Which raw protein is best for dogs

Best Raw Dog Foods

Best Raw Dog Foods

By Mike Sagman

Updated: April 16, 2024

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A raw dog food diet is designed to mimic a dogs natural ancestral menu. The whole concept of raw feeding is based upon a dogs instinctive carnivorous bias a built-in desire to capture (or find) and eat another animal.

As unsavory as it may seem, it is completely natural for a wolf to consume the entire animal.

Meat, bones, organs and all.

As direct descendants of wolves, dogs are simply not genetically optimized to consume the 50% carbohydrate content of todays commercial kibbles.

So, how do these diets compare?

The Ancestral Diet Compared to Dry Kibble

No one can argue the dry baked pellets we call dog food arent convenient. Yet the nutrient profile of a dry kibble is nowhere near the nutrient content of a dogs ancestral diet.

Notice the higher carbohydrate content of the kibble compared to the dogs natural ancestral diet. Or how about the dramatically lower protein and fat levels?

The Benefits of a Raw Diet

Feeding a raw dog food diet has many notable benefits

• Firmer stools
• Improved digestion
• Healthier skin and coat
• Reduced allergy symptoms
• Better weight management

There have been many reports of improved health when chronically ill pets were switched from a commercial product to a raw dog food.

The Downside of a Raw Dog Food Diet

A raw dog food diet cant touch the convenience of a kibble. Just measure and pour. It just doesnt get any easier.

Yet besides the lack of convenience, theres another critical issue. Bacterial contamination.

Salmonella and E. coli germs can always be a potential problem with raw meats. Yet the risk of food-borne disease is actually quite low.

That is, low risk for dogs. But not for humans.

Thats because a dogs digestive system is shorter and more acidic.

Which makes canine infections like these fairly rare.

The real risk of food-borne disease is actually greater for a dogs human caretakers not the dog.

Yet with proper care and handling, this risk can be dramatically reduced.

How to Use Our List

Below youll find a list of the Advisors suggested raw dog foods. Of course, this list should not be considered a complete catalog of all the raw dog foods on the market.

For there are others. Many others.

We only provide this small group as a starting point.

As a matter of fact, if you know of a specific dog food you believe we should have included on this list, please feel free to share your recommendations in the Comments section below.

Or if youre looking for some suggestions yourself, be sure to look through our readers Comments to find more good ideas.

Best Raw Dog Foods

12 Good Protein Sources for Your Dog (Vet Approved)

The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.

Learn more

If there is one staple in your dogs diet thats more important than anything, its protein. Even though dogs are omnivoresmeaning they eat meat and plantsprotein is an essential part of their diet. It feeds your dogs muscles, improves their coat, strengthens their bones, and replenishes their body.

So, if youre looking for some terrific protein sources for your dog, or you just want to mix it up, here are some excellent choices to consider. Here are 12 good protein sources for dogs, including eight good protein sources in dog food and four good protein sources in dog treats:

The Top 8 Protein Sources in Dog Food:

When it comes to dry kibble or wet food, offering a whole animal protein as the number one ingredient is the best way to go. It means that there is more of this protein than anything else in the bag, so you know your dog is getting adequate doses. At a minimum, your dog food should offer 22.5% or more crude protein.

1. Chicken

Chicken is a common main ingredient in many commercial dog foods. Chicken is protein-rich, full of amino acids, and even reduces risks of heart disease. Its also leaner than red meat like beef, which decreases fat content.

Chicken has a chance of carrying salmonella, so try not to feed it to your dog raw. While the chance is low, given that a dogs body can process raw meat differently, it could still adversely affect them.

2. Beef

Beef is another frequently-used protein in many commercial dog foods. It gives your dog a healthy helping of much-needed vitamins, minerals, and protein while being a very affordable choice.

There is some controversy on whether dogs can eat raw beef since there could carry unwanted bacteria and potential irritants. So, throwing your dog a piece of raw burger might not be worth the risk. Always make sure to consult with your vet and weigh your pros and cons.

3. Salmon

You might find salmon in recipes where dogs have skin sensitivities. Salmon is packed with omega-3 fatty acids which improve the immune system, skin health, and coat texture.

Just be sure to never feed your dog raw salmon since salmon poisoning is a potential threat.This issue is potentially fatal, so always make sure salmon is in pre-made dog food or offered after you have fully cooked it.

