Key nutrients for puppies

Carbohydrates

The term “carbohydrates” mostly includes sugars, fibre and starch. They play an essential role in enhancing body function in dogs and cats. Sugars and starch that are used in ROYAL CANIN® diets, are useful and easily digestible form of energy for growing puppies.

Dietary fibre

Dietary fibre can be found in carbohydrate-like substances such as pectin, cellulose and lignin. They are sourced from plant materials such as wholemeal cereals, root vegetables, fruit and gelling agents. Limited amounts of dietary fibre in a puppy’s diet can be useful in the prevention of gastro-intestinal issues such as diarrhoea and constipation.

Fat

Dietary fats serve as the most concentrated source of energy in a balanced diet, and lend palatability and texture to puppy’s foods. As well as providing energy fats (also known as lipids) deliver essential fatty acids that are vital to body functions, while also positively effecting coat quality and a healthy nervous system.

Protein

Protein plays a vital role in healthy puppy development by forming and renewing tissue, muscle and the skeleton. Protein is a precious micronutrient for both the human and animals food chains, and one which should be used as efficiently as possible. Proteins are composed of chains of hundreds (or even thousands) of amino acids.

There are 20 amino acids present in proteins and they are classified into two different types: essential and non-essential. Essential amino acids can not be made by the puppies body in sufficient amounts for healthy functioning and development, and therefore must be present in food. Non-essential amino acids can derive from excesses of essential dietary amino acids, but they are still vital to healthy function and should form part of a balanced diet. 

Minerals

There are two types of minerals required for healthy development. Macro-elements such as calcium, phosphorous and potassium enable a number of key functions in the puppy’s body, including healthy bone growth, transmission of nerve impulses and muscle metabolism. Trace elements such as iron, copper and manganese contribute, amongst other things, to healthy skin, bones, blood and coat.

Vitamins

Vitamins are needed for a wide range of biological and developmental functions including:

• Immune and cognitive function
• Cell function and repair
• Reducing inflammation
• Fat metabolism
• Blood clotting
  Brain and liver function

There are two types of vitamins: water soluble and fat soluble. A puppy is less able to store water soluble vitamins such as vitamin B, in particular thiamin, and riboflavin in its body and therefore it is critical that these vitamins are part of their regular daily diet.