Welcome to the first edition of DOG-Breath- where you'll get the scoop, not the poop!
The myth about senior dogs and protein—Stop buying senior diets!
From a reader: “ I want to feed my older dog less protein because it is better for his kidneys. Can you recommend a low protein diet”?
The simple answer is NO!
This question is an example of how easily information can be poorly understood. In fact, research conducted at the University of Georgia in the 1990’s found that feeding protein levels of 34% (higher than the recommended average of 22-26%) to older dogs with kidney failure caused no ill effects at all...
The truth of the matter is this; Inferior sources of proteins, meat by-products and grains (cheap sources of incomplete proteins that pet food companies are allowed to factor in and measure as crude protein) can make more work for the organs that are involved in digesting food and eliminating waste, namely the kidney, liver and pancreas.
Inferior protein sources are foods that lack essential amino acids and cannot be efficiently utilized by the body. These foods create more nitrogenous waste (a by-product of protein metabolism also referred to as the BUN on a chemistry lab profile) and will be a true burden for kidneys that are showing signs of disease.
Healthy fact: It is important to understand that what matters most is the source of proteins, rather than the amount. Most dogs will thrive on diets much higher in protein than the recommend average.
As we age (including our animal friends), digestion and absorption of nutrients becomes less efficient. That’s why eating more protein, not less, makes the most sense.
You may improve your dog’s digestion of proteins by adding digestive enzymes. Hence the recommendation by holistic veterinarians to add enzymes to the diet of senior dogs or any dog challenged with an illness. Prozyme is one of many popular digestive aids containing natural plant derived enzymes.
Healthy tip: If your dog is blowing nasty gas your way, it is a sure sign of a digestive problem. You may need to modify his diet (grains can be difficult for some dogs to digest) and try adding some enzymes!
Employ your detective skills and read pet food labels—don’t be duped!
Protein is the single most important ingredient in selecting your dog’s diet. So, choose only the best quality of commercial foods or prepare your own diet. Look for commercial diets that list the source of animal protein (chicken, turkey, salmon, rabbit, duck and venison) as the first ingredient and second ingredients.
Meat meals can be inferior sources of protein and if listed should be the 2nd or 3rd ingredient on the label, never the first. Grains do not add much in the way of useful protein and should be fed in minimal amounts when high quality protein diets are desired. And above all, avoid brands that list any meat or grain by-products!
Do you know…What comes from a chicken? Is a bargain by the dozen? And is packed with protein?
You might be surprised to know that the least expensive source of a high quality protein (containing all the essential amino acids) is our old friend, the egg! Hard boiled, scrambled, or omelet style. So, next time you are cracking some eggs, crack a few more for your dog pal.
Nutrition tip: Feed a 20 pound dog 3 whole eggs per day. This amount satisfies the daily protein requirement for dogs in this weight range: 18-22 pounds.
Other good sources of protein are lean meats, fish, and cottage cheese!
Paula Terifaj DVM
www.30MinVetConsult.com
“How to Protect Your Dog from a Vaccine Junkie”—save your dog from unnecessary vaccines.
“How to Feed Your Dog if You Flunked Rocket Science—the smart way to feed your dog on your budget.” (available October 2007)
“How to Solve the Mystery of Your Itchy Dog’---get answers to your dogs allergies.(available December 2007)
