The 11 Best Low-Protein Dog Foods
- May 27, 2023
- By Dr. Deborah Fletcher
If you own a dog who requires a low-protein diet, you know how difficult it can be to locate decent food alternatives.
Most dog meals include a lot of protein, which is bad for dogs that have renal or liver illness.
In this blog article, BestForPets (bestforpets.org) will discuss and examine some of the best low-protein dog foods on the market.
We will also provide you with advice on how to pick the best food for your dog.
These are some of the best low-protein dog food alternatives available.
Reviews
Best Overall: Nature’s Logic Canine Grain-Free Dog Food
- Salmon, herring meal, and chickpeas are the main components
- 11% protein content
- 9% fat content
- 360 calories per cup
Nature’s Logic Canine Duck & Salmon Feast All Life Stages canned dog food is the finest overall low protein dog food.
Nature’s Logic is an excellent choice for dogs that require a low protein diet. It’s prepared with high-quality ingredients like salmon and herring, which are also good for dogs’ heart health.
This meal is also grain-free, which is beneficial for certain dogs with allergies but may not be suitable for all dogs.
Consult your veterinarian if you are unclear whether this meal is appropriate for your dog. The disadvantage is that it is more expensive than other brands of dog food.
Pros
- Ingredients of superior grade
- Grain-free
- Protein deficient
Cons
- Pricier than competing brands
Best Value: Blue Buffalo Basics Skin & Stomach Dry Dog Food
- Deboned lamb, potato, and peas are the main components
- 18% protein content
- 11% fat content
- 340 calories per cup
Blue Buffalo Basics is an excellent choice for dogs with sensitive stomachs or skin. It’s also the most affordable low protein dog food.
This dish is grain-free and crafted with premium ingredients including deboned lamb, potatoes, and peas. It also includes omega fatty acids, which are beneficial to your dog’s skin and coat.
It is also low in protein, which is beneficial to dogs with renal or liver illness, and low in calories, which is beneficial to overweight dogs.
The disadvantage is that it contains peas, which may be related to heart problems in certain dogs, however research into this is underway.
Pros
- Grain-free
- Protein deficient
- Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids
- Low in fat and calories
Cons
- It contains peas
- It may be more expensive than other dog meals
Science Diet by Hill’s Mobile Health Premium Choice Dry Dog Food
- Chicken meal, brown rice, and barley are the main components
- 20% protein content
- 11% fat content
- 386 calories per cup
Hill’s Science Diet is an excellent choice for big breeds who require assistance with movement. This cuisine is grain-free and created using high-quality ingredients.
It is also low in protein, which is beneficial for dogs suffering from renal or liver illness. The calorie content is also rather minimal. This cuisine, however, is more costly than other brands.
Pros
- Grain-free
- Ingredients of superior grade
- Protein deficient
Cons
- Pricier than competing brands
Wellness Puppies should eat Small Breed Complete Health Dog Food
- Deboned turkey, peas, and potatoes are the main components
- 17% protein content
- 11% fat content
- 354 calories per cup
Wellness is an excellent choice for tiny breeds that need to reduce weight, but it may also be an excellent choice for puppies to prevent them from accumulating too much weight at an early age.
This cuisine is produced with high-quality ingredients, including deboned turkey, a lean meat that is grain-free. It is also low in protein, which is beneficial for dogs suffering from renal or liver illness.
It’s also less expensive than some of the other dishes on this list. The disadvantage is that it contains peas, which are a dubious component. Consult your veterinarian first to see if this meal is appropriate for your dog.
Pros
- Grain-free
- Ingredients derived from nature
- There are no artificial tastes or colors
- Protein deficient
Cons
- It contains peas
Veterinary Diet Royal Canin Vet’s Choice Canned Dog Food
- Ingredients: pork, rice
- 6% protein content
- 1.43% fat content
- 450 calories per can
Royal Canin is an excellent choice for dogs that have sensitive stomachs or gastrointestinal problems.
This diet comes highly recommended by veterinarians, is created with high-quality ingredients, and is low in fat. It is also low in protein, which is beneficial for dogs suffering from renal or liver illness.
This meal, however, is more costly than other brands and is only available in one taste. It contains more calories than some of the other items on this list.
