If you are the owner of a dog that requires a low-protein diet, you know how hard it can be to find good food options. Most dog foods are high in protein, which is not good for dogs with health issues like kidney disease or liver disease. In this blog post, we will discuss and provide reviews of some of the best low-protein dog food options on the market. We will also provide tips on how to choose the right food for your dog.
Here are some of the best low-protein dog food options on the market.
A Quick Comparison of Our Winners (2023)
Image Product Details
Best Overall
Nature’s Logic Canine Grain-Free Dog Food
High-quality ingredients
Grain-free
Low in protein
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Best Value
Blue Buffalo Basics Skin & Stomach Care Dog Food
Grain-free
Low in protein
Omega 3 & 6 fatty acids
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Premium Choice
Hill’s Science Diet Adult Healthy Mobility Dog Food
Grain-free
High-quality ingredients
Low in protein
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Best for Puppies
Wellness Small Breed Dog Food
Grain-free
Natural ingredients
No artificial flavors or colors
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Vet’s Choice
Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Canned Dog Food
High-quality ingredients
Low in fat
Low in protein
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The 10 Best Low-Protein Dog Foods
The best overall low-protein dog food is Nature’s Logic Canine Duck & Salmon Feast All Life Stages canned dog food. Nature’s Logic is a great option for dogs that require a low-protein diet. It is made with high-quality ingredients, such as salmon, and herring, which are great for dogs’ heart health as well. This food is also grain-free, which is good for some dogs with certain allergies but may not be right for all dogs. If you are unsure if this food is right for your dog, consult with your veterinarian. The downside is that it is more expensive than other dog food brands.
Main ingredients: Salmon, herring meal, chickpeas
Protein content: 11%
Fat content: 9%
Calories: 360 per cup
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Pros
High-quality ingredients
Grain-free
Low in protein
Cons
More expensive than other brands
The Blue Buffalo Basics line is a great option for dogs with sensitive stomachs or skin. It’s also the best low-protein dog food for the money. This food is grain-free and made with high-quality ingredients such as deboned lamb, potatoes, and peas. It also contains omega fatty acids which are great for maintaining your dog’s skin and coat health. It is also low in protein, which is good for dogs with kidney or liver disease, and low in calories, which is great for overweight dogs. The downside is that it contains peas, which may be linked to heart disease in some dogs, although studies to prove this is still ongoing.
High-quality ingredients
Grain-free
Low in protein
- High-quality ingredients
- Grain-free
- Low in protein
More expensive than other brands
- More expensive than other brands
Main ingredients: Deboned lamb, potato, peas
Protein content: 18%
Fat content: 11%
Calories: 340 per cup
Pros
Grain-free
Low in protein
Omega 3 & 6 fatty acids
Low-fat, low calorie
Cons
Contains peas
Can be pricier than other dog foods
Hill’s Science Diet is a great option for large breeds that need help with mobility. This food is made with high-quality ingredients and is grain-free. It is also low in protein, which is good for dogs with kidney or liver disease. The caloric content is pretty low as well. However, this food is more expensive than other brands.
Grain-free
Low in protein
Omega 3 & 6 fatty acids
Low-fat, low calorie
- Grain-free
- Low in protein
- Omega 3 & 6 fatty acids
- Low-fat, low calorie
Contains peas
Can be pricier than other dog foods
- Contains peas
- Can be pricier than other dog foods
Main ingredients: Chicken meal, brown rice, barley
Protein content: 20%
Fat content: 11%
Calories: 386 per cup
Pros
Grain-free
High-quality ingredients
Low in protein
Cons
More expensive than other brands
Wellness is a great option for small breeds that need to lose weight, but this food can also be a good choice for puppies to keep them from gaining too much weight at a young age. This food is made with high-quality ingredients, such as deboned turkey, which is lean meat, and grain-free. It is also low in protein, which is good for dogs with kidney or liver disease. It’s also affordable compared to some of the other foods on this list. The downside is that it contains peas, which are a questionable ingredient. Ask your vet first if this food is right for your dog.
