility.
The additional weight carried by an overweight dog doesn’t just impact their mobility; it actively compromises their joint health. The excessive load on their joints can lead to the early onset of degenerative diseases like osteoarthritis, significantly impairing their quality of life.
So in the end they follow the ‘good advice’ of their two main support systems, the body and the brain, which makes them probably more human than we want to be sometimes.
Nutrition breathes life into the core functions of our canine companions, playing a vital role in processes that are both seen and unseen. Among these, the health of a dog’s respiratory system stands paramount.
Antioxidants, abundant in certain foods, are the unsung heroes supporting lung health. These powerful compounds help maintain clear airways and efficient breathing. A diet rich in antioxidants is not just about supporting the lungs; it’s about ensuring every breath your dog takes is as effortless as possible.
From bowl to body, an intricate dance of digestion, where fiber leads and intestines have to follow. Essential for a healthy digestive system, fiber aids in the smooth passage of food through the gut, ensuring optimal nutrient absorption and regular bowel movements.
But its benefits extend beyond just digestive efficiency; fiber also plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy weight, crucial for preventing the strain excess weight places on a dog’s body and mobility.
While fiber plays a crucial role in supporting digestion and overall gut health, it’s important to approach the topic of probiotics with informed caution. Unlike humans, dogs have a less densely populated gut microbiome, making them more sensitive to high doses of probiotics. An excessive intake can lead to discomfort and may even harm the delicate lining of their intestines.
At Dogbesity.com, our mission is to tackle weight management challenges in a manner that’s not only effective but ensures the utmost health and well-being of your canine companions.
We emphasize a balanced approach to nutrition. This approach supports every aspect of your dog’s health, from their digestive system to their heart and cognitive function, without unintended side effects.
Ensuring your dog’s diet is well-rounded and appropriate for their specific needs is our top priority, guiding them towards a healthier weight and a happier life.
Moving on to the heart. The tireless engine driving every leap and bound relies on a diet that supports cardiovascular health. Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish oil, emerge as champions in this arena.
They offer significant benefits for heart health, potentially aiding in the management of heart failure. The gleam of a dog’s coat, often attributed to fish oil, is just a visible sign of the internal care provided by these essential fats, underscoring the connection between outer shine and inner wellness.
The last process we want to address is the complex realm of cognitive function, where specific nutrients like antioxidants, vitamins E and C, and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) play critical roles.
These compounds are believed to support brain health, enhancing cognitive functions and potentially offering benefits for aging dogs. The presence of essential fatty acids, such as omega-3 and omega-6, stored in white fat, further supports this cognitive boost.
At least you know now why fatty tissue or oil in your best friend’s bowl delivers about triple the amount of calories than protein or carbs. It has a huge responsibility but the base to carry it.
We hope you enjoyed this summarized version of the functions of nutrition and hope to have given you an insight on what goes on inside your precious companion’s belly once you’ve presented the bowl and it got sucked up in merely seconds.
This was supposed to be a short article, but we failed miserably to provide you with the latest insights and best possible information. We don’t apologize but we do advise you to read the final few paragraphs and they take your furry furball for a well-deserved walk or at least a couple of cuddles.
Are you persuaded now that we do have some idea of what we are talking about and was this the last brick to fall before you pull the virtual trigger and join us? Discover two corners of the Dogbesity Triangle in our FREE EBOOK and find out 100% live in the webinar what that last corner of the triangle could be.
Maybe it will revolutionize the way you look at nutrition for that faithful companion that is probably either lying on your lap pushing buttons that are not to be pushed or lying at your feet, making sure you’re not moving an inch without knowing.
If you’re not persuaded just yet then we recommend reading either the articles below which show some of the sources we used to acquire our knowledge or reading more of our blog articles.
Whether you do or don’t, it doesn’t change the fact that nutrition is one of the cornerstones of your best buddy’s health and longevity. That’s something you have to agree on.
A well-balanced diet tailored to an individual dog’s needs, lifestyle, and health condition is invaluable for a long-lasting healthy, and happy relationship.
Case, L. P., Daristotle, L., Hayek, M. G., & Raasch, M. F. (2011). Canine and feline nutrition: A resource for companion animal professionals (3rd ed.). Mosby Elsevier.
Kealy, R. D., Lawler, D. F., Ballam, J. M., Mantz, S. L., Biery, D. N., Greeley, E. H., Lust, G., Segre, M., Smith, G. K., & Stowe, H. D. (2002). Effects of diet restriction on life span and age-related changes in dogs. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 220(9), 1315–1320. doi:10.2460/javma.2002.220.1315
Lawler, D. F., Larson, B. T., Ballam, J. M., Smith, G. K., Biery, D. N., Evans, R. H., Greeley, E. H., Segre, M., Stowe, H. D., & Kealy, R. D. (2008). Diet restriction and ageing in the dog: Major observations over two decades. British Journal of Nutrition, 99(4), 793–805. doi:10.1017/ S0007114507871686
Bjornvad, C. R., Nielsen, D. H., Armstrong, P. J., McEvoy, F. J., Hoelmkjaer, K. M., & Jensen, K. S. (2004). “Effect of obesity and subsequent weight loss on metabolic rate and respiratory quotient in overweight dogs”. Journal of Animal Science, 82(9), 2735-2742.
Reference: Roush, J. K., Cross, A. R., Renberg, W. C., Dodd, C. E., Sixby, K. A., Fritsch, D. A., Allen, T. A., Jewell, D. E., Richardson, D. C., & Leventhal, P. S. (2010). “Evaluation of the effects of dietary supplementation with fish oil omega-3 fatty acids on weight bearing in dogs with osteoarthritis”. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 236(1), 67-73.
Reference: Freeman, L. M., Rush, J. E., Kehayias, J. J., Ross, J. N., Meydani, S. N., Brown, D. J., Dolnikowski, G. G., Marmor, B. N., White, M. E., Dinarello, C. A., & Roubenoff, R. (1998). “Nutritional alterations and the effect of fish oil supplementation in dogs with heart failure”. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 12(6), 440-448
Milgram, N. W., Head, E., Zicker, S. C., Ikeda-Douglas, C. J., Murphey, H., Muggenburg, B., Siwak, C., Tapp, D., & Cotman, C. W. (2005). “Learning ability in aged beagle dogs is preserved by behavioral enrichment and dietary fortification: a two-year longitudinal study”. Neurobiology of Aging, 26(1), 77-90.
Krista Williams, BSc, DVM; Ernest Ward, DVM, Degenerative Joint Disease in Dogs, VCA Animal Hospitals Resources