author(s)
Dr. Anjali Gautam, Dr. Kumar Govil, Dr. Dinesh Thakur, Dr. Adesh Kumar and Dr. KPS Saini

abstract
Companion animals play an important role in our lives, providing a positive impact on the emotional and physical health, as well as strengthening the communities. Nutrition plays determining role in the overall health and well-being of pet animals. Many commercial brands are formulated using insights gained from scientific nutritional studies and there is no reliable previewed evidence that homemade foods are superior. Thus, a thorough understanding of the principles and processes in preparation of pet food in general and dog food in particular is necessary. It is imperative to evaluate whether and how the pet food system as a whole can sustainably support the health and nutrition of the growing population of companion animals. It is evident that nutritionally balanced pet food can modify gastrointestinal physiology, promote favorable changes in biochemical parameters, improve immune functions and may reduce or minimize the risk of developing heart diseases and obesity in dogs.