Dog food protein levels are specially regulated to provide your dog with all the protein he needs. However, all protein sources aren't the same. Here'a how you can choose the best quality protein sources for your dog.
Read the Labels
Many commerical dog foods contain very little digestible protein from real meat. Look for a food that contains one of these ingredients:
- Chicken
- Beef
- Fish
- Lamb
- Poultry
Here are some ingredients made from meat that can also form part of a dog food rich in easily digestible protein:
- Bone meal
- Fish meal
- Meat meal
- Animal by-products
- Poultry by-products
The meat ingredient should be listed first on the label. This means the food is based on meat rather than grains, such as corn. By-products and bone, fish or meat meals should appear further down the list, because, while they are good sources of protein, they should form the basis of your dog's food.
Remember that your dog needs other nutrients, such as lipids, carbohydrates, calcium, phosphorus, and fat. He can't live on protein alone.
Know Which Sources of Protein Are Best
All sources of protein aren't the same. Some are better than others. Your dog needs a source of protein that he can easily digest.
Good sources of highly digestible protein, listed in order from best to worst, are as follows:
- Eggs
- Fish meal
- Milk
- Lamb
- Beef
- Chicken
Know How Much Protein Your Dog Needs
Different dogs have different protein needs at different stages of life. Puppies need higher levels of protein, as do pregnant and lactating dogs. This is why it's important to feed these dogs food formulated for their needs (they'll also have other special requirements). Sick dogs need a higher protein diet, as do very active and working dogs.
Don't Believe Dog Food Protein Myths
It's a myth that too much protein in your dog's diet can damage his kidneys. If your dog's diet contains too much protein, he will simply excrete the excess protein. It won't harm him. Don't worry about feeding your dog too much protein.
Remember Your Dog's Other Dietary Needs
Your dog needs to eat meat to survive, but a diet composed only of meat is bad for him! Choose a food made with products of animal origin, such as:
- Meat
- Eggs
- Fish
- Poultry
- Animal by-products
Your dog's food should also include products of plant origin to ensure that your dog receives all the nutrients he needs. Suitable plant products include:
- Fruits
- Vegetables
- Nuts
- Seeds
- Legumes