4. Turkey

Turkey is another commonly-used poultry that you might see in the ingredients of your favorite dog food. Turkey is lean, offering tons of nutritional benefits that give your dog full doses of riboflavin and add selenium. Its a go-to ingredient in many homemade dog food recipes if you thought of getting into meal planning for your pooch.

If you offer cooked turkey, the breasts white portions are the healthiest for your pup. Fatty areas of the turkey such as the skin are not as good because it is more difficult for your dog to digest.

5. Duck

Duck is a darker meat and is a nutrient-rich selection for your dog. Its also an extremely healthy protein source that works well for dogs with sensitivities to a more common protein like chicken or beef.

Duck is also a perfect selection for extremely active dogs because its higher in fat content. This fact helps to replenish the output from regular use of muscles and high burning of calories. It has a nice helping of B vitamins, too, which protect against common cancers.

6. Venison

Venison is another great alternative to traditional meat used in commercial dog food. Deer meat contains an extremely high amount of vitamins B6 and B12, niacin, riboflavin, and zinc. This combination supports your dogs overall immunity and organ health.

Venison tends to be much lower in fat and cholesterol than other red meat. Most venison in dog food is in the form of a concentrated meal, but you can also offer deer meat from wild deer if you prepare it properly.

7. Bison

Even though bison has been used to feed people and animals for quite a while, its just recently catching on in the dog food world. Can dogs eat bison meat? Bison is much leaner than beef, chicken, pork, and salmon. So, its incredibly healthy for your dog.

Bison is full of essential amino acids, fatty acids, minerals, and vitamins. It is all-around a wholesome meat choice, even if your dog isnt sensitive to other proteins.

8. Lamb

Lamb is another protein used in moderately common dog food, so it isnt considered a novel proteinbut it is less used in dog food than chicken, beef, or fish. Not only is it a great source of protein, its also perfectly balanced in terms of fat, which works well for your dogs energy levels.

Lamb is less likely to trigger allergies or sensitivities in dogs. Lamb is also particularly good for your dogs coat and skin because it contains fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals that aid in skin and muscle development.

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Top 4 Protein Sources for Dogs in Treats:

You can give your dog an extra kick of protein by giving them select snacks. It would help if you always offered treats as a form of reward for good behavior, so your dog has an incentive.

9. Peanut Butter

Peanut butter is a protein-rich snack for your pup, but always offer it sparingly. When you pick out the peanut butter, remember to select an all-natural kind with no extra sugar. The peanuts themselves are fantastic since they are full of natural oils and nutritional goodies like oleic acid. But too much sugar isnt good for their teeth, weight, or heart.

10. Dehydrated Meat

You can make your dog their very own jerky strips in your oven or dehydrated- just remember not to use salt during the preparation. Pick the meat of your choice, slice it into thin strips, and prepare as needed. You can make several at a time, and they last quite a while if you offer them on occasion.

11. Cooked Meat

You can offer cooked meat as a food topper or a stand-alone snack. You dont have to season the meat or add any salt. Simply boiling the meat and cutting it into bite-sized portions is plenty. You wont have to do this for every meal, but its a great idea if youre trying to give them an extra boost and improve the nutritional content of their diet.

12. Commercial Snacks

There are plenty of protein-packed pre-made snacks on the market that you can buy. Just be sure that the other ingredients are safe and necessary, avoiding any excessive preservatives or artificial dyes.

Dogs and Protein: Final Thoughts

Between meat found in the supermarket and snacks on the shelf, you can give your dog a lot of variety. After all, they deserve to have things mixed up every once in a while in order to keep their food tasty and interesting. Your dog will likely have their fair share of favorites from the lot!

Related Read:

Featured image credit: demanescale, Shutterstock

Best Proteins for Raw Food Diets for Dogs

If feeding as a raw diet, options include feeding whole pieces of meat to larger dogs, or ground meats or smaller chunks for smaller dogs, Morgan says. Raw poultry (chicken, duck, and turkey) necks and backs can be fed whole, sized according to the size of the dog. This supplies meat and bone content. Serving these proteins without skin is the best option, as leaving the skin on can make the fat content too high in the diet, she adds.

