4 reasons to add more protein to your diet! Animal protein vs plant protein

Physiological requirement for protein in dogs and cats

The body of carnivores is mainly adapted to eating food of animal origin - this is a biological fact that cannot be denied. Protein compounds entering the body with food break down into amino acids, which serve as building materials for organs and tissues, participate in many life support processes, are necessary for the formation of hormones and enzymes, and perform a protective and transport function.

Accordingly, every dog ​​and cat has a physiological need for a certain amount of protein necessary for the normal functioning of the body. For a cat that lives in comfortable conditions and does not experience much physical activity, the minimum requirement is 5.3–6 g of protein per kg of body weight per day (maximum 10 g per kg); dogs optimally require 4.5–6 g of protein per kg of body weight (maximum - 9 g at increased loads).

What is protein?

Proteins are the main structural compounds of muscle tissue in the human body. In order for cells to receive these nutrients, enzymes located in the gastrointestinal tract break them down into simpler compounds - amino acids.

In this form, proteins are carried throughout the body by the circulatory system and nourish the cells. Proteins play one of the most important biological roles in human life. They perform a lot of fundamental functions at once, which we will talk about below.

It does not matter that the body is not capable of producing proteins on its own. A person can get these substances only from food. Therefore, their balance must be constantly maintained throughout life. In this sense, proteins are similar to essential amino acids.

A lack of protein foods can cause serious harm to health and lead to disruptions in the functioning of many organs.

https://youtu.be/SuG7vzYQxjE

Protein is not equal to meat

On the packaging of Acana or Orijen food you can see large numbers of 60%, 75% or 85%, which many take to indicate the protein content of the food. In fact, they reflect the total amount of meat ingredients included in the product. To provide dogs and cats with protein according to their physiological needs, we avoid plant-based proteins, especially grains, and add up to 85% animal sources to our foods, which combine fresh, raw and dehydrated ingredients.

So, when you see this number on the packaging of Acana and Orijen, do not be alarmed, it informs you about the total amount of animal ingredients in the food, and not at all about the protein content in it. Other manufacturers sometimes indicate other information in large numbers on the package, and in each case you need to delve into this separately.

In our Akana and Orijen foods, we strive to adhere to biological compliance - our diets are as close in composition as possible to the natural diets of animals in nature. Thanks to excellent raw materials, we are able to provide the feed with all the necessary amino acids, and due to the use of fresh meat and offal, we manage with a minimum of additives. For example, you won't see taurine or other isolated amino acids on cat food ingredient lists. There is no need to add these substances to the feed, because there are enough of them in meat components, which make up 50–85% of the composition of our feed.

In addition to muscle meat, the composition includes liver, kidneys, tripe, cartilage, which serve as suppliers of vitamins, minerals and other valuable trace elements. Agree that natural products are always better than supplements, because in nature animals do not consume vitamin complexes: they simply eat their prey entirely, thereby receiving all the necessary nutrients.

Recipe for foam with dry protein albumin

• 380 g concentrated liquid, such as cranberry or pomegranate juice or coconut water;
• 1.5 g albumin;
• 1 g xanthan gum.

Mix the liquid with albumin powder. Add the gum and stir again until it is completely dissolved. Attach a clean PVC hose to the aquarium compressor and insert the other end with the sprayer into the mixture. Turn on the compressor and wait until foam forms. Using a slotted spoon or spoon, collect the foam and transfer it to the finished dish you want to decorate.

Determination of protein levels in dry and wet food

To determine the amount of protein in a food, look for the “Guaranteed Analysis” table on its packaging, which indicates the protein content as a percentage. Please note that the food indicators on the packaging are indicated “as is in the food”, taking into account the moisture content (which can be 10-12% in dry food and up to 70-80% in canned food).

To determine the protein in feed in its pure form, if you want to compare its proportions in two diets, especially dry and wet, you need to recalculate this indicator to dry matter. This can be done using a simple formula:

P = Pw*100/(100-W), %

where P is the component content in dry material, %;

W—moisture content,%;

Pw—component content in wet material, %.

