Petfood Industry - June 2013 - 30
30 www.petfoodindustry.com Meeting nutrient requirements in dog food production Photos by (left to right) successo, Pictrough, Amaviael and mcfields | BigStockPhoto.com; Monika Wisniewska | Fotolia.com; Willee Cole | BigStockPhoto.com By Anton C. Beynen, PhD Although frozen, dry and wet dog foods are very different, they can all be considered appropriate and complete nutrition for healthy dogs. When properly formulated, frozen, wet and dry complete foods all sustain a healthy and long life in dogs INGREDIENT MIXTURES OF industrially produced, complete canine foods can vary markedly, but still be equally good. Feeding of dogs should aim at supplying adequate amounts of nutrients in an available, palatable and safe form that supports a healthy and long life. This rational approach, combined with practical experience, allows dogs to be fed on a wide variety of formulas. Clearly, the complete foods for dogs of various ages and physiological states must accommodate the nutrient requirements. DOG FOOD MUST contain fats to meet the requirement of essential fatty acids, but the fat level is flexible. Most foods contain carbohydrates, mainly as starch, but carbohydrates are not indispensable. The fiber fraction also contains carbohydrates. Fiber is not a required nutrient, and its energetic contribution is neglected. Here, the term carbohydrates excludes fiber. With regard to digestion and metabolism, dogs can handle a wide range of dietary amounts of fat and carbohydrates. This makes it possible to produce different, but adequate foods, provided that the June 2013 PetfoodIndustry
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