You’ve recently adopted Rosie, a sweet, charming little Pomeranian you found through a local animal rescue group. You want to make sure she receives a nutritionally complete diet that provides her with plenty of energy. This week, Rosie visits her Grayson veterinarian for a new patient exam, and you’d like him to provide you (and Rosie) with some expert nutritional counseling.
Proteins
Proteins really are the building blocks of life; and your cells, tissues, and organs couldn’t function and grow without adequate protein sources. Give Rosie lots of animal-sourced proteins such as beef, turkey, fish, lamb, and chicken. In turn, proteins are comprised of essential and non-essential amino acids. Because animals, including Rosie, can’t make enough essential amino acids, her diet must provide them.
Carbohydrates
Rosie also needs carbohydrates to maintain her high-energy lifestyle. Carbs furnish energy for her tissues, help maintain her intestinal health, and are probably vital for successful reproduction. Since Rosie was already spayed when she came to your family, you’re not concerned about her reproductive capacity. Also, while nutritional profiles don’t include a minimum carb requirement, Rosie does need a minimum amount of glucose to provide energy to her body’s vital organs, such as her brain.
Fats
Fats provide Rosie with the densest form of energy, compared to carbs or proteins. Fats also insulate her organs from temperature extremes, and protect them against possible injuries. Rosie’s diet will need to provide sufficient essential fatty acids for her needs, as her body can’t produce enough of them.
Vitamins
Rosie requires small amounts of vitamins to keep her metabolism running smoothly. As long as you feed her a nutritionally complete balanced diet, she probably doesn’t need a vitamin supplement unless your vet has identified a specific deficiency.
Minerals
Rosie’s tooth and bone structures require minerals to keep them strong. Minerals also help to keep her fluids balanced. Since Rosie can’t synthesize minerals, you’ll have to include them in her diet.
Water
Regardless of Rosie’s diet, she must always have a source of clean fresh water. After all, water makes up 60 to 70 percent of her body weight. If her body’s water decreases by 10 percent, she’ll become very ill. If she experiences a 15 percent water loss, she’ll very likely die.
Remember that Rosie’s changing life stages and medical issues might mean her nutritional needs also change. Your Grayson vet can help you to modify her diet accordingly.