Example

Wet food contains 10% protein and 75% moisture.

10*100/(100-75) = 40%

Dry food - 26% crude protein and 10% moisture.

26*100/(100-10) = 28,9%

Please note that the first food contains more protein (although at first glance it may seem the other way around).

Using milk powder as a supplement

Powdered milk is highly valued by athletes because it is a good source of protein, which is required for rapid muscle gain. Until some time, when sports nutrition had not yet been developed, it served as the main source of protein for bodybuilders. Today this product is part of sports nutrition. Most athletes, in order to save money, use whole milk powder as a protein substitute.

All of the above indicates that “powdered” milk is used in bodybuilding as a nutritious protein product, provided its fat content and calorie content are respected. During active weight gain, the substance will allow the bodybuilder to increase the total calorie content, and will also help compensate for the lack of milk protein, which will have a beneficial effect on the strength and endurance of the athlete.

Moreover, “powdered” milk is used as the main source of amino acids, vitamin complexes and microelements, which plays an important role during heavy power loads, since these elements are the main building material for muscle fibers. The standard serving of milk powder for a bodybuilder is 100 grams, and when gaining muscle mass, athletes are advised to consume 2-3 servings per day. This product should be stored in sealed containers in a dry place, otherwise it may develop condensation and harmful microorganisms.

Modern protein preparations have come a long way from their ancestor - powdered milk. In fact, it is a completely hydrolyzed protein, which is a chain of molecules of 2-3 amino acids. Thus, the body does not need to do anything to absorb such protein. This is important when an athlete requires increased nutrition during physical activity, because the digestive system is not able to cope with foods rich in proteins, carbohydrates and fats 4-5 times a day. Abroad, sports nutrition, which also includes milk powder, is used in almost all active sports: hockey, wrestling, running, boxing. The only contraindication to this drug is lactose intolerance.

If you still want to use professional protein supplements, you can purchase a ready-made product.

Protein in feed according to GOST

We are often asked the question why the Russian GOST, which recommends standards for the production of feed for non-productive animals, indicates lower percentages of protein than in Acana and Orijen feeds. The fact is that GOST, like the European Federation of the Pet Food Industry (FEDIAF) and the Association of American Feed Control Officers (AAFCO), stipulate only the minimum protein content.

For cat diets, a minimum of 30% is recommended for reproduction and growth, 26% for maintaining the body of an adult animal. For dog food - 22 and 18%, respectively. The difference in GOST for protein is due to the fact that cats are obligate (that is, strict) predators, and dogs are facultative. In their natural habitat or when given the opportunity to hunt, cats and dogs consume much more protein than these minimum levels. For example, a cat's natural prey, a mouse, dried to 10% moisture content (the average in dry diets), contains 43% protein.

Ways to Use Egg White Albumin

It can be used in two main ways: rehydrated and dry. To rehydrate the powder, combine 2 tsp. with 2 tbsp. warm water and leave it like that for a while. Stir gently. Don't beat it if you don't want it to instantly turn into foam. Avoid overheating as the white will immediately coagulate.

If you use albumin to make foam, also be sure to dilute it in warm liquid. Then aerate. Try using an aquarium compressor with a spray gun or oxygen bottles sold in pharmacies.

In dry form, the powder is used to create a more concentrated taste.

Protein content of Acana and Orijen feeds

Many people think that our food contains too much protein, because pet store shelves are dominated by products that have much lower protein content. Let's imagine a food with the AAFCO minimum recommended protein content of 18% on a dry matter basis. With an average feed moisture of 10%, we should see 16.4% protein in the guaranteed analysis. This is exactly the amount of this nutrient that will be contained in 100 g of food, and this is the daily requirement for a dog weighing 6-7. It is easy to calculate that per day she will receive only 2.7 g of protein per 1 kg of her weight, and this is almost 2 times less than the dog’s physiological need (4.5). In our food, the physiological needs of dogs and cats for protein are completely covered, and its content is optimal for the health of the animals.

