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Is Excessive Protein in Dog Food Bad for My Pet?
Protein is a calorie dense nutrient and many of the high protein diets are extremely high in calories and can quickly lead to weight gain. With over 50% of dogs in the U.S. considered overweight or obese, dog owners need to be aware of where those extra calories are hiding. If a dog has kidney or liver issues consuming too much protein can increase the workload on these organs and upset the balance of nutrients leading to exacerbation of disease.
Rather than look for a dog food that contains excessive levels of protein you should find one that is specifically formulated for your dog’s lifestyle, life stage, and size. A working sled dog, for example, will have significantly different nutrient and caloric requirements than the average pet dog that ventures outside for a few walks a day and spends the rest of the time lounging. These two dogs should not be fed the same diet.
Puppies, meanwhile, require more protein than adult dogs because their bodies are busy growing. Among breeds of puppies there are different requirements for nutrients as well. For instance large breed puppies like Labrador retrievers need a much different diet than a Yorkie for optimal growth. Feeding large breed puppies something that is too high in protein may make them put on weight too quickly causing abnormal joint development and making them more prone to issues like arthritis in the future.
The safest diets are those that have been developed by pet food companies that invest in scientific research, consult with veterinary nutritionists, and perform feeding trials to develop their diets. This will provide a pet food that is properly balanced without any excess nutrients that are unnecessary and in some cases harmful for your dog.
Periodontal Disease – A real issue with dry fed dogs
Nine out of ten dogs are dry fed and nine out of ten dogs have periodontal disease by three years old. Periodontal disease is linked to kidney disease in dogs.
We know that bad gums are linked to kidney disease in humans. Gum disease is a constant threat to the immune system. Due to it, bacteria pose a constant threat to the body through the body’s capillary-rich gum line. This means patients with kidney disease have a constantly aroused and engaged immune system fighting back the daily threat.
Not only do bacteria get past the defences and lodge in kidneys but the constant battle creates an enormous amount of immuno-debris, which must be cleaned up by the kidneys, every day.
Protein And Kidney Failure From Your Dogs Diet
The Internet can offer a wealth of tips and facts on dog food. Unfortunately, it provides even more dog food myths and misinformation. Here’s a sampling of urban legends populating the Web and the actual truths behind them.