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Not all pups need high-protein dog food, but it can be a good choice for some—especially senior dogs who need help maintaining muscle, canine athletes, and working dogs who expend a lot of energy. Pregnant and nursing dogs also need extra protein to support growing puppies.
While there’s no regulated definition of high-protein dog food, most recipes considered high in protein have at least 30% protein on a dry matter basis. “A dry matter basis” refers to the amount of a nutrient in a recipe once you subtract moisture content. Converting nutrients to dry matter (as we’ve done below) makes it possible to compare the amount of protein in dog foods with different amounts of moisture—like kibble and wet dog food.
We’ve assembled a list of high-protein recipes in various categories to help you choose the best dog food for your dog’s individual needs and preferences. If you’re ready to make a switch, read on—and don’t forget to get your vet’s green light before changing up your pup’s diet.
Best Dry: Taste of the Wild Ancient Prairie with Ancient Grains
This Ancient Prairie recipe from Taste of the Wild contains about 35% protein on a dry-matter basis. Most of it comes from water buffalo, pork, and chicken meal, but roasted bison, roasted venison, and beef also add to the percentage. Chicken fat and salmon oil contribute to the food’s energy density and supply essential fatty acids.
Compared to Taste of the Wild’s most popular dry food formula, High Prairie, this recipe offers similar protein and fat content but includes grains instead of peas. Whole grains may provide more valuable nutrients for dogs than legumes.
Key Nutrients:
- 3920 kcal/kg
- Protein: 35.6%
- Fat: 20%
- Crude Fiber: 3.3%
- Moisture: 10%
Ingredients: Water Buffalo, Pork, Chicken Meal, Grain Sorghum, Millet, Chicken Fat (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols), Cracked Pearled Barley, Dried Yeast, Roasted Bison, Roasted Venison, Natural Flavor, Flaxseed, Beef, Quinoa, Chia Seed, Tomato Pomace, Salmon Oil (A Source Of Dha), Dicalcium Phosphate, Calcium Carbonate, Salt, Potassium Chloride, Dl-Methionine, Choline Chloride, Taurine, Dried Chicory Root, Tomatoes, Blueberries, Raspberries, Yucca Schidigera Extract, L-Carnitine, Dried Lactobacillus Plantarum Fermentation Product, Dried Bacillus Subtilis Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Acidophilus Fermentation Product, Dried Enterococcus Faecium Fermentation Product, Dried Bifidobacterium Animalis Fermentation Product, Vitamin E Supplement, Iron Proteinate, Zinc Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Potassium Iodide, Thiamine Mononitrate, Manganese Proteinate, Ascorbic Acid, Vitamin A Supplement, Biotin, Niacin, Calcium Pantothenate, Sodium Selenite, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Riboflavin, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid
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Best Wet: Crave Turkey Pate Grain-Free Canned Dog Food
Because canned dog food is high in moisture, its dry matter protein content is generally higher than dry dog food. This turkey paté from Crave is particularly protein-rich, delivering about 54.5% protein. The majority of the protein in this recipe comes from animal sources like turkey, chicken, and eggs. Though dogs have adapted to an omnivorous diet over time, animal proteins still offer higher biological value than plant proteins and contain all the essential amino acids dogs need.
In addition to being high in protein and primarily animal-based, this canned food is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which support skin and coat health and offer anti-inflammatory benefits.
Key Nutrients:
- 1073 kcal/kg
- Protein: 54.5%
- Fat: 22.7%
- Crude Fiber: 4.5%
- Moisture: 78%
Ingredients: Turkey, Turkey Broth, Chicken Liver, Chicken Heart, Chicken, Pork Broth, Dried Egg Product, Natural Flavor, Salt, Guar Gum, Fish Oil (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols), Tricalcium Phosphate, Dried Tomato, Potassium Chloride, Carrageenan, Calcium Carbonate, Choline Chloride, Dl-Methionine, Iron Sulfate, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Magnesium Sulfate, Vitamin E Supplement, Zinc Oxide, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Sulfate, Sodium Selenite, Vitamin A Supplement, Potassium Iodide, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement (Vitamin B2)
Best Subscription: Ollie Fresh Dog Food (Verified Review)
Active and working dogs that require a high-protein diet likely also need more calories than the average adult dog. An energy-dense and protein-rich diet helps these dogs maintain lean muscle mass and a healthy body weight.
