The Best High-Protein Dog Foods: Reviews and Our Top Picks
Table of Contents
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Which Dog Food has the Highest Protein?
- Best Overall High-Protein Dog Food: We Feed Raw Dog Food
Every recipe at We Feed Raw is formulated by a Ph.D. animal nutritionist. - Best Ancient Grains High-Protein Dog Food: Open Farm’s Ancient Grains High-Protein Puppy Food
Helps prevent allergies and supports DHA and healthy brain development - Best Natural High-Protein Dog Food: The Honest Kitchen Dehydrated Grain-Free Beef
Dehydrated and grain-free formula with high protein content from ranch-raised beef. - Best Adult High-Protein Dog Food: Raised Right Original Beef Adult Dog Recipe
A specially formulated high-protein and human-grade formula that is suitable for pooches of all breeds and life stages. - Best Grain-Free High-Protein Dog Food: CRAVE Grain-Free Adult High Protein Natural Dry Dog Food
A grain-free formula with a high protein content promotes healthy skin and coats in dogs. - Best High-Protein Dog Food for Improved Activity Levels: VICTOR Super Premium Hi-Pro Plus Dry Dog Food
A high protein formula with essentials that improve activity levels and performance in dogs. - Best High-Protein Dog Food for Large Breeds: Purina Pro Plan High Protein Digestive Health Large Breed Dry Dog Food
A high protein formula with probiotics to improve gut and digestive health in large dogs. - Best High-Protein Dog Food for Puppies: Purina Pro Plan High Protein Puppy Food
A high protein blend that improves immune health and promotes healthy growth in puppies. - Best High-Protein Dog Food for Vitality: Purina Pro Plan High Energy High Protein Dog Food
A high protein blend with 30/20 balanced nutrition that improves the vitality of dogs. - Best High-Protein Dog Food for Small Breeds: Optimeal High-Protein Small Breed Dog Food
A protein-packed formula with easily digestible and health-boosting nutrients for small breeds. - Most Affordable High Protein Dog Food: PEDIGREE High Protein Adult Dry Dog Food
A healthy high protein blend that is healthy, affordable, and comes in a convenient bag size. - Best Wet High-Protein Dog Food: Purina Pro Plan Sport High Protein Wet Dog Food
A high-protein blend in delectable gravy that keeps dogs hydrated, nourished, and happy.
- Additional 25% off your first order with code VET25
- Formulated by a Ph.D. animal nutritionist
- Naturally hydrating and packed full of nutrients
- Great source of healthy proteins and fats
- 6 types of dog-friendly muscle meats
- No sugar or carbohydrates
What is High-Protein Dog Food?
High protein dog food is pet food that contains a high proportion of protein content from animal sources like beef, chicken, lamb, and venison or lean protein sources like salmon, trout, or whiting fish.
High protein diets are rich in amino acids, which are important in maintaining good vision and muscle and bone health in dogs. Most dog food products, therefore, use a blend of high protein ingredients more than carbohydrates or fibers.
The high-protein dog food mimics the wild dog’s diets and satisfies their appetites.
Do Dogs Need High Protein Food?
Yes, active dogs need high-protein dog food.
High-protein diets are vital for proper metabolism, overall activity levels, and nutritional needs. Dogs are carnivores in nature and thus naturally crave high protein content in their diets. High protein dog food is the closest to the natural diet of dogs.
The high protein content is especially beneficial for large breed dogs and active & working dogs.
Is High-Protein Dog Food Good for Dogs?
Yes, high-protein dog food is good. Here are some of the many benefits of adding proteins to your dog’s diet:
- Muscle Strength. Protein is the building block of muscle in bodies. Thus, having a protein-rich diet increases muscle strength in dogs.
- Bone Health. A high-protein diet also strengthens bones and joints and recovers any injuries or ailments faster.
- Skin & Coat Health. Fur and coat are made up of collagen and amino acids, both of which are protein components. Thus a protein-rich diet makes dog coats shinier.
- Boosts Metabolism. A high protein diet helps dogs burn more calories than average due to its thermic effect. This accelerates metabolism.
- Weight Management. Due to the high metabolism resulting from high protein content, it’s easier for dogs to lose any unhealthy weight and gain muscle mass simultaneously naturally.
- Immune Strength. Amino acids in protein benefit T-cells and phagocytes that make up the body’s immune system. Therefore, a high protein diet boosts immunity in dogs.
