The essentials
- Protein is essential to a healthy diet — Just like humans, dogs need daily protein to support their hair, skin, muscles, and immune system.
- Weight determines protein intake — As a general rule, your dog should receive 1 gram of protein per pound of their ideal body weight.
- There’s no “best” protein source — The best protein for your dog will be one your dog isn’t allergic to, one your dog enjoys eating, and one that’s high in quality (or bioavailability).
Protein should be a key part of every dog’s well-balanced diet. Along with other minerals and vitamins, it is necessary to both build and maintain the tissue that helps carry out a dog’s biological reactions and to sustain joint health. Dogs have also evolved to use proteins and fats as primary energy sources.
While every dog’s body has a unique response to different foods, animal products like eggs and lean meats are the best protein sources for dogs. Below, we discuss the specifics of different options.
The best protein sources for dogs
Dogs need a complete and balanced diet of fats, carbohydrates, and proteins to stay healthy and active.
Proteins are made up of amino acids. These compounds are the biological building blocks needed to support bodily functions, including muscle, hair, skin, fur, and the immune system. They also form enzymes, which catalyze chemical reactions at the cellular level. When dogs eat more than the required amount, they can also use excess protein for energy.
The best protein sources for dogs are most commonly meat-based. It’s a common misconception that there are huge differences between different protein sources, but the most significant difference is the amino acid breakdown of each. Most dogs should respond well to any protein as long as it meets their daily intake goal.
Generally speaking, whole-meat protein sources will be higher quality than those mixed with animal by-products (also known as meat meal). There’s no way of knowing exactly what those by-products are made of, which makes it harder to discern whether or not they’re fulfilling your dog’s nutritional requirements.
It’s technically possible for a dog to get sufficient protein from a vegetarian diet, but we don’t recommend it since they often come with an increased risk of nutritional deficiencies. Some owners may still opt for a vegetarian diet for environmental or health reasons, particularly if their dog suffers from liver disease.
Unless your dog suffers from an underlying food sensitivity, the best thing you can do is to regularly switch between multiple protein sources. This allows them to intake a wider range of amino acids and nutrients, making for a healthier, happier dog all around.
Types of protein sources for dogs
Aside from standard protein sources like beef, chicken, lamb, and fish, dogs can also get their daily protein from high-quality organ and muscle meats (especially muscles around the thighs and ribs). To a lesser extent, grains and oilseeds are also a source of proteins. Whole foods consist of a single protein source, while commercial dog food formulas contain multiple sources.
Try feeding your dog as many of these as possible to see which ones work best for them:
Chicken
Chicken is one of the most common protein sources in dog food — and the third most common dog food allergen after beef and dairy products, affecting approximately 15% of dogs. In general, chicken is an excellent source of protein, especially for pups with sensitive stomachs. Open Farm’s Harvest Chicken & Ancient Grains Dry Dog Food is a nutrient-dense protein source packed with humanely raised chicken.
Turkey
Another protein source you might find in commercial dog food is turkey, but that doesn’t mean you should feed Fido scraps of your Thanksgiving dinner! Purina Pro Plan’s turkey and oatmeal kibble is corn, wheat, and soy-free to accommodate pups with sensitive skin and stomachs.
Beef
Although about 34% of dogs are allergic to beef and beef by-products, beef is a popular protein source in commercial dog foods. Novel proteins like venison also fit into this category. Beef for dogs is available in kibble, like Wellness CORE+ Beef & Barley Grained Natural Adult Dry Dog Food, and wet food, like Merrick Real Adult Wet Dog Food.
Fish
Fish is a healthy protein for pups that’s often in dog food as an alternative protein source for pets allergic to chicken and beef. High in omega-3 fatty acids, fish like salmon and tilapia, among others, can help decrease inflammation. Only about 2% of dogs are allergic to fish, but when trying out Fido’s tolerance to any particular fish, start with a small amount. VICTOR Select Ocean Fish Formula touts a mix of plant, grain, and fish-based proteins for improved digestion and immune system support.
Rabbit
Naturally high in protein, rabbits are another novel protein source in some pet foods. We’re fans of these Vital Essentials Freeze-Dried Mini Nibs, formulated with rabbit for a protein-packed treat your dog will love.
Lamb
Lamb is a recommended replacement protein source for dogs with chicken and beef allergies. It’s also good for pups with sensitive tummies or food allergies. Approximately 5% of dogs are allergic to lamb and lamb by-products. Taste of the Wild Sierra Mountain Grain-Free Dry Dog Food is made with pasture-raised lamb, as well as omega-3 fatty acids and digestion-boosting probiotics.
