Is 30 protein too high in dog food

Can Dog Food Have Too Much Protein?

Of all the nutrients in dog food, protein is the one that gets the most attention. We know its crucial to dogs development and lives. But can you have too much of a good thing?

The Dog Food Advisors nutritionist, Laura Ward, discusses the highs and lows of protein in dog foods and how much is too much.

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If youve checked out the AAFCO Nutrient Profile, youll know that the minimum protein requirement for adult dogs is 18% and for puppies its 22.5%. This is expressed on a dry matter basis or DM, a way to compare foods of different moisture (such as a wet food and a dry food) by theoretically removing the water content.

However, theres currently no nutritional maximum for protein so what does that mean for our dogs food? How much protein is too much?

How high is high-protein?

We consider any diet with a DM crude protein content of more than 28% is high-protein. It isnt unusual, however, to see protein levels above 35%, or even over 40% in dry foods. In fresh and wet foods this is often greater, at around 60% DM. This high protein bracket, therefore, covers a wide range of protein possibilities.

Benefits of high protein in dog food and when to be cautious

Protein is linked to palatability for dogs, so high-protein foods are usually super tasty. Dogs will often choose a high-protein food over a lower-protein option, so if you have a fussy eater, high-protein food can be a great choice. There are other scenarios too where higher protein is particularly valued.

For active or working dogs, the protein they need for maintenance is increased. Not only is there a greater need for the replenishment of muscle tissues, but other changes in the body require proteins from the diet too. This is because endurance activities require more efficient delivery of oxygen and nutrients to muscles, which the body becomes conditioned for, just like with human athletes.

These changes include increased blood volume, red blood cell quantity, and increases to other parts of the body cells used for energy generation. The protein building blocks for this come from increased protein being delivered through the diet.

Its also important for senior dogs to have a high-quality source of protein in their diet. Protein, making up a larger proportion of the calories in a senior diet, can support their lean muscle and help to avoid the muscle-loss associated with ageing. Moderate- to high-protein wet or fresh food options can be good choices for senior dogs, as they improve hydration, are very palatable, and are also soft on weaker teeth.

Weight-loss is another situation where protein is important. The energy (or calorie) content of the food is carefully controlled to aid weight loss, but its also important to support muscle. A good quality protein supply and higher-protein content in the diet is essential to avoid muscle wastage.

However, dogs are more likely to eat more of a high-protein diet, which is counterproductive for weight loss. High-protein diets at the higher end of our high protein range (more than 35% DM) are often particularly nutrient dense and can be ill-suited for weight loss. Dogs need only a small quantity of these foods which, when combined with weight loss measures, can leave dogs fed a high-protein diet which isnt designed for weight loss, feeling hungry.

For pregnant and nursing dogs, protein is a crucial element of the diet. During these phases, the requirement for proteins, through changes to the body and the development of puppies or the supply of milk, is great. AAFCOs nutritional profile for growth is most suitable for pregnant and nursing dogs, to represent this increased requirement. High-protein foods can be a great choice during this time.

With diabetic dogs, its the carbohydrate content of food which is the greatest focus. As diabetic dogs cannot safely regulate their response to blood sugars, carbohydrates should be limited in the diet. This generally means that energy is primarily supplied by fats and proteins in the diet to minimise peaks and falls in blood sugar after meals. High-protein and low-carbohydrate foods are recommended, but your veterinarian will advise further what this looks like for your dogs diet.

In the case of any susceptibility to kidney problems, or renal insufficiency, take advice from your veterinarian before feeding a high-protein diet. Although its important for dogs with renal insufficiency to still have a high-quality source of protein in their diet, diets which contain a moderate, rather than high, protein content are often more suitable.

Studies have shown that protein is not connected to the progression of chronic renal failure, however, recent studies have also found high protein (46%) can be linked to an increase in markers of kidney dysfunction. Although veterinary advice now doesnt call for protein restriction, it often recommends avoidance of excessive dietary protein.

Whats wrong with low-protein dog foods?

A real low-protein diet is only available when prescribed by a vet, as feeding a low-protein diet without medical need could cause deficiency diseases in a healthy dog. There are foods, however, which meet AAFCO protein requirements without supplying very much extra protein. These foods supply the majority of the energy from fats and carbohydrates.

