It’s no secret that high protein dog food is a popular trend, but that raised the question of whether there is such a thing as too much protein, and if so, how much is too much. We asked our pet nutrition specialist to do a deep dive into the research to tell us more.
As a pet parent, we want you to be as well-informed as you can be to help you navigate the challenge of finding your best friend the right diet for them. So bear with us, this one gets a little science-heavy – but we think it’s worth it!
First off, we are aware that the best course of action isn’t always obvious. This is especially valid in regards to the protein content of pet food!
1% to 2% of the food must contain fat for fat-soluble vitamins to be absorbed.
Over 100 enzymes, protein synthesis, carbohydrate metabolism, skin and wound healing, and the immune system all depend on zinc. Although excessive supplementation of zinc is not advised due to its potential to interact with other minerals and reduce absorption, zinc is not toxic.
There are two kinds of minerals: macro-minerals and trace minerals. Both have daily requirements for dogs, but in different amounts.
Excessive intake in the diet can result in anorexia or decreased appetite, weight loss, and liver problems.
The body of a dog can easily absorb and utilize water-soluble vitamins. Deficiencies are frequent as a result of their rapid use and lack of storage space in the body.
How Important Is Protein for Dogs?
The body’s cells’ ability to grow and maintain themselves is perhaps their most well-known function, enabling the growth of muscles and the self-healing of injuries.
Second, enzymes are proteins that trigger chemical reactions in the body; they cannot work properly without dietary proteins. Blood clotting, muscle contraction, and energy production are just a few bodily processes that depend on enzymes.
Finally, proteins are necessary for moving other nutrients throughout the body. For instance, while hemoglobin, a different protein, carries oxygen in the bloodstream, lipoproteins transport cholesterol and other fats through the blood. Ferritin, which stores iron, is an example of a protein that can serve as a storage agent. Overall, protein is absolutely essential for all dogs.
Research suggests that dogs are not carnivores, but are actually omnivores. Despite this, dogs still require a lot of protein in order to get enough amino acids.
What we know:
What may surprise you is that the ideal range of protein required for a healthy adult dog hasn’t been established, and commercial dog foods range in crude protein content from 18% to over 60%.
The European pet food industry (FEDIAF) and the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) recommend a minimum crude protein concentration of 18. 0% for adult maintenance dog food 1-2 on a dry matter (DM) basis. These associations have minimums, but neither a suggested upper limit nor a clear “best” concentration exists. How do dog owners decide what’s best for their canines then?
Associations have not provided clear answers, so let’s examine some factors and how our dog’s protein levels may be affected.
You may have heard of the microbiome before. Well, our dogs’ gut microbiomes are similar to those of you and I. It is known that the wonderful microscopic world inside of us has an impact on our health, but how much still needs to be determined. But what we do know is that it does influence things to some extent. The good news is that studies have looked into the effects of a range of protein levels on the canine microbiome; the bad news is that not many studies have done so. This makes it hard to gain any concrete answers.
In studies examining high protein intake, it was discovered that in dogs, branched-chain fatty acids (BCFAs) and indole sulfates were among the metabolites that increased fecal pH 3–7.
This suggests that eating more protein increases the amount of protein that the microorganisms in our microbiomes can access.
This implies that higher protein concentrations also result in higher blood urea levels 8 When protein is broken down in the body, the result is urea. It’s found in urine, blood, bile, milk and even sweat. Protein fermentation in the colon can result in increases in uremic toxins9. Indole sulfates and p-cresol are two of these toxins, and neither is good for your health.
Because the gut microbiome needs to break down more protein when it is consumed, eating more of it is also linked to a higher fecal pH.
Therefore, studies show that giving dogs a lot of protein can cause their gut bacteria to change in a way that favors protein breakdown and raise the pH of their feces, both of which are linked to higher levels of metabolites that cause inflammation and kidney dysfunction. That being said, additional research is required to determine whether or not this will ultimately harm dogs. Unfortunately, the majority of the current research has been conducted on other mammals, making it challenging to draw firm conclusions about our furry friends. Lean dogs may be more resistant to changes in dietary protein levels than obese dogs, according to one study.
Before we can come to firm conclusions, more research must be done on the long-term health effects of these changes in the microbiome.
FAQ
What percentage of protein should a dog food have?
For a growing dog, the minimum dietary protein requirement 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. According to AAFCO, dogs’ daily dietary needs should include at least 22% DM for growth and 18% DM for maintenance.
Is 30% protein too much for a dog?
Dogs can tolerate diets with protein levels that are higher than 30% of the dry weight of the diet.
Is higher protein dog food better?
When properly used and advised by a veterinarian, a high-protein diet for dogs can have a positive impact on many aspects of their health. A few of these advantages include a healthier, shinier coat, better skin health, the development of lean muscle, and an improved immune system. Many senior dogs can also benefit from high-protein foods.
What is a high protein percentage in dog food?
First, all the water from each recipe was eliminated using basic math. This enables accurate protein content comparison between ANY TWO recipes, whether they are wet or dry. After rating over 5750 recipes, we classify any dish as “high in protein” if the protein content is over 28%.