🐶 Dog Nutrition Tips: Protein Requirements & Intake Recommendations
According to the National Research Council (NRC), dogs require around 80 grams of protein per kilogram of food each day. To ensure your dog gets enough, it’s important to choose high-quality protein sources like chicken, pork, and fish. Also, maintaining a balanced intake of protein along with other essential nutrients is key. Look for dog food products that meet AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) guidelines for complete and balanced nutrition.
🥩 Common Protein Sources & Their Protein Content (per 100g):
Chicken: 20g
Pork: 17g
Fish: 22g
These are some of the most common high-quality protein options. You can incorporate them into your dog’s diet based on their individual needs and preferences.
💪 The Role of Protein in Your Dog’s Health
Adequate protein intake is essential for your dog’s overall well-being. Protein plays a critical role in building and repairing tissues such as the coat, skin, muscles, and bones. Too little protein can lead to stunted growth, muscle loss, and weakened immunity. On the other hand, excessive protein may place stress on the kidneys and liver, potentially leading to other health concerns. That’s why balanced protein intake is key to keeping your dog healthy and strong.
📏 How Much Protein Does Your Dog Need?
Research shows that a healthy adult dog needs approximately 2.62 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day to meet its amino acid requirements and support normal bodily functions.
🦴 For example, if your dog weighs 10 kg:
2.62g × 10kg = about 26.2 grams of protein daily.
Turkey meat contains around 29 grams of protein per 100 grams (and even more if it’s in dried form due to reduced water content).
So if your dog were to get all its protein from turkey meat alone, it would need:
26.2g ÷ 0.29 = about 90 grams of raw turkey meat
→ Or around 40–50 grams of dried turkey treats.
⚠️ However, treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily caloric intake. Most of the protein should still come from a balanced main meal.
Protein is a vital part of your dog’s diet—but balance is everything. Choose quality ingredients, treat in moderation, and always tailor their diet to their size, age, and activity level. A happy, healthy pup starts with the right nutrition! 🐾
