On this page… The Dog Food Advisor takes an in-depth look at some of the best high protein dog foods on the market. And we’ll rate each of our top picks.
But first…
What Is High Protein Dog Food?
Most dry foods contain 23 to 27 percent protein. Wet food… a bit more.1
Since some recipes contain more moisture than others…
We used simple math to first remove all the water from each recipe. This makes it possible to accurately compare the protein content of ANY 2 recipes… wet or dry.
After rating more than 5750 recipes, we consider any food that contains over 28% protein… “high in protein”.
Life Stage AAFCO 2 High Protein Puppy 22.5% Over 28% Adult 18% Over 28%
Which Types of Dogs Benefit from a High Protein Diet?
Since dogs tend to lose muscle mass with heavy exercise and as they age, high protein recipes are ideal for active or athletic pets and seniors.
But keep in mind…
Older dogs who have been diagnosed with kidney disease should probably avoid these types of foods.
Caution — Avoid Legume-Heavy Recipes
Due to their suspected link to a type of heart disease3 in dogs, high protein recipes that contain legumes (peas, lentils, etc.) within their first 5 ingredients have been excluded.
On the list below…
We’ll reveal The Advisor’s best high protein dog foods… and we’ll show you which ones are a good fit for the age and breed size of your particular dog.
We’ll also answer the most frequently asked questions we get about choosing and feeding high protein diets.
Best High Protein Dog Food November 2024
Here are The Dog Food Advisor’s best high protein brands for November 2024.
We Feed Raw Turkey Patty
Rating:
Turkey Patties is one of 6 raw frozen recipes analyzed in our review of the We Feed Raw product line.
- First 5 ingredients: Turkey tails, turkey gizzards, turkey wings, turkey liver, wfr vitamin + mineral mix
- Type: Grain-free
- Profile: All Life Stages
- Best for: All dogs
- Other recipes: Venison, duck, lamb, beef, and chicken
This We Feed Raw recipe obtains the better part of its animal protein from turkey. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 49% protein, 25% fat and 18% estimated carbs… which produces a fat-to-protein ratio of about 52%.
Sample buyer review… “I have been feeding my dogs We Feed Raw for 3 years now and they love their food, their coats are always shining. They are active, happy, healthy dogs.”
Read more buyer reviews at WeFeedRaw.com
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Taste of the Wild with Ancient Grains High Protein
Rating:
Ancient Stream is one of 4 dry recipes included in our review of the Taste of the Wild with Ancient Grains product line.
- First 5 ingredients: Salmon, salmon meal, ocean fish meal, grain sorghum, millet
- Type: Grain-inclusive (sorghum, millet, barley, rice)
- Profile: All life stages
- Best for: All dogs (including large breed puppies)
- Other recipes: Ancient Mountain (lamb), Ancient Prairie (buffalo), Ancient Wetlands (duck)
Taste of the Wild Ancient Streams derives the majority of its animal protein from fresh salmon in addition to both salmon and fish meals. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 33% protein, 17% fat and 42% estimated carbs… which produces a favorable fat-to-protein ratio of about 50%.
A new, grain-inclusive product line from one of the industry’s most popular brands. Contains no legumes. A top pick.
Sample buyer review… “Being in the K9 industry for the past 10 years, TotW is one food that’s always reliable. I recommend it for working dogs and family pets alike. We rotate between the grain-free and ancient grains formulas to ensure proper taurine absorption. If you have a picky eater or a dog who has trouble maintaining weight, I highly recommend this food.”
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com
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Raised Right Fresh Human-Grade Dog Food
Rating:
Adult Beef is one of 11 wet recipes covered in our review of the Raised Right Fresh product line.
- First 5 ingredients: Beef, beef heart, carrots, beef liver, cranberries
- Type: Grain-free (carrots, cranberries)
- Profile: Maintenance
- Best for: Adult dogs
- Other recipes: Turkey Recipe, Pork Recipe, Chicken Recipe, Turkey and Pumpkin, Puppy Growth (multiple recipes) and others
Raised Right Adult Beef gets most of its meat protein from fresh beef. Dry matter label analysis shows the recipe contains 61% protein, 24% fat and 8% estimated carbs… yielding a fat-to-protein ratio of about 39%.
