Can High Protein Dog Food Be Too Much?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Excess protein is stored in the body as fat, so today’s high-protein, dense pet foods could be contributing to rising pet obesity if pet owners overfeed them

. Or, excess protein — or again, the amino acids in it — is excreted as nitrogen, which can be harmful to the environment.

Is high protein dog food good for a dog?

Based on our research,

feeding an overweight dog a diet with higher amounts of protein can help burn fat and calories, helping to facilitate weight loss

. You may also notice that, when feeding your dog a reduced-calorie food, feeding one that is high in protein may help your dog feel satisfied longer.

How do you know if your dog has too much protein?

Dogs on a commercial complete diet containing too much protein can suffer from

anxiety, aggression, restlessness, light sleep and depression

. Too much protein in the diet can also exacerbate existing mental health/nervous system issues such as post-traumatic stress disorder.

Is 38 protein too much for a dog?

Depending on your dog’s age, you’ll be looking for a minimum percentage of 18 to 29 protein in his diet.

Adult dogs need 18 to 25 percent protein

, while a growing puppy needs more protein – 29 percent (which should provide 20 to 25 percent of his dietary calories).

How much protein do dogs need daily?

Dogs need

1 gram of protein per pound of IDEAL BODY WEIGHT

every day. As an example, a 30lb dog at ideal body weight needs 30grams of protein each day. Remember, a pet that is overweight needs their protein calculated for their ideal body weight.

What percentage of protein should be in dog food?

The average adult dog’s diet should contain at least 18% protein on a dry matter basis. On the other hand, your puppy’s food should contain between

22.5% to 32%

protein alongside other essential macronutrients.

Does high protein dog food cause kidney problems?

Similarly, Several scientific studies have shown that

there is no link between high protein diets and risk of kidney disease in healthy cats and dogs

. It is vital to remember that the quality of protein in the diet is just as important as the quantity.

What are signs of kidney failure in dogs?

  • Weight loss.
  • Nausea and vomiting.
  • Pale gums.
  • Loss of balance, or stumbling.
  • Chemical smell to breath.
  • Significant loss of appetite.

What are the benefits of high-protein dog food?

The benefits of a high-protein diet for dogs include

growth of lean muscle, improved skin and coat health, and a boost to the immune system

. If your dog doesn’t have enough protein in his diet, his body can begin to break down protein in his body to get what he needs. That can lead to a decrease in muscle mass.

What is the healthiest protein for dogs?

Eggs have the highest biological value and are thus the benchmark for this measurement; they are given a value of 100 points. Fish meal comes next, with a value of around 92. Among the various meats,

lamb and chicken

provide the most digestible forms of protein for your dog, with beef coming in after that.

Can too much protein in dog food cause itching?

In a true dog food allergy, according to Shmalberg,

the culprit is often a food protein that triggers an adverse immune response, which then causes cells in the body to release histamines or compounds that lead to itching

and many other allergic signs.

How much protein should a 10 pound dog eat?

While the exact amount of protein needed varies based on age and lifestyle, the average adult dog needs at least 18% protein (equal to

1 gram per pound of body weight)

on a dry matter basis in their food to maintain health. When there is too much protein in a dog’s diet, it cannot be stored in the body for future use.

Is Purina High Protein good for dogs?

Purina Pro High Protein Dry Dog Food

While it seems to have the necessary nutrients for weight management and higher protein content, it is

not a good choice for all dogs

. This one uses fillers and is not grain-free.

What foods help repair kidneys in dogs?

For dogs with renal health issues, feed them a diet of high-quality protein with low phosphorus and sodium, and added omega-3 fatty acids, such as a mix of good quality meat, veggies like bell peppers, and either a supplement of omega-3’s or fish, flax, sardines, or anchovies.

What dog breeds are prone to kidney disease?

Breed: Some dog breeds, including

English Cocker spaniels, bull terriers and German shepherds

, are more likely to develop particular types of kidney disease. Learn more about a very special German shepherd named Buddy that was diagnosed with kidney failure.

What foods cause kidney failure in dogs?

Ordinary table foods like

grapes and raisins

; certain commercial jerky treat products; common OTC medications like aspirin or other nonsteroidals (NSAIDs); or prescribed medications can all cause kidney disease. Venoms, pesticides and heavy metals are less common toxins.

Diane Mitchell
Author
Diane Mitchell
Diane Mitchell is an animal lover and trainer with over 15 years of experience working with a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, birds, and horses. She has worked with leading animal welfare organizations. Diane is passionate about promoting responsible pet ownership and educating pet owners on the best practices for training and caring for their furry friends.