The Best High Protein Dog Foods

Whether it's a growing puppy or a wizened old hound, any canine can benefit from a scoop of high-protein dog food. Protein gives dogs the strength and energy they need to grow and play, making kibble that centers this nutrient a vital part of their diet. But not all high-protein dog food will have that same magic touch, which is why we've made this list of the ones we recommend the most. Read on and get ready for more active days with your canine companion.

What to Look For

When seeking out the best high-protein dog food, we had a few major criteria: does it live up to its title and contain plenty of protein? Is it tasty enough that most dogs will gobble it up without a hitch? Finally, is it healthy and formulated to avoid allergens and irritants? All of the high-protein dog food you see here impressed us in these three areas. Purina impressed us the most, with a healthy recipe that tastes great and uses only the most nutritious ingredients. We were also impressed with Bully’s formula, which is custom-made to help bulk up your pooch in no time flat. Keep reading to see which high-protein dog food your pup should be chowing down on today.

Best Recipe for High Protein Dog Food

REAL, GOOD FOOD FOR DOGS

NomNom nutrient-packed recipes are crafted by their in-house Board Certified Veterinary Nutritionists and made with fresh, whole ingredients.

Best Recipes

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At Nom Nom, they make food that looks like food. Tailored to your pet’s exact needs and backed by years of scientific research. Join thousands of pet parents who’ve made the switch to a cleaner, healthier diet.

Pros

Formulated by their in-house team of pet health experts
Pre-portioned meals based on your pet’s unique dietary needs
Prepared, mixed and packed with care in their own USA kitchens
Personalized health insights created by their team of scientists

Cons

Need subscription

Purina Pro Plan High Protein Dog Food

Quality you can taste

The fresh ingredients are what put this high-protein dog food over the top.

Best Overall

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The ever-reliable Purina earns its place as a household name thanks to this high-protein dog food. Its impressively fresh recipe is a mixture of real beef and rice combined with probiotics for the immune system and gut health, all wrapped in an appealing hard kibble shell. It even includes omega-6 fatty acids to keep your dog’s coat sleek and smooth. Whatever you’re seeking from a high-protein dog food, this chow will probably have it.

Pros

Multiple protein choices including lamb and salmon
Comes in bags of up to 47 pounds for bulk purchases
Authentic ingredients are great for dogs with sensitive stomachs

Cons

Kibble can be smashed in the bag easily

Wonder Bound Dry High Protein Dog Food

A full bowl

This high-protein dog food contains all kinds of health benefits.

Runner Up

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If you need to give your dog a healthier lifestyle, this high-protein dog food is a great starting place. It doesn’t just provide high protein thanks to its fresh chicken; it also has plenty of probiotics for gut health, fatty acids for fur, and even glucosamine for the joints. And with no artificial colors or flavors, there’s little here that your dog’s digestive system will take issue with. This well-rounded high protein dog food can help you reach your dog’s health goals in all kinds of ways.

Pros

Large variety of protein choices
Comes in a puppy formula for younger dogs
Includes instructions on how to safely transition your dog to new foods

Cons

Can make your dog’s gas extra smelly

Pedigree Canned Wet High Protein Dog Food

Liquid goodness

When it comes to wet food, this high-protein dog food can't be topped.

Best Wet Food

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Wet high-protein dog food can be hard to come by, so it’s a good thing this one is great. Its liquid texture means dogs and puppies of all breeds and ages can chow down on the high protein goodness. And since you can get it in combos of beef and lamb or chicken and turkey, you’ll be able to match your dog’s exact tastes. For those in need of great wet high protein dog food, this one is a must.

Pros

Turkey ingredient is rare to find in high protein dog food
Great for dogs with infirmities or dental issues

Cons

Fairly expensive for only 12 cans

Bully Max 2X High Protein Dog Food

Meatheads only

This high-protein dog food is the ultimate way to bulk up your dog.

Best For Weight Gain

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This high-protein dog food is the ultimate way to help your pup put on the pounds. High levels of protein and an extra helping of caloric intake combine to give your dog the strength and energy they need to perform at its best. A pinch of this high-protein dog food will keep your dog full, letting you make the most out of each bag. With this high-protein dog food, you have nothing to lose and everything to gain—particularly muscles.

Pros

Lack of filler ingredients makes it easily digestible
Contains salmon oil, which makes dogs excited to eat
Filling even for dogs who tend to eat a lot

Cons

Fairly expensive for a relatively small bag

Taste Of The Wild High Protein Dog Food

Home on the range

Bison makes up the bulk of this delicious and nutritious high-protein dog food.

Best Ingredients

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Taste of the Wild makes us wish bison were a more common ingredient in high-protein dog food. Their recipe is ingenious, featuring not just bison and venison but vitamins and minerals derived from fruits as well. The result is high-protein dog food that’s almost totally organic, which can also help your dog’s energy, muscle growth, and digestion. No one who wants a great all-natural high protein dog food should pass this one up.

Pros

Great for adding luster to your dog’s coat
Ideal for dogs who don’t have enough nutrition in their diet

Cons

Can give your dog stinky breath

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of dogs can most benefit from high-protein dog food?

High-protein dog food is always a good choice for dogs who are getting sluggish in their old age, or conversely for puppies who might be a little underweight and need to pack on a few pounds. However, the vast majority of dogs can benefit from the energy and nutritional advantages that high-protein dog food provides.

What should I look out for when shopping for high-protein dog food?

You’ll always want to eschew brands that have a high level of synthetic or filler chemicals, as these can not only irritate your dog’s stomach but dilute the nutrition that is there as well. You’ll also be best off if your high-protein dog food uses actual meat as opposed to extract or parts; the more natural the source, the more your dog will be able to benefit from the protein therein.

About the Author

Chris lives in Austin with a very spunky red heeler mix. This pooch has very specific dietary needs and requires lots of attention and exercise, so Chris knows exactly how to search for the best products out there to keep dogs happy. Chris is great at finding dog-friendly items that aren’t just the best in their class, but work for the specific needs of different types of dogs as well.

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