We rank vendors based on rigorous testing and research, but also take into account your feedback and our commercial agreements with providers. This page contains affiliate links.Advertising DisclosureThis is a user-oriented comparison website, and we need to cover hosting and content costs, as well as make a profit. The costs are covered from referral fees from the vendors we feature. Affiliate link compensation does not affect reviews but might affect listicle pages. On these pages, vendors are ranked based on the reviewer’s examination of the service but also taking into account feedback from users and our commercial agreements with service providers. This website tries to cover important meal, coffee and pet food delivery services but we can’t cover all of the solutions that are out there. Information is believed to be accurate as of the date of each article.
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How Much Protein Is in Dog Food: Full 2024 Guide

Understanding the protein content of your dog's diet is vital for their health, but it can be confusing. An appropriate amount of protein supports muscle development and sustains overall vitality. However, how much of each nutrient your pup needs depends on factors like their breed, size, and age.

I researched various dog food brands and canine nutrition journals and compiled the most reliable information. My analysis focused on AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) guidelines and how they translate into dog food nutrition labels.

In addition to discussing dog food protein content, I shortlisted the 10 best dog food delivery services. After reading this, you'll have a list of services that offer balanced dog food with the correct protein levels for your dog.

Ollie is my top recommendation for its high-quality, human-grade ingredients. It also offers flexible, budget-friendly options to improve your dog’s diet. That said, all the dog foods on my list are AAFCO compliant, and most are human-grade, too.

Short on time? Check out the Best Protein Dog Food Delivery Services

  1. Ollie – As-fed protein percentage: 8 to 26%
  2. The Farmer’s Dog – As-fed protein percentage: 9 to 11%
  3. We Feed Raw – As-fed protein percentage: 12 to 14%
  4. Nom Nom – As-fed protein percentage: 7 to 10%
  5. Spot & Tango – As-fed protein percentage: 11.8% to 27%

See the top 10 best protein dog food delivery services list 

AAFCO and FDA Guidelines

Nutritious dog food requires a balance of protein, carbs, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals. This sounds similar to the nutrient balance required for humans, but the content, quality, and type of each nutrient, vitamin, and mineral, are different for dogs. Understanding your dog’s protein needs is complex and is an entire specialty in vet school.

AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Guidelines

The best guidelines to follow are those of the American Association of Food Control Officials (AAFCO). High quality dog food that follows generally good, well-researched nutrient balance guidelines will be labeled as “AAFCO Approved Nutritionally Complete and Balanced”, or it will just say “Complete and Balanced”.

These guidelines dictate the minimum and maximum levels of nutrients, like protein, fats, vitamins, and minerals in dog food. By understanding these guidelines, you can more easily determine whether the dog food you’re considering meets the minimum standards for dog nutrition. This will help you weed out less healthy dog foods.

 Image showing nutrient details for TFD’s turkey recipe and a statemtnt to say this meets guidelines by the AAFCO

The AAFCO only determines whether pet food brands follow its nutrition standards, and it doesn’t recommend food brands or diets for animals. There are 4 nutrient categories for dog foods:

  1. Protein

  2. Fat

  3. Minerals

  4. Vitamins & Other

AAFCO nutrition guidelines promote growth, reproduction, and optimal maintenance. Nutrient guidelines are informed by research on how protein affects overall dog health.

3 Ollie products as tested by our reviewer’s dog

The AAFCO only provides 2 categories with minimum protein requirements. Those categories are Growth and Reproduction and Adult Maintenance. Protein concentration requirements are measures of protein weight percentage in the Dry Matter of dog food mix. This measure is called the Dry Matter (DM) measurement.

Protein requirements are:

  • Growth and Reproduction: minimum 22.5% DM

  • Adult Maintenance: minimum 18% DM 

Before going to market, most dog food is a dry mixture that’s then mixed with water or broth when packaged. So, the DM measure is an accurate representation of the nutrient profile in your dog’s food. If you can’t find the DM percentage on the label, you can usually find it online.

Labels like senior or puppy are simply other words for the above 2 categories. For example, senior dog food is simply dog food that meets the requirements for the AAFCO’s Adult Maintenance protein minimum, and puppy dog food fits into the Growth and Reproduction minimum.

