Protein sources for pets
Protein is an essential nutrient for dogs and cats but has been highly commercialized and diversified that it has truly become confusing to pet owners as to which protein source suits your pet. Let me solve it for you
Terms to be familiar with:
Amino acids - the structural unit of proteins
Essential amino acids - amino acids that are essential to the body but cannot be synthesized by the body on its own. There are 10 essential amino acids required by dogs and 11 essential amino acids required by cats
There are two forms of protein sources mainly; plant based proteins and animal based proteins
Plant based protein sources are derived from seeds, nuts, grain, barks, leaves, roots, pseudo roots or any part of a plant, tree or algae. Examples include lentils, chick peas, mung beans, chia seeds, quinoa, tofu, sunflower seeds, hemp seeds, peanuts. These protein sources are either consumed raw, cooked or processed upto different extents
Animal based protein sources are derived from vetebrate animals such as poultry (chicken, duck, turkey), cattle, swine, caprine, kangaroo etc. They could be eggs, milk, chicken, beef, pork, lamb, duck meat, venison meat, kangaroo meat or anything similar
Plant based protein sources are obviously vegan and vegetarian, halal and could be considered as organic depending on the level of use of synthetic chemicals. The disadvantage is that some of the plant based protein sources do not contain all the essential amino acids needed by dogs and cats
Studies have found that plant based food sources are less bioavailable than animal based sources of food which means that the nutrients from plant based sources would be less absorbed by the gut than that of with animal based sources of food. These facts make animal based proteins more nutritious for pets as the main source of protein in the diet on a daily basis
Another current trend in the pet food industry is to transition pets from animal based diets to plant based diets. While it's okay to be ethical, it is also important that we ensure that our pets get less harmful and nutritious food that can help with their everyday biological functions
Grass fed meat of cattle , garden eggs, garden poultry meat are some of the safe sources of meat or animal based proteins. Pet food containing animal based proteins may or may not also contain certain harmful ingredients. So, be cautious of you are feeding commercial pet food
Insect based protein sources is also becoming a trend now. These are sustainable options to the pet food industry that would promote both responsible production and ecosystem preservation of life on land but as a veterinarian and veterinary nutritionist, I would not recommend them to be used on dogs and cats for daily use on a long term basis due to the lack of essential amino acids in insect based protein sources. The occasional use of insect based protein sources is better of for pets
While animal based proteins should be a healthy dog or cat's main protein source in the diet, add in approximately 5-20% of plant based protein sources to supply other essential vitamins, minerals and the dietary fibers
Note by:
Transitioning pets to a plant based diet that is less bioavailable and/or that contain other harmful ingredients could be dangerous and not ethical long term for pets. Vitamin and mineral deficiencies and hormonal and non hormonal chronic diseases are such possibilities
The choice of protein sources should also change with underlying pathologies and energy levels of a dog. A dog on a limited protein diet can be fed a more plant based diet than a meat based diet for proteins and satiety. A personalized diet for your pet can provide all the essential nutrients required
Choose your pet's proteins wisely!
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