High-Protein Dog Food Problems

Dog owners considering a high-protein diet for their pet need to determine whether or not the diet is correct for their particular dog. Different dogs need different levels of protein, depending on their breed, age, physical condition and level of activity. Not all dogs benefit from a high-protein diet. In some cases a high-protein diet can do them harm.

  1. Protein Pros

    • Protein plays a major part in your dog's health. Protein helps heal wounds and provide muscle and bone strength. It helps the dog's body maintain normal nerve and muscle function and make cells. Dogs that have too little protein in their diets may show weight and muscle loss, dull coats, and overall poor health.

    Protein Cons

    • Dogs, like all other animals, need a balanced diet of proteins, calories, vitamins, minerals, fats and carbohydrates for good health.Too much protein probably means too little of something else in the diet. Too much protein can also cause harm to the liver and kidneys if they're already weak or damaged.

    Some Dogs Requre More Protein

    • Puppies benefit most from a well-balanced, high-protein diet because protein is so important to muscle, hair, skin and brain development. The puppies' lactating mother also benefits from a high-protein diet as she is producing milk to feed her pups. Working and performance dogs involved in high-energy activities also need a high level of protein in their diets. The protein promotes muscle strength and provides the type of calories that burn more slowly for longer periods of time than carbohydrate-rich grains.

    Some Dogs Require Less Protein

    • Dogs that have liver or kidney problems should not be fed a high-protein diet. Dogs with other health conditions that place a strain on the kidneys, such as diabetes, should be fed a low-protein diet. Elderly dogs have difficulty digesting proteins and should also be fed a low-protein diet.

    Considerations

    • Protein requirements differ from breed to breed and can vary greatly during a dog's early growth stages and for elderly animals, as well as those with damaged kidneys. Consult with your veterinarian before making any drastic changes to your dog's diet