Dogs require protein primarily for the development and maintenance of body substance (including for muscles, skin, hair, hormones, and enzymes). Protein consists of chains of amino acids, which the dog can partly produce itself, but some must also be supplied through food (essential amino acids).

It is not the protein content and the protein origin that are decisive for the dog, but rather the amino acid profile. Basically, a dog does not have a need for protein in the actual sense, but for the roughly 20 different amino acids themselves. Among the amino acids that must be supplied through food, which determine the quality of a protein, are arginine, histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan, and valine. Besides meat, lupin, among others, is considered the most usable source of amino acids. However, lentils, beans, and sunflower seeds are also important suppliers of amino acids.

Particularly rich in protein are:

Dogs require protein primarily for the development and maintenance of body substance (including for muscles, skin, hair, hormones, and enzymes). Protein consists of chains of amino acids, which the dog can partly produce itself, but some must also be supplied through food (essential amino acids).

It is not the protein content and the protein origin that are decisive for the dog, but rather the amino acid profile. Basically, a dog does not have a need for protein in the actual sense, but for the roughly 20 different amino acids themselves. Among the amino acids that must be supplied through food, which determine the quality of a protein, are arginine, histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan, and valine. Besides meat, lupin, among others, is considered the most usable source of amino acids. However, lentils, beans, and sunflower seeds are also important suppliers of amino acids.

Particularly rich in protein are:

• Soy
• Lupin
• Peas
• Chickpeas
• Lentils

While carbohydrates are not essential, they are nonetheless an excellent source of energy for dogs. They consist of many sugar molecules linked together, which are called monosaccharides, disaccharides, or polysaccharides depending on their size. Monosaccharides include glucose, for example, while polysaccharides—complex carbohydrates—include starch.
Contrary to many claims, dogs are very well able to digest carbohydrates, as they produce amylase in the pancreas and di- and oligosaccharidases in the small intestinal epithelium, which help break down the molecules in the small intestine.

Carbohydrates provide quickly available energy and also support the gut flora. Excessive protein intake is broken down into ammonia in the liver, and the resulting urea must be excreted by the kidneys. Carbohydrates help relieve the burden on the liver and kidneys and are therefore also often fed to kidney patients.

Particularly rich in carbohydrates are:

• Potatoes
• Sweet potatoes
• Pasta
• Amaranth

For a healthy four-legged immune system

Fats consist of a chain of carbon atoms of varying lengths and are accordingly called short-, medium-, and long-chain fatty acids. A further classification is the division into saturated (e.g., butter) and unsaturated (liquid oils). Fats are a good source of energy, and they also contain valuable essential fatty acids that are important for healthy cell function. They also help with the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.

A distinction is made between omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids. These compete for different enzyme systems.

Omega-6 fatty acids support healthy skin and a beautiful, shiny coat:

• Safflower oil
• Sunflower oil

Omega-3 fatty acids have an anti-inflammatory character and can provide valuable services in cases of chronic inflammation. They also help in the development of the nervous system and are important for the retina. They are primarily found in fish oil. Vegan alternatives include:

• Linseed oil
• Algae-based EPAs

Some types of oil are also excellent sources of vitamin E:

• Corn germ oil
• Wheat germ oil

CALCIUM & PHOSPHORUS
Calcium and phosphorus are key components for bone stability. Approximately 98% of calcium and 80% of phosphorus are bound there. Calcium and phosphate are also present in soft tissues, though phosphate is often found in ten times the amount.

Calcium also plays a role in energy metabolism, blood coagulation, and muscle contractions, while phosphate is involved in cellular energy metabolism.

The calcium-phosphorus ratio is so important because an excess or deficiency of either mineral can lead to deficiency symptoms. For example, too high a dosage of phosphorus would inhibit calcium absorption, and conversely, excessive calcium intake would deplete the body of phosphorus. In addition to the individual requirement in mg, an optimal Ca:P ratio in feed is 1.3:1.