The Best High-Protein Dog Food Reviewed
There are many high-protein dog food options on the market. Therefore choosing the right recipe can be overwhelming. To help, we reviewed the best high-protein dog foods available on Amazon and Chewy.
Summary: Each We Feed Raw recipe is naturally high in protein and fat while low in carbohydrates. These single-protein nutritious recipes have the correct ratio of muscle meat, organ meat, and finely ground bone. The patties are perfect for even the pickiest of eaters and can easily be frozen and thawed. They contain no preservatives, fillers, artificial colors, or flavors and are sourced from USDA, human-grade meats. Save an additional 25% off your first order with code VETS25.
Type: Raw
Best for: Adult dogs
Flavor Options: Venison, lamb, duck, turkey, beef, and chicken
Price: $37.99-$46.99 per 5lb unit
- Additional 25% off your first order with code VETS25
- Promotes smaller, firmer stools
- Packed with healthy vitamins and minerals
- 6 types of dog-friendly muscle meats
- Great for dogs with allergies
- Great source of healthy proteins and fats
- Higher price tag
Ingredient Analysis:
Great Ingredients: Muscle meat options include venison, lamb, duck, turkey, beef, and chicken. Each meal is made of approximately 80% muscle meat, 10% organ meat, 10% finely ground bone, and added vitamins and minerals. The Vitamin + Mineral Mix includes Flaxseed, Calcium Carbonate, Zinc Sulfate, Vitamin E Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, and more.
Not-so-Great Ingredients: None
Review: Pet parents give We Feed Raw “4 paws up” and they have an overage rating of 4.9 on Trustpilot. Dog owners love these nutritious protein-packed meals and dogs can’t get enough of them. Customers have also noticed better digestion, healthier skin, and shiny coats after switching their dogs to a raw diet.
Summary: Help your pooch say goodbye to allergies with Open Farm’s Ancient Grains High-Protein Puppy Food. This high-protein kibble helps prevent allergies and supports DHA and healthy brain development, thanks to a blend of humanely raised chicken, pork, fresh Pacific wild-caught salmon, and wholesome ancient grains. Get 20% off your first auto-ship order with code VET20.
Type: Dry dog food
Best for: Puppies and adult dogs
Flavor Options: Chicken & Wild-Caught Salmon
Price: $6.25 per pound (based on a 4lb variant)
- 20% off your first auto-ship order with code VET20.
- A unique blend of fresh chicken, salmon, and pork to help prevent the development of allergies in puppies
- Our chicken and pork are 100% humanely-raised without the use of antibiotics or added growth hormones
- Wild-caught Pacific salmon approved by Ocean Wise® for sustainable fishing practices
- A wholesome blend of ancient grains like steel-cut oats, millet, brown rice, quinoa, and chia seeds
- Free from meat meals, meat by-products, soy, legumes, and rendered poultry
- No significant cons
Ingredient Analysis
- Great Ingredients: 100% Animal Welfare Certified Chicken, Wild-Caught Pacific Salmon, 100% Animal Welfare Certified Pork, Oats, Quinoa, Coconut Oil
- Not-so-Great Ingredients: None
Review: Customers are very happy about this product. They reported that their dogs loved the taste and smell of the kibble, and some reported that their dog’s allergic conditions have become more manageable.
Summary: The Dehydrated Grain-Free Beef Recipe is a human-grade dog food formula made with wholesome ingredients. The food is complete and balanced for dogs of different life stages and can be used alone or as a food topper for picky eaters. The first ingredient is ranch-raised beef enriched with superfoods such as sweet potatoes, kale, papayas, pumpkin, and coconut. Plus, the formula is easy to use – it just needs to be rehydrated by adding warm water before serving. Customers can also get 30% off on their first orders of $30+ using code VETERINARIANS30.
Type: Dehydrated dog food
Best for: Puppies and adult dogs
Flavor Options: Beef; Chicken; Turkey; Fish
Price: $27.48 per 12 cases (1.75 oz)
- 30% off on first orders of $30+ using code VETERINARIANS30
- Wholesome and delicious formula
- Human-grade quality and safety standards
- With beef, sweet potatoes, and kale
- No by-products, fillers, or GMO ingredients
- Can be used as a meal or dog food topper
- Needs to be rehydrated before use
Ingredient Analysis
- Great Ingredients: Dehydrated beef, dehydrated sweet potatoes, dehydrated potatoes, organic flaxseed, dried organic coconut, dried parsley, dried papayas, dried cranberries, dehydrated pumpkin, dehydrated honey, dehydrated kale, taurine, vitamins, minerals, and fish oil
- Not-so-Great Ingredients: None
Review: Amazon customers give this food 4.3 out of 5 stars. They say it is loaded with healthy foods, and their dogs like it. Plus, pet owners explain the food is simple to serve despite the need to rehydrate it before use.
