Just like humans, pets need protein in their diet to live a happy and healthy life. Protein helps maintain lean muscle, which can help reduce excess weight. Sometimes a pet can be overweight simply because they are not getting enough protein in their diet.
The Numbers
Dogs need one gram of protein per pound of ideal body weight every day, while cats need two grams of protein per pound of ideal body weight per day. For example, a 50-pound dog needs 50 grams of protein a day, and a 10-pound cat needs 20 grams of protein a day. If your pet is overweight, protein should be calculated for his ideal body weight, meaning a dog that is 38 pounds but should be 30 pounds, needs 30 grams of protein each day.
When figuring out your pet’s ideal body weight, it is important to talk to your vet. They will be able to give you the most accurate number for your pet to live his best life.
Where is Protein Found?
Protein is found in a number of common pet food ingredients. Some of these protein-packed ingredients include salmon, lentils, turkey, fava beans, chickpeas, lamb, pork and more. If you aren’t sure where to begin, Supreme Source pet food has a variety of recipes that provide the protein your pet needs.
How to Add More Protein
If your pet’s current food is not providing enough protein, talk to your vet about switching to Supreme Source. When switching, it is important to maintain a slow transition, so your pet’s stomach does not become upset. Your vet and this article can give you tips to keep your pet healthy while you switch.
