Much like their carnivorous ancestors, dogs require ample amounts of protein to maintain a healthy physique. The quantity of protein required by dogs varies by breed and age, with some having a more demanding diet.
Here is a quick overview that can help pet parents select the best protein dog food, so they can live better and longer.
Protein is made of tiny building blocks called amino acids. There are approximately 20 distinct amino acids that, when combined in various ways, form proteins.
11 of these amino acids are produced by dog’s body, while the rest must come from their diet.
Thus, apart from ensuring the right quantity of protein is provided to your dog, it is essential to ensure the right type of protein is incorporated into their diet as well. The best source of proteins for dogs are chicken, fish, lamb and eggs.
Depending on your pup's age different sources of protein support growth and mental health.
Puppies: A minimum of 22.5% crude protein is recommended to ensure proper growth and development. During these stages, dogs require a higher protein intake to support rapid growth and development in puppies or to provide adequate nutrition for both the mother and her litter.
Adult Dogs: Adult dogs generally require a lower protein intake compared to puppies or pregnant/nursing dogs. 18% crude protein is typically sufficient for most adult dogs. If your dog is really active, they might need more protein to stay strong.
Senior Dogs: While a lower protein intake is often recommended for senior dogs, 18-20% crude protein is generally sufficient for healthy dogs.
While protein is crucial, it's also important to consider the overall balance of nutrients in your dog's diet.
It's best to choose complex carbohydrates like whole grains and sweet potatoes. Avoid processed grains and fillers, as they may not be as nutritious and can contribute to weight gain.
When it comes to proteins, their quality is often measured by how digestible they are. For example, if a dog food brand claims its protein is 70% digestible, this means that 70% of the protein will be absorbed and utilized by your dog’s body.
A protein's digestibility is influenced by several factors, including:
- 👉 Protein Source: Animal-based proteins (chicken, lamb, fish) are generally more digestible than plant-based proteins.
- 👉 Processing: Fresh or minimally processed foods tend to be more digestible than highly processed kibbles.
- 👉 Amino Acid Profile: Complete proteins containing all nine essential amino acids are more digestible than incomplete proteins.
- 👉 Fiber Content: Excessive fiber can interfere with protein absorption, so a moderate fiber intake is ideal.
Some kibbles and packaged foods may advertise a high protein content, but if the protein is not easily digestible, your dog may not fully benefit from it.
Proteins in many kibbles or highly processed foods are often denatured or altered, making them less digestible. Plus, a lot of kibbles use meat by-products (legally uses “4-D” meat: meat from dead, dying, diseased and disabled animals.) which raises safety and quality concerns.
And even if the kibble brand says it's high in protein, if your dog can't digest it properly, it's not doing them any good.
To provide optimal nutrition, it's important to choose high-quality, digestible proteins. At Dino, we prioritize balanced diets with fresh, real ingredients.
Our fresh dog food recipes are gently cooked at low temperatures preserving all the nutrients & composition of the food unlike the commercial kibble brands.
Dino dog food contains highly digestible proteins, along with the essential nutrients needed for healthy growth and muscle development in your little dinosaur.
While certain vegetables and fruits offer essential micronutrients, plant-based proteins may not be as bioavailable to dogs as animal proteins.
Though dogs can survive on a plant-centric diet, prioritizing nutritional adequacy is essential for our dog's health and well-being. We recommend reading our blog on veg dog food protein diets here.
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Check out our recipes here.
No! Proteins are made from smaller subunits called amino acids, and different combinations of these building blocks result in different proteins. Some proteins have better bioavailability indexes than others. There are plant specific and animal specific proteins as well.
Here's a quick guide:
- Puppies: 22.5% minimum crude protein
- Adult Dogs: 18% minimum crude protein (more for active dogs)
- Senior Dogs: 18-20% minimum crude protein (consult vet for specific needs)
Look for dog food with high-quality, digestible protein sources like fresh meat. Avoid processed kibble with high protein content but low digestibility. Consider your dog's age and activity level for optimal protein needs.
Excessive protein can burden the kidneys and liver, potentially causing kidney disease or liver issues. It's important to maintain a balanced diet with moderate protein intake.