Ollie, a fresh dog food subscription service, helps you calculate your dog’s nutritional needs and automatically delivers the right amount of food. Ollie’s fresh dog food comes in five single-protein flavors: beef, chicken, turkey, lamb, and pork.
Each recipe is supplemented with whole foods like sweet potatoes, spinach, and blueberries to ensure balanced nutrition. Ollie’s Turkey with Blueberries recipe contains 35.7% protein, and Rover test pups approved.
Key Nutrients (for Turkey with Blueberries Recipe):
- 1540 kcal/kg
- Protein: 35.7%
- Fat: 25%
- Crude Fiber: 7.1%
- Moisture: 72%
Ingredients: Turkey, Butternut Squash, Turkey Livers, Oats, Lentils, Spinach, Blueberries, Kale, Tricalcium Phosphate, Salt, Salmon Oil, Taurine, Zinc Gluconate, Vitamin E Supplement, Ferrous Sulfate, Copper Amino Acid Chelate, Manganese Amino Acid Chelate, Cholecalciferol (Vitamin D3) Supplement, Riboflavin (Vitamin B2), Thiamine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B1), Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Potassium Iodide.
Find on OllieBest Sustainable Pick: Open Farm Grass-Fed Beef Grain-Free Dry Dog Food (Verified Review)
Quality ingredients are important when it comes to dog food. Open Farm prioritizes transparency, utilizing 100% traceable ingredients that are humanely and sustainably sourced. The brand also offers an array of dry foods, including grain-inclusive and grain-free varieties.
This beef-based kibble from Open Farm delivers about 33% protein. In addition to antibiotic- and hormone-free beef and beef liver, it contains ocean whitefish meal and herring meal. The food also contains certified non-GMO fruits and vegetables.
We reviewed several Open Farm kibble recipes and were impressed by their commitment to sustainability. We also found that their dry food did an excellent job of incorporating some of the benefits of fancier fresh food options in a more affordable and convenient kibble form.
Key Nutrients:
- 3625 kcal/kg
- Protein: 33.3%
- Fat: 15.6%
- Crude Fiber: 5%
- Moisture: 10%
Ingredients: Beef, Ocean Whitefish Meal, Peas, Sweet Potato, Beef Liver, Pumpkin, Coconut Oil, Chickpeas, Herring Meal, Red Lentils, Green Lentils, Flaxseed, Natural Flavor, Carrots, Apples, Sunflower Oil, Cranberries, Dried Chicory Root, Salt, Suncured Alfalfa Meal, Salmon Oil (Source of DHA), Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Niacin Supplement, Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Folic Acid), Choline Chloride, Minerals (Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Selenium Yeast, Calcium Iodate), Taurine, Calcium Carbonate, Mixed Tocopherols (A Preservative), Potassium Chloride, Cinnamon, Turmeric, Rosemary Extract.
Find on Amazon Find on Open FarmBest Raw: Instinct Frozen Raw Cage-Free Chicken Bites
Made with 85% chicken muscle meat and chicken organs, this raw frozen recipe from Instinct contains 40% protein. It’s also an energy-dense option at about 46 calories per ounce.
As a single-protein formula, this Instinct recipe may be a viable option for dogs with allergies or sensitivities to other common proteins. It’s also available in lamb or beef flavor, all supplemented with salmon oil and wholesome fruits and vegetables.
While raw dog food is often a high-protein choice, it’s important ensure you always follow safe food handling practices when giving it to your dog. The risk of foodborne pathogens is similar to any raw meat, so you’ll want to store it properly and wash your hands after handling it.
Key Nutrients:
- 1596 kcal/kg
- Protein: 40%
- Fat: 30%
- Crude Fiber: 10%
- Moisture: 70%
Ingredients: Chicken (including Ground Chicken Bone), Chicken Liver, Chicken Heart, Carrots, Apples, Sweet Potatoes, Butternut Squash, Ground Miscanthus Grass, Montmorillonite Clay, Ground Flaxseed, Salmon Oil, Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin D3 Supplement), Potassium Chloride, Tricalcium Phosphate, Salt, Choline Chloride, Minerals (Zinc Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Calcium Iodate), DL-Methionine, Blueberries, Spinach
Best Freeze-Dried: Primal Chicken Formula Nuggets Grain-Free Raw Freeze-Dried Dog Food
If you like the idea of raw dog food but can’t spare the freezer space, freeze-dried food may be a good alternative. This Primal recipe is still raw, but most of the moisture has been removed, making the product shelf-stable. It’s designed to be rehydrated with water before feeding it to your dog.