This is often associated with lower quality or cheaper foods, as protein is often a key driver of cost in a dog food recipe. As protein is linked to palatability in dogs, lower protein foods can be less tasty.

Carbohydrates are broken down differently to proteins, into sugars. The carbohydrate source in the recipe determines how the blood sugar is affected. For foods which are high on the Glycaemic index, a peak, followed by a fall in blood sugar is seen. Although not an area which has been sufficiently studied, this is thought to be linked to fizzy and lethargic behaviour like children fed sugary foods.

Summary how important is protein in dog food?

The quality of the protein in a food is far more important than the quantity. A protein source which supplies all of the amino acid protein building blocks in the correct quantities and in a digestible and accessible form is the goal.

There are certainly benefits to be gained by supplying high levels of protein in a dogs diet, but the effects of some of these super-high-protein foods are not well studied yet. If in doubt, feeding a moderately high protein food to begin with of 28% to 30% DM protein and monitoring your dogs reaction is recommended. Remember, you can always ask your vet about changes to your dogs diet.

Best High Protein Dog Food in 2024: More Meat = Happier Dog

Looking for the best high protein dog food? The term high protein dog food, we always hear it, but do we know all about it? Read on.

At one time most dog foods were fairly similar in terms of their protein percentages. They tended to follow government recommended minimums for dogs.

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A few companies had some higher protein formulas (Purina Hi Protein and some other higher protein foods were available in the 1970s) but they still used the same kind of ingredients found in the other foods of the time and relied heavily on grains.

If you wanted your dog to have more meat protein you could add some canned food (average quality or less) or meat from your own refrigerator.

Today, of course, many dog foods have higher percentages of meat protein. The current recommended minimums for protein in dog food are 22 percent for growth and reproduction (puppies); and a mere 18 percent for adult dogs (AAFCO Table 3).

Nearly all commercial dog foods have higher protein percentages than these figures. Many premium dog foods have 30 percent protein (DMB) or more.

At different times in a dogs life he can need different protein levels, depending on his activity level:

Best High Protein Dog Foods

1. AvoDerm Natural Triple Protein Chicken, Lamb & Turkey Meals Recipe
2. Crave High Protein White Fish & Salmon
3. ORIJEN Regional Red
4. Nulo Freestyle Turkey & Sweet Potato Recipe
5. The Honest Kitchen Grain-Free Chicken Recipe
6. ACANA Regionals Appalachian Ranch
7. Wysong Epigen 90 Starch-Free Formula

1. AvoDerm Triple Protein Chicken, Lamb & Turkey Meals

First 5 ingredients: Chicken Meal, Ground Brown Rice, Lamb Meal, Turkey Meal, Ground White Rice

WHY YOU SHOULD BUY

Made with high quality protein sources chicken, lamb and turkey meals. This recipe provides a healthy and balanced nutrition for your dog with premium ingredients to ensure optimum nutrition.

Crafted by AvoDerm, a pet food brand that is known for its utilization of avocados in all of its ingredients, this recipe promises not only a high protein content but also optimum levels of omegas from its signature avocado ingredient.

Caloric Content: 360 kcal/cup

Guaranteed analysis:

The multiple protein sources (which, in actuality, are four and not just three) boost the protein levels to a high 27%.

Chicken meal, lamb meal, and turkey meal are the main animal protein sources, but the food also contains herring meal to supply the formulation with a higher level of omega-3 fatty acids.

For its carbohydrate content, this recipe uses grains. Theres ground brown rice, ground white rice, oatmeal, millet, and rice bran, all of which are premium and highly digestible whole grains.

Its also formulated with high-quality fats like chicken fat and avocado oil to provide your dog with a balanced omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acid ratio.

In the right proportions, these omegas are indispensable in keeping your pups skin healthy and his fur lustrous and shiny.

Pros

• Various meats like chicken, lamb, turkey, and herring offer ample protein for your dog.
• Avocado and avocado oil, rich in beneficial fats, promote a shiny and healthy coat.
• Probiotics, friendly bacteria, enhance digestion and boost the immune system.
• No unwanted ingredients: no corn, wheat, soy, or artificial additives.
• Positive reviews indicate that most dogs love the food and feel great after eating it.

