Best Low-Protein Dog Food

Written by Kyle Schurman

Updated February 2025

Ready to buy now? Shop the best: 

• Best of the Best: Hill's Prescription Diet k/d Kidney Care Beef & Vegetable Stew Wet Dog Food
• Best Bang for the Buck: Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet KS Kidney Support
• Trusted Brand: Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets NF Kidney Function Canine Formula Wet Dog Food
• Best for Small Breeds: Nutro Natural Choice Senior Small Breed Dry Dog Food
• Highly Recommended: Hill's Prescription Diet k/d Kidney Care with Chicken Dry Dog Food

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.