How to Calculate a Balanced Diet for Dogs?
A balanced diet is key to your pet's health and longevity. The foundation of this diet consists of raw meat, fish, poultry, vegetables, berries, greens, and herbs. Let's explore how to properly calculate the macronutrients (proteins, fats, and carbohydrates) for dogs on a BARF (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food) diet.
Proteins
Proteins are the building blocks of the body. They support muscle development, skin and coat health, and play a crucial role in the immune system. In raw dog diets, proteins are the cornerstone because dogs are naturally carnivores.
It is recommended that 60-80% of the daily diet consists of meat, fish, or poultry. The quality and freshness of these products are essential as they directly affect your pet's health. The main sources of protein in a BARF diet are muscle meat, offal, and fish.
Fats
Fats are necessary for energy maintenance, vitamin absorption, and skin health. They should make up around 10-20% of a dog's total diet. Fats primarily come from meats, especially fatty varieties like lamb or pork, as well as fish (such as salmon).
However, too much fat can lead to obesity and other health issues, so it’s important to maintain balance based on the dog’s needs and activity level.
Carbohydrates
While dogs can derive energy from carbohydrates, they are not essential for carnivores. In a BARF diet, carbs mainly come from vegetables, greens, and berries, which also provide vitamins, minerals, and fiber to aid digestion.
Dogs don’t need high levels of carbohydrates, so their proportion in the diet should be around 5-10%.
Individual Calculation
When calculating macronutrients, it’s important to consider the dog’s age, size, activity level, and health. For example, active dogs with high physical demands need more proteins and fats, while less active pets may require lower-calorie diets.
A basic formula for calculating daily portions is to feed 2-4% of the dog's body weight. This portion is then divided into 60-80% protein, 10-20% fat, and 5-10% carbohydrates.
A balanced BARF diet helps maintain a dog's optimal health by providing all the necessary nutrients. Regularly monitoring protein, fat, and carbohydrate intake, and adjusting the diet according to your pet's needs, is the key to their long-term health and well-being.