The American Beagler Forum

I was wondering what effects a high protein feed has on a dogs overall health. I have fed diamond 24/20 for over 5 years and have really thought my dogs looked and performed good on it. I was talking to the vet after my sons dog died and asked him if he had any other reports of dogs just pretty much dying overnight and he said he hadnt. I explained the situation and he said it could have been a stroke, heart problems, kidney failure etc. He didnt ask what I was feeding though. Then when talking to someone at work they asked what I was feeding and when I told them they said it was probably kidney failure due to the high protein. I also read on one of the other boards somewhere that stated the high protein feeds can cause kidney failure. I have contemplated on trying diamond maintence for a while after several had reported about problems with the 24/20 but since I had not seen a problem with it I havent tried it yet. Now since Jack died and I have since seen this topic discussed on boards and at work I am considering it again. Just wanted some thoughts on it.

24% is not really that high for protein content. Average requirements are 18 - 22%. Protein can affect the kidneys, but what you need to consider when selecting the proper food, is the dogs activity level. Protein is used for building muscle, so if your dog is very active, they need a bit more to keep muscle toned and healthy.
You also need to examine the source of the protein. The first few ingrediants (3 -5) should be some type of meat. Corn is not prefered, although acceptable by AAFCO standards, as a source for protein.
Now on to the fat content. A food containing 20% fat should be reserved for dogs that are being worked at least 3 times a week (preferably 4 or more). The fat and carbohydrate content is how the dogs get their energy (not the protein), because it contains more calories than protein, and calories are required for exercise. Now with dogs that are receiving 20% fat in their diet and not being worked hard, they can develope health issues just like us humans when we take in too much fat. Heart disease, diabetes, kidney problems, obesity, etc....

If you are considering changing your food, lower the fat.

Renee'

Thanks, nice insight. None of our dogs (1 beagle, 2 coonhounds, one lab pup) are overweight by no means. They are all nice and fit and get plenty of exercise whether we just go for afternoon walks or in the field they dont just sit in the pen to get fat. It just got me to thinking when Jack died that it was funny how all the sudden there was talk about the high protein and health issues. I am sure they were there before but I guess I really didnt think about it until Jack died.

im feeding 26/18. is this to much protein? keith

26/18 is not too much if the dogs are being run reguraly. That is what I feed year round but I run my dogs all year round. For dogs that go for a period of time with out being run it would be a good idea to feed a lower protien feed.

I have not lost a dog due to kidney failure or heart problem as of yet , and I have been feeding 26/18 for 15 or 16 years.

I feed Diamond 24/20 also. Now I am a little worried. Only been feeding it about three months. My dogs are ran probably twice a week on average. Is this to much for their amount of exercise. They only get a cup and a half a day and are not fat.

as winter is hitting us the high protien and fat is good to keep weight on,,,,,,,,just think of your self , you eat a lot of fatty foods,,,,you do not exercise you end up fat,,,,if you eat these foods and work out regularly you tend to stay muscled up,,,,,,,

Tickeddog,
There is no need to be worried, I would just lower the fat content of the food if they are not getting the exercise it takes to use it up. Too much fat in their diet can cause the same problems in dogs as it does in humans (high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, and kidney problems, etc) but dogs tend to gain weight all over the body and it's harder to "notice" they are "fat". A good rule of thumb is, if you can faintly see the last couple of ribs they are at the ideal weight. If you can't, they are over weight.
During the winter, animals that stay outside do need a little extra "fat layer" for insulation and the fact that free ranging animals may have to go for days without food because it is scarce, but dogs in captivity don't usually "need" extra fat in the diet as they are feed daily and don't have to hunt for their food.
Protein builds muscle while fat provides energy (as do carbohydrates). Fat provides 9 calories per gram and protein and carbohydrates each provide 4 calories per gram.