Plant-based calcium sources:
- Cooked soybeans
- Whole grain products

Plant-based phosphorus sources:
- Fruit
- Vegetables
- Legumes

SODIUM & CHLORIDE
These two macrominerals are important for acid-base and water balance and are also components involved in nerve impulse transmission. They are located primarily outside the cells. There is an increased requirement following blood loss, chronic vomiting (especially chloride), or diarrhea (especially sodium).

Dehydration, licking, and declining performance can be signs of a deficiency. Dogs are usually quite tolerant of excesses, but these should still be avoided.

Sodium and chloride are typically found, for example, in table salt.

POTASSIUM
Potassium is found predominantly within body cells, where it regulates osmotic pressure and supports the activity of numerous enzymes. Most feed contains sufficient potassium, and increased intake is usually well tolerated.

Potassium is found in large amounts in: bananas, vegetables

MAGNESIUM
Magnesium plays an important role in the muscles, nervous system, and metabolism. Half is stored in soft tissue, and the remainder in the bones. A magnesium deficiency can be associated with reduced stress resistance, as well as agitation and involuntary muscle movements. Magnesium is found in large amounts in:

millet, rolled oats, wheat germ/bran, flaxseeds

SELENIUM
Selenium is a component of glutathione peroxidase and consequently plays an important role as an antioxidant. Together with vitamin E, it helps to maintain the integrity of cell membranes. The selenium content in feed depends on the type of plant as well as the soil type. Newborn puppies are particularly affected by deficiency symptoms (muscle degeneration, immune deficiency). However, caution is also advised regarding overdosing, as selenium has a narrow dosage range and can therefore lead to intoxication. Selenium is contained in:

Potatoes, lentils, soybeans, yeast

IRON
Iron is a component of hemoglobin (in red blood cells) and myoglobin (in the muscles). The main portion of iron is found in the blood; furthermore, iron is stored in the muscles or in pigmented hair, among other places. Iron is important for oxygen transport and blood formation. Deficiency situations (inadequate supply via food, molting, blood loss) can manifest in the blood count as anemia.

Iron-rich foods are: Yeast, flaxseed, rolled oats, millet flakes, wheat bran

COPPER
The mineral copper is stored primarily in the liver and plays a role in the organism in, among other things, pigment and blood formation, connective tissue, and iron transport. Thus, copper is important for your dog’s skin and hair, so deficiency symptoms can manifest as the graying of the coat and anemia. In young animals, growth disorders can also occur (e.g., weak pasterns). In addition to low levels in feed, high levels of calcium, zinc, or iron can impair the absorption of copper.

Copper-rich foods are: Nuts, seeds, lentils, yeast, wheat bran

ZINC
The mineral zinc is important for the immune system and wound healing. It is also important for pigment and collagen in the skin and coat. As with copper, high calcium, iron, and copper levels can impair the absorption of zinc. In deficiency situations, fertility disorders and hair loss occur, the coat becomes lighter, and the skin becomes dry, sometimes even crusty.

Zinc is contained in high amounts in: Cereal flakes, rolled oats, millet, wheat bran, flaxseed, yeast

MANGANESE
Manganese is important for our dogs' joints, as it helps in the production of mucopolysaccharides. Grains usually contain sufficient manganese.

Manganese-rich foods are: Rolled oats, millet, wheat germ, wheat bran, flaxseed, lentils

IODINE
Iodine is a component of thyroid hormones and is therefore important for the function of the thyroid gland. A deficiency leads to an enlargement of the thyroid gland (goiter); the animals are lethargic and prone to hair loss. Young animals can show growth disorders, and breeding animals can show fertility disorders.

Iodine is contained in high amounts in: Seaweed, wheat bran, peanuts

Vitamins are necessary for growth, energy production, feelings and sensory perception, digestion, detoxification and excretion, and ultimately for the defense against diseases.

