[Wylie's Mom]

Originally Posted by pstinard

I've reviewed the recent literature on weight loss in dogs as related to protein content. MOST of the articles subscribe to the concept that calories are calories, regardless of the source, and since carbohydrates have the same caloric content as proteins, the ratio doesn't matter so long as the dog's nutritional needs are being met with respect to adequate intake of essential amino acids. For those weight loss programs that include vigorous exercise, adequate protein intake is recommended to ensure that muscle mass is not lost. SOME articles suggest that higher protein diets reduce the dog's hunger during weight loss. Here is a quote from the 2014 American Association of Animal Hospitals Weight Management Guidelines for Dogs and Cats: An Error Occurred Setting Your User Cookie

Therapeutic weight loss diets are formulated to contain more protein, vitamins, and minerals/calorie than OTC foods, ensuring adequate nutrient intake during caloric restriction. High protein may preserve muscle mass during weight loss and may improve satiety. As the effects of aging on protein digestibility are not well understood, senior pets may require closer monitoring of protein intake (and MCS) during weight loss. Therapeutic foods also may be lower in fat, higher in fiber, and/or higher in moisture to decrease caloric density. That allows clients to feed a greater volume of food with fewer calories. [emphasis mine]

Note that this higher protein content recommendation is for weight loss foods, not for standard feeding. The protein content recommendations for standard feeding are well-established, and have been reported previously in this thread. I'm truly sick of this thread, and feel that I have done my due diligence in reporting facts for the sake of Yorkshire Terrier health. It is well known that Yorkies have more than their fair share of liver and other health problems, so if I read some advice that *might* have an adverse impact on the liver, I point it out. Anyone can take it or leave it.

I missed this in the fray, but wanted to thank you for this helpful and insightful information .