10 Pet Nutritional Facts for to Remember

1. 1. Water is the most essential nutrient. Pets can survive weeks without eating but soon die of dehydration.
   2. Dogs prefer meat-based diets but are capable of surviving on plant protein as long as nutritional supplements are added.
   3. Contrary to people, smells take precedence over visual appearance. Studies show that dogs prefer uncooked chicken innards to a perfectly grilled sirloin steak.
   4. Nutrients are proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and water. All are necessary.
   5. Puppies and kittens require about twice the caloric content daily than that of their adult counterparts.

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1. Dogs eat less often than cats but they ingest larger quantities of food at each sitting.
2. Lack of sufficient vitamins can cause disease in pets. On the other end of the spectrum over supplementing vitamins can also lead to disease.
3. Fats, carbohydrates, and protein all provide energy. Basic functions such as growth, lactation, pregnancy, and exercise all require the energy that comes from a well-balanced diet.
4. Older dogs need 20% fewer total calories than middle-aged dogs. Because so many people do not realize this many senior dogs are overweight or obese.
5. There is no such thing as an average dog and dietary averages are only a starting point to base an individual diet. Dietary guidelines need to be tailored to meet each individual animal’s needs.