Best high protein dog food is intrinsic to a dog’s optimal health and development, closely mirroring their ancestral dietary patterns rich in protein from animal sources. These diets support lean muscle mass, enhance metabolic functions, and contribute to a robust immune system.
A high-protein diet can be particularly beneficial for dogs that are highly active, recovering from surgery or illness, or those in specific life stages such as growth, pregnancy, or lactation.
Moreover, high-quality protein sources in dog food ensure higher digestibility and bioavailability of nutrients, leading to better absorption and utilization by the body. This choice also aligns with a preventive approach to health care, potentially reducing the risk of obesity by promoting a feeling of satiety and aiding in weight management.
Key Ingredients to Look for in the Best High-Protein Dog Food
Look for whole meats such as chicken, beef, lamb, fish, or turkey, which provide complete amino acid profiles essential for your dog’s health. It’s also beneficial to find foods that include a concentrated protein meal, as long as they are identified by source (e.g., chicken meal, not generic “meat meal”).
Beyond best high protein dog food, a well-rounded diet should include wholesome, non-grain or whole-grain carbohydrates like sweet potatoes, brown rice, or oats for energy. Healthy fats from sources like fish oil or flaxseed are essential for skin and coat health. At the same time, various fruits and vegetables can supply the necessary vitamins, minerals, and fibre for digestive health.
When to Avoid High-Protein Dog Foods?
Dogs with certain health conditions, particularly those affecting the kidneys or liver, may not thrive on a high-protein diet. Excess protein can exacerbate existing health issues in these cases, as these organs are responsible for metabolizing and excreting the byproducts of protein digestion.
Senior dogs, especially those with reduced organ function or chronic health conditions, may also require a diet with moderated protein levels to avoid putting additional strain on their bodies. Moreover, dogs with a history of urinary tract diseases, including kidney stones, may need a diet tailored to lower protein content to prevent the recurrence of these issues.
Our Top Picks
| Best High Protein Dog Food – Overall |
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| Wellness CORE Bowl Boosters Bare Turkey Freeze-Dried Dog Food |
| Best for Puppies |
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| Tylee’s Salmon Human-Grade Freeze-Dried Dog Treats Dog Food |
| Best for Adults |
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| Evanger’s Nothing but Natural Beef Liver Gently Dried Dog & Cat Treats Dog Food |
Best High Protein Dog Food
Halo 100% Chicken Breast Freeze-Dried Dog Treats Dog Food
Crude protein (min. 80%), Crude Fat (min. 3%), Crude Fiber (max. 2%), Moisture (max. 5%)
Lifestage: All Life Stages
These treats are freeze-dried from 100% pure chicken breast to lock in fresh chicken’s natural flavour and nutritional value. With a guaranteed analysis boasting a minimum crude protein of 80%, these treats are delicious and beneficial for maintaining healthy muscles and overall vitality in dogs. Suitable for all life stages, they provide a versatile and convenient option for rewarding pets with a nutritious snack.
The freeze-drying process ensures the treats retain their beneficial nutrients and natural taste, making them highly palatable even for picky eaters. Ideal for dogs of all sizes and ages, Halo’s Chicken Breast Treats are a premium choice for pet owners who prioritize natural, high-quality ingredients in their pets’ diets.
Pros:
It is made with 100% pure chicken breast, offering a high-quality protein source.
Freeze-dried to preserve nutrients and flavour.
Suitable for dogs of all life stages, making it a versatile treat option.
Cons:
Only some ingredients list may provide a complete nutritional profile for a main diet.
Tylee’s Salmon Human-Grade Freeze-Dried Dog Treats Dog Food
Crude protein (min. 70%), Crude Fat (min. 8%), Crude Fiber (max. 1%), Moisture (max. 5%)
Lifestage: All Life Stages
These treats are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, crucial for maintaining healthy skin and a shiny coat, and offer a high protein content with a guaranteed minimum of 70% crude protein. The freeze-drying process preserves the natural flavours and nutrients of the salmon, making these treats exceptionally appealing to dogs, including those with discerning tastes.
Suitable for pets across all life stages, Tylee’s Salmon Treats support overall health and well-being, making them an excellent choice for providing a nutritious snack or reward.
While these treats offer significant health benefits and are made with top-tier ingredients, they are designed to complement a balanced diet rather than serve as a primary food source.
Pros:
Human-grade salmon is the primary ingredient, ensuring high quality and digestibility.
Rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, supporting skin and coat health.
Freeze-dried to lock in nutrients and flavour, appealing to picky eaters.
Cons:
As a treat, it should not replace a complete and balanced diet.
