High Protein Dog Food
High Protein Low Fat Food and Senior Dog Food
High protein dog food - but the kidneys can't cope with that! No, that's not true for dogs.
High protein do not harm the kidneys in any way. But it is not advisable to use high protein food in all dogs.
See "Continuing Education for the Practicing Veterinarian,Nov 1999"
Protein Metabolism 101
First of all protein in the food is necessary in the maintenance of the body. Body needs is varying according to age and activity.A normal dog needs 1-2 g protein pr kg and day. An active young dog will need more compared to an older dog. That's why senior dog food contain less but, highly biological valuable protein.
Food contains energy. The body can make energy from both carbohydrates,protein and fats. If the amount carbohydrates or fat is low in the food, as in high protein low fat food, protein is used to make energy.
This process is called gluconeogenese.
Fist the amino group is removed. Amino group is changed into urea and in the kidneys filtered to the urine. The rest of the amino acid is then in the Krebs Cycle made to energy or glucose.
In this way glucose so to say comes from "behind" - not direct from the food as carbohydrates.
This can be the big advantage. High protein dog food makes it possible to kind of surpass the insulin system. Insulin is only released in order to get glucose into the cells. Not in the kind of more active roll as after a meal containing lots of carbohydrates. Glucose from the foods enters the the blood. Insulin active force the blood sugar down. See the difference?
Labrador food from Royal Canine contain more energy from protein. Labradors are very hungry and the extra protein makes them more content after their meal. Les likely to eat to much. They easily gets to big - to fat. So adding extra protein makes it easier for you to regulate the weight.
I find this is extremely exiting. Think if we can keep dogs within normal weight range!
What an positive impact one their health this would have.
Protein content
Dog food contains around 20-25% protein in form of dry matter. Labrador food around 30%. Some high protein dog food contain around 40% protein.Making dry dog food makes it not possible to have that much higher protein content. But look into fresh raw dog food or homemade dog food. Here is no limit.
Raw Food Dog Diets - See here what this is.
When not....
Using high protein dog food in old dogs can be a problem.My advice would be to ask your vet to check liver and kidney. That's easy and can be done in a blood sample.
In young dogs you should always be aware of the growth rate. Not to fast. That's number one so be careful here.
Likewise, if any problems with Hepatic Shunts or Hepatic Encephalopathy - ask your vet, but I would not advice this type of food here.
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