Premium dog food and name-brand grocery store foods contain protein, carbohydrate, fat, vitamins, and minerals, five of the six basic nutrients necessary for your pet's good health. You provide the water. With few exceptions, these foods do not need supplementation. Dietary requirements for dogs can vary according to activity and stress levels and medical history. Proteins, fats, and carbohydrates are necessary for energy.
Dogs expend energy in many different ways.
For example, lactating bitches, heavy exercise, and regulating body temperature during cold weather can cause dogs to expend a lot of energy. Outdoor dogs are likely to experience increased levels of exercise and thus require a higher percentage of protein and fat for energy production than a dog who stays indoors most of the time. Extremely active dogs may even need a percentage or two higher. Select the lower percentage for an older dog who is healthy, but not very active. Do not add supplements, especially calcium, unless recommended for a particular purpose.