Dog nutritional needs: protein, fat, calcium to phosphorus ratio
The calcium to phosphorus ratio for puppies should be controlled at about 1.2:1.
In terms of protein, dry food for adult dogs is recommended to be more than 22%, and for puppies, 25% to 28%; dogs with high exercise volume and nursing female dogs require a higher proportion. Fat provides energy and essential fatty acids, with a common range being 10 to 18 percent.
The calcium to phosphorus ratio is an indicator that is easily overlooked. A long-term imbalance in the calcium to phosphorus ratio during puppyhood can lead to abnormal bone development, especially in large dogs. Homemade grains are the most problematic because the ratio of meat to bone is difficult to control precisely.
Among the trace elements, copper, zinc, iodine and vitamin D all require precise doses. This is also the reason why it is not recommended to make homemade food for a long time: the nutritional balance requires professional calculations rather than "adding some vegetables and meat".
The same seven-day transition method is used when changing food. The gastrointestinal reaction of dogs to sudden changes in formula is more severe than that of cats, often manifesting as soft stools and bloating.
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