How do dogs and cats survive if their food is low in protein? In this case, they can get energy either from fat or from carbohydrates. When the amount of protein in the feed is reduced, the amount of carbohydrates automatically increases, since the amount of fat cannot be changed significantly.

For example, we found a real food that contains only 13% protein:

• Protein 13.0%;
• fat 10.0%;
• fiber 2.5%;
• ash 4.3%;
• calcium 0.6%;
• phosphorus 0.4%;
• humidity 10.0%;
• extractive substances that do not contain nitrogen 60.2%.

If you didn’t immediately understand, then “extractive substances that do not contain 60.2% nitrogen” are carbohydrates. That is, a dog that is fed this product, instead of meat, eats starch, sugars and pentosans - what these very nitrogen-free extractive substances (NES) are made of.

We believe that such diets should not be considered suitable for dogs and cats that must eat meat.

Disturbances in the functioning of the body due to a lack or excess of protein

Disruption of energy metabolism, disruption of the functioning of internal organs such as the liver and pancreas, muscle atrophy - this is just a short list of the consequences of protein imbalance in the body.

Problems with protein deficiency

With a lack of protein, the following symptoms stand out most clearly:

1. The skin suffers, becoming dry, pale and wrinkled.
2. Digestion is upset.
3. The desire for sex decreases until it completely disappears.
4. Ladies run the risk of forgetting what menstruation days are.
5. Performance decreases.
6. Suffering from melancholy and depression, the ability to withstand stress is approaching zero.
7. Memory resembles a sieve, and any mental effort turns into Sisyphean labor.
8. They are plagued by ailments, ranging from the most minor to serious health problems.
9. Hair becomes dull and falls out faster.
10. The muscles “go away”, turning the arms and legs into sticks.
11. The wounds heal poorly and fester.
12. The pulse slows down and blood pressure drops.
13. The liver suffers.

Problems with excess protein

In addition to deficiency, there is also an excess of proteins in the body. In this case, the digestive and excretory systems undergo severe overload, which leads to the formation of rotting products in the digestive tract. And this causes intoxication and poisoning of the entire body.

Summing up

1. Whatever dogs and cats eat, they must receive the required amount of protein according to their biological needs.
2. An animal's diet should contain all essential amino acids, and it is better when they come in their natural form - from meat, fish and poultry.

These characteristics are fully met by Akana and Orijen food, which contain a lot of high-quality meat, fish and poultry to ensure the optimal amount of animal protein in the food in accordance with the needs of pets.

How is albumin obtained?

The enormous value of protein lies in its digestibility by the body. Those who want to build muscle or lose weight use this component in their diet. It is known that an egg contains 85% water, about 11% is fat, and less than 1% carbohydrates. The protein we are interested in contains many useful substances, such as: ovalbumin, conalbumin, lysozyme, ovomucine. To receive the correct amount of the component daily, it is advisable to drink special cocktails that are produced in factories. The protein is ground, dried and converted into powder.

There are two types - with the addition of yolk and albumin. The latter lacks all fats. During production, the component is exposed to high temperatures that kill microorganisms, but the protein remains active. The daily norm for each person is calculated individually. It all depends on the needs and the result that is being pursued.

Which protein should you choose?

As you can see, everyone should choose a protein based on their personal goals, capabilities and dietary preferences. If we summarize, we get the following picture:

For muscle growth

Research consistently supports whey protein's ability to stimulate muscle mass and improve recovery. Whey concentrate is less expensive than whey isolate and contains less protein by weight. Whey protein is best taken before and after workouts. Pea protein isolate will also help build muscle and tone.

For weight loss

Casein protein, whey protein, or a combination of both may be the best protein supplements for keeping you feeling full longer and losing weight.

For vegetarians

Vegans or vegetarians can benefit from plant-based protein powders. Myprotein offers soy protein isolate, which contains a lot of arginine, which means it promotes pumping. One serving of soy protein isolate contains a whopping 27 grams of protein. Pea protein isolate is also a great option for those following a plant-based diet. The product contains 23 g of protein per serving.

