Importance of Protein In a Pet’s Diet

Garbage in, garbage out is an old adage that holds true in many different contexts, including how you feed your pet. If you are like many animal lovers, you are probably wondering, “what should I feed my pet?” Selecting cat food or dog food isn’t always easy, though. Leon Valley Veterinary Hospital can help you to navigate pet nutrition decisions. 

What Should I Feed My Pet?

Feeding your pet properly is essential to their health and well-being. Proper nutrition plays a significant role in growth, energy levels, and general health. A balanced diet is key to a balanced life. 

A proper pet diet should include high-quality proteins, healthy fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. Often the amounts and ratios of these components are very important.

Different species have different needs as well. For instance, cats are obligate carnivores and require a protein-rich diet that includes amino acids like taurine. Dogs are omnivores, though, and can thrive on a more varied diet.

Be sure to choose pet food that is appropriate for your pet’s age, breed, size, and health needs. Minimize table scraps and treats, and never hesitate to ask us if you need advice selecting dog food or cat food. 

Why Does My Pet Need Protein?

Nutritionally, protein plays a critical role in the body. It is essential for growth, tissue repair, and overall physiological function. 

Protein is made up of amino acids, which are used to build and repair muscles, skin, hair, and internal organs. Protein is also essential for producing enzymes, hormones, and other chemicals in the body. Protein serves as an essential energy source—as do carbohydrates and fats.

Protein is essential for your pet’s health and physiological function. Different pets have different protein needs and the exact protein requirements vary depending on species, age, size, and activity level. It’s important to choose a food that matches your pet’s specific needs.

What Else Should I Consider?

While every pet may need something a little different, there are certain components of a good diet that are consistent. When choosing the best dog food or cat food, be sure there is:

• An AAFCO statement on the packaging identifying that the food is a complete diet (versus for intermittent feeding)
• Information about which life stage(s) the food is most appropriate for (the more specific the better)
• Evidence that the food has been developed by a board-certified veterinary nutritionist or someone with a PhD in animal nutrition
• Information about where the diet is manufactured (in general avoid diets whose manufacturer is outsourced)

Use caution when looking at a list of ingredients. Advertising terms like holistic or human-grade have no legal definition, and ingredient lists are easy to manipulate to look more appealing to consumers. If you have done your due diligence and selected a diet formulated by a professional, you can trust that each ingredient on the list is there for a very good reason. 

Feeding your pet well is important, but you aren’t expected to know how to do it all alone. Our team is here to help!