Pork
Pork is often found in commercial dog food and contains more calories per pound than other common protein sources. Some veterinarians urge pet parents to be cautious about how much their pup is getting from this protein source because the meat contains a type of fat they say is more difficult to digest compared to other meats. Thus, consumption can lead to indigestion and inflammation of the pancreas. Approximately 2% of dogs are allergic to pork.
Eggs
Egg protein has the highest biological value for dogs and is another ingredient in some premium pet foods. Eggs are high in protein, fatty acids, and vitamins, though overconsumption can lead to obesity. Approximately 4% of dogs are allergic to eggs. Many commercial dog foods list eggs as an ingredient, but you can also reward your dog with the occasional treat of one cooked, unseasoned egg.
👉 Dogs aren’t obligate carnivores like cats, but a vegetarian diet isn’t advised without guidance from a veterinarian.
Protein and food sensitivities
A dog’s gastrointestinal tract contains a whopping 70% of their immune system. That means if their gut is inflamed, there’s a good chance they’ll experience unwanted side effects ranging from nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea to chronic itchiness, irritation, and even ear infections .
Some dogs have an allergy to a specific protein source from a young age, while others may not develop a food allergy until later in life. Additionally, food preparation and processing may influence a dog’s immune response. For instance, some dogs may be sensitive to chicken-based kibble, but be fine when consuming cooked chicken breast.
Beef, chicken, lamb, and eggs are the most common protein allergens among dogs. However, some dogs may display sensitivities to non-animal products including wheat, soy, corn, and nuts.
Food allergy testing for dogs isn’t quite as reliable as it is for humans. Still, you can hone in on the culprit by changing the protein source and observing their reaction or conducting a vet-supervised elimination diet.
How much protein do dogs need?
When you’re shopping for commercial dog food, look for products that meet the standards recommended by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) , which currently lists protein standards for dogs as 22.5% for puppies, breeding female dogs, and senior dogs; and 18% for healthy adult dogs.
The exact amount of protein your dog needs will vary depending on their breed, weight, health conditions, and activity level. For example, active or athletic dogs with kidney disease may need less protein than those without the condition. You’ll find that the average diet for an adult dog contains 25 to 30% crude protein on a sample food label, but a diet curated for dogs with renal disease may contain closer to 15% crude protein.
Working dogs and high-energy breeds can similarly benefit from the energy boost high-protein diets provide. While excessive amounts of protein can cause weight gain in active breeds, high-protein diets are an effective way to help overweight dogs shed a few pounds, burn fat and calories, and keep dogs feeling full for longer.
Protein is just one of the key nutrients dogs need to stay healthy. Your dog should meet their daily protein requirements without additional supplementation as long as you feed them a complete, balanced, vet-formulated dog food. If you’re looking to give your buddy a nutritious treat now and then, don’t be afraid to experiment with whole-food protein sources, too.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best protein for overweight dogs?
Not all dog foods and protein sources are created with bioavailability in mind, so it’s important to consult your vet before making major dietary changes to Fido’s nutrition plan, especially regarding weight loss. That said, vets may recommend fresh, lean proteins such as chicken, turkey, fish, and eggs coupled with high-fiber foods such as fresh brussels sprouts and broccoli.
What is the best protein for dogs with sensitive stomachs?
This depends on your dog as certain proteins may increase stomach sensitivity in your dogs. For example, your vet may recommend switching from a chicken-based diet to a diet with more beef or fish if your dog has a sensitive stomach. In general, you’ll want to look for high-quality ingredients when shopping around for dog food.
Is meat better than meat meal?
Actually, ingredients that list chicken meal refer to chicken with water and fat removed, meaning it can contain a higher percentage of protein compared to just chicken. When you see chicken listed as an ingredient, it refers to unprocessed chicken with water.
What’s the healthiest meat for dogs?
To determine what’s healthiest, you need to understand how the meats have been processed, whether your dog has an allergy, and whether your pup enjoys the food. Protein sources like chicken, turkey, and lean ground beef are great options for animal-based protein diets.
Is chicken or salmon better for dogs?
Chicken and salmon retain high biological value for dogs, but the protein quality depends on how the meats are processed and whether or not your dog has an allergy.
What’s the most easily digestible protein for dogs?
Whole eggs have high biological values and are a great source of protein for Fido, but there are many recommended options, including chicken, turkey, salmon, and lean ground beef.
How much protein should dog food have?
The minimum requirement of crude protein for adult dogs is 8%, but the average diet for an adult dog typically contains 25-30% crude protein on the food label. How much protein your dog needs depends on your dog’s breed, weight, health conditions, and activity level.
What fish is best for dogs?
Vets highly recommend salmon and tilapia. When trying out Fido’s tolerance to any particular fish, start with a small amount.
Do dogs prefer beef or lamb?
It all depends on your dog’s allergies and pickiness! Many pups with chicken, fish, or beef allergies switch to lamb-based diets.
