The Benefits of a High Protein Dog Food

All dogs need protein. It’s an essential nutrient that results in more energy, healthier muscles, organs, and a healthy coat.

A high protein dog food should be at the top of your list when finding food options for your dog. As you consider the right diet for your dog, educate yourself on the amount of protein your dog should have and what the best types of protein are.

Here are a few answers to top questions regarding high protein dog food and what you should look for.

How Much Protein Should Your Dog Get?

Dogs need protein for the building blocks of muscle, bones, cell regeneration, and nerve function. If your dog does not get enough protein, they will lose weight and energy and have an unhealthy appearance to their skin and coat.

Dog food with 30% protein is considered “high protein”. Dogs who benefit most from a high protein dog food are active, puppies, pregnant dogs, or just high-energy dogs.

However, not all dogs should be eating high protein diets. Dogs with Diabetes and dogs with liver or kidney issues should eat lower protein diets. Senior dogs may also benefit from lower protein diets as it’s more easily digestible.

Which Protein is Good for Your Dog?

You’ve found a kibble with a high amount of protein, good! But is it the type of protein that your dog needs? Not all protein in kibble is created equal, so read your labels. The first ingredient should be meat. Good sources include chicken, beef, lamb, duck, and fish.

If your dog’s food lists corn, wheat, or soy the protein could be coming from less digestible, more artificial sources which are harmful to your dog’s digestive system.

Changing your dog’s diet from kibble to homemade dog food or a raw diet will also give you more control over how much and the quality of protein. This can be especially helpful if your dog suffers from allergies or digestive issues.

As always, check with your veterinarian before making changes to your dog’s diet.