10 Best Proteins for Dogs

A dog's vitality begins with what's in their bowl. From chasing tennis balls to curling up after a long walk, protein is what powers every move, strengthening muscles, fueling energy, and supporting immune defense. But not all proteins are created equal, and choosing the right one can mean the difference between just surviving and truly thriving. Whether you're raising a spirited puppy, caring for a senior with sensitive digestion, or navigating food allergies, the source of protein you select plays a pivotal role in your dog's lifelong wellness.

This guide explores the 10 best proteins for dogs, from everyday favorites like chicken and beef to novel options like rabbit and venison, and even carefully formulated plant-based alternatives. You will gain insight into how much protein dogs need, how to evaluate quality on pet food labels, and how to choose protein-rich treats that satisfy your dog’s craving while supporting long-term health.

Whether you're searching for high-performance fuel for an active dog or a gentle, hypoallergenic option for a sensitive stomach, this article is designed for every type of dog and dog owner. By the end, you will feel confident choosing the right protein to support your dog’s health, happiness, and longevity.

Why Is Protein Important in a Dog’s Diet?

Protein is essential for a dog’s diet because it contains important nutrients for muscle development, skin and coat health, tissue repair, immune system function, and energy production.

Protein produces nine out of ten essential amino acids, including histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan, and valine. These essential amino acids synthesize enzymes and hormones that are building blocks of a dog’s muscles, skin, hair, nails, and internal organs. These biological regulators regulate crucial biological functions in canines, such as digestion, metabolism, and immune response.

According to AFCO guidelines, adult dogs require a minimum of 18% crude protein, while puppies need at least 22.5% crude protein to maintain healthy body systems and effective daily activities. When mutts do not get enough protein, they struggle to grow, heal, and maintain strong physiological function, which can often lead to protein deficiency. Several symptoms, such as muscle wasting, poor coat quality, lethargy and weakness, slow growth in pups, and immune suppression, may arise.

While protein is indispensable, it is necessary to maintain the right balance of protein in a dog’s diet. Feeding a lesser amount of protein than the actual daily requirement can cause malnutrition. Meanwhile, excessive consumption can lead to digestive issues, bone disease, metabolic complications, and increased levels of uremic toxins like urea, 5-hydroxyindole sulfate, and 7-hydroxyindole sulfate that cause kidney diseases in canines. Therefore, dog owners should provide a complete and balanced diet to their furry friends that meets AAFCO-approved protein levels, depending on size and health status.

What Are the Top Protein Sources for Dogs?

The top protein sources for dogs include chicken, beef, salmon, turkey, lamb, duck, eggs, venison, rabbit, and plant-based proteins. These sources are highly digestible, rich in essential amino acids, support muscle development and repair, strengthen the immune system, and enhance overall energy levels.

Common animal proteins like chicken, beef, and turkey are widely available in commercial dog foods due to their availability, palatability, and nutrient density. Lamb, duck, rabbit, and venison are used in elimination diets, limited-ingredient dog foods, or allergy-focused nutrition plans, and are categorized as novel or hypoallergenic proteins.

Similarly, eggs, salmon, and plant-based proteins are functional proteins for special diets used for digestive support and supplement nutrition under veterinary recommendation.

1. Chicken

One of the most common and well-tolerated proteins in dog diets, chicken is a lean, high-quality protein source rich in B vitamins, particularly vitamin B6, B3, and niacin, essential for metabolic function and the immune system. The presence of glucosamine and chondroitin in chicken supports mobility by improving joint health.

Known as the protein powerhouse, chicken supports muscle growth, tissue recovery, and helps maintain energy levels throughout the day. Due to its high and easy digestibility, this protein source is popular among puppies and senior dogs. Also, it favors the canines with mildly sensitive stomachs. While feeding chicken to dogs, you should cook it thoroughly and remove the skin and bones for safe feeding practice. Due to its affordability and nutritional value, chicken is preferred by most dog owners for adult dogs without poultry allergies.

2. Beef

The red meat protein with dense nutrition for active dogs, beef is an excellent source of iron, zinc, B vitamins, and all 10 essential amino acids (arginine, histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan, and valine). The nutrients present in cow meat help maintain muscle strength, promote immune function, and support tissue repair.

The presence of more natural fat than chicken makes beef a beneficial alternative for active, working dogs requiring additional energy. This meat is often included in grain-free and high-protein dog foods (wet and dry). Due to its nutrient density and palatability, beef for dogs supports weight balance, muscle maintenance, and higher energy intake.

3. Salmon

Offering more than just protein, salmon contains omega-3 fatty acids that reduce inflammation, prevent dry and itchy skin, promote joint health, and lower the risk of heart disease. The high amount of EPA and DHA supports brain development and improves skin, coat, and cognitive health.

