Protein Content in Dog Foods

With all the different types of dog food on the market, understanding what they contain will enable you to be sure you're feeding your dog the very best. Protein is an important part of a dog's diet. A high-quality food can help your dog obtain the protein and nutrition it needs for optimal health.

  1. Significance

    • Protein contains 10 essential amino acids that dogs can't produce but that are needed for healthy growth. This important nutrient is used to help convert glucose to energy, which is important in supporting a dog's activity level. Protein also plays a role in building muscle, skin, hair, ligaments and cartilage. In addition, it helps regulate hormone levels.

    Benefits

    • A dog's digestive system is short and is designed for foods to move through it quickly and efficiently. High-quality proteins are easier for a dog to digest than fillers, which can cause bloating or gas. Protein also helps with weight maintenance, since a diet of lean, healthy protein is lower in calories than one of excess carbohydrates or fats.

    Types

    • One of the best ways to raise the protein level of dog food is by adding meat. Beef, fish, lamb and poultry are all common sources of protein. Soybeans, corn, wheat and barley are also good sources. There's a wide variety of protein-rich foods available for dogs with food allergies. Reading the labels will help you choose one that doesn't contain the allergen while still providing your dog with the nutrients it needs for healthy growth.

    Levels

    • A dog's protein needs change throughout its life. Puppies need more muscle-building protein than adult dogs do. Specifically, puppies require a daily diet of 28 percent protein, while adult dogs need 18 percent. Some adult dogs need increased levels of protein, however. These include lactating dogs and working dogs. The higher the activity level of the dog, the more protein it will need. Be sure to read the label to determine the protein levels in the food you buy.

    Warnings

    • Some dogs may have trouble digesting high amounts of protein. This may lead to gastrointestinal issues such as diarrhea. If a dog has severe kidney disease, protein can put an added strain on the kidneys as they work to excrete the additional protein through urine. Be sure you're buying high-quality proteins and not protein byproducts. A single-source protein, such as chicken or fish, should be one of the first ingredients listed on the nutrition label.