An image showing age groups to the AAFCO nutrient categories

While there’s a minimum protein requirement, protein amounts differ in each recipe. JustFoodForDogs recipes are classified to suit Puppies, Adult Dogs, and Senior Dogs, and they all meet the minimum protein requirements in AAFCO’s 2 categories. However, protein percentages still differ for each recipe. So you’ll still want to check pet food labels to ensure the dog food you’re purchasing meets your pup’s requirements.

FDA Dog Food Label Requirements

The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) requires a Guaranteed Analysis (GA) of the following 4 ingredients:

  1. Crude protein

  2. Crude fat

  3. Crude fiber

  4. Moisture

Guaranteed Analysis info for each of Nom Nom’s recipes

Guaranteed Analysis (GA) percentages factor in moisture and water weight. This is also known as the “as-fed” percentage. The percentage of non-water ingredients will always be lower than for the DM measurement. That’s because adding water, say to fresh food or canned food, simply adds volume to the food mix and decreases the ratio of each ingredient.

The term Crude isn’t an indicator of quality but is the GA as-fed ingredient weight percentage. The only difference between the DM and GA is that the DM measure excludes water and doesn’t indicate a fiber percentage.

The Farmer's Dog's dry matter and guaranteed analysis for fresh food

However, most labels show the GA weight but not the DM weight. That said, you’re more likely to see both measures listed for dog food subscription services. The Farmer’s Dog lists both the DM and GA percentages for each recipe on its website. And that’s great if you want to ensure your pup is getting a higher protein concentration in its food.

More About How to Read Dog Food Labels

Decoding the nutrient labels on your dog's food can be quite a task. The wording on labels is very subtle and tricky, so you’ll need to pay close attention if your dog requires a specific diet and nutrient content. To simplify this process for you, let me break down the (AAFCO) label requirements for dog food nutrients.

  • The "95 Percent" Rule: AAFCO requires that 95% of a product, excluding water, be the ingredient listed in the title. For instance, if a dog food is named Beef for Dogs, at least 95% of the beef ingredient must be beef.

Ingredient list of The Farmer’s Dog Turkey recipe

Including water content, this main ingredient should make up at least 70% of the total product. The remaining 5% of the ingredient covers essential nutrients, like vitamins and minerals, and any other additional ingredients.

  • The "25 Percent" Rule: This rule states that the main ingredients mentioned in the product name, such as Turkey Casserole with Broccoli from The Pets Table, must make up a combined percentage of at least 25% of the food, excluding water. Each named ingredient must make up at least 10% of the total product.

Image showing nutritional info and ingredients list for turkey casserole from The Pet’s Table

If the combined ingredient concentration is more than 25% of the total food weight but doesn’t reach 95%, the label must include a descriptive term such as dinner, entrée, or platter.

  • The "With" Rule: If a product name includes "With…" like "Dog Food With Chicken," it indicates that the mentioned ingredient constitutes at least 3% of the total product. The inclusion of the term "with" significantly reduces the required percentage of the specified ingredient.

  • The "Flavor" Rule: Per the FDA, a product labeled "Chicken Flavor Dog Food" doesn't have a defined minimum chicken content requirement. However, there must be enough of the ingredient to be detected. The term "flavor" should be as prominently displayed on the package as the ingredient it refers to, such as chicken or beef.

Ingredients are also listed in order of their weight, so the first item listed on the label is the largest ingredient by weight. Protein is usually listed first since it generally makes up most of your dog’s food. You can see how the GA crude protein content in Nom Nom’s Pork Potluck recipe has the highest ingredient percentage and is listed first in the ingredient list.

Nom Nom's Pork Potluck ingredient breakdown

You’ll also find byproducts in your dog’s food. Byproducts often encompass components like the liver, a powerhouse of vitamin A, and other sources like blood, brains, bones, the stomach, and thoroughly cleaned intestines. Despite sounding unappetizing to us, your 4-legged friend may actually find them delicious.

Note that each US state has different pet food content requirements. So if you’ve recently moved and you know your dog needs a specific nutrient balance, be sure to double-check the labels on any food you purchase.

Protein and Your Dog’s Energy Requirements

Each dog requires a different amount of protein in its diet. The right amount of protein for your dog is based on several factors, including but not limited to:

  • Reproductive capacity (whether your pup is spayed, neutered, or neither)

  • Age

  • Activity level

  • Breed

  • Medical conditions

Image showing some of the questions that The Farmer’s Dog quiz asks to help determine the best food for your dog

If your dog has dietary or medical needs, speak to a vet about protein content. Any food nutrient consumed at an unbalanced level by your pup is potentially harmful, so check with a qualified professional to ensure your dog is getting the best balance of nutrients.

