The 5 Best Low Protein Dog Foods
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Any diet, but especially one for dogs, must include protein. However, not all dogs can tolerate a high-protein diet and for these dogs, low-protein dog food is essential.
What exactly constitutes a “low protein” dog food, though? Which dogs (and which dogs wouldn’t) benefit the most from a diet low in protein? And what qualities should pet owners look for when purchasing this kind of dog food?
To help you choose the right food for your dog, we have included detailed reviews of the top 5 low-protein dog foods in this article..
At A Glance The Best Low Protein Dog Food:
We highly recommend looking at the comparison table we have below where we highlighted the features of each product. You’ll also find more detailed information about each product later in the article.
 1. Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet KS Kidney Support Grain-Free Dry Dog Food |  3. Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets NF Kidney Function Formula Canned Dog Food |  5. Farmina N&D Ancestral Grain Lamb & Blueberry Medium & Maxi Adult Dry Dog Food | ||
Protein 14% Min | Protein | Protein 2.5% Min | Protein 28% Min | Protein |
Fat 18% Min | Fat | Fat 5.5% Min | Fat 13% Min | Fat |
Fiber 7% Max | Fiber | Fiber 2% Max | Fiber 4.5% Max | Fiber |
Calories 404 kcal/cup | Calories | Calories | Calories | Calories |
Moisture | Moisture | Moisture 74% Max | Moisture 12% Max | Moisture |
Caloric Content | Caloric Content | Caloric Content 1,310 kcal/kg, 494 kcal/can | Caloric Content | Caloric Content |
Ingredients | Ingredients | Ingredients | Ingredients | Ingredients 9.5/10 |
Food Safety | Food Safety | Food Safety | Food Safety | Food Safety 9.5/10 |
Nutritional Research | Nutritional Research | Nutritional Research | Nutritional Research | Nutritional Research 10/10 |
Multiple Recipes | Multiple Recipes | Multiple Recipes | Multiple Recipes | Multiple Recipes 10/10 |
Price | Price | Price | Price | Price Moderate |
Overall Rating | Overall Rating | Overall Rating | Overall Rating | Overall Rating 9.8/10 |
What Is Low Protein Dog Food?
Low-protein dog food does not have a “official” definition. However, in actuality, any food that contains less protein than what the AAFCO recommendations suggest can legitimately be referred to as a “low-protein” food.
According to the AAFCO standards, adult dog foods must have at least 18% protein on a dry matter basis. A minimum protein content of 22.5% should be present in food intended for puppies and females who are actively trying to conceive.
All of this suggests that foods with a protein content of less than 18% can be considered to be “low protein.”
In this article, we will list a few foods that fit this description as well as a few food options that are close to the lower limit of the AAFCO recommendations. However, there are not many dog foods that are extremely low in protein.
Working with your vet will help you find the best option for your dog, just like when choosing any food.
Best Low Protein Dog Food Reviewed
Choosing the right low protein dog food is very important because it will have a significant impact on his health and longevity. Be sure to pick a dog food that is formulated specifically for your dog as recommended by your veterinarian.
Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet KS Kidney Support Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
Product Info
- Protein: 14% Min
- Fat: 18% Min
- Fiber: 7% Max
- Calories: 404 kcal/cup
- No by-product meal, corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors, & preservatives
- Uses real, high-quality chicken
- Made in the USA
- Kibble maybe too big for some dogs
- Can be pricey
- Need a prescription from vet
Deboned Chicken, Brown Rice, Oatmeal, Potatoes, Potato Starch, Chicken Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Dried Egg Product, Flaxseed (source of Omega 3 and 6 Fatty Acids), Natural Flavor, Powdered Cellulose, Potato Protein, Fish Oil (source of DHA-Docosahexaenoic Acid), Barley, Chicken Meal, Potassium Citrate, Calcium Carbonate, Dried Chicory Root, Dried Tomato Pomace, Direct Dehydrated Alfalfa Pellets, Taurine, Dried Kelp, Alfalfa Nutrient Concentrate, Turmeric, DL-Methionine, Choline Chloride, Sweet Potatoes, Carrots, Vitamin E Supplement, L-Threonine, Zinc Amino Acid Chelate, Salt, preserved with Mixed Tocopherols, Potassium Chloride, Iron Amino Acid Chelate, L-Carnitine, L-Tryptophan, Vegetable Juice for color, Blueberries, Cranberries, Barley Grass, Parsley, Dried Kelp, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Copper Amino Acid Chelate, Manganese Amino Acid Chelate, Niacin (Vitamin B3), Calcium Pantothenate (Vitamin B5), Biotin (Vitamin B7), L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (source of Vitamin C), L-Lysine, Vitamin A Supplement, Zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Riboflavin (Vitamin B2), Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Calcium Iodate, Dried Yeast, Dried Enterococcus faecium fermentation product, Dried Lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product, Dried Aspergillus niger fermentation extract, Copper Sulfate, Dried Trichoderma longibrachiatum fermentation extract, Dried Bacillus subtilis fermentation extract, Folic Acid (Vitamin B9), Manganese Sulfate, Sodium Selenite, Oil of Rosemary.
