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Pets Dog Food

Best High-Protein Dog Food

Updated June 2023
Bottom line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Satiety Dry Dog Food
Royal Canin
Veterinary Diet Satiety Dry Dog Food
Feature-packed

Expensive, but it's a high-protein formula that's designed to help overweight dogs lose weight.

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Feature-packed
Bottom Line

Expensive, but it's a high-protein formula that's designed to help overweight dogs lose weight.

Pros

Recipe uses a high level of protein along with high fiber levels to promote weight loss in the animal. Includes ingredients to help the dog maintain healthy joints and bones as it loses weight. Dogs will feel fuller, so they won't tend to eat as often. Specialty formula that's safe to use.

Cons

Requires a veterinary authorization for purchase. Pricier than others.

Best Bang for the Buck
Victor Hi-Pro Plus Dry Dog Food
Victor
Hi-Pro Plus Dry Dog Food
Bargain Pick

Reasonable price per pound for a high-protein dog food. Formulated for good digestion.

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Bargain Pick
Bottom Line

Reasonable price per pound for a high-protein dog food. Formulated for good digestion.

Pros

Obtains most of its protein from natural meats. Limits carbohydrates to create a protein-rich food. Doesn't use processed grain by-products or gluten. Uses vitamins and fatty acids to allow the dog to maintain a healthy coat and skin. Good price versus other high-protein foods.

Cons

Some dogs don't like the taste or texture. Recently changed kibble size.

Purina Pro Plan Sport All Life Stages Performance 30/20
Purina Pro Plan
Sport All Life Stages Performance 30/20
Trusted Brand

Quality high-protein food by a brand that's been trusted among pet owners for generations.

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Trusted Brand
Bottom Line

Quality high-protein food by a brand that's been trusted among pet owners for generations.

Pros

Formulated with 30% protein and 20% fat, a ratio that's beneficial for active dogs and promotes strong muscles and bones. Contains omega fatty acids for improved skin and coat, and glucosamine that supports bones and joints. Available in regular and grain-free.

Cons

Most dogs like it, but some had no interest in eating it. A few reports of bags with stale kibble upon delivery.

Purina Beneful IncrediBites Canned Dog Food
Purina Beneful
IncrediBites Canned Dog Food
For Special Occasions

For dogs who prefer the taste and texture of canned food, this formula is an excellent choice.

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For Special Occasions
Bottom Line

For dogs who prefer the taste and texture of canned food, this formula is an excellent choice.

Pros

Dogs tend to love the texture in this high-protein canned food, as it uses bite-sized chunks. Extra flavor added in the sauce. Works as a stand-alone food for a high protein diet or as a topper for dry food to give a boost of protein. Perfect addition of vitamins and nutrients for overall health.

Cons

Canned food costs more than dry food. Kibble sizes are small for large dog breeds.

Diamond Naturals Extreme Athlete Adult Dry Dog Food
Diamond Naturals
Extreme Athlete Adult Dry Dog Food
Packed with Probiotics

In addition to being available for a decent price, this high-protein dog food is made with ingredients that benefit your dog's overall health.

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Packed with Probiotics
Bottom Line

In addition to being available for a decent price, this high-protein dog food is made with ingredients that benefit your dog's overall health.

Pros

Derives its 32% protein from quality chicken and egg ingredients that come from cage-free animals. Probiotics promote healthy digestion. Also contains antioxidants, glucosamine, and omega fatty acids for multi-system support. No wheat, soy, corn, or artificial colors or flavors.

Cons

May cause stomach upset until dogs adjust to it. Some dogs don't like it, but most that try it do.

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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

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First Reviewed
November 02, 2021
51
Models
considered
8
Hours
researched
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Kyle Schurman
Written by Kyle Schurman

Updated June 2023

High-protein dog food may provide multiple benefits to a dog’s diet. With increased protein in the diet, dogs develop leaner muscle. This will help the animal maintain a healthy weight and gain energy. Some high-protein dog foods include high levels of fiber to encourage weight loss. High-protein food helps dogs maintain healthy skin, coats, and immune systems. A high-protein food is commonly available as a dry food. Some canned dog food has high-protein formulas, though. Most high-protein dog foods can be bought off the shelf. However, some formulas require approval from a veterinarian for purchase.

Our Top Picks
Royal Canin
Best of the Best
Royal Canin
Veterinary Diet Satiety Dry Dog Food
Bottom Line
Expensive, but it's a high-protein formula that's designed to help overweight dogs lose weight.
Shop Now
Victor
Best Bang for the Buck
Victor
Hi-Pro Plus Dry Dog Food
Bottom Line
Reasonable price per pound for a high-protein dog food. Formulated for good digestion.
Shop Now
Purina Pro Plan
Top Pick
Purina Pro Plan
Sport All Life Stages Performance 30/20
Bottom Line
Quality high-protein food by a brand that's been trusted among pet owners for generations.
Shop Now
Purina Beneful
Top Pick
Purina Beneful
IncrediBites Canned Dog Food
Bottom Line
For dogs who prefer the taste and texture of canned food, this formula is an excellent choice.
Shop Now
Diamond Naturals
Top Pick
Diamond Naturals
Extreme Athlete Adult Dry Dog Food
Bottom Line
In addition to being available for a decent price, this high-protein dog food is made with ingredients that benefit your dog's overall health.
Shop Now
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