Grain-free
High-quality ingredients
Low in protein
- Grain-free
- High-quality ingredients
- Low in protein
Main ingredients: Deboned turkey, peas, potatoes
Protein content: 17%
Fat content: 11%
Calories: 354 per cup
Pros
Grain-free
Natural ingredients
No artificial flavors or colors
Low in protein
Cons
Contains peas
Royal Canin is a great option for dogs with sensitive stomachs or gastrointestinal issues. This food is vet-recommended and made with high-quality ingredients and is low in fat. It is also low in protein, which is good for dogs with kidney or liver disease. However, this food is more expensive than other brands and only comes in one flavor. It’s also higher in calories than some of the other foods on this list.
Grain-free
Natural ingredients
No artificial flavors or colors
Low in protein
- Grain-free
- Natural ingredients
- No artificial flavors or colors
- Low in protein
Contains peas
- Contains peas
Main ingredients: Pork, rice
Protein content: 6%
Fat content: 1.43%
Calories: 450 per can
Pros
High-quality ingredients
Low in fat
Low in protein
Cons
Only one flavor
Higher in calories
CANIDAE is a great option for dogs with allergies or sensitivities to other common protein sources, including chicken, turkey, or fish. This food contains wild boar as the main ingredient, which is a novel protein source. But not all dogs will like the flavor, especially picky ones. This food is made with limited ingredients. It is also low in protein, which is good for dogs with kidney or liver disease. However, this food is more expensive than other brands.
High-quality ingredients
Low in fat
Low in protein
- High-quality ingredients
- Low in fat
- Low in protein
Only one flavor
Higher in calories
- Only one flavor
- Higher in calories
Main ingredients: Wild boar, garbanzo beans
Protein content: 25%
Fat content: 15%
Calories: 350 per cup
Pros
Limited ingredients
Low in protein
Contains a novel protein source
Cons
Pricey
Some dogs may not like the taste
Merrick is a great option for dogs with allergies or sensitivities. This food is grain-free and made with limited ingredients. It contains lamb and potatoes as the main ingredients, giving it a great flavor that many dogs love. However, not all dogs may like the flavor. It is also low in protein, which is good for dogs with kidney or liver disease, and it has a moderate number of calories compared to other foods on this list. However, this food is more expensive than other brands.
Limited ingredients
Low in protein
Contains a novel protein source
- Limited ingredients
- Low in protein
- Contains a novel protein source
Pricey
Some dogs may not like the taste
- Pricey
- Some dogs may not like the taste
Main ingredients: Deboned lamb, potatoes
Protein content: 12%
Fat content: 11%
Calories: 400 per cup
Pros
Limited ingredient formula
Low in protein
Good calorie content
Cons
More expensive than other brands
Some dogs may not like the taste
ACANA is a great option for dogs that need a low to moderate protein diet, but also spend their days as athletes or working dogs. It’s not suitable for lazy dogs because the protein content of this food is the highest on our list. This food is made with high-quality ingredients and is grain-free with a moderate amount of protein, including two protein sources lamb and chicken. This food is more expensive than other brands, and it’s not as widely available. It’s also very high in calories, so it’s not suitable for overweight dogs.
Limited ingredient formula
Low in protein
Good calorie content
- Limited ingredient formula
- Low in protein
- Good calorie content
More expensive than other brands
Some dogs may not like the taste
- More expensive than other brands
- Some dogs may not like the taste
Main ingredients: Lamb, chicken
Protein content: 38%
Fat content: 18%
Calories: 500 per cup
Pros
High-quality ingredients
Two protein sources
Cons
More expensive than other brands
Not widely available
High in calories
Purina Beyond is a great option for dogs that need a low-protein diet while still containing quality protein sources. This food is grain-free and made with high-quality ingredients, including Alaskan cod, salmon, and sweet potatoes. It is also more expensive than other brands considering that it’s canned food, but it’s available in both dry and canned formulas, making it a great option for all dogs regardless of whether they prefer wet or dry food. And the dry formula might be more budget-friendly. Another downside is that not all dogs like fish-flavored dog food.
