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Protein is a key nutrient in every dog’s diet. It builds strong muscles, boosts the immune system, and contributes to a shiny coat and healthy skin. Protein also gives your pup energy and can even help manage their weight. It’s easy to assume more must be better—but that’s not always the case.
The truth is that protein needs vary from dog to dog, and it’s important to calibrate correctly. We’ll explain how to evaluate the protein content in your dog’s food, then review which dogs could benefit from a boost of protein and which dogs should probably pass.
If you’re curious about how your own dog might fare on a high-protein diet, your veterinarian will always be your best resource. Be sure to consult with them before making any changes to your dog’s diet.
Is a High-Protein Diet Good For Dogs?
It can be—for the right dog. High-protein dog food isn’t inherently superior to food with average protein levels. And in some cases, it can be too much of a good thing. Every dog has different nutritional needs, and the appropriate protein level for any given dog will depend on their health, life stage, and activity level.
According to guidelines set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), adult dog food should have a minimum of 18% protein on a dry matter basis (the amount with moisture removed). Many commercial dog foods exceed this minimum. So as long as your dog eats food that meets AAFCO standards for a complete and balanced diet, they’re probably getting enough protein.
While there’s no universal standard for defining “high-protein” dog food, it will usually contain at least 30% protein on a dry matter basis, though exact amounts will vary from brand to brand. Generally, 20% protein is considered low, and 25% is considered an average amount.
| Low Protein | Average Protein | High Protein |
| 20% | 25-29% | 30% and over |
A lot of the hype—and confusion—surrounding high-protein dog foods can be traced to the belief that our dogs’ diet should closely resemble the protein-packed menu of their wolf ancestors. But there are some problems with this line of thinking because dogs are not carnivores like wolves.
As they evolved alongside humans, domesticated dogs became capable of digesting plant-based ingredients like fruits, veggies, and grains. So while protein is an essential component, it’s only one piece of their dietary puzzle. Dogs also need fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals for a balanced diet.
Should You Feed Your Dog a High-Protein Diet?
| Dogs who may benefit from high-protein food | Dogs who should avoid high-protein food |
| Highly active, athletic dogs | Dogs with kidney disease |
| Working dogs (sled dogs, herding dogs) | Dogs with liver disease |
| Pregnant and nursing dogs | Large-breed puppies |
| Some senior dogs | More sedentary dogs |
| Overweight or obese dogs |
A high-protein diet may not be suitable for every dog, but there are some pups who stand to benefit.
Highly active dogs and canine athletes may perform well on a high-protein diet that helps build and repair muscles while fueling their energy reserves. Similarly, higher protein levels can help working dogs like sled dogs and herding dogs keep up with their tasks.
Extra protein is also recommended for pregnant and nursing dogs.
Some overweight dogs can benefit from a high-protein diet, provided it’s also low-calorie. Research shows that a high-protein and high-fiber diet can help keep dogs full longer, making it easier to achieve weight loss goals. In one recent study, 12 dogs were fed a high-protein, high-fiber diet over a period of 24 weeks. The results showed that this diet promoted weight loss without causing dogs to lose too much muscle mass.
Canine athletes can often benefit from high-protein diets. AvanHeertum via iStock
Age plays a role, too. Senior dogs may benefit from a high-protein diet that maintains their muscle mass. And growing puppies need more protein than adult dogs. That said, foods formulated for the “growth” life stage or “all life stages” take this into account, so you don’t necessarily need to opt for a “high-protein” puppy food; selecting food designated for their life stage will suffice.
However, a high-protein diet won’t be beneficial across the board. While a little extra protein is usually harmless for healthy adult dogs, it may cause problems for dogs with chronic illnesses such as kidney or liver disease. This is because protein takes a lot of effort for these organs to process, and too much protein can overwhelm them.
Therefore, it’s always advisable to check with your veterinarian before making any changes to your dog’s diet. They can best determine whether a high-protein diet would be beneficial or harmful for your dog based on their body condition, age, and lifestyle.
Different Types of High-Protein Dog Food
If you and your vet have determined that your dog would benefit from a high-protein diet, there are several ways to go about it.
Many pet parents favor wet dog food, as it tends to have more protein than dry food. Geared towards canine athletes, Purina’s Pro Plan Sport Line is a protein-rich option that helps hydrate your dog. The brand’s Chicken & Rice Entree provides 45% protein on a dry matter basis.
Most fresh foods, like Raised Right, also contain higher levels of protein. Plus, they score high in the palatability department, as Rover test pup, Pepper, discovered. The brand’s Beef and Pumpkin Paté recipe delivers a remarkable 66% protein on a dry matter basis.
Test pup Pepper gives Raised Right’s fresh dog food full marks.
Raw food is another option to consider. While it’s not recommended for puppies or immunocompromised dogs, foods like Instinct’s Frozen Raw Bites can deliver extra protein for healthy adult dogs. In addition, the brand carries freeze-dried raw formulas, which are shelf-stable and easier to serve.
Dry food is often the most convenient, and many of today’s formulas pack a protein punch. Orijen Amazing Grains Dry Dog Food, for example, contains up to 90% animal ingredients and provides a generous 43% protein on a dry matter basis.
Finally, some pet parents like air-dried food, which removes moisture at low temperatures and is thought to preserve nutrients. These foods are convenient, too—like regular kibble, air-dried foods are shelf-stable and don’t need to be refrigerated. The protein-packed Ziwi Peak Air-Dried Dog Food is a popular option that contains 96% meat, organs, bone, and New Zealand Mussels—though it tends to be pricier than standard kibbles.
As always, we recommend consulting your veterinarian before switching to a high-protein diet. They can help determine if extra protein is appropriate for your dog and guide you in choosing the best option.
How We Chose
The foods featured here were selected based on a combination of our own hands-on testing and a comprehensive look at customer reviews across a wide variety of retail platforms. We prioritized products that meet or exceed AAFCO standards and contain at least 30% protein on a dry matter basis. We’re also guided by the experience of living and playing alongside our own much-loved and strongly opinionated pets, who are never stingy with their feedback.