VITAMIN A
The fat-soluble vitamin A is stored in the liver and is considered a growth and epithelial-protective vitamin, as it is important for protein synthesis, bone growth, and the development of skin and mucous membranes. It also supports the visual process. Unlike cats, dogs can also produce vitamin A (in animal products) from ß-carotene (contained, for example, in vegetables). This vitamin or its precursor is contained, for example, in:

• Corn
• Carrots
• Lettuce
• Alfalfa leaf meal

VITAMIN D
In contrast to humans, dogs cannot synthesize vitamin D with the help of UV radiation, which is why it should be sufficiently contained in their food. Vitamin D plays a major role in the absorption of calcium and phosphorus in the intestine. Vitamin D is stored in fatty tissue and in the liver. Since this is a fat-soluble vitamin that requires several reaction steps to be converted into its active form, an oversupply can lead to calcification of tissue and blood vessels.

Vitamin D is mainly contained in cod liver oil, fatty types of fish, egg yolk, and dairy products and should definitely be supplemented in vegan rations.

Sources of vitamin D include:

• Cereal sprouts

VITAMIN E
The antioxidant vitamin E belongs to the fat-soluble vitamins; however, an oversupply here is not particularly concerning unless very high amounts of antioxidants are consumed, as these can in turn promote oxidation. Antioxidants protect unsaturated fatty acids, carotenoids, vitamin A, and lipid-rich cell membranes from oxidation. Vitamin E is contained, for example, in seed oils and grains and is also often used for senior dogs, heart patients, and dogs with chronic illnesses.

Here are some examples of feedstuffs that contain vitamin E:

• Corn germ oil
• Soybean oil
• Wheat germ oil
• Almonds
• Hazelnuts

VITAMIN K
Vitamin K can be synthesized by the body itself and has an important function, especially in blood clotting. Sufficient dietary intake should be ensured, especially after the administration of antibiotics or in cases of diseases affecting the intestinal flora, as deficiency situations lead to blood clotting disorders. Otherwise, the body's own production is usually sufficient.

It is contained in, among other things:

• Green plants
• Sunflower oil

VITAMIN B1 (THIAMINE)
Vitamin B1 is a heat-sensitive and water-soluble vitamin and plays a major role in metabolic processes (e.g., in the citric acid cycle and the pentose phosphate cycle). Furthermore, it helps build nerve cells. Small amounts are stored in the heart and skeletal muscles as well as in the kidneys (and liver). Deficiency symptoms lead to the disease known as "beriberi," which is also found in humans, and is accompanied by nerve paralysis, tremors, increased irritability, and heart failure.

Vitamin B1 is contained in:

• Yeast
• Milling by-products
• Wheat germ

VITAMIN B2 (RIBOFLAVIN)
This water-soluble vitamin is involved in the respiratory chain and the citric acid cycle. Dogs have an increased requirement during intense physical exertion and at low temperatures. Under practical conditions, no deficiency symptoms have been observed to date.

In addition to animal products, rich in vitamin B2 is

• Yeast

VITAMIN B3 (NICOTINIC ACID)
This vitamin is a component of various coenzymes and thereby provides multifaceted support to metabolic processes. It is formed via the intestinal flora and from the amino acid tryptophan. Sufficient levels are recorded in most feedstuffs; however, nicotinic acid in cereal grains and oilseeds is in a less easily utilizable form. Nicotinic acid from yeast, however, can be fully utilized. Niacin is not quite as sensitive to heat, oxygen, and light as the other B vitamins.

Examples of feedstuffs containing niacin:

• Yeast
• Tofu
• Peanuts
• Wheat bran

VITAMIN B5 (PANTOTHENIC ACID)
Pantothenic acid is a component of coenzyme A. No deficiency symptoms have been observed in practice to date.

Pantothenic acid is contained, for example, in:

• Millet
• Wheat germ
• Lentils
• Yeast

VITAMIN B6 (PYRIDOXINE ETC.)
Pyridoxine, pyridoxal, and pyridoxamine play a major role in protein and amino acid metabolism. With insufficient supply, the risk of oxalate stones increases.

