As dog lovers, we always want to give our furry friends the best nutrition possible.

One of the key nutrients that our dogs need is protein. It is an essential building block of muscles, skin, hormones, enzymes and other important molecules. 

We want to keep our four-legged pals healthy and full of life, right? That's why it's crucial to make sure they're chowing down on enough protein. Don't worry, though - you don't need to be a canine nutritionist to get the job done! Just take a little time to learn about proteins and the foods that pack 'em in, and your fur buddy will be one happy and healthy pooch!

Why is protein essential to my dog’s health?

Protein is an essential nutrient for all living beings. But what exactly is it? 

Proteins are made up of smaller units called amino acids. The experts over at  PetMD report that dogs actually need 22 different essential amino acids to make necessary proteins. Your dog produces half of the 22 amino acids. The others need to come from the food they eat. 

Your pet needs proteins because they provide the essential amino acids, which support almost every function in your dog’s body. They can help keep your pup healthy, strong and energetic. But not all proteins are created equal. 

What foods are good sources of protein for my dog?

Your dog can get protein from a variety of foods:

• Chicken
• Fish
• Beef 
• Lamb
• Eggs 
• Cheese
• Peanut Butter
• Whole wheat
• Oats
• Rice

DVM and pet nutrition specialist, Donald Strombeck, says that the biological value – how efficiently the protein is used by the dog’s body – is higher for eggs, dairy and meat sources. The biological value is lower for plant-based protein sources. Dr. Strombeck believes that “careful balancing of proteins from plant sources can improve a diet’s protein quality and make them suitable for meeting pets’ needs.” 

This means your dog will most likely benefit from a diet that thoughtfully combines meat, dairy or egg sources of protein as well as plant sources. 

How much protein does my dog need? 

The amount of protein your dog needs depends on various factors such as age, activity level, breed size, and overall health condition. 

Some pet health experts suggest that dogs who are pregnant or lactating or who are sick will need more protein to support their body and health. They also recommend that dogs who get a lot of exercise, like a s search and rescue dog or other hardworking fur friend, will most likely need more protein. 

If you’re wondering if your dog is getting the right amount of protein, talk to your vet! They’ll be able to make any recommendations and help you safely optimize your dog’s food so they are getting the ideal amount of protein and nutrition.  

And guess what? Protein happens to be one of the 6 Simple Ingredients we use to make our yummy treats at Nature's Animals. 

Whether you’re teaching your old dog new tricks, rewarding them for being a good boy or just wanting to give them a reason to smile—our handmade, baked-with-love, crunchy dog biscuits are a great way to flavor up with a wide variety of yummy proteins including:  lamb, chicken, cheddar cheese or peanut butter! 

Our 8” Big Bite bone is specially crafted to cater to BIG appetites. This paw-some biscuit is baked to perfection and loaded with oodles of old-fashioned home baked goodness that'll make your pup drool with delight. 

Bone Appétit!