what foods are high in protein for dogs

A guide to the best protein sources for dogs

Can dogs eat a vegetarian diet?

Though dogs are naturally omnivores, they can thrive on a vegetarian diet of balanced nutrients. Without the proper supplements, however, its possible that a dog on a vegetarian diet can experience protein or vitamin deficiency.

What is the best protein for overweight dogs?

Not all dog foods and protein sources are created with bioavailability in mind, so its important to consult your vet before making major dietary changes to Fidos nutrition plan, especially when it comes to weight loss. That being said, vets may recommend fresh, lean proteins such as chicken, turkey, fish, and eggs coupled with high fiber foods such as fresh brussels sprouts and broccoli.

What is the best protein for dogs with sensitive stomachs?

This actually depends on your dog as certain proteins may increase stomach sensitivity in your dogs. For example, your vet may recommend switching from a chicken-based diet to a diet with more beef or fish if your dog has a sensitive stomach. In general, youll want to look out for high-quality ingredients when shopping around for dog food.

Is meat better than meat-meal?

Actually, ingredients that list chicken meal refer to chicken with the water and fat removed, meaning it can actually contain a higher percentage of protein⁴ compared to just chicken as an ingredient. When you see chicken listed as an ingredient, it refers to unprocessed chicken with water.

Whats the healthiest meat for dogs?

To determine whats healthiest, you need to understand how the meats have been processed, whether your dog has an allergy to a certain meat, and whether your pup enjoys the food to ensure they will even retain the nutrients! Protein sources like chicken, turkey and lean ground beef are all great options for animal-based protein diets.

Is chicken or salmon better for dogs?

Chicken and salmon both retain high biological value for dogs, but the quality of protein depends on how the meats have been processed and whether or not your dog has an allergy to a certain meat.

Whats the most easily digestible protein for dogs?

Whole eggs have high biological values and are a great source of protein for Fido, but there are many recommended options, including chicken, turkey, salmon, and lean ground beef.

How much protein should dog food have?

The minimum requirement of crude protein³ for adult dogs is 8%, but the average diet for an adult dog typically contains 25-30% crude protein on the food label. Exactly how much protein your dog needs varies depending on your dogs breed, weight, health conditions, and activity level.

What fish is best for dogs?

Salmon and tilapia are highly recommended by vets! When trying out Fidos tolerance to any particular fish, start with a small amount.

Are any meats bad for dogs?

Not generally, though pork is a fattier cut of meat and can increase risk of developing pancreatitis, so youll want to keep consumption to a minimum. If your dog is sensitive or allergic to a certain meat, youll also want to avoid this as a protein source and consult your vet for an alternate source.

Do dogs prefer beef or lamb?

It all depends on your dogs allergies and pickiness! Many pups with allergies to chicken, fish or beef switch to lamb-based diets.

High-protein foods: The best protein sources to include in a healthy diet

Including protein-rich foods in your diet is vital for maintaining overall health and well-being. But how much protein do you need and what are the best sources of this essential macronutrient?

Why we need protein

Proteins are building blocks in the body. They make up bones, cartilage, muscle, blood, skin, enzymes, hormones, and vitamins. They're essential for growth and development, repair and build cells and tissue such as muscle, and play an important role in body processes such as blood clotting, fluid balance, and the immune response.

Proteins are made from amino acids. There are some amino acids that our bodies can make on their own. These are called nonessential amino acids. But there are nine amino acids that our bodies must get by consuming foods that contain them. These are called essential amino acids, and they are necessary for normal body functioning.

What foods are high in protein?

We can get protein from plant or animal sources. Protein in our diet can come from meat, dairy products, nuts, some vegetables, and certain grains and beans.

Try to eat a variety of protein-rich foods to ensure you are meeting your daily protein needs as well as getting the vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients needed for optimal health. Proteins that come from animal sources, such as meat, eggs, and milk, as well as soy and quinoa, are called complete proteins. This means they contain all the essential amino acids the body needs and are the highest-quality protein sources.

You can also get essential amino acids from plant-based foods. However, most plant-based proteins do not contain all of the needed essential amino acids, and so are called incomplete proteins. If you avoid animal proteins, the best way to ensure you are consuming a healthy mix of amino acids is to enjoy a variety of plant-based proteins through the day.

Foods that are particularly high in protein include:

Lean meats such as chicken, turkey, beef, and pork are excellent sources of high-quality protein as well as important nutrients like iron and zinc. To avoid unhealthy saturated fat, opt for lean or low-fat meat options such as lean ground beef, pork loin, or skinless chicken breasts.