Summary: Raised Right Original Beef Adult Dog Recipe is a specially formulated high-protein and human-grade formula that is suitable for pooches of all breeds and life stages. Preservatives and high-carb fillers such as potatoes, rice, parsnips, or barley are non-existent in this formula, and it only has one source of animal protein. Every recipe from Raised Right has passed the same standards necessary for human consumption and all of their food is lightly cooked in a human-grade facility. Moreover, their low-temp cooking meets the USDA pathogen kill step while maintaining high levels of moisture and nutritional integrity.
Type: Wet dog food
Best for: Dogs of all life stages
Flavor Options: Original Beef, Original Turkey, Original Pork, Original Chicken, Turkey & Pumpkin Paté, Beef & Pumpkin Paté, Pork & Pumpkin Paté, Chicken & Pumpkin Paté
Price: $10.99 per bag
- High-protein, human-grade, and grain-free
- Helps prevent inflammation and yeast infection
- Made with 100% whole foods and real meat
- Free from synthetic vitamins and minerals
- Needs to be thawed before serving
Ingredient Analysis:
- Great Ingredients: Beef, Beef Heart, Carrots, Beef Liver, Cranberries, Organic Spearmint, Flaxseed Oil, Egg Shell Powder, Cod Liver Oil, Organic Dried Kelp
- Not-so-Great Ingredients: None
Review: Many pet owners are quite happy with Raised Right’s Original Beef dog food recipe. They stated that the ingredients used in their dog formulas are top-tier and highly nutritious. To quote one satisfied customer, “My dog has many food intolerances so finding him the right mix of protein and vegetables is very difficult. A friend told me about Raised Right and my dog is doing great!”
Summary: A grain-free high, protein formula that specifically improves skin and coat health in dogs. This food formula contains 34% protein content balanced with essential vitamins and minerals for canine health. The grain-free nature of the formula makes it suitable for dogs with grain allergies and ensures lower calorie content.
Type: Dry dog food
Best for: Adult dogs of all breed sizes
Flavor options: Beef; Chicken
Price: $3.00 per pound
- Grain-free formula suitable for dogs with a grain allergy
- High protein content from fresh chicken fat and beef
- Contains healthy carbohydrate sources like peas and lentils
- Improves skin and coat health in dogs
- Flaxseed that helps in digestive regulation in dogs
- Often out of stock on online retailers
Ingredient Analysis
- Great Ingredients: Chicken, split peas, lentils, pea starch, flaxseed, dried alfalfa meal, dried plain beet pulp, rosemary extract, vitamins, and minerals
- Not-so-Great Ingredients: Chicken meal, pork meal, beef meal, chicken fat
Review: Based on 3,875 customer reviews, this dog food with quality ingredients has an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars on Amazon. Customers state that this food meets their dog needs and their dogs are healthier with this diet.
Summary: This is a dry food formula with 30% protein content from premium and fresh beef meat. This formula has a blend of mineral complexes and selenium yeast that boost activity levels in dogs and keep them energetic irrespective of age. Moreover, this formula is enriched with a prebiotic and probiotic blend that aids in digestion and helps remove toxins from dogs’ bodies. This is a gluten-free recipe and thus suitable for dogs who are intolerant to gluten.
Type: Dry dog food
Best for: Adult dogs
Flavor Options: Beef
Price: $1.44 per pound
- 30% protein content from beef
- Boosts energy levels and keeps dog active
- Suitable for pregnant or lactating dogs as well
- Contains prebiotics and probiotics that aid in digestion
- No fillers, artificial additives, and preservatives
- Not suitable for dogs intolerant to grains
Ingredient Analysis
- Great Ingredients: Grain sorghum, whole grain millet, yeast culture, carrot powder, tomato pomace, taurine, brewers yeast, dried Enterococcus faecium fermentation product, dried Lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product, dried Aspergillus oryzae fermentation extract, dried Trichoderma longibrachiatum extract, dried Bacillus subtilis fermentation extract, rosemary, green tea, spearmint, inulin, vitamins, and minerals
- Not-so-Great Ingredients: Meat and fish meals, chicken fat, vegetable oil
Review: Based on 8,382 customer reviews, this high-protein dry dog food has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars. Customers state that this food formula improved their dogs’ digestive issues and activity levels in senior dogs.
