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Unique Protein Diets That Benefit Your Dog’s Wellbeing

PetGuide Staff
by PetGuide Staff
Published:  November 30th, 2016
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Have you ever thought about adding a unique protein to your dog’s diet? Here’s why you should, and a few novel proteins to try!


Proteins are the building blocks of life, and its importance in your pet’s life is just as great as it is in yours. Proteins play a vital role in every biological process – the amino acids from which proteins are made are what make up a major proportion of our pet’s cells. When you think about it that way, you understand the importance of the right proteins in your dog’s diet.


Dogs love the taste of meat, and by offering your pet protein from multiple sources, mealtime is made even more enjoyable and tasty. Whether it’s in the kibble, sprinkled on top as a mixer, or given as a treat, unique protein sources can be a part of your pet’s complete and balanced diet.


What can you do to ensure your pet has a healthy, palatable diet? You can start by exposing your dog to a variety of unique proteins. And what dog wouldn’t prefer a high-quality meal packed with exclusive proteins, full of nutritional benefits, exceptional taste and delectable aromas. That’s why Merrick has a complete line of dry and wet formulas that showcase a host of novel proteins.


A mix of unique proteins in your dog’s diet can also help him maintain a shiny coat and keep skin healthy, thanks to the Omega fatty acids it contains. Every protein source contains different levels of amino acids that are broken down and used for all aspects of your dog’s growth and development. But not all proteins are created equal – some are better for pets than others. And you want to make sure your pooch enjoys the benefits of a high-quality diet rich in animal-derived protein.


Add a unique protein to your dog’s diet to give them more of what they really need. Here are a few of our new favorites:


  • Salmon provides an excellent source of protein for dogs. As well, it’s a great source of omega 3 fatty acids, and that can help support a healthy and shiny coat. Salmon helps support a strong immune system that will help keep your dog’s body and mind healthy.
  • Duck is often found as an ingredient in many limited ingredient or hypoallergenic dog foods, and it is easier to digest than chicken. Easily digested proteins are beneficial for many dogs, and duck is an affordable ingredient option.
  • Lamb is an easily digestible animal protein that’s appropriate for dogs of all ages. Its nutritional content is amazing, and like beef, it has a high fat content. Lamb is considered to be pasture grown and under quality conditions, making it a good alternative for rotation in your pet’s food choices.
  • Venison is also an easy-to-digest protein source and is often recommended for dogs with intolerances. It’s considered a novel protein that your pet probably hasn’t been exposed to in the past.
  • Rabbit has a higher protein content than most meats, including chicken, turkey and beef. This means it is a great source of fuel for your pet’s muscles, and supplies key amino acids that will assist in tissue repair and immune system boosting.


Give your dog a taste of something different and go with a unique protein found in many of Merrick’s dog food formulas. Head to Petco’s online store to order meals that will nourish your dog from head to paw!
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How Much Playtime Does My Cat Need?

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Study Reveals a Link Between Mental Health and an Attachment to Pets

We have all been told at one time or another that our pets are good for our mental health. But have you ever stopped to consider how your mental health could also impact the attachment bond you form with your pet? Could your attachment to your pet hurt your mental health?These questions and more were the inspiration behind a new study out of the University of Helsinki.Rather than focusing solely on the benefits of dogs and cats to our mental well-being, researchers went a step better. The goal was to better understand how the relationship we form with our pets could have an impact both on us as well as on the pets themselves. They also dug into how an owner’s attachment style could impact the care they provide and our pet’s behaviors.The research team collected information from approximately 2,500 pet owners and 3,300 pets to gather the necessary data. This included:Personality traits (of owners, dogs, and cats)Owner mental well-being ratingsUnwanted behavior traitsOther potential influences, like children in the householdAttachment stylesIn terms of the relationship, they looked specifically at two types of insecure attachment – anxious and avoidant. Anxious attachment refers to owners who desire to have their pets nearby and are concerned about the risk of losing their pets. On the other end of the spectrum, avoidant attachment refers to pet owners concerned about losing their personal autonomy and, as such, seeking a higher level of independence.The study found that cat owners with lower mental health ratings demonstrated anxious attachment to their feline friends. However, dog owners with similar mental health ratings were split between anxious attachment and avoidant attachment.Interestingly enough, there was a clear division between the attachment styles when categorizing the relationships based on a dog’s mental well-being and potentially “unwanted” or “problem” behaviors. Dogs who demonstrated aggression or ADHD-like behavior were more likely to have avoidantly attached owners, while dogs who demonstrated fear-related behaviors were often connected to anxiously attached owners.What does all this mean? By recognizing the connection, we can better understand how personality and attachment styles can influence one another.For example, if a dog owner demonstrates avoidant attachment, they may not provide the security a dog desires in a potentially threatening situation. As a result, the dog may develop aggression. However, it is also possible that a dog’s aggressive response may contribute to an owner’s need for space and independence from the behavior and its impact on their daily activities.“What made this project unique was that it involved dogs, cats, and owners alike,” explained Professor Hannes Lohi. “We need a deeper understanding of the connections between owners and pets and the associated factors so we can, for example, help people make better decisions when obtaining a pet. It’s important to acknowledge that obtaining a pet while experiencing poor mental well-being may not necessarily meet the expectations of improving it.”Not only is this a big step forward in helping people make educated decisions about pet ownership, but it could also provide valuable guidance for trainers and behaviorists when dealing with unwanted behaviors.

Mind-Reading Pet Psychics Are a Burgeoning Business

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42% of Pet Parents Feel Caring for Pets is More Stressful Than Kids!

Pets can be an incredible addition to any family, but they can also come with a bit of stress. In fact, a recent study revealed that nearly half of pet parents shared that caring for their pet was more stressful than caring for their partner or even their children! What is it about our pets that worries us the most? That was the goal of the recent survey conducted by OnePoll and ElleVet Sciences. They polled 2000 pet owners, asking them questions about their relationships, their pets, and the stress that they experience in their role. The answers revealed that the top three sources of stress in most people’s lives include their finances (54%), their job or career (49%), and their ability to care for their pets (42%). The survey went on to discuss reasons for being stressed about our pets, and there was one concern that the majority of respondents shared – as pet parents, we worry about our ability to provide the care our pets will need in their senior years. As our pets get older, their needs often change. We can see this in the way they act and the activities they engage in. A once hyperactive, high-energy dog may start to slow down and sleep more. A dog that easily jumped onto the couch most of their lives now requires stairs or a ramp to get up for cuddle time. Not all changes that come with aging are inherently bad, but 68% of parents say watching their pet age and suffer would be more hurtful to them than losing their job (61%) or breaking up with their partner (61%). “Supporting your pet through all stages of life can minimize their stress, allowing you to create more happy memories together,” shared Amanda Howland, co-founder and CCO of ElleVet Sciences. “As your pet gets older, it’s important to be proactive in identifying the signs of aging, such as difficulty moving, trouble sleeping, and social isolation. It’s all about more time, and more quality time with your pet, and for them, aging and stress are intertwined so taking care of discomfort-related aging and cognitive decline can reduce their stress significantly.” The concern shared by the survey respondents (and other pet parents nationwide) clearly illustrates how important our pets are in our lives. While 73% of those surveyed described their pet as their “protector,” they serve many other vital roles in our lives – our best friends, sounding boards, cheerleaders, motivators, and companions. Your senior pet may require some changes around the home. Throw rugs can be used to provide traction on slippery floors. Safety gates are key for blocking off unsafe areas like staircases that could lead to injury. Caring for our senior pets may be stressful, but it’s also an opportunity to repay our pets for everything they have given us throughout their lives. Even just setting aside time in your schedule each day for a walk around the block followed by a short cuddle on the couch can positively impact their lives, reducing stress and promoting better health. “Just like us, pets’ needs can change as they age, so their daily routines, diet, and exercise may need to be adjusted to improve their quality of life, as well as adding high-quality supplements,” Howland explained. “Small adjustments can ensure your pet’s golden years are less stressful for both themselves and their human companion.”

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