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.
Top Picks at a Glance
Fresh, human-grade food made from real ingredients for a healthier pup today and tomorrow. Recipes made from whole food ingredients, slow cooked for nutrition and flavor and always fresh.
⭐ LIMITED TIME OFFER⭐
SAVE 60% OFF YOUR FIRST BOX +
GET A FREE EMBARK DOG DNA TEST
HURRY! OFFER ENDS 6/25/25
Pawstruck’s new Air Dried Dog food offers complete nutrition for your furry family member. Packed with up to 97% meat, fish, or poultry, guaranteed to satisfy your pup’s inner carnivore! Choose from three tasty all-natural recipes.
Premade raw meals, delivered to your doorstep. A balanced raw diet for dogs can be tailored to your pet’s size, age, and tastes. They’ve made it easy to get started with a raw diet for your dog in just a few clicks.
Maintenance Formula is expertly developed by veterinarians, scientists, and nutritionists to have everything your dog needs in a plant-based package. With the right mix of ingredients and an irresistible flavor, your pup will receive targeted nutrition that can help keep their gut regular, skin healthy, and coat soft.
Introducing Redbarn’s specially crafted Grain-Free Puppy Recipe Dry Dog Food, designed specifically for the growth and development of young pups. The first five ingredients are animal proteins followed by functional ingredients to support cognitive functions, joint health, digestion, and muscle mastery!
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Benefits of High-Protein Dog Food
Before we get deeper into our list, let’s take a closer look at the benefits of high-protein food for dogs.
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.
#1
Top Pick: Ollie
Ollie takes the top spot for high-protein dog food thanks to its human-grade recipes, whole-food ingredients, and impressive protein content tailored to your pup’s needs. Designed with input from veterinary nutritionists, each meal includes high-quality animal proteins like beef, turkey, chicken, or lamb, plus superfoods that fuel everything from strong muscles to healthy skin and immune function.
This fresh, gently cooked food is delivered straight to your door, perfectly portioned based on your dog’s age, weight, breed, and activity level. Bonus: it’s great for picky eaters and sensitive stomachs alike.
Features
- Human-grade, gently cooked food
- Custom meal plan based on your dog’s profile
- High-protein recipes with real meat as the #1 ingredient
- Nutritionally complete and vet-formulated
- Supports whole-body health (joints, skin, digestion, immune system)
- Rich in Omega-3 & Omega-6 fatty acids
- Made without corn, soy, or wheat
- No artificial additives or fillers
- Ships frozen, ready to thaw and serve
- Made in the USA
- Flexible subscription with pause & cancel options anytime
Pros & Cons at a Glance
- Fresh food with premium animal proteins
- Fully customized
- Gentle on sensitive stomachs
- Vet-formulated for optimal health
- Free from common allergens & fillers
- Premium pricing
- Requires freezer or fridge storage
What we like:
Ollie stands out because it pairs high-quality protein with a fresh, minimally processed approach that helps your dog thrive. Each recipe starts with a real meat base—beef, turkey, chicken, or lamb—ensuring your pup gets a rich source of protein to support lean muscle mass and sustained energy.
Beyond the protein, Ollie’s recipes include carefully selected superfoods like spinach, carrots, blueberries, and chia seeds. You’ll also find Omega-rich ingredients that help with joint comfort and skin health—two areas where high-protein diets really shine. And because the food is personalized, you can rest easy knowing your dog’s portion sizes and ingredients are just right.
Many pet parents say they notice improvements in energy, digestion, and coat shine within weeks. And let’s be honest—dogs love the taste.
What to consider:
Ollie isn’t the cheapest option on the market, and it does require a bit of freezer space. But for the quality of ingredients, transparency, and convenience of a fresh food subscription, it’s one of the best values for pet parents looking to boost their dog’s protein intake without sacrificing health or safety.
Fresh, human-grade food made from real ingredients for a healthier pup today and tomorrow. Recipes made from whole food ingredients, slow cooked for nutrition and flavor and always fresh.
⭐ LIMITED TIME OFFER⭐
SAVE 60% OFF YOUR FIRST BOX +
GET A FREE EMBARK DOG DNA TEST
HURRY! OFFER ENDS 6/25/25
#2
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.
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
Pros & Cons at a Glance
- All-natural
- Created by vets
- Added vitamins and minerals
- Non-GMO ingredients
- Pricey when used as main meal
- Limited flavors
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!
Pawstruck's new Air Dried Dog food offers complete nutrition for your furry family member. Packed with up to 97% meat, fish, or poultry, guaranteed to satisfy your pup's inner carnivore! Choose from three tasty all-natural recipes.
#3
Best Raw: We Feed Raw
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
Pros & Cons at a Glance
- Six types of proteins
- Created by vet nutritionist
- Human-grade meat
- Excellent customer support
- Pricier than other options
- Not all dogs do well on raw
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.
Premade raw meals, delivered to your doorstep. A balanced raw diet for dogs can be tailored to your pet's size, age, and tastes. They've made it easy to get started with a raw diet for your dog in just a few clicks.
#4
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.
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
Pros & Cons at a Glance
- Vegan formula
- Created by vets
- Made in the USa
- Meat-free isn't ideal for all dogs.
- Not designed for senior dogs
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.
#5
Best Puppy Pick: Redbarn Grain-Free Puppy Dog Food
The final option, FurHaven’s Snuggery Pet Bed, is a bit different than these other dog beds. It has a snuggery design, meaning it has a hood/blanket piece overtop of the bed. This aspect allows dogs to pull the hood over themselves for a more snuggly sleeping experience. As you can imagine, it creates a rather adorable situation.
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
Pros & Cons at a Glance
- Chicken-free
- Made in the USA
- Wholegrain & grain-free options
- Limited Reviews
- Limited flavor options
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.
Introducing Redbarn's specially crafted Grain-Free Puppy Recipe Dry Dog Food, designed specifically for the growth and development of young pups. The first five ingredients are animal proteins followed by functional ingredients to support cognitive functions, joint health, digestion, and muscle mastery!
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 c
My Personal Pick
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.
Crafted for Peak Performance! Redbarn Large Breed Dry Dog Food doesn't just provide great protein; it helps build strong muscles with it. High quality protein, plus guaranteed levels of L-Carnitine to help optimize energy metabolism, this formulation becomes a recipe for boundless vitality.
Author
Laura Hall
Writer