High-quality ingredients
Two protein sources
- High-quality ingredients
- Two protein sources
More expensive than other brands
Not widely available
High in calories
- More expensive than other brands
- Not widely available
- High in calories
Main ingredients: Alaskan cod, salmon, sweet potatoes
Protein content: 8%
Fat content: 5%
Calories: 400 per can
Pros
Grain-free
High-quality ingredients
Cons
More expensive than other canned foods
Picky dogs may not like fish-flavored food
- American Journey Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
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Main ingredients: Duck, sweet potatoes
Protein content: 32%
Fat content: 14%
Calories: 360 per cup
American Journey is a great option for dogs that need a low-protein diet. This food is made with duck, which is a great novel protein source, and sweet potatoes, providing carbohydrates and fiber to your dog. It also has no artificial flavors or colors. However, this food is more expensive than other brands and some dogs may not like the duck flavor.
Grain-free
High-quality ingredients
- Grain-free
- High-quality ingredients
More expensive than other canned foods
Picky dogs may not like fish-flavored food
- More expensive than other canned foods
- Picky dogs may not like fish-flavored food
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Main ingredients: Duck, sweet potatoes
Protein content: 32%
Fat content: 14%
Calories: 360 per cup
Pros
Made with duck and sweet potatoes
Grain-free
Cons
Higher protein
Some dogs may not like the flavor
Buyer’s Guide: Selecting the Best Low-Protein Dog Food
Why Might a Dog Need a Low-Protein Diet?
There are a few reasons why your dog might need to eat low-protein food. One reason is if they have kidney disease. Kidney disease is a common health issue in dogs, and it can be managed with a special diet.
Made with duck and sweet potatoes
Grain-free
- Made with duck and sweet potatoes
- Grain-free
Higher protein
Some dogs may not like the flavor
- Higher protein
- Some dogs may not like the flavor
Another reason your dog might need a low-protein diet is if they have liver disease. Liver disease is another common health issue in dogs, and a low-protein diet can help to manage it.
Finally, some dogs are just sensitive to protein. If your dog has food allergies or sensitivities, it might do better on a low-protein diet. If you think your dog might need a low-protein diet, talk to your veterinarian. They can help you to choose the best food for your dog’s needs.
Does My Dog Need a Prescription Diet?
Some health conditions can only be managed with a prescription diet. If your dog has one of these conditions, it will need to eat food that is specifically formulated for its condition.
Examples of conditions that might require a prescription diet include:
Kidney disease
Liver disease
Pancreatitis
Cushing’s disease
What to Look For In a Low-Protein Dog Food
If you are looking for low-protein dog food, there are a few things you should look for:
- Kidney disease
- Liver disease
- Pancreatitis
- Cushing’s disease
First, make sure that the food is made with high-quality ingredients.
You should also look for food that is grain-free and has no artificial flavors or colors.
Look for a food with a protein content of around 20% or less if your vet hasn’t given you a specific recommendation.
The fat content should be 12% or less.
The food should have 360 calories or less per cup.
Check the ingredient list to make sure that the first few ingredients are meat, poultry, or fish.
Avoid foods with fillers, such as corn, wheat, and soy.
Finally, make sure that the food is appropriate for your dog’s specific needs. If you are unsure about what food is right for your dog, talk to your veterinarian.
Now that you know a little bit more about low-protein dog food, you can make an informed decision about whether or not it is right for your dog.
- First, make sure that the food is made with high-quality ingredients.
- You should also look for food that is grain-free and has no artificial flavors or colors.
- Look for a food with a protein content of around 20% or less if your vet hasn’t given you a specific recommendation.
- The fat content should be 12% or less.
- The food should have 360 calories or less per cup.
- Check the ingredient list to make sure that the first few ingredients are meat, poultry, or fish.
- Avoid foods with fillers, such as corn, wheat, and soy.
- Finally, make sure that the food is appropriate for your dog’s specific needs. If you are unsure about what food is right for your dog, talk to your veterinarian.
Should I Feed My Dog Wet or Dry Food?
There is no right or wrong answer to this question. It depends on your dog’s individual preferences and needs. Some dogs do better on wet food because it is easier to digest. If your dog has a sensitive stomach, you might want to try feeding them wet food.
Wet food also has a higher moisture content, which is important for dogs that are prone to dehydration. However, dry food has some benefits too. It is usually less expensive than wet food, and it can be left out for your dog to eat throughout the day. Look for a food that says “complete and balanced” on the label.
