Protein can be sourced either from vegetable sources such as soya
beans, or more commonly we use meat from animal and fish sources in dog
foods.
Simply put, Protein is made up from a range of muscle building blocks called Amino Acids.
When an animal consumes Protein, it will, during the digestive
process, split the meat into its building blocks. It will then take from
them what it needs to replace and rebuild its own muscle tissue,
damaged or destroyed during previous physical activity. Other things
within the dogs metabolism are also potentiated.
Legally – It has to be. However, who can define an individual dogs needs? Nutritionally, Dog Food Manufacturers have been aware of the species’ minimal daily requirement, of all the essential ingredients to a complete dog food. Without a doubt cost may restrict the overall comprehensiveness of the ingredient base, in order to maintain a manufacturer’s market price and placement.
There are many theories. However, in our opinion, dogs take grass in
two different ways. Firstly, they will take one or two pieces of coarse
grass which will then stimulate retching. This may well result in the
grass being thrown out, amidst a pool of white or yellow frothy liquid.
This could be the dog’s way of relieving pain, caused by stomach acid
that has got ‘too strong’
Secondly, from late spring to early summer, many dogs appear to
‘graze’ relatively large amounts of grass, and do not vomit. We believe
this may be the dog being aware of the rich nutrients and trace elements
present in vigorously growing grass. The dog cannot digest the grass
structure as it is made of cellulose. However it may get some
nutritional benefits from the contents of the grass.
Dogs in general are much closer in touch with their nutritional needs than we are. If a dog finds itself short of some nutritional element, it will actively seek and find it in its available environment. Never be surprised at what a dog will eat.
Strictly speaking – No. A dog is an omnivore. Rather like man, a dog
has evolved as an opportunistic feeder. Eating food in season, and when
readily available. A diet rich in meat however, does seem to suit a
dogs’ metabolism.
Foxes are a good example. In the countryside, Foxes tend to time
their mating to coincide with the anticipated glut of young rabbits to
feed to their cubs.
However, when a Fox consumes a Rabbit, it eats it all, guts and bones
as well. The guts of a Rabbit contain vegetable matter in the process of
being digested by bacteria that the Fox does not have in its digestive
system. The bones of course provide a primary source of Calcium and
Phosphorus.
