| Protein seems to be a foggy issue when it comes to | | | | meal primarily supply carbohydrates. While |
| our pet's diets. There are vegetarian dog food diets, | | | | carbohydrates are good for your pet (and |
| and there are some diets that are heavily | | | | necessary), if grain is their primary source of food |
| meat-based. So, what kind of protein does your dog | | | | consumption, excess carbohydrate intake often leads |
| need? And how much protein should they have in | | | | to the storage of extra carbs, which simply turns into |
| their daily diet? Here are a few facts about your pet | | | | fat. If you then add protein to your pet's diet, it |
| and protein, so you can make the best decision | | | | takes the carbohydrates through the kidneys and out |
| about your pet's daily diet. | | | | of the body! Basically, this creates instant weight loss. |
| First of all, here is a thought of interest: felines are | | | | If you're wondering about kidney damage to your |
| classified carnivores, and dogs are classified | | | | pet...don't. Dogs are specifically built to tolerate lots of |
| omnivores. This means that cats must have meat in | | | | protein in their diet, because they need it. Unless your |
| their diet to survive, and dogs must have meat and | | | | dog is getting excess amount of protein in their diet, |
| vegetables in their diet to prosper. Because dogs are | | | | then their kidneys should remain safe from protein |
| omnivores, they can survive on either plant or animal | | | | damage. |
| diets; however, for your pet to achieve their ultimate | | | | Also, if you have a young puppy or an elderly dog, |
| health, a combination of the two is necessary. | | | | an increase in protein in their diet can be beneficial to |
| So what are some signs of a poor diet in dogs? | | | | them. Puppies are rapidly growing into full-grown adult |
| Obesity or excess weight, dull or coarse coat, itchy | | | | dogs. Therefore, they need protein to build their |
| or flaky skin, and low energy and sometimes low | | | | muscles, strength, and to simply grow like they are |
| resistance to infection are often common signs of a | | | | supposed to! Older dogs need higher levels of protein |
| poor diet. If your pet is exhibiting any of these signs, | | | | in their diet to help retain their muscle mass and to |
| change their diet; if any symptoms still continue, take | | | | keep it strong. |
| your pet to the vet immediately. | | | | So, what is in your pet's diet? Is your pet |
| So, here is the key to your dog's diet. Dogs thrive on | | | | demonstrating symptoms of a poor diet? Consider |
| meat-based diets. This means dog foods that are | | | | changing your pet's diet if you are concerned. Though |
| based in meat are healthier for your pet than those | | | | this article is a general guideline to dogs' diets, |
| that are composed of primarily grains or only-meat | | | | conducting your own research is always helpful. Feel |
| diets that have no grains or vegetables. A balanced | | | | free to contact your vet or a pet nutritional specialist |
| diet is the best diet for your pet. | | | | if you have any other concerns. Remember, an |
| Why are whole grain diets harmful for your pet? | | | | excellent diet makes for a happy dog! |
| Grains such as corn, barley, wheat, oats and soybean | | | | |