Paul can you post the info you have on protein myths? It's not the amount of protein that you should really be concerned about. It's the calcium/phosphorous ratio that you should be looking at. And TOTW doesn't have any foods in the 40% area, I think the highest is 32%. It's also an ALL life stages food.
As there are so many myths circulating about high protein diets, this is probably one of the most commonly asked questions received at our customer service.
Countless studies published over the last 15 years have roundly debunked the high protein myth (often fueled by the multinational and marketing companies that still produce low-protein, grain-based foods).
The truth is simple — high-protein diets are Biologically Appropriate for all breeds of dogs and cats. By better matching the natural diets and anatomical physiology of dogs and cats, higher-protein, lower carbohydrate foods better promote their peak health and conditioning.
Today’s conventional pet foods are lower in protein and high in carbohydrates (40-50%). As carbohydrates are not part of the natural diet, it should come as no surprise that carbohydrates are not required (in any amount) by dogs and cats.
Dogs and cats are evolved to derive their energy from animal proteins and fats, not carbohydrates from grains.
Want more information?
Please see our
White Paper, pages 26, 27 – Protein myths.
Or check the “
Myths of High Protein” study published by the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Veterinary Medicine which explains why today’s traditional veterinarians know so little about the subject of high-protein and companion animal nutrition.
The relationship between carbohydrates and protein is an important factor in the diets of senior dogs. When protein is high, carbohydrates are low. In other words, high protein diets are by nature low in carbohydrates, and that’s great for senior dogs as excessive amount of inappropriate carbohydrates (which are simply sugars) – are that last nutrient needed in any senior dog’s diet.
Please see our
White Paper for more information on this subject.
Research into the growth of Great Danes (Nap RC, The Netherlands,) has shown that the protein level of a diet has no significant influence on skeletal development. High protein intake does not result in increased risk for OCD or HD, and there is no effect on the development in the longitudinal growth of the bone." Additionally, while protein does not cause orthopedic problems, other nutrients can.
It is not excess protein that causes joint problems, but over feeding dogs can contribute to arthritis and orthopedic problems. Please note that most orthopedic and joint problems are inherited, but puppies and dogs that are overweight have a greater chance of an increase in pain and discomfort, and the potential of developing orthopedic problems as younger animals and arthritis later on in their life.
