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Needs-Based Diet for Dogs: What Does It Mean?

Most dog owners have likely encountered the term "needs-based diet" at some point in relation to their furry friends.However, not everyone fully understands what it actually means. In fact, a needs-based diet is crucial for maintaining your dog’s health. In this article, Dr. Tatjana Breiltgens, our veterinarian, explains this topic in more detail. A "needs-based diet" isn’t just a trend, it's a scientifically backed recommendation designed to ensure that your dog receives a diet tailored to their individual needs. To determine the right nutrition for your pet, factors such as age, breed, size, activity level, and overall health must be considered.
A "needs-based diet" isn’t just a trend, it's a scientifically backed recommendation designed to ensure that your dog receives a diet tailored to their individual needs. To determine the right nutrition for your pet, factors such as age, breed, size, activity level, and overall health must be considered.

Needs-Based Diet: A Science in Itself

As a veterinarian, I’m frequently asked what exactly a "needs-based diet" means. Not everyone is familiar with this concept. Similar to humans, dogs have unique nutritional needs that vary depending on factors like their age, breed, size, activity level, and individual health requirements. To ensure your dog receives a needs-based diet, organizations like the National Research Council (NRC) have developed recommendations based on extensive scientific research. While there are other sources of nutritional guidelines, they generally align in their average values. It’s important to note that these guidelines are based on the metabolic body weight, that means body weight to the power of 0.75 (or BW^0.75).

Protein Requirements

A dog’s protein requirements depend on their life stage and activity level. Puppies in their growth phase need more protein than adult dogs. Senior dogs, on the other hand, don’t always have a reduced need for protein. However, certain conditions, such as kidney issues, might call for a lower protein intake. Ultimately, it depends on your dog’s specific needs! High-quality, easily digestible protein sources such as meat, fish, or plant-based proteins are essential for dogs. According to the NRC, a dog’s protein requirement during their maintenance energy phase can be calculated using the following formula:

3.3 g raw protein/kg BW^0.75/day. For example, for a 10 kg dog, the calculation would be: 10 kg^0.75 x 3.3 = 18.5 g. This means the dog would need approximately 19 g of protein per day.

Energy Sources: Fats and Oils

Fats and oils are a concentrated energy source, providing dogs with twice as much energy as carbohydrates and protein. Even at rest, dogs have an energy requirement equivalent to their maintenance energy needs, as energy is required for essential functions such as digestion, spontaneous movements, breathing, and more. Small dogs actually need more energy per kilogram of body weight than larger dogs due to their higher surface area relative to body mass. Indeed, small dogs release more energy through their body surface. Depending on their age and breed, dogs typically require about 0.5 MJ ME per kg KM^0.75/ day.* 

Healthy fats, particularly fatty acids, play a vital role in energy balance, skin health, and immune function. Sources such as salmon, flaxseed, and walnut oil are rich in these beneficial fats, including omega-3, which also has anti-inflammatory properties.

*MJ: megajoule; ME: metabolic energy

Carbs: Essential in the Diet

Carbohydrates consist of many individual sugar molecules and provide dogs with approximately as much energy as protein does. While carbs are not essential nutrients for dogs, they play a key role in many metabolic processes. 

They serve as important, readily available energy sources, such as potatoes, pasta, and grains (such as millet). 

Starch, the long-chain storage form of carbs, is only accessible to dogs after it has been heated. Therefore, pasta, rice, and potatoes should be cooked thoroughly. Since dogs are not strictly carnivores, an adequate amount of carbohydrates, such as those from whole grains or vegetables, can be a valuable addition to their diet.

Vitamins and Minerals: The Finishing Touch

Carbohydrates consist of many individual sugar molecules and provide dogs with approximately as much energy as protein does. While carbs are not essential nutrients for dogs, they play a key role in many metabolic processes. They serve as important, readily available energy sources, such as potatoes, pasta, and grains (such as millet). Starch, the long-chain storage form of carbs, is only accessible to dogs after it has been heated. Therefore, pasta, rice, and potatoes should be cooked thoroughly. Since dogs are not strictly carnivores, an adequate amount of carbohydrates, such as those from whole grains or vegetables, can be a valuable addition to their diet.

Cooking Dog Food Yourself: A Great Option

Homemade dog food allows you to tailor meals specifically to your dog’s needs, including health concerns or allergies. You also have control over the quality, source, and ingredients, which can help manage costs. However, it's important to note that homemade meals must be properly balanced with the right supplements to ensure your dog receives all the necessary nutrients.

Conclusion

Feeding your dog a needs-based diet can have a significant impact on their well- being and health throughout their life. However, if you’re uncertain about your dog’s specific nutritional needs or if they have special health concerns, you should always consult your veterinarian. They can help determine the best approach to meet your pet’s unique dietary requirements.

Individual nutrition for your dog

At LuckyChef, we believe in tailor-made nutrition for dogs. With our customized recipes and the expertise of our vets, we make sure your four-legged friend gets everything they need to be fit and happy.