TL;DR: This blog emphasizes the significance of protein in a dog's diet, discussing various protein sources and their impacts on canine health.
- Essential for Muscle and Immune Health: Protein supports muscle growth, immune function, and skin and coat health.
- Protein Requirements Vary: Dogs need different protein levels based on age, activity, and health conditions.
- Label Reading for Protein Content: Check dog food labels for crude protein percentage.
- Choosing Protein Types: Options include chicken, beef, fish, and plant-based, with fish being optimal due to its digestibility and Omega-3 content.
Chicken and fish and beef, oh my!
When it comes to finding dog food that is high in protein, pet parents are faced with many options. Protein is a cornerstone of a healthy dog diet, but it can be overwhelming to choose which type of meat is best for your pet.
Today, we’re here to help you understand how much protein should be in your dog’s food along with the best type of meat to include in your pet’s diet.
The Importance of Protein for Dogs
Protein serves as the building blocks for a strong and healthy body. One study explains that dogs need dietary protein to “provide essential amino acids and replenish protein reserves.” In other words, the protein your dog gets from their diet provides the amino acids their body needs to make more vital proteins to fuel their play and support their overall wellness.
Let’s take a closer look the importance of protein in dog food:
- Protein is essential for muscle growth and maintenance. Dogs are naturally active, and their muscles require ongoing support from essential amino acids to function properly and stay strong.
- Protein plays a vital role in the immune system. It helps in the production of antibodies, which are needed to fight off infections and diseases.
- Protein is necessary for healthy skin and coat. The amino acids found in protein help produce and maintain fur, keeping a dog's coat thick and shiny.
- Protein also provides energy. While dogs can get energy from other nutrients like fats and carbohydrates, protein is an important source that can be used.
As you can see, including high-quality protein in dog food supports everything from muscle and immune health to shiny skin and coat. Dog food high in protein is more than a dietary requirement; it’s a way to ensure your pet looks and feels their best for life.
How Much Protein Should Be in Dog Food?
All dogs need protein as part of their diet. However, the amount of protein they need can differ depending on your dog’s breed, age, and health requirements. The team at Wag! offers this helpful breakdown of roughly how much protein your dog needs from their food based on their age:
- Puppies and pregnant/nursing dogs: 22.5% crude protein minimum, but can be upwards of 30% crude protein
- Adults: 18% crude protein minimum
- Senior dogs: 28% crude protein minimum
Growing and nursing dogs need more protein to build and maintain muscle mass. Senior dogs also need more protein to help maintain muscle and keep energy levels up.
Other factors to consider include your dog’s breed and size (larger dogs may need more protein), activity level, and any health conditions. Your vet can help you determine the ideal protein requirement based on your dog’s needs.
How to Find Protein Content in Dog Food
If you want to find dog food high in protein for your pup, all you need to do is check the label. Specifically, the guaranteed analysis.
This part of the label provides crucial information about the amounts of crude protein and other essential macronutrients like fats and carbohydrates in the product. The term "crude protein" refers to the total amount of protein present in dog food, which is determined by a specific scientific test.
This figure is usually listed as a percentage and indicates how much of the food's total weight is made up of protein.
Of course, this number is just one part of the equation. When choosing a high-protein diet, it’s also important to choose high-quality proteins that provide additional benefits and are easier to digest.
Common Types of Protein in Dog Food
With all that in mind, pet parents still face the challenging decision between multiple sources of protein for their pet. Let’s look at the pros and cons of each protein to uncover the best meat for dog food.
Chicken
Chicken is one of the most common protein sources in dog food due to its accessibility and cost-effectiveness. It’s highly digestible and low in fat, which makes it a popular choice for weight management.
However, dogs can frequently develop allergies to chicken since it is so widely used. It can cause skin irritations, gastrointestinal issues, and other related issues. Depending on how the chicken is sourced and processed, the quality and nutritional value can also vary greatly.
Beef
Beef is high in iron and other essential vitamins and minerals that dogs need. It’s also an enticing protein source that can make mealtime exciting.
Like chicken, beef is also a common allergen that can cause adverse reactions in dogs. Other common allergens include wheat, eggs, lamb, soy, and pork. Some cuts of beef can also be high in fat. Protein intake is all about balance, so beef may not be the best choice for overweight dogs.
Plant-Based
Some pet owners may seek out plant-based proteins if their dog experiences allergies to sensitives to common means. While ingredients like peas and lentils are good sources of protein and contain important vitamins and minerals, they are not a complete protein source.
Dogs need meat as part of their diet. Plant-based ingredients are an important part of high-protein dog food but, generally speaking, should not be the main source of protein.
Fish
When it comes to the best meat for dog food high in protein, fish simply can’t be beat.
Fish is increasingly recognized as an optimal protein source for dogs due to its numerous health benefits and dietary advantages. Nutrient-dense fish like salmon, haddock, cod, and Acadian redfish offer unique nutritional profiles that can significantly benefit canine health.
- Allergen-Friendly: Fish is an excellent alternative for dogs with allergies to common meat proteins like chicken or beef, as it is considered a novel protein. Additionally, Simply Naked recipes are made with only fish with no chicken, beef, or other animal fats or byproducts. It is surprisingly common in popular pet food brands to offer a seafood recipe that also includes chicken or chicken fat.
- Easy to Digest: The protein in fish is generally easier for dogs to digest compared to heavier meats.
- Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Fish is a naturally rich source of Omega-3 fatty acids, crucial for maintaining healthy skin and a lustrous coat, amongst many other benefits.
- Sustainability and Carbon Footprint: Many types of fish are more sustainable with a lower carbon footprint than other animal proteins.
Ready to have your pup try a dog food that is high in protein? Look no further than Simply Naked Pet Food. Our fish-first meals for dogs offer a crude protein minimum of 25.0% for dogs of all life stages.
Dive into our selection of complete and balanced high-protein dry dog food today.
