Whenever you shop for dog food, you’ll often hear or read that the food is full of protein. At tails.com, it’s no different, and our food is packed full of healthy proteins that have been balanced using our tailor-made dry food recipes so that your dog will get exactly the right amount. But what role does protein play in a dog’s diet? And what exactly is protein anyway? Let’s take a closer look.
We’re pro-protein
Lots of foods contain protein, from meat and fish to eggs, nuts and seeds. It’s a nutrient that helps our bodies in so many ways, from giving our tissues and organs their shape, to helping us lose weight. It’s a great source of energy, helps us to build muscles, boosts our immune systems and makes our bones stronger. It does all of this for us humans when we digest it, and it does all of this for dogs, too. That’s why we make sure that our kibble, wet food and treats are packed full of the right amount of protein.
And in dogs especially, good levels of protein can help to maintain a healthy coat and skin, and it also plays a vital role in the development of puppies to young dogs, helping their bones and muscles to grow strong. There’s really no downside to your dog getting the right amount of protein in their diet.
Is there such a thing as too much protein in dog food?
Did you know that an average adult dog only needs around 8% protein in their diet? But here’s the catch – that assumes the protein is high-quality and bioavailable. That’s why the minimum recommended level for pet food is 18% protein. Puppies, pregnant or nursing dogs and working dogs need more protein, and there’s even some evidence suggesting senior dogs might benefit from higher levels too. But for the average adult dog, many foods – whether dry, wet, or raw – contain way more protein than necessary.
Once your dog’s body has all the protein it needs, what happens to the extra? Since protein can’t be stored, the body has to do something with it.
If your dog consumes more protein than they need, the excess can be converted into glucose (a process known as gluconeogenesis) and utilised for energy. But once energy needs are met, any leftover protein gets broken down into amino acids. This process produces ammonia, which is highly toxic. This is where the liver steps in, converting ammonia into urea, which is then excreted through the kidneys in your dog’s urine.
A recent study looked at healthy dogs on low (18.99%), medium (25.34%), and high (45.77%) protein diets. The results? Dogs on high-protein diets showed increased metabolites linked to kidney disease and inflammation. These diets also altered gut bacteria, reducing beneficial anti-inflammatory bacteria. Interestingly, studies in pigs suggest that harmful bacteria like E. coli prefer protein over carbs as an energy source.
It’s worth noting that this study only involved 30 dogs, and none of the dogs on the high-protein diet showed signs of ill health. More research is needed to figure out if these findings actually impact long-term canine health.
Higher protein levels are helpful in certain situations. For example, in weight-loss diets, higher protein combined with high fibre can improve satiety and help maintain muscle mass. On the flip side, for dogs with specific health conditions like kidney or liver disease, or those prone to bladder stones, reducing excess dietary protein is an effective way to manage these issues.
Here’s a myth worth busting: senior dogs don’t need less protein than younger dogs. In fact, it’s quite the opposite! Recent studies suggest that older dogs actually benefit from more protein to help maintain muscle mass and support their overall health. It’s a great reminder that as our furry friends age, their nutritional needs can shift in surprising ways.
Protein levels in Tails.com food
Our kibble blends are formulated with vets and nutritionists to create a complete and balanced diet, just for your dog. We use lean proteins like lamb, salmon, chicken and beef to create flavourful food that’s packed with benefits.
We follow the latest nutritional guidelines, tailoring your dog’s blend to provide the right level of protein for them. This could range between 18-35%, based on their individual health needs, weight goals and activity level. And as they reach new milestones, our unique Adaptive Nutrition system keeps their kibble optimised. Changing the protein level to adapt to every life stage, so they’ll always have the right amount. It’s all part of your plan.
Our top 5 protein-packed recipes
As well as our kibble blends, we’ve got a full range of wet food and treats too! Rich in quality proteins, they’re a brilliant addition to your dog’s personalised meal plan. You tell us how much of them you want to add, and we’ll update the portions. Simple!
Here are some of our recipes that your dog will delight in devouring:
- Cold-pressed duck rewards – a delicious and healthy treat for your good girl or boy.
- Hand-baked dog treats – full of easily digestible proteins that are kind to your companion’s tummy.
- Tasty jellies – whether you pick a wet food featuring braised fillets of beef, or steamed fillets of lamb, it will be jam-packed with hearty proteins and more.
- Meaty pates – these tasty terrines have enough proteins to keep your dog full of energy for hours.
And there you have it! Lots of tasty treats brimming over with wonderful hearty proteins that will keep your dog happy, healthy and full of beans (beans also contain lots of protein so that works on two levels).