Low in essential substances

If an ingredient in your dog's diet says that it is "low in essential nutrients", it means that this ingredient contains few or small amounts of essential nutrients that your dog needs for his health and well-being. Essential nutrients are those that your dog's body cannot produce itself and must therefore be supplied through food. These include certain amino acids (the building blocks of proteins), essential fatty acids, vitamins and minerals.

If a food or ingredient is low in these essential substances, it cannot meet your dog's needs on its own. A lack of essential nutrients can lead to various health problems, depending on which nutrients are missing. For example, a lack of certain amino acids can lead to skin problems and a weakened immune system, while a lack of essential fatty acids can lead to a dull coat and skin problems.

It is important that your dog's main diet is balanced and rich in all essential nutrients. A food labeled as "low in essentials" should therefore only be a small part of the diet or supplemented with other food sources rich in the essential nutrients your dog needs.