Top 8 high protein dog food reviewed

Are you searching for the foods with good protein for your furry friend, or you are already feeding him with these meals but considering switching brands?

Whatever your reason for researching this kind of diet is, you have come to the right place.

Let’s face it:

We all want what is best for our dogs, but it’s not an easy task to choose the right meal for him.

Not all proteins are created equally, so you need to bear in mind that some nutritional information on some labels are a bit misleading.

But, don’t worry, we are here to help you make the informed decision and provide your pet with the highest quality food. And what’s important is that this particular diet features essential nutrients required to give your pooch a healthy coat and skin, and build muscles.

So, if you want to know whats the best dog food high in protein, all you have to do is read on.

Top High Protein Dog Foods Comparison

IMAGEPRODUCTINGREDIENTS 
Best Overall
Small Product image of Taste of Wild food
Taste Of The Wild
Best Overall
Bison
Venison
Chicken Meal
Lamb Meal
Egg product
Check Price
Multi-Dog Families
CANIDAE Small Product Image
CANIDAE
Multi-Dog Families
Chicken Meal
Lamb Meal
Turkey meal
Brown rice
White rice
Check Price
Best Grain Free
Wellness Core Natural Small Product Image
Wellness Core
Best Grain Free
Turkey
Chicken Meal
Turkey Meal
Peas
Potatoes
Check Price
Chewey Pets
Fromm FourStar Small Product Image
Fromm FourStar
Chewey Pets
Beef
Dried Whole Egg
Peas
Potatoes
Pea Protein
Check Price
All Breeds
Merrick Whole Earth Farms Small Product Image
Merrick Whole Earth
All Breeds
Beef
Beef Liver
Beef Broth
Salmon
Peas
Check Price
Large Breeds
Blue Buffalo Wilderness Small Product Image
Blue Buffalo Wilderness
Large Breeds
Deboned Chicken
Chicken Meal
Pea Protein
Peas
Tapioca Starch
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Senior Dogs
Instinct Raw Boost Small Product Image
Instinct Raw Boost
Senior Dogs
Chicken Meal
Peas
Chickpeas
Tapioca
Chicken
Check Price
Adult Dogs
Crave Small Product Image
Crave
Adult Dogs
Salmon
Chicken Meal
Chickpeas
Split Peas
Menhaden Fish Meal
Check Price

Taste Of The Wild – Best Overall

First Five Ingredients:

  • Bison
  • Venison
  • Chicken Meal
  • Lamb Meal
  • Egg product

This product is our number one choice and the top-selling high protein food made for healthy, active canines. It contains about 18% fat and 32% protein. The Taste of the Wild is an excellent choice for pets that are allergic to grains, as it’s grain-free.

This formula is designed with high percentages of lean, real meat and includes supplemental vegetables and fruits to contribute antioxidants which will boost your dog’s immune system. The great thing about it is that it doesn’t contain artificial preservatives, colors or flavors and has no filler, wheat, corn or grain.

Overall, you can’t go wrong with this product as it contains, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for healthy skin and a shiny coat. It also features species-specific probiotics to aid digestion and maintain weight.

CANIDAE – Ideal For Multi-Dog Families

First Five Ingredients:

  • Chicken Meal
  • Lamb Meal
  • Turkey meal
  • Brown rice
  • White rice

The CANIDAE All Life Stages is all-purpose, all-around dog food, suitable for any size or age of canines and any breed. It’s formulated by veterinarians to be perfect for families who have multiple pets. This great recipe includes a high level of proteins such as lamb meal, turkey and chicken.

Another great thing about this product is that it also contains Omega-6 and Omega-3, Antioxidants and probiotics. These will promote healthy skin and a shiny coat and boost your furry friend’s immune system. What’s important, the formula doesn’t feature any fillers like wheat, corn or soy, which is excellent for pet owners worried about their dog’s allergies or his grain intake.

The recipe is nutritionally dense, so your pooch can digest and gain all the vitamins and minerals he needs from eating less. That means less expense and less waste.

Wellness Core Natural – Best Grain Free

First Five Ingredients:

  • Deboned Turkey
  • Chicken Meal
  • Turkey Meal
  • Peas
  • Potatoes

This quality dog food is designed from a fantastic combination of ingredients. Right at the top of this recipe is a deboned turkey as a whole protein, followed by chicken and turkey meal. These are excellent supplemental nutrients.

