Diet plays an integral role in pet health, so be sure you’re giving your dog all the nutrients they need to live a long, happy life. There are countless foods on the market, and it can be hard to identify what you should be looking for in the list of ingredients. Here’s a closer look at the veterinarian-recommended essentials to keep your dog healthy.

The Most Important Dog Food Ingredients

1. Clean Protein

Meat is loaded with protein, amino acids, and nutrients like calcium and phosphorus that play an important role in your dog’s health. Protein builds and maintains lean muscle, and calcium keeps bones strong. Whole meats like lamb, chicken, and beef are some of the best sources. Bone meal or byproduct meals should also be in the top three ingredients to ensure your dog receives a complete range of protein-based health benefits.

2. Grains

Grains provide the necessary carbohydrates to give your dog plenty of energy and help with digestion, which is especially important for processing the amino acids in protein. Whole wheat and ground corn are two examples and are loaded with fiber to maintain GI health. Some pets have gluten or grain allergies, however, so you should always speak with your dog’s veterinarian about preferred foods.

3. Healthy Fats

Not all fats are bad. Those found in fish, vegetable oils, and animal fat provide a healthy energy boost and also contain many acids, like linoleic acid, that impact pet health. They may also contain important vitamins such as E and B that contribute to metabolic health. All of this translates to helping your dog stay more active and better process foods so they maintain a healthy lifestyle that will make your pup and their veterinarian happy.

Whether you need input on foods or more comprehensive pet care, a veterinarian at Carolina Veterinary Hospital can help. This practice has served Sanford, NC, for over 40 years and is led by Dr. C.F. Williams, DMV. Their team provides comprehensive services, including emergency pet care, and takes every step to educate owners on how to best care for their pets. Call (919) 258-3349 to schedule a checkup at their pet hospital and visit their website for more information about their services.