How useful are ready-made rations for puppies?

Protein and amino acids

Protein is the building block for muscles. But along with it, the pet must also receive certain amino acids, which are crucial at a young age.

In total, there are 12 essential amino acids that should be in the composition of any food, since the dog’s body does not produce them.

This, in particular, is lysine – it is involved in the formation of new tissues, and its lack leads to a slowdown in growth and a decrease in appetite. Tryptophan – its deficiency can provoke weight loss and refusal of the animal to eat. Methionine and cysteine ​​- if they are lacking, the animal runs the risk of problems with hair – loss, brittleness, slowing down its growth.

Fats and fatty acids

Fats are a real pantry of calories: there are twice as many of them in fats as in proteins and carbohydrates. In turn, fatty acids are a source of equally important nutrients for puppies.

Thus, the omega-3 family of fatty acids (namely, docosahexaenoic acid) is necessary for the normal development of the brain and nervous system in dogs before birth, immediately after it, and until the end of growing up.

Omega-6 fatty acids are indispensable if you need to maintain healthy skin and coat.

Minerals

Calcium and phosphorus are actively involved in the formation of bones and teeth. Their excess or deficiency leads to skeletal development disorders, which often cause pain symptoms.

Zinc is involved in protein metabolism and is critical for skin health. The lack of this mineral affects the growth of the puppy, provokes the appearance of skin problems, and negatively affects the condition of the paw pads of the animal.

Iron is important for blood quality – it synthesizes oxygen-carrying hemoglobin and myoglobin. And this is not all the functions of iron. Its deficiency causes puppies to grow slowly, be lethargic, weak and suffer from diarrhea.

Vitamins

Here, two letters are extremely important for babies – A and D. Vitamin A is healthy vision, excellent hearing, good growth dynamics. D stands for healthy bones.

If vitamin A is deficient, it can cause visual impairment, reproductive functions, dry skin, and pulmonary pathology. The animal will become more susceptible to infections. Vitamin D deficiency can cause rickets, weight loss, and bone softening. And this will lead to pain in the muscles and joints, fractures.

Water

Together with food, the pet must receive liquid in the required amount.

If, before switching to solid food, he received it with mother’s milk, then after that he needs to provide constant free access to fresh drinking water.

23 2017 June

Updated: December 21, 2017