A sufficient supply of proteins is vital for dogs. However, this does not necessarily mean that more is always better. Too high a protein content in the food can be harmful to dogs.
In the following, you will find out how much protein good dog food should actually contain and what consequences a permanent oversupply of protein can have for your four-legged friend.
Proteins are an essential nutrient. They are involved in numerous metabolic processes in the organism and are an indispensable building block for the body's cells.
Proteins are made up of various amino acids. A distinction is made between essential and non-essential amino acids. The latter can be formed by the body itself if required. Essential amino acids, on the other hand, must be supplied in sufficient quantities through the diet.
The two amino acids histidine and arginine represent a special case. The dog's organism can only produce them in insufficient quantities. They are therefore referred to as so-called semi-essential amino acids.
Once they are ingested with food, the proteins are broken down into the individual amino acids. From the dog's intestines, they reach the liver via the bloodstream, where they are processed further. The resulting endogenous amino acids are then transported to where they are needed.
Proteins are found in both animal and plant foods. However, not all sources of protein can be utilised equally well. Animal proteins, which come from meat, fish or insects, for example, usually have a higher biological value than proteins from plants.
Incidentally, this is also one of the reasons why switching to vegan dog food is not a good idea in practice. If you value sustainability when buying dog food, we recommend that you opt for our insect-based varieties.
They contain insect protein derived from the larvae of Hermetia illucens (black soldier fly) and have a complex amino acid profile and a high biological value, so that protecting the environment and providing your dog with the protein it needs can be easily reconciled.
Proteins are essential for countless processes in the body. An insufficient supply of protein can therefore have serious consequences and lead to various health problems in dogs.
Many people associate dogs with wolves and assume that they are pure carnivores. However, this is not the case. Dogs are actually facultative carnivores. This means that their digestive system is primarily designed for the utilisation of animal fats and proteins. At the same time, however, their diet should also contain a certain proportion of plant-based food.
Compared to cats, which are true carnivores, dogs therefore have a significantly lower protein requirement. This circumstance must be taken into account when preparing meals for the four-legged friends, because just like a protein deficiency, an oversupply can also seriously damage dogs.
The waste products that are formed when the proteins are metabolised put a strain on the liver and kidneys. Too much protein can cause permanent organ damage. This can for example lead to chronic kidney failure in dogs. This is not curable and requires lifelong treatment, which consists in particular of a special kidney diet to relieve the dog's kidneys.
A sufficient amount of protein is undoubtedly essential for dogs. However, some manufacturers go over the top with regard to the protein content of their dry dog food and, for example, ensure a protein content of well over 35% by using very large quantities of fresh meat.
A high proportion of fresh meat may sound good at first. However, 35 or more percent crude protein has little to do with meeting the needs of dogs. The use of fresh meat, which we also use in appropriate quantities for some of our varieties, does not change this.
A good dry dog food for adult dogs should contain between 22 and 25% crude protein. In the case of physically very active animals, the protein content of the food may be slightly higher. The situation is similar with puppies, which naturally have an increased energy and protein requirement due to their growth. But even for puppies, a protein content of around 28 percent in dry food is perfectly adequate. More is neither necessary nor beneficial for the growing four-legged friends.
In wet food, the protein content is of course significantly lower than in dry food due to the higher moisture content. Here it should be around 7 to 10 percent for a protein supply that meets the needs of your dog.
An adequate protein supply is essential for the health of your dog. However, not only a deficiency, but also an oversupply of protein can lead to problems and damage the kidneys of your four-legged friend, for example.
Therefore, when buying dog food, make sure that it has a protein content that meets your dog's needs. Of course, this also applies if you barf your dog and prepare your four-legged friend’s meals from scratch yourself.
With the products from the Bellfor range, you can of course rest assured that the protein content corresponds to the natural nutritional needs of your dog and that you are making a valuable contribution to an optimal nutrient supply for your four-legged friend with every single portion.
