5 Best High-Protein Dog Food Brands for Active Dogs

Do you know the best way to fuel a high-energy dog? High-protein dog food! All dogs need a high-protein diet powered by high-quality meat for lean, strong muscles and crucial amino acids, but if your dog is particularly energetic, it’s even more important.

To help you cut through the noise and choose the one that’s right for you, we’ve made a list of the best high-protein dog foods on the market, with different diets & preferences in mind.

If you’re interested in more healthy stuff for dogs, check out our review of Dr. Fossum’s Pet Care Natural Supplements, too.

Top Picks at a Glance

Before we get deeper into our list, let’s take a closer look at the benefits of high-protein food for dogs. 

Benefits of High-Protein Dog Food

As mentioned above, dogs thrive on a diet of high protein and low fat. On average, adult dogs need 22-25% protein per day, depending on their breed and size, with smaller breeds needing more due to their higher metabolic rates. Puppies need between 18-32% protein in their daily diets and seniors need around 18-22%. 

Not only does protein support muscle growth and development in puppies and maintain strong muscles in adulthood and senior years, but it also provides sustainable energy levels, which is crucial for active pets, working dogs, and dogs who perform and compete in sports and other events. Breeds who typically need a high-protein diet include German Shepherds, Border Collies, and Siberian Huskies. 

Food that is high in protein also keeps dogs feeling fuller for longer and supports healthy weight, as opposed to low-quality foods which are high in empty carbs and fat. It’s also easier to digest and rich in essential amino acids. Amino acids promote a healthy metabolism and nutrient absorption, as well as a strong immune system and faster recovery time from injury, plus enzyme production, hormone production, and healthy skin & coat. 

The protein in your dog’s diet should come from real, high-quality, and lean meat sources like chicken, turkey, beef, and fish like salmon or whitefish. Lamb and duck are also good options, and richer meats like pork are fine as a treat or as part of a balanced diet. Don’t be afraid to mix things up! 

That said, animal proteins are actually one of the most common allergies in dogs, so if your dog is allergic to meat proteins, eggs and plant-based proteins like peas, lentils, and chickpeas are also sustainable options when formulated properly.

Top Pick: Redbarn Grain-Free Land Recipe Dog Food

The Redbarn Grain-Free Land Recipe Dog Food is our top pick. Not only does its formula lead with five different high-quality types of meat but it’s also packed with functional superfoods that aim to optimize every part of your dog’s health and wellbeing. Budding buyers can choose between two bag sizes, and they offer one-off buys, and flexible subscription orders every 2-8 weeks that can be canceled at any time. 

Key features: 

• Five meat sources 
• Nutritionally complete & balanced
• Supports whole body health
• Functional ingredients
• Omega fatty acids
• Vitamins A & E
• Prebiotics & probiotics
• Turmeric, pumpkin & miscanthus grass 
• L-carnitine, methionine, & taurine 
• Grain-free
• Chicken-free 
• No fillers or additives 
• Made in the USA
• One-off buys & subscription orders

What we like:

The five protein sources are beef, lamb, lamb meal, beef meal, and pork meal, making for a delicious daily dinner. It’s chicken-free for dogs with poultry allergies and grain-free for sensitive tummies. 

It’s also made with gut health in mind, with a special blend of probiotics, prebiotic fibers, pumpkin, and miscanthus grass, as well as vitamins A and E for immune support, and anti-inflammatories like turmeric. 

Your dog’s heart health is also supported with guaranteed daily doses of methionine, L-carnitine, and taurine, plus Omega fatty acids from flaxseed and sunflower oil for healthy joints, skin, and coats. It’s made in the USA from globally sourced ingredients, with no unhealthy fillers or artificial additives, and it comes backed by over 100 five-star reviews from happy customers. 

What to consider:

The premium pricing may not suit everyone, but it’s truly reflected in the quality of the formula and buyers who order on subscription can save 10% on their orders.

Best Air-Dried: Pawstruck Air-Dried Dog Food 

If your dog is a fish fan, consider this Pawstruck Air-Dried Dog Food. It comes in two other flavors, but this one is our favorite! With an impressive 85% fish content, it’s the perfect high-protein food for fish lovers. It comes in trial-sized bags if you want to try it before making a bigger commitment, and there is a fun variety pack with all the flavors in it, too. 

Key features: 

• 85% fish content
• All-natural 
• Vet-approved
• Crunchy & tasty 
• Minimally processed 
• A special blend of nutrients
• Supports whole body health
• Grain & gluten-free 
• No fillers, GMOS, by-products, or preservatives
• Satisfaction guarantee
• Trial sized bags
• Made in the USA

What we like:

This all-natural formula comes tested & approved by vets and was made with fussy eaters in mind. It’s slow-roasted and air-dried for a satisfyingly crunchy texture and irresistible flavor, without compromising on nutrition. It contains a special blend of body-nourishing nutrients including essential vitamins & minerals, sunflower oil, miscanthus grass, coconut flour, and flaxseed, as well as salmon oil to support strong joints and healthy skin & coat.

The minimal processing means it’s easy to digest for sensitive tummies, and it has no grains, fillers, or gluten. It’s also made in the USA without the use of GMOs, by-products, or artificial preservatives.  

What to consider:

The high-end pricing won’t be for everyone, but it’s definitely reflected in the quality and even comes with a satisfaction guarantee. If it’s a bit out of your price range as main meal, it also makes a fabulous dog food topper!

Best Raw: We Feed Raw

If raw feeding is your thing, try We Feed Raw. Not only are they the #1 pre-made raw dog food delivery company on the market, but they’re a family-owned business that tailors your dog’s meal plan to their breed, age, and needs, with more variety than any of their rivals. 