Pros
- Ingredients of superior grade
- It is low in fat
- Protein deficient
Cons
- There is only one taste
- More calorie-dense
Grain-Free PURE Dry Dog Food CANIDAE
- Wild boar and garbanzo beans are the main components
- 25% protein content
- 15% fat content
- 350 calories per cup
CANIDAE is an excellent choice for dogs who are allergic or sensitive to other typical protein sources, such as chicken, turkey, or fish.
The major element in this cuisine is wild boar, which is an unique protein source. However, not all dogs, especially finicky ones, will enjoy the flavor.
This meal contains few ingredients. It is also low in protein, which is beneficial for dogs suffering from renal or liver illness. This cuisine, however, is more costly than other brands.
Pros
- Ingredients are few
- Protein deficient
- It includes a new protein source
Cons
- Pricey
- Some dogs may dislike the flavor
Merrick Grain-Free Limited Ingredient Diet Wet Dog Food
- Ingredients include deboned lamb and potatoes.
- 12% protein content
- 11% fat content
- 400 calories per cup
Merrick is an excellent choice for dogs that have allergies or sensitivities.
This cuisine is grain-free and has few ingredients. Its major components are lamb and potatoes, which give it a superb flavor that many dogs enjoy. It’s conceivable that not all dogs may enjoy the flavor.
It’s also low in protein, which is healthy for dogs with renal or liver illness, and it’s low in calories when compared to the other foods on our list. This cuisine, however, is more costly than other brands.
Pros
- Formula with few ingredients
- Protein deficient
- Calorie content is enough
Cons
- Pricier than competing brands
- Some dogs may dislike the flavor
Grain-Free ACANA Grasslands Dry Dog Food
- Ingredients: lamb and chicken
- 38% protein content
- 18% fat content
- 500 calories per cup
ACANA is an excellent choice for dogs who require a low to moderate protein diet while also being sports or working dogs.
Because this meal has the greatest protein level on our list, it is not ideal for indolent dogs.
This dish is produced with high-quality ingredients, is grain-free, and has a modest quantity of protein from lamb and chicken.
This meal costs more than other brands and is not as commonly accessible. It’s also heavy in calories, thus it’s not recommended for overweight dogs.
Pros
- Ingredients of superior grade
- Two sources of protein
Cons
- Pricier than competing brands
- It is not commonly distributed
- A lot of calories
Grain-Free Purina Beyond Canned Dog Food
- Alaskan cod, salmon, and sweet potatoes are the main components
- 8% protein content
- 5% fat content
- 400 calories per can
Purina Beyond is an excellent choice for dogs that require a reduced protein diet that still contains high-quality protein sources.
This cuisine has no grains and is produced with high-quality ingredients such as Alaskan cod, salmon, and sweet potatoes.
It is also more expensive than other brands due to the fact that it is canned food, but because it is available in both dry and canned formulas, it is a perfect alternative for all dogs, regardless of whether they prefer wet or dry food.
And the dry formula may be less expensive. Another disadvantage is that not all dogs enjoy fish-flavored dog food.
Pros
- Grain-free
- Ingredients of superior grade
Cons
- Pricier than other canned meals
- Fish-flavored food may not appeal to picky canines
Buyer's Guide: How to Choose the Best Low Protein Dog Food
Why Would a Dog Require a Low-Protein Diet?
There are several reasons why your dog may require low-protein diet. One cause might be that they have renal disease.
Kidney illness is a frequent health problem in dogs, but it is treatable with a particular diet.
Another reason your dog may require a low-protein diet is if he or she has liver problems. Another prevalent health concern in dogs is liver disease, which may be managed with a low-protein diet.
Finally, some dogs are simply protein sensitive. If your dog has food allergies or sensitivities, a low-protein diet may be beneficial.
Consult your veterinarian if you believe your dog requires a low-protein diet. They can advise you on the best food to feed your dog.
Is a Prescription Diet Necessary for My Dog?
Some medical disorders can only be treated with a prescribed diet. If your dog has one of these conditions, he or she will need to eat food that has been specially made for them.
Conditions that may necessitate a prescribed diet include:
- Kidney failure
- Disease of the Liver
- Pancreatitis
- Cushing’s syndrome
What to Look for in a Dog Food With Low Protein
There are a few things to look for when selecting a low-protein dog food:
- To begin, ensure that the cuisine is created from high-quality ingredients
- You should also opt for foods that are grain-free and do not include any artificial flavors or colors
- If your veterinarian hasn’t given you a particular advice, look for a meal with a protein concentration of 20% or less
- The fat content should be no more than 12%
- Per cup, the meal should contain 360 calories or fewer
- Examine the ingredient list to ensure that the first few items are meat, poultry, or fish
- Avoid foods containing fillers like maize, wheat, and soy
- Finally, ensure that the food is suitable for your dog’s individual requirements. Consult your veterinarian if you are unclear about what food is best for your dog
You can make an informed choice about whether or not low protein dog food is good for your dog now that you know a little bit more about it.
