As a pet owner, there is a lot to know about dog nutrition, perhaps almost too much! Nonetheless, it’s important to make sure your dog is receiving a balanced diet so he or she can remain happy and healthy!

To make it easier for you, we’re answering some of the most frequently asked questions about dog food and nutrition.

What nutrients does my dog need?

There’s a lot that goes into a balanced diet, and your dog needs energy for all of those games of fetch! Nutrients help make sure he gets what he needs.

Here are the six types of nutrients dogs need:

• Fats: For a shiny and healthy coat, energy, and normal body development and function
• Water: Like humans, dogs need water too!
• Proteins: For energy, a strong immune system, development of skin cells
• Carbohydrates: For energy
• Minerals: For normal body functions like formation of bone and cartilage
• Vitamins: For normal metabolic function

Which is better—canned or dry dog food?

When you get a dog, choosing between wet and dry dog food will be one of the first decisions you have to make. Both types have their benefits and drawbacks, and factors like lifestyle or your dog’s age may impact your decision.

If your dog needs more water in his diet, canned or wet dog food may be your preferred choice, as this type of food naturally contains more water. Wet food may be a better choice for senior dogs that have sensitive stomachs or can’t smell, as wet foods are richer in flavor and smell. Dry dog food may also be hard on an older dog’s teeth.

Alternatively, dry dog food stores better, so many pet owners prefer dry food for this reason. Dry foods can contain special formulas to help with dental health. You may choose to mix wet and dry dog food for your pup’s meals.

What is a grain free dog diet?

Common allergens for dogs include corn, wheat, and soy. If your veterinarian determines your dog is allergic to one or all of these, your dog may, or may not need a grain free diet. Grain free dog food may also be recommended if your dog has problems with digestion.

Fortunately, there are plenty of commercial pet foods and treats that do not contain, corn, wheat, or soy. Many of our products are corn, wheat, and soy free making them the perfect solution for pups with allergens. Our Grain Free Crunchers are great if your dog does need an entirely grain free diet.

How often should I feed my dog?

Puppies under the age of five months should be fed between three and four times per day. Dogs over the age of five months typically only need to be fed twice a day. Regardless, make sure your dog’s food is developed for dogs his age.

Establish a regular feeding schedule with your dog. This allows you to monitor if there are any changes in your dog’s eating habits. If you leave food out all the time, you might not catch if your dog is suddenly eating less.

How many treats should I feed my dog per day?

Quantity will depend on your dog’s caloric intake. For example, a Beagle will require a different number of calories than a Golden Retriever. Typically, no more than 10% of your dog’s daily food intake is from treats. And remember, treats are treats! They should be used as a reward too and are intended for intermittent or supplemental feeding only.

Treats that are high in fiber but low in calories are great options, as they’ll keep your pup feeling full. Our Pumpkin Crunchers are a great filler for this reason! Treats that have added nutrients are even better! Treats from our Natural Chips collection like our green bean chips are light yet delicious snacks.

Does my dog need to take supplements?

Your dog’s diet should be giving them the important nutrients they need, but supplements can be a great addition to help your dog stay healthy. Of course, you should always consult your veterinarian before giving your dog a supplement.

However, there are many benefits to using supplements, and they come in many forms like chewables or powders. Typically dog supplements address these areas: skin and coat, joint health, digestion, and fleas and ticks.

Probiotic supplements for dogs can aid in digestion and repopulate the digestive tract with healthy bacteria. If your dog does need a probiotic, we recommend choosing one that contains natural, organic ingredients.

Coconut oil can also be used as an oral supplement and addresses many common health issues, like digestion, arthritis, and skin and coat health.

At K9 Granola Factory, we know that your dog is another member of the family. That’s why we design products that contain high quality ingredients to enrich his life. Browse our products for information, including ingredients, guaranteed analysis, and nutritional benefits. We’re always happy to answer any questions you have about our products!