Building a Balanced Diet: Protein

[DogGoneGood]

Chapter Three:
Protein

Dogs require protein in their diet. The main source of protein comes from meats, but it is possible to feed your dog a vegetarian diet. If you choose to feed your dog a vegetarian diet, I suggest researching what other food sources contain protein and the essential amino acids dogs require. About two thirds of a dogs diet should contain protein, although this number can vary depending on individual dogs and who you talk to!

Dogs require ten (10) essential amino acids that they get from protein. Essential amino acids are those which a dog can not create on its own and therefore must get them from an outside source.

These ten essential amino acids are:

[/b] Arginine
[2] Histidine
[3] Isoleucine
[4] Leucine
[5] Valine
[6] Lysine
[7] Methionine
[8] Phenyalanine
[9] Threonine
[10] Tryptophan
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Below is a chart that contains foods that contain any or all of these essential amino acids in them that are acceptable for dogs. If you would like to learn more about each essential amino acid, keep reading…

Poultry (chicken, turkey, duck etc.)

Seafood (fish such as cod, salmon, tuna and halibut, shrimp, lobster etc.)

[/b][td]Pork
[/td]Sheep[td]

Other Meats
(such as elk, deer, moose, bear, etc.)

[/td][td]

Eggs

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Lentils

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Beef

[/td][td]Sheep[/td]
[/tr]
[tr]
[td]Beans
[/td][td]

Nuts
(peanuts, brazil nuts, almonds, walnuts, etc.)

[/td][td]

Seeds
(sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, etc.)

[/td][td]

Cheese
(Edam, Gouda, Gruyere, Parmesan, Provolone, Romano, Swiss, Mozzarella, Cottage Cheese etc.)

[/td][td]

Organ Meats
(Liver etc.)

[/td][td]

Milk
(Goats Milk… Cows Milk is hard for dogs to digest)

[/td][td]

Plain Yogurt

[/td][td]

Kelp

[/td]
[/tr]
[tr]
[td]

Quinoa

[/td][td]

Beets

[/td]
[/tr]
[/table]

Any protein source is likely to have any or all of the above essential amino acids.

Remember to make sure that any food you’re about to feed your dog is safe for him. Food allergies is very high among dogs so it’s important to rule any allergies out when starting a home made diet. You should also be familiar with what foods are toxic to dogs and what aren’t.

If you are unsure of whether or not a food is toxic to a dog, look it up first!

The following are foods you will find at the top of any list of food toxic to dogs. Of course, use some common sense as well… junk food should never be given to dogs (especially chocolate - bakers chocolate being the worst) and anything that is obviously not food should never be ingested by a dog!

While Onions and Garlic can be given to dogs in small amounts, they should be avoided in the regular diet because they contain a chemical called thiosulphate, which is toxic to dogs.

Apples, peaches and cherries can contain trace amounts of cyanide which is toxic to dogs. However, from my experience apples are okay in small amounts with the core removed. Peaches and Cherries are also okay in small amounts.

Grapes and raisins can be poisonous to dogs in large amounts. A couple grapes or raisins here and there will not kill your dog, but you shouldn’t let them ingest large quantities. This varies between 9oz. and 2 lbs. Dogs that have eaten grapes and raisins have exhibited gastrointestinal signs including vomiting and diarrhea and then signs of kidney failure with an onset of severe kidney signs starting about 24 hours after ingestion of the grapes or raisins

While Nightshade Vegetables (Eggplants, Potatoes (although Sweet Potatoes are okay), Tomatoes, Broccoli, Cabbage, Brussel Sprouts, Onions, Chives, and Garlic; the latter three being toxic to both dogs and cats) aren’t actually poisonous to dogs, they can result in and increase in the inflammatory response of the body and therefore should not be given to dogs with arthritis. They can also aggravate gastrointestinal problems, increase intestinal gas, and cause indigestion.

Avocados contain a toxic principle known as Persin. The Guatemalan variety, a common one found in stores, appears to be the most problematic. Other strains of avocado can have different degrees of toxic potential.

The Ten Essential Amino Acids:

1. Arginine: This essential amino acid stimulates immune system response by enhancing the production of T-cells, has a protective effect toxicity of hydrocarbons and intravenous diuretics, is related to the elevated ammonia levels and cirrhosis of the liver by detoxifying ammonia, and induces growth hormone released from the pituitary gland. 2

Studies showed that consumption of a diet devoid of Arginine resulted in signs of ammonia toxicity within 1 hour following voluntary consumption of a single meal. Signs of ammonia intoxication included emesis, frothing at the mouth, muscle spasms, and altered cellular metabolism. 3

Foods high in Arginine:
Lentils, Chicken, Beef, Pork, Lobster, Tuna, Salmon, Dairy Products, Beans, Shrimp, Eggs

2. Histidine: This essential amino acid releases histamines from body stores, is associated with pain control, is associated with arthritis, and widens small blood vessels; thus aiding early digestion by stimulating stomach acid secretion. 2