Fish like salmon, tuna, and mackerel are not only rich in protein but also contain omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health. Look for seafood options that are lower in methylmercury, such as salmon, anchovies, and trout.

Dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt are rich in protein, calcium, and other essential nutrients. Greek yogurt is a great option, as it is high in protein as well as nutrients such as calcium, vitamins, and minerals. Dairy products can be high in saturated fat, so choose low-fat dairy options and limit the amount of cheese you eat.

Beans, peas, and lentils include kidney beans, pinto beans, white beans, black beans, lima beans, fava beans, soybeans, chickpeas, black-eyed peas, pigeon peas, split peas, lentils, and edamame. These plant-based foods are excellent sources of protein as well as fiber, folate, potassium, iron, and zinc.

Nuts and seeds include almonds, hazelnuts, walnuts, peanuts, chia seeds, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, and peanut butter. They are not only rich in protein but also provide healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals. Nuts are high in fat and calories, so be mindful of portion sizes.

Eggs contain all of the essential amino acids, making them a complete protein source. Eggs are also a source of vitamins, minerals, healthy fats, and antioxidants.

Quinoa is a plant-based protein source that is also a complete protein. A cup of cooked quinoa provides about 8 grams of protein and 5 grams of fiber. Quinoa is also a good source of minerals such as manganese, phosphorus, and copper.

Soy products such as tofu and tempeh are good sources of protein, especially for vegetarians and vegans. One-quarter cup of tofu provides seven grams of protein.

How much protein should you eat daily?

For the average adult, the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for protein, or the amount you need to meet your basic nutritional requirements and not get sick, is 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight, or 0.36 grams per pound. For a person who weighs 75 kg (165 pounds), that comes to 60 grams of protein per day.

To determine your target daily protein intake, you can multiply your weight in pounds by 0.36, or use this online calculator.

It's important to keep in mind that your daily protein need is not a fixed number. For example, your protein needs will fluctuate depending on your level of physical activity, and whether you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Should I get my protein from animal or plant sources?

In order to get enough dietary protein in the most healthful way, nutritional guidelines have shifted away from specific amounts of daily protein, and toward the importance of eating healthier, protein-rich foods.

It's important to think about the protein "package" when making protein choices because food containing protein also includes fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, sugar, sodium, additives, and other components.

While meat provides high-quality protein, some meats also provide unhealthy amounts of saturated fats and sodium. If you eat meat, it's important to choose leaner meats and poultry. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), meats that are high in saturated fat include:

• fatty cuts of beef, pork, and lamb
• ground beef (75% to 85% lean)
• processed meats such as bologna, salami, sausages, hot dogs, bacon
• some poultry, such as duck.

A high-protein diet that is predominantly made up of red meat or processed meat is a cause for concern. Research has consistently found that both unprocessed and processed red meat are linked to higher risks of cardiovascular disease and diabetes. One meta-analysis found that replacing red meat with healthy plant proteins decreased the risk of cardiovascular disease.

For optimal health and nutrition, you should emphasize plant-based protein and protein from a variety of sources. The Mediterranean style of eating is one approach that emphasizes healthy protein sources.

Benefits of a higher protein diet

While most Americans consume more than enough protein, some people may benefit from a higher intake of protein.

To maintain or gain muscle mass

If you are over age 50, you should increase protein intake to one gram per kilogram of your body weight just to maintain muscle mass, which declines with age.

If you're trying to gain muscle mass, a higher-protein diet can help support muscle repair and growth. When you exercise, muscle cells break down. Protein from food helps to repair the damage, ultimately strengthening muscles.

To lose weight

The value of high-protein diets for weight loss remains controversial. However, one meta-analysis found that a high-protein diet could lead to weight loss and prevent weight regain after weight loss. The authors note the need for future studies that follow patients for longer than one year for more insight into this issue.

Other benefits

One study found that eating plant-based protein was associated with lower odds of developing cognitive decline later in life. For every 5% of calories that came from plant protein instead of carbohydrates, researchers observed a 26% lower risk for developing dementia in study participants.

How much protein is too much?

The idea of an upper limit of protein intake is controversial. Some experts believe the recommended amounts are too low. Others believe we are overconsuming protein.

In general, the average person (not a body builder or an elite athlete) does not need high levels of protein and should not exceed 2 grams per kilogram; or about 125 grams per day for a 140-pound person.

A main concern with taking in too much protein is an overall dietary imbalance. Consuming excessive protein may lead to inadequate intake of carbohydrates and fats. It's important to maintain a well-rounded diet that includes a balance of all three macronutrients for overall health.

