Around 30,000 years ago, dogs evolved into man’s best friend. They have developed the ability to eat a varied diet that includes meats, vegetables, fruits, and grains. And while dogs can be classified as omnivores, they lean more towards the carnivorous end of the spectrum, eating a meat-rich diet. Dr. Gary Richter, founder of Ultimate Pet Nutrition, says dogs have a very high protein requirement from an evolutionary perspective. it’s what their body is designed to thrive on. So what is the best meat for your dog? It depends on your dog’s weight, age, breed and health and what protein source best meets their needs. So basically your dog is the answer to what is the best protein for him.
Protein is the most important ingredient in dog food
The nutritional value of foods is the amount of essential nutrients they contain – amino acids, fatty acids, vitamins, minerals and carbohydrates. Protein contains a greater variety of these key nutrients and is the only source of amino acids.
Amino acids are very important for health and well-being. They form new cells and repair and build muscle tissue. They help create hormones and enzymes that the body needs to function and keep the immune system strong. Amino acids generate the energy your dog needs to chase those tennis balls.
Essential amino acids are not stored in the body and must come from daily protein sources. Protein is found in meats, eggs, dairy products and some vegetables, grains and legumes. However, animal sources contain a greater variety than plants of the essential amino acids a dog needs.
The amount of protein a dog needs depends on their life stage, breed, and any health conditions or conditions. In general, National Research Council guidelines suggest that healthy adult dogs need a minimum of 2.62 grams of quality protein per kilogram of weight.
What is the best protein for dogs?
Really, there is no “best protein” for dogs. When choosing a protein source, it comes down to all the key nutrients it contains, its digestibility, and your dog’s individual needs.
Many nutrients are needed to support a healthy dog through all stages of its life. However, with any food, you need to look at its nutrient profile because each food contains varying amounts of these key nutrients. A dog needs different amounts of these nutrients, whether it’s a recovering English Mastiff or a pregnant Chihuahua.
Choose healthy meat for your dog
Dr. Richter says there is no better meat for dogs except that some dogs do better with certain proteins than others, but recommends meat be “clean”, organic or grass-fed if possible. Quality matters. Animals raised under humane conditions have better nutritional profiles than factory-farmed meats.
We’ve explored the nutrients in some of the most popular meats for dogs and some less common meats you may have noticed on pet store shelves.
Can dogs eat beef?
Dogs can eat beef, which comes from livestock (cows, bulls, and oxen). Beef has a good fat content and is rich in minerals like zinc and iron. It is an excellent source of B vitamins. The iron found in beef is already bound to a protein called myoglobin, which makes it more easily absorbed by the body.
Can dogs eat bison?
Yes, bison is a great alternative to beef for dogs. It is rich in protein, B vitamins and selenium. Bison contains linoleic acid, omega 3 fatty acids and a high content of iron and zinc. These are all great things for cognitive support, immune support, and skin and coat benefits.
Can dogs eat game?
Venison, which comes from deer, contains less fat and cholesterol than beef. It is a good source of B vitamins and minerals like zinc, phosphorus and iron. Venison can be a good option for dogs with food sensitivities, allergies, and skin irritations.
Can dogs eat rabbit?
Dogs can eat rabbit because it is lower in sodium and calories than other proteins and is high in B vitamins. Rabbit is also a good option for dogs with food sensitivities, allergies, and skin irritations.
Can dogs eat alligator?
Yes, dogs can eat alligator, another protein found in dog food. It has almost twice the protein of beef and is considerably lower in fat with little to no cholesterol. The alligator is rich in phosphorus, potassium, vitamin B12 and niacin. Like fish, alligator meat can also contain high amounts of mercury.
Can dogs eat chicken?
Chicken is an excellent lean protein for dogs, as is chicken egg. The egg is considered the most complete. It contains more amino acids than any other protein and is completely digestible. Almost nothing is unused by the body. Chicken is a good source of omega 6 fatty acids, which are important for healthy skin and coat. It also contains choline, zinc, iron and copper.
Can dogs eat duck?
Yes, dogs can eat duck – a lean protein, high in iron and B vitamins. Duck is an excellent source of amino acids and a healthy alternative for dogs with protein allergies.
Can dogs eat turkey?
Yes, dogs can eat turkey, which is high in protein and potassium, B vitamins, riboflavin and selenium. Turkey is a good alternative for dogs allergic to beef or chicken.
Can dogs eat pork?
Yes, dogs can eat pork but it must be cooked. Pork contains all essential amino acids and is rich in thiamin. Thiamine is an essential vitamin for the functioning of cells and the nervous system. It also plays a role in carbohydrate metabolism. Pork can be high in fat, so don’t feed it to a dog on a low-fat diet. Be aware of the types of cuts you get and only feed a dog in moderation.
Can dogs eat wild boar?
Yes, dogs can eat lean boar meat, especially as an alternative to chicken. It contains many vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B6, zinc, iron, niacin, thiamine and selenium. These are essential for a dog’s cardiovascular health, immune system, and metabolism. Lean boar meat is an excellent source of energy and is low in cholesterol.
Can dogs eat fish?
Yes, dogs can eat fish, but with caution. High mercury contamination is a problem when eating fish, so consider the source (see chart here). In general, fish is beneficial for dogs. It is easy to digest and contains many fatty acids, vitamins and minerals. Some fish can be high in sodium, so talk to your veterinarian about feeding your dog fish if your dog is on a low sodium diet.
Can dogs eat lamb?
Dogs can eat lamb – a high quality protein with many vitamins and minerals, lamb is higher in iron than chicken or fish. For dogs, lamb can be a great addition to a healthy diet. It is a good source of healthy fats and is beneficial for their gut biome. A healthy gut biome supports a strong immune system. Lamb contains omega 3 and 6 fatty acids which support healthy brain function and improve kidney and heart health.
Can dogs eat kangaroo?
And dogs can eat kangaroo. It has a high protein content and is considered the leanest animal protein available. It is rich in B vitamins, omega 3, zinc and iron. All of these support a dog’s immune system and benefit their overall health. Kangaroo is a great alternative for dogs with food allergies and those with pancreatitis.
Choosing the best meat for your dog
Whether you feed your dog commercially or at home, there are things to consider when designing a diet for your dog. Experts from the Pet Food Institute say that a “complete and balanced” pet food recipe contains the vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids, proteins and amino acids considered essential to support a healthy dog. health.
Just like humans, dogs can suffer from ailments caused by a lack or an overabundance of essential nutrients. There is no “best meat” to feed a dog simply because no meat contains all the nutrients a dog needs.
Hanna Mandelbaum, co-CEO and doggy mother of Evermore Pet Food, says to get creative. A variety of protein gives dogs the amino acids, fatty acids, vitamins and minerals they need to thrive. Switching things up can also help picky eaters. Dogs can also develop food sensitivities if they eat the same thing for too long. That’s why Dr. Richter prefers to rotate protein a few times a year.
Your dog’s specific nutritional needs are the key to determining which protein is best. Your dog’s life stage, health status, and breed all play a part in what he needs to stay healthy. Talk to your veterinarian about your dog’s individual nutritional needs and feed them a balanced diet that keeps them healthy.