The grain-free formula also contains sweet potatoes, potatoes, and peas which provide carbohydrate content. The minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants featured in this recipe will boost the immune system of your pets. We also need to mention that it is fortified with 4 different probiotics to ensure normal digestion, and chondroitin and glucosamine to help promote joint health.

If you have more than one pet, these best high protein meals are a great option for them. The formula doesn’t contain artificial colors, preservatives or flavors, no meat-by-products, soy, corn or wheat.

Fromm FourStar – Choice For Chewey Pets

First Five Ingredients:

  • Beef
  • Dried Whole Egg
  • Peas
  • Potatoes
  • Pea Protein

Fromm’s Four-Star Beef Frittata Veg is a high protein low carb dog food that includes impressive ingredients. As the primary nutrient and the number one ingredient, the manufacturers chose the real beef. It’s followed by beef liver, pork meat meal, and whole eggs which represents supplemental proteins.

This formula is grain-free and draws its carbohydrate content from sweet potatoes and potatoes. That means this product doesn’t contain wheat, corn, soy or artificial flavors, preservatives or colors. On the other hand, it contains salmon oil which is used to provide omega-3 fatty acids and healthy fats.

There are a lot of fruits and vegetables that are featured in this formula such as blueberries, carrots, green beans, and apples which provide minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants. This dog food is fortified with probiotics which promote digestion.

Merrick Whole Earth Farms – Fit For All Breeds

First Five Ingredients:

  • Beef
  • Beef Liver
  • Beef Broth
  • Salmon
  • Peas

Merrick Whole Earth Farms Grain Free Canned Dog Food is an excellent choice for a puppy who is just starting to wean or elderly dogs with sensitive stomachs. It contains beef as its first ingredients and the primary nutrient source.

This formula is grain-free, and it doesn’t contain soy, wheat, corn or artificial flavors, preservatives and colors. Those are excellent news for pet owners worried about their canine’s allergies or his grain intake. Thanks to the vegetables and fruits that are featured in this formula, your dog will be provided with the essential nutrients he needs.

Overall, you cannot go wrong with this fantastic dog food. It contains natural ingredients that provide well-balanced nutrition at an affordable price.

Blue Buffalo Wilderness – Ideal For Large Breeds

First Five Ingredients:

  • Deboned Chicken
  • Chicken Meal
  • Pea Protein
  • Peas
  • Tapioca Starch

The Blue Buffalo Wilderness is an ideal dog food for large breeds. It has a decent amount of fat at 14%, and it is very high in protein at 36%. The first ingredient and the primary nutrient source is deboned chicken.

The formula contains Plus L-Carnitine which will help promote lean muscles of your furry friend, and blackberries, blueberries, and cranberries boost his immune system. And like other high-quality canine meals this formula is also grain-free. It contains no artificial preservatives, flavors or colors, no soy, wheat, corn or by-product meals.

You won’t regret choosing the Blue Buffalo dry dog food as it is a protein-rich kibble ideal for developing your canine’s body. It has plenty of phosphorus and calcium to make sure bones can handle the stress pooch place on his body.

Raw Boost – Best For Senior Dogs

First Five Ingredients:

  • Chicken Meal
  • Peas
  • Chickpeas
  • Tapioca
  • Chicken

This boosted nutrition, the high animal protein includes bites of freeze-dried raw meat. The formula is specially made for senior dogs; to increase their immune system and energy level. The first ingredient is real chicken which is used as the primary nutrient source.

The recipe includes all the nutrients an older canine needs for lean and strong muscles. Also, it contains natural DHA that is excellent for eye and brain health, plus guaranteed levels of phosphorus and calcium for strong bones and teeth. Naturally occurring chondroitin and glucosamine support joints and hips, and L-Carnitine supports a healthy metabolism.

We need to mention that this recipe doesn’t contain artificial preservatives or colors, no by-product meal, soy, wheat, corn, potato, or grain. You will not regret purchasing this fantastic product.

Crave – Perfect For Adult Dogs

First Five Ingredients:

  • Salmon
  • Chicken Meal
  • Chickpeas
  • Split Peas
  • Menhaden Fish Meal

Salmon and chicken meal are the two most important ingredients in this great formula. Crave Grain free High protein Dry Dog Food has carbohydrates that come from high-quality sources such as chickpeas. It is high very high in protein at 34 percent which will keep your pet full for a more extended period.

