Dog feeding
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are generally referred to as SUGARS. A carbohydrate is composed of chemical skeletons (molecules) of 6 carbon atoms. A sugar can be composed of various molecules, for example: single sugars: glucose, fructose and galactose double sugars: sucrose or saccharose (cane and beet sugar) and lactose (milk sugar) poly-sugars: starch, glycogen and cellulose. Sugars can only be dissolved in the blood (and thereby converted into energy by the cells) if they are completely broken down into separate molecules. The more molecules there are, the more difficult they are to dissolve and consequently digest.
Expansion
Starch is firstly broken down in the intestines into large pieces of sugar, then to double sugars and finally into glucose, after which it can be absorbed into the blood. Due to an absence of bacteria flora (as in cows) cellulose can not be broken down by dogs. Dogs can digest cellulose by heating, grinding or mincing. Cellulose can also be broken down by the process of expansion (= change in pressure). An expanded lump can therefore be easily digested by dogs.
Lactose
Lactose is converted into galactose and glucose by the enzyme lactase. In later life, dogs’ production of lactase decreases; lactose is no longer digested and works as a laxative. This can be prevented by giving your dog milk (or milk products) from when it’s a puppy onward so that its body continues to produce lactase. It's inadvisable to give your cat cows milk as this contains lactose. Cats are unable to digest lactose which can cause diarrhoea.
Insulin
Sugar is converted into energy by the cells under the influence of the hormone insulin. Part of the sugar is temporarily stored and another part used to build up body fat. If a dog has no or insufficient insulin, it will suffer from diabetes.
Fibre
The analysis given by dog food manufacturers will state the amount of "fibre" contained by the dog food per 100 gram. This fibre is formed by Cellulose and Keratin. In principle it is indigestible, but nevertheless necessary for a good intestinal peristaltic reflex (contraction). Cellulose furthermore retains water.
Fibre deficiency causes constipation and an excess of fibre causes diarrhoea and dehydration.
Holes
Other than humans, dogs’ saliva does not contain enzymes that will start to break down sugars. This is why dogs do not get holes in their teeth. However, biscuits that are not really meant for dogs will leave substantial deposit!!!
Norm: Feed that provides half of the kilo-calories from carbohydrates is more than adequate.
AII-Meat-Syndrome:
If a dog were only to eat meat, it would develop the AII-meat-syndrome caused by an excess of proteins and a deficiency in other nutrients. Symptoms are brittle bones, bad teeth, iodine deficiency, an incorrect calcium-phosphorous ratio and poor resistance to infection. The AII-meat-syndrome is also referred to as a protein-calorie deficiency.
Energy requirements
All processes in the body require energy. This energy is used to maintain body temperature, for the production of tissue and to carry out work, for example. The energy required must be provided in the feed. In principle, dogs eat until their energy needs are satisfied. However, due to boredom, diet and the tastiness of the food, many dogs consume more than their energy requirements, getting fat and putting on weight in the process. It is advisable to check your dog’s nutritional condition on a regular basis. Dogs store reserves on their rib walls in the form of fat. With shorthaired dogs, you should be easily able to see the last 2 ribs and with longhaired varieties, you should be easily able to feel the ribs. Start with the amount indicated on the packaging and by checking your dog once a week, adjust this amount accordingly; give a little more if the ribs can be felt too easily, and a little less if you are unable to feel the ribs properly. Keep a close eye on large breed pups known for their rapid growth.