Dogs need protein in particular for building and maintaining body substance (including muscles, skin, hair, hormones and enzymes). Protein consists of chains of amino acids, some of which the dog can produce itself, but some of which must be added through food (essential amino acids).

It is not the protein content and the protein origin that are important for dogs, but the amino acid pattern. Basically, a dog does not need protein in the true sense of the word, but rather the 20 or so different amino acids themselves. The amino acids that are supplied through food and that determine the value of a protein include arginine, histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan and valine. In addition to meat, lupine is considered to be the most usable source of amino acids. But lentils, beans and sunflower seeds are also important sources of amino acids.

Particularly rich in protein are:

Dogs need protein in particular for building and maintaining body substance (including muscles, skin, hair, hormones and enzymes). Protein consists of chains of amino acids, some of which the dog can produce itself, but some of which must be added through food (essential amino acids).

It is not the protein content and the protein origin that are important for dogs, but the amino acid pattern. Basically, a dog does not need protein in the true sense of the word, but rather the 20 or so different amino acids themselves. The amino acids that are supplied through food and that determine the value of a protein include arginine, histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan and valine. In addition to meat, lupine is considered to be the most usable source of amino acids. But lentils, beans and sunflower seeds are also important sources of amino acids.

Particularly rich in protein are:

• soy
• lupine
• Peas
• chickpeas
• lenses

Carbohydrates are not essential, but they are an excellent source of energy for dogs. They consist of many sugar molecules chained together, which are called simple, double or multiple sugars depending on their size. Simple sugars include glucose, for example, while multiple sugars, complex carbohydrates, include starch.
Contrary to many claims, dogs can digest carbohydrates very well because 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 intestinal flora. Too much protein consumed in the liver is broken down into ammonia and the resulting urea must be excreted via the kidneys. Carbohydrates help to relieve the liver and kidneys and are therefore often fed to kidney patients.

Particularly rich in carbohydrates are:

• potatoes
• sweet potatoes
• noodles
• Amaranth

For a healthy four-legged immune system

Fats consist of a chain of carbon atoms of different lengths and are called short-, medium- and long-chain fatty acids. A further subdivision is the classification into saturated (eg 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 effect and can be of great help in cases of chronic inflammation. They also help with the development of the nervous system and are important for the retina. They are mainly found in fish oil. Vegan alternatives are:

• linseed oil
• algae-based EPAs

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

• corn germ oil
• wheat germ

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

Calcium also plays a role in the energy metabolism of blood coagulation and muscle contractions, and phosphate plays a role in the energy metabolism of cells.

The calcium-phosphorus ratio is so important because an oversupply or undersupply of one of the two minerals can lead to deficiency symptoms. For example, too high a phosphorus dosage would inhibit calcium absorption and, conversely, an excessive calcium intake would remove phosphorus from the body. In addition to the respective requirement in mg, an optimal Ca:P ratio in the feed is 1.3:1.

Plant sources of calcium:
- Cooked soybeans
- whole grain products

Plant sources of phosphorus:
- Fruit
- Vegetables
- legumes

SODIUM & CHLORIDE
These two macronutrients are important for the acid-base and water balance and are also components in the transmission of stimuli. They are mainly found outside the cells. There is an increased need after blood loss, chronic vomiting (especially chloride) or diarrhea (especially sodium).

Dehydration, licking and reduced performance can be signs of a deficiency. Dogs are usually quite tolerant of overfeeding, but this should still be avoided.

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

POTASSIUM
Potassium is found primarily within the body's cells, where it regulates the osmotic pressure in the cells and supports the activity of numerous enzymes. Most feeds contain sufficient potassium, and even increased intakes are usually well tolerated.

A lot of potassium is contained in: bananas, vegetables

MAGNESIUM
Magnesium plays an important role in the muscles, nervous system and metabolism. Half of it is stored in soft tissue, the rest in the bones. A lack of magnesium can lead to reduced stress resistance, as well as agitation and undirected muscle movements. A lot of magnesium is contained in:

millet, oat flakes, wheat germ/bran, linseed

SELENIUM
Selenium is a component of glutathione peroxidase and therefore 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 and the type of soil. Newborn puppies are particularly affected by deficiency symptoms (muscle degeneration, immune deficiency). However, caution is also advised in the case of an overdose, as selenium only 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 muscles). The majority of iron is found in the blood, and iron is also stored in muscles and pigmented hair, among other places. Iron is important for oxygen transfer and blood formation. Deficiency situations (inadequate supply through food, shedding, blood loss) can manifest as anemia in the blood count.

Iron-containing foods are: yeast, linseed, oat flakes, millet flakes, wheat bran

COPPER
The mineral copper is stored in the liver in particular and plays a role in the body in pigment and blood formation, connective tissue and the transport of iron. Copper is therefore important for your dog's skin and hair, so that deficiency symptoms can manifest themselves in greying of the coat and anemia. Young animals can also experience growth disorders (e.g. gallstones). In addition to too low levels in feed, high levels of calcium, zinc or iron can also impair the absorption of copper.

Foods containing copper 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 fur. As with copper, high calcium, iron and copper levels can impair the absorption of zinc. Deficiency can lead to fertility problems and hair loss, the fur becomes lighter and the skin becomes dry and sometimes crusty.

