Should You Offer High Protein Dog Food?

Many pet owners are concerned with the contentstwo percent or less). A few high protein dog foods
of the food their pets eat. We worry about whetherhave up to twenty percent of their calories from fat
specialty foods are a ripoff, whether grocery store- a great choice for active dogs, but a bad one for
brands are really providing nutrition, and whethersedentary pets.
table scraps are okay. One question many ownersIf your dog really likes the food you currently feed,
have is whether we should feed high protein dogthat doesn't mean you can't improve his or her
food. Here's a look at some of the things peopleprotein intake. Just start adding fresh foods that are
believe about pets and protein, and what the realityhigh in protein, like cottage cheese, bone in canned
is. There are many things that most of us just don'tfish such as mackerel, yogurt, eggs, meats and more.
know.A high carb diet could be causing health and behavior
Contrary to what many people think, high proteinproblems, and the solution is remarkably simple - just
dog food won't hurt your dog, whether you have aincrease the protein.
young, active dog, a brand new puppy, or an agingRemember to take care what you feed certain
dog with changing nutritional needs. High protein dietsanimals. It's important not to over feed large or giant
for dogs don't cause kidney problems or bonebreed puppies, to keep them from straining their
trouble, and can actually be a big help. Protein is thebones and joints. Puppies that grow too fast can
building block for lean muscle, and will help improvehave some real health problems. Prevent this by
your pet's skin and coat. Dogs with kidney problemsavoiding calcium supplements and don't feed your
should maintain a moderate protein diet, not a lowpuppy what an adult dog would eat.
protein one, and most dogs aren't getting enough,Senior dogs are often the recipients of low protein
much less eating more protein than they really need.dog food, which can actually make them fatter. High
A dog that's not getting the protein levels his or hercarbohydrate foods can encourage dogs too eat too
diet should offer can have a lot of problems, rangingmuch in order to get certain nutrients. Instead of high
from immune issues to higher stress levels. In fact,carb, low protein food, consider feeding your
picking a food that offers plenty of protein can be anoverweight or senior dog a moderate fat, low carb,
important part of staying out of the vet's office. Behigh protein dog food. It could make a huge change
sure you pick a food that's not overly high in calciumin your pet!
or fat (calcium for large breed puppies should be at