Do Dogs Need Protein Rich Food?

A healthy balanced canine diet must include protein as it allows the dog’s body to function effectively. The amino acids present in protein help build muscles, skin, nails, tendons, hair, ligaments, and cartilage. It also assists in blood formation and hormone and enzyme production.

The protein helps maintain normal body functions and keeps the immune system strong. Like carbohydrates give energy, protein keeps your dog’s immune system healthy and strong. So, it is significant to include protein in your dog’s diet. It improves their energy levels, makes them smell better, improves their eyesight, and regulates their bowels.

Dogs need 22 amino acids to make the protein their body requires. Dogs can manufacture half of these required amino acids in their body. The rest come from the foods they eat. A deficiency of these amino acids over time can lead to health problems.

How much protein does a dog need?

Any dog’s protein requirement depends on age, activity level, and health condition. Compared to adult dogs, puppies need a higher protein level as they grow. A dog’s balanced diet must include daily 15-23% dry matter protein.

Those dogs that do too many exercises and are pregnant or lactating have a greater protein requirement. When your dog is sick or injured, they need more protein to recover. Larger breeds of dogs need more protein to keep their body and muscles functional. As the dogs get older, their requirements for protein decrease.

Be cautious while including protein in your pup’s diet. If an excess amount of protein is fed to a dog over time, it converts into fat and is stored in the body. Too much fat can make your dog obese. However, if the diet has too little protein than your pet requires, its coat can become dull, weak, or lose weight. You can always talk to your vet about the most appropriate amount of protein for your dog.

From which foods can dogs get the necessary protein?

To keep your dog or puppy healthy and fit, you must include high-quality protein. When preparing home-cooked food for your fur baby, knowing rich protein sources may help you create a well-balanced diet. Both plant and animal-based sources provide protein. However, high-quality animal-based proteins are often a better source of amino acids needed for dogs.

Some common animal proteins are eggs, fish, chicken, pork, lamb, duck, and beef. Organ meats like liver, kidney, and heart of healthy animals can also be nutritious meals for dogs. Cheese can also be a good source of protein.

If you and your pup follow a vegan diet and looking to provide your dog with plant-based protein, chickpeas, quinoa, soya beans, and lentils are good options.

What are the most easily digestible proteins?

Protein is the source of many essential amino acids that dogs need to thrive. But to utilize the amino acids, dogs must be able to digest the protein-rich foods. Pets can digest some forms of protein more easily than others. Eggs are the most easily digestible protein. But eggs alone cannot fulfill the protein requirement of your dog. Often, the vets advise not to give more than one egg in a day.

Chicken, beef, and lamb meat are also easy to digest. The organs of animals come next in line. Fish meals come next if digestion is concerned. Besides protein, fish meals contain omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, and selenium.

The dogs cannot easily digest protein derived from plant sources. So, if you plan to offer dogs vegan foods, talk with the nutritionist and veterinarian.

Which meat is healthiest for dogs?

Chicken, lamb, and beef are dogs’ healthiest sources of protein. Fish contain the highest percentage of protein, around 29 grams per 100 grams. While the other varieties of meat have almost around 26%. Beef and lamb are good sources of protein for puppies. These meats contain good fatty acids essential for growing dogs. Chicken and turkey are lean proteins that can be offered to dogs of any age.

Do dog foods contain the required amount of protein?

High-quality dog foods are created by professionals keeping in mind all the dietary requirements of dogs. However, read the labels thoroughly to understand the percentage of protein content in the food.

Any food containing too much water will have a lower percentage of proteins and fats when compared to dry foods. But, the amount of food your dog consumes will determine the percentage of protein intake. The vets can guide you regarding the best-packed food you may select for your dog.

What vegan protein-rich food can you offer to dogs?

Many dogs have a problem digesting animal proteins. So, the owners must think of other protein sources they offer their pets. Sometimes pet owners prefer to only stick to vegan diets for their dogs. But, it is challenging to design vegan diets for dogs that fulfill their protein requirements.

Many commercial vegan dog foods that meet the AAFCO requirements contain the necessary amount of protein that a dog requires. If you plan to go vegan with your dog’s diet, it is good to consider such foods. If you offer homemade foods to your dog, always remember that no plant-based protein contains a complete set of amino acids.

So, it would help if you assimilated different plant-based proteins in a meal to meet all the amino acid requirements in a meal for your dog. You must talk with the nutritionists to formulate a complete and balanced diet.
Some vegan protein sources include Soya, quinoa, oats, chickpeas, barley, green peas, and buckwheat.

What foods to avoid?

Dogs mostly enjoy protein. However, you must check if your dog is allergic to certain foods. Allergies develop from animal bones, raw meats, or animal by-products like feet, lungs, liver, or others. If your dog is also facing such a kind of sensitivity, it is better to avoid such foods.

Now, you know what kind of protein sources are highly beneficial for dogs. Take help from nutritionists and veterinarians to formulate a well-balanced diet for your dog.

Conclusion

For a dog, one gram of protein is ideal for designing its regular diet. It will help the dog to maintain its bodily weight. Some nutritious sources of animal protein are obtained from fish, beef, pork, and chicken. Grains and oil seeds are also essential protein sources.

A well-balanced diet for your pet dog should include a combination of carbs, proteins, vitamins, and essential minerals. The advantages of a protein-rich diet are plenty. Protein helps build lean muscles, improves coat and skin health, and boosts immunity. Lack of protein can affect the health of your pet. For instance, it can lead to reduced muscle mass.