Pet food marketing can create a number of misconceptions for pet parents. One is that dogs are obligate carnivores — that is, they need lots of meat. That’s not true. Like us, dogs are omnivores, meaning they thrive on diets that balance protein, carbohydrates and fat.
In fact, eating too much protein can be dangerous for dogs — especially those with kidney or liver problems. Surplus protein is broken down in the liver and passes through the kidneys into urine, and some dogs can’t handle that workload. Too much meat also comes with excess nutrients — like phosphorus — that can throw off the body’s mineral balance. Finally, protein is calorie-dense and can contribute to weight gain.
Instead of choosing a dog food because it’s mostly meat, look for one that’s formulated specifically for your dog’s age, lifestyle and size.