Cons

• Not suitable for grain-sensitive dogs (contains rice, oatmeal, millet).
• Tapioca starch lacks nutrition, fills the stomach.
• Tomato pomace, a byproduct, may contain chemicals of concern.

2. Crave High Protein Whitefish & Salmon

First 5 ingredients: White Fish, Chicken Meal, Lentils, Split Peas, Chicken Fat

WHY YOU SHOULD BUY

White fish is the topmost ingredient and the food contains zero soy, corn, chicken by-product meal, wheat and any preservatives. Very ideal for sensitive pups.

Crave is a pet food company that specializes in delivering food that caters to a dogs instinctual needs. This means providing them with meals that are rich in protein and with meat as the number one ingredient.

Caloric Content: 422 kcal/cup

Guaranteed analysis:

This Crave recipe is bulked up in protein thats nearly high enough to sustain a racing sled dog and more than enough for a performance canine.

With a minimum 34% protein content, it offers one of the best protein levels among many dog food recipes.

Because it is designed to mimic a diet similar to that of wild wolves, it is grain-free and includes no corn, wheat, soy, byproduct meals, or anything artificial.

Instead, it uses real meat and vegetables to provide most of the nutrients your pup needs to lead a highly active lifestyle.

While the name of the recipe only mentions whitefish and salmon, the label lists down five animal proteins.

Besides the whitefish and salmon, you can also find chicken meal, pork meal, and fish meal here, which explains why the protein level is so high.

Fat is provided by chicken fat and the carbohydrates are supplied by the lentils and split peas.

Pros

• White fish and salmon, top ingredients, provide protein and omega-3.
• Grain-free, ideal for dogs with grain allergies.
• Free from corn, wheat, soy, by-products, and artificial additives.
• Includes lentils, split peas, alfalfa meal, and beet pulp for protein and fiber.
• Positive reviews: dogs love taste, improved skin, coat, energy.

Cons

• Pea starch is a low-quality filler with minimal nutritional value.
• Natural flavor is a vague term that may include undesirable ingredients.

3. Orijen Regional Red Recipe

First 5 ingredients: Beef, Wild Boar, Goat, Lamb, Lamb Liver

WHY YOU SHOULD BUY

This mouthwatering kibble boasts several protein sources: lamb, beef, wild boar and goat + organ meats. The fresh ingredients use refrigeration as the sole method of preservation and the raw ingredients are frozen at their peak freshness.

Orijen is a pet food brand that boasts of crafting biologically-appropriate dog food that follows an authentic whole prey diet.

Since dogs in the wild consume all parts of their prey, Orijen meals are crafted around the idea of using whole animal ingredients.

Caloric Content: 463 kcal/cup

Guaranteed analysis:

The Regional Red recipe provides dogs with a rich and varied diet just like their ancestors in the wild.

Not confined to a single animal protein source, this formulation makes use of ranch-raised beef, wild boar, goat, lamb, mackerel, pork, and herring to provide your pet with a whopping 38% minimum crude protein content.

Since its meant to be a prey diet, it not only uses the meat but the organs as well. The tripe, liver, kidney, and heart of the various animals mentioned above are utilized too. These organs are richer than their meat counterparts and are much more nutrient-dense.

85% of the recipe is dedicated to meat and organs. The kibbles are also coated with freeze-dried raw meat to make them more enticing to canines.

It is grain-free and instead uses lentils and beans to provide the carbs. Fruits and veggies like apples, pumpkin, and butternut squash round out the recipe and keep it more balanced.

Pros

• High protein content from varied red meats (38% dry matter basis).
• Grain-free, low carbs for dogs with allergies.
• No artificial additives, by-products, or plant-based proteins.
• Includes fresh fruits and vegetables for essential nutrients.

Cons

• Expensive compared to other premium dog foods.
• High fat content may not suit weight/pancreas issues.

4. Nulo Freestyle Turkey & Sweet Potato Recipe

First 5 ingredients: Deboned Turkey, Turkey Meal, Salmon Meal, Chickpeas, Chicken Fat

WHY YOU SHOULD BUY

This recipe includes 85% animal-based proteins, which means more amino acids to fuel lean muscles. Also with Omega fatty acids give your dog brilliant skin and coat.

