PROTEIN IN DOG FOOD.

Dogs rely on protein to provide muscle building blocks and essential amino acids that are necessary for vital cell processes.The lack of protein in diet results in lean muscles,reduced energy,the immune system is compromised and coat is dry and flaky. The sources of protein for dog food may be plant-derived or animal-derived but the important index for selecting a protein source is the biological value.The biological value of protein refers to the availability of the protein in the food to the dog,foods with high biological value are the most suitable sources releasing the necessary nutrients because they are readily digestible. Foods that contain protein of low biological value are not easily digested resulting in low availability of protein to the dog and resultant deficiency.When a dog food is to be assessed ,the protein level must be ascertained to be of high biological value.Proteins of high biological value are expensive so when incorporated to dog food raises the cost while low protein of low biological value are cheap making such dog food cheap. Foods of high biological value are 1) eggs; these are of high biological value ,they are readily accessible in the diet especially when boiled.Eggs hold a higher value than meat. Fish; these include tuna,salmon and fishes high in fish oil because of omega3fatty acids,that helps to give coat a shiny coat. Meat ; beef,chicken,turkey,duck and lamb. The nutritive value of beef is drawn out by drying,then pulverizing, the water ,fat is removed then the remnant is ground into powder and incorporated into meal.This makes the meat readily digestible,making all nutrients available. Protein of low biological value include animal by-products such as hair,hooves,horn and feathers.Dog food that will provide the necessary protein level must have a high biological value ,the higher the value the more digestible the food and the less waste the dog will produce.