Feed Your Dog Right: Understanding the 10 Essential Amino Acids

Amino acids are essential nutrients that your dog needs to stay healthy and thrive. Not all amino acids are the same, however; there are 10 essential amino acids that are particularly important for your pup's well-being. Understanding these essential amino acids and knowing how to provide them through diet can help ensure that your dog stays healthy and happy. In this blog post, we'll look at the 10 essential amino acids for dogs and how you can make sure your pup is getting what they need.

What are amino acids?

Amino acids are small molecules that are essential components of all proteins. They are the building blocks for proteins, and they play an important role in maintaining health and providing energy. Amino acids can be found in protein-based foods such as our concentrated bone broth at Furvor. We understand the importance of amino acids and provide 10-20x more amino acids than traditional bone broth as well as it being a core ingredient in everything we make.

How do they benefit my dog?

Amino acids are essential components of a dog's diet, as they help build and maintain body tissues and regulate chemical processes in the body. Amino acids are also the building blocks for enzymes, hormones, and other molecules that are important for normal canine health. 

When it comes to their overall well-being, there are many ways that amino acids benefit dogs. Amino acids can help strengthen the immune system, support healthy skin and coat, promote digestion and metabolism, boost energy levels, and maintain a healthy weight.

The 10 essential amino acids for dogs are also known as "complete proteins" because they contain all the essential amino acids needed for proper growth, development, and maintenance of a healthy body. These essential amino acids cannot be produced by the body, so it is important to make sure your dog is getting enough of them in their diet. A complete protein source can help ensure that your pup gets all the necessary amino acids to stay healthy and active.

The 10 essential amino acids for dogs

The 10 essential amino acids for dogs are: histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan, valine, and arginine.

1. Histidine is an essential amino acid for dogs. It helps them to form hemoglobin, the component of red blood cells that transports oxygen around the body. It also plays a role in growth and development and helps to protect cells from damage.
2. Isoleucine helps to build muscles and repair tissues. It is also involved in the production of hormones and the regulation of blood sugar.
3. Leucine is important for muscle protein synthesis and also helps to regulate blood sugar levels.
4. Lysine helps to absorb calcium and plays an important role in growth and development.
5. Methionine helps with liver detoxification and can aid in preventing bladder stones.
6. Phenylalanine is needed to produce dopamine, which helps to regulate the dog’s appetite, mood and behavior.
7. Threonine helps to improve the immune system, digestion and absorption of nutrients.
8. Tryptophan is necessary for serotonin production, which helps to maintain a good mood.
9. Valine is needed for muscle development, as well as for nerve function and energy production.
10. Arginine helps to maintain blood pressure and aids in wound healing.

These essential amino acids can be found in foods such as eggs, chicken, fish, turkey, beef, pork, and dairy products. Supplementation may be needed if your dog has special dietary needs or is unable to get enough amino acids through diet alone.

It is important to ensure that your dog is getting enough of these essential amino acids in their diet. Speak with your veterinarian to determine how much your pup needs and how to properly supplement if needed. They can also advise on which foods are best to meet their nutritional requirements.

Where can I find them?

Amino acids are found in a variety of sources. Some of the most common sources of essential amino acids for dogs include meat, dairy, eggs, fish, beans, and nuts. Other food sources that provide essential amino acids include wheat germ, spirulina, soybeans, legumes, grains, and yeast.

When shopping for food for your dog, be sure to read the label. 

Amino acids can be hard to incorporate into your pup’s diet, but our bone broth topper contains all of these essential 10 amino acids, and is a great addition to mealtime to help round out your pup’s diet. To see the results of introducing such a superfood into your pet’s diet, try our 30-day challenge! With consistent addition of these amino acids, you should expect more appetite, more energy and improved skin & coat condition from your pup. 

How do I know if my dog is getting enough amino acids?

First, consider your dog’s appetite. Dogs that are not receiving enough essential amino acids may not be as interested in eating their food or may not be eating as much as normal. Additionally, if your dog appears to have low energy levels, this could be a sign of not receiving enough amino acids.

You should also pay attention to the quality of your dog’s coat. Dogs with a healthy coat will be shiny, smooth and well-conditioned. If your dog’s coat appears dull or dry, it may be a sign of not receiving enough essential amino acids.

Finally, it is important to monitor your dog’s weight. If your dog is losing weight without any changes in diet or exercise, this could be an indication of a lack of essential amino acids.

If you are concerned that your dog may not be receiving enough essential amino acids, it is best to consult with your veterinarian who can make sure your pup is getting the right nutrition.