Nulo is a US-based company that crafts dog food recipes designed to be rich in protein, low in carbs, and low-glycemic.

The brand is also known for adding a patented probiotic ingredient to each and every recipe it makes to aid your dog with digestion and support immune health.

Caloric Content: 441 kcal/cup

Guaranteed analysis:

This Nulo recipe is made of 85% animal-based proteins that combine turkey, salmon, and trout to create a high protein recipe thats more than good enough for performance dogs.

The more protein, the more amino acids your pup gets to fuel his lean muscle growth and an active lifestyle.

Not only is the food designed to supply dogs with enough energy, it is also created to be low glycemic to help pups with diabetes cope.

And since it does not contain any chicken or egg proteins nor grains, those sensitive to poultry and grains will be able to enjoy the nutritious meal.

Instead of grains, this formulation uses sweet potato and yellow peas to supply all the carbohydrate levels your dog requires.

While protein is best for prolonged and intense activities, carbs are good for supplying quick energy for short bursts of play.

Pros

• Deboned turkey and turkey meal provide high-quality animal protein.
• Grain-free and low in carbohydrates for dogs with grain sensitivities.
• Salmon meal and deboned trout offer omega-3 fatty acids for skin and coat health.
• Probiotics aid digestion and support immunity.
• Positive reviews: dogs love taste, improved health, energy, and stool quality.

Cons

• Expensive compared to other premium dog foods.
• Chickpeas, yellow peas, and pea fiber may cause digestive problems.

5. The Honest Kitchen Grain-Free Chicken

First 5 ingredients: Dehydrated Chicken, Organic Flaxseed, Dehydrated Potatoes, Dehydrated Sweet Potatoes, Dried Apples

WHY YOU SHOULD BUY

This grain-free dehydrated dog food is packed with 100% real free-range chicken and a variety of fruits and vegetables including bananas, de-cored apples, sweet potatoes, green beans, pumpkin and more!

The Honest Kitchen is a family-owned pet food company that is distinct for using minimally-processed and human-grade ingredients to create a more natural and healthier food option for canines.

Caloric Content: 446 kcal/cup

Guaranteed analysis:

Unlike other high protein recipes, this formulation by The Honest Kitchen sticks to just one animal protein source. Its made with free-range chicken thats also 100% human-grade.

The food is dehydrated to give it a long shelf life while retaining as much of its natural nutrients. Just add water and your dogs food is ready to go.

The formula is grain-free and does not contain soy, corn, or wheat. Instead, it uses sweet potatoes and potatoes to provide the fiber and carbohydrate your pup requires.

Meanwhile, the fat comes from the organic flaxseed thats full of omega-3 fatty acids and phytochemicals called lignans.

There aren't any fillers in the recipe. The rest of the ingredients are made up of nutrient-laden dehydrated fruits and vegetables, such as bananas, celery, apples, papayas, and more.

Another thing thats worth mentioning about this recipe is that it is GMO-free, antibiotic-free, and hormone-free. Just pure and natural food for your pet.

Pros

• Made with human-grade ingredients for higher quality and safety standards.
• Grain-free and gluten-free for dogs with grain allergies or sensitivities.
• Dehydrated chicken is the first ingredient, providing high-quality animal protein.
• Fresh fruits and vegetables like apples, spinach, and cranberries offer essential nutrients and antioxidants.

Cons

• Requires rehydration before serving, which may be inconvenient for some.

6. Acana Regionals Appalachian Ranch

First 5 ingredients: Beef, Deboned Pork, Deboned Lamb, Lamb Meal, Beef Meal

WHY YOU SHOULD BUY

This drool-worthy recipe is made with quality protein sources including grass-fed lamb, catfish, ranch-raised beef, Yorkshire pork and bison, plus organic fruits, veggies and botanicals.

Acana is a well-known pet food brand thats dedicated to making premium food with raw or fresh animal ingredients that are balanced with whole fruits and vegetables.

Every Acana recipe is composed of at least 50% animal ingredients and 30% fruit, vegetables, and botanicals.

Caloric Content: 388 kcal/cup

Guaranteed analysis:

Containing 33% minimum crude protein, this recipe supplies performance dogs with all of their energy needs and more.

