Dogs are omnivores, which means they eat both meat and plants. You may have seen high-protein dog food recipes advertised in marketing, or you may simply want to give your dog a protein boost. Many people are also experimenting with homemade and raw diet recipes.
So, what are your options if you want to experiment with protein-rich ingredients for whatever reason? Let's learn everything there is to know about protein for your dog.
Why Do Dogs Require Protein?
Animal protein is required for dogs to survive and thrive. It is the single most important nutrient in their diet.
Animal proteins, also known as complete proteins, contain amino acids that help your dog's skin, muscles, and joints develop so that their bodies can be fit and fully functional.
Plant proteins, which are considered incomplete proteins, are also beneficial to your dog. Natural protein is abundant in starchy vegetables such as peas, chickpeas, and lentils, which are frequently used in commercial dog food recipes.
Diets Made at Home vs. Diets Purchased from a Store
Commercial diets have been rigorously tested to ensure that each recipe meets the nutritional profiles required for canines. To achieve the same effect with homemade recipes, extreme concentration and measuring are required.
Diets Sold in Stores
A group of dietary professionals and manufacturers create commercial diets. Each recipe differs slightly depending on the brand and nutrition goal. For maintenance, the protein content of a commercial recipe should be at least 18% protein.
Some adult dog food recipes for high-energy pooches, on the other hand, can go as high as 40%. It is critical to provide your dog with protein levels that are appropriate for his life stage, age, weight, and activity level.
Recipes Made at Home
Homemade diets provide a great deal of flexibility. You know exactly what your dog is eating and don't have to worry about ingredients you can't pronounce. And, regardless of what a bag says, you know exactly how much protein is in their dish.
One very important aspect of homemade diets is that you consult with your veterinarian. If you omit even one key ingredient, the recipe can become out of balance, resulting in your dog not receiving the proper nutrients.
Improper measurements can result in malnutrition or overnutrition.
Six of the Best Protein Sources for Dogs
If you're looking for protein supplements to add to your dog's diet, you should be aware of all of your options. If you're trying your hand at recipe development, knowing the most beneficial sources can help you create a well-balanced diet with your veterinarian's approval.
Here are some high-quality protein sources and what they can do for your dog's health.
Eggs
According to the American Kennel Club, eggs are a great source of protein that is both safe and healthy for your dogs. Eggs lack the nutritional value to be a daily meal, but they make an excellent topper or standalone snack that your dog will enjoy.
Your pooch can enjoy eggs from several birds, including:
Chicken eggs
Eggs from ducks
Eggs from quail
Eggs are high in nutrients that benefit several aspects of canine health, including 6 grams of protein per egg. Among the vitamins and minerals are:
Omega fatty acids—these fatty acids are beneficial to the skin, coat, and nails.
Riboflavin—this vitamin converts carbohydrates into fuel, which increases energy.
Folate is a vitamin that promotes the production of red blood cells.
Iron is required for the production of hemoglobin, myoglobin, and hormones.
Selenium is a mineral that is required for thyroid function and DNA replication.
B12—this vitamin protects nerves and cells.
Vitamin A—this vitamin promotes immunity and vision.
While eggs can be very beneficial to many canines, some may develop sensitivities to them. Furthermore, you should never feed raw eggs to your dog because they can still contain salmonella, which can make your dog sick.
Fish
Fish is a healthy protein that can be added to your dog's diet at any time. Fish is high in protein but low in fat, making it an ideal protein supplement for dogs on a low-calorie diet.
Among the tasty fish that work well as protein boosters are:
Flounder\sWhitefish
Salmon\sCod
Tuna in a can
Not only is fish high in protein, but it is also high in powerful nutrients that improve overall health. Among the essential nutrients found in fish are:
Calcium—aids in the maintenance and development of strong bones.
Phosphorus—aids the body in the development of strong bones and protein.
Omega-3 fatty acid—helps to maintain a healthy coat, skin, and joints.
Iron regulates the production of hemoglobin and myoglobin in the body.
Zinc—helps the immune system and metabolism.
Iodine is required for proper thyroid function.
Some dogs may be allergic to fish, so if they exhibit any negative reactions, discontinue serving it entirely. A fish allergy can be confirmed by your veterinarian.
Poultry
You can also steam or cook a variety of poultry options for your dog. Poultry provides a lean, white meat option with a high protein content.
Duck, chicken, and turkey are examples of poultry.
Poultry, such as chicken and turkey, is an excellent source of meat for your dogs. It contains less fat than beef and other red meats, making it an excellent choice for dogs who need to lose weight. Among the many benefits of poultry are:
Unsaturated lipids—improve cholesterol levels and help to keep the heart rhythm stable.
Pantothenic acid—aids in the breakdown of fats in your dog's body.
Copper is essential for the health of nerves, blood vessels, and energy.
Iron—balances the production of hemoglobin and myoglobin.
Thiamine—helps the nervous system and metabolism.
Some dogs may be allergic to chicken, turkey, or duck protein, so keep an eye out for any allergic reactions.
Venison
If you're a hunter with a supply of fresh game, you might be able to provide your dog with some fresh venison. It's a great choice for at-home meals and snacks because it's hormone-free. You can also dehydrate it to make delicious jerky snacks.
Venison comes in a variety of forms, including deer and elk.
Calcium is a mineral that strengthens and develops bones.
Iron is in charge of hemoglobin and myoglobin production.
Phosphorus is a mineral that helps to strengthen bones and muscles.
Potassium—helps nerve and muscle function.
Niacin—aids in digestive functions as well as overall skin health.
Because it is a novel protein, your dog has most likely never encountered it before. Because of this, it is an excellent choice for dogs who are allergic to common protein sources.
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