Carnivore Basics, Chapter 3 - Meat

Brenda Hagel © 2003

Meat provides the essential amino acids, which are used for protein synthesis in the growth and repair of tissue and is the body’s principal source of nitrogen. Nitrogen is essential for the synthesis of non-essential amino acids. The dog requires preformed amino acids to be present in adequate amounts and ideally this should be made available through a rotation of meat sources in the diet. Knowing that ten amino acids are essential and that they must come from dietary sources, it only makes sense that we choose quality animal protein.

Dogs are primarily carnivores and that means first and foremost, they need to eat meat. With this understanding we should feel confident placing protein high on the list of dietary requirements.

Protein has numerous functions in the body. It is the major structural component of hair, skin, nails and connective tissue. All enzymes are comprised of protein, as are many hormones. The body’s immune system and musculoskeletal system also rely upon protein substances for normal functioning. Mature dogs require dietary protein for the replacement of losses in skin, hair, digestive enzymes, and mucosal cells. Young dogs and reproducing females have these same requirements plus an added requirement for the growth of new tissue or production of milk. Performance dogs may need slightly more protein to maintain and build muscle. Meat in a natural, fresh form is readily digestible. Meat is an important part of a raw diet, but it has to be accompanied by bone.

Bones

The basic nutrient requirements of the dog have remained the same throughout millions of years of evolution. Dogs are primarily meat eaters, but they do need a balanced source of minerals to maintain true health. Fresh bone is essential for providing these important elements in the diet. The inorganic, or mineral content of bone is mainly calcium phosphate, calcium carbonate and magnesium phosphate along with small amounts of trace and macro minerals. The remaining organic content is a gelatinous material called collagen with small amounts of chondroitin sulfate, keratin sulfate and phospholipids. Fresh bone contains only small amounts of the essential amino acids found within the collagen. Some types of bones contain more or less fat that is enclosed in the center of the bone. This is called “ marrow. ” It is a rich mixture of fat and blood elements such as iron and copper and is the principal organ that forms blood cells in mammals. The bone of young animals is composed largely of cartilage and is therefore pliable reducing the incidence of bone fracture and breakage. These soft bones are a valuable source of minerals for dogs as they can be consumed in their entirety.

The single most important factor about bone is that it provides an excellent biological source for calcium and naturally balanced phosphorus. Calcium is an essential mineral since it is part of so many body functions. Calcium acts in cooperation with phosphorus to build and maintain bones and teeth. It is crucial for healthy blood and it regulates the heartbeat. In addition, calcium assists in the process of blood clotting and helps prevent the accumulation of too much acid or too much alkali in the blood. It is also responsible for muscle growth, muscle contraction and nerve transmission.

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