Brief: This review addresses the myths and fallacies surrounding high protein diets and kidney failure in dogs. Results from several experimental studies on dogs that have failed to provide evidence of the benefit of reduced protein intake on renal function are reported.

Brief: This study evaluates the effect of dietary protein content on renal parameters in 23 healthy spayed female cats. The objective was to determine if cats eating diets high in protein will have higher serum urea nitrogen (UN) and creatinine values without a detectable change in kidney function, as assessed by urinalysis. A single random cross-over design was used.

Brief: A review of the evidence regarding the safety of dietary protein in dogs. This review concludes that protein does not adversely affect kidney function and that protein restriction in senior animals is unnecessary and can be detrimental to the health of the animal.

Brief: This study examines the effects of high protein diets on fat loss in cats. It found that obese cats fed a diet high in protein had greater fat loss than cats fed a diet with 30% protein. Cats fed a high protein diet were also able to maintain their lean body mass, which has been shown to lessen the risk of weight rebound.

Brief: This article reviews the growth and development of Great Dane puppies fed various levels of protein. It found that protein intake had no effect on calcium metabolism and improper skeletal development in growing large breed puppies. Improper bone formation was distributed evenly between low and high protein groups suggesting that genetics and mineral composition of the diet has more of an influence on skeletal development in large breed dogs.

Brief: This review looks at the effects of dietary protein concentration on various mammalian species, with a focus on companion animals and the rat. This review presents numerous studies which validate that protein does not progress renal injury in dogs and rats are not an appropriate model for assessment of kidney function in the dog. The review also demonstrates that restricting protein in senior dogs does not have a protective effect against chronic renal disease.

Brief: This paper compares the serum biochemistries of wild gray wolves eating a natural diet and captive gray wolves eating a traditional “dog food” diet. This study demonstrates that nutrition, activity level and environment have a significant effect on serum biochemical values and should be accounted for when interpreting blood analysis results.