Is it better to feed my dog wet or dry food?
There is no correct or incorrect response to this question. It is determined by your dog’s specific tastes and demands. Wet food is preferable for certain dogs since it is simpler to digest.
If your dog has a sensitive stomach, you should experiment with wet food.
Wet food also contains more moisture, which is beneficial for dogs that are prone to dehydration. However, dry food has certain advantages as well.
It is typically less expensive than wet food and may be left out for your dog to consume all day. Look for foods that are labeled “complete and balanced.”
Consult your veterinarian if you are unclear whether you should feed your dog wet or dry food.
How to Introduce a New Food to Your Dog
There are a few things to consider before switching your dog to a low protein diet:
- To begin, gradually transfer your dog to the new diet. This indicates that you should mix the new and old foods together for a while
- To begin, combine 25% new food with 75% old food
- You can gradually increase the amount of fresh food while decreasing the amount of old food after a few days
- You should keep doing this until your dog is solely eating the new food
You can effectively transfer your dog to a reduced protein diet if you follow these guidelines.
Particular Considerations
It is also critical to ensure that your dog gets adequate water. Low protein diet dogs may need to drink more water than normal.
Consult with your veterinarian about how much water your dog should drink.
Tips for Increasing Moisture in Your Dog’s Diet
There are a few things you can do to ensure your dog’s meal has enough moisture:
- To begin, you can include wet food into their diet
- You may also season their meals with broth or water
- Another approach is to buy meals with a greater moisture content
- Finally, make sure your dog has constant access to fresh water
- You can ensure that your dog’s meal has enough moisture by following these guidelines
- Install a fountain in lieu of their water bowl
Selecting Low Protein Treats
When selecting low protein snacks, keep the following points in mind:
- Check to see if the sweets are prepared with high-quality ingredients
- Look for grain-free cookies with no artificial flavors or colors
- Check that the goodies are suitable for your dog’s individual needs
- Choose sweets produced from high-quality ingredients
- Make certain that the goodies are grain-free
- Avoid the use of artificial tastes and colors
- Select treats that are suitable for your dog’s individual requirements
By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your dog receives the greatest possible treats.
Is it Possible to Make My Own Low-Protein Dog Food?
You can, indeed, manufacture your own low-protein dog food. When preparing your own dog food.
There are a few things to bear in mind:
- First, ensure that the diet is well-balanced. This implies it should have the proper protein, fat, and carbohydrate ratio
- Second, make certain that the food is complete. This implies that it should provide all of the nutrients required by your dog
- You may require the addition of vitamins or supplements
- To avoid serious vitamin deficits, have your veterinarian assist you in developing your recipe
By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your dog is getting the finest diet available.
Conclusion
If your dog has certain health problems, a low-protein diet might be a good idea.
If you decide to transfer your dog to a low-protein diet, take it slowly and make sure they’re receiving adequate fluids.
Nature’s Logic Canine Grain-Free Dog Food is our top overall selection. Blue Buffalo Basics Skin & Stomach Dry Dog Food is also an excellent buy.
If you aren’t sure if a low-protein diet is good for your dog, you should talk to your vet.
You can make an informed choice about whether low-protein dog food is good for your dog now that you know a bit more about it.
BestForPets (bestforpets.org) would like to thank our customers for visiting our website so I could learn about and recommend the best low-protein dog foods.
We hope you’ve picked a low-protein food for your dog.
Dr. Deborah Fletcher
Deborah R. Fletcher, DVM, is a skilled veterinarian with more than 15 years of experience dealing with companion and exotic animals. She has experience caring for a variety of animals, including household cats and dogs, reptiles, birds of prey, and even primates. Dr. Fletcher is a valuable part of the BestForPets team, where she contributes to their aim of providing pets and their owners with the finest possible treatment and services.
Veterinarian (DVM) Dr. Deborah Fletcher
Comment
There are no reviews yet. Be the first one to write one.