America has become an increasingly health conscious nation. We’ve made great strides toward becoming a healthier country, but the effort shouldn’t end with people. Our dachshund puppies need good nutrition as well!
Canines, like humans, are omnivores. As any dachshund owner knows, most dogs will eat just about anything you put in front of them, so it can be difficult to know exactly what the dog needs in its diet. In fact, the basic building blocks of a balanced canine diet are not so far off from our own nutritional needs.
Proteins
Growing dachshunds need a great deal of protein to help build new tissue in their early stages of development. Puppies should get most of their protein from animal products such as lamb, chicken, turkey, and fish. These proteins, as opposed to vegetable proteins, have complete amino acid profiles and are therefore better for your growing dog.
Vitamins
Just like their human companions, puppies need vitamins in their diet to protect them from illness and regulate metabolic function. Most of a dachshund’s vitamin intake should come straight from its food, but occasionally dogs do need supplements to compensate for vitamin deficiencies. We recommend NuVet Plus for dogs that aren’t getting enough vitamins from their food. These supplements are specifically formulated to fill in nutritional gaps and meet the dietary needs of our furry friends.
Fats
As modern humans, we tend to avoid fatty foods. For dachshund puppies, fats are an essential part of their nutritional profile. Fats constitute your dog’s primary source of energy. Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids also contribute to growth and aid in healing inflammation. If you do notice sudden weight gain in your dog, however, you’ll want to cut back on the fat in their diet before it threatens their health.
Water
The very nectar of life! Good hydration is every bit as important to dogs as it is to humans. Since most dogs eat dry food, they should always have a bowl of water available. Just a 10% drop in water content can cause serious health problems for your dog.
Want to learn more about how to promote a balanced diet for your puppy? Give us a call today for more information!