Do Dogs Need Meat? The Importance of Animal Protein for Dogs

We’ve all heard it’s important to eat a balanced diet to stay healthy, right? We need to get the “right” amount of protein, carbohydrates, fat, vitamins, minerals, and water in our diet each day. While the amounts are different, the same is true for your dog.

When it comes to dogs, it's not uncommon for pet parents to wonder if their furry friends need meat in their diets. The short answer is both yes and no. Dogs are omnivores, but it can be difficult to ensure our four-legged friends get the adequate essential nutrients they need to thrive on a plant-based diet.

A meat-free diet may significantly lack one of the most important nutrients your dog needs – protein. While protein can be derived from plants, the canine digestive system typically has an easier time digesting and utilizing animal-sourced protein and amino acids. Keep reading to learn more about what you can do to ensure that your four-legged best friend is getting all the nutrients they need to thrive.

Is Protein Good for Food?

Quality protein plays a key part in a balanced doggy diet. Thousands of years ago, our furry friends' ancestors would hunt for their meals, which made meat a crucial part of their balanced diet. This carnivorous lifestyle encouraged dogs to develop everything from their sharp teeth to their relatively short digestive systems. As such, they needed the nutrients from animal protein to survive.

These days, hunting isn’t as much of a necessity when you can head to your local pet store or shop for dog food online. However, that need for a high-quality animal protein diet remains. As dogs eat, their bodies break down protein sources into amino acids. These amino acids are considered "the building blocks of life" and are critical to your dog's health.

There are multiple amino acids that benefit your furry friend. Some of these amino acids are called non-essential amino acids because your dog’s body can make them when needed. The other 10 are called essential amino acids because dogs cannot naturally produce them, they need to come from your dog’s food. Your dog’s body can’t store amino acids the same way it can store carbohydrates and fats, so it’s important your dog receives adequate amounts of essential amino acids from their food every day.

What exactly do amino acids do for your dog? Amino acids play central roles both as building blocks of proteins and as intermediates in metabolism. Some important functions include:

• Building and repairing body tissues.
• Transporting nutrients.
• Helping to keep skin and coat healthy.
• Carrying oxygen throughout the body.
• Playing a role in a properly functioning immune system.
• Participating in muscle activity.

Your dog’s need for amino acids will also change depending on age and condition. For example, older dogs tend to lose a little muscle each year. As such, senior pet food should provide high-quality protein to help an aging dog maintain a healthy body mass and stay strong.

The Risks of Inadequate Protein in a Dog’s Diet

Protein isn’t just an optional part of your dog’s diet – it’s essential. A lack of high-quality protein can lead to various health issues, including:

• Muscle Loss: Without sufficient protein, dogs may lose muscle mass, especially as they age. This can result in weakness and reduced mobility.
• Weakened Immune System: Protein plays a role in producing antibodies that help fight off infections and diseases. A protein deficiency may leave your dog more vulnerable to illness.
• Poor Coat and Skin Health: Insufficient protein can lead to dull, brittle fur and dry, flaky skin, making your dog more susceptible to irritation or infections.
• Stunted Growth in Puppies: Growing dogs require ample protein to develop strong muscles and bones. A protein-deficient diet can delay or impair their growth.
• Energy Loss: Protein provides a steady energy source for dogs. A lack of protein may cause lethargy and reduced stamina.

These risks highlight the importance of selecting a dog food that prioritizes high-quality animal protein to meet your dog’s nutritional needs

How to Identify the Right High-Quality Protein Dog Food for Your Best Friend

It’s not easy to balance your diet on the fly and eat the right combination of food you need to be healthy every day! Fortunately, excellent dog food can make this process a lot easier for your best friend.

The American Association of Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) sets certain standards for dry and wet dog foods. If your brand of choice meets these minimum nutrient requirements, your dog is on the right path. Dog foods that meet these requirements will have a statement on the label that says the food is complete and balanced for Growth (puppies and pregnant dogs), Maintenance (adults), or All Life Stages (all ages).

You should also pay attention to how different dog foods are made, especially for dry food. Not all animal protein sources are the same. Many dry dog foods use meals, like chicken meal, rather than fresh ingredients as the main source of protein. Meals are “rendered,” cooked for a long period of time at a high temperature to dry them and remove the fat. In addition, most dry dog foods are “extruded,” which means they are quickly cooked at a high temperature and pressure, and then dried at a high temperature.

Why Preparation Matters

It is well-documented that high temperatures can damage amino acids. When an amino acid is damaged, your dog cannot fully use it for body functions. While dog foods must list protein content in the Guaranteed Analysis, there is no way to tell how much of the amino acids from that protein are in good condition for your dog to use or digest it at all. Even if a brand promises that they use a lot of meat or some other form of protein, the cooking process may render those benefits irrelevant.

At Bil-Jac, we understand the importance of preserving the nutritional value of your dog’s food. That’s why we’ve developed recipes and a cooking method designed to protect the integrity of essential amino acids:

• Real Chicken as the #1 Ingredient: Our recipes use an abundance of fresh, high-quality chicken to provide a balanced profile of amino acids.
• Nutri-Lock™ Slow Cooking Method: By cooking food gently at controlled temperatures, we protect key nutrients and maintain the high protein quality your dog deserves.

Together, the formulation and cooking method of Bil-Jac Dry Dog Food helps to protect essential amino acids and creates a delicious food that your dog will love.

Support Your Dog with the Right High Protein Dog Food

Protein isn’t just a part of your dog’s diet – it’s the foundation of their health. By choosing high-quality, animal-protein-based food, you can help your furry friend live a long, vibrant life.

Ready to give your dog the high-quality protein they need to succeed? Find a store that carries Bil-Jac near you or order Bil-Jac online today! You can also join our Best Friends Club today to receive our exclusive email newsletter full of informative articles, training tips, and members-only discounts on Bil-Jac dog food, treats, and other products.

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