You’re probably well aware of how important it is to include protein in your own diet, but you may be wondering how this applies to your furry friend.
In this article, you will learn more about the specific role of protein in keeping your dog happy and healthy!
Why Is Protein Good for Dogs?
Carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, fat, water, and protein are the six primary components of a healthy diet for dogs. If they lack any of these, it can lead to nutritional deficiencies.
Out of the components mentioned, protein is essential for the healthy functioning of your dog's body. In their diet, dogs require a total of 22 amino acids. Their bodies can produce around half of the amino acids needed, but the remainder must be obtained from the healthy pet food that they consume daily.
One or more of these essential amino acids are found in plant-based proteins, such as beans and legumes. On the other hand, animal proteins, such as meat, poultry, fish, and eggs, include all 12 essential amino acids. The essential amino acids help with hair and skin health, muscular growth, and tissue repair in your dog, to name a few benefits.
Protein is required for numerous vital biological processes, including the maintenance and repair of cells and other tissues, the immune system's support, and the production of hormones, antibodies, and enzymes.
Protein can also be used to provide calories to help dogs maintain their energy levels. A complete and balanced meal created with your dog's protein requirements in mind will help them stay strong and healthy.
What Is the Best Source of Protein?
Protein, unlike fat and other nutrients, cannot be stored by the dog's body. Thus, you must include it in their daily diet. But before you go shopping at your local pet store, remember that protein requirements vary depending on your pet's age, lifestyle, and activities, but the source remains the same.
Protein sources include:
Muscle Meat. Fresh meat from chicken, lamb, and beef is the major component of a raw diet. These can originate in muscles such as the thigh or the muscles that surround the rib cage.
Organs. Another high-quality protein source for your dog, this originates from nourishing internal organs, including other animals' hearts, kidneys, and livers.
Grains and Oilseeds. Protein may also be found in oilseeds such as soybeans and grains such as corn and wheat.
Keep in mind, though, that your dog will not survive only on meat and protein. When buying dog food, look for a primarily meat-based product with enough animal-based protein that is also well-balanced in fat, carbohydrate, and other essential elements.
Conclusion
It might be difficult to choose the proper food to get at the pet store. But it all boils down to the reality that they require a diet that is balanced in terms of protein, fat, carbohydrate, and other nutrients. Animal or plant products, or a combination of both protein sources, can be used to make dog food. All of the necessary amino acids that dogs require are found in high-quality animal-sourced proteins. As a result, animal-based proteins can assist dogs in achieving maximum health.
Reduced growth rate and milk production, as well as poor coat and skin, weight loss, anemia, mood swings, liver illness, and increased intestinal permeability, can all occur if your dog isn't getting enough protein.
If you are looking for healthy pet food Ann Arbor, Chelsea, and Ludington, MI, Wags to Wiskers has got what you need. Founded by Dena Gilmore in 2002, our community-based pet supplies store has been focused on natural, holistic pet foods, primarily for but not limited to dogs and cats. Visit us today!