In view of the recent pet food poisoning, and the resulting pet deaths and illness, pet owners should have knowledge of their pet's nutritional requirements. This can be used as a guide to making their own pet food, or to know what to look out for when buying commercial pet food from pet stores.

Interestingly, most pets–especially dogs and cats–share common biological structures with humans, and therefore thrive very well eating the same type of human food. For survival and healthy living, dogs and cats require six essential nutrients in their diet which must be supplied in a balanced form.

These nutrients are proteins, carbohydrates, fats and oil, minerals, vitamins and water. Proteins are chemicals made from amino acids and form a major component of muscles and tissues. They form part of enzymes that metabolize food into energy and hormones that modify biological functions. There must be a good amount of protein in feeds for pups and kittens, though it must be supplied in the required amount as anything more or less can have health consequences. For instance, excess proteins in diet can cause kidney disease, and a deficiency can lead to weight loss, poor growth, and poor hair-coat.

Sources of protein include eggs, milk, meat, beans etc.

Carbohydrates are required to supply energy and heat to the body and are usually composed of sugars and starches. A balanced diet for cats and dogs is made up of approximately 40-60% carbohydrate. This nutrient is required for growth, energy (work), reproduction, and milk production.

Sources of carbohydrate include rice, oat, wheat, corn, etc.

Fats and oil are required in small amounts to increase the palatability (taste), texture, and energy level of food. Dogs and cats require about 25-50% fat. Deficiency of this nutrient can lead to poor, dry and scaly coat. Fats and oil can be supplemented by adding soy or corn oil into the meal.

Vitamins are also needed in small amount. They regulate nutrient digestion, energy utilization, nerve and muscular activities. Also play important role in blood clotting preventing excessive loss of blood during injury or wound. For dogs and cats, vitamin supplementation is usually necessary.

Minerals are essential for bone formation, muscle metabolism, nervous system function, and fluid balance. Adequate amounts must be provided as the deficiency or toxic amount can lead to health problems. Water is undoubtedly the largest component of all foods and is required in larger amounts than all other nutrients. Water regulates body temperature and loss of 10-15% of an animal's water may result in serious diseases and death in some cases.

Dog and cat (and most pets) foods come in three forms: dry, semi-moist and wet. Pet owners can prepare their pet food at home using the combination of the above food components in the right amount. For instance, nuggets can be prepared at home by using a pressure cooker. The nuggets can be coated with liquid fats, carbohydrates, or milk product for extra palatability and calories. This type of food is usually consumed with more drinking water and in most cases more economical than canned food.

Commercial pet food usually comes as canned food, and includes carbohydrates like rice, oats and wheat. Other ingredients of canned food include yeast, mineral substance, bone and grain meal, corn oil or pork fat. In general these ingredients are further fortified with vitamins.

When buying pet food from the store pay particular attention to the food labels. Manufacturer information including the brand name and a description of the contents is required. The category of pet for which the food is manufactured (pup, kitten, adult or senior) must also be noted. In addition, check which class the food is (growth or maintenance).

Nutritional information must include a food analysis that lists the minimum levels of crude protein, fats and fiber level as well as the maximum level of water. Supporting information should include feeding instructions and an expiration date.

The quantity of food to feed to dogs and cats (and other pets) depends on the animal's size, weather condition, and daily work habits. A normal dog or cat will eat 2.5% of its body weight while an adult working dog may eat up to 5% or 7 % of its body weight. It is recommended that a full grown dog have only two meals a day. Young pups and kittens may start out at four times, then be weaned to three and finally two meals per day as they get older.

For more about pet food labeling and information about the right proportion of pet food ingredients, visithttp://www.fda.gov/cvm/petlabel.htm for details.

Reference: CEV70195 Basic Canine Nutrition