Due to its high digestibility, veterinarians recommend salmon for dogs with poultry allergies and digestive sensitivities. This protein source is also beneficial for canines with chronic itching or coat dullness. Moreover, salmon can be fed specifically to dogs with dry skin, itchy allergies, or breed-specific coat concerns (like Golden Retrievers or Huskies).

4. Turkey

As a lean, low-fat, hypoallergenic protein, turkey is one of the most preferred meats for dogs that need easy-to-digest meals. It has phosphorus and zinc, which are good for immune health and bone strength. This poultry meat is a common ingredient in limited-ingredient diets.

Dogs with chicken or beef allergies do well on turkey-based formulas. Turkey-based diets are good for dogs that need weight management or low-fat protein.

5. Lamb

Known as a rich source of essential nutrients and healthy fats for dogs, lamb serves as a highly palatable red meat. It has B12, iron, and zinc, which support the blood system, nerves, and immune function. Its natural fat content includes omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which provide extra calories for dogs who need to maintain or gain weight.

Because of its unique taste and nutrient profile, lamb is used in hypoallergenic and limited ingredient diets. Lamb is good for dogs with food sensitivities and those who need a more palatable or novel protein source.

6. Duck

For dogs with common protein allergies, duck is a tasty, easily digestible, and nutrient-rich alternative. It has more fat than typical poultry, so it’s a sustained energy source for active or underweight dogs. Key antioxidants like selenium and zinc, along with iron and B vitamins, make up a well-rounded nutritional profile.

Duck’s novelty and strong flavor make it a top pick in rotation diets and for dogs with intolerances. Duck is good for rotation diets, dogs with intolerances, or those who need extra calories, digestibility, and flavor from a novel protein source.

7. Eggs

Considered as one of the most complete and bioavailable protein sources for dogs, eggs contain all the essential amino acids, which support tissue regeneration, muscle repair, and cellular health. They’re also rich in biotin, riboflavin, and selenium, which promote healthy metabolism and skin condition.

Because they are easy to digest, eggs are good for dogs with sensitive stomachs or digestive issues. They can be used as a daily supplement, protein booster, or base protein for sensitive stomachs.

8. Venison

As a lean protein source, venison is great for dogs with multiple protein allergies or restrictions. Containing low-fat, omega-3 fatty acids, and B vitamins, it is perfect for muscle maintenance without extra calories. The ideal mixture of minerals like iron, phosphorus, and zinc supports immune and skin health in canines.

Found in prescription or elimination diets, venison meets nutritional needs without common allergens. Venison is best for your furry friend that needs a low-fat, allergy-free protein with high nutritional density.

9. Rabbit

Known for being lean and low calorie, rabbit is great for dogs with extreme food sensitivities. Rich in vitamin B12, magnesium, and high-quality protein, it supports muscle development and nervous system function. Due to its digestibility, it is beneficial for dogs with chronic gastrointestinal issues.

Since it is not used in commercial dog foods, rabbit is great in elimination diets or custom feeding plans. This hypoallergenic protein is good for dogs with sensitive digestion, chronic allergies, or need joint support.

10. Plant-based proteins

For dogs with restrictions, plant-based proteins are an option over animal sources. Ingredients like peas, lentils, quinoa, kidney beans, corn, spelt, and soybeans provide digestible protein. They also meet nutritional needs when combined properly to form a complete amino acid profile. The nutritional benefits for dogs include lower blood triglycerides and cholesterol, promotion of a healthy gut microbiome, and reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, hypertension, certain cancers, and diabetes.

While not as biologically complete as meat, plant-based proteins are useful in vet-monitored diets. Although they are not as complete as animal sources, plant-based proteins are quite good for dogs with animal protein intolerance or part of special dietary plans under vet supervision.

How Much Protein Does A Dog Need Per Day?

According to the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), adult dogs need a minimum of 18%, puppies and lactating females require at least 22.5%, and senior dogs need 28% crude protein per day. These values are based on dry matter and vary based on the dog’s age, breed, size, activity intensity, and health status.

Canines with high energy output or those recovering from illness or injury may require significantly higher protein amounts for rapid muscle recovery. Meanwhile, dogs with kidney or liver conditions may require less protein in their diet to ease the medical situation. They must be fed the right amount of protein based on veterinary supervision.

For example, if a 30-pound adult dog eats about 2 cups of dry food per day, and the food contains 20% protein, that dog will get around 40 grams of protein daily. This amount supports healthy muscles, energy, and a strong immune system. If the same dog is very active or recovering from illness, it may need food with higher protein, such as 25%, which would give 50 grams of protein per day instead.

Below is a table highlighting the daily protein requirements by dog size.