All recipes contain a single source of animal protein with no hidden fillers. One of the best high-protein fresh foods on the market. Easily recommended.
Sample buyer review… “Raised Right Beef is the perfect food for my dog. She loves the taste and I love there is finally something she can eat with all her food sensitivities.”
Read more buyer reviews at RaisedRightPets.com
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Orijen High Protein Dry Dog Food
Rating:
Orijen Original is one of 9 dry recipes analyzed in our review of the Orijen product line.
- First 5 ingredients: Chicken, turkey, flounder, whole mackerel, chicken liver
- Type: Grain-free (lentils, pinto beans)
- Profile: All Life Stages
- Best for: Adults and puppies (including large breeds)
- Other recipes: Puppy Large, Six Fish, Regional Red, Senior and others
This particular Orijen recipe obtains the better part of its animal protein from fresh chicken, turkey, flounder, and whole mackerel. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 43% protein, 20% fat and 28% estimated carbs… resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 47%.
Ever since its founding, Champion Petfoods, the maker of Orijen, has supported a meat-based, “biologically appropriate” diet. This is a proven, balanced design and a top high-protein option. Recommended with confidence.
Sample buyer review… “A few months ago I adopted a 14 month old Labradoodle, and I have had a difficult time getting weight on her because she just isn’t interested in eating. This dog food has helped tremendously! Apparently, it taste good to her and is very nutritious because she looks and acts so much better. It is wonderful to see her playing, and her coat looks fabulous.”
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com
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Dr. Tim’s Pursuit Active Dog High Protein Recipe
Rating:
Active Dog is one of 9 dry recipes evaluated in our review of the Dr. Tim’s product line.
- First 5 ingredients: Chicken meal, brown rice, chicken fat, whole oat groats, dried beet pulp (sugar removed)
- Type: Grain-inclusive (brown rice, whole oat groats)
- Profile: All Life Stages
- Best for: Adult and small or medium breed puppies
- Other recipes: Kinesis All Life Stages, Metabolite Weight Management, Glacier Athletic Blend and others
Dr. Tim’s Pursuit Active Dog gets the better part of its meat protein from chicken meal. Dry matter label analysis demonstrates the formula contains 33% protein, 22% fat and 36% estimated carbs… which creates a fat-to-protein ratio of about 67%.
Dr. Tim’s products are prized by members of the large breed athletic and sporting dog community. A top choice and one that’s especially easy for us to recommend.
Sample buyer review… “My English setter, a Llewelyn has been on Dr. Tim’s Pursuit dog food since she was a puppy, over ten years ago. She is a very active dog and thrives on this food. She has been very healthy. Her white and spotted fur coat is shiny!! I highly recommend this product.”
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Acana Highest Protein Formula
Rating:
Meadowland is one of 6 dry recipes contained in our review of the Acana product line.
- First 5 ingredients: Deboned chicken, deboned turkey, chicken liver, turkey giblets (liver, heart, gizzard), chicken meal
- Type: Grain-free (lentils, pinto beans)
- Profile: All life stages
- Best for: Adults and puppies (including large breeds)
- Other recipes: Red Meat Recipe, Poultry Recipe, Freshwater Fish Recipe and others
Acana Meadowland receives most of its meat content from deboned chicken and deboned turkey. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 38% protein, 19% fat and 35% estimated carbs… which produces a fat-to-protein ratio of about 52%.
A superior, grain-free kibble, offering balanced nutrition. Made by the same company that makes Orijen.
Sample buyer review… “I have a very fussy fur son. There are about 2 or 3 foods he will eat without turning his nose up and walking away. Acana I have had EXCELLENT results with all blends!!! It’s a good feeling when he actually eats a food that has such excellent ingredients and the best part – ONE THAT YOU CAN TRUST!”
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Merrick Classic Healthy Grains High Protein Formula
Rating:
Merrick Classic Healthy Grains Puppy is one of 13 recipes included in our review of the Merrick Classic product line.
