In recent years, there has been a lot of talk in the pet industry about species-appropriate nutrition. But what does this term really mean? More importantly, does species-appropriate nutrition apply to dogs?
Species-appropriate nutrition is a concept that has evolved alongside our growing understanding of how nutrition impacts living organisms. Just like humans, dogs need food to survive, but the types of food they need and the nutrients their bodies require are different due to their unique biology. This fundamental difference is at the heart of species-appropriate nutrition.
The Basic Premise
The basic idea behind species-appropriate nutrition is simple: an animal will thrive when it is fed foods that meet its specific nutritional needs. Conversely, if an animal is fed food that doesn’t align with its biological requirements, it can suffer from health issues. This is true for both humans and animals, and it applies to dogs as well.
At Nextrition, we’ve designed our cold-pressed dog food with these principles in mind. Our food is nutritionally dense, promotes gut health, supports weight management, improves digestion, and overall contributes to a dog’s well-being.
Dogs Are True Carnivores
Dogs are classified as true carnivores, which means they rely heavily on animal proteins for their nutrition. Their digestive system is specifically adapted to process and utilize animal-based proteins efficiently. Because of this, species-appropriate nutrition for dogs focuses on the following:
1. High Meat Content
The primary ingredient in Nextrition food is always meat, fish, or poultry. This high meat content ensures that dogs receive the protein necessary for muscle growth, energy, and overall health. Their digestive systems are optimized for breaking down animal proteins, making it essential for their diet.
2. Organ Meats and Bones
In the wild, dogs practice whole-prey consumption, meaning they don’t just eat muscle meat but also consume bones and internal organs. A species-appropriate diet for domesticated dogs reflects this, which is why organ meats and bones are beneficial. They provide essential nutrients, minerals, and vitamins that support a dog’s health.
3. Limiting Carbohydrates
While carbohydrates can be part of a dog's diet, they should be limited. Dogs don't have the digestive enzymes required to process a wide range of carbohydrates effectively. Therefore, a species-appropriate diet focuses on minimizing carbs, while still providing those that are easy to digest, such as sweet potatoes or certain grains.
4. Limiting Plant Matter
Dogs, as carnivores, do not derive significant nutritional benefits from plant-based foods. While some fruits and vegetables—such as apples or sweet potatoes—are excellent sources of fiber and vitamins, they should make up no more than 10% of a dog’s diet. The bulk of their nutrition comes from animal-based ingredients.
How It Affects What We Do
At Nextrition, the concept of species-appropriate nutrition guides everything we do. We choose high-quality, animal-based ingredients as the primary source of protein for our recipes. When you look at the ingredient list of any of our formulas, you'll find that meat, poultry, or fish is always the main component. We supplement these with a small amount of non-meat ingredients to ensure a balanced and well-rounded diet that is perfectly suited to your dog's nutritional needs.
Why Nextrition?
If you're searching for a healthy dog food that is easy to digest, packed with essential nutrients, and designed to support your dog’s health, look no further than Nextrition. Our cold-pressed dog food offers more nutrition per bite, so your dog can eat less and still receive the benefits of a nutritionally dense diet. It’s a better alternative to traditional kibble, helping to prevent bloating and digestive discomfort while keeping your dog healthy and happy.
Species-appropriate nutrition is key to your dog’s health, and at Nextrition, we’ve made it our mission to create the best food for your furry friend’s needs. Whether they prefer beef, chicken, lamb, or salmon - we’ve got your pup’s next gut-healthy meal ready to be delivered straight to your door.