Sundays For Dogs Dog Food
Product Info
- Crude Protein (min) 35% :
- Crude Fat (min) 20% :
- Crude Fiber (max) 2% :
- Moisture (max) 15%:
- Human grade food
- Delivered to your door
- Gluten, wheat, soy free
- Price on the high side
- Not available in stores
USDA Beef, Beef Heart, Beef Liver, Beef Bone, Quinoa, Pumpkin, Wild Salmon Oil, Sunflower Oil, Zucchini, Kale, Flaxseed, Sea Salt, Parsley, Kelp, Chicory Root, Turmeric, Mixed Tocopherols, Ginger, Selenium Yeast, Blueberries, Carrots, Apples, Tomatoes, Shiitake Mushrooms, Broccoli, Oranges, Cranberries, Spinach, Beets, Tart Cherries, Strawberries.
Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets NF Kidney Function Formula Canned Dog Food
Product Info
- Protein: 2.5% Min
- Fat: 5.5% Min
- Fiber: 2% Max
- Moisture: 74% Max
- Caloric Content: 1,310 kcal/kg, 494 kcal/can
- Low in sodium
- Low in protein
- Special formulation
- Requires a prescription from your vet
- Price on the high side
Water Sufficient for Processing, Meat By-Products, Rice, Corn Grits, Beef, Liver, Chicken By-Products, Animal Fat (Preserved with Tbhq and Citric Acid), Calcium Sulfate, Guar Gum, Fish Oil, Potassium Citrate, Locust Bean Gum, Carrageenan, Potassium Chloride, Magnesium Sulfate, Added Color, Choline Chloride, Natural Flavor, Vitamin E Supplement, Calcium Carbonate, Zinc Sulfate, Calcium Phosphate, Ferrous Sulfate, Niacin, Thiamine Mononitrate, Copper Sulfate, Calcium Pantothenate, Manganese Sulfate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin B-12 Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Folic Acid, Vitamin D-3 Supplement, Biotin, Potassium Iodide, Sodium Selenite.
PURINA ONE SMARTBLEND VIBRANT MATURITY 7+ ADULT FORMULA DRY DOG FOOD
Product Info
- Protein: 28% Min
- Fat: 13% Min
- Fiber: 4.5% Max
- Moisture: 12% Max
- Made with MCT-rich vegetable oil
- Includes omega-6 fatty acids
- Supports shiny coat and healthy skin
- Kibble pieces small for some dogs
- Some dogs refuse to eat
Chicken, Rice Flour, Corn Gluten Meal, Chicken By-Product Meal (Source of Glucosamine), Soybean Meal, Whole Grain Corn, Corn Germ Meal, Oat Meal, Vegetable Oil (Source of Medium-Chain Triglycerides), Whole Grain Wheat, Fish Meal (Source of Glucosamine), Pea Fiber, Poultry and Pork Digest, Beef Fat Naturally Preserved with Mixed-Tocopherols, Glycerin, Calcium Carbonate, Salt, Dried Egg Product, Mono and Dicalcium Phosphate, Caramel Color, Potassium Chloride, Dried Carrots, Dried Peas, Vitamins [Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin (Vitamin B-3), Vitamin A Supplement, Calcium Pantothenate (Vitamin B-5), Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B-1), Vitamin B-12 Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement (Vitamin B-2), Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B-6), Folic Acid (Vitamin B-9), Vitamin D-3 Supplement, Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex (Vitamin K), Biotin (Vitamin B-7)], Choline Chloride, Minerals (Zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite), L-Lysine Monohydrochloride, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (Vitamin C), Sulfur, Garlic Oil.
