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Why Proteins Matter
Protein is an important part of the human diet, but what about for pets? Protein plays an essential role in the overall health of dogs and cats. Made up of amino acids, proteins build and maintain structures in the body and help support muscles, bones, blood, organs and skin and coat health. Because dogs and cats can’t synthesize all the essential amino acids they need, these nutrients must come from complete and balanced pet food.
Sources of Protein
Proteins are commonly classified into two large categories based on their source: animal-based and plant-based.
- Animal-based protein includes chicken, beef, turkey, lamb and fish.
- Plant-based protein includes ingredients like soybeans, corn and lentils.
While animal protein sources have higher amounts of essential amino acids, dogs can still thrive on a well-formulated plant-based diet. Cats, on the other hand, are obligate carnivores and rely on animal-based protein for specific amino acids, like taurine, methionine and cystine.
How Much Protein Does My Pet Need?
The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) has set the following minimum protein requirements for pet food:
- Dogs
- Adult: ≥ 18% crude protein
- Puppy: ≥ 22% crude protein
- Cats
- Adult: ≥ 26% crude protein
- Kitten: ≥ 30% crude protein
Puppies and kittens require a higher amount of protein in their diet to support growth and development. Additionally, cats need more protein than dogs and have more specific amino acid requirements.
Protein is an essential nutrient for dogs and cats, and diets containing more than the minimum required amount of protein are often beneficial. In fact, in obese dogs, high-protein, low-carb diets can promote both proper body condition and steadier blood glucose levels. Additionally, studies suggest that aging pets likely have a higher dietary protein requirement than younger pets.
That said, extremely high levels of protein, especially when not balanced with other nutrients, may pose health risks, such as disrupting a pet’s calcium to phosphorus ratio or contributing to weight gain. Consult with your veterinarian to ensure your pet’s protein intake matches their unique needs, including life stage, size and activity level.
Looking Ahead: Emerging Protein Alternatives
Did you know over 93% of pet food products worldwide contain animal protein? Although these are most often responsibly sourced as by-products, as the global population grows, so will the demand for animal protein—raising concerns about demand outpacing supply.
To ensure the long-term sustainability of pet food, industry research has turned toward alternative sources of protein, including insect-based ingredients, invasive species (such as Asian carp and blue catfish) and single-cell ingredients (like algae, fungi and yeast).
Another alternative protein source includes meat products not commonly consumed by humans, like alligator, kangaroo and rabbit. While these alternative ingredients are still being evaluated, they could play a key role in supporting a pet’s complete and balanced diet in a more sustainable way.