If you are unsure about whether you should feed your dog wet or dry food, talk to your veterinarian.
How to Transition Your Dog to a New Food
If you decide to switch your dog to a low-protein diet, there are a few things you should keep in mind:
First, it is important to slowly transition your dog to the new food. This means that you should mix the new food with the old food for some time.
You should start by mixing 25% new food with 75% old food.
After a few days, you can increase the amount of new food and decrease the amount of old food.
You should continue to do this until your dog is eating only the new food.
If you follow these tips, you can successfully transition your dog to a low-protein diet.
- First, it is important to slowly transition your dog to the new food. This means that you should mix the new food with the old food for some time.
- You should start by mixing 25% new food with 75% old food.
- After a few days, you can increase the amount of new food and decrease the amount of old food.
- You should continue to do this until your dog is eating only the new food.
Special Considerations
It is also important to make sure that your dog is getting enough water. Dogs on a low-protein diet may need to drink more water than usual.
Make sure to talk to your veterinarian about how much water your dog should be drinking.
Tips for Getting More Moisture in Your Dog’s Diet
There are a few things you can do to make sure your dog is getting enough moisture in its diet.
First, you can add wet food to their diet.
You can also add broth or water to their food.
Another option is to purchase food that has a higher moisture content.
Finally, make sure that your dog has access to fresh water at all times.
By following these tips, you can make sure that your dog is getting enough moisture in its diet.
Replace their water bowl with a fountain
Choosing Low-Protein Treats
There are a few things you should keep in mind when choosing low-protein treats:
- First, you can add wet food to their diet.
- You can also add broth or water to their food.
- Another option is to purchase food that has a higher moisture content.
- Finally, make sure that your dog has access to fresh water at all times.
- By following these tips, you can make sure that your dog is getting enough moisture in its diet.
- Replace their water bowl with a fountain
Make sure that the treats are made with high-quality ingredients.
Look for treats that are grain-free and have no artificial flavors or colors.
Make sure that the treats are appropriate for your dog’s specific needs.
Look for treats made with high-quality ingredients
Make sure the treats are grain-free
Avoid artificial flavors and colors
Choose treats that are appropriate for your dog’s specific needs
By following these tips, you can make sure that your dog is getting the best possible treats.
- Make sure that the treats are made with high-quality ingredients.
- Look for treats that are grain-free and have no artificial flavors or colors.
- Make sure that the treats are appropriate for your dog’s specific needs.
- Look for treats made with high-quality ingredients
- Make sure the treats are grain-free
- Avoid artificial flavors and colors
- Choose treats that are appropriate for your dog’s specific needs
Can I Make My Own Low-Protein Dog Food?
Yes, you can make your low-protein dog food. There are a few things you need to keep in mind when making your dog food:
First, you need to make sure that the food is balanced. This means that it should have the right ratio of protein, fat, and carbohydrates.
Second, you need to make sure that the food is complete. This means that it should contain all of the nutrients that your dog needs.
You may need to add vitamins or supplements
It’s best to have your vet help you design your recipe to avoid dangerous nutrient deficiencies.
By following these tips, you can make sure that your dog is getting the best possible nutrition.
- First, you need to make sure that the food is balanced. This means that it should have the right ratio of protein, fat, and carbohydrates.
- Second, you need to make sure that the food is complete. This means that it should contain all of the nutrients that your dog needs.
- You may need to add vitamins or supplements
- It’s best to have your vet help you design your recipe to avoid dangerous nutrient deficiencies.
Final Verdict
A low-protein diet might be a good option for your dog if they have certain health conditions. If you decide to switch your dog to a low-protein diet, it is important to do it slowly and make sure that they are getting enough moisture in their diet. Our overall best option is Nature’s Logic Canine Grain-Free Dog Food. And Blue Buffalo Basics Skin & Stomach Dry Dog Food is a great value.
If you have any questions about whether a low-protein diet is right for your dog, talk to your veterinarian. Now that you know a little bit more about low-protein dog food, you can make an informed decision about whether it is right for your dog.
Featured Image Credit: Ekaterina Markelova, Shutterstock
