Are Amino Acids Important to the Diet?
Amino acids are the buildings blocks of proteins and their derivatives. Depending on the reference source, proteins include a total of 20 different amino acids. Cats require 11 essential, and dogs 10 essential amino acids. Essential amino acids means that they cannot be produced by the body and must therefore be provided as part of the diet.
What Role(s) Do Amino Acids Play in the Body?
Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins.
What are the Dietary Sources for Amino Acids?
Dietary proteins, chiefly from animal sources, and some from plant origins. Highly bioavailable dietary proteins are those that combine good digestibility and a high content of essential amino acids in the correct ratios. Unprocessed egg, meat (including organ meats such as heart, kidney, liver and lung) and fish qualify as bioavailable amino acid sources.
Too Much or Too Little Amino Acids in the Diet?
The absence of ANY of the essential amino acids from the diet stops the synthesis of proteins in the body.
