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