THE DELETERIOUS EFFECT IN DOGS OF A DRY PROTEIN RATION 1

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Abstract
Dry protein in small amts. (1.5 gm./kgm.) without water maintains dogs in N equilibrium without change in the N excretion. Larger amts. of protein (2-7.2 gm./kgm.) increase the metabolism of protein and the nitrogenous end-products in the urine. The increased excretion of N necessitates a large urine volume, even when dehydration is present. Dry protein in amts. greater than that necessary for N equilibrium, without adequate supplies of water, increases dehydration and decreases survival time. Similar amts. of protein with an adequate intake of water (whole fish) will maintain dogs in an excellent condition for at least 4 weeks.) In the dog, administration of carbohydrate can conserve water. The economy of body water results chiefly from a decrease in protein metabolism and in the amt. of N necessitating excretion. In addition, the water of oxidation of the carbohydrate is made available.