Nearly all pet parents and breeders agree that when it comes to selecting the best diet to feed their dog, the amount and type of protein included in a recipe is an important consideration. But what does protein actually do? Why is feeding a higher protein diet beneficial and, on that point, what actually is high protein diet? Cutting through the confusion is no simple task for dog owners so we thought it a great opportunity to help explain:
WHY FEEDING A HIGH PROTEIN DIET IS IMPORTANT AND HEALTHY FOR YOUR DOG
When high quality meat-based proteins such as turkey, chicken or salmon are included at increased amounts into a dog’s diet this can deliver nutrition that is tailored to how a dog was meant to eat to vitalize their wellbeing. As a key macro nutrient, dietary protein is essential for the growth and for the maintenance of almost all the tissues in a dog’s body. It works to supply the amino acids necessary for the dog’s body to build hair, skin, muscles, cartilage, tendons, and ligaments; it makes up the enzymes that put in motion all metabolic reactions, the hormones that act as the body’s chemical messengers and antibodies that comprise the immune system to help keep dogs healthy.
Put another way, when meat rich proteins are included in higher amounts in their nutrition, a dog will not only look great but feels great as well; Their skin and coat will soft and shiny, their muscles will be lean and strong, their immune system will be reinforced and they will love every bite of their food to ensure bowls are always empty.
HOW MUCH PROTEIN DO DOGS ACTUALLY NEED?
According to the European Pet Food Industry Federation (FEDIAF) who determine the minimum requirements for nutritional adequacy when it comes to formulating canine nutrition, the adult maintenance minimum that dogs need to survive is just 18-21% Crude Protein and 20-25% Crude Protein for dogs that are growing or reproducing. Providing a diet that exceeds these minimum amounts of Crude Protein is one way of ensuring that dogs don’t just survive, but that they are eating nutrition that truly can make them thrive.
WHAT IS CONSIDERED A HIGH PROTEIN DIET?
There is no hard and fast number when it comes to classifying products as being high protein nutrition but there are a couple points to consider. Firstly, always compare diets by the guaranteed analysis, this is the chart on the back of the pack that tells you what levels are in the finished product. This is the best way to compare apples to apples between brands and recipes and avoids the confusing marketing claims on the front of the packs. Most premium diets contain around 22-28% Crude Protein. As a high protein offering, this amount in the guaranteed analysis can increase between 30-37% Crude Protein.
SELECTING A HIGH PROTEIN DOG FOOD
Feeding a diet rich in meat protein will help promote the optimal health of your dog. When higher protein is combined with a moderate fat level and a lowered amount of grain free carbohydrates, the result is perfectly balanced nutrition ensuring a dog can thrive throughout their life.
Wellness CORE delivers natural, superior protein-rich nutrition that’s specifically crafted for modern dogs to thrive. Featuring fresh meat and concentrated meat sources as our key ingredients, every CORE recipe is combined with moderate amounts of fat, lowered carbohydrates and a unique blend of wholesome fruits, vegetables, superfoods, botanicals, and nutritional supplements such as taurine to be the best meat-based nutrition available.
Find out more about Wellness CORE here: www.wellnesspetfood.com/natural-dog-food/core.
