It has never been a better time to be a dog owner – and 90 million American households agree – that’s how many of us have welcomed at least one canine companion into our homes. From the proliferation of dog parks to doggy day spas to doggy massage parlors – nothing about a dog’s life needs to be ordinary these days – not even their food.
Is there anything more enjoyable than watching your fur baby wag his tail in anticipation of mealtime? Most of our dogs love a meal high in protein, but serving them the same old chicken-based dog food isn’t the only answer. While meat-first diets certainly provide a broad range of health benefits to your dog, there are more options than ever to expand their palette with a broad array of meat and protein sources. With chicken making the list of top potential allergens for your dog, exploring alternative protein sources could be a great way to limit your dog’s exposure to this potential allergen, while also providing a delicious, nutrient-rich diet.
Whether your dog’s current regimen is dry food-based, or wet food-based (or a combination of both), incorporating protein sources such as lamb-based dog food, pork-based dog food, turkey-based dog food, or even salmon-based dog food can be beneficial, and give your dog some new ways to enjoy mealtime. Each of these proteins has its own unique nutritional profile, so finding the best one for your dog is easy.
Pork-based dog foods have one of the highest protein profiles, which is ideal for building muscle. Jam packed with amino acids and thiamine, pork-based dog food can aid in cellular function and the conversion of food into energy. The “other white meat” isn’t just for humans!
A dog food recipe based on a meat-first, limited ingredient philosophy that uses lamb as its protein source can be a very welcomed healthy and delicious addition to your dog’s diet. Lamb inherently has a variety of minerals and vitamins that make it a great source of protein for dogs of all sizes and breeds, and its low-fat profile make it ideal for dogs that need to manage their weight. If you are looking for the best lamb-based dog food, high quality lamb that is sourced from New Zealand is the way to go.
If your dog isn’t as adventurous when it comes to their palette, a turkey-based dog food could be a great way to introduce an alternative protein source into their daily nutrition regimen. Turkey is actually natural prey for medium sized dogs in the wild, so chances are your dog will love it! Turkey is a lean protein source – low in fat and high in vitamins and minerals – rich in Riboflavin (which aids in nutrient absorption) and the powerful antioxidant Selenium.
The protein options don’t have to be limited to animal-based protein. Salmon is just as good for our canine companions as it is for us dog owners. A salmon-based dog food provides a wide host of nutritional benefits for your dog – those Omega-3 fatty acids that we all know are so good for us are just as beneficial to your dog. A diet rich in heart-healthy Omega-3 fatty acids can help manage weight, while building lean muscle and strong bones.
With such a wide variety of protein options available, finding a dog food that is packed with nutrition and taste is easier than ever before.