Kelleher, Morgan, and Kessell all recommend rotating the meats in each raw food diet so that your dog can get the individual benefits of each food. As long as people feed a rotation of proteins and have meat be 50-75% of a balanced diet with vegetables and

calcium, minerals and omega fatty acid sources, optimum health is easily achieved, says Kelleher.

Diets that do not include eggs and organs will be short on some amino acids, vitamins, and minerals, adds Morgan. Bone [should] be added, or a calcium supplement must be added to make a complete diet. Remember that meat is not the only component of a healthy diet for dogs. Vegetables, fruits, whole grains, fats, and vitamin/mineral supplements can all play a role.

6 Best Protein Sources for Dogs (Vet Approved)

The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.

Learn more

Dogs can eat both meat and plants, but they descended from carnivore species that thrive on high-protein diets. You might see high-protein dog food recipes advertised in marketing, or maybe you just want your dog to have a protein boost. Many owners are even trying their hands at homemade and raw diet recipes.

So, no matter your reason for delving into protein-rich ingredients, what are your options?Lets find out all about protein for your pooch.

Why Do Dogs Need Protein?

Dogs require animal protein to survive and thrive. It is the single most important nutritional component in their diet. Animal proteins, or complete proteins, carry amino acids that develop your dogs skin, muscles, and joints so their bodies can be fit and fully functional.

Homemade vs Commercial Diets

Commercial diets have been developed to ensure each recipe fits the necessary nutritional profiles for canines. Homemade recipes require individual recipes, ingredient measuring, and supplementation to achieve this.

Commercial Diets

Commercial diets are created by a group of dietary professionals and manufacturers. Each recipe varies slightly depending on brand and target nutrition. Protein content in a commercial recipe should be at least 18% protein for maintenance.

However, some adult dog food recipes for high-energy pooches can go higher than 40%. Its crucial to deliver appropriate protein levels to your dog based on life stage, age, weight, and activity level.

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Homemade Recipes

There is so much control with homemade diets. You know exactly what your dog is putting in its mouth without having to worry about ingredients that you cant pronounce. And regardless of what a bag says, you know just how much protein they have in their dish, too.

One crucial aspect of homemade diets is that you must check with your veterinarian. If you miss even one key component, you can throw off balance in the recipe, meaning your dog isnt getting the correct nutrients.

Incorrect measurements can lead to malnutrition or overnutrition.

The 6 Best Protein Sources for Dogs

If youre looking for protein supplements to add to your dogs diet, you want to know what all your options are. If youre taking your hand at recipe creation, knowing the most beneficial sources helps produce a well-balanced diet with the approval of your vet.

Here are some excellent protein sources and what they do for your poochs health.

1. Eggs

According to the American Kennel Club, eggs are a terrific protein source that is safe and healthy for your dogs. Eggs dont have the required nutritional content to be an everyday meal, but they make a great topper or standalone snack your pooch will love.

Your pooch can enjoy eggs from several birds, including:

• Chicken eggs
• Ducks eggs
• Quail eggs

Eggs are packed full of valuable nutrients that improve several aspects of canine health, including 6 grams of protein per egg. Some vitamins and minerals include:

• Omega fatty acidsthese fatty acids improve skin, coat, and nails.
• Riboflavinthis vitamin aids in the conversion of nutrients into fuel, increasing energy.
• Folatethis vitamin increases red blood cell production.
• Ironiron is needed for hemoglobin synthesis.
• Seleniumthis mineral is essential for thyroid function and DNA reproduction.
• Vitamins B12this vitamin protects nerves and cells.
• Vitamin Athis vitamin aids in immunity and vision health.

We should note that while eggs can be very beneficial to many canines, some might develop sensitivities to it. Also, you should never offer unpasteurized raw eggs to your dog, as they can still carry Salmonella.

2. Fish

Fish is a wholesome protein to add to your dogs diet anytime. Certain species of fish are high in protein but low in fat, so these can be perfect protein-booster options for dogs that need a moderate-calorie diet.

Some yummy fish that work well as protein boosters include:

Fish is packed with powerful nutrients that improve overall healthnot just for the sake of protein. Some important nutrients in fish include:

• Phosphorushelps the body develop strong bones and a healthy metabolism.
• Omega-3 fatty acidaids in healthy coat, skin, and joints.
• Ironis used to synthesize hemoglobin in the body.
• Zincaids in immune system function and metabolism.
• Iodinerequired for optimal thyroid function.