Protein in the cereal department

Porridge in an athlete’s diet is a complete source of carbohydrates and protein. Buckwheat and oatmeal contain a lot of protein; they take first place in the list of “sports” cereals. In addition to them, protein is contained in the following cereals:

• corn;
• wheat;
• pearl barley;
• rice;
• barley

Soba and quinoa are becoming increasingly popular products. Quinoa is gluten-free and contains calcium and up to 20% protein. This porridge will be useful for hypertension, cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. Soba is a healthy type of pasta because it is made from buckwheat flour. Contains B vitamins, potassium and calcium. Buckwheat noodles are slow carbohydrates; they normalize blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

The amount of plant proteins in seeds is not inferior to animal proteins. This high-calorie product contains up to 25% protein. The seeds have a positive effect on digestion and prevent atherosclerosis and myocardial infarction.

Flax seeds contain protein

Which seeds contain a lot of protein:

• pumpkin seeds;
• sunflower seeds;
• flax seeds.

The effect of protein on the body

So, thanks to protein we:

• more energetic
  ;
• are better able to resist diseases
  . Immune cells die when fighting infections, and protein is needed to build new ones;
• we absorb vitamins
  (proteins are a kind of transport for them);
• and we are even in a better mood
  !

A lack of protein will immediately affect your well-being and appearance!

But the opposite extreme in the form of a protein diet (eating only foods rich in protein) is also dangerous!

The functioning of the body without complete fats and carbohydrates is impossible. In addition, without fiber, the gastrointestinal tract simply will not be able to absorb the entire volume of incoming protein. We will talk about fats, carbohydrates and fiber separately.

You can find out your daily protein intake this way: calculate your daily caloric intake (how to do this quickly, read the article about the basics of PP). We take 30% of it, and take into account that 1 gram of protein contains 4 kcal.

For example, my daily calorie intake is 1846 Kcal, of which we allocate 30% to proteins:

1846*0.3=553 kcal corresponds to 553/4=138 grams of protein per day.

A simpler formula is very common: consume 1 gram of protein per 1 kg of body weight every day. And with sufficient physical or emotional stress - 2 grams of protein per 1 kg of body weight.

That is, with my 53 kg, I need to consume at least 53 grams. And with loads - 106 grams of protein every day.

Of course, these are only approximate figures; only a doctor can tell you a more accurate value. For example, after bioimpedance analysis of the body.

We divide the resulting daily protein intake between all meals. It is necessary to get from 10 to 30 grams per meal, no more will be absorbed! All protein above this amount will remain to rot in the intestines (I don’t even want to imagine what it will be like there) waiting for a sufficient amount of fiber and water to remove the excess.

Egg protein - pros and cons

Let's talk about the benefits so that everyone can understand whether they should take it and include it in their diet or not.

Positive traits:

• Gives a powerful anabolic response.
• Contains the largest percentage of amino acids.
• Prevents muscle breakdown by supporting fibers.
• Does not contain lactose or fat.
• Contains vitamins B, E, D.
• Provides 100% digestibility.
• Nourishes the body throughout the day
• Does not burden the kidneys.
• Does not threaten severe gastrointestinal consequences in case of overdose.

Unfortunately, there are also negative aspects, which we will also consider.

Negative facts:

• Causes bloating, gas, constipation.
• May cause an allergic reaction.
• It has a specific taste and bitterness.
• When preparing a drink, the protein produces strong foam, causing discomfort.
• Low absorption rate, which does not allow closing the protein window immediately after training.
• High price.

Despite the fact that the price is indeed higher than others, many athletes choose egg whites.

If we say that bodybuilding only uses dried egg whites, then this is not true. Many professionals and amateurs consume albumin in this form for a number of benefits. First of all, there is no excess water or fat in the composition. In this form, pure protein is present. In addition, there is no danger of contracting salmonellosis or other diseases due to proper processing in the laboratory. Another plus is that you don’t need to throw away the yolk and regret wasting the product. It is much easier to store a dry preparation. Its shelf life is longer than that of raw eggs. When opened, it can retain its beneficial properties for almost a year. It is easy to use: you can steam it, add it to food, or make cocktails. Simply add water and drink the intended portion. Its versatility has a beneficial effect on the diet.

