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Many Royal Canin diets have high protein levels. What are the benefits of high protein intake and are there any associated risks?

Protein plays an important role in the body, not just for building muscles and tissues, but also for many body functions. Digestive enzymes, hormones and immune cells are all made of protein, and any protein deficiency can affect many different aspects of your pet’s health. Protein requirements are particularly high during growth periods, as the puppy or kitten builds muscles, develops digestive enzymes and builds his/her immune system. Protein is also very important during weight loss. High protein intake during weight loss can help to ensure that weight loss is coming from body fat while lean tissue is preserved.

Although some people have suggested that high protein intake can contribute to skeletal problems in growing large breed dogs, a well designed study by Nap et Al. in 1991 showed that as long as caloric intake was controlled, high protein intake (36% protein) did not contribute to skeletal problems in a group of growing Great Dane puppies.

Another myth about protein is that high protein intake causes kidney damage. This myth has also been refuted in a study by Finco at the University of Georgia. Finco showed that feeding senior dogs (dogs over 8 years of age at the outset of the study) a diet containing 36% protein for 4 years (all dogs were over 12 at the end of the study) caused no negative effects on kidney function.

Protein restriction is recommended for dogs with kidney disease but protein restriction does not prevent kidney disease and high protein intake, even in senior pets, does not cause kidney damage.