CHOW TIME

Make sure your dog is getting all the nutrition she needs.

- JENNA STREGOWSKI

PROPER NUTRITION is as important for dogs as it is for humans necessary for their health and well-being. The factors are pretty much the same ones you consider for your own meal planning: figuring out the food you want to serve, being able to pick out quality ingredients, and keeping the tab within your budget.

Figuring Out Your Pup's Needs

There's a lot of information about canine nutrition available online, but it can be challenging to navigate and come up with a plan you're confident about. Not all sites are reliable, and even among experts, opinions may vary. Your veterinarian is always the best resource. If you still have questions about what to feed your pup, you may want to ask for a referral to a veterinary nutritionist.

Canine Nutrition 101

Every dog needs to consume enough calories to provide energy for their body and maintain a healthy weight. These calories come from the building blocks you know: protein, fat, and carbohydrates. In addition, dogs need several key vitamins and minerals. Here is a breakdown of the nutritional components and an explanation of the purpose they serve.

• PROTEIN, essential to build muscle, gets broken down into amino acids that maintain several bodily functions. In dog food, protein often comes from chicken, beef, or fish, but it may use less common meats, such as lamb.

• FAT contains fatty acids, which provide energy, support brain function, and help maintain healthy joints, skin, and coats. All dogs need some fat-whether from animal or plant oils-in their diets, but too much can cause gastrointestinal upset and can lead to obesity.