In addition, if you increase your protein intake without increasing physical activity, you may be taking in too many calories without expending enough, which could result in weight gain.

There is also some evidence that eating a relatively high-protein diet can be problematic for individuals with pre-existing kidney conditions. A diet high in animal protein may pose a higher risk of kidney stones.

5 Best High Protein Dog Foods (Reviews Updated 2022)

Feeding your dog the best high protein food will help to ensure that he is getting the balanced nutrients that he needs to support his nutritional needs. Which formula will best suit the needs of your dog?

Below, we offer a detailed overview of each of these high protein dog food options, including the ingredients featured in each one, what we like about them, and what pet parents have had to say. Each of the high protein formulas featured in this review are made by highly regarded manufacturers and contain premium quality ingredients.

If youre on the market for high protein dog food and you dont know what to choose, weve compiled a list of the top five high protein dog food options that are currently on the market.

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Best High Protein Dog Foods

We start our list of the best dog food brands with Taste of the Wild Grain Free High Protein Dry Dog Food. Countless pet parents feed their four-legged family members Taste of the Wild dog food because they know that they can count on this brand to offer highly nutritious, well-balanced food that also offers a palatable flavor. Thats because Taste of the Wild uses only the highest quality ingredients and never uses byproducts or fillers, like many other dog food brands that are on the market.

This formula from Taste of the Wild is a high protein dog food, so if your vet has told you that your pooch needs more protein in his diet, then this is a great option to choose. Protein is the building block of muscles, so this dry dog food will help to support healthy joints. Many dog breeds are prone to joint issues, such as German Shepherds, Saint Bernards, Rottweilers, Golden Retrievers, Newfoundlands, and Chesapeake Bay Retrievers. By offering your pet a high protein diet, you can help to stave off conditions like hip and elbow dysplasia, which can be extremely painful and cause mobility problems.

The ingredients featured in this Taste of the Wild formula are top-of-the-line. Just like all of their other formulas, real meat is the first ingredient. In this recipe, Buffalo is the primary source of protein, followed by lamb meal and chicken meal, which combine to offer up a healthy dose of protein that will keep your pets muscles and joints healthy and strong. Other ingredients include easy to digest carbohydrates, like sweet potatoes, peas, and potatoes. Blueberries, raspberries, tomato, and a bevy of supplements (like vitamin B12, taurine, zinc sulfate, copper sulfate, vitamin D, and biotin) round out the list of ingredients. Everything used in this formula is sourced from trusted and sustainable sources, and there are absolutely no grains, byproducts, or artificial flavors or preservatives used in this recipe. The bottom line: when you offer your pet Taste of the Wild Grain Free High Protein Dry Dog Food, you can ensure that he is getting the best nutrition possible.

What We Like About It

• Made with the highest quality, natural ingredients
• Real meat is the first ingredient
• Offers a healthy dose of protein for healthy muscles and joints
• Free of artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives
• No corn, wheat, or soy
• Made in the USA
• Most pet parents are very pleased with this dog food

Reasons to Complain

• Some customers said that the price was a little steep
• Others said that the kibble was very crumbled when they received it

Bottom Line: If your pet needs more protein in his diet, Taste of the Wild Grain Free High Protein Dry Dog Food is an outstanding choice. Made with premium quality ingredients, you will have confidence knowing that your furry friend is getting the best nutrition possible.

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Next up on our list of the best dog food brands Blue Buffalo Wilderness Rocky Mountain Recipe High Protein Grain Free Dry Dog Food. Blue Buffalo dog food is one of the most trusted brands, and for good reason: the manufacturer hand selects the ingredients that are used in each formula to ensure optimal nutrition. If your pet requires a high protein, grain free dog food, then this is an excellent formula to consider.

The first ingredient featured in this formula is deboned beef, which is an excellent source of protein. It also features chicken meal, a natural source of glucosamine, a nutrient that is important for healthy muscles and joints. Instead of using corn, wheat, and soy as carbohydrates (which many dog food brands use), Blue Buffalo uses peas, barley grass, sweet potatoes, and other natural and easy to digest carbs, so if your pet needs a dog food for sensitive stomachs, this recipe is a great option. A bevy of fruits and vegetables, like cranberries, blueberries, dried kelp, and potatoes are also featured. Its also infused with essential vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin A, copper, taurine, calcium, folic acid, and B vitamins. Lastly, like all other dry dog food from Blue Buffalo, this recipe features Life Source Bits, which contain a precise blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.

