High-Protein Dog Food: Is It Healthy?

Pet food marketing campaigns that claim higher levels of protein equals better nutrition can be misleading. Not to mention a source of frustration for people who want to provide their dogs with the best nutrition. Dogs do indeed require protein for muscle and tissue repair, energy, and overall health, though not to the extent that wild wolves get. While some canines may benefit from high-protein dog food, there are also situations in which too much of it is ill-advised.

Here, we clarify what you need to know about high protein for dogs. We’ll discuss the benefits, risks, which groups might benefit the most, and follow up with tips and guidelines on choosing a high-protein diet.

What High-Protein Dog Food Means

The term high protein is an informal one, so standards can vary. Generally, high-protein dog food is formulated with at least 30% protein on a dry matter basis, though some diets contain 40% to 50% -or even higher- levels of protein. Most wet high-protein diets contain between 10% and 14% protein, with some lines carrying a higher percentage. (Wet food is diluted with water, so the percentage of protein listed on the can is proportionally lower.)

For some context, commercial adult dog food must contain at least 18% protein on a dry matter basis, per the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), though they are often formulated with more than AAFCO’s recommended amount.

Protein sources vary by manufacturer but can include common animal products like chicken, beef, fish, and egg, or novel proteins like bison, lamb, and turkey. They might also contain meat-based meals like chicken meal or beef meal and meat by-products. Plant protein sources might include ingredients like lentils, peas, and soy.

Per AAFCO standards, a diet consisting of high protein isn’t complete and balanced unless it contains other nutrients from fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals in the correct amounts.

Benefits of High-Protein Dog Food

The benefits of high-protein dog food can vary based on a dog’s life stage, activity level, weight, breed, and health status.

Here are some of the key benefits:

• Supports lean muscle mass, especially in active or working dogs. High quality protein contains essential amino acids that dogs need for energy and to build muscle tissue. Because working dogs, agility dogs, and active dogs expend more energy and experience more damage to their muscles, they require more protein for maintenance and repair.
• Can aid in weight management and satiety. A high-protein, high-fiber diet is likely to keep a dog feeling fuller for longer durations. Protein also helps maintain muscle mass, which contributes to weight loss. In fact, dog diets formulated for weight loss often contain more protein than standard commercial diets. (Note that excessive protein intake can also contribute to obesity.)
• May improve coat quality. Proteins contain amino acids crucial for skin repair and strong, shiny coats. Protein is so critical that failure to provide adequate amounts of it can result in an unhealthy coat and skin. (Poor skin and coat quality can also indicate an allergy, infection, or other malady, so it’s best that your veterinarian rules out any potential issues.)

Risks of Excessive Protein in Dogs

Though protein is an important nutrient for dogs, in some cases too much of it can be detrimental.

Some of the risks of high-protein dog food include the following:

• Excess protein can be counterproductive for dogs with kidney disease. For dogs with kidney disease, excessive dietary protein can produce more waste than the kidneys can process, which places more demand on them.
• Can cause weight gain in sedentary dogs. Some high-protein dog food diets can contain excessive fat, which is high in calories. Though this may be fine for active dogs who can more easily burn calories, it can cause weight gain in sedentary dogs.
• Potential gastrointestinal upset with abrupt diet changes. A diet that’s introduced too quickly can cause gastrointestinal upset, resulting in unpleasant side effects like diarrhea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and abdominal pain. This happens because the sudden influx of protein (or any new nutrient) can disrupt the natural balance of gut bacteria, leaving it with little time to adapt to the change.

Which Dogs May Benefit Most

The following categories are general guidelines. Your veterinarian can best determine if your dog is a good candidate for a high-protein diet.

Puppies

Puppies generally need more protein than adult dogs because their bodies are still growing, and added protein helps build their muscles, strong bones, and organs.

Athletes, Working Breeds, and Highly Active Dogs

Dogs who spend their days searching, running, or competing expend more energy and experience higher rates of muscle damage. They need more protein to maintain energy and aid in muscle repair.

Dogs with Certain Health Conditions

Dogs who have a disease that causes muscle mass loss or weakness (like cancer or Cushing’s disease) can benefit from added protein in their diet. In dogs with arthritis, extra protein can help build and maintain muscle mass, which in turn works to support the joints.

Dogs Recovering from Injury or Illness

Dogs recovering from illnesses and injuries that involve tissue or ligament repair may require added protein to heal, and to rebuild the muscle and tissues that have been damaged.

How to Choose the Best High-Protein Dog Food

Check AAFCO Statements to Ensure the Diet is Complete and Balanced

While protein is integral to canine health, it needs to be part of a complete and balanced diet that incorporates carbohydrates, fats, and other vitamins and minerals. An AAFCO statement (found on the label) indicates that the diet contains all the necessary nutrients in the proper amounts.

Choose Quality Animal-Based Proteins

A high-quality protein is one that is highly-digestible and contains the highest levels of the 10 essential amino acids dogs can’t produce on their own. Examples of high-quality proteins are chicken, beef, turkey, and salmon. While plant proteins contain important nutrients and can be part of a complete and balanced diet, they don’t contain all the essential amino acids dogs require when taken on an individual basis.

Avoid Diets with Excessive Fillers or Unclear Protein Sources

While not all fillers are bad, excessive use of ingredients that provide little nutritional value can lead to weight gain and digestive issues. Dubious protein sources may mean that the diet lacks the required amount of essential amino acids dogs require.

Introduce New Foods Gradually to Prevent Digestive Upset

Since sudden dietary changes can cause digestive issues, veterinarians recommend switching over gradually. Here’s a sample protocol, though we recommend asking your veterinarian about the best approach for your dog.

For the first two days, the dog would eat 75% of their current diet and 25% of the high-protein dog food. On the third and fourth days, they’ll eat 50% of each diet, and on the fifth and sixth days, the ratio would change to 75% of the new diet. By the seventh day, they’ll exclusively be eating the new dog food.

Understanding Guaranteed Analysis on Dog Food Labels

Commercial pet food manufacturers are required to provide a Guaranteed Analysis (GA) on their product labels. This helps consumers determine the approximate percentages of protein, fat, fiber, and moisture the diet contains.

Labels aren’t always straightforward, however. That’s because AAFCO’s nutrient profiles are calculated on a dry matter basis, while GA profiles are calculated on a moisture-included basis. To ensure you’re feeding your dog the appropriate amount of protein, you’ll need to calculate the protein on a dry matter basis.

To do this:

• Look for these two numbers listed under the GA section of the label: Crude Protein and Moisture.
• To find the dry matter amount, subtract the percentage of Moisture listed from 100%. If, for example, the label states the Moisture content is 75%, the dry matter basis would be 25%.
• Now, divide the amount of Crude Protein listed by 25% (the dry matter basis). If the label, for example, lists 10% percent Crude Protein, you would divide 10% percent by 25% for a total of .40.
• Multiply this total (.40) by 100. In this case, the food contains 40% protein on a dry matter basis.

Determining Healthy Protein Levels for Dogs

A dog’s daily protein requirements can change based on life stage, activity level, and weight.

Dogs typically need one gram of protein per pound of what their ideal body weight should be. A dog at his ideal weight of 25-pounds, for example, would need 25 grams of protein per day.

By growth stage, puppies and pregnant dogs generally need about 28% protein, and seniors, about 18% protein. Most healthy adult dogs typically require 18% to 20% protein, while working and active dogs need between 25% and 35% protein.

Consulting Your Veterinarian

Before switching to any new diet, it’s best to check with your veterinarian. This will help ensure your dog receives the correct amount of protein and other nutrients for their age, activity level, and weight, while taking into consideration any health issues.