The importance of proteins in our dogs' diet
Dogs are carnivorous animals and for that reason their digestive system is prepared to receive and process high amounts of protein, which fulfills multiple functions within their body. to understand the importance of proteins in the lives of our pets It is necessary to know what they are for and why the body needs them for its proper functioning. Within the animal organism, proteins fulfill basic functions that can be classified into two types:
Proteins are considered all those substances that have direct participation in basic metabolic processes. There are hormones that are proteins and that perform transport functions, for example hemoglobin. In fact, the immune system itself is made up of proteins since antibodies, which are responsible for the body defending itself against diseases, are also protein molecules. In puppies, proteins allow tissues and muscles to be created and formed, therefore, a good amount of protein will help the puppy grow correctly, with health and strength. In adult dogs, proteins serve to maintain muscle mass, hair, skin, bones and maintain the correct functioning of vital systems. As dogs age, their protein needs decrease, but they remain equally necessary. 
Dogs receive the necessary amount of protein they require directly from the food they consume, for this reason the diet must be adequate based on feed formulated to cover the nutritional needs corresponding to the stage of life in which the dog is, as well as its size, breed and general health. In contrast, When we feed our pet inadequately we can cause vitamin and protein deficiencies. which directly affects the dog's quality of life and accelerates the aging process and the possibility of degenerative diseases such as osteoporosis appearing.
The The quality of the proteins that the dog requires will depend directly on their digestibility.. Those that are digestible are those that contain essential amino acids that cover the animal's requirements, while those of low quality are difficult to digest and have a deficit of amino acids, so we need the former and we only get that in Premium quality foods. Proteins do not accumulate within the animal organism, the body is simply responsible for transporting it to the body tissues that require it and it is used by them, hence the bioavailability and value of the proteins that we provide to our pets is important, since their good health and quality of life depend on it. When the dog ingests excess protein, its body will get rid of it through urine. If excess protein lasts for a long time, it will begin to be stored as fat. So, if the dog is fed with little protein, the animal will show symptoms such as weakness, weight loss and its coat will become rough and dull.
The same occurs with pregnant and lactating dogs, which will require a higher nutritional and protein intake to satisfy their body's needs, as is the case with dogs that are injured, sick or in the process of recovery or convalescence, which require a greater amount of protein to recover satisfactorily. Now that we have learned the importance of our pet receiving a good protein intake in their diet, we need to learn to choose the right food and for this we need to look at the nutritional table that the feed bags have on the back. It shows the percentage of vitamins, minerals and proteins that the dog will be ingesting with each serving of food and depending on the ingredients involved in preparing the food, we can determine the quality of the protein that we are feeding our pet. Protein sources such as chicken, beef, ox, lamb and fish are preferable and in concentrations greater than 20%.
- Structural: are those proteins that make up bone and muscle tissues as well as hair and nails.
- Metabolic: are those proteins that have active participation in the physiology of the organism. This group includes enzymes and hormones that serve as catalysts of the metabolic process.
Proteins are considered all those substances that have direct participation in basic metabolic processes. There are hormones that are proteins and that perform transport functions, for example hemoglobin. In fact, the immune system itself is made up of proteins since antibodies, which are responsible for the body defending itself against diseases, are also protein molecules. In puppies, proteins allow tissues and muscles to be created and formed, therefore, a good amount of protein will help the puppy grow correctly, with health and strength. In adult dogs, proteins serve to maintain muscle mass, hair, skin, bones and maintain the correct functioning of vital systems. As dogs age, their protein needs decrease, but they remain equally necessary. Dogs receive the necessary amount of protein they require directly from the food they consume, for this reason the diet must be adequate based on feed formulated to cover the nutritional needs corresponding to the stage of life in which the dog is, as well as its size, breed and general health. In contrast, When we feed our pet inadequately we can cause vitamin and protein deficiencies. which directly affects the dog's quality of life and accelerates the aging process and the possibility of degenerative diseases such as osteoporosis appearing.
Importance of proteins from the canine diet
The proteins that we provide to our pets through food are of vital importance, as they have the ability to provide them with the amount of essential amino acids they need to synthesize new proteins that will help them repair their tissues and maintain muscle mass in an optimal state. The The quality of the proteins that the dog requires will depend directly on their digestibility.. Those that are digestible are those that contain essential amino acids that cover the animal's requirements, while those of low quality are difficult to digest and have a deficit of amino acids, so we need the former and we only get that in Premium quality foods. Proteins do not accumulate within the animal organism, the body is simply responsible for transporting it to the body tissues that require it and it is used by them, hence the bioavailability and value of the proteins that we provide to our pets is important, since their good health and quality of life depend on it. When the dog ingests excess protein, its body will get rid of it through urine. If excess protein lasts for a long time, it will begin to be stored as fat. So, if the dog is fed with little protein, the animal will show symptoms such as weakness, weight loss and its coat will become rough and dull.
Finding the right protein balance
Protein can be found in meats, dairy products and eggs and can even be found in some vegetables, grains and legumes. The dog's body does not have the capacity to store proteins as it does with fat and other nutrients, which is why protein has to be delivered daily in its diet and depending on the breed, age and health condition and the type of activities it does, it will have its own need to complete. For example, animals that have heavy work every day, such as guide dogs, hunting dogs, and rescue dogs, are all in constant activity and wear and tear, therefore they require a much greater amount of protein than a dog that leads a somewhat more sedentary life. Therefore, it is appropriate for dogs that perform demanding activities to be fed with feed with good energy and protein content. The same occurs with pregnant and lactating dogs, which will require a higher nutritional and protein intake to satisfy their body's needs, as is the case with dogs that are injured, sick or in the process of recovery or convalescence, which require a greater amount of protein to recover satisfactorily. Now that we have learned the importance of our pet receiving a good protein intake in their diet, we need to learn to choose the right food and for this we need to look at the nutritional table that the feed bags have on the back. It shows the percentage of vitamins, minerals and proteins that the dog will be ingesting with each serving of food and depending on the ingredients involved in preparing the food, we can determine the quality of the protein that we are feeding our pet. Protein sources such as chicken, beef, ox, lamb and fish are preferable and in concentrations greater than 20%.
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