Dog Diet & Dog Food Guide
  
navbasebg navbasebg

Providing Proteins In Your Homemade Canine Dog Diet


Protein is a major source of energy in the canine diet. It is also the primary building block of your dog's body. Protein forms the primary component of most of the tissues in his or her body, from blood to organs to skin to nails to fur. One function that protein performs is repairing body tissues and for growth.

Striated muscle meat provides the majority of protein found in many brands of commercial dog food. Protein is also derived in other forms, such as other meat sources, eggs, soy, and legumes or any combination of these items. It might be found in the form of meat by-products, meat meal, or fresh meat. However, not all forms of protein are created equal.

Depending on where you buy your food, your pet’s food might contain a variety of ingredients that may contain a large amount of protein but are not suitable as food items. These ingredients may include feathers, beaks, or hooves. The term "crude protein," seen on many pet food labels, refers to the testing method employed in testing the product for the percentage of protein that it contains. It does not imply that the protein contained in the product is less refined than other proteins.

Protein is composed of amino acids, 22 of which your dog requires to maintain good health. Only 12 of these 22 amino acids are produce naturally in your dog's body. The remaining 10 amino acids that are not manufactured by the body are known as “essential amino acids.” Protein is vital in your dog's food because it provides these 10 amino acids that his or her body is unable to produce.

Animal proteins are referred to as "high-quality" proteins, also known as "complete proteins." These proteins provide all of the essential amino acids that your dog does not produce on his or her own. Select the leanest proteins available, such as fish or game animals, when feeding animal proteins in order to avoid a high amount of fat and cholesterol in your dog's diet.

Selecting lean proteins is particularly important if your dog is older or is inactive for any reasons. Very active working dogs or high-activity competition or sporting dogs should have unrestricted consumption of high-quality proteins and fats, due to the wear and tear on their bodies.

Fruit or vegetable proteins are considered "low-quality" or "incomplete" proteins because one or more of these essential amino acids are missing. For this reason our dog should eat the highest quality protein available to you in order to ensure that protein needs are being met. If your dog is unable to eat a high protein diet or if you prefer a vegan diet for your dog, he or she should eat a diet that includes several different plant proteins. Doing so may still provide all of the required amino acids.

Next article: Providing Carbohydrates and Fats In Your Homemade Canine Dog Diet

Navigation Menu

Natural Dog Food Recipes

Recipes For Homemade Dog Foods

Commercial Dog Food

Dog Treats

Balance Dog Diet

Special Medical Dog Diet

Dog Health Problems

What Is Wrong With My Dog

Dog Tips

Dog Grooming Supplies

Unique Dog Houses

Transport Dog Crates

Dog House Plans

Wireless Dog Fence

How To Build A Dog Run

Unique Dog Collars

Juicy Couture Dog Carrier

Cat Sites

Cat Health

Homemade Cat Food Recipes

spacer

Google
Dog-Diet.net
Web

 

  Buy reasonably priced Dog Food, Dog Treats, Dog Vitamins And Supplements, Dog Grooming Aids and Other Cheap Dog Supplies.


        


 

Dog Diet | 10 Best Dog Food | Dog Food Guide  |  Contact Us  |  Privacy & Disclaimer Statement  |  Related Links  |  Site Map

 Add Url Ask A Question Copyright © 2006-2010 All Rights Reserved - Dog Diet | Dog Food Guide

sideright
  English German Spanish French Dutch Italian Portuguese Greek Arabic Russian Simplified Chinese Traditional Chinese Japanese Korean  
See this site in your preferred language. Just click on the flags to translate.