Younger and very active dogs typically require more protein to promote muscle growth. However, each dog is different, and if your pup has specific medical conditions, higher protein might not be best. Always consult a vet if you’re unsure of what’s best for your pup.

Ollie's dog food customization quiz

Some dog food delivery services offer customization quizzes designed by veterinarians to determine the right ingredient ratios and portion sizes for your pup. Ollie’s quiz asks several questions about your dog’s age, weight, activity level, and more.

Protein in Dog Food

The AAFCO recommends a minimum amount of protein in dog food, but the amount and quality differ greatly between brands. Some brands create human-grade dog food, which must be USDA-approved human-grade. Other brands create shelf-stable dog food with protein from who knows where.

Food for animals doesn’t require FDA pre-market approval, but it must follow the rules:

  • Safe to eat

  • Produced under sanitary conditions

  • Free of harmful substances

  • Truthfully labeled

Most ingredients in dog food are considered safe. If you’d like to know your dog food’s protein source, you’ll have to contact the company and ask where they source it. Some companies are committed to humane, sustainable sourcing and proudly post that information on their website. Raised Right even lets you trace each ingredient to its source.

Raised Right’s beef recipe next to a map showing that you can click on an ingredient to find out where it is sourced

However, protein sources don’t require pre-market approval by the FDA. This only applies to food additives like vitamins and minerals. So, your dog’s protein quality is unregulated.

Exceptions to this rule include qualifiers like organic or human-grade. Foods with these labels must meet USDA requirements for organic and human-grade food content:

  • No growth hormones or antibiotics in meat and meat by-products

  • No artificial flavoring, coloring, or preservatives

  • Little or no fillers

Best Sources of Protein for Dogs

Chicken and turkey are excellent sources of easily digestible protein for dogs. Look for dog foods that list these as the first ingredient. Spot & Tango’s Chicken and Brown Rice dry food recipe is a great high protein source.

Spot & Tango's Chicken & Brown Rice general analysis
Fish, such as salmon and whitefish, also make the list. They not only provide your dog with a protein punch of around 26%, but also offer omega-3 fatty acids which can support skin and coat health.

Next, consider beef and lamb. These meats contain around 18-25% protein and are a good source of iron and vitamin B12. Always remember that the best diet for your dog depends on their age, breed, size, and health status.

You’ll also find some brands that use “new protein” and no – they’re not new. These proteins are sourced from more atypical animals like duck, bison, venison, and kangaroo. These proteins entered the market to service dogs who have a harder time digesting chicken and beef. Check with your vet before you feed your pup any new proteins.

We Feed Raw's Lamb, Duck, and Venison Patty Recipes

If you’ve checked with your vet and want to order raw food – check out We Feed Raw. Few raw dog food services exist with the same quality standards as We Feed Raw’s. Each formula was created by a PhD nutritionist and made with USDA human-grade meats.

Dog Food Delivery Services With the Best Protein


Starting Price

Minimum Order

As-Fed Crude Protein%

Grade and Meal Type

Shipping

Active Deals

🥇 Ollie

$4-$8 per day

1-week starter pack

Fresh: 8 – 10%
Baked: 23 – 26%

Human-grade: Fresh, Baked

Free

Get 60% Off Your Starter Box! from Ollie

🥈 The Farmer’s Dog

$2/day

2-week starter pack

Fresh: 9 – 11%

Human-grade: Fresh

Free

Get 60% Off Your First Box! from The Farmer’s Dog

🥉 We Feed Raw

$6.59/lb

30 lbs

Raw: 12 – 14%

Human-grade: Raw

Free

Get 40% Off + Free Shipping from We Feed Raw

Nom Nom

$5/day

2-week starter pack

Fresh: 7 – 10%

Feed-grade: Fresh

Free

Get 60% off your first box + free shipping from Nom Nom

Spot & Tango

<$1 per meal

2-week starter pack

Fresh: 11.8 –14%

Dry: 25 – 27%

Human-grade: Fresh, Dry

Free

Get 50% Off + Free Shipping from Spot & Tango

The Pet’s Table
$1.59 per meal
2-week trial box
Air-Dried: 25 – 26% Fresh: 11 – 13%
Human-grade fresh, Air-dried
$10.99
Get 50% off your 1st box + 20% off your 2nd from The Pet’s Table