Summary: This is a healthy grain-inclusive formula with high protein content from fresh, real meat sources. The high protein content helps improve muscle strength. This formula also contains Glucosamine and EPA, a source of omega-3 fatty acids that aid in bone health and strength, which is important for large breed and giant dogs. Contains Bacillus sp fermentation product that improves gut health and digestion.
Type: Dry dog food
Best for: Large breed adult dogs
Flavor Options: Chicken and Rice
Price: $1.77 per pound
- Healthy grain inclusive formula
- High protein content from real and fresh chicken
- Contains EPA that improves bone health and mobility
- With probiotic strains that improve digestive health
- Boosts muscle strength in large breeds and giant dogs
- Only one flavor is available
Ingredient Analysis
- Great Ingredients: Chicken, rice, whole grain wheat, whole grain corn, barley, fish oil, dried egg product, wheat bran, taurine, glucosamine, vitamins, and minerals
- Not-so-Great Ingredients: Corn gluten meal, poultry by-product meals, fish meal
Review: Based on 5,050 reviews, this food formula has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars. Pet owners state that this is a great value for money, high-protein food that their dogs love.
Summary: This is a special blend containing crunchy kibble as well as tender meat pieces. The chicken recipe targets improving gut health and, thereby, the immune strength in dogs of all breed sizes. Contains a special antioxidant blend that further boosts immune strength in dogs. This formula is enriched with DHA, an essential nutrient that improves brain health and vision in dogs. This high protein blend is derived from fresh chicken, a healthy source of lean protein.
Type: Crunchy kibble + shredded meat chunks
Best for: Puppies
Flavor Options: Chicken & Rice
Price: $2.70 per pound
- High protein formula made with real chicken meat
- Contains live probiotics that improve gut health
- Enriched with DHA that improves vision and cognitive health
- Vitamin A, vitamin E & omega fatty acids for shiny coats
- Suitable for dogs of all breed sizes
- Contains corn and soybean meals (allergens)
Ingredient Analysis
- Great Ingredients: Chicken, rice, whole grain wheat, whole grain corn, dried egg product, dried yeast, fish oil, calcium, dried Bacillus coagulans fermentation product, vitamins, and minerals
- Not-so-Great Ingredients: Soybean meal, corn meal (low nutritional value)
Review: Based on 9,368 customer reviews, this product has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars. Customers state that this is a great crude protein formula in a flavor their dogs love.
Summary: This is a dry food formula with a 30/20 balance of protein and fat from healthy grains that provides optimum nourishment to dogs. This formula contains salmon as the first ingredient with high amounts of healthy amino acids beneficial for their vitality. This recipe is a special formula with concentrated nutrition that increases oxygen metabolism, thereby increasing dogs’ energy levels.
Type: Dry dog food
Best for: Adult dogs
Flavor Options: Salmon; Salmon & Cod
Price: $1.99 per pound
- 30% protein content from nutritious salmon
- Digestible and nutrient-dense formula
- Glucosamine and EPA for bone health and vitality
- Suitable for dogs of all breed sizes
- 20% healthy fats for high energy levels
- Not suitable for dogs sensitive to gluten
Ingredient Analysis
- Great Ingredients: Salmon, rice, whole grain corn, dried egg product, fish oil, dried Bacillus coagulans fermentation product, vitamins, and minerals
- Not-so-Great Ingredients: Corn germ meal, corn gluten meal, fish meal
Review: Based on 1,908 customer reviews, this product has an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars. Pet owners claim that this high-quality formula has eliminated all digestive issues in their dogs while making them more energetic.
Summary: This is a high-protein formula to meet the dietary needs of small breed dogs. The lamb’s protein content is the formula’s first ingredient and has the highest proportion. This formula has healthy grains that satisfy the nutritional needs and calories that small breed dogs need to stay active. This formula is also great for immune health in small breed dogs as it contains selenium, vitamin A and zinc.
