Quote:
Originally Posted by 107barney  I think people need to consider quality of protein before being into total amount of protein. I recently had a discussion with a veterinary nutritionist about this and she feels that lowering the total protein but raising the quality of it in terms of amino acid profile is a better long term move for the health of the dog. Rather than paraphrase, I'll cut and paste her words:
"You are hooked on total protein when in fact the dog does not have a total protein requirement – despite AAFCO’s attempt to regulate the dog food products. The final total protein amount in the diet is really irrelevant to nutrition b/c you balance a diet to meet the essential amino acid requirements. In fact when you meet the known amino acid requirement of the dog and then total up the subsequent amount of protein in the diet you get about 10% of the dry matter when using a high quality protein. Foods that use poorer quality (poor amino acid profile) protein sources (beef, lamb and veg for example) have to use excessive amounts of nitrogen to meet the essential amino acid profile. Most dog owners never hear this and worry needlessly about total protein in a diet when the dog actually needs amino acids. Sorry but he physically is an adult (6 yrs old) so there is no more growth only maintenance of protein stores are needed. In fact he is entering into the last half of his expected life span and odds are high he has yet detectable renal changes. Blood renal values do not rise above normal until there has been ~75% loss in function. Disturbing but true and is why better formulated foods, lower total protein but raise the quality of the amino acid profile in their food. A smart long term move that goes unrewarded in the market place."
Definitely food for thought. |
I totally agree that quality of protein is more important than quantity. That's one of the reasons, I suggest people pass on those products that contain meat by-products or chicken by-products.