The protein comes from the mixture of four kinds of animal protein sources and the inclusion of organ meats into the blend.

Regionals Appalachian Ranch uses meats and organs from beef, pork, lamb, and catfish for a more biologically appropriate diet.

Raw and freeze-dried liver (from the first three meats mentioned) coat the kibbles for a more enticing taste.

There are never any artificial ingredients in Acana recipes (flavors, colors, or preservatives) nor are there any soy, tapioca, corn, or wheat.

If your pup is not sensitive to the various animal proteins listed, he will thrive on this diet thats filled with all things natural and nutritious.

Pros

• High protein and fat from various meats
• Grain-free and no common allergens
• Tasty freeze-dried coating
• Fruits, veggies, and herbs for health
• USA-made with quality ingredients

Cons

• New recipe formula disliked by some dogs.

7. Wysong Epigen 90

First 5 ingredients: Chicken Meal, Organic Chicken, Meat Protein Isolate, Chicken Fat, Gelatin

WHY YOU SHOULD BUY

The first dry dog food made with a patent-pending process that allows them to create a truly starch-free formula that closely mimics the diet your pooch was biologically designed to eat.

Wysong is a holistic pet food company that believes in creating food that pays attention to all aspects of the product, from using natural and organic ingredients to utilizing a system that reduces food processing to the bare minimum.

It is so serious in its pursuit of crafting healthy pet food that it produces some of the most labor-intensive and least profitable products in the industry.

Caloric Content: data not provided

Guaranteed analysis:

Epigen 90 is the first extruded kibble that is starch-free. It is formulated with a patent-pending process that enables the brand to create a truly starch-free formula that mirrors what your canine is biologically designed to eat and what most grain-free recipes try to emulate but cant.

The gelatin in the dog food is one of the top five ingredients since it plays an important role. It is the source of collagen in the food, necessary for bone, joint, and tissue health.

Meat protein isolate is one of the main ingredients too, and it takes the place of the starch ingredients that would normally be present in other dog foods.

For this formulation, there is only a single animal protein used real organic chicken. Since the food is composed of 90% meat (hence the name Epigen 90), there is an unprecedented amount of protein in here.

While 5.5% of the food is carbohydrate, and the rest are made up of superfoods, fat, vitamins, minerals, and probiotics.

Pros

• High-protein, meaty food with organic chicken
• Starch-free, natural diet
• Chia, apple, probiotics, antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and omega fats
• USA-made with quality ingredients
• Good for meals, toppers, protein boosters, or therapeutic needs

Cons

• Causes smelly gas in some pets
• May not work for sensitive stomachs
• May have too much probiotic or other ingredient that triggers digestive issues

The Benefits of High Protein for dogs

For most dogs, yes, more protein really is beneficial. According to one study, wolves have a protein-fat-carbohydrate profile of 54:45:1 percent by energy; while modern dogs have a profile of 30:63:7 percent by energy.

Our modern dogs do not eat a diet like that of their wolf ancestors, but your dog wont thrive if you feed him nothing but meat.

However, a diet thats high in meat protein is fine for most dogs unless they have a particular health problem that contraindicates high protein.

Protein helps build lean muscle; makes the skin and coat healthy; heals wounds; and supports the immune system and central nervous system.

If your dog doesnt have enough protein in his diet, he can start to break down protein in his body to get what he needs which results in muscles wasting.

Without enough protein the immune system suffers and a dog can be more susceptible to injury and stress. Modern dogs have evolved from their wolf ancestors and they are able to digest carbohydrates but dogs can still benefit from eating high protein diets.

At one time people thought that high amounts of protein might lead to bone problems in puppies or cause older dogs to develop kidney disease. These beliefs have been disproven.

Most dogs with kidney disease can benefit from eating a diet with moderate protein. Puppies may develop bone problems from too much calcium but not from too much protein.

High protein for adult dogs

Today many grain free dog foods are particularly high in protein. Some of the protein comes from meat protein but often some of the protein comes from peas and lentils.

Your dog can benefit from plant-sources of protein but dogs do not digest these sources of protein as well as animal-based sources. This was one of the complaints about using grains in dog foods they are also a plant-based source of protein as well as a source of carbohydrates, just like legumes.

