A bag of kibble that says “30% protein” might look impressive. But here’s the truth: your dog’s body can’t use that full 30%. What counts is how much protein is digestible and bioavailable once it’s broken down into amino acids.

Proteins are long chains of amino acids. Of the 20 amino acids dogs need, 10 are essential — they can’t be made in the body and must come from food. Without them, your dog can’t properly build or repair muscle, maintain joint health, or fuel daily energy.

That’s why amino acid bioavailability for dogs is the real measure of nutrition, not the crude protein number on a label.

Crude protein is a basic chemical test that detects nitrogen — not a measurement of how much usable nutrition is present. This creates three major problems for pet owners trying to make the best choice:

1. It doesn’t measure digestibility. A food may contain 25% protein but if it’s mostly from low-quality byproducts, your dog’s body absorbs very little.

2. It doesn’t account for amino acid balance. Protein sources differ — chicken, beef, peas, and corn each offer different amino acid profiles. Without balance, your dog may miss critical essentials.

3. It looks good on paper but not in real life. A food may hit a target number while delivering far less actual nutrition.

In other words, a high protein % is marketing. Amino acid quality and absorption are science.

Even when high-quality ingredients are used, processing can undo much of the benefit. Most kibble is made through extrusion, which blasts ingredients with heat up to 400°F.

This process:

• Denatures proteins, damaging amino acid structures.

• Reduces digestibility, leaving fewer nutrients available in the bloodstream.

• Destroys sensitive vitamins, compounding nutritional gaps.

That means your dog is eating plenty, but absorbing less. Over time, this gap contributes to joint stiffness, poor coat condition, sluggish energy, and even weight struggles.

Here’s where THRIVE vitamins stand apart. Instead of depending on damaged or incomplete protein sources, THRIVE delivers essential amino acids in free-form, 100% bioavailable nutrition.

That means:

• No breakdown needed — amino acids go straight to work.

• Every nutrient is absorbed, nothing wasted.

• Consistent delivery of essentials your dog needs every day.

The outcomes are measurable: stronger joints, leaner weight, improved recovery, and visible vitality.

Scientific claims are powerful — but owners care most about what they can see in their dogs. With daily THRIVE vitamins, results often show up in:

• More energy: dogs play longer and recover faster.

• Improved mobility: better joint support and flexibility.

• Lean, healthy weight: less fat, more muscle tone.

• Shiny coat and healthy skin: external proof of internal nutrition.

When amino acids are bioavailable, you don’t just read the science — you see the difference every day.