Dog owners care about the health and well-being of their loyal four-legged companions. Nutrition plays a key role in our dogs’ lives, and the protein content in kibble is a crucial factor to consider. In this article, we will explore this topic in detail to help you understand what the right protein level is in dog kibble, while keeping in mind that every dog is unique and may have specific needs.
What is the right protein level in dog kibble?
While choosing a complete and balanced dog food is challenging it is important to remember that a good complete and balanced food must follow five essential rules:
- The quality of the ingredients
- Digestive and nutritional balance
- Respect for the digestive physiology of carnivores
- Mastery of cooking and preservation operations
- Mandatory regulatory information
What is the composition of dog kibble?
Generally, a set of common ingredients can be found in all brands of kibble:
- Dehydrated meat (poultry, pork, beef), often at the top of the ingredients list!
- Fats like poultry fat, fish oil, rich in omega-6 and omega-3
- Rice for its highly digestible starch content, a source of carbohydrates for the body
- Fibers such as beet pulp or chicory fiber for intestinal comfort
- Brewer’s yeast necessary for maintaining good intestinal flora
- Vitamins
Why are proteins important?
The body doesn’t use a particular protein: it builds its proteins from the amino acids obtained from dietary proteins. Proteins are the main precursors for metabolic reactions for:
- Tissue formation (skin, organs, skeleton)
- Enzymatic synthesis (digestion)
- Hormonal synthesis (metabolic balance)
- Immune synthesis (antibodies)
- Blood proteins (hemoglobin for oxygen transport)
What are the protein needs of dogs?
Carnivores have higher protein needs:
- 3 to 6 g/kg for dogs
- 5 to 8 g/kg for cats
- 0.8 to 1.2 g/kg for humans
For a 20 kg dog, about 80 g of protein per day is needed (assuming 4g/kg). Based on this result, it will now be easier to calculate the daily amount of kibble your dog should receive during the day. We will later calculate the amount of kibble based on additional rations such as the protein-calorie ratio or RPC.
The right balance
Now that we understand the importance of proteins, the question is what the right protein level is in dog kibble. The answer is not entirely simple, as it depends on several factors, including the age, activity level, and overall health of your dog.
For growing puppies, kibble with a higher protein content is often recommended, as they need protein to support their development. However, it is crucial not to overdo it, as too much protein can be harmful. Healthy adult dogs can generally benefit from kibble containing about 25% to 30% protein.
Pay attention to specific needs
If your dog is very active, like a sport or working dog, they may require a higher protein level to maintain muscle mass and performance. In such cases, kibble with a protein level between 30% and 35% may be appropriate.
However, it is essential to remember that every dog is unique. Some dogs may have specific protein needs due to health problems. For example, a dog with kidney disease may require low-protein kibble to reduce the strain on the kidneys.
Protein quality matters
It’s not just about the protein level but also its quality. High-quality proteins are better absorbed by your dog’s body. Therefore, it is essential to choose kibble that contains proteins from quality sources, such as chicken, beef, or fish.
Proteins primarily of animal origin meet the natural nutritional needs of carnivores. It is recommended to prioritize levels above 80% of the total proteins.
To assess protein quality, several ratios need to be calculated:
The Protein to Ash Ratio This ratio is mainly an indicator of protein source quality. Phosphorus is mostly present in bones, so a low ratio usually indicates that a large amount of carcasses or bones was used in the kibble formulation.
Here’s the calculation: Protein level in % / Ash level
Example: 29.3% / 6.8% = 4.3
- A good ratio for dogs is greater than or equal to 4
- A good ratio for cats is greater than or equal to 5
Choose Vetsaveur, a very high-quality food developed by a veterinary nutritionist.
The protein-calorie ratio or RPC
The RPC is a useful tool for calculating the actual amount of protein consumed. The amount of protein ingested by a dog or cat depends on their energy needs. If an animal has low energy needs, they will eat a limited amount of food, and therefore a small amount of protein, unless the food is very concentrated in protein.
Here’s the calculation: Protein level in % / Metabolizable Energy per 100g
Example: 30% / 391 kcal = 77
This means that, for this food, your pet ingests 77g of protein per 1000 kcal. The higher this number, the less kibble the dog needs to consume to meet their daily needs. This is why light foods have higher RPCs. Your dog eats less, so fewer calories are consumed without affecting their protein intake.
The right protein level in dog kibble depends on your pet’s specific needs. It is essential to adjust your dog’s diet according to their age, activity level, and overall health. Be sure to choose high-quality kibble with the appropriate balance of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats to ensure your loyal companion’s health and well-being. Your dog deserves the best, so take the time to choose the kibble that best suits them.
In summary, proteins are essential for life and nutrition. But proteins are not neutral molecules. An excess can be harmful to health!