What We Like About It

• Contains natural ingredients
• Offers a healthy dose of protein for optimal muscle and joint health
• Free of grains
• Contains no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives
• Real meat is the first ingredient
• Contains no by-product meals
• Infused with essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants
• Made in the USA
• Most pet parents say that they are very pleased with this recipe

Reasons to Complain

• The price is a bit on the high side
• Some customers said that they think the formula they ordered online is different from what they purchase in the store

Final Verdict: Blue Buffalo Wilderness Rocky Mountain Recipe High Protein Grain Free Dry Dog Food is a delicious and nutritious food that you and your pet will be sure to love. Made with premium quality ingredients and free of byproducts, artificial agents, and harmful chemicals, you can be sure your pooch will be getting the best possible nutrition.

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Pet owners have been trusting Purina dog food to meet the nutritional needs of their furry friends for decades. The manufacturer makes a number of different formulas for dogs of all ages, sizes, and lifestyles, including senior dog food, food for small dogs, and food for large dogs. This formula is specifically made for canines that live an active lifestyle.

What sets this high protein dog food apart from other formulas featured on our list is the fact that it contains a specific balance of protein and fat: 30 percent of the recipe is protein and 20 percent is fat, which helps to ensure that your dogs metabolic needs are being met while also maintaining his lean muscle mass. The first ingredient featured in this recipe is real chicken. It also contains fish meal, which is a great source of lean protein and natural glucosamine. Other ingredients include digest brewers rice and fish oil, and it has been infused with vital nutrients, such as vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin D, calcium, folic acid, vitamin B12, and biotin. According to the majority of reviews that we read, pet parents are very happy with this recipe; however, it should be noted that it does contain corn, so if your dog is sensitive to grains, this might not be the best high protein dog food for him.

What We Like About It

• Features a precise blend of protein and fat to fuel a dogs energy levels
• Contains real chicken as the first ingredient
• Infused with essential vitamins, minerals, and nutrients
• Most pet parents say that their dogs love the taste and that they are happy with the quality

Reasons to Complain

• It does contain corn, so it might cause allergic reactions or stomach upset in dogs that are sensitive to grains
• Some pet parents said that their dogs werent overly fond of the flavor

Final Verdict: To ensure your active dog is getting the energy that he needs, Purina Pro Plan will provide him with the right balance of protein and fat that will fuel his energy levels.

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Next up on our list is a formula that comes from Diamond Naturals dog food. This manufacturer is also highly regarded, as they on use the very best quality ingredients in their recipes and they offer a variety of formulas to meet the nutritional needs of dogs of all ages, sizes, and lifestyles. If you have an adult dog that requires a high protein diet, then you should seriously consider filling your pets dog bowl with Diamond Naturals Dry Dog Food for Adult Dog.

This recipe is made with the highest quality protein, which has been sourced from pasture raised beef. It contains an optimal amino acid profile to support lean muscle mass and healthy, strong joints. It will also fuel your furry friends energy levels so he can enjoy long walks on his dog harness and playing with his automatic fetch machines. This recipe also contains a bevy of superfoods, like blueberries, pumpkins, quinoa, dried kelp, coconut, spinach, and even papaya to support proper nutrition and a healthy lifestyle. The infusion of vital nutrients, such as zinc, copper, iron, beta carotene, vitamin B6, vitamin D, folic acid, and potassium all combine to create a premium quality high protein dog food that you can have confidence knowing will meet the nutritional needs of your canine companion.

What We Like About It

• Features pasture raised beef as the first ingredient
• Offers a precise blend of vitamins, minerals, and other essential nutrients
• Infused with supplements
• No wheat, corn, or fillers
• Free of artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives
• Contains superfoods
• Made in the USA
• Easy to digest
• Most pet parents are very pleased with the results

Reasons to Complain

• Some customers said that they think this food caused stomach upset; however, that has not been proven
• Others said that the kibble was crumbly when they received it

Final Verdict: Diamond Naturals Dry Food for Adult Dog is a great choice to consider if your four-legged family member required a high protein diet. Made with only the highest quality ingredients to ensure optimal nutrition, you can be sure that your pet will be eating a delicious and nutritious meal when you offer him this food.

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The last recipe featured on our list of the best high protein dog food options is another formula that comes from Purina. Their Smart Blend True Instinct Natural with Real Turkey and Venison Adult Dry Dog Food is made specifically for high performance dogs, such as working class and sporting group breeds; or, any other dog that has high energy. Its a natural food that is made with premium quality ingredients and is infused with essential vitamins and minerals to ensure your pooch is receiving the very best nutrition.

