Protein for Dogs: The Secret Ingredient Society Forgoes

To find the best protein for dogs, it's important to look at the diets of my dogs' ancestral wolves. What do they eat to stay healthy and strong? Have we forgotten a well-known secret they know so well as we sought to domesticate these loyal canines?

Last week, I was at the dog park with Pixie and Bruno when I overheard a conversation between two dog parents.

“I just switched to a high-protein diet for Rocky,” one proclaimed proudly. “He’s more energetic than ever!”

The other nodded. “Yeah, but isn’t too much protein for dogs bad? I heard it can mess with their kidneys. There's a reason kibble's only around 18%.”

I thought to myself how common this misconception is—as if manufacturers are limiting the protein in kibble for dog health reasons. On average, protein costs quite a bit more than carb-heavy grains like corn and wheat.

But in reality, that 18% is a minimum—just enough to keep them from deficiency, really. Here's what to know about protein for dogs.

Why Protein Is Essential for Dogs?

Protein is an essential nutrient. And most dogs aren't getting enough.

Of course, dogs can make it from amino acids. But those amino acids have to come from one of two sources. Either they get them in their food. Or they break down existing muscles and tissues to get them. That's counterproductive.

Without an adequate supply, dogs will lose muscle and become frail as they age, drastically shortening their health span and lifespan.

So, what happens when you give your dog more protein? Well, the opposite is true. You'll notice improvements in:

• Muscle development – Keeps your dog strong and lean.
• Energy levels – Active dogs burn more protein for fuel.
• Healthy coat & skin – Amino acids in protein keep coats shiny.
• Immune function – Helps fight off illness.
• Repair & recovery – Essential for healing wounds and sore muscles.

Can Dogs Get Too Much Protein?

I mean, it's possible. But most of us don't have our dogs on the Carnivore Diet. Steaks and whole chickens every day—who can afford that? Don't get me wrong, I spoil my dogs. But even I have my limits.

For this reason alone, it's rare for a dog to get too much protein. Dogs are omnivores (similar to humans). That means they need a variety of foods: protein, fiber, fruits/veg, healthy fats, and even some grains.

That said, it's not impossible. So, here are some signs that you might be overdoing it:

• Digestive upset (loose stools).
• Excessive thirst (if kidney issues are present, this is one of the first signs, and early enough, you can cut back).
• Unexplained weight gain

Is High Protein Good for Dogs?

Short answer: For most dogs, yes.

My dog's ancestral wolves eat high-protein diets. The more active and muscular your dog is, the more protein it needs to stay strong and energized. And this isn't just about helping your dog beef up like a gym, bro.

Muscle burns more calories than fat. So, it helps your dog maintain a healthy weight and body composition, reducing its risk of injury, heart problems, and metabolic issues like diabetes.

How Much Protein Does Your Dog Need?

Every dog is different, but here’s a general guideline:

🐶 Puppies: 22-32% protein
🐕 Active adult dogs: 18-25% protein
🐩 Senior dogs: 18-22% protein
🦮 Working dogs: 25-30% protein

You may be surprised to learn that small dogs like Pomeranians, Chihuahuas, some Terriers, and other dogs we think of as "nervous" or "hyper" actually have faster metabolisms. So, they need a higher percentage of protein (22-26%) than medium and bigger breeds.

When you think about how much harder a small dog has to work to go the same distance as a larger dog, it makes sense. They're working dogs even if they don't hold down a job.

What Are the Best Protein Sources for Dogs?

1. Meat-Based Proteins (The Gold Standard)

• Beef – Rich in iron, supports muscle growth.
• Chicken – Lean and easy to digest.
• Fish – Packed with omega-3s for joint and skin health.
• Lamb – Great for dogs with allergies.
• Eggs — A decent source of protein, but some dogs have allergies to them.

And it's no secret I'm partial to grass-fed beef dog bones. They're covered in meaty bits and filled with protein-rich bone marrow along with omega 3 and lots of essential vitamins and minerals.

2. Organ Meats (Nature’s Multivitamin)

Ever wonder why wolves eat the organs first? Oh, you didn't know that. Well, they do.

They know what they’re doing. They don't want to waste the most nutritious part of the animal.

Liver, kidney, heart, and lungs are all mostly protein if they come from grass-fed beef herds. They also have substantial collagen, glucosamine, healthy fats omega 3 and 6, B vitamins, iron, and calcium, among other vital nutrients.

I personally prefer to avoid filtering organs and buy single-ingredient beef lung bites for my pups. They're roasted and dried, so they don't smell. They make perfect dog treats for training sessions.

Speaking of training, have you signed your dog up for the 7-Day Dog Training Challenge yet? They can earn certificates for learning new skills, plus you get special deals on training treats and more.

3. Plant-Based Proteins (Supplemental, But Not Ideal)

Soy is considered a complete protein, meaning it has relatively adequate amounts of all the amino acids needed to make muscle protein. But dogs can develop a sensitivity to it. And I'm sure it doesn't taste as good to a dog as meat. That means they would need to add artificial flavors, which is not ideal.

Lentils, chickpeas, peanut butter, and peas are found in some dog foods but are lower in some essential amino acids. They must be paired with grains to make muscle-building protein.

What About Collagen Protein?

When we're talking about protein, muscle protein usually comes to mind. But collagen is also a protein that dogs must have. They can make it internally with the right amino acids.

Giving them a source of collagen ensures they have all of those amino acids.

Collagen is a structural protein. Our bodies use it to develop the latticework on which muscle, organs, skin, connective tissues, and joints are built.

So, what are some good sources of this vital protein?

I prefer grass-fed beef trachea. It's mostly collagen with lots of glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM, and hyaluronic acid for healthy joints. Plus, dried trachea has flexible ridges that make it the perfect natural toothbrush. Just be sure you get one that's large enough that your dog doesn't try to swallow it whole. The beef trachea can give the dogs an hour or more of teeth-cleaning chew time.

Beef lung bites and the humble marrow-filled dog bone also have substantial amounts of collagen.

My Go-To Protein Sources for Dogs

I look for real meat and animal tissues, organ meats, connective tissues, and marrow-filled dog bones.

I choose grass-fed beef because it's higher in omega-3s and lower in fat overall.

It's also important to avoid potentially harmful additives like artificial colors, flavors, or sugar. So, single-ingredient beef is the best protein for dogs.

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