Human, I will have the "Surf n Turf" for dinner this evening...

There is much debate as to whether dogs are omnivores, carnivores, or in my dogs case “whateversonyourplate-ivores”, but have you ever thought about the type of protein you are giving him? We also know to check the percentage of protein on their food labels, but did you know it can be influenced by plants and other non meats? Regardless of the protein you go for, you want to make sure the label states specifically named sources (EX: Duck liver vs. organ meat).

The main sources of animal proteins are:

• Muscle and organ meat: Duck, beef, beef liver, lamb hearts, etc. Since this meat is contains a lot of water, it should be high on the ingredient list!
• Meat meal: After the fat and water is removed the meat is then ground into a fine powder that contains highly concentrated protein. EX: duck meal, bison meal, etc. Again, this should be high on the ingredient list!
• By-Products: DO NOT GET FOOD WITH THIS IN IT! By-products contain all the left over parts such as feathers, hooves, etc. While it does contain some protein, it is very hard for your dog to digest!
• Eggs: Eggs contain lots of digestible protein. However, eggs (and chicken products) are a pretty common allergen, so you might want to steer clear depending on your dog.

In addition to animal sources of protein, plants can play a crucial role in the ingredient list. Plants such as quinoa, peas, lentils and chickpeas provide plenty of digestible protein, while also providing fiber and carbohydrates, eliminating the need for additional grains. One to watch for though is corn. Many low end foods list corn as the first or second ingredient for two reasons. The first, corn is full of protein that will skew the percentage of protein listed. Second, because it is relatively cheap, companies use this as unnecessary filler.

It’s very important to know your individual dog. Foods that are high in proteins, while being closer to the dog’s natural diet, are also very rich and can cause stomach upset in some dogs. There are also some great lower protein foods on the market that provide your dog with quality ingredients that your dog can enjoy! At The Modern Dog, we are always here to answer questions about food!

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