Water
Without water, life cannot exist. Water makes up 70 to 80 percent of a mature dog’s lean body mass. Water’s many important functions include
Protein
Protein provides essential amino acids for body structure and function. Dogs require dietary protein for optimal health and energy.
Fat
Fat supplies the most concentrated source of energy, with more than twice as many calories as protein and carbohydrates
Vitamins
Vitamins are essential for metabolism. They regulate calcium, boost immunity, serve as antioxidants, enable clotting, and maintain nervous system function. Home-prepared diets require vitamin supplementation
Minerals
Minerals are inorganic compounds that the body needs to maintain proper metabolic functions. The body cannot manufacture minerals and so must get them from food.
Carbohydrates
A macronutrient made up of units of sugars, starches or indigestible fiber. Since dogs can synthesize glucose from sufficient dietary protein and fat, carbohydrates are the only nutrient class that is not essential for dogs