--- title: Why your dog needs more than one type of protein description: Protein is an important component of ensuring your dog’s health. A variety of protein types in the diet of dogs helps them grow and develop properly. image: https://blog.ironwillraw.com/hubfs/Iron%20Will%20-%20Products.jpg --- [![Iron Will Raw Inc.](https://blog.ironwillraw.com/hs-fs/hubfs/raw_assets/public/Iron_Will_Raw_September2021/images/IWR_WhiteLogo.png?width=504&height=1033&name=IWR_WhiteLogo.png "Iron Will Raw Inc.")](https://ironwillrawdogfood.com/) - [PRODUCTS](https://ironwillrawdogfood.com/collections/all) - - [Basic Meals](https://ironwillrawdogfood.com/collections/ground-formulas) - [Original Dinners](https://ironwillrawdogfood.com/collections/original-formulas) - [Puppy](https://ironwillrawdogfood.com/collections/puppy) - [Variety Packs](https://ironwillrawdogfood.com/collections/variety-packs) - [Meal Deals](https://ironwillrawdogfood.com/collections/meal-deals) - [Bones & Extras](https://ironwillrawdogfood.com/collections/raw-meaty-bones) - [Adored Beast](https://ironwillrawdogfood.com/collections/supplements) - [North Hound Life](https://ironwillrawdogfood.com/collections/north-hound-life) - 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[Delivery](https://ironwillrawdogfood.com/pages/deliveries) - [Home Delivery FAQ](https://ironwillrawdogfood.com/pages/home-delivery-faq) - [Contact](https://ironwillrawdogfood.com/pages/contact-us) - [Retailer Information](https://ironwillrawdogfood.com/pages/retail-support) - [Become a Retailer](https://ironwillrawdogfood.com/pages/retailer-application) - [Retail Support](https://ironwillrawdogfood.com/pages/retail-support-1) - [My Account](https://ironwillrawdogfood.com/account/login) # Why your dog needs more than one type of protein August 02, 2017 ![Iron Will - Products.jpg](https://blog.ironwillraw.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Iron%20Will%20-%20Products.jpg?width=640&name=Iron%20Will%20-%20Products.jpg)  Protein is a building block of your dog’s nutrition. It is a necessary part of your dog’s diet in order for them to grow and develop properly. One of the main benefits of protein for dogs is a part of protein itself, amino acids. In order to see the benefits of amino acids, don’t just use one type of meat, focus on a balanced diet that includes a variety of protein that your dog will enjoy. # Types of Food There are two types of food that are acceptable for your dog and both are meant to create a balance in your dog’s natural raw food diet. These are food of [animal origin and plant origin](http://www.petmd.com/dog/nutrition/evr_dg_focusing_on_protein_in_the_diet). Your typical meat protein consists of poultry, lamb, beef, pork  and fish, complemented by carefully selected plant origin foods (selected vegetables at a low percentage to increase trace minerals and nutrients). Providing your dog with a species appropriate balance of both will ensure they’re receiving all their nutrients in order to thrive. # Balanced Diet  We've discussed [the concept of a balanced diet for dogs before](https://blog.ironwillraw.com/are-raw-dog-food-diets-balanced). It is important that your dog's diet is balanced over time; it is unrealistic to try to provide a balanced meal every time your dog eats. Offering a variety of raw meat helps in the quest to offer your dog balance. Each type of protein that comes in different forms are meant to be unique. It is best to think about this as different specific amino acids being delivered to their system in a different way. Changing the type of meat protein your dog is eating will help them get all of the amino acids they need for the benefit of their health.  # Amino Acid Benefits Not all protein is created equal and every protein contains different levels of amino acids. Your dog cannot produce all the amino acids they need on their own, so they need to get some from their food. All amino acids work together to provide the protein your dog needs to use, build and restore their muscle. For the purpose of providing all amino acids your dog needs, it is best to offer variety of different meats to your dog in order to maintain their overall health. # Interpreting Pet Food When it comes to choosing the right food for your dog in regards to protein there is a choice to make. Feeding raw meat to dogs as part of a healthy diet is a great first step. Being able to read and actually recognize what’s in your dog’s food gives you as an owner peace of mind. When you're looking for healthy food for dogs the task can be daunting, but when you choose an all natural raw dog food diet, you’re giving your dog the best wholesome ingredients that come in a variety of flavours and protein. Protein is your key ingredient to having your dog maintain its daily routine. Feel free to [contact us](https://ironwillrawdogfood.com/pages/contact-us) at Iron Will Raw to select the proper proteins for your dog. 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