Variety Feeding

Where is Protein Found?

Amino acids and protein are found in many dog food ingredients. Foods high in protein contain tissues from animals such as chicken, turkey, fish, cattle, and lamb, as well as viscera such as the liver, lung, and spleen.

In commercial dog food, grains are also a source of protein. Grain products such as wheat, rice, barley, peas, and corn account for a significant portion of the protein content of commercial dog food. Examine the ingredient placement on the dog food label to determine their specific usage. If they are one of the first three ingredients, they are among the ingredients in the food with the highest concentration.

If Your Dog is Kibble Fed

If your dog's diet consists of commercial kibble, you can enhance its nutrition by adding whole, fresh protein sources to its meal. A variety of protein sources, such as organ meats, chicken, grass-fed beef, and seafood can be included. 

It doesn't have to be difficult or expensive to give your dog fresh, easily digested proteins in his bowl. If you feed your dog a kibble-based diet, sharing what you cook every night in raw form can also make a big difference.  

If You’re Home Cooking or Raw Feeding

If you are feeding raw or cooked at home, make sure you have a variety of four to five rotating protein sources every three weeks to a month. Certain amino acids are needed by the body, and animal proteins contain these amino acids in a variety of combinations. Give your dog a single protein for an extended length of time, and there's a chance they'll develop an intolerance to it and become deficient in certain amino acids.

When you change the protein source, you should also alternate your dog's seafood selections and organ meats.  

Variety feeding not only prevents intolerances and keeps them from becoming bored, but it also ensures your dog is getting a balanced diet and the amino acids they need to thrive and fight off disease. 

Faith Samford Rogers