With chicken as the sole source of animal protein, this Primal recipe contains 50% protein. It’s loosely modeled after a whole prey diet, which includes muscle meat, bone, and organs, along with organic fruits and vegetables.
Key Nutrients:
- 4,470 kcal/kg
- Protein: 50%
- Fat: 26.6%
- Crude Fiber: 3.2%
- Moisture: 6%
Ingredients: Chicken (with ground bone), Chicken Livers, Organic Carrots, Organic Squash, Organic Kale, Organic Apples, Organic Pumpkin Seeds, Organic Sunflower Seeds, Organic Broccoli, Organic Blueberries, Organic Cranberries, Organic Parsley, Organic Rosemary Extract, Organic Apple Cider Vinegar, Montmorillonite Clay, Fish Oil, Organic Quinoa, Organic Coconut Oil, Vitamin E Supplement, Organic Ground Alfalfa, Dried Organic Kelp, Zinc Sulfate
Best Air-Dried: Ziwi-Peak Lamb Grain-Free Air-Dried Dog Food
Proponents of air-dried dog food suggest it retains more nutrients than traditional extruded kibble but is slightly higher in moisture than freeze-dried raw food. This recipe from Ziwi Peak features lamb and lamb organs as the primary ingredients. It also includes mineral-rich lamb bone and contains about 44% protein.
With most of the moisture removed, this air-dried dog food has a jerky-like texture. It’s not quite as crunchy as kibble but still comes in small bite-sized pieces. Unlike freeze-dried food, it’s to be fed as-is—you don’t need to soak it in water.
Key Nutrients:
- 4950 kcal/kg
- Protein: 44.2%
- Fat: 34.9%
- Crude Fiber: 3.5%
- Moisture: 14%
Ingredients: Lamb, Lamb Tripe, Lamb Lung, Lamb Heart, Lamb Liver, Lamb Bone, New Zealand Green Mussel, Lamb Kidney, Lamb Spleen, Lecithin, Lamb Cartilage, Parsley, Dried Apple Pomace, Inulin (from Chicory Root), Minerals (Dipotassium Phosphate, Magnesium Sulfate, Zinc Amino Acid Complex, Iron Amino Acid Complex, Copper Amino Acid Complex, Manganese Amino Acid Complex, Selenium Yeast), Dried Organic Kelp, Salt, Preservative (Citric Acid, Mixed Tocopherols), Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid)
Best for Working Dogs: Dr. Tim’s Highly Athletic Momentum Formula Dry Dog Food
Active and working dogs expend energy at a higher rate than the average dog. A diet with higher levels of protein and fat may help them maintain lean muscle mass while providing extra calories to burn. At 518 calories per cup and nearly 39% protein, this formula from Dr. Tim’s offers a solid choice for dogs who require an energy-dense, high-protein diet.
This food is primarily chicken-based, with supplemental protein from herring meal. Menhaden fish oil provides omega-3 fatty acids, while chicken fat is the primary source of energy-dense fat.
