Essential Information about Protein for Canines: A Comprehensive Guide
Dogs' Protein Requirements and Sources
For thousands of years, dogs have evolved alongside humans, adopting a diet similar to that of their human companions. Unlike pure carnivores, dogs are omnivores, consuming a varied diet that includes meat, fruits, and vegetables.
One of the essential components of this diet is protein. Dogs need protein to maintain their bodies' smooth functioning, build and repair muscles, and grow and maintain tissues. However, determining the precise amount of protein required varies based on the dog's size and any underlying medical conditions.
Dr. Tammy Owens, a board-certified veterinary nutritionist and assistant professor at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine, calculates an individual dog's protein needs according to their size and any medical conditions. In healthy adult dogs, she bases protein needs on metabolic body weight, the amount of energy used by a dog of a certain body weight.
Protein's essential role in a dog's diet stems from its role as a builder of crucial internal proteins. These proteins are necessary for numerous bodily functions, including building and repairing muscles and growing and maintaining tissues. Moreover, ten specific amino acids are considered essential for dogs, as they can't be produced by the dog's body and must be provided through the diet.
Commercial dog foods are designed to ensure a balanced intake of essential amino acids by combining various food ingredients. Dr. Joe Bartges, a board-certified veterinary nutritionist and a professor of medicine and nutrition at the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine, notes that eggs are considered the "gold standard" for protein due to their high digestibility and bioavailability.
While chicken, turkey, and beef are commonly thought of as primary protein sources for dogs, they are not necessarily the best options. Bartges explains that while other foods are often just as digestible and palatable to dogs, they may not provide the exact combination of amino acids that dogs need.
In the case of dogs with allergies, their diets may need to be tailored to avoid specific proteins that trigger reactions. This may involve using novel protein sources, such as kangaroo or hydrolyzed diets, which help reduce the chance of an immune response.
For dogs with health issues affecting their liver or kidneys, a lower-protein diet may be necessary. Conversely, in dogs undergoing weight loss, growing, pregnant, lactating, or recovering from illness or injury, a higher-protein diet may be beneficial.
It is possible for dogs to follow vegetarian or even vegan diets, as long as they meet or exceed the nutritional requirements for all essential amino acids and other nutrients. Tofu, kidney beans, garbanzo beans, nutritional yeast, and eggs can all serve as protein sources in a dog's diet. However, close monitoring and consultation with a veterinarian are essential to ensure that the dog is receiving a balanced and complete diet.
Protein supplementation is generally unnecessary in healthy dogs, as a complete and balanced diet should provide adequate protein. However, in cases where a dog requires more protein or is following a therapeutic diet, supplementation may be recommended.
Health-and-wellness for dogs isn't limited to their protein needs; fitness-and-exercise and proper nutrition are also crucial elements. The balanced diet for dogs, rich in necessary amino acids, includes an assortment of food sources, such as eggs (considered the "gold standard" for protein) and plant-based options like tofu and beans, under the guidance of a veterinarian.
