True or False?

Protein is the most important nutrient in a dog's diet.

(scroll to the bottom to find the answer!)

Back in May, five tiny puppies were left in a bag in a Walmart parking lot in McPherson, Kansas. They were just one week old. Shelter staff at the McPherson Animal Shelter had no idea who left them or why, but they knew what had to happen next: around-the-clock bottle feeding, warmth, and a whole lot of care from volunteers who showed up every single day.

Weeks passed. The puppies grew stronger. Then came a twist that made the whole story even sweeter: their mom, a dog named Shrimpy, was eventually brought to the same shelter, and the family was reunited. DNA results later revealed the pups are a mix of American Staffordshire Terrier, Pit Bull, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Siberian Husky, and Rottweiler.

Now six weeks old, all five puppies are healthy, happy, and officially ready to find their forever homes. These five made it through the hardest start imaginable, and now they're just waiting for someone to give them the life they deserve.

Protein is the foundation of a healthy dog diet. It supports muscle maintenance, a strong immune system, and steady energy. And while most dog foods include some protein, many are more carb-heavy than people realize. The good news is there are some really easy, vet-approved ways to bump up the protein in your dog's daily routine without overhauling everything.

A few ideas worth trying:

• Add a scrambled or boiled egg. Eggs are one of the most bioavailable protein sources you can offer a dog. They're inexpensive, easy to prepare, and most dogs absolutely love them. Just skip the butter or oil.

• Try a lean fish like salmon. Oily fish are packed with omega-3 fatty acids alongside protein, which means you're supporting your dog's coat and immune system at the same time. Baked or broiled is best.

• Swap in high-protein treats. Not all treats are created equal. If you're giving treats daily anyway, choosing ones made with real meat or fish as the primary ingredient is an easy win that adds up over time.

• Look at your kibble's protein percentage. Most vets recommend a diet where protein makes up at least 18-25% of total calories for adult dogs, and higher for active or senior pups.

One thing worth keeping in mind: some health conditions, like kidney disease, actually require lower protein intake. So if your dog has any existing conditions, always run dietary changes by your vet first. For healthy dogs, though, a little more protein can go a long way.

If your dog eats kibble for most meals, chances are they're not getting much variety in their diet, and variety matters more than you might think. Different proteins provide different nutrients, and without them, dogs can miss out on the benefits that a single food source just can't offer.

That's where The Country Butcher comes in. Born out of a small-town butcher shop, they know meat, and they know dogs love it. Every item features real meat as the first ingredient, no artificial ingredients are ever included, and everything is sourced exclusively from farms and ranches in the USA.

Why dog owners love it:

• Real meat, always: Every product starts with real meat as the first ingredient.

• Nothing artificial: No artificial ingredients, ever.

• Sourced in the USA: From farms and ranches you can trust.

• Variety packs available: Let your pup enjoy different items, which helps reduce boredom and improve their overall chewing experience.

Adding a mix of bones, chews, and treats is an easy way to boost your dog's protein intake and give them nutrients a traditional kibble-only diet might miss.

Give your dog treats as good as the ingredients in them. Shop The Country Butcher today.

Thank you to The Country Butcher for sponsoring Daily Dig.

Meet Mocha, a 7-month-old Chihuahua/Afenpinscher mix who's already living his best life after being adopted from Oregon Dog Rescue in Portland. Daily Dig reader Michele introduced us to this little guy, and honestly, one look at those ears and that face and you completely get why she fell for him.

Mocha loves rolling in the grass and meeting new friends, which tells you pretty much everything you need to know about his personality. He's curious, social, and ready for whatever the day brings. Seven months old and already fully settled into being adored. We love that for him.

Thank you to Daily Dig reader Michele for sharing Mocha with us. Want to see your dog featured next? Reply to this email with their photo and a little about them for a chance to be our next Dog of the Day!

• 🦴 See the bone that keeps your dog busy

• 🏆 People's dog of the week winners

• 📸 Cocker Spaniel puppy who looks like a model

• 💧 Why is my dog drinking so much water?

• 🐶 The 5 Walmart puppies ready for adoption

Adding a mix of bones, chews, and treats is an easy way to boost your dog's protein intake and give them nutrients a traditional kibble-only diet might miss.

Give your dog treats as good as the ingredients in them. Shop The Country Butcher today.

🐶 Join us on Instagram for more cute dog content

Daily Dig is inspired and brought to you by our wonderful dogs. Our dogs, and all the other pups out there, make the world a happier, brighter place.

With lots of love,

Ivy, Callie, Finnegan, Stitcher, and Huey 🐾

🦴 A Little Treat

🤔 True or False: True! Protein is widely considered the most essential nutrient in a dog's diet. It's what their bodies use to build and repair muscle, support the immune system, produce hormones and enzymes, and fuel daily energy. Dogs evolved as carnivores, and protein, especially from animal sources, is what their systems are built to run on.

🐶 DOTD: Give your pup the spotlight by submitting them for the dog of the day! Reply to this email with the best pictures of your dog. Be sure to include their name and a short description so they can be featured in an upcoming newsletter.

🥰 Spread positivity: Do you enjoy starting your day off with our community? If so, please consider forwarding this email to help us spread our love of all things dogs!

💌 Reply for a surprise: If you are reading this reply "woof" for a surprise in your inbox!

Welcome to Daily Dig! We’re a small team of dog lovers who strive to bring a pawsitive dose of pup content to your inbox every morning. Join our pack of over 180,000 paw pals when you subscribe today!