Key Nutrients:
- 4078 kcal/kg
- Protein: 38.9%
- Fat: 27.8%
- Crude Fiber: 3.3%
- Moisture: 10%
Ingredients: Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Chicken Fat (Preserved With Mixed Natural Tocopherols, A Source Of Vitamin E), Ocean Herring Meal, Dried Plain Beet Pulp (Sugar Removed), Dried Egg Product, Ground Whole Flaxseed Meal, Dried Chicken Liver Meal, Menhaden Fish Oil (Preserved With Mixed Natural Tocopherols, A Source Of Vitamin E), Dried Porcine Plasma, Potassium Chloride, Salt, Lecithin (Sunflower Derived), DL-Methionine, L-Lysine, Kelp Meal, Dried Chicory Root (Source Of Inulin), Dried Bacillus Coagulans Fermentation Product, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Psyllium Seed Husk, Choline Chloride, Taurine, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (Source Of Vitamin C), Vitamin E Supplement, Zinc Sulfate, Zinc Proteinate, Beta Carotene, Ferrous Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, Inositol, Niacin Supplement, Iron Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Zinc Oxide, Biotin, Thiamine Mononitrate (Source Of Vitamin B1), Copper Sulfate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Source Of Vitamin B6), Copper Proteinate, Vitamin A Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement (Source Of Vitamin B2), D-Calcium Pantothenate, Potassium Iodide (Source Of Iodine), Manganous Oxide, Selenium, Calcium Iodate, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Sodium Selenite, Vitamin D3 Supplement, L-Carnitine, Folic Acid
Best for Canine Athletes: VICTOR Classic Hi-Pro Plus Formula Dry Dog Food
Canine athletes expend more energy than the average dog, but primarily during periods of training and performance. If you have a dog that actively competes in dog sports, this Hi-Pro Plus formula from Victor may be a great choice. It offers extra protein to maintain lean muscle mass but doesn’t have as many calories as what a working breed might need. Beef, pork, chicken, and fish make up the protein content. It also contains about 406 calories per cup and delivers about 33% protein with 22% fat.
Compared to the brand’s other recipes, Victor’s Hi-Pro Plus contains over 8% more dry matter protein than the Classic Multi-Pro formula and lists beef meal as the first ingredient, compared to grain sorghum at the top of the Multi-Pro list. Hi-Pro Plus is also roughly 5% higher in dry matter fat than Victor’s Performance recipe in the Purpose line of dry foods.
Key Nutrients:
- 3815 kcal/kg
- Protein: 33.1%
- Fat: 22.1%
- Crude Fiber: 4.2%
- Moisture: 9%
Ingredients: Beef Meal, Grain Sorghum, Chicken Fat (preserved with mixed Tocopherols), Pork Meal, Chicken Meal, Menhaden Fish Meal (source of DHA-Docosahexaenoic Acid), Blood Meal Conventionally Dried, Whole Grain Millet, Dehydrated Alfalfa Meal, Yeast Culture, Natural Flavor, Potassium Chloride, Carrot Powder, Tomato Pomace, Salt, Organic Dried Seaweed Meal, Taurine, Choline Chloride, Calcium Stearate, Zinc Methionine Complex, Vitamin E Supplement, DL-Methionine, Iron Amino Acid Complex, Hydrolyzed Yeast, Manganese Amino Acid Complex, Silicon Dioxide, L-Carnitine, Selenium Yeast, Brewers Dried Yeast, Dried Enterococcus Faecium Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Acidophilus Fermentation Product, Dried Aspergillus Oryzae Fermentation Extract, Dried Trichoderma Longibrachiatum Fermentation Extract, Dried Bacillus Subtilis Fermentation Extract, Copper Sulfate, Niacin Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Biotin, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Calcium Carbonate, Riboflavin Supplement, Calcium Iodate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Tetrasodium Pyrophosphate, Vegetable Oil, Rosemary Extract, Green Tea Extract, Spearmint Extract, Inulin, Lecithin, Folic Acid
Find on ChewyBest for Seniors: Dr. Tim’s Kinesis Senior Dog Formula Dry Food
Due to waning activity levels, senior dogs may require fewer calories per day than active adults. Protein remains a priority, however, to help aging dogs maintain lean muscle mass. This Kinesis formula, also from Dr. Tim’s, offers roughly 31% dry matter protein and under 400 calories per cup.
Made primarily from chicken and whole grains, this dry dog food is formulated to meet the nutrient levels established by AAFCO for adult dogs. What makes it particularly appropriate for seniors is the addition of anti-inflammatory omega-3s from menhaden fish oil and supplementary sources of joint-supporting glucosamine and chondroitin.
The recipe also contains probiotics—and the prebiotic fibers they need to thrive—to support a healthy microbial balance in your dog’s digestive tract.
