Purina is a well-known brand of dog food that produces formulas with varying amounts of protein. Their high protein formulas, such as Purina Pro Plan SPORT Performance 30/20 and Purina ONE SmartBlend True Instinct Natural, contain around 30% protein or more. While high protein diets have benefits for some dogs, they may not be the best choice for every dog. When choosing a high protein dog food, it is important to consider your dog’s age, activity level, health conditions, and overall nutritional requirements.
What are the benefits of high protein dog food?
Here are some of the main benefits associated with high protein dog food:
- Supports lean muscle mass – The protein in dog food provides amino acids that are the building blocks for maintaining and growing muscle. High protein foods have ample protein to support muscle growth and retention, which is important for active dogs.
- Fuels energy – Protein is a key nutrient for dogs to produce energy. The calories from protein provide a natural source of energy for dogs, especially those with high exercise needs like working dogs or sport dogs. Protein prevents them from needing to tap into protein from their muscles for energy.
- Aids weight management – Higher protein and lower carbohydrate formulas can help dogs feel satisfied while consuming fewer overall calories. This helps naturally promote a healthy body condition without excess weight gain.
- Supports skin and coat health – Keratin, the protein that makes up hair and skin tissue, requires ample protein in the diet. High protein foods provide the amino acids needed to sustain a shiny coat and healthy skin.
For dogs with greater protein needs, such as puppies, pregnant or nursing dogs, working and sporting breed dogs, and dogs who are ill or recovering from illness, a high protein diet helps them meet the increased demand for this nutrient.
What are the risks of too much protein?
While protein is essential, too much can pose some risks including:
- Weight gain – Protein contains calories just like carbohydrates and fat. Consuming very high levels of protein can lead to excess calorie intake and weight gain if the amounts are not adjusted to the dog’s needs.
- Dehydration – Protein requires more fluid to metabolize and eliminate from the body than other nutrients. Dogs on high protein food may need increased access to fresh water.
- Kidney strain – For dogs with existing kidney disease, excess protein can put additional strain on the kidneys and may worsen kidney function over time.
- Electrolyte imbalances – Very high protein intakes can affect hydration and electrolyte balances in the body. This can be more likely in cases of inadequate water intake on a high protein diet.
- Nutritional deficiencies – If protein makes up a very large portion of the diet, it can mean less room for other important nutrients. Working with a veterinary nutritionist can help formulate customized high protein food with optimal nutrition.
Monitoring fluid intake, kidney values, and overall nutrient balance is important when feeding high protein dog food long-term.
What factors determine the ideal protein intake?
When determining how much protein your dog needs, here are some things to consider:
| Factor | Higher Protein Needs | Lower Protein Needs |
|---|---|---|
| Life Stage | Puppies, reproduction | Senior dogs |
| Size | Large and giant breeds | Smaller breeds |
| Activity Level | Very active, working dogs | Sedentary |
| Health Status | Illness recovery, cancer | Existing kidney disease |
Puppies, pregnant/nursing dogs, active and working dogs, and dogs who are unwell have higher protein needs to support growth and performance. Lower protein foods are more appropriate for less active senior dogs and dogs with compromised kidney function. Your veterinarian can help determine your dog’s optimal protein intake based on their unique needs.
Are Purina high protein formulas good choices?
Purina offers a variety of high protein dog food formulas that can be good options for dogs with higher protein needs. Here is a look at some top picks and key details:
Purina Pro Plan SPORT Performance 30/20 Formula
- 30% minimum crude protein
- 20% minimum crude fat
- Fortified with amino acids
- Added glucosamine and EPA for joint health
- Designed for active and working dogs
This Purina formula delivers a calorie-dense blend of protein and fat to fuel high energy needs. It provides an optimal amino acid profile for building and maintaining lean muscle mass. The EPA and glucosamine support joint health and mobility. It comes in lamb, chicken, and salmon recipes.
Purina ONE SmartBlend True Instinct Natural
- 30% minimum crude protein
- 17% minimum crude fat
- Features real turkey or beef as first ingredient
- Natural recipe with added vitamins and minerals
- Affordable pricing for a high protein recipe
This gives dogs 30% protein from quality turkey or beef paired with digestible carbohydrates and fiber. It contains natural ingredients and added nutrients. The pricing provides value for a higher protein formula using real meat.
Purina Pro Plan FOCUS Sensitive Skin & Stomach Salmon
- 30% minimum crude protein
- 17% minimum crude fat
- Features salmon as first ingredient
- Fortified with live probiotics
- Limited ingredients for dogs with sensitivities
This recipe delivers added protein and omega-3s from salmon. It includes easily digestible carbohydrates and fortifying nutrients. The live probiotics support healthy digestion. It limits ingredients to avoid triggering sensitivities.
Conclusion
The key to choosing any high protein dog food, including Purina’s options, is properly matching the food to your dog’s needs. For dogs more suited to higher protein diets, Purina offers nutritionally balanced formulas with 30% or more protein from quality animal sources. They cater to active dogs, dogs with sensitivities, and other unique nutritional needs. Monitoring your dog’s response through veterinary checkups helps ensure their health on a high protein diet. Protein requirements can also change over time, so regular reassessments are important. Overall, Purina’s high protein formulas can be excellent choices for many dogs but consider your individual dog’s health status, age, size, and activity level when selecting any high protein food.