Your Labrador retriever Marley has always been friends with his food. This four-year-old canine housemate inhales his kibbles within minutes, and his pleading brown eyes often ask for more. You’ve even seen him nosing around the food bin, trying to dislodge the lid so he can dive in headfirst. Your Mt. Pocono, PA veterinarian prescribed Marley’s balanced diet, packed with nutrients that supply energy for his active lifestyle.

Super-powered Proteins

Your canine companion’s cells, tissues, and organs need a consistent flow of quality proteins. His body will thrive on animal-derived proteins such as chicken, turkey, beef, lamb, and fish.

Energy-Providing Carbohydrates

Marley enjoys regular brisk walks and vigorous dog park runs. Fortunately, carbohydrates fuel his tissues, providing important energy boosts. Carbs also contribute to smooth intestinal system operation. Although canine nutritional profiles don’t list minimum carb requirements, your dog needs minimal glucose to support his brain and other vital organs.

Multifunctional Fats

Fats furnish Marley with the densest form of energy, more concentrated than proteins or carbohydrates. Fats also insulate his organs, shielding them from extreme heat or cold. Since your active dog is somewhat clumsy, fats help to protect his organs against injury. Because his body doesn’t manufacture enough essential fatty acids, his diet must provide them.

Essential Vitamins

To keep Marley’s metabolism humming, he requires small portions of specific vitamins. He’ll probably receive them in his balanced diet; however, your vet can prescribe a supplement.

Versatile Minerals

To keep Marley’s tooth and bone structures strong, he needs a regular supply of certain minerals. These valuable nutrients also contribute to good body fluid balance. Because his body doesn’t make minerals, his nutritionally complete diet must furnish them.

Life-Critical Water

Your canine housemate requires unlimited clean, fresh water daily. After all, water makes up 60 to 70 percent of his body weight. If his body’s water is suddenly decreased by 10 percent, he’ll become very sick. If he experiences a 15 percent water reduction, he’ll likely die. You don’t want that to happen.

As Marley progresses through adulthood, and into his golden years, your Mt. Pocono, PA veterinarian will tweak his diet accordingly. Your dog might enjoy a balanced senior canine blend. Or, perhaps he’ll chow down on a food that supports treatment for a chronic medical condition. To provide your pooch with excellent nutrition, contact us for expert advice.