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why protein matters in pet food
The amino acids that make up proteins are an essential building block for pet nutrition. Pet bodies can’t produce amino acids on their own, so they rely on the proteins in their diet to deliver amino acids to help their muscles grow, stay healthy, and recover from exercise. Our veterinary team is here to help you pick a quality protein — just let us know if you need advice on diet for your BFF.
Pets need protein for healthy muscle regeneration and energy
There are multiple kinds of amino acids, plus a lot of different kinds of proteins to deliver them. Any quality pet food should deliver a solid “amino acid profile” to cover everything your pet needs. Once you’ve got that covered, it’s up to you — and your pet — to find the flavor and composition that your pet finds the most delicious and easily digestible.
It’s important to know that quality protein for your pet doesn’t have to come from raw meat, whole meats, or even meat at all. Easily-digestible protein is available in many, many forms, including non-meat sources and affordable commercial kibble.
Picking a protein for your pet
Chicken, fish, beef, soy, corn, wheat, oats — they’re all proteins that can be used in quality pet foods. Some grains, like corn and wheat, may get a bad rap, but if properly processed they can deliver a nutritious and delicious protein punch (as well as a multitude of other benefits).
We suggest picking a pet food with a highly digestible protein at the top of the ingredient list. Here’s what to keep in mind.
Common animal proteins in pet foods
Ingredients like “dehydrated meat meal” and “meat by-products” may sound a bit icky if you think about eating them yourself. However, these ingredients are actually scientifically-proven, power-packed sources of protein for your pets. “Dehydration” removes the extra liquid, so your pet gets more protein with every mouthful. The “meal” process refers to grinding the source protein up small, so it’s easier to digest. As for “by-products” or “animal derivatives,” high-quality hearts, livers, and lungs are both delicious and nutritious for pets — plus, you can feel good about the mindful consumption of resources.
- By-products or animal-derivative meal
- Chicken or poultry
- Fish meal
- Lamb meal
- Liver from pork, chicken, or beef
- Poultry by-products
Common plant proteins in pet foods
You may see a number of foods in the pet aisle claiming to be “grain-free.” Many people assume that grains like corn and wheat are cheap fillers that their pet cannot digest. However, properly-processed corn, wheat, and other grains can actually be incredible, easy-to-digest sources of protein for your pet — not to mention providing key vitamins, minerals, and carbs. As just one example, wheat gluten is almost 80% protein and is happily tolerated by most cats and almost all dogs.
- Corn gluten (milled corn) meal
- Pea protein
- Potato protein
- Soy protein isolate/hydrolysate
- Wheat gluten
More protein-packed power players
These ingredients are a little less common, but don’t be surprised if you spot them in some pet foods as good stuff for your pet.
- Dried egg
- Dried whey
- Herring meal
- Duck or duck meal
- Mackerel
What to know about wet vs. dry pet food and pet food allergies
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Does wet food have more protein than dry food?
You may assume that raw or wet food is more nutritious than kibble. After all, animals in the wild eat wet, raw food, right? This is where the science of pet food comes in. “Wet” ingredients, like chicken parts, actually have less protein per ounce compared to “dry” ingredients, like chicken meal — because all that water takes up room. That means that your pet actually gets more protein from a cup of kibble than from a cup of wet food. (Plus, kibble is formulated to be easy to digest, which means healthier poops — something we can all agree makes life better for pets and people alike)
As far as taste goes, most quality pet foods are formulated not just to be nutritious, but delicious to your pet. For example, beef by-products deliver not just protein, but texture and (to pets, anyway) extra yumminess.
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What do I need to know about food allergies?
Food allergies can sometimes be caused by the protein source in your pet’s food. However, the major symptoms of food allergies — itchiness, for example — can also be triggered by a long list of other issues, including fleas and seasonal pollen. If you suspect your pet is having a problem with their diet, talk to your veterinary team. They’ll have suggestions for where to start so you can help your pet be more comfortable.
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Optimum Wellness Plans®
Optimum Wellness Plan®
