It’s a known fact that, just like humans, dogs need a protein-rich diet for optimal health. However, do you know the protein level your dog needs? Or which protein works best for their growing body?
The good news is that giving your dog enough protein is as simple as feeding them pet food high in protein. The only tricky part is finding the right one that suits their appetite and provides their body with the additional nutrients they need. This guide will help you decide which high-protein dog foods are worth a try and tell you what exactly you should be looking for when choosing the best dog food for your pet.
Table of Contents
- What to Know Before Choosing High Protein Dog Foods
- How Much Protein Should You Feed Your Dog?
- What Are the Best Protein Sources for Dogs?
- Conclusion
What to Know Before Choosing High Protein Dog Foods
When changing your dog’s diet, you must do your research to ensure that you’re indeed changing it for the better and not potentially harming them. So, before introducing more protein into your dog’s diet, there are a few things that you should know.
First, there is such a thing as too much protein. That excess protein gets stored as fat in the dog’s body, which may lead to unwanted weight gain or obesity.
What’s more is that, contrary to popular belief, dogs are not carnivores but omnivores. They need a combination of proteins, grains, fruits and vegetables, and healthy fats. So if you choose high-protein dog foods lacking vegetables, grains, or other carbohydrates, ensure that your dog is getting nutrients from another source.
Knowing all this, it’s important to feed your dog the proper amount of protein for their breed, weight, and size. Let’s find out exactly how much protein that is.
How Much Protein Should You Feed Your Dog?
As a general rule of thumb, you should serve your active dog around 1 gram of protein per pound of body weight. However, this number can vary based on several different factors, including whether or not your dog is at their ideal body weight.
For example, if your dog is 50 pounds and that’s their ideal body weight, it’s safe to give them 50 grams of protein a day. However, if 50 pounds is overweight, you may need to decrease the amount of protein and total food you feed them. Likewise, if 50 pounds is underweight, they may need a surplus of 50 grams of protein to encourage safe and healthy weight gain.
What Are the Best Protein Sources for Dogs?
Dogs like a variety of quality protein sources. Some of the common proteins that you’ll find in dog food include:
- Beef, including beef liver
- Chicken (including chicken liver, hearts, and neck)
- Pork
- Duck
Pet parents can mix and match these protein sources to entice your dog’s taste bud. For best results, ensure that the protein in your dog’s food comes from real meat.
When choosing a high protein food for your dog, make sure that the first ingredient on the label is the source of protein (i.e., chicken, beef, etc.).
Conclusion
The best high-protein dog food for your pooch depends on several factors, including:
- Age
- Size
- Taste preferences
If you want to play it safe, starting with general dog food that’s high in protein, such as Pedigree High Protein Dog Food, can provide your dog with the macronutrients they need to build lean muscle and live an active lifestyle.
Before making any drastic changes to your dog’s diet, consult your vet.