This recipe will provide your furry friend with essential nutrients he needs for a strong immune system, bags of energy lean body and healthy skin and coat. It doesn’t contain artificial preservatives, flavors or coloring, no by-products, wheat, or soy.

The great thing about this recipe is that it is suitable for adult canines of any breed. It is very affordable compared to other high-quality foods with good protein, and an excellent option for owners with a limited budget.

image of man playing with his dog

Buying Considerations & Tips

Protein Content

To choose the best dog food, you need to know which amount of protein is typical for the average pooch. Veterinarians recommend it should be between 20 and 30 percent. If the food contains more than 30 percent of it, the meal is considered to be high in protein, but it is also vital that it doesn’t include less than 20 percent of this feature.

Animal Protein

When choosing the best dog food for your four-legged friend, you need to look for the animal proteins in the recipe’s ingredient list. Expect the top listed things to state fish, lamb, beef or chicken. They are great for the metabolism of your pooch.

Pet’s Needs

Canines need a balanced diet of 3 macronutrients that provide energy – carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. You should consult with your veterinarian about your dog’s needs, so you can be sure that he is getting a proper diet. The vet will also tell you everything about his annual check-up and everything you need to know about your pet’s overall health.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Always look for foods that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. They keep your pooch’s coat shiny and support skin health. These fatty acids also promote proper brain development in puppies and reduce joint inflammation. It is preferable to have those that are derived from animal-based products.

Probiotics

High-quality dog food should contain probiotics in its formula. They promote proper elimination habits and digestion. What is great about them is the fact they are great for your pet’s transition from one diet to another.

Safety Standards

It is important to check is protein dog food made in a country with safety and high-quality standards. You should stick to those who are created in Western Europe, New Zealand, Australia, Canada or USA.

Preservatives And Artificial Flavors

Artificial preservatives, colors or flavors are potentially problematic and unnecessary. You should always choose food that doesn’t contain them. Instead always look for the products that have all natural, high-quality ingredients. These meals are delicious without artificial flavors. Not to mention they are more healthy.

What Makes A Dog Food “High-Protein”?

AAFCO has published guidelines for low fat or low-calorie diets, but they don’t discuss high protein food. On the other hand, they have also published nutrient requirements for dogs. These state that reproductively active female pets and puppies require foods that have at least 22.5 percent protein; while the adult canine food should include at least 18 percent.

Foods high in protein and low in fat makes your pet’s meal great with high level of nutrients. It will have at least 30 percent of this nutrient in its recipe. So, always check the label before you choose your pet’s meal, because not all food has a high protein level.

Potential Benefits

Shiny Coat And Skin

A pet that has better coat health will shed less and have shiny hair. Many natural ingredients are improving coat and skin health and are featured in high protein dog food. So if you want to improve your dog’s health condition, consider this diet for him.

Strong Muscle

Protein is the key ingredient for maintaining and building strong muscles. As muscle mass breaks down from age or exercise, your dog needs to replace the nutrient needs. If he is active, he will require more than inactive canines, but all animals can benefit from high protein meals.

Strong Immune System

The essential part of the pooch’s immune system is his diet. A high protein dog food has all the antioxidants, minerals, vitamins and other crucial nutrients that will help to support and balance the immune system of your pet.

Healthy Organs

Getting the right amount of nutrients is essential for your pet’s life. But, you must be very careful if your dog has a medical condition such as liver or kidney disease. If that is the case, he needs to avoid too much protein. Use information supplied by manufacturers of pet food or consult with your vet to provide your canine with the best dog food.

Energy Boost

The great thing about this high protein meals is the fact that it will boost your canines energy level. That means he will have the majority of energy needs and nutrients from animal and highest protein meat products. It will give him the right amount of calories that will keep him on-the-go during sustained exercise’s times.

Tissue Repair

Protein allows your pet’s body to function correctly. It contains amino acids that contribute to tissue repair. Not only it assists in the repairing and building tissues, but also help the repair and development of the muscles, growth of the hair and formation of new skin cells.

