What are single proteins?
Many dog foods, raw and otherwise, include more than one protein in their recipes. Single protein dog foods contain just one, meaning only ingredients from one protein source are included. Not to be confused with single ingredient proteins, in which the protein itself is the only ingredient, single protein foods can in fact contain other ingredients, such as vegetables or plant based oils, just no other proteins.
For example, a dog food containing supplements such as salmon oil, or something like a “poultry blend” would not be considered single protein. Many of ProDog’s 80:10:10 raw dog food options are great examples of single proteins, as are all of our novel protein raw dog food options. Single protein treat options are also available, including many of our natural dog treats.
When should I feed my dog single protein food?
Feeding dogs single proteins is appropriate in several cases. If you’re feeding an elimination diet, for example, it’s important to narrow down which ingredients are causing the symptoms your dog is experiencing, so feeding single protein dog foods can help you to determine what works and what needs to be ruled out.
Allergies are common in dogs, with many of them being food related, and protein allergies are part of this. All proteins don’t agree with all dogs, so knowing which ones are safe is made much easier by feeding single proteins. If you’re already aware of which protein upsets your dog’s digestion (or causes other allergy symptoms), you can more easily avoid them and feed the single proteins that your dog doesn’t have issues with.
How do single proteins help dogs with food sensitivities?
It can be difficult to pinpoint the culprit when dogs display food sensitivities. Without extensive allergy testing, it’s a guessing game at best. Single proteins can be of great help, as feeding your dog a simpler diet can root out the issue quite quickly. If your dog doesn’t experience symptoms whilst eating a particular single protein, you can generally rule that one out as a trigger.
Elimination diets are particularly helpful for dogs with food sensitivities, and single proteins play a big part in this. Eliminating any potential cause and reintroducing them one by one over an extended period of time helps to shed light on the food that’s responsible for the allergy symptoms, digestive upset, or other health issues that may be related.
How do I know which foods are single proteins?
This can be tricky, as not all dog food labels are as forthcoming as they should be. Checking the ingredients list is a good way to ensure the food you’re considering doesn’t include multiple proteins, but an even better idea is to buy foods that specify this. Don’t be fooled by the words “meat meal” or “blend,” as these likely contain more than one protein; just in smaller amounts than the main one advertised.
ProDog’s raw duck with offal recipe is the perfect example of a single protein food. It contains more than one ingredient, but they’re all from the same protein source: duck. The same goes for our Raw Rabbit with Offal recipe, and others like them in our 80:10:10 and Exotics ranges. We believe in being as upfront as possible with our packaging, so if there’s more than one protein source included, you’ll know about it right away (and avoid accidentally feeding multiple proteins).
Raw feeding tips
ProDog Raw’s mission is to help your dog thrive. We believe nutrition is the cornerstone of canine health and, as such, invest our all into providing fresh, natural, raw dog food, natural treats and nutritional dog supplements designed with 100% species-appropriate ingredients from human quality production sources, operating with the best possible welfare practices.
We advocate feeding your dog a variety of proteins; by incorporating a selection of protein options you provide your dog with vitamins and minerals from across the nutritional spectrum. If one meat type delivers a select range of nutrients, offering a diverse range of meats will ensure you fuel your dog in a nutritionally comprehensive way.
Variety equals nutritional balance!
Your dog’s individual requirements, breed, age, level of activity can all play a part in finding the combination of proteins, meal options and treat choices that will help them thrive. Each dog is unique and has specific nutritional needs. By offering a range of raw food and treat options, you will, over time, establish the perfect raw food diet for your dog.
Why not find out more about raw feeding or contact us today to speak with one of ProDog Raw’s dedicated feeding advice team, who will be ready to help you find the perfect raw feeding menu for your dog.