Protein powder can be made at home, but you will need several trays of eggs. Get ready to blend 25-30 pieces without yolk in a blender to ultimately get 300 g of dry matter. After a thick head has been obtained, it should be poured onto a flat tray in a thin layer and placed in a drying cabinet. As soon as the foam dries and turns into flakes, they need to be collected and crushed. That's it, now you can take homemade albumin.

If you don’t want to experiment and consider buying a branded protein safer, then be prepared to pay a higher price than for casein protein. In any case, professional developments are of higher quality, safer and more effective, so it is better not to experiment, but to select your favorite manufacturer and use their products.

- an excellent substitute for a regular chicken egg that does not break, does not spoil for a long time and has the same beneficial properties! The so-called melange is a concentrate of eggs after pasteurization, filtration and drying. The resulting semi-finished product is bacteriologically safe and easy to use.

Protein in legumes

In food products containing protein, legumes are valuable sources of vegetable protein. They form the basis of nutrition for a vegetarian athlete:

• Dried lentils. Contains B vitamins and essential amino acids. It is well absorbed by the body, improves blood flow and reduces the amount of sugar in the blood.
• Dark blue beans. They have a positive effect on digestion and lower cholesterol levels. Contains iron, magnesium and folic acid.
• Peas. Contains amino acids and normalizes digestion. This is a high-calorie product that reduces the development of atherosclerosis.

Protein in seafood

Fish and seafood products are rich in protein and Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids. This protein is completely absorbed by the body. Sea fish contains more vitamin D and iodine than river fish; it normalizes the functioning of the thyroid gland, improves vision and improves memory. Which seafood contains protein:

• Salmon (per 100 g – 20 g of protein). It is highly valued for its beneficial effects on the nervous system, immunity and women's health. Salmon affects fat burning and increases attention.
• Octopus (15 g protein per 100 g). Contains high levels of Omega-3, potassium and phosphorus. It has a positive effect on the immune system, on the functioning of the heart and blood vessels, and lowers cholesterol in the blood.
• Yellowfin tuna. 100g of yellowfin tuna contains as much as 30g of protein. This product is a valuable source of muscle mass.

What can you make from egg powder?

Due to better foaming and the ability to retain sugar well, the powdered product is actively used in the manufacture of creams, meringues, meringues, mousses, soufflés, desserts, cakes and pastries. Using egg powder instead of eggs is beneficial when it is necessary to speed up the production process, reduce energy and labor costs, and also increase the sanitary level of production. At home, dry concentrate can also be used in various dishes and baked goods.

Cooking an omelet

To prepare an omelet you will need:

• 1 tbsp. spoon of powder;
• 1/3 cup milk;
• 10 g butter.

In milk that has been boiled and cooled to 50 o C, it is necessary to dilute dry egg melange, adding in small portions, and leave to swell for half an hour. After this, the mixture can be poured onto a heated and oiled frying pan.

Fans of desserts based on French meringue will also like the use of dried egg whites. Many recipes are prepared without heat treatment, so fresh eggs can be a source of salmonella contamination, which is excluded when using powder.

Why do you need protein supplements?

Protein is the basis for building muscles and skeleton . Their strength depends on it. With its help, strong joints, strong muscles, strong hair, and good skin are formed.

If a person leads a normal lifestyle, that is, without intense physical activity, then the daily intake of protein, which the body receives from food, is sufficient

However, regular physical activity increases the body's need for protein. People who are involved in fitness and professional sports take protein supplements to improve their performance. Thus, protein is necessary for the construction of new muscle fibers , without which the growth of muscle mass is impossible, as well as for the restoration of destroyed fibers, which occurs due to intense physical activity.

Thus, the main purpose of taking protein powder is a source of amino acids , which help to recover faster after workouts, as well as build muscle mass.

Protein is taken to build new muscle fibers