Key features:

• #1 pre-made raw dog food delivery company
• Formulated by PhD animal nutritionist
• Tailored meal plans 
• Variety of options
• 100% raw & minimally processed
• Human-grade meats 
• Highly digestible 
• No fillers or additives
• AAFCO & USDA compliant 
• Safely prepared, packaged & shipped
• Biodegradable packaging 
• Free cold-shipping nationwide

What we like:

With six protein sources to choose from, your dog will never get bored. The options include chicken, beef, venison, and duck, all of which are formulated by a PhD animal nutritionist to be complete and balanced for whole body health. 

The brand promises optimal levels of protein and essential nutrients for weight control, healthy skin, beautiful coats, and increased energy levels, plus fewer allergy symptoms, improved digestion, and more mealtime excitement with human-grade, digestible ingredients – and no fillers or additives. 

In fact, they’re the most minimally processed foods of their kind, with no cooking or heating, just a simple cold pressure treatment to eliminate bad bacteria. Meals are safely shipped frozen in well-insulated, biodegradable packaging, with free cold shipping nationwide.

Check out our review of We Feed Raw for more details!

What to consider:

The main thing to consider is that this, as the name implies, is raw food. If your dog isn’t already on a raw diet, you’ll need to transition slowly. Also, while you can buy one-off boxes, you’ll need to meet a certain weight limit for the free shipping. However, if you go with a subscription plan, you don’t have to worry about that.

Best Plant-Based Food: Wild Earth Maintainance Formula

If your dog can’t tolerate animal products – don’t despair! At 23% protein, the Wild Earth Maintenance Formula is a true lifesaver. In fact, it’s free from all common canine food allergens, and with one-off buys and deliveries every 2-12 weeks available, it’s extra convenient.

Key features: 

• Plant-based
• 23% protein 
• Designed by vets & nutritionists 
• Suitable for all breeds 
• Two flavors 
• Clean formula
• Limited ingredients
• Allergen-free
• Cruelty-free & sustainable  
• Made in small batches in the USA
• One-off buys & flexible subscriptions 

What we like:

It comes in two flavors; classic roast and golden rotisserie, both of which are made in small batches in the USA with clean ingredients. They’re also designed by scientists, vets, and nutritionists to meet the needs of all breeds and sizes. The limited-ingredient formula contains all 10 essential amino acids, so you don’t need to worry about your dog missing out on the benefits of animal proteins, and if you’re concerned about flavor, they also add yummy, aromatic herbs like rosemary and thyme for ensured deliciousness. 

Their food is designed with gut health in mind, too, with ancient grains, healthy fibers, and superfoods like flaxseed, sweet potato, and turmeric, as well as taurine and L-carnitine for heart health. In fact, the brand boasts reported health improvements in 86% of their customers, including better energy levels, clearer eyes, soothed skin, and shinier coats.

If you’re an ethically conscious consumer, you’ll also be pleased to hear that their commitment to eco-friendly and sustainable products means it requires less CO2, water, and land to make, as well as being 100% cruelty-free and free from additives, antibiotics, and hormones.

What to consider:

The brand recommends the formula for puppies and adults, so it may not be the right pick for senior dogs. Then there’s the fact that it’s entirely plant-based, which may not be the best option for all dogs.

Best Puppy Pick: Redbarn Grain-Free Puppy Dog Food

If you’re looking for the best option for your new pup, we highly recommend Redbarn Grain-Free Puppy Recipe Dry Dog Food. They also do a wholegrain version for less sensitive pups, but both formulas are packed full of high-quality protein from five delicious sources, as well as everything your pup needs to grow up healthy. 

Key features:

• Premium dry kibble
• Wholegrain & grain-free options
• Nutritionally complete & balanced for puppies
• All-natural ingredients  
• Superfoods like flaxseed & pumpkin 
• Omega fatty acids 
• Added probiotics & prebiotic fibers 
• Aids healthy cognition & digestion
• Strong joints & muscles 
• No fillers or GMOs 
• Chicken-free 
• Made in the USA

What we like:

The first five ingredients are animal proteins from beef, lamb, and fish. It doesn’t contain chicken, so if your pup is sensitive to poultry, this food is ideal. It’s chock full of good stuff to power your puppy’s development, including Omega fatty acids from sunflower oil and flaxseed for strong joints and muscles, plus healthy skin, beautiful coat, and stellar cognition for optimal learning and play. 

It also supports good gut health with superfoods like pumpkin and miscanthus grass, plus added probiotics and prebiotic fibers, as well as taurine, methionine, and L-carnitine for heart health, and all without the use of nasty fillers and GMOs.

What to consider:

As it’s a newer product, there aren’t an abundance of reviews online yet, but those there are, are all five-star. 

FAQs 

Does my dog need more protein?

Signs your dog needs to eat more protein include low energy, muscle loss, poor coat quality, and slow recovery time from injuries. That said, these can also be signs of other health conditions, so consult a vet if you’re concerned. 

Is high-protein food right for all dogs?

A diet that is high in protein is beneficial for most dogs, but not all. Dogs with certain conditions, such as kidney disease, for example, need low-protein diets. Always consult your vet.

Is high-protein food okay for overweight dogs?

High-protein foods are ideal for overweight dogs, as food that is high in protein creates slow-release energy, meaning they stay fuller for longer. A high protein intake is also thought to boost metabolism and burn more calories, but it must be high-quality and low in carbs and fat.  

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for the best high-protein dog food, we highly recommend the Redbarn Grain-Free Land Recipe Dog Food. It’s our top pick for its superb quality and focus on whole-body nourishment, consistent with all of the needs of active dogs. 

If you’re making a big change to your dog’s diet, don’t rush it! Do it gradually over a few days or weeks and come back to let us know any improvements you notice in the comments below!