- First 5 ingredients: Deboned chicken, chicken meal, brown rice, barley, oatmeal
- Type: Grain-inclusive (rice, barley, oatmeal)
- Profile: Growth
- Best For: All puppies (including large breed puppies)
- Other recipes: Real Beef, Real Chicken, Real Lamb, Small Breed Recipe, Senior Recipe, Healthy Weight and others
This Merrick Classic product derives the bulk of its animal content from fresh chicken and chicken meal. Our dry matter label analysis shows the food contains 31% protein, 18% fat and 43% estimated carbs… yielding a fat-to-protein ratio of about 57%.
A top-rated dry puppy food that’s completely based on a safe, proven grain-inclusive design. Contains no legumes.
Sample buyer review… “After weeks of searching for a reliable dog food for our toy poodle puppy we finally found Merrick, he is healthy and and is fur is so soft, he is only ten weeks old yet he has so much energy, we are very glad.”
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Diamond Naturals Extreme Athlete
Rating:
Extreme Athlete is one of 13 dry recipes analyzed in our review of the Diamond Naturals product line.
- First 5 ingredients: Chicken meal, chicken, ground white rice, chicken fat, cracked pearled barley
- Type: Grain-inclusive (ground white rice, barley)
- Profile: Maintenance
- Best for: Adult dogs
- Other recipes: Small and Medium Breed Puppy, Small Breed Adult, All Life Stages and others
Diamond Naturals Extreme Athlete draws much of its animal content from chicken meal and fresh chicken. Dry matter label analysis reveals the formula contains 36% protein, 28% fat and 29% estimated carbs… which creates a fat-to-protein ratio of about 78%.
An exceptional grain-inclusive formula, offering multiple recipe and flavor options. A top-rated, high-protein pick, containing no plant-based protein concentrates.
Sample buyer review… “Dogs love it, and do great. I’ve tried several types of foods, but always come back to this. It also makes my dogs coats shiny, and keeps a good weight on them. Especially since they are very active Belgian Malinois”
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Nature’s Logic High Protein Dog Food
Rating:
Canine Chicken Meal Feast is one of 11 dry recipes included in our review of the Nature’s Logic product line.
- First 5 ingredients: Chicken meal, millet, chicken fat, pumpkin seed, yeast culture
- Type: Grain-inclusive (millet)
- Profile: All Life Stages
- Best for: Puppies and Adult dogs
- Other recipes: Canine Beef, Canine Duck and Salmon, Canine Venison and others
Nature’s Logic Canine Chicken Meal acquires the bulk of its meat fraction from chicken meal. Dry matter label analysis shows the recipe contains 40% protein, 16% fat and 36% estimated carbs… delivering a fat-to-protein ratio of about 42%.
Nature’s Logic is one of only a handful of brands that meets AAFCO nutrient guidelines using actual real-live canine feeding trials. Top choice from a trusted and ethical manufacturer.
Sample buyer review… “I have been looking for a more natural dry food with some greens and fruits. I have used this product in the frozen form, and was pleased to find it also as a dry food. I like the small kibble. My dogs are doing great on it, maintains weight and coats are beautiful. Thanks fir a great product!”
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Victor Classic Hi Pro Plus High Protein Dog Food
Rating:
Hi Pro Plus is one of 5 dry recipes evaluated in our review of the Victor Classic product line.
- First 5 ingredients: Beef meal, grain sorghum, chicken fat, pork meal, chicken meal
- Type: Grain-inclusive (sorghum)
- Profile: All Life Stages
- Best for: Adult and small or medium breed puppies
- Other recipes: Victor Professional (beef)
Victor Classic Hi Pro Plus receives most of its meat content from beef meal. Dry matter label analysis demonstrates the food contains 33% protein, 22% fat and 37% estimated carbs… creating a fat-to-protein ratio of about 67%.
One of the best grain-inclusive kibbles on the market. A classic, fully-balanced high protein recipe. We’ve always admired Victor’s simple designs. Feed with confidence.
Sample buyer review… “Our breed recommended this dog food & our Goldendoodle has been on this food for over a year now. He absolutely loves his food & runs to his bowl every time he knows it’s time to eat. He has a great coat, maintains a health weight & has solid poops. Highly recommend for active puppies & dogs!”
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