1. Healthy Skin and Coat
The skin and coat serve as an outward sign of the overall health status of the dog because it is the dog's most metabolically active organ. Its therefore feasible that a change in health status may be observed first in the skin and coat. However the skin and coat play a much larger role in canine health than simply as an indicator - they are responsible for several critical health functions, including protection form the environment, thermoregulations, and water balance.
2. Immunity
A well functioning immune system is important for all animals especially for dogs. Dogs spend much of their time investigating their surroundings, sniffing and licking some potentially questionable items. Dogs require an outstanding immune system to help keep them healthy as they venture out and investigate the world around them.
3. Digestion
Diet digestibility plays a large role in the overall health and well-being of your dog. Without proper digestion of the diet, your dog would be deprived of the nutrients it needs to live a healthy and enriched life .
4. Oral Care
Healthy, clean teeth and gums aren't just attractive they are critical to a dogs overall health and well-being. Gum disease is the number one health issue for pet dogs today with 4 out of 5 developing some sort degree of gum disease by the age of three. When left untreated the effects of gum disease aren't just limited to a dogs mouth serious diseases such as kidney, heart, and liver diseases have been associated with gum disease.
Waltham Nutrition Report - The Role of Nutrition in Addressing the Four Universal Needs of Dogs. Waltham is a division of Mars Petcare.
Pedigree Canine Nutrition Summit 2011 Nashville, Tennessee.