Grain free dog foods that dont use legumes typically use starchy carbohydrates such as potatoes, sweet potatoes, tapioca, and other carb sources.

While some of these high protein foods may have lower carbohydrates than foods with grains, they can have their own dietary issues for dogs.

If you look for foods that have more meat protein, they will generally have fewer carbohydrates, no matter the source of the carbs whether it is peas and lentils, potatoes, or grains. However, many high protein dog foods are also high in fat.

While fat is not all bad, especially for very active working dogs, its not good to see too much fat in a diet for most of our couch potato pets. If your dog is overweight or if he has problems digesting fat, look for dog foods that have slightly less fat but are still high in protein.

You dont have to choose a low calorie or weight control dog food. Just check the fat percentages (DMB) and opt for a food that has slightly less fat.

Many people like Wellness CORE because it has slightly less fat while still providing high protein. In general, look for a dog food that has twice the protein percentage as the fat percentage.

High protein for older dogs

Older dogs can benefit from eating more protein, especially protein from good quality sources that are easy to digest. Many dog foods for older dogs are formulated with lower protein, along with lower fat and calories on the assumption that most older dogs are overweight.

Yet many older dogs have trouble metabolizing nutrients as they age. Instead of reducing their protein percentages, they will do better with more protein to help keep their immune system strong and to prevent their muscles from wasting.

Be careful in selecting dog food for your older dog, especially if he is not overweight. Dont choose a food with lower calories unless he needs that kind of food. Look for a food with plenty of good protein regardless of whether the food has fewer calories or not.

High protein for puppies

You can also feed puppies high protein diets as long as long as you are feeding a good puppy food or all life stage food. You do need to pay close attention to the calcium percentages when dealing with high protein foods and puppies.

The calcium percentage needs to be 2 percent or less (DMB) for large breed puppies under six months of age. Large breed puppies, in particular, can grow very fast. They can be susceptible to skeletal and joint problems if they have too much calcium at a young age.

Adding protein to your dogs diet

If you are feeding a good dog food but the protein percentage is on the low side, you can increase the protein in your dogs diet by adding eggs, meat, fish, or other sources of animal protein.

There are also some good supplemental dog foods that are 95 percent meat. These foods are not sold as complete and balanced meals for dogs but they make excellent toppings for your dogs dinner and add good protein to his diet.

Quality protein

Its important to remember that its not just the percentage of protein in your dogs diet that matters. Your dog could eat a food with 40 percent protein but if the food is made up of low quality protein, your dog will not be able to digest it as well or obtain the nutrients from it.

As already mentioned, many grain free dog foods today include large amounts of peas and lentils which are high in plant protein and not as easily digested as animal protein.

In 2007 melamine was added to wheat gluten from China that was then (unknowingly) used in some pet foods. Melamine is an organic chemical that is normally used to make plastics. However, it is also a high nitrogen compound.

This means that if it is illegally added to glutens or other food items, it makes those foods appear to have a higher protein content. (Ingredients are often tested for protein based on their nitrogen content.) This is just an example to show that not all proteins are the same.

When choosing a high protein dog food, dont just look at the percentages. Check the ingredients carefully.

Risks of high protein diets

Some foods today probably do have more protein than dogs need. It is possible for dogs to become overweight by eating too much protein. Calories are calories, even if they come from protein.

While some excess protein can be excreted in your dogs urine, protein can also be stored as fat if your dog is using all the protein he needs in his diet.

Protein metabolism also uses extra water in the body so a high protein diet can lead to dehydration unless you make sure your dog gets plenty of water. You may have noticed that many dogs drink more water when they are switched to a higher protein diet.

Eating higher amounts of protein can also cause the body to expel more calcium which can weaken bones over time so its always important to keep an eye on the calcium levels in high protein dog foods.

You probably wont need to worry about most of these issues unless you are feeding your dog a very high protein diet.

Summary

High protein is good for most dogs unless they have a specific health condition that indicates they should avoid eating too much protein. Many of the myths about dogs eating too much protein that people believed at one time (dogs and kidney problems, puppies and protein, old dogs) have been disproven.

In general, the more meat protein a dog food contains, the fewer carbohydrates the food will have which is better for your dog.