Farmina N&D Ancestral Grain Lamb & Blueberry Medium & Maxi Adult Dry Dog Food
Product Info
- Ingredients: 9.5/10
- Food Safety: 9.5/10
- Nutritional Research: 10/10
- Multiple Recipes: 10/10
- Price: Moderate
- Overall Rating: 9.8/10
- 90% quality animal protein
- No whole peas, legumes, meals or by-products
- Low Glycemic food
- Price on the high side
- Some dogs suffer loose stools
Dehydrated Lamb, Whole Spelt, Whole Oats, Dried Whole Eggs, Fresh Herring, Dehydrated Herring, Chicken Fat, Herring Oil, Dried Beet Pulp, Dried Carrots, Sun-Cured Alfalfa Meal, Inulin, Fructooligosaccharides, Yeast Extract, Dried Blueberry, Dried Apple, Dried Pomegranate, Dried Sweet Orange, Dried Spinach, Psyllium Seed Husk, Salt, Brewers Dried Yeast, Turmeric, Glucosamine, Chondroitin Sulfate, Vitamin A Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin E Supplement, Ascorbic Acid, Niacin, Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Thiamine Mononitrate, Biotin, Folic Acid, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Choline Chloride, Beta-Carotene, Zinc Methionine Hydroxy Analogue Chelate, Manganese Methionine Hydroxy Analogue Chelate, Ferrous Glycine, Copper Methionine Hydroxy Analogue Chelate, Selenium Yeast, Dl-Methionine, Taurine, L-Carnitine, Aloe Vera Gel Concentrate, Green Tea Extract, Rosemary Extract, Mixed Tocopherols
What Should You Look for in a Low Protein Dog Food?
Before introducing any new food to your dog’s diet if they have a chronic medical condition, it is important to discuss this with your veterinarian. To effectively treat their condition and promote their general health, a prescription dog food is frequently advised. The best options are prescription veterinary diets intended for the health condition for which the low protein food is needed.
If your vet gives you the go-ahead to buy low-protein dog food on your own, it is crucial to understand what to look for on the label.
Low protein dog food should also contain added omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, Vitamin E, and Vitamin C since these nutrients are frequently required for the management of kidney and liver disease. These can enhance quality of life by assisting in the reduction of free radicals and inflammation within the body and in the affected organs.
In addition to these qualities, you should search for a dog food that uses premium, whole-food ingredients. The more natural the food, the easier it will be for your dog to digest and the more nutrients his body will absorb. Your dog will not receive the high-quality nutrition they need from a dog food that is filled with fillers and artificial additives.
Reasons Your Dog May Need A Low-Protein Formula
Low-protein diets are typically only advised for dogs with particular medical conditions or those who are at risk of developing those conditions in the future. These are frequently connected to the operation of specific bodily organs that play a significant role in protein metabolism. These organs are stressed if there is too much of it, which can impair functioning and cause some of the more severe symptoms associated with it.
If the illness is severe enough, your veterinarian may decide to put your pet on a prescription-only formula with a much lower protein ratio than is ideal. However, if your senior or overweight dog is simply at risk of developing a condition, switching to a recipe with protein levels between 18 and 22% will probably be sufficient.
It goes without saying that before making any significant dietary changes for your pet, particularly ones that involve reducing their protein intake, you should always consult your veterinarian. Here are some examples of medical conditions that warrant a low protein diet in dogs.
- Liver Disease –The liver is essential for processing the toxins brought on by protein metabolism. When given a lot of low-quality protein, the liver’s ability to do this is compromised. An accumulation of digestive waste products can be brought on by impaired liver function. These can cause hepatic encephalopathy, which is a decline in brain function, if they get to the brain.
- Renal Failure -Unexpectedly, canine kidney problems are more common than you might think. Fortunately, this is a problem that can usually be easily managed through diet. Reduced protein levels prevent the organs from being overworked when removing waste products or filtering nutrients