Early research indicated that higher levels of protein in their diet would lead to kidney failure in dogs. Do you know if your dog’s diet is safe? Are you killing your furry friend by providing too much protein in your dog’s diet?
The studies that showed a relationship to high protein levels and kidney failure in dogs that sparked concerns about protein levels in dog’s diets were not sound. The research was performed on rats, not dogs. Rats primarily eat plants as their natural diet. Naturally, rats biological makeup would indicate trouble digesting diets containing high levels of protein. The rats have difficulty excreting protein due to their specific dietary needs, not because the high protein diet causes kidney failure.
How Much Protein Can A Dog Tolerate
Still, where do we stand on protein and your dog’s diet? How much protein does a dog need per day? Dogs are naturally omnivorous. In the wild, dog’s would hunt or scavenge. The dog’s diet would consist of both plants and animals. Naturally speaking, dogs are meat eaters, too. For this reason, a dog can easily tolerate a diet consisting of 30% protein or more.
Reduction Of Protein Intake Does Not Necessarily Improve Renal Function
When protein intake is reduced in a dog’s diet, renal function does not improve. Renal lesions are not less likely to form when a dog is fed with a low-protein diet. It is not until a blood urea nitrogen, or BUN, test indicates a level of 75, that a reduction in protein intake be considered for your dog’s diet.
Consult Your Vet Regarding Your Dog’s Diet
If you have concerns about the amount of protein in your dog’s diet, schedule an appointment to speak with a professional on the subject. Your trusted vet can advise you on the specifics in regards to your dog’s diet.
The High Protein Myth
It is a myth that dog’s cannot properly digest high levels of protein in their diet. Kidney failure in dogs do not result from high levels of protein in your dog’s diet. Large amounts of protein can be safely digested in your dog’s diet, especially when they come primarily from animal origins.
Some Amino Acids Must Be Provided In Dog’s Diet
Ten amino acids must be provided in your dog’s diet through protein. Only twelve of 22 amino acids can be manufactured in your dog’s liver. For this reason, meat such as heart, spleen, and meat by-products all have a place in your dog’s diet.
What Should Be In A High-Quality Dog Food
A high-quality dog food should contain meat as the first ingredient. This will provide the proper amount of protein for your dog’s diet. You know you are on the right track when you turn to nature for advice. Do you ever recall seeing a wild or stray dog happily grazing through the cornfield at mealtime?
Protein And Senior Dogs
Senior dogs should not be automatically placed on lower protein diets exclusively based on age. In fact, some older pets require a dog’s diet higher in protein than during their younger adult stage. Unless medically indicated, provide your pet the benefit of quality protein in your dog’s diet.
Feeding your dog protein should not cause you concern about kidney failure in dogs. You want what is best for your dog and nature tells you that protein will help your dog to thrive. If you have questions about the myth of protein and kidney failure in your pet, speak to your vet about your dog’s diet.
