The House Pet is a Lonely Hunter: Protein Diets for Dogs and Cats

One of the best scenes in the new film 10000 BC is a showdown between the caveman-hero of the prehistoric saga, and a giant, snarling sabertooth tiger. After centuries of pet domestication, it can be hard to remember that your fuzzy little house cat is directly related to the similarly toothy predator cats that still inhabit the jungles of our planet to this day. A similar comparison can be made between your lovable canine companion and the wild wolves that you have enjoyed observing from the safe distance of your cable television's nature programs.

Understanding that your cuddly friends are also meat-eating predators can yield a greater insight into the dietary needs of your dogs and cats. This is especially true with questions concerning the importance of protein in your pet's daily regimen.

Protein requirements of dogs and cats is an important issue. However, it is often misunderstood by well-meaning pet owners. There is no question that most pet lovers are concerned about their pet's diet, and that they aim to make sure their furry pals have the best. However, if you put a dozen dog-owners in a room and asked them which dog food is the best, it is likely that you will receive at least 12 different answers. Many of the responses would dance confusedly around the slippery concept of “protein.” What is it, and how should it figure into what you are feeding your pet? First and foremost, we need to get the facts straight about the importance of protein in your pet's diet. With a little understanding, pet owners can better judge which food would be the best for their dogs and cats.

In order to understand more about the role of protein in our pet's diets, we need to touch on some of the basics regarding their metabolism and nutritional needs. Cats are classified as “true carnivores”. If cats don't consume meat they will die. On the other hand, our dogs and puppies – like their human companions - are omnivores. Dogs can survive on a mix of plant-origin food, but – in order to achieve and maintain optimum health – they need a balanced diet that includes the kind of protein levels one can only find in animal-based foods. Often times pet-owners try to modify pet diets to fit a model of eating they themselves follow for moral or religious purposes. Despite the best intentions, trying to feed your pet a vegetarian diet is completely irresponsible, and will certainly result in damaging your pet's health, if not threatening its life. Your dogs and cats need meat. It's just that simple. But what kind of meat? Are some better than others?

Your best bet is always an all-natural product that gives your pet the good nutrition it needs, along with the taste it craves. A product like Tiki Cat - Molokai will supply your cat with protein and oils from a number of fresh-caught seafood sources. A snack like Zuke's Cat Hip Action Chicken is another great way to get your furry pal from meal to meal with a necessary blast of protein. When it comes to canine companions, the same rules apply: stay natural! A meal of Azmira Classic Beef dog food, combined with Plato Organic Chicken Strips will make sure that your dog or puppy is getting all the protein it needs.

As with any concern about your pet's health, always include the advice of  a trusted veterinarian in your decision-making process where your dog or cat's nutrition is concerned. With a little guidance, education and common sense, you can make sure that your little tigers and wolves grow up to be as big and strong as their ancestors. Well, hopefully not that big and strong.