Protein
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Proteins
are large, complex compounds composed of hundreds to
thousands of smaller units called amino acids. There are twelve
essential amino acids required by dogs whereas cats require thirteen
dietary amino acids. In fact, dogs and cats do not have a “protein”
requirement per se but have known daily requirements for each
essential amino acid.
The ESSENTIAL amino acids MUST be in the diet, but the source of these amino
acids (chicken, beef, soybean) is irrelevant. Thus a product claiming
to have a particular source of meat (lamb, for example) as the primary
ingredient is not nutritionally better for your pet than another brand
with a different protein (poultry for example) if they both contain all the
essential amino acids.
Since pets have requirements for specific amino acids, the crude protein
number on the pet food label is of little value because essential amino
acid concentrations are more important.
Protein quality is determined by the type and number of amino acids.
Egg and liver are of the highest protein quality because of their
amino acid profiles. Amino acids may become incorporated into body
tissues, burned for energy, or, if consumed in excess, will be
converted and stored as body fat.
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