Why Is Protein Important for Dogs?
Protein is one of the most important nutrients in your dogβs diet. From supporting strong muscles and healthy skin to providing the amino acids needed for everyday body functions, getting enough good-quality protein helps dogs stay healthy, active and strong.
But why exactly do dogs need protein, how does their body use it, and what are some simple ways to add more high-quality protein to their diet?
Letβs take a closer look.
What Does Protein Do for Dogs?
Protein is made up of amino acids, often described as the building blocks of the body. Dogs use these amino acids to build and repair tissues and to produce important substances such as enzymes, hormones and antibodies.
Some amino acids can be produced by a dogβs body, while others must come from their diet. These are known as essential amino acids.
This makes good-quality dietary protein an important part of a balanced diet throughout your dogβs life.
1. Supports Strong Muscles
One of proteinβs best-known roles is supporting muscle growth and maintenance.
Dogs use their muscles constantly β whether theyβre running through the park, climbing the stairs, playing with their favourite toy or simply getting up from their bed.
Puppies need sufficient protein to support normal growth and development, while adult and older dogs need protein to help maintain healthy muscle tissue.
For active and working dogs, providing an appropriate amount of protein is particularly important because of the demands placed on their bodies.
2. Provides Energy
Protein can also be used by the body as a source of energy.
Dogs primarily obtain energy from nutrients including fats and carbohydrates, but protein can also contribute to their energy requirements.
This is another reason why protein forms such an important part of a nutritionally balanced canine diet.
3. Supports the Immune System
Your dogβs immune system relies on adequate nutrition to function normally.
Proteins and amino acids are involved in producing antibodies and other components of the immune system that help the body respond to potential threats.
Feeding your dog a balanced diet containing sufficient high-quality protein therefore helps support their normal immune function.
4. Supports Healthy Digestion
Protein also has an important role within your dogβs digestive system.
The body uses amino acids to make many of the enzymes involved in digestion and other biological processes. Dietary protein also provides amino acids needed for the continual maintenance and renewal of tissues throughout the body, including those within the digestive tract.
Of course, protein is only one part of digestive health. Hydration, fibre, fats and the overall quality and suitability of your dogβs diet matter too.
5. Helps Maintain Healthy Skin and Coat
A glossy coat isn't just about appearance. Your dogβs skin and coat require adequate nutrition to remain healthy.
Hair is largely made from keratin, a type of protein. Amino acids obtained through the diet are therefore important for normal hair growth and skin maintenance.
If a dog's diet is nutritionally inadequate, changes to the skin and coat can sometimes be among the signs that something isn't quite right.
6. Helps the Body Repair Tissue
Protein is particularly important when the body needs to repair itself.
Amino acids are required to build new proteins and tissues, making adequate nutrition important during periods of growth, recovery and tissue repair.
If your dog is recovering from surgery, illness or an injury, however, their nutritional requirements may change. Your vet can advise you on the most appropriate diet during recovery.
7. Can Help Support a Healthy Body Condition
Protein can also play a useful role in maintaining healthy body composition.
Adequate dietary protein helps dogs maintain lean muscle mass, which is particularly important as dogs get older.
However, maintaining a healthy weight ultimately comes down to your dog's overall calorie intake, activity levels, health and individual nutritional needs. Simply increasing protein does not automatically lead to weight loss.
8. Provides Essential Amino Acids
One of the biggest reasons dogs need dietary protein is to obtain the amino acids their bodies cannot make in sufficient quantities themselves.
These essential amino acids have numerous roles within the body, contributing to processes including:
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Tissue growth and repair
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Enzyme production
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Hormone production
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Immune function
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Muscle maintenance
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Normal metabolism
This is why both the quantity and quality of protein in your dog's overall diet matter.
9. Supports Growth and Development
Puppies have different nutritional requirements from adult dogs because their bodies are growing rapidly.
Protein provides essential amino acids required for the development of muscles and other tissues. However, healthy skeletal development also depends on the correct balance of calories, minerals and other nutrients.
For this reason, puppies should be fed a nutritionally complete diet formulated for their particular stage of growth.
How Much Protein Does My Dog Need?
There isn't one perfect amount of protein for every dog.
Your dog's requirements can vary depending on their:
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Age and life stage
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Size and breed
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Activity level
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Overall diet
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Body condition
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Health
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Pregnancy or lactation
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Individual nutritional needs
Rather than focusing solely on the percentage of protein printed on a food label, consider the overall nutritional quality and suitability of your dog's diet.
If your dog has a medical condition or you're unsure whether they're receiving the right nutrition, speak to your vet or a qualified veterinary nutrition professional.
What Are Good Sources of Protein for Dogs?
Animal-based foods such as meat, poultry, fish and eggs can provide highly digestible sources of protein and essential amino acids.
A dog's main diet should provide complete and balanced nutrition appropriate for their life stage. Additional foods and treats should complement rather than replace this.
What About Bone Broth?
Bone broth can be a simple and tasty way to supplement your dog's existing diet with additional protein, while also helping increase their fluid intake when prepared and served appropriately.
Our dehydrated bone broths are naturally rich in protein and collagen and can be reconstituted with hot water before being allowed to cool to a safe temperature for your dog.
You can serve the prepared broth on its own, pour it over your dog's usual food or use it to add flavour and variety to mealtimes.
Protein Is an Essential Part of Your Dog's Diet
From maintaining muscles and supporting normal immune function to providing the amino acids needed for healthy tissues, protein plays an essential role throughout your dog's life.
The important thing isn't simply feeding your dog more protein. It's ensuring they receive good-quality protein as part of a complete, balanced and appropriate diet.
And if you'd like to introduce your dog to bone broth, you can start with one of our samples and discover which flavour they love best.