Studies showed Histidine diets containing 0.11% of less Histidine and the equivalent of 14% protein resulted in depressions in food intake. Analysis of growth, feed efficiency, and nitrogen retention data of Beagles fed purified L-amino acid diets revealed that 0.21% Histidine (193 mg / d / kg 0.75) was required to meet these parameters (Burns and Milner, 1982). Therefore the requirement for immature dogs has been given as 98mg per kilogram of body weight per day or 0.49g/1,000 kcal ME of dietary energy intake. The minimum requirement for mature dogs is estimated to be 22.0mg/kg/d by Ward (1975). 3

Foods high in Histidine:
Soy Protein, Cheese (Edam, Gouda, Gruyere, Parmesan, Provolone, Romano, Swiss), Eggs, Chicken, Pork

3, 4, & 5. Isoleucine, Leucine, and Valine: These essential amino acids work together and are classified as “branched-chain” amino acids. The three combine to regulate
the protein turnover and energy metabolism, are stored in muscle tissue, and are released to be converted into energy during times of fasting or between meals. 2

Foods high in Isoleucine:
Almonds, Cashews, Chicken, Eggs, Fish, Lentils, Liver, Meats

Foods high in Leucine:
Soybeans, Lentils, Cowpea, Beef, Peanuts, Pork, Salmon, Shrimp, Chicken, Almonds, Eggs, Chickpeas, Flax Seed, Walnuts, Sheep, Goats Milk, Asparagus, Snap Beans

Foods high in Valine:
Cottage Cheese, Fish & other Seafood, Meats, Poultry, Peanuts, Sesame Seeds, Lentils

6. Lysine: This essential amino acid promotes secretion of gastric juices, and is found in abundance within muscle tissue, connective tissue, and collagen. 2

Foods high in Lysine:
Meat (red meat, pork, & poultry), cheese (particularly parmesan), certain fish (such as cod and sardines), nuts, eggs, soybeans (tofu, isolated soy protein, defatted soybean flour), spiruline, fenugreek seed

7. Methionine: This essential amino acid assists in the synthesis of Blue-Salts, helps to prevent deposits and cohesion of fats in the liver due to lipotropic function, is related to the synthesis of choline, balances the urinary tract pH (in its dl form), and gives rise to Taurine (an important neuroregulator in the brain). 2

Taurine’s main purpose is to act as a catalyst facilitating the flow of vital elements to and from cells. Elements such as Sodium (Na), Potassium (k), and Calcium (ca) depend on Taurine in order for them to move from one cell to another.

Taurine has been present in cat food and just recently pet food manufacturers have been adding it to dog food, after realizing it can be very beneficial to dogs as well as cats.

Taurine is most abundantly found in the retina and cases of blindness have been linked to Taurine deficiency in kittens, however in most cases, the same studies showed a reversal of the blindness when Taurine supplements were administered. Taurine is also very beneficial for the heart, and cases of dilated cardiomyopathy have been linked to low Taurine levels in kittens. 4

Foods containing Methionine:
Cottage Cheese, Seafood, Meats, Poultry, Peanuts, Sesame Seeds, Lentils

8. Phenylalanine: This essential amino acid stimulates cholecystokinin enzymes and thus is related to appetite control, increases blood pressure in hypotension, works with minerals in skin and hair pigmentation, gives rise to Tyrosine, and produces adrenalin and noradrenalin. 2

Foods high in Phenylalanine:
Cottage Cheese, Seafood, Meats, Poultry, Peanuts, Sesame Seeds, Lentils

9. Threonine: This essential amino acid regulates energy draw requirements, works with Phenylalanine in mood elevation or depression and skin pigmentation, manufactures adrenalin, and precurses Thyroid hormone. 2

Foods high in Threonine:
Cottage Cheese, Seafood, Meats, Poultry, Peanuts, Sesame Seeds, Lentils

10. Tryptophan: This essential amino acid produces serotonin that induces sleep, precurses the vitamin Niacin in treating and preventing pellagra, and is a vasoconstrictor that appears to aid in blood clotting mechanisms. Studies indicate a lack of Tryptophan and Methionine together can cause hair loss. 2

Foods high in Tryptophan:
Shrimp, Cod, Halibut, Chicken, Turkey, Lamb, Beef, Soybeans, Kelp, Mozzarella Cheese, Eggs, Lentils, Goats Milk, Peanuts, Beets, Yogurt, Quinoa

Removal of a single essential amino acid results in a prompt reduction in food consumption leading to a negative nitrogen balance. Generally there is a return to normal within a few days after replacing the limiting amino acid.
Prolonged deficiency of any of the essential amino acids leads to a syndrome similar to that occurring during protein deficiency. Limitation in a dietary essential amino acid tends to be reflected by lowered concentrations of the specific amino acid in the blood plasma. 5

Other Factors to Consider:

• The age of a dog can change its protein requirements. Both puppies and geriatric dogs require lower amounts of protein and higher carbohydrates percentages in their food.
  
• The dog’s activity level or stress level (due to environmental or working conditions) can change it’s protein requirements.
  
• A bitch during the gestation and lactation period has her own very specific requirements.
  
• The other ingredients within the food can affect the amount of each amino acid required. For example, a food that is highly acidic (due to preservatives) can increase the requirements of the amino acid Methionine 2
  

Sources...