Some dogs might have an allergy to fish, so if they have any adverse reactionsstop serving it all together. Your vet can check to verify a fish allergy. Also, fish should never be fed raw to a dog.

3. Poultry

You can also steam or cook several poultry selections for your dog. Poultry offers a lean, white meat option that is packed with high quantities of protein.

Types of poultry include:

Poultry like chicken and turkey are excellent meat sources for your dogs. It has less fat content than beef and other red meat, so its a great option for dogs who require weight management. Some goodies in poultry include:

• Phosphorusworks together with calcium to help preserve the integrity of bones and teeth.
• Potassiumaids in the function of the heart, nerves, and muscles.
• Pantothenic acidhelps your dogs body break down fats.
• Cholineis a precursor of nervous system chemicals.
• Ironis necessary for hemoglobin production.

Some dogs might be very sensitive to chicken, turkey, or duck protein, so make sure to watch for any allergic responses.

4. Venison

If youre a hunter stocked with fresh game, you might be able to offer your dog some fresh venison. It is a hormone-free, excellent selection for at-home meals and snacks.

Types of venison include:

Venison is a lean, healthy red meat that can nourish your dogs system. It might be hard to come by if you dont hunt yourself, but it is a healthy alternative to some fatty red meats.

• Ironis used to synthesize hemoglobin in the body.
• Phosphorousworks with calcium to maintain bones and muscles.
• Potassiumaids in nerve and muscle function.
• Niacinhelps with digestive functions and overall skin health.

It is considered a novel protein, meaning your dog likely hasnt had an introduction yet. This factor makes it a terrific option for dogs who have allergies to common protein sources.

5. Red Meat

Most red meats are valuable and nutritious for your pooch. However, its best not to use these menu options as main protein sources due to their higher fat content. Leaner cuts might be more suitable.

Some good red meats to add to your dog's diet include:

• Lamb or mutton
• Beef
• Bison

Red meat is packed with solid protein, creating a firm foundation for muscle growth and joint support. Some excellent nutritional aspects of red meat include:

• Ironthe precursor of hemoglobin.
• Phosphorushelps the body develop strong bones and a healthy metabolism.
• Potassiumaids in nerve and muscle function.
• Seleniumnourishes areas related to thyroid function.
• Zincaids in metabolism and immunity.

Red meat can have incredible health benefits, especially when included in a complete and balanced diet. Novel proteins like bison are excellent protein sources for pets with allergies compared to other, more common protein sources.

6. Plant-Based Proteins

In addition to meat-based protein selections, you can sporadically offer plant-based proteins. Dogs cannot thrive on plant-based proteins exclusively, as they are not complete proteins that include all the essential amino acids that dogs need to consume through their diet. Additionally, there is an ongoing investigation on whether the inclusion of large quantities of legumes in grain-free commercial dog food diets is responsible for reports of an increase in dilated cardiomyopathy cases in dogs.

Some plant-based protein types you can feed your dog include:

Since plant-based proteins are currently under investigation, we recommend only feeding them to your dog occasionally, in moderation.

• Fiberaids healthy digestion.

Some plant-based proteins can trigger food allergies and sensitivities in some dogs. Check with your vet beforehand.

Vegan or Vegetarian Dogs: What Does It Mean for Health?

If youre an environmentally conscious person who consumes or uses no animal products yourself, you might want to give your dog a vegan diet, too. But is this really a positive thing to do for their overall health? Its a huge decision to make for owners in your shoes.

Studies claim that although recipes can be created that are vegetarian or vegan, this is certainly not the most appropriate diet for your dog. You have to be incredibly careful when you offer diets devoid of animal protein.

Even though you might have hang-ups or reservations about buying animal products, allowing your dog to have their natural diet is likely best. However, if your moral conscience cannot allow that, you should speak with your vet about the best vegetarian or vegan foods for canines.

Final Thoughts

Protein is a highly beneficial and necessary ingredient that makes up a majority of your dogs diet. It is the base of commercial and homemade dog foods alike.

Now, you know just what kinds of protein sources you can serve your pooch. Every animal or plant-based protein has nutrient value to offer. If you are making your homemade recipes, run your recipe by your vet to ensure optimal nutrition.

Featured Credit by: Hyper-Set, Shutterstock