For as long as dogs and before that wolves have been around they have always eaten a diet high in protein and fairly high in fats with a few carbohydrates thrown in. Cats have eaten an even higher protein diets but no carbohydrates. When dog food manufacturers started making dog food they just used any type and quality of protein without concern for taste and digestibility. Now days, the manufacturers pay great attention not only to protein but to its sources and the animals ability to break the protein down into amino acids necessary to sustain the health of the animal.
Eggs, fishmeal and milk are proteins that are the best for dogs. Beef and soybean meal is further down the list and Meat and bone meal and wheat and corn are fairly low. High quality proteins are the most expensive ingredients in the dog food. Lower quality protein sources are cheaper and used as fillers.
Protein requirements change with age and between species but there are some general things to keep in mind. Pregnant and lactating dogs usually need to be fed puppy chow to increase their protein amounts. Sick and unhealthy dogs may also need extra protein. Dogs with kidney disease may need to be on a protein-restricted diet.
Most dog owners buy a good quality food from a reputable company and hope that their dog is getting the protein he needs and in most cases this works fine.
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