THE DOG IS, BY ALL SCIENTIFIC STANDARDS AND EVOLUTIONARY HISTORY, A DOMESTICATED WOLF.

From Chihuahuas to Great Danes, all dogs carry the same DNA and share a single evolutionary origin — the gray wolf. So it’s no surprise to learn that modern dogs of all breeds are not only capable of eating the meat-based diets of their wild ancestors, but actually require it for peak health.

Just like their wild cousins, our companion dogs and cats are carnivores — equipped with sharp teeth, a short digestive tract, and a body specifically evolved to metabolize protein and fat from meat — not carbohydrates from grains.

To match the meat-eating anatomy of dogs and cats, ORIJEN features much higher meat inclusions (75-80%) than conventional pet foods (25-40%). These rich and varied meat ingredients produce a Biologically Appropriate protein level of 38% or greater, which reflects the natural diet.

There are many myths and misconceptions concerning protein and dogs.

A COMMON MYTH IS THAT PROTEIN-RICH FOODS MAY CAUSE PROBLEMS FOR YOUR DOG OR CAT.

This myth has been roundly debunked by modern science. But given that meat-concentrated, protein-rich foods are not budget-friendly for conventional pet food makers, it’s no surprise that this myth has been perpetuated.

The truth is that dogs and cats are carnivores with an evolutionary adaptation for an almost exclusively meat-based diet. Any extra protein in the diet is naturally and efficiently metabolized for energy or removed from the body through the natural elimination process.

And while protein is essential and cannot be oversupplied, your dog or cat has absolutely no biological requirement for carbohydrate — which is easily converted to body fat and is the leading cause of obesity in today’s companion dogs and cats.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ) ABOUT PROTIEN

Want to learn more about protein in the diet of your dog or cat? We’ve assembled a variety of studies and papers to help expose the high-protein myth. We highly recommend the “Myths of High Protein” below as a first read.

» Myths of High Protein (113KB)
» Effects of High Protein on Renal Function (120KB)
» High Protein in Cat Foods (364KB)
» High Protein and Large Breed Study (708KB)