Vitamin B6 is contained, for example, in:

• Yeast
• Millet flakes
• Oat flakes

VITAMIN B7 (BIOTIN)
Biotin is important for carbohydrate and fat metabolism. It also plays a role in the synthesis of keratin, the basic substance of claws, fur, and epithelia. The utilization of this vitamin is good, and a large portion of the vitamin is also synthesized in the intestine, which is why deficiencies are rare. Should deficiency symptoms occur, they manifest as poor coat quality, hair loss, and the formation of dandruff and scabs.

Biotin is contained in:

• Yeast
• Lentils
• Peanuts
• Wheat bran

FOLIC ACID
Folic acid is important for intermediate metabolism. Since microorganisms in the dog's intestine already produce plenty of folate, only smaller amounts need to be supplied through food. In feedstuffs, folic acid is present in a bound form and must therefore first be released by enzymes of the small intestinal mucosa.

Rich in folic acid are:

• Green plants
• Yeast

VITAMIN B12 (COBALAMIN)
Vitamin B12 is found in almost all body cells and therefore only in feedstuffs of animal origin. Vitamin B12 is stored in the liver. For the absorption of this water-soluble vitamin, the dog requires the so-called "intrinsic factor," which is produced in the stomach and pancreas. Since a deficiency, e.g., due to reduced absorption because of diseases of the stomach, pancreas, or small intestine, particularly affects tissue with rapid cell division (e.g., bone marrow), it leads to anemia as well as fatty liver. Since only animal products contain vitamin B12, this vitamin should be supplemented in vegan rations.

VITAMIN C
Unlike us humans, dogs (and guinea pigs) are able to produce this vitamin independently in their liver and kidneys. Therefore, vitamin C is not essential and does not necessarily have to be added to the food. However, supplementing this antioxidant is useful for large dog breeds between the 3rd and 6th month of life (to support collagen synthesis), in cases of liver disease, or after surgery, burns, and infections.

Vitamin C is contained, for example, in:

• Grain
• Fruit
• Vegetables

FOR DIGESTION & METABOLISM
Brewer's yeast or molasses yeast is rich in water-soluble B vitamins (except for vitamin B12, which only occurs in animal products) and thus represents a natural source of B vitamins. It is also rich in protein with high biological value and contains important trace elements. Since B vitamins are water-soluble, oversupply is not a problem, as excessive doses are excreted and not stored. Brewer's yeast promotes appetite and can therefore be sprinkled over food for picky animals, for example. However, caution is advised for patients with uric acid issues due to the ingredients!

FOR THE HEART MUSCLE
Taurine is an aminosulfonic acid. Dogs can synthesize this themselves from sulfur-containing amino acids and therefore do not need to be supplied with taurine supplements via their food. In large dog breeds, however, this endogenous production appears to be limited. Supplementation is particularly recommended for heart patients with dilated cardiomyopathy, as taurine can help to clinically improve heart function.

L-CARNITINE
Heart Muscle & Fat Burning

L-carnitine is a quaternary ammonium compound. It occurs in the heart muscle, among other places, and helps in energy production. About 40% of dogs with dilated cardiomyopathy have a carnitine deficiency in the heart muscle, which is why L-carnitine, often combined with vitamin E and selenium, is used in heart patients. Since carnitine promotes fat burning and reduces muscle loss, it can also be used for overweight dogs or elderly dogs with muscle wasting.

SOY PRODUCTS
Important Source of Amino Acids

Soy has the highest protein quality of plant origin, which is even comparable to animal products. Soybeans are often processed into soybean meal, extracted meal, or full-fat meal. The protein contained includes the essential amino acids in sufficient quantities, with the exception of the sulfur-containing methionine. Furthermore, soybeans also contain carbohydrates and sugar compounds.