This formula is made with a blend of real turkey and venison, both of which are great sources of protein and deliver a taste that will certainly appeal to your pets palate. The infusion of essential vitamins and minerals will promote a stronger immune system, strengthen your dogs bones and joints, support his digestive health, and even improve the health of his skin and coat. Since the ingredients are highly digestible, you can be sure that your dog will be absorbing maximum nutrition.

What We Like About It

• Real turkey is the first ingredient
• Contains real venison
• Offers a 30 percent protein content to support strong muscles and fuel energy levels
• The morsels are meaty and tender, so its highly palatable
• Free of by-product meals
• Contains no artificial flavors or preservatives
• The majority of reviewers said that they were very pleased with this product

Reasons to Complain

• Some customers said that they were not pleased with the quality of the product
• Others said that the packaging was damaged

Final Verdict: For a high protein dog food that offers balanced nutrition to support optimal health, Purina One SmartBlend True Instinct Natural with Real Turkey and Venison Adult Dry Dog Food is a great option to consider. It features high quality ingredients and offers a 30 percent protein content.

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Buyers Guide to the Best High Protein Dog Food

Your goal, as a pet parent, is to ensure that the furriest member of your family is receiving the best nutrition possible so that he can be as happy and healthy as possible. For some dogs, that means feeding them a high protein diet. Why is protein important for dogs? Why do some dogs need more protein than others? What type of factors should you consider when you are selecting a high protein food for your pooch? In this section of our review, youll find the answers to these questions so you can make the best choice for your canine companion.

Why is Protein Important for Dogs?

To ensure your pet is getting the nutrition that he needs, its important to feed him a well-balanced diet that features high quality proteins.

Protein is a vital nutrient that all animals require, including canines. While mans best friend also requires other nutrients, like carbohydrates, and fats, protein is the most important. Thats because canines are naturally carnivorous, which means that their bodies need this nutrient in order to thrive. In the wild, canines hunt for their food, and animals make up the largest portion of their diet.

Protein contains amino acids, organic compounds that play an important function in several essential bodily functions. Canines require a total of 22 amino acids in their diet, and 10 of them have to come from their diet because their bodies do not synthesize them naturally. Therefore, its important to feed your pooch a food that contains a balanced blend of high-quality proteins that are preferably sourced from meat.

Protein is important for the following reasons:

• It helps to maintain and repair vital cells and tissues, such as muscles, bones, skin, and hair
• It strengthens the immune system
• It aids in the production of enzymes, hormones, and antibodies

Why do Some Dogs Need More Protein?

While protein is important for all dogs, some need more than others. For example, puppies need more protein because they are growing at a rapid rate and protein helps to support their development. Active dogs, such as those that are used for herding and hunting, or those who compete in agility contests, require more protein because this nutrient fuels their energy levels. Pregnant and nursing canines also need more protein to nourish their bodies as they develop and feed puppies.

Factors to Consider

There are a lot of high protein dog food options to choose from; however, not all of them are the same quality. When youre shopping for a high protein formula, take the following factors into consideration.

• Protein percentage. A high protein dog food should contain approximately 30 percent protein to ensure needs are being met.
• Protein source. Read the labels. Make sure that protein is listed as the first ingredient, and ensure that the protein comes from a high-quality source, such as lamb, venison, turkey, chicken, beef, or fish.
• Additional ingredients. Check to make sure that the food also contains other essential vitamins and minerals to support your pups overall health; fatty acids, natural carbohydrates, and glucosamine, for example.

Summing It Up

Protein is the building block of muscles, so feeding your pooch a food that contains optimal levels of high quality protein will ensure that his joints and muscles are strong and healthy. Protein will also provide your pup with the energy that he needs to sustain an active lifestyle; plus, it helps to improve the health of his skin and coat.

As a pet parent, your dog relies on you for everything. He looks to you for comfort and affection, and he counts on you to ensure that his health needs are being met. Since you want your four-legged family member to life a long, happy, and healthy life, you go out of your way to make sure that you are providing him with the best products that will meet all of his needs. He enjoys snoozes in the most comfortable dog bed, a top-of-the-line dog house offers him protection when hes outside, and you even put him in a dog raincoat so he stays nice and dry during those rainy day walks. As a pet parent, you are proud to offer your pooch the best of everything.

Theres another product that you dont want to slouch on when it comes to your furry friends care: his dog food. Just like humans, canines require a well-balanced diet that meets their nutritional needs in order to ensure that they are healthy and happy. If your canine companion is highly active, or if hes prone to joint issues (like Pugs, Boxers, and French Bulldogs are), then he might need a high protein diet.

Sources:

PetMD

Hills Pet

Purina