Dogs That May Benefit From It

Working Canines

Pets who works a lot often require more amount of calories than some average pooches. We are talking about military or police K9s, hunting dogs, tracking canines, guard dogs, herding canines, search and rescue dogs. So, high protein food is an ideal option for these pooches.

Athlete Dogs

If your pet is spending hours each week training for disc dog activities, canicross, or agility trials, then you should provide him with this diet. It can help him get enough energy and fuel for his muscles. Also, it is the perfect choice for canines who jog or run on a regular basis alongside their owners.

Pregnant And Nursing Dogs

Nursing and pregnant pets need more protein in their diet. As a matter of fact, these dogs require the same amount of this nutrient in their meals as puppies do too. So, don’t be afraid to change your furry friend’s diet, especially if she is nursing or pregnant.

Image of puppy sitting on the road with mama

Other Protein Sources

Chicken

Chicken – the clean combination of skin and flesh without or with accompanying bone, derived from the parts of chicken’s whole carcasses or a combination of entrails, feet, heads, and feathers. The chicken meat is an excellent protein, and it is usually used as a primary one in dog food formulas.

Salmon

Salmon is a fantastic source of protein used in many pet recipes. It is high in omega-3 fatty acids which is excellent for a shiny coat and healthy skin. It is also low in fat, high in lean protein and it is easily digestible.

Beef

Beef is rich in B vitamins and iron, has excellent fat content and high protein level, which are all very healthy for canines, especially active ones. It can be a very good protein source to feed your pooch if it is organic, pasture-raised, and uses whole cuts of beef.

Liver

Liver from different animals has different benefits. They are good for vision/eyes, benefit the liver and tonify blood. This organ contains 10 to 100 times essential muscle meat nutrients. It has a large amount of Coq10, trace minerals, iron, several B vitamins, and vitamin A. Check out for homemade Dehydrated Liver Dog Treat recipes.

Egg

Eggs are a fantastic source of protein and are featured in some pet food recipes. And as long as you cook them, they are a better source of protein than meat. It is because a pooch can render more of it from the eggs than from meat.

Plant-based

There is no physiological difference between a protein that comes from animal sources and the one that comes from plants. Vegetables with high protein content feature amino acids which build tissues and organs like muscles, tendons, hair, skin, blood. They also function as antibodies, hormones, and enzymes.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Are Dogs Carnivores?

Veterinarians have been taught at school that canines are omnivores. But, it is a fact that meat is their primary source of nutrition. That can be shown by their teeth which are designed to chop and tear up flesh. They also have a higher concentration of stomach acid which speeds up digestion.

  • How Much Protein Does a Dog Need?

Amino acids are building blocks of protein, and your dog needs 22 of them to live healthily and survive. These need to be supplemented through high-quality dog food because not all of them are occurring within your pooch’s body. They help support a healthy and strong immune system.

  • Can Excessive Protein in Dog Food Cause Diarrhea?

Most pets can handle high protein meals without having any stomach problem, but before you change your furry friend’s diet, it would be wise to consult a vet first. Changing your pet’s diet can cause diarrhea in some cases. Also, food allergies and intolerance can also cause this issue.

  • Is this Diet Safe for All Dog Breeds?

Considering your dog’s breed when choosing the right diet for him is essential, especially if he is a puppy. Too much protein level in the meal of a large breed canine could cause weight gain. That will lead to arthritis because it will put stress on joints that are still developing.

  • Is it Recommended for Dogs With Allergies?

It is essential to work with your vet to determine the best food for dogs with allergies, especially when you are changing your dog’s diet. The high protein pet food can also be used, but it is essential to choose the ones that don’t include ingredients on which your four-legged friend is allergic.

  • Can it Cause Hyperactivity?

This is one of the persisting myths that suggest that this food is bad for dogs, but that is not true. There is no scientific link between high protein meals and hyperactivity that is proven. So, it is not true that this particular diet will cause such a medical condition. But if you did notice that your dog has too much energy, we suggest checking a few different ways that will help you calm a hyper dog.

Conclusion

In summary, dogs are made to eat protein. However, they also require other nutrients too, especially fat. Because of that, you need to choose wisely your pet’s food and ensure it has all the right vitamins, minerals, and other essential nutrients.

High protein food is very beneficial to many pets, but it is crucial to be selective when choosing the right product for your furry friend. That is why you should read our pet food reviews carefully and make an informed decision.

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