Date: 03/11/2025

Ensuring a balanced diet for pets is the starting point for promoting health, well-being, and longevity in dogs. As with human nutrition, a dog's diet must include essential nutrients in adequate proportions to meet metabolic requirements and prevent nutritional deficiencies.

The quality of pet food has been continuously improved, driven by scientific advances that recognize the fundamental role of nutrients in promoting the health and longevity of pets. Among these nutrients, proteins stand out for their multiple essential physiological functions.

Recent studies show that proteins are indispensable not only for tissue maintenance and repair, but also for the production of enzymes, hormones, antibodies, and hemoglobin, while also regulating metabolism and supporting the immune system The bioavailability and digestibility of protein sources are determining factors for the utilization of these nutrients by dogs.

In 2024, Brazil consolidated its position as the third largest pet market in the world, behind only the United States and China, with a 4.9% share of the sector's global revenue. The pet population in the country exceeded 160.9 million, with 62.2 million dogs and 30.8 million cats. The Brazilian pet sector recorded revenues of R$ 77.3 billion, a 12.6% increase over 2023. The pet food segment led the market, generating R$ 42.6 billion, which represents 55.1% of total revenue. These figures reflect the growing humanization of pets and the strengthening of the emotional bond between owners and animals, driving the consumption of products and services focused on health, nutrition, and well-being (ABINPET, 2024).

This scenario reinforces the importance of developing nutritionally complete and safe products that meet the expectations of owners and the physiological needs of animals. A balanced diet should include proteins, fats, carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins, and minerals at levels that ensure the proper functioning of the body and prevent nutritional deficiencies.

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Proteins: essential amino acids and source quality

Proteins provide amino acids, which are the basic elements for the growth and maintenance of dogs. These nutrients are essential for the development of new tissues, especially muscle tissue, and also participate in the production of enzymes, hormones, and antibodies. Therefore, dog diets should contain adequate levels of essential amino acids and an efficient supply of nitrogen for the synthesis of non-essential amino acids (NRC, 2006).

Adequate protein supply promotes muscle protein synthesis, reduces muscle breakdown, accelerates recovery after physical exertion, increases endurance, delays muscle fatigue, and conserves glycogen, in addition to providing additional energy when needed.

Protein quality is directly associated with its amino acid profile and bioavailability, i.e., its ability to be converted into animal tissue. High biological value proteins are those that provide all essential amino acids in adequate proportions (Thatcher et al., 2010).

In pet food formulation, therefore, not only the quantity but also the quality of protein must be considered. Ingredients with high digestibility and a balanced amino acid profile represent an effective strategy for promoting health, metabolic performance, and longevity in dogs.

Vitamins and minerals: metabolic cofactors and deficiency prevention

Vitamins and minerals are essential for the functioning of dogs' bodies, acting as metabolic cofactors in various biochemical reactions. Calcium and phosphorus, for example, are essential for bone mineralization, and their imbalance is related to orthopedic disorders, especially in large breeds. (GONZÁLEZ; CERONI, 2020).

In recent years, there has been growing interest in the antioxidant role of vitamins such as E and C, mainly due to their impact on cell preservation and the prevention of disorders associated with oxidative stress.

In the case of vitamin E, in particular, there is evidence that dogs in breeding and lactation phases have increased nutritional demands, which are essential to ensure reproductive performance and neonatal health (NRC, 2006). (NATIONAL RESEARCH COUNCIL). However, the effectiveness of this nutrient depends on factors such as possible losses during the oxidation of oils and fats present in diets, in addition to the specific needs at each stage of the animal's life.

Together, the interaction between vitamins E and C of these two nutrients enhances cellular antioxidant defense, supporting pancreatic health optimization of fat digestion, and increased bioavailability of vitamin E itself in the body (Surai, 2002). This interaction even allows for a reduction in the amount of vitamin E needed to maintain lipid integrity without compromising cellular protection.

Thus, the proper balance of antioxidant vitamins and minerals is strategic to ensure not only metabolic maintenance, but also to prolong vitality and prevent age-related diseases.

Preventive nutrition and canine longevity

Canine nutrition is increasingly being studied as a strategy for disease prevention and longevity promotion. Complete and balanced diets not only ensure the maintenance of vital functions, but can also slow cellular aging, preserve cognitive function, and reduce the risk of chronic diseases throughout life.

In this context, functional ingredients such as BioActio® Health & Performance, developed by MBRF Ingredients, offer relevant advantages. It is a hydrolyzed chicken protein, rich in bioactive peptides with hypoallergenic properties, high digestibility, and recognized physiological action, including antihypertensive, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory activity. These low molecular weight peptides are efficiently absorbed, helping to balance digestion, reduce fecal volume, and enhance animal comfort and well-being, in addition to ensuring high palatability and nutritional efficiency.

By combining science, technology, and innovation in the production of functional proteins, MBRF Ingredients reinforces the role of preventive nutrition as an ally to the health and longevity of dogs, offering solutions that deliver both nutritional performance and enhanced quality of life.

Final considerations

A balanced diet for dogs depends on the adequate supply of macronutrients and micronutrients from high-quality sources and in proportions that meet the specific metabolic requirements of each stage of life. Nutritional deficiencies or excesses can directly impact the health, well-being, and longevity of animals. In this scenario, the choice of reliable and scientifically backed ingredients is crucial for the pet food industry to develop complete and excellent products.

Innovative solutions such as BioActio® Health & Performance, from MBRF Ingredients, exemplify this advance. It is a Hydrolyzed Chicken Protein, rich in bioactive peptides with hypoallergenic properties, high digestibility, and recognized physiological functions.

By combining science, technology, and innovation in the production of functional proteins, MBRF Ingredients reinforces the role of preventive nutrition as an ally of health and longevity in dogs, offering solutions that add value to animal quality of life.

If you want to learn about innovative protein solutions for pet nutrition, explore the MBRF Ingredients portfolio and discover how to transform formulations into true allies of animal health.