Dogs and cats require balanced nutrition. Their diets must consist of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, minerals, and vitamins. Pets also require sufficient water intake throughout the day. Whether you buy kibble or wet food; or prepare meals for your pets at home; it should meet their daily requirements for all the essential nutrients.

Here are the five essential pet food nutrients.

1. Proteins: Dogs require adequate proteins in their diets. It helps in the formation of muscles, ligaments, cartilage, skin, hair, nails and blood. Lactating females and puppies require more proteins than adult dogs. Protein requirement will be different for small and large dogs. So, consult with your veterinarian about the right protein for your dogs.

Cats can make non-essential amino acids. But they definitely require essential amino acids from their meals. Protein breaks down to form amino acids. So, you can provide it via good quality meat. Dogs also require at least 10 amino acids from their meals. Organ meats, chicken, turkey, duck, eggs, and some varieties of fish are ideal for dogs. Ask for recommendations from your veterinarian about readymade meals or kibble as per good protein quantity. Cats can eat fish like tuna.

2. Fats: Dogs and cats require fats in their diets. Fats help in building cells and keeping their coats healthy. Fish oil or low-mercury fresh fish are good sources of healthy fats. You can also use flaxseeds or sunflower oil for dogs. Cats can get fats in their diet via fish and organ meats.

3. Minerals: Animals also need minerals for metabolic functions, bone health, and other functions. Puppies need more calcium than adult dogs. A good mix of different meats will provide them with all essential minerals. Good cat food brands will contain minerals.

4. Vitamins: Dogs need vitamins for healthy nervous system, immune system, and other tasks. Most meats contain minerals that dogs require. With a balanced diet of kibble, only add water-soluble vitamin supplements to it if needed. Cats also need vitamins for metabolic functions. Good cat food brands contain vitamins felines need. You can add organ meals to their homemade diet for vitamins.

5. Carbohydrates: Both dogs and cats don’t necessarily require carbohydrates in their meals. But if you include a little of it in their diet, it will help them provide with energy and reserve proteins and fats for other essential tasks. Carbohydrates should be only a little part of their daily meals. Dry cat and dog foods contains carbohydrates. Rice is one of the best sources of carbohydrates for dogs. You can boil rice at home and mix it with meat or fish for a nutritious meal for dogs.

Requirement for nutrients is different for animals as per their breed, size and activity levels. Your pets should have access to clean and fresh drinking water at all times. Consult with your veterinarian to plan your pets’ healthy diet. If you have animals other than dogs and cats, buy food specially catered to them; or ask your veterinarian for recommendations.