Evanger’s Nothing but Natural Beef Liver Gently Dried Dog & Cat Treats Dog Food
Crude protein (min. 50%), Crude Fat (min. 5%), Crude Fiber (max. 3%), Moisture (max. 10%)
Lifestage: All Life Stages
Made exclusively from 100% beef liver, these treats are gently dried to preserve their natural flavours and nutrients, providing a rich source of protein with a minimum crude protein content of 50%. This single-ingredient treat is perfect for pets with sensitivities or those on a limited-ingredient diet, offering a wholesome and straightforward option for supplementing their nutritional intake.
Suitable for dogs at any life stage, from puppies and kittens to seniors, Evanger’s Beef Liver Treats are versatile and can be used as a reward, training aid, or nutritional boost. While these treats are highly nutritious and beneficial for promoting muscle health and overall vitality, they are intended to supplement a well-rounded diet. They should not be used as the sole source of nutrition.
Pros:
Single-ingredient treat, made from 100% beef liver, provides a rich protein source.
It is gently dried to preserve natural flavours and nutrients.
Suitable for both dogs and cats, offering versatility for households with multiple pets.
Cons:
While nutritious, it’s a supplemental treat, not a primary meal source.
Wellness CORE Bowl Boosters Bare Turkey Freeze-Dried Dog Food
Crude protein (min. 40%), Crude Fat (min. 32%), Crude Fiber (max. 5%), Moisture (max. 5%)
Lifestage: All Life Stages
Made with 100% pure turkey, this freeze-dried food is crafted to preserve all the natural goodness and flavours of the meat. With a focus on high protein content, the guaranteed analysis reveals a minimum crude protein of 70%, making it an excellent choice for supporting solid muscles and overall health.
Suitable for dogs of all life stages, Wellness CORE Bowl Boosters can be added to your pet’s regular meal to boost nutrition and taste, making mealtime more enjoyable.
The benefits of this food extend beyond its high protein content; it’s also grain-free and made with natural ingredients, catering to dogs with sensitive stomachs or dietary restrictions.
Pros:
High in protein and fat for energy and muscle maintenance.
Freeze-dried to preserve nutrients and taste.
Suitable for dogs of all life stages, providing nutritional flexibility.
Cons:
High-fat content may not be suitable for dogs with specific dietary restrictions or those prone to pancreatitis
Crumps’ Naturals Beef Liver Sprinkles Grain-Free Dog Food
Crude protein (min. 67%), Crude Fat (min. 10%), Crude Fiber (max. 1%), Moisture (max. 6%)
Lifestage: All Life Stages
100% Canadian beef liver that’s been finely ground, these sprinkles are packed with protein and can be easily added to any dog food, wet or dry. With a crude protein minimum of 60%, they’re an excellent source of high-quality protein, supporting muscle development and overall health.
The grain-free formula ensures it’s accessible to dogs with grain sensitivities or allergies, emphasizing Crumps’ dedication to natural, wholesome pet nutrition. While these beef liver sprinkles are a great supplement to enhance taste and nutrition, they must be used as part of a balanced diet.
Pros:
It is made with a single ingredient, 100% beef liver, for a pure protein source.
They are easily sprinkled on top of regular meals to enhance flavour and nutrition.
Grain-free, catering to dogs with allergies or sensitivities to grains.
Cons:
As a supplement, it does not provide a complete diet on its own and should be used in conjunction with a balanced meal.
Primal Rabbit Formula Nuggets Grain-Free Raw Freeze-Dried Dog Food
Crude protein (min. 52%), Crude Fat (min. 28%), Crude Fiber (max. 3%), Moisture (max. 3%)
Lifestage: All Life Stages
Primal Rabbit Formula Nuggets take the concept of raw feeding to a new level of convenience and quality. This grain-free, freeze-dried dog food is made with high-quality rabbit as the primary protein source, providing a minimum crude protein of 52% to support strong muscles and overall health. This formula offers a balanced and complete diet that’s especially beneficial for pets with allergies or sensitivities to more common protein sources like chicken or beef.
The freeze-drying process preserves the nutrients and flavours of the raw ingredients, ensuring that your dog receives all the benefits of a raw diet without the hassle of preparing raw food at home. Primal’s commitment to using only the best, sustainably sourced ingredients is evident in this product, which includes rabbit and a carefully selected mix of fruits and vegetables to provide a holistic approach to your dog’s nutrition.
Pros:
It offers a unique protein source (rabbit), which is excellent for dogs with allergies or sensitivities to more common proteins.
Raw, freeze-dried formula preserves nutrients and natural enzymes beneficial for digestion and overall health.
Grain-free and made with whole foods for holistic nutrition.
Cons:
Raw diets require careful handling to prevent bacterial contamination, and this product’s format may not be convenient for all pet owners.