Type: Dry dog food
Best for: Small breed adult dogs
Flavor Options: Lamb & Rice; Turkey & Rice; Chicken & Rice; Chicken & Lamb
Price: $3.52 per pound
- Suitable for small breed dogs
- Lamb as the first ingredient, making it a high-protein formula
- With wholesome, healthy & easily digestible carbs
- Improves immune health with selenium, zinc, and vitamins
- Omega fatty acids that promote healthy skin & shiny coats
- Some pet owners dislike the scent of the kibble
Ingredient Analysis
- Great Ingredients: Deboned lamb, rice, barley, oats, pea protein, potato protein, brown rice, flaxseed, salmon oil, dried plain beet pulp, dried chicory root, brewer’s dried yeast, taurine, dried cranberries, dried blueberries, glucosamine, rosemary extract, yucca schidigera extract, chamomile, turmeric, fructooligosaccharide, vitamins, and minerals
- Not-so-Great Ingredients: Chicken meal, turkey meal
Review: Based on 136 customer reviews, this product has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars. Customers state that even their picky eater dogs love this formula for their daily meals.
Summary: This is a high-protein food formula with healthy grains that satisfy the dietary needs of adult dogs. This formula contains protein sources from premium beef and lamb that are rich in healthy amino acids. Boosted with omega fatty acids that help improve coat and skin health in dogs. Enriched with essential nutrients that help adult dogs stay and grow healthier.
Type: Dry dog food
Best for: Adult dogs
Flavor Options: Beef & Lamb
Price: $0.79 per pound
- Two premium types of meat - lamb, and beef
- Suitable for all breed sizes
- Packed with nutrients that adult dogs need to grow healthier
- Improves skin and coat health
- Value-for-money product with low prices for large quantities
- Contains corn meal in the first five ingredients
Ingredient Analysis
- Great Ingredients: Ground whole grain corn, animal fat, beef, ground whole grain wheat, dried plain beet pulp, dried peas, brewers rice, vitamins, and minerals
- Not-so-Great Ingredients: Meat meals and by-products, corn meal, soybean meal
Review: Based on 93 customer ratings, this product has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars. Customers state that their dogs love the flavor and are excited for meal times with this food.
Summary: A wet dog food formula in pate form. This formula has high protein content derived from beef and bison, which are premium meat. This recipe contains a delectable gravy with tender meat pates. This formula contains 23 essential nutrients that improve the overall health of dogs. Moreover, this recipe has an antioxidant blend that specifically improves immune health in dogs.
Type: Wet dog food
Best for: Dogs of all life stages
Flavor Options: Beef and bison
Price: $2.99 per can (13 oz)
- Made with healthy grains for a balanced diet
- High animal protein derived from beef and bison
- Rich and thick gravy formula that keeps dogs hydrated
- Contains 23 essential nutrients for canine health
- No artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives
- Contains guar gum and carrageenan
Ingredient Analysis
- Great Ingredients: Beef, water, liver, chicken, bison, rice, vitamins, and minerals
- Not-so-Great Ingredients: Meat by-products, carrageenan
Review: Based on 393 customer reviews, this product has an average rating of 4.6 /5 stars. Customers state that their dogs love this flavorsome and high-quality food.
- Easy-to-clean, food-grade stainless steel bowl
- Smart app control and 1080P HD Camera
- Built-in advanced microphone and speaker
- Motion detection, smart notifications, and indicators
- Use the code Vets15 for 15% off
What are the Best Sources of Protein for Dogs?
Chicken and beef are the best and most commonly used protein sources for dogs. However, dog food brands use a wider specter of meats. Here is a list of some of the best protein sources:
- Poultry: chicken, turkey, duck, quail, and poultry
- Red meat: beef, pork, venison, lamb, and bison
- Fish: salmon, herring, whitefish, and trout.
In addition to meat, some dog food recipes use plant-based protein sources such as:
- Legumes: peas, chickpeas, soy
- Grains: quinoa, buckwheat, oats.
How do I Know if a Dog Food is High-Protein?
To ensure whether your choice of dog food is high in protein or not, consider the following things:
- Protein Content. For dog food to be considered high, it should contain at least 30% protein in the formulation. Higher levels are also acceptable.
- Protein Source. Make sure that the source of protein content is fresh meat and not meat flavoring or meat meals; the latter two don’t provide complete nutrition compared to fresh meat.
- Ingredient List. Ensure that the protein source is listed as the first ingredient or at least in the first five ingredients in the ingredient list. This indicates the protein is present in high amounts.
How Much Protein Should a Dog Have Daily?
In general, a dog should have 1 gram of protein per pound of body weight a day.
For example, if your dog‘s ideal healthy weight is 40lbs, it should have 40 grams of protein per day. This amount should be divided between the daily meals. Exceeding the recommended daily protein intake can result in digestive issues and obesity.
