Chain Reaction

A diet lacking in energy sources (fat) will cause a dog to convert protein into energy. As a result, the dog may develop a protein deficiency. If protein sources in a dog food exceed 25% of the total energy sources, that excess will be used as energy. Protein is the least efficient source of energy for a dog.

Common causes of protein deficiency:

  • Too little protein in the diet overall;
  • Poor quality or imbalanced protein sources;
  • Low-energy, bulk diets (too much "filler" food).

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