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Contrary to popular belief, dogs are not carnivores.
They are omnivores, animals that eat animal and plant
protein. The misconception that dogs are carnivores
and eat only animal flesh probably comes from the fact
that dogs in the wild feed on their prey - other animals.
However, their prey are herbivores who eat only plants.
When wild dogs kill and eat their prey (caribou, deer,
elk, rabbit, etc.), they rip into and eat the intestinal
tract first. The intestinal tract is full of partially
digested grasses, leaves and other plants.
In addition, wild dogs routinely consume grasses,
berries, roots and other vegetable matter. The gastrointestinal
physiology of dogs is fully capable of digesting and
absorbing plant protein sources as well as meat protein
sources.
Many myths exist surrounding the sources of animal
protein and plant protein, such as soy, in dry dog foods.
The quality of protein in complete and balanced pet
foods depends on the right combination of essential
amino acids and the digestibility of the protein. Following
are a few explanations as to why certain sources of
protein are used in dry dog foods:
Poultry by-product Meal
Poultry by-product meal is a good source of animal protein
and other nutrients. For this reason, it is widely used
by pet food manufacturers as an ingredient in dry dog
food formulas. It is a by-product of chicken or turkey
poultry processing (generally) and contains about 55-70
percent protein. When combined with the proper complementary
protein sources, it provides a balance of essential
amino acids that meet the protein needs of normal, healthy
dogs.
Soy
Soy protein is nutritionally equivalent or superior
to animal protein and provides high levels of most essential
amino acids. Neither meat nor soybean meal alone is
an ideal protein source, but when fed in combination
with a complementary source of essential amino acids,
the two can help provide excellent protein nutrition
to dogs. Unlike animal sources of protein, soy does
not vary widely in amino acid content and availability.
Poor quality meat or poultry meals are substantially
less digestible than soybean meal.
Cereal Grains
Cereal grains, such as corn or wheat, are combined with
another protein source, such as meat or soy, to help
provide a complete balance of amino acids. For example,
soybean meal and corn complement each other perfectly
because the amino acids deficient in one are present
in the other. In addition, manufacturers add corn, wheat,
barley and other cereal grains to provide a source of
carbohydrates that are used for energy. This is why
meat and cereal grain ingredients, such as those in
Purina O.N.E.® brand Lamb & Rice Formulas or Pro Plan®
brand Chicken & Rice dog food formulas, include both
ingredients.
Most commercial dog foods have the proper amounts of
protein, whether the source is plant, animal or both.
While protein needs change throughout a dog's life,
any excess protein a dog may take in during a stage
of life will not hurt the dog. Some excess may be beneficial
in older dogs by helping dogs maximize their protein
reserves. Additional protein can be used for energy.
All Purina® brand pet foods have adequate protein for
their intended life stages.
Feed your dogs balanced and nutritionally complete
diets to ensure that the correct levels of protein are
present. For more information on protein or other nutritional
concerns, call the Purina Pro Club at 1-800-851-3148
and ask for pamphlet PR09 to receive a free copy of
the Purina Information Series issue on nutrients.
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Reprinted with permission by Ralston Purina Canada
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