JustFoodForDogs

$6.45

7.8 lb bag

Fresh: 7 – 10%


Human-grade:Fresh, Treats, Supplements

$19.99 or free on dry or frozen orders over $99

Get 50% off your first autoship order + 5% off all future orders from JustFoodForDogs

PawFoods
$2.86 per meal
56 Meals
Fresh: 8 - 12%
Fresh
Free on orders over $25
$50 off first order. Valid for any order over $120. Code: DR50 from PawFoods
Maev
$143 per bag
5-lbs of raw food
43.5% as fed
Fresh
Free over $9.98
20% Off Sitewide + FREE Gift from Maev

Raised Right

$9.99/bag

4-box sampler

Fresh: 16 – 23%

Human-grade: Fresh but delivered frozen

$9.99 of free if 16 or more ordered

20% Off Your First Box (16 Bags)from Raised Right

How to Choose the Best High-Protein Dog Food for Your Pet

  • Check the ingredient list: Start by fully examining the ingredient list. Look for high-quality protein sources like real meat, fish, or eggs listed at the top. This indicates a higher protein quality in the food.
  • Review the guaranteed analysis: Look at the guaranteed analysis on the label, which shows the minimum protein percentage. Compare this information across different brands to identify foods with higher protein content.
  • Consider my top choices for high-protein options: All my top choices for high-protein dog food are formulated to meet the specific dietary needs of active dogs. They offer a range of protein sources to ensure your dog gets the nutrition they need.

FAQ

Which vitamins do dogs need?

Dogs need a variety of vitamins, notably A, B, C, D, E, and K. All the services I’ve mentioned in my feature include differing balances of these essential vitamins to support your dog's overall health. Remember, each vitamin plays a unique role, from boosting immunity to aiding metabolism.

Which minerals do dogs need?

Minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, potassium, and magnesium are essential for dogs. The Farmer's Dog provides food rich in these minerals that contribute to strong bones, nerve function, and muscle health, among other benefits. Our full review includes more details about The Farmer’s Dog ingredients and health benefits of its dog food.

Can I make dog food at home?

Making fresh dog food at home is possible, but ensure it's nutritionally balanced. JustFoodForDogs offers DIY nutrient blends and recipes for home-cooked meals, helping you provide the necessary nutrients while ensuring the food is safe for your dog.

Which is a better source of protein for dogs: wet or dry dog food?

Wet and dry foods are great sources of protein for dogs. Dry dog foods will show a higher concentration of crude protein in the GA ingredient breakdown, but that doesn’t mean they have more protein than wet or fresh mixes. Wet and fresh dog foods include moisture in the percentage breakdown, which lowers the percentage of each nutrient.

You’ll have to check the DM percentage to know which food has more protein. Spot & Tango offer high-protein options in both wet and dry forms, allowing you to choose what suits your dog best. Factors like your dog's age, breed, and health condition influence your choice.

Is raw dog food a good source of protein?

Raw dog food can be a good source of protein. Companies like We Feed Raw specialize in high-protein raw meals. However, consider potential risks, such as bacterial contamination, and ensure it fits your dog's specific dietary needs. While some results of feeding dogs raw animal proteins are promising, the benefits of raw dog food are highly debated in the vet community.

Does human-grade dog food have better quality protein?

Human-grade dog foods use animal proteins that are USDA-approved safe for human consumption. This is a big step above the typical feed-grade food used in animal products. Feed-grade proteins do not require USDA inspection. Companies like Ollie use high-quality human-grade proteins.

However, the term human-grade doesn't guarantee superior protein. It's the quality of the ingredients and the proper balance of nutrients that truly matter. Always scrutinize the ingredient list and nutritional profile.

Best Dog Food Delivery Service for Protein in 2024 — Final Score

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We rank vendors based on rigorous testing and research, but also take into account your feedback and our commercial agreements with providers. This page contains affiliate links.Advertising DisclosureThis is a user-oriented comparison website, and we need to cover hosting and content costs, as well as make a profit. The costs are covered from referral fees from the vendors we feature. Affiliate link compensation does not affect reviews but might affect listicle pages. On these pages, vendors are ranked based on the reviewer’s examination of the service but also taking into account feedback from users and our commercial agreements with service providers. This website tries to cover important meal, coffee and pet food delivery services but we can’t cover all of the solutions that are out there. Information is believed to be accurate as of the date of each article.
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