Being semi-carnivores, dogs can be nourished by protein from animal sources, plant sources, or a combination of both. But according to experts, fur parents must be aware of how essential animal-based protein sources are to their dogs.
It was explained that the difference between animal-based protein and plant-based protein sources is that the former incorporate chicken, lamb, fish meal, and beef while the latter include corn-gluten and soybean meal.
Similar to their carnivorous ancestors–wolves, coyotes, foxes, and jackals, the body structure of dogs is optimized for eating meat which is relatively easier for them to digest than a plant-based diet. Even though dogs are semi-carnivores, it is important to not leave out animal-based proteins from their diet, as feeding dogs with meat-based products are closely related to their natural ancestral diet.
Moreover, Dr. Saza Curaming, the Scientific Communications Manager of Mars Pet Nutrition for Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, said there are three main reasons animal-based proteins are more suited for dogs compared with plant-based ones:
1. Not all proteins are created equal
Including protein in your pet dog’s diet serves several functions.
“For one, a high-quality protein food for dogs can provide amino acids. Amino acids play a key part in building hair, skin, nails, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and cartilage,” Curaming explained. “Protein plays a key role in hormone and enzyme production.”
Amino acids are building blocks and are considered critical to dogs. Different studies have shown that out of the 20 amino acids, 10 of these are called non-essential and can be made by your dog when needed.
2. Protein is crucial throughout a dog’s lifetime
Curaming also emphasized that a dog’s need for amino acids will also change depending on age and condition, “As dogs age, their body composition and muscle-specific proteins decline, and for that reason, giving them protein in their meal helps them maintain a healthy body throughout the years.”
That being said, it goes without saying that puppies require sufficient protein for growth. According to a study, a puppy’s diet should be consist of at least 22 percent protein. For an adult dog, 18 percent of protein should be incorporated into their everyday meal.
3. Protein a day keeps doctors away
Animal protein sources contain an average of 35 percent higher protein concentration. It contains higher doses of calcium, phosphorus, omega 6, methionine, cystine, and taurine.
“While protein can be derived from plants, the canine digestive system typically has an easier time utilizing animal-sourced protein,” the expert clarified, “Our dog’s gastrointestinal tract is not designed to digest large amounts of plant-based products.”
To deliver a healthy balance of amino acids to support your dog’s health and vitality, IAMS created a recipe that uses chicken as their number one ingredient and aids in maintaining healthy digestion, immune system, skin, and coat, and even provides dental care support that is developed with veterinarians.
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