The Effects of Too Much Protein in a Dog's Diet

Protein is a necessary staple in a dog's diet. Dogs are considered omnivores, meaning they require plant and animal matter for survival and optimal health. However, too much protein be detrimental to a dog's health. The quality and type of proteins can cause the difficulties in a dog's general well-being.

It's not necessarily the quantity of protein which a dog ingests but the quality of protein that can have an adverse effect on its health. Dogs in the wild, such as wolves, survive solely on protein. The dogs' wild counterparts may not have the same health issues as their domestic relatives. This is because wild canines nourish themselves with pure protein, which is also comprised of 70% water.

Dogs can typically deal with a dry dog food with 30 percent protein content. Dry dog foods on the market tend to have low water content, however, which can be part of the difference between their health and the health of wild dogs.

Excess protein has received a bad rap in a dog's diet. Part of the issue is if the protein is digestible or not. Many dog food manufacturers are adding fillers to dog foods that may be causing digestive and health issues.

Too much protein in a dog's diet has been sourced as a cause of kidney issues in dogs.

The best diet for a dog is a balanced diet, with adequate meat and meat-by-product content. The first ingredient on any dog food label should be beef, chicken, poultry or fish.