Debunking Myths About Protein in A Dog's Diet

There’s no denying the benefits of protein to a dog’s overall health. However, there has been a lot of controversy surrounding this topic with some even saying that protein shouldn’t be part of a dog’s diet at all. What some might fail to realize is that there are a lot of aspects of protein consumption that should be fully understood. As we go on, we’ll be clearing up some of the most common misconceptions when it comes to protein, especially high-protein formulations.

Myth #1: All protein is the same

It’s true that protein can come from a number of sources, but not all of them are able to break down into the 10 essential amino acids that dogs need. What’s important is a protein’s biological value, which determines how easy it will be for a dog to digest and absorb nutrients. Sources of protein such as eggs, peanut butter, and real meat are on the higher end of the scale, while those on the lower end just pass through a dog’s system unused.

Myth #2: All dogs require the same amount of protein

Dogs with different breeds, life stages, and lifestyles have varied protein requirements. Puppies, for example, need a higher level of protein to aid in their development. Active dogs, on the other hand, would need more protein, too. This is to promote lean muscle growth and recovery as they do more strenuous tasks like agility exercises, search and rescue, and swimming.

Myth #3: Protein can cause kidney problems

In deciding what to feed your dog, it’s always recommended to get the advice of your veterinarian. Excess protein should only be avoided by dogs with existing kidney problems. Those with normal kidney function, however, can definitely consume high-protein food for extra health, energy, and immunity.

As humans, we are always careful with what we consume, and the same should hold true when it comes to what we feed our dogs. Carefully understanding what goes in their food and finding a brand you can trust to provide them only what’s good for them is an important aspect of taking care of a dog. For high-protein diets, Pedigree® has been able to come up with an enhanced nutrition formulation with the help of experts at WALTHAM- the world’s leading authority on pet care and nutrition. So, when choosing Pedigree® for your dog, you can be sure that only the best protein sources, ingredients, and nutrients have been used to keep your dog healthy, fit, and happy.