Protein and carbs are one of the most crucial things to look for when choosing the finest diet for your dog, according to nearly all pet parents. Is it necessary to provide your dog with a high protein low fat diet? Let’s cut through the confusion together in this article.
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What is high protein low fat dog food?
High protein low fat dog food essentially means meals that combine two types of diets, which are a high protein diet and a low fat diet for dogs. Each diet has its own benefits.
High protein dog food is important as almost all tissues in a dog's body require protein for growth and upkeep. Protein helps the dog's body create hair, skin, muscles, cartilage, tendons, and ligaments by supplying amino acids.
On the other hand, a low fat diet for dogs is highly beneficial if your dog is dealing with medical conditions that demand it to reduce the consumption of fats.
Some dogs, for example, require low-fat diets to manage hyperlipidemia (high blood triglycerides), which can lead to pancreatitis.
Hence, the combination of both of these diets may be advantageous for your dog.
When is high protein low fat dog food needed?
Here are some examples as to when your dog needs to be on a high protein low fat diet:
High protein low fat dog food for sensitive stomach
Some dogs are allergic to particular types of dog food. In fact, if your pet has a sensitive stomach, you will be aware of it. Pets with sensitive stomachs are prone to making a mess on a frequent basis.
However, there are things you may do to aid a dog with a tumultuous stomach, like providing him low-fat food. Fat is beneficial to your pet's health, but it takes a lot of effort to digest compared to proteins. As a result, if it eats too much fat, your dog will start becoming sick.
A high protein diet helps dogs with sensitive stomachs by helping them to digest food better. You can opt for the premium, high quality fish-based protein, like salmon.
Fish such as salmon can help dogs overcome sensitivity because it has less fat and less thick muscle fibre, making it easier to digest. This allows your dog to absorb more nutrients.
High protein low fat dog food for pancreatitis
The pancreas is a vital organ that aids in the digestion of meals. When your pet's pancreas becomes inflamed, pancreatitis can develop.
Your pet's digestive tract may malfunction if it is inflamed. Your dog will be unable to digest lipids if this occurs. Vomiting and a loss of appetite are two of the symptoms.
Pancreatitis is more common in schnauzers, older dogs, and overweight pets. In most situations, if appropriately handled, this condition is not dangerous.
However, not all instances of pancreatitis are moderate, since a severe situation might lead to additional problems. Low-fat dog food is the ideal diet for your dog with pancreatitis because it allows its pancreas to rest and recuperate instead of breaking down fats.
When it comes to feeding a high protein dog food for your dog with pancreatitis, you should opt to feed them protein that is high quality. It is critical that they consume these types of proteins that are easily digested and have the proper amino acid balance.
High protein low fat dog food for overweight dogs
Giving treats to our dogs is a delightful way to show our affection, but if the treats aren't balanced with the rest of your dog's food consumption, all those goodies will add up over time.
For a dog, even a few more pounds may make a difference. Overweight dogs have a higher risk of illness and a shorter lifespan.
One of the most prevalent medical problems found in dogs is obesity. When a dog acquires more weight than his or her body can support, the joints are the first to suffer. This is also why overweight dogs are more likely to be diagnosed with joint problems.
Moreover, excess body weight puts additional strain on the heart and can result in high blood pressure. Diabetes in dogs may be hereditary, however, obesity can also be a common trigger.
Fortunately, obesity in dogs is also one of the easiest health issues to avoid and treat. The easiest approach to keep your dog healthy is to meet their calorie demands with high-quality dog food rather than overindulging in treats and snacks.
Placing your dog on a high protein low fat diet reaps benefits for your dog’s health. A high protein and low fat diet can help overweight dogs lose weight safely.
Several studies have shown that increasing the amount of protein in a dog's food as part of a weight-reduction programme can aid in fat reduction.
Because these diets are low in fat and high in fibre, the fat density is reduced, which means your dog may still eat large quantities and feel satisfied while losing weight.
Protein is also abundant in these diets. This aids in the preservation of muscle mass, resulting in a fat loss rather than lean body mass.
Which dogs may benefit from high-protein dog food?
Dogs are omnivores who have no trouble digesting most cooked foods. As a result, the majority of dogs will benefit from a high-protein diet.
Nonetheless, some dogs will benefit more than others from a high-protein diet. The list is as follows:
- Canine athletes
- Working dogs such as hunting dogs or military K9s
- Female dogs who are active reproductively
How to make high protein low fat dog food?
There are many ways in which you can make homemade high protein low fat food for your dog. You may check with your local veterinarian on the most suitable high protein low fat diet for your dog. Nevertheless, the most common method is as such:
- A protein of your choosing (beef, chicken)
- A carbohydrate of your liking (rice, sweet potatoes)
- Vegetable stock
- Liver and heart from chosen protein sources
- 1 level tsp eggshell powder
- 1/4 tsp iodized salt
- 40 to 120 IUs (2 to 6 drops) vitamin E
Preparing your own high protein low fat dog food can be quite troublesome as it can take up a lot of time out of your daily life to cook it. Here at PetCubes, we have a variety of dog foods, like our Gently Cooked Dog Food Collection that is curated with 70% high quality meat protein and heavyweight nutrients for your dog. In particular, Petcubes’ gently cooked crocodile and kangaroo is high in protein and very low in fat content.
Conclusion
A high protein low fat diet has many benefits for your dog, from keeping your dog’s weight in check to aiding its sensitive stomach. Try out this diet to see how well it helps your pet and do remember to always check in with your local veterinarian before starting any diet for your dog.