Key Nutrients:
- 3563 kcal/kg
- Protein: 31.1%
- Fat: 15.6%
- Crude Fiber: 3.3%
- Moisture: 10%
Ingredients: Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Pearled Barley, Whole Oat Groats, Chicken Fat (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols), Dried Plain Beet Pulp (Sugar Removed), Dried Egg Product, Rice Bran, Ocean Herring Meal, Catfish Meal, Ground Whole Flaxseed Meal, Salmon Meal, Coconut Oil, Menhaden Fish Oil (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols), Dried Chicken Liver Meal, Dried Porcine Plasma, Salt, Lecithin (Sunflower Derived), Potassium Chloride, Dl-Methionine, L-Lysine, Dried Bacillus Coagulans Fermentation Product, Dried Kelp, Dried Chicory Root (Source Of Inulin), Psyllium Husks, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Choline Chloride, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (Source Of Vitamin C), Glucosamine, Chondroitin, Algae Fat Extract, Vitamin E Supplement, L-Carnitine, Taurine, Zinc Sulfate, Zinc Proteinate, Beta Carotene, Ferrous Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, Inositol, Niacin Supplement (Source Of Vitamin B3), Iron Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Zinc Oxide, Biotin, Thiamine Mononitrate (Source Of Vitamin B1), Copper Sulfate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Source Of Vitamin B6), Copper Proteinate, Vitamin A Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement (Source Of Vitamin B2), Calcium Pantothenate, Potassium Iodide (Source Of Iodine), Manganous Oxide, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Selenium Selenite, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid
Best for Sensitive Stomachs: Raised Right Fresh Dog Food (Verified Review)
Raised Right is a high-protein fresh dog food subscription that focuses on food safety and limited ingredients. In fact, each batch is lab-safety tested for pathogens and doesn’t ship out until the results are in (you can even see the lab-safety results on the brand’s website). In our review, our human tester felt good about the ingredients they were feeding their dog, while our canine tester enjoyed the taste.
Dogs with sensitive stomachs may benefit from a limited-ingredient recipe—one with a single source of animal protein and minimal ingredients. All of Raised Right’s recipes feature a single protein and some contain supplemental fiber for digestive support.
Key Nutrients (for Beef & Pumpkin Paté):
- 1418 kcal/kg
- Protein: 67.7%
- Fat: 19.4%
- Crude Fiber: 6.5%
- Moisture: 69%
Ingredients: Beef Heart, Pumpkin, Beef, Organic Spearmint, Flaxseed Oil, Egg Shell Powder, Cod Liver Oil, Organic Dried Kelp
Find on Raised RightBest for Picky Eaters: A Pup Above Whole Food Cubies (Verified Review)
Another subscription option, the Whole Food Cubies recipe from A Pup Above offers a dry food alternative to fresh food. It’s the same sous-vide cooked procedure as the brand’s fresh food, but the cubies are then air-dried to give them a kibble-like texture and shelf-stable convenience. Our test dogs gave their stamp of approval—even those with picky palates.
Whole Food Cubies come in four single-protein flavors: turkey, pork, beef, and chicken. They’re all high in protein, too. The Beef Pot Roast recipe contains about 39% protein and over 28% fat.
A Pup Above’s Cubies recipe uses ingredients that meet FDA standards for human consumption and are processed in human food facilities. The food is significantly more expensive than the average dry food, around $1.50 per ounce. That said, it’s pretty energy-dense, so the meal size may be smaller than kibble.
Key Nutrients (for Beef Pot Roast Recipe):
- 3686 kcal/kg
- Protein: 39.1%
- Fat: 28.3%
- Crude Fiber: 2.2%
- Moisture: 8%
Ingredients: Beef, Beef Heart, Sweet Potato, Yellow Peas, Red Lentils, Eggs, Flaxseed, Carrot, Cauliflower, Pork Plasma, Cranberry, Salmon Oil, Olive Oil, Salt, Cultured Dried Skim Milk, Thyme, Parsley, Minerals (Potassium Chloride, Calcium Phosphate, Calcium Carbonate, Zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Calcium Pantothenate, Manganous Oxide, Sodium Selenite, Calcium Iodate, Magnesium Oxide), Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin A Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid)
Find on A Pup AboveHow We Chose
The products featured here were based on a combination of our own hands-on testing, a comprehensive analysis of customer reviews across a wide variety of retail platforms, and interviews with veterinary experts. We selected dog food formulated according to AAFCO’s nutrient profiles for dogs, prioritizing recipes that contain at least 30% dry matter protein, primarily from animal sources. Our picks are also influenced by the experience of living and playing alongside our own much-loved and strongly opinionated pets, who are never stingy with their feedback.
