Key nutrients for puppies

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

Dietary fiber can be found in carbohydrate-like substances such as pectin, cellulose, and lignin. They are sourced from plant materials such as whole meal cereals, root vegetables, fruit, and gelling agents. Limited amounts of dietary fiber in a puppy's diet can be useful in the prevention of gastrointestinal issues such as diarrhea and constipation.

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 affecting coat quality and a healthy nervous system.

Protein plays a vital role in healthy puppy development by forming and renewing tissue, muscle, and the bones. Protein is a precious macronutrient for both the human and animal 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 cannot be made by the puppy's body in sufficient amounts for healthy functioning and development, and therefore must be present in food. Non-essential amino acids can derived from excesses of essential dietary amino acids, but they are still vital to healthy function and should form part of a balanced diet.

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 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 B vitamins such as thiamin and riboflavin in its body and therefore it is critical that these vitamins are part of their regular daily diet.