A lot of zinc is contained in: cereal flakes, oat flakes, millet, wheat bran, linseed, yeast

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

Manganese-containing foods include: oatmeal, millet, wheat germ, wheat bran, linseed, lentils

IODINE
Iodine is a component of thyroid hormones and is therefore important for the function of the thyroid. If there is a deficiency, the thyroid gland increases in size (goiter), the animals become weak and tend to lose their fur. Young animals can show growth disorders and breeding animals can suffer from fertility problems.

A lot of iodine is contained in: seaweed, wheat bran, peanuts

Vitamins are necessary for growth, energy production, emotions and sensory perception, digestion, detoxification and excretion, and ultimately for fighting disease.

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

• corn
• carrots
• lettuce
• alfalfa green meal

VITAMIN D
Unlike humans, dogs cannot synthesize vitamin D using UV radiation, which is why their food should contain sufficient amounts. Vitamin D plays a major role in the absorption of calcium and phosphorus in the intestines. Vitamin D is stored in fatty tissue and the liver. Since it 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 vessels.

Vitamin D is mainly found in cod liver oil and fatty fish, egg yolks and dairy products and should definitely be supplemented in vegan diets.

Sources of vitamin D include:

• grain sprouts

VITAMIN E
The antioxidant vitamin E is one of the fat-soluble vitamins, but an oversupply is not a cause for concern 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 found in germ oils and grains, for example, and is also often used by seniors, heart patients and those with chronic illnesses.

Here are some examples of foods that contain vitamin A:

• corn germ oil
• soybean oil
• wheat germ oil
• almonds
• hazelnuts

VITAMIN K
Vitamin K can be synthesized by the body itself and plays an important role in blood clotting. It is important to ensure that you get enough vitamin K from your diet, especially after taking antibiotics or in cases of illness with reduced intestinal flora, as a deficiency can lead to blood clotting disorders. Otherwise, the body's own production is usually sufficient.

It is included in:

• Green plants
• sunflower oil

VITAMIN B1 (THIAMIN)
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). It also helps to 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 "beriberi", which is also known in humans and is associated with nerve paralysis, tremors, increased irritability and heart failure.

Vitamin B1 is contained in:

• Yeast
• mill byproducts
• wheat germ

VITAMIN B2 (RIBOFLAVIN)
This water-soluble vitamin is involved in the respiratory chain and the citric acid cycle. Dogs need it more when they are physically active or in cold temperatures. No deficiency symptoms have been observed under practical conditions.

Rich in vitamin B2 is, in addition to animal products,

• Yeast

VITAMIN B3 (NICOTINIC ACID)
This vitamin is a component of various coenzymes and thus supports the metabolism in many ways. It is formed by the intestinal flora and from the amino acid tryptophan. Most feedstuffs contain sufficient amounts, but nicotinic acid is present in a form that is more difficult to use in cereals and oilseeds. However, nicotinic acid from yeast, for example, can be fully used. Niacin is not quite as sensitive to heat, oxygen and light as the other B vitamins.

Examples of feed containing niacin:

• Yeast
• tofu
• peanuts
• wheat bran

VITAMIN B5 (PANTOTHENIC ACID)
Pantothenic acid is a component of coenzyme A. Deficiency symptoms have not been observed in practice to date.

Pantothenic acid is contained in:

• millet
• wheat germ
• lenses
• Yeast

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

Vitamin B6 is contained, for example, in:

• Yeast
• millet flakes
• oatmeal

VITAMIN B7 (BIOTIN)
Biotin is important in carbohydrate and fat metabolism. It also plays a role in the synthesis of keratin, the basic substance of claws, fur and epithelia. This vitamin is well utilized and a large part of it is synthesized in the intestine, which is why deficiencies are rare. If deficiencies do occur, they manifest themselves in poor fur quality, hair loss and the formation of dandruff and scabs.

Biotin is contained in:

• Yeast
• lenses
• peanuts
• wheat bran

FOLIC ACID
Folic acid is important for intermediary metabolism. Since microorganisms in the dog's intestines already produce a lot of folate, only small amounts need to be supplied through food. Folic acid is bound in feed and therefore must first be released by enzymes in 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 animal feed. Vitamin B12 is stored in the liver. To absorb this water-soluble vitamin, dogs need the so-called "intrinsic factor", which is produced in the stomach and pancreas. Since a deficiency, e.g. due to reduced absorption due to diseases of the stomach, pancreas or small intestine, particularly affects tissue with rapid cell division (e.g. bone marrow), it leads to anemia and fatty liver. Since only animal products contain vitamin B12, this vitamin should be supplemented in vegan diets.

VITAMIN C
Unlike 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 through food. However, it is advisable to supplement this antioxidant for large dog breeds between the ages of 3 and 6 months (to support collagen synthesis), in the case of liver disease or after operations, burns and infections.

Vitamin C is contained in:

• Grain
• Fruit
• Vegetables

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

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

L-CARNITINE
heart muscle & fat burning

L-carnitine is a quaternary ammonium compound. It is found in the heart muscle and helps to produce energy. Around 40% of dogs with dilated cardiomyopathy have a carnitine deficiency in the heart muscle, which is why L-carnitine, often together with vitamin E and selenium, is used in heart patients. Since carnitine promotes fat burning and reduces muscle breakdown, it can also be used in overweight dogs or old dogs with muscle atrophy.

SOY PRODUCTS
Important amino acid supplier

Soy has the highest quality of protein of plant origin, which is even comparable to animal products. Soybeans are often processed into soybean flour, extraction meal or whole meal. The protein they contain contains sufficient amounts of the essential amino acids, except for the sulfur-containing methionine. Soybeans also contain carbohydrates and sugar compounds.