Protein and macronutrients
Protein and macronutrients cover target protein levels for dogs and cats, the protein-kidney myth and the place of carbohydrates. This section draws on NRC requirements and FEDIAF and AAFCO profiles.
Last updated :Questions (35)
- What minimum protein level should an adult cat's food provide?
- How much protein does an active adult dog actually need?
- Is a very high protein level in kibble a problem for the animal?
- How do you fairly compare the protein level of two kibble brands?
- Does too much protein harm the kidneys of a healthy cat?
- Is the "protein wrecks the kidneys" claim scientifically sound?
- What is the difference between protein quantity and protein quality in a food?
- Should you lower the protein for a healthy senior cat?
- What is the protein-to-phosphorus ratio of a food?
- How do you calculate the protein-to-phosphorus ratio from the label?
- What protein-to-phosphorus ratio should you aim for in a healthy cat?
- Why is the protein-to-phosphorus ratio treated as relevant to a cat's kidneys?
- Are animal or plant proteins better in a dog's diet?
- Can a dog be fed a vegetarian or vegan diet without deficiency?
- Can a cat digest and use plant proteins?
- Do pea and potato proteins cause a problem in kibble?
- Why does a cat need more protein than a dog?
- Is the cat an obligate carnivore, and what does that change about its food?
- What carbohydrate level counts as high in cat food?
- Does a cat actually need carbohydrates in its diet?
- Why is it hard to make an extruded kibble that is very low in carbohydrates?
- What fat level should you aim for in kibble for a dog or cat?
- Is a high fat level risky for a dog prone to pancreatitis?
- How do you judge protein quality beyond the percentage on the label?
- What is protein digestibility, and why does it tell you more than the percentage?
- What is the biological value of a protein for dogs and cats?
- Why is taurine an essential amino acid only for the cat?
- How do you convert crude protein to a dry-matter basis to compare kibble and wet food?
- Do growing puppies and kittens need more protein than adults?
- Does a sporting or working dog need more protein and fat?
- Is excess protein turned into fat or simply excreted?
- Why does a high protein level alone not guarantee a good kibble?
- Do high-carbohydrate kibbles really drive obesity in cats?
- What protein levels do the FEDIAF references recommend for adult dogs and cats?
- Should you be wary of plant proteins used only to inflate the stated level?
Guides (6)
- Animal vs plant protein for dogs and cats: a comparison guide
- The calcium-to-phosphorus ratio in dog and cat food: a guide
- Carbohydrates in cat food: a guide for owners
- How much protein does a dog or cat need? A practical guide
- Does protein harm a pet's kidneys? An evidence guide
- How to read a pet food's macronutrient profile: a how-to guide