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Pets Dog Food

Best Low-Protein Dog Food

Updated January 2025
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Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Hill's Prescription Diet Kidney Care k/d Dry Dog Food
Hill's Prescription Diet
Kidney Care k/d Dry Dog Food
Highly Recommended

One of the most commonly prescribed low-protein dog foods available. Can easily be mixed with k/d canned food.

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Highly Recommended
Bottom Line

One of the most commonly prescribed low-protein dog foods available. Can easily be mixed with k/d canned food.

Pros

A trusted prescription dog food that's often prescribed by vets for dogs with health conditions such as renal failure. Contains ingredients that may increase appetite. Has only 12% protein and 0.3% sodium. Contains amino and omega fatty acids. Encourages lean muscle mass building.

Cons

Costly, and it requires a prescription from a veterinarian to purchase.

Best Bang for the Buck
Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet Kidney Support Dry Dog Food
Blue Buffalo
Natural Veterinary Diet Kidney Support Dry Dog Food
Bargain Choice

This variety of low-protein, kidney-friendly dog food is a favorite among older pups, though it might be more expensive than some others.

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Bargain Choice
Bottom Line

This variety of low-protein, kidney-friendly dog food is a favorite among older pups, though it might be more expensive than some others.

Pros

Formulated with controlled levels of phosphorous, sodium, and protein. Sourced from high-quality chicken, no chicken or poultry by-products. Made without wheat, corn, soy, or artificial flavors or preservatives. Enriched with necessary vitamins and minerals to support kidney function.

Cons

Not all dogs will eat it. Can be expensive for the quantity.

Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Renal Support S Dry Dog Food
Royal Canin Veterinary Diet
Renal Support S Dry Dog Food
Pup Favorite

A budget-friendly choice that helps dogs with renal failure to attain healthier kidneys.

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Pup Favorite
Bottom Line

A budget-friendly choice that helps dogs with renal failure to attain healthier kidneys.

Pros

Available in 6 or 17 lb. bags. Contains healthy fatty acids and precise levels of protein and phosphorous. Energy-dense formula compensates for reduced appetites that often occur from renal failure. Even picky dogs seem to enjoy the taste, especially if mixed with wet food.

Cons

Not every dog will like it. Some users had issues getting their dog to eat once formula changed.

Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets NF Kidney Function Wet Dog Food
Purina
Pro Plan Veterinary Diets NF Kidney Function Wet Dog Food
Trusted Brand

This wet food choice is a great option for older dogs struggling with kidney issues, but might not be suitable for picky eaters.

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Trusted Brand
Bottom Line

This wet food choice is a great option for older dogs struggling with kidney issues, but might not be suitable for picky eaters.

Pros

Contains precise levels of phosphorous, sodium, and high-quality protein. Features healthy antioxidants meant to improve kidney performance. Developed by researchers, nutritionists, and skilled veterinarians. Tasty wet food is typically easier for sick animals to eat than dry food.

Cons

Too expensive for some buyers. Some dogs won't eat it.

FORZA10 Nutraceutic Actiwet Renal Support Wet Dog Food
FORZA10
Nutraceutic Actiwet Renal Support Wet Dog Food
Premium Choice

A high-quality Icelandic formula that features therapeutic plants and extracts to encourage kidney and urinary tract health.

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Premium Choice
Bottom Line

A high-quality Icelandic formula that features therapeutic plants and extracts to encourage kidney and urinary tract health.

Pros

Formulated with healthy fruit extracts and therapeutic plants and herbs that encourage proper kidney function. Made free of soy by-products, corn, wheat, artificial preservatives, or flavoring, and is non-GMO. Ingredients like cranberry and dandelion support urinary tract health. Protein from 100% Icelandic lamb and salmon.

Cons

Has a very strong smell that some dogs dislike. Expensive for small quantity.

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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 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 03, 2021
35
Models
considered
8
Hours
researched
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Kyle Schurman
Written by Kyle Schurman

Updated January 2025

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For some dogs, digesting protein can be difficult on the kidneys and liver. For older dogs, kidney and liver problems can cause the dog’s health to deteriorate quickly. Low-protein dog food helps animals that have kidney, liver, or bladder problems (such as bladder stones). Most dog food has at least a 25% protein content. Low protein food, on the other hand, will have protein levels of 18% or less — usually much less. Dogs need protein to maintain lean muscle mass and energy, so choosing a low-protein diet should only be done with the help of a veterinarian. In fact, low-protein food often needs veterinarian approval to purchase.
 

Our Top Picks
Hill's Prescription Diet
Best of the Best
Hill's Prescription Diet
Kidney Care k/d Dry Dog Food
Bottom Line
One of the most commonly prescribed low-protein dog foods available. Can easily be mixed with k/d canned food.
Shop Now
Blue Buffalo
Best Bang for the Buck
Blue Buffalo
Natural Veterinary Diet Kidney Support Dry Dog Food
Bottom Line
This variety of low-protein, kidney-friendly dog food is a favorite among older pups, though it might be more expensive than some others.
Shop Now
Royal Canin Veterinary Diet
Top Pick
Royal Canin Veterinary Diet
Renal Support S Dry Dog Food
Bottom Line
A budget-friendly choice that helps dogs with renal failure to attain healthier kidneys.
Shop Now
Purina
Top Pick
Purina
Pro Plan Veterinary Diets NF Kidney Function Wet Dog Food
Bottom Line
This wet food choice is a great option for older dogs struggling with kidney issues, but might not be suitable for picky eaters.
Shop Now
FORZA10
Top Pick
FORZA10
Nutraceutic Actiwet Renal Support Wet Dog Food
Bottom Line
A high-quality Icelandic formula that features therapeutic plants and extracts to encourage kidney and urinary tract health.
Shop Now
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