Reduced Protein Diets for Dogs

Protein is an essential part of a dog's diet, although too much protein can have adverse effects. Monitoring the amount of protein your dog gets can assure your pet a risk-free lifestyle while avoiding any complications that result from an excess-protein diet.

  1. Protein Benefits

    • The amino acids in protein nourish many features of your dog's anatomy. The structure of your pet's cartilage, ligaments, nails and hair are supported by components of protein. In the event your canine develops tissue damage, the nutrients in protein help your dog's body repair that tissue. The metabolic process is also upheld by protein and aids in keeping your dog fit by adequately processing foods and distributing the useful vitamins and minerals to create energy.

    Lack of Protein

    • Your dog will begin to lose body mass and become lethargic if there is not enough protein in its diet. The immune system will suffer, making your dog more susceptible to diseases. Younger pets can experience growth and development issues or be held from reaching its growth potential.

    Over-Processed Protein

    • Your dog should be restricted from receiving certain proteins that he or she can not utilize. Over-processed proteins do not contain the beneficial substances that raw protein provides. When your dog's stomach breaks up an over-processed protein, much of the product is disposed of through bile, whereas most of it should be introduced to the body for nutritional benefits.

    Plant Protein

    • The protein in plants is an insufficient source for a canine's diet. Plant proteins lack the amino acids that benefit your pet's tissue composition. Although plant nutrition provides necessary vitamins and minerals, it should be incorporated with the appropriate amount of protein, and never replace the protein altogether.

    When to Restrict Protein

    • Your veterinarian will consider two variables before enforcing a reduced-protein diet. If a blood urea nitrogen test on your dog is over the desired limit, and the canine displays symptoms that include ulcers, lack of appetite or vomiting, you may be instructed to limit your pet's protein intake. If the creatinine count also reaches undesirable levels, feeding your dog minimal-protein meals may be advised. This protein treatment will help alleviate the ailments cause by the nitrogen buildup as a result of these two diagnoses. Once you have been encouraged to reduce protein intake, monitor your dog to see if he or she emits signs of healing.

      Dogs suffering from renal failure, a lack in the ability of the kidney to remove waste from the blood, are often prescribed low-protein diets as a way to begin combating the malfunction by limiting the disease's progression.