High Protein Dog Food

A high protein dog food is one that has higher levels of protein when compared with another product, as required by the Association of American Feed Control Officials Pet Food Regulations. Your dog's protein needs depends on his health, level of activity and stage of life, as neither one high protein or lower protein food is good for all dogs.

  1. Good Protein

    • Even if the dog food label says a certain percentage of protein is contained, your dog may not be receiving that much protein, depending on what the ingredients of the food are. Real meat is the best source of protein, but some brands of dog food contain only byproducts or vegetable sources. These sources are not as easy to digest than the real meat sources, so your dog's body absorbs less protein out of those ingredients.

    Health

    • A dog suffering from kidney problems or diseases that already strain the kidneys (diabetes is an example) should not be fed a high-protein diet, as a high-protein diet is harder for the kidneys to break down and will weaken the kidneys further. The average healthy dog does not need a lot of protein, either; too much protein is converted into fat by the body.

    Level of Activity

    • Generally, the more active the dog, the more protein is needed in the dog's diet. A dog that competes in sporting events (agility and flyball are examples), hunting dogs and other dogs that spend much of the day running around a large area need more protein in the diet to help build muscle and endurance.

    Age

    • Puppies and lactating female dogs need more protein than any other age group of dog to help keep up body development. Adult dogs need moderate levels of protein (unless an active or unhealthy dog as described above), and senior dogs do not need much protein at all, as a senior dog's body will have a harder time digesting protein.

    Other Concerns

    • Keep in mind when searching for a high protein food that some dog food brands will include higher amounts of protein while skimping on other nutrients your dog needs. Also, a dog that needs a high protein diet may also need a high fat diet as well to keep up adequate weight and energy levels, and to help keep the dog's coat in good condition.