Stella & Chewy’s Savory Salmon & Cod Meal Mixers Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food
Crude protein (min. 48%), Crude Fat (min. 30%), Crude Fiber (max. 5%), Moisture (max. 5%)
Lifestage: All Life Stages
With a guaranteed analysis showing a minimum crude protein of 48%, crude fat of 30%, crude fibre maximum of 5%, and moisture max of 5%, this product provides an excellent source of Omega-3 fatty acids, vital for healthy skin and coat. Freeze-dried raw meal mixers can be added to any diet, providing the benefits of raw nutrition with the convenience of dry food.
The blend of salmon and cod offers exceptional taste and variety in protein sources, aiding in overall health and digestion.
Pros:
High in Omega-3 fatty acids for skin and coat health.
They are freeze-dried raw for nutrient preservation and convenience.
Suitable for dogs of all ages and sizes.
Cons:
It must be used as a mixer with other foods for a balanced diet.
Premium pricing compared to standard kibble.
Solid Gold Nutrient Boost Grain-Free Dog Food
Crude protein (min. 38%), Crude Fat (min. 18%), Crude Fiber (max. 3.5%), Moisture (max. 10%)
Lifestage: All Life Stages
This formula features a blend of high-quality proteins and superfoods to ensure your pet receives optimal nutrition in every bite. A guaranteed analysis includes a minimum crude protein of 38%, crude fat of 18%, crude fibre max of 3.5%, and moisture max of 10% supports healthy muscles, energy levels, and overall well-being. Suitable, this grain-free formula caters to pets with grain sensitivities or allergies.
Pros:
Holistic and balanced nutrition for dogs.
Grain-free, suitable for dogs with grain sensitivities.
Includes superfoods for immune system support.
Cons:
It may not be suitable for dogs with specific protein allergies.
Some dogs may prefer a different taste or texture.
Vital Essentials Freeze-Dried Raw Protein Mix-In Chicken Recipe Ground Dog Food
Crude protein (min. 45%), Crude Fat (min. 15%), Crude Fiber (max. 3%), Moisture (max. 8%)
Lifestage: All Life Stages
Vital Essentials Freeze-Dried Raw Protein Mix-In Chicken Recipe offers an easy way to incorporate high-quality raw protein into your dog’s diet. The guaranteed analysis reveals a minimum crude protein of 45%, fat of 15%, fibre max of 3%, and moisture max of 8%. T
his ground chicken recipe is designed to be mixed with your dog’s current food, providing the nutritional benefits of raw food without completely transitioning to a raw diet.
Pros:
Enhances diet with high-quality, raw protein.
Easy to mix with existing food, improving palatability and nutrition.
Supports digestive health and nutrient absorption.
Cons:
Must be part of a varied diet to ensure nutritional balance.
Handling of raw products requires careful hygiene practices.
Jinx Freeze-Dried Chicken Dry Dog Food
Crude protein (min. 40%), Crude Fat (min. 20%), Crude Fiber (max. 5%), Moisture (max. 10%)
Lifestage: All Life Stages
Jinx Freeze-Dried Chicken Dry Dog Food stands out for its combination of high-quality, freeze-dried chicken and dry kibble’s convenience. This formula’s guaranteed analysis shows a minimum crude protein of 40%, crude fat of 20%, crude fibre max of 5%, and moisture max of 10%.
It’s designed to provide a balanced and nutritious diet for dogs at all life stages, combining the benefits of raw food with the ease of traditional dry food. Its high protein and fat content for energy and muscle maintenance, the blend of freeze-dried and dry ingredients for texture variety, and its suitability for dogs with different dietary needs.
Pros:
Combines the convenience of dry food with the nutritional benefits of freeze-dried.
High in protein and fat for energy and muscle maintenance.
Suitable for a wide range of dogs, from puppies to seniors.
Cons:
The unique mix of freeze-dried and dry components may require adaptation for some dogs.
Ensuring adequate hydration is essential due to lower moisture content.
Also You Can Check How to Switch Dog Food? 10 Days Transition Formula
FAQ
What high-protein foods are good for dogs?
Good high-protein foods for dogs include chicken, beef, turkey, lamb, fish like salmon and tuna, eggs, pork, duck, venison, and bison.
Is 30% protein too much for a dog?
For most healthy dogs, a diet with around 30% protein is not too much and can be beneficial, especially for active, working, or growing dogs. However, a lower protein content might be advisable for dogs with specific health issues like kidney or liver problems.
Is salmon or turkey better for dogs?
Both salmon and turkey are excellent protein sources for dogs, offering distinct benefits. Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are great for skin, coat, and joint health, while turkey is a lean protein beneficial for dogs needing a lower-fat diet.