How to Choose the Right Protein-Based Food for Your Dog?

You can choose the right protein-based food for your dog by assessing their age, breed size, health status, and sensitivities. Cynophiles should align these aspects with the appropriate protein type (common or novel) and the right serving size and frequency to formulate a balanced diet favoring your furry friend.

Various factors that should be considered while selecting the protein-based dog food are as follows.

• Age and Life Stage: Puppies require high-protein foods for rapid development, while senior dogs need higher protein for combating age-related loss and maintaining lean muscle.

• Breed Size: Small breeds need small portions rich in calories and palatable proteins, while large breeds need lean protein that protects them from joint strain and excess weight gain.

• Health Conditions: Allergic, disease-prone dogs should be fed novel proteins (like duck or venison), hydrolyzed formulas, or limited-ingredient diets.

• Activity Level: Active, working dogs require high-protein dog food to sustain endurance and recovery. Meanwhile, sedentary pets should be offered moderate protein to maintain a healthy weight.

If you are someone who likes to serve store-bought protein to your canine, here are some crucial things you should on the label of the packaging for your dog’s safety.

• Look for a named animal protein (e.g., “chicken,” “lamb,” “duck”) listed as the first ingredient.

• Verify the package meets the AAFCO nutritional adequacy statement for the dog's specific life stage.

• Choose single-source proteins for dogs with food intolerances or allergies.

• Avoid vague terms like “meat meal” or low-quality by-products if your dog has sensitivities or digestive concerns.

• Refrain from buying dog food containing fillers, artificial preservatives, and seasonings.

Likewise, you can check the table below to differentiate between various forms of dog food (Kibble vs. Wet vs. Raw vs. Fresh).

What Other Essential Nutrients Should Dogs Get Alongside Protein?

While protein is crucial for muscle growth, tissue repair, and other nutritional benefits, dogs also require fat, minerals, and carbohydrates to sustain energy, bone development, metabolic function, and digestive health. Feeding only a protein-based diet to canines leads to nutritional imbalance and causes long-term health issues.

Below are the three essential nutrients you should serve alongside protein to your dogs for a balanced and healthy diet.

• Fat

Acting as the primary source of energy in a dog’s diet, fats offer more than twice the energy of protein or carbohydrates. Your mutt requires essential fatty acids like Omega-3 and Omega-6 for healthy skin, a shiny coat, an enhanced immune system, better joint health, reduced inflammation, and brain development.

Chicken fat, fish oil, beef tallow, vegetable oils (canola, sunflower, soybean, flaxseed oil, hemp oil) are some ideal sources of fat for dogs that enhance food palatability and facilitate the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E, and K.

• Minerals

Supporting critical biological functions in dogs, minerals are crucial for bone formation, nerve signaling, enzyme activity, oxygen transport, and fluid balance. Dogs need macrominerals in larger amounts (calcium, phosphorus, sodium, chloride, potassium, and magnesium) and microminerals or trace minerals in smaller amounts (iron, selenium, zinc, copper, and manganese). Dog owners should provide balanced minerals for dogs to avoid bone deformities, weakened immune systems, skin issues, nervous system abnormalities, and mineral deficiencies.

These inorganic nutrients can be provided to dogs via chicken, turkey, spinach, sardines, beef, broccoli, eggs, flaxseed, beans, and organ meats.

• Carbohydrates

Although considered an inessential component, carbohydrates for dogs provide dietary fiber that promotes digestive energy and supports digestive function. Commonly available in brown rice, oats, corn, sweet potatoes, peas, chickpeas, apples, and carrots, this organic compound promotes gut health, regulates blood sugar levels, and contributes to healthy stool formation.

Veterinarians recommend low-carb or grain-free diets for dogs with allergies or specific medical needs. They also suggest that dog owners use it as a part of the dog’s diet, but not as a replacement for fats or protein.

Looking for High-Quality, Protein-Rich Treats for Your Dog?

When choosing treats for dogs, it’s important to apply the same standards used for selecting their main food—prioritizing high-quality protein, digestibility, and nutritional balance. Treats should support your dog’s overall diet rather than compromise it. Whether you're managing food sensitivities, focusing on lean muscle maintenance, or following a limited-ingredient plan, protein-rich treats can play a functional role in daily feeding routines.

At The Doggie’s Deli, the focus is on real, nutrient-dense ingredients that align with canine health needs. From single-source proteins and air-dried and dehydrated duck neck to various jerky of chicken, beef, pork loin, and venison, every product is thoughtfully crafted to support muscle strength, digestive health, and palatability, without unnecessary fillers or by-products. These dog treats are especially valuable for allergy-management owners and performance dog owners seeking clean, protein-forward snacking options that match their dogs’ dietary goals.