Dog Food Nutrition

The following information on dog food nutrition provides a list of all the required nutrients a dog needs for optimal health. But since each dog has different needs based on their activity level, stage of life, and or any particular health issues they may be dealing with, there is no one brand that is going to be best for all Schnauzers.

So what are the right amounts of protein, fats, vitamins, and minerals for your Miniature Schnauzer? The AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) has in place a set of standards to meet all the nutrient requirements of your dog. Use this information when comparing dog food labels and to help you in choose the best dog food for your Miniature Schnauzer.

Daily Nutritional Requirements for Dogs

• Water: Clean fresh water should be available for your Schnauzer, at all times. Water consumption is of the utmost importance as dehydration is a serious illness. A healthy Miniature Schnauzer can effectively self-regulate his own water intake. Considering how important water is to the body, provide your Schnauzer with the best quality of water possible (ie filtered water).

• Energy: Miniature Schnauzers need to consume a certain amount of calories per day to maintain optimal health. Energy is provided by proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. The appropriate amount of calories your Schnauzer should consume daily depends on activity level, if dog is lactating, and even weather conditions.

Below is an example of how a dog's activity level, age, and environment can effect the amount of calories he/she needs per day. Example Dog: 15 pound Miniature Schnauzer.

Daily Caloric Intake - Dog Food Nutrition
Activity Level	Ideal Weight	Daily Calories
Active Schnauzer	weighing 15 pounds	557 Kcal/day
Typical Activity	weighing 15 pounds	464 Kcal/day
Pregnant Schnauzer	weighing 15 pounds	620 Kcal/day
Extreme Cold Climate	weighing 15 pounds	700 Kcal/day
Puppy 6 months	weighing 5 pounds	400 Kcal/day
Inactive Senior	weighing 15 pounds	380 Kcal/day

• Protein: Proteins are necessary for growth and development. They are the building blocks of nutrition. Proteins are made up of smaller units called amino acids. Of the 22 amino acids needed, 10 are essential amino acids that must be consumed in dog food nutrition.

They are: Arginine, Histidine, Isoleucine, Leucine, Lysine, Methionine, Phenylalanine, Threonine, Tryptophan, and Valine.

The amount of protein your Miniature Schnauzer needs depends on his age, size, and activity level. However, not all proteins are created equal so be sure your Schnauzer consumes high quality digestible proteins.

• Fats: Fats are an important part of dog food nutrition. As a concentrated source of energy, fats facilitate the absorption, storage, and transport of fat-soluble vitamins such as vitamins A, D, E, and K. The type and amount of fats your dog consumes is extremely important. The most prevalent problems related to fats and Schnauzers are over consumption, obesity, and pancreatitis. Fats are also a source of essential fatty acids (EFA), which must be obtained through your dog's diet.

• Vitamins: Most commercial dog foods are fortified with vitamins to levels that exceed minimal requirements. Vitamins A, D, E, and K are fat soluble vitamins and are stored in the body whereas water soluble vitamins, like Vitamin C and some B-complex vitamins, are excreted if excess amounts are consumed. The fat soluble vitamins, if ingested in mega doses, can produce side effects or toxicity. (note: There is no AAFCO dietary requirement for Vitamins C or K for dogs).

• Minerals: A balanced amount of minerals also plays an important part of dog food nutrition. Minerals perform many different functions in the body such as bone and cartilage formation, enzymatic reactions, maintaining fluid balance, transportation of oxygen in the blood, normal muscle and nerve function, and the production of hormones. Minerals work along with other minerals, vitamins, and enzymes in the body to produce their effects, so the proper balance is vital.

Understanding Dog Food Labels

If a dog food is labeled as 'complete and balanced' it must meet the standards established by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). This is done by through a sampling of the food to ensure it meets the AAFCO nutrient profile or by passing actual feeding trials. Be sure to look for the nutritional adequacy statement on dog food packages. Only dog foods labeled as complete and balanced are intended for long-term use.

AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles

Nutrient	Units DM Basis	Growth and Reproduction Minimum	Adult Maintenance Minimum	Maximum
PROTEIN	%	22.0	18.0
Arginine	%	0.62	0.51
Histidine	%	0.22	0.18
Isoleucine	%	0.45	0.37
Leucine	%	0.72	0.59
Lysine	%	0.77	0.63
Methionine-cystine	%	0.53	0.43
Phenylalanine-tyrosine	%	0.89	0.73
Threonine	%	0.58	0.48
Tryptophan	%	0.20	0.16
Valine	%	0.48	0.39
Fatb	%	8.0	5.0
Linoleic acid	%	1.0	1.0
MINERALS
Calcium	%	1.0	0.6	2.5
Phosphorus	%	0.8	0.5	1.6
Ca:P ratio		1:1	1:1	2:1
Potassium	%	0.6	0.6
Sodium	%	0.3	0.06
Chloride	%	0.45	0.09
Magnesium	%	0.04	0.04	0.3
Ironc	mg/kg	80.0	80.0	3000.0
Copperd	mg/kg	7.3	7.3	250.0
Manganese	mg/kg	5.0	5.0
Zinc	mg/kg	120.0	120.0	1000.0
Iodine	mg/kg	1.5	1.5	50.0
Selenium	mg/kg	0.11	0.11	2.0
VITAMINS
Vitamin A	IU/kg	5000.0	5000.0	250000.0
Vitamin D	IU/kg	500.0	500.0	5000.0
Vitamin E	IU/kg	50.0	50.0	1000.0
Thiaminee	mg/kg	1.0	1.0
Riboflavin	mg/kg	2.2	2.2
Pantothenic acid	mg/kg	10.0	10.0
Niacin	mg/kg	11.4	11.4
Pyridoxine	mg/kg	1.0	1.0
Folic Acid	mg/kg	0.18	0.18
Vitamin B12	mg/kg	0.022	0.022
Choline	mg/kg	1200.0	1200.0
aPresumes an energy density of 3.5 kcal ME/g DM, based on the "modified Atwater" values of 3.5, 8.5, and 3.5 kcal/g for protein, fat, and carbohydrate (nitrogen-free extract, NFE), respectively. Rations greater than 4.0 kcal/g should be corrected for energy density; rations less than 3.5 kcal/g should not be corrected for energy. b Although a true requirement for fat per se has not been established, the minimum level was based on recognition of fat as a source of essential fatty acids, as a carrier of fat-soluble vitamins, to enhance palatability, and to supply an adequate caloric density. c Because of very poor bioavailability, iron from carbonate or oxide sources that are added to the diet should not be considered as components in meeting the minimum nutrient level. d Because of very poor bioavailability, copper from oxide sources that are added to the diet should not be considered as components in meeting the minimum nutrient level. e Because processing may destroy up to 90 percent of the thiamine in the diet, allowance in formulation should be made to ensure the minimum nutrient level is met after processing.

Keep in mind, the Nutrient Profile is only a list about quantities, you must further evaluate dog food nutrition by understanding the Guaranteed Analysis on the dog food label and ensuring the food contains good quality digestible ingredients. Remember, in order for your Miniature Schnauzer to truly benefit from his dog food his digestive system must be able to process it.

When selecting the best pet food for your Miniature Schnauzer: Read the entire label and choose a food based on its quality (ie the ingredients) and not just percentages. It is the quality of fats and proteins that will have the most profound effect on your Miniature Schnauzer.

READ: Choosing the best dog food for Schnauzers nutrition.

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Powdered Eggshells Rich Source of Calcium

Calcium is an important mineral for dogs. It is needed for them to maintain strong healthy bones and teeth. If you are feeding your dog a homemade diet and need to a calcium supplement, here is and easy way to do it:

Instead of tossing out eggshells in the trash, why notuse them to prepare a calcium supplement for your dog.

1. Wash: Wash empty eggshells in warm water and lay them out on a paper towel to dry. Do not remove the membrane because it contains important nutrients for the joints which helps arthritis (note: Use certified organic eggs, if possible).

2. Dry: Once the eggshells have dried, put the broken pieces onto a cookie sheet or pie pan and bake in the oven for 15 minutes at 300 degrees. This will help sterilize the eggshells and make them extra brittle for the next step; grinding.

3. Grind: Grind the shells into a fine powder. Using a food processor or coffee grinder makes this step easy. But you can put the pieces in a plastic bag and use a rolling pin to crush them as well. Just be sure there are no gritty pieces.

4. Store: Put the powdered eggshells into a small glass jar and store it in the refrigerator.

5. Supplement: Sprinkle 1/4 tsp to your dog's homemade meals.

*** As always, seek advice from your Veterinarian before adding any supplements or changing your dog's diet.

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