Animal Protein vs Plant Protein:What’s The Big Difference? & What’s best for dogs?
Protein helps to build, repair, and maintain the body’s structures. Foods derived from plants and animals can both provide protein. However, there are some differences.Protein exists throughout the body, in everything from the muscles and organs to the bones, skin, and hair. The body does not store protein like it does other macronutrients, so this protein has to come from the diet.
Proteins are made up of amino acids. A person’s body needs a balance of all 22 types of amino acids to function correctly.
The body cannot produce nine of these acids, called essential amino acids.
A complete protein source refers to a type of food that contains all nine.
Having the right balance of amino acids can build muscle and help the body to recover from exercise quickly. Understanding the differences between plant and animal proteins is important for anyone who wants to ensure that their diet is healthful.
Proteins are one of the most important nutrients in our body. They give structural as well as functional support. Proteins also help in building and repairing tissues. Moreover, they also form the building block for bones, blood, skin and muscles.
As it is such an important nutrient, it goes without saying that one is advised to have a diet rich in protein. However, the human body is incapable of storing protein on its own, therefore it is important to consume a reasonable amount of protein everyday. When protein is consumed, it breaks down into amino acids. There are 22 amino acids and the right balance of all of these are required for good health. These amino acids are further broken down into essential and non-essential amino acids. While our body can produce non-essential amino acids, there are 9 essential amino-acids that the human body does not produce. For acquiring these 9 essential amino acids, our body needs animal or plant proteins in our diet. Any food item that consists of these nine essential amino acids is considered to be a complete source of protein.
Difference between animal and plant protein
The difference between animal and plant proteins lies in the number of amino acids present in them. A few of the animals products are complete sources of protein providing all nine amino acids. These animal protein-rich foods are fish, eggs, red meat and poultry products like chicken. On the other hand, all plant products lack in either one or the other required essential amino acid. This makes plant proteins less efficient in providing a complete protein nutrition. However, some argue that plant products like quinoa and buckwheat are complete sources of protein but the amount of some amino acids present in them are so less that the effect is rendered almost negligible.
Animal proteins are complete proteins. That means they contain all the essential amino acids that you need in your diet. Plant proteins are often, but not always, incomplete sources of protein, There are benefits and concerns with both types of protein. But diets that rely mostly on plants for protein have been linked to a lower risk of stroke, heart disease, and early death.
Proteins are essential for a myriad of critical functions in our dogs’ bodies. They are fundamental in processes such as tissue growth and repair, immune health, oxygen transportation, hormone production, for energy and even facilitate the thousands of chemical reactions occurring daily in your pooch.
Proteins themselves are made up of different combinations of smaller units called amino acids and inside the body proteins are continuously being broken down into amino acids and then rebuilt for use. While dogs can make many of these amino acids in sufficient amounts to then form proteins, there are some that can only be obtained through nutrition and thus it’s crucial they are present in our pups’ diets. These are aptly named the 10 essential amino acids.
Animal source proteins are considered ‘complete’ proteins for dogs as they provide the essential amino acids in the correct ratios your hungry hounds need. When the source is from animal muscle or organ meat (offal), it is also highly digestible, meaning the protein they eat is actually being absorbed in the small intestine and used in the body and not just coming out the other end! In contrast, most plant proteins are not considered ‘complete’ as they either lack certain amino acids or don’t contain them in sufficient quantities. This can be circumvented in dog food by including two or more plant sources of protein that when fed together provide the full complement of essential amino acids. Soy is the exception to this as it contains the full compliment of essential amino acids, which is why it is a popular ingredient in many commercial dog foods. However, whilst studies have shown our omnivorous friends can digest these proteins, unless they are highly processed, plant source protein including soy is less digestible than its animal source counterpart.
Dogs Need Protein
Different dogs have different needs depending on their breed, size, age, and other unique health factors. But one thing remains true for all dogs: protein is essential to their wellbeing. Protein supplies the body with amino acids which in turn help to build and strengthen the immune system, muscles, ligaments, tendons, cartilage, hair, nails, and skin. There are 10 essential amino acids that dogs (and humans) need to maintain a healthy, functioning body.
So it’s not just physical health but also appearance which protein plays a big part in. It also aids the production of enzymes and hormones, and is an essential element in keeping both humans and dogs healthy as they grow old. Both plant proteins and animal proteins can perform these functions. But are all proteins equal?
Which is better for health?
When choosing between plant and animal sources of protein, it is important to factor in the other nutrients that the foods provide.
Foods rich in protein can have widely ranging nutritional profiles.
Certain sources of animal protein can contain high levels of heme iron and vitamin B-12, while some plant-based foods lack these nutrients.
On the other hand, plant-specific nutrients, called phytonutrients, and some antioxidants are absent from sources of animal protein.
Animal products contain saturated fat and higher levels of cholesterol than sources of plant protein. A person may wish to avoid animal products for these reasons.
Many used to believe that dietary cholesterol was associated with cardiovascular disease. While recent evidence suggests the Institute of Medicine (IOM) still recommends limiting dietary cholesterol.
Fiber is another important factor. Only plant-based foods contain fiber, which helps to keep the digestive system balanced.
Eating more plant protein may also improve a person’s overall health.
Results of a 2016 meta-analysis suggested that eating more animal protein, especially that derived from processed red meat, may increase the risk of dying from cardiovascular disease.
However, researchers noted that they only found the link between animal protein and cardiovascular disease in people with at least one lifestyle-related risk factor, such as smoking, heavy alcohol intake, or being overweight or obese.
The results also indicated that eating more plant protein may help to reduce this risk and others.
In general, the best way to cover a person’s dietary needs is to eat a wide variety of foods.
Which is better for building muscle?
Athletes and others looking to increase muscle mass and reduce the amount of time it takes to recover from exercise often pay close attention to their protein intake.
Protein helps repair and build up the muscles after a rigorous workout.
Many athletes turn to whey protein for building muscle. This type of protein is easier for the body to break down and absorb, which can give whey an edge over other sources, such as meat, eggs, and vegetables.
Regarding plant-based sources, one study suggests that that rice protein isolate may offer similar benefits to whey protein.
Many people recommend consuming a combination of plant-derived proteins after a workout. This can provide the body with a range of amino acids.
Where Should Dogs Get Their Protein?
In the human world, there’s been a major shift towards plant-based eating as a healthier and more sustainable option. Similarly, many human food products now come with ‘added protein’ ‘low sugar’ or ‘reduced fat’ – options that aren’t as common in the dog food market.
So if you’re considering feeding your dog a plant-based diet, you’ll have to do a lot of work to make sure they’re getting all the proteins they need to produce enough of the 10 essential amino acids required to keep their muscles, coat, and everything else healthy.
And since animal proteins are generally a higher quality protein – in that they are ‘complete’ proteins that contain the right ratios of all amino acids – meat is undeniably the healthiest and easiest way to serve protein to your dog. In fact, any AAFCO-approved dog food formula is guaranteed to contain the correct serving of protein to deliver all those healthy acids.
Rich protein sources
A wide variety of both animal and plant protein sources are available for you to enjoy.
Animal protein sources
Rich sources of animal proteins include
- eggs
- fish and seafood
- lean meat
- poultry
- wild game
- dairy products such as milk, yogurt, and cheese
Generally, animal protein sources also supply other important nutrients, including vitamin B12 and a type of iron called heme iron. Heme iron is more readily absorbed than the iron found in plant foods, which is known as non-heme iron .
Keep in mind that some animal proteins are less nutritious than others. For example, ultra-processed animal products such as hot dogs and chicken nuggets are high in unhealthy fats and sodium and aren’t ideal for overall health.
Instead, choose nutritious sources of animal-based protein like whole eggs, salmon, chicken, turkey, and shellfish.
Plant protein sources
There are many sources of plant proteins, such as:
- beans
- nuts
- legumes
- soybean products like tofu, tempeh, and edamame
- buckwheat
- Ezekiel bread
- quinoa
- wheat
- wild rice
- nutritional yeast
- chia seeds
- hemp seeds
- spirulina
Ezekiel bread, quinoa, buckwheat, spirulina, soybeans, nutritional yeast, chia seeds, and hemp seeds contain all nine essential amino acids, meaning they are complete protein sources .
Other plant protein sources, such as beans, nuts, legumes, wheat, and wild rice, are too low in or missing one or more essential amino acids.
However, because plant foods contain varying amounts of different amino acids, getting all the essential amino acids on an exclusively plant-based diet is still manageable — it may just take a little more effort.
Consuming a varied diet and combining complementary plant proteins, as in the peanut butter sandwich mentioned earlier, will ensure that you get all the essential amino acids in your diet.
Some other examples of complete protein combinations are hummus and pita bread, rice and beans, and pasta salad with kidney beans.
Amino Acids in Protein
What you actually need from protein are the amino acids. You need 20 different ones. Your body makes some of them, but you must get nine from your diet. These are called essential amino acids.
Complete proteins provide all nine essential amino acids. Sources of complete protein include:
- Dairy products
- Poultry
- Beef
- Pork
- Eggs
- Quinoa
- Whole sources of soy such as tofu, edamame, and tempeh
Most plant sources of protein are incomplete. However, you can get all the essential amino acids you need from plant foods, as long as you eat a variety of them. Sources of plant protein are:
- Nuts
- Seeds
- Whole grains
- Legumes such as beans, peas, and lentils
- Vegetables
What Is The Difference Between Animal Protein and Plant Protein?
While the obvious difference between these two types of protein is that one is sourced from meat and the other from plants, the distinctions actually run even deeper.
From meat, the proteins available tend to be of a higher quality, and also more bioavailable meaning dogs can more easily benefit from the amino acids that the protein provides. Plant proteins, on the other hand, tend to only have small amounts of essential amino acids, and are less bioavailable because plants also contain tannin and other compounds that bind protein.
Therefore, dogs can get essential amino acids from both plants and animal sources, but those from meat are far more beneficial, and easier to obtain in one serving, than from plants. But that’s not to say plants should be omitted from your dog’s diet: no animal can survive on one protein source alone, and plant proteins have been proven to offer improved cardiovascular health amongst a wealth of other benefits.
Benefits of Plant Protein
The type of protein you eat may be more important than the amount. Plant-based protein provides plenty of nutrients, fiber, and antioxidants that can improve your overall health. The benefits of plant-based diet may include:
Protection against heart disease. A review of eight studies found that people who followed a vegan or vegetarian diet were 30% less likely to die from ischemic heart disease than people who ate meat. Plant-based diets are lower in saturated fats, iron, and hormones.
Protection against cancer. Eating a diet rich in plant foods decreases your risk of cancer. Phytochemicals are substances found in plants that may help prevent cancer. Diets high in fiber can also help you control your weight and protect your gut health. Obesity is a risk factor for many diseases.
Protection against stroke. A healthy plant-based diet may decrease your risk of having a stroke by 10%. A healthy diet consists of lots of leafy greens, whole grains, and beans, and few refined grains and added sugars.
Protection against type 2 diabetes. People who follow plant-based diets have lower levels of type 2 diabetes than people who eat animal protein. People on plant-based diets are also less likely to be overweight. But the reduced risk of type 2 diabetes held up even among people of the same weight.
Benefits of Animal Protein
Animal protein also has some health benefits. People who ate low-fat sources of animal protein such as poultry and fish instead of red meat had a:
- Lower risk of type 2 diabetes
- Lower risk of heart disease
- Lower risk of colorectal, stomach, pancreatic, and prostate cancer
- Better weight control
Risks of Animal Protein
A study of over 100,000 people has shown that eating unprocessed and processed red meat has been linked to a shorter lifespan. Eating one additional serving of unprocessed red meat each day increases your risk of death by 13%. Eating one additional serving of processed red meat increases your risk of death by 20%.
Special Concerns About a Plant-Based Diet
To get the benefits of a plant-based diet, you need to eat a wide variety of healthy plant foods. A plant-based diet that includes a lot of processed foods and added sugars won’t provide the nutrition you need. On a plant-based diet, you need to make sure you get enough zinc, vitamin B12, protein, calcium, and vitamin D.
To get the nutrition you need on a plant-based diet:
- Eat a variety of plant-based foods high in protein.
- Drink plant milks that contain added calcium and vitamin D.
- Eat fortified cereals, whole grains, and beans for zinc and iron.
- Try nutritional yeast, an excellent source of vitamin B12.
- Eat lots of dark leafy greens for calcium.
Why Are Animal-Based Proteins Better For Dogs?
As we’ve already explained, both plant and animal proteins provide health benefits to dogs. But complete proteins that offer all 10 essential amino acids, like meat, are more bioavailable and are overall a more efficient way to ensure dogs get all the protein they need in their diet.
Dogs are omnivores, meaning they do still eat – and need – plants like fruit and vegetables. They offer much more than protein to your dog’s diet when fed alongside meats like chicken, beef, and fish.
Meat is also a better source of protein for dogs because it is much easier for them to digest. While humans are generally recommended to cut back on their meat consumption and eat more plants, dogs’ stomachs are not able to process large amounts of plant protein, but they are able to absorb all the protein from the meat they eat into their small intestine.
Because plants contain some but not all amino acids, many dog foods will include a mix of vegetables that together can deliver the right amount of protein that one meat source would offer.
Soy is the one plant protein that does contain all 10 essential amino acids. However, it’s highly processed and also an allergen that some dogs are unable to eat. So meat still remains the more efficient and digestible source of protein compared to plants.
So Why Do Dog Foods Contain So Much Plant Protein?
Like humans, the trick to a healthy dog is a well balanced and rounded diet. This means that feeding your dog ‘complete’ meat proteins straight from the butchers isn’t going to cut it – despite offering the complete protein they need.
So while some dog food manufacturers might be filling their foods with plant-based protein sources as a way to fit current veganism trends or to cut costs by removing expensive meats from the many, there are genuine benefits to a plant-rich diet for dogs.
Dog foods approved by the AAFCO, like Front of the Pack’s air-dried dog food, will be packed not only with fresh meat proteins, but also with fruit, veg, and other plants too. Because as well as protein, dogs need vitamins, minerals, fats, micronutrients, carbohydrates, fiber, and more to stay truly healthy.
MYTH: DOGS NEED MEAT FOR PROTEIN.
FACT: Dogs need protein, but it doesn’t have to come from meat. Plant foods like peas, lentils, and chickpeas are high in protein and easily digestible for dogs. Dog food companies have been using these plant-based protein sources for decades, and dogs in India have been on meatless diets for centuries. While dogs do require certain nutrients in their diets, they do not require specific ingredients.
MYTH: PLANT PROTEINS ARE “INCOMPLETE.”
FACT: Plant-based dog foods can provide all the amino acids your dog needs. Dogs require 10 amino acids in their diets, so be sure to look for a plant-based diet that meets AAFCO standards for dog nutrition.
Myth: Protein from meat is healthier than protein from plants.
FACT: Meat-based protein comes with health risks. Studies have found carcinogenic compounds in meat-based pet food, and chronic diseases like kidney failure have been observed in dogs consuming these foods. Meat-based pet food manufacturers typically source “4-D meat” from animals that are disabled, diseased, dying or dead on arrival at the slaughterhouse. Recalls are common due to poor quality control.
MYTH: MEAT-BASED PROTEIN IS MORE “NATURAL.”
FACT: Dogs have been thriving on plant protein for thousands of years, thanks to their side-by-side evolution with humans. The concept of plant protein is not new, and even meat-based pet food companies use it in their diets. Additionally, plant-based protein is an excellent option for sensitive and allergy-prone dogs, since animal protein allergies are surprisingly common.
MYTH: THE MORE PROTEIN, THE BETTER.
Fact: Too much protein can be difficult for dogs to process. According to AAFCO, adult dogs require at least 18% protein in their diets, and puppies at least 22.5%. What about those “high-protein” dog foods that boast nearly double these numbers? Research suggests that high-protein, grain-free diets can lead to uremia, or the inability of the kidneys to remove waste from the blood. Protein, as opposed to carbohydrates and fats, is not an ideal source of energy, and excess protein can be stored in the body as fat. High-protein dog foods are often calorie-dense as well, which may be a contributing factor to obesity.
Compiled & Shared by- This paper is a compilation of groupwork provided by the
Team, LITD (Livestock Institute of Training & Development)
Image-Courtesy-Google
Reference-On Request.
