A high-protein diet for dogs can support skin & coat health, muscle development, the immune system, and general health. However, there are things you should do to ensure your pup still gets all the nutrients they need.
Our loyal canine companions have evolved into omnivores who require a varied diet, but meat and protein are still key components of what they eat. A high-protein diet for dogs can be beneficial for many canine companions, including for their strength, energy, and skin & coat health. Let’s look at the right way to feed your pup a protein-rich diet!
The Benefits of a High-Protein Diet for Dogs
All animals need protein, including carnivores, omnivores, and even herbivores. Protein contains amino acids that the body uses to build and repair muscles, bones, enzymes, and hormones. As such, a high-protein diet for dogs can contribute to:
- Better skin health
- Shinier coat
- A more robust immune system
- Stronger muscles
When a High-Protein Diet is Appropriate
A high-protein diet for dogs can be a great choice for active dogs, working dogs, athletes, puppies, pregnant pups, and lactating moms. However, some dogs shouldn’t eat a high-protein diet, including dogs with kidney disease or liver disease.
When it comes to seniors, active, healthy older dogs can do well on a high-protein diet because it can help them maintain their muscle mass. But you do have to be careful that they aren’t getting too many calories so they maintain a healthy weight.
Talk to your veterinarian before starting your dog on a new diet.
A High-Protein Diet Done Right!
Unlike their wolf ancestors, modern dogs are omnivores. Even when they’re on a high-protein diet for dogs, they must still get essential nutrients from fruits, vegetables, grains, cereals, and other plants.
What’s more, the quality of the protein is just as important as the quantity. High-quality proteins are digestible and have bioavailable amino acids. And another thing to keep in mind is that dogs need a wide variety of proteins to get the full range of amino acids.
The Best Food for a High-Protein Diet for Dogs
You can feed your dog a complete and balanced high-protein diet by feeding them high-quality foods and rotating their proteins. Element Series foods from NutriSource are nutrient-dense recipes high in animal protein, and they also contain beneficial plant ingredients and proprietary prebiotics and probiotics for gut health. The recipes are made with novel proteins like kangaroo, wild boar, whitefish, duck, turkey, and trout.
When you rotate these proteins regularly, your dog gets the full spectrum of amino acids and additional nutrients, plus the benefits of Full Circle Feeding, which supports skin & coat health, brain function, digestion, gut health, and more!
Visit NutriSource to find a high animal-protein Element Series recipe for your dog and learn more about Full Circle Feeding.
Animal Wellness is North America’s top natural health and lifestyle magazine for dogs and cats, with a readership of over one million every year. AW features articles by some of the most renowned experts in the pet industry, with topics ranging from diet and health related issues, to articles on training, fitness and emotional well being.
Source: Animal Wellness Magazine
