Depending on his or her overall stage of life and way of life, your dog may require a different amount of protein in his food. So, how much protein is in dog food? Keep reading to know more.
On a dry matter basis, the recommended amount of protein for an adult dog is at least 18%. However, together with other crucial macronutrients, your puppy’s meal should contain between 22.5% and 32% protein.
This is due to the fact that pups require significantly more protein to maintain their quick muscle growth and general growth.
Puppies who don’t get enough protein grow slowly and may struggle with skin blemishes and weak hair. This quantity of protein is also required by dogs who are pregnant or nursing in order to preserve their own health and that of their puppies.
Benefits of Protein for Dogs
Protein is broken down into amino acids during digestion, which fuels a variety of metabolic functions ranging from bladder function to digestive health. Let’s examine what else protein does and how it improves your dog’s health in more detail.
Boosts Coat and Skin Health
Muscle growth and coat health are supported by protein. A dog’s coat is 95% protein, and 20% to 30% of the protein they consume each day is used to promote the health of their skin and coat.
Giving your dog high-protein food made from wholesome meats like chicken, lamb, and beef is a great way to keep them healthy and looking their best.
Promotes Muscle Development and Growth
Isoleucine, valine, leucine, and lysine are abundant in many animal-based proteins, including chicken, lamb, and beef. Isoleucine aids in muscle recovery and endurance enhancement. Valine assists in tissue regeneration and muscle growth while enhancing muscle coordination.
Dogs’ muscles and bones are built and maintained by leucine and lysine. Taurine, which helps to strengthen muscles and support heart health, is found in muscle meats, eggs, and shellfish.
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Supports Immunity
Histidine is one of many amino acids found in animal-based proteins that are important for immunological function. Histamine, which is produced when histidine is metabolized, aids a dog’s body in responding to allergens.
Provides Energy
Surprisingly, while carbohydrates are frequently the main energy source in dry dog food, dogs don’t need them in their diets. Dogs can consume carbohydrates because some of the glucose they contain is turned into energy.
However, dog meals with a high carbohydrate content don’t have the optimum nutritional value. There is no minimum carbohydrate requirement specified in the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) nutrient profiles for dogs.
Helps with Weight Management
An excellent way to control a dog’s weight is with protein. As a result of feeling satisfied for longer on protein, dogs are less likely to overeat or become obese.
Despite having a similar number of calories to protein, carbohydrates are less nutrient-dense. Maintaining the proper ratio of protein, fat, and carbohydrates is crucial since dietary fat has a calorie content that is significantly larger than that of protein.
How Much Protein Does My Dog Need?
For a growing dog, the minimum dietary protein needed is 18% dry matter (DM), and for an adult dog, it is 8% DM. This assumes that a high-quality protein is fed, and once more, it is a minimal amount.
AAFCO advises that at least 22% DM for growth and 18% DM for maintenance should be included in the daily requirements for dog diets.
According to recent studies, consuming too much protein does not provide any additional benefits. For any stage of life, the maximum amount should not exceed 30% DM. In rare circumstances, the extra protein that is expelled from the body can be hazardous.
Can Dogs Be Allergic to Certain Proteins?
It is rare for dogs to have food allergies, which are only discovered after excluding seasonal and environmental allergies.
The illness known as flea allergy dermatitis, or FAD, which produces a mild to severe immunological reaction that can resemble other conditions, affects about 85% of itchy dogs.
The likelihood of environmental or seasonal allergies is typically higher in dogs who exhibit skin and ear problems. Common skin allergies can frequently be controlled with treatments like:
- Allergy drugs specifically for dogs
- Monthly preventatives and repellents for parasites
- Supplements
Ask your primary care veterinarian or a board-certified veterinary nutritionist about a clinical food trial if you are worried that your dog may have a food allergy or aversion.
How Many Carbs Does My Dog Need?
For dogs, there is no set amount of carbs that they must consume. Due to the conventional preparations of commercial diets, AAFCO does not have a demand for carbs.
Commercial dog diets contain the necessary amount of carbs to provide the body with the daily amount of glucose. The nervous system needs glucose to be maintained and to continue operating appropriately. The majority of the carbohydrates in dry dog diets, 30–60%, are starch.
The majority of starch is found in grains like corn, rice, wheat, barley, and oats, which are very easily tolerated and absorbed by dogs thanks to commercial preparations. It’s crucial to keep in mind that a diet with no extra carbohydrates will have more proteins and fats.
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Can I Make My Own Balanced Dog Food?
It is very conceivable and, in certain cases, even necessary for dogs to consume non-traditional diets, such as meals made at home. Not all meals that are healthy for us may be absorbed, accepted, or even safe for your dog.
To make sure that your pet’s unique daily needs are satisfied, as a pet owner, you should speak with a subject matter expert in the area.
To make sure that all meals are balanced and created for your dog’s lifestyle and needs, think about scheduling an appointment with a primary care veterinarian who practices advanced nutritional health or a board-certified veterinary nutritionist.
Bottom Line
Depending on the type of food, different dog foods contain different amounts of protein. For instance, canned wet food often contains less protein than dry kibble. The protein level will vary depending on the dog food brand.
However, the driest kibble has a protein content of 20–40% by weight. This means that a bag of dry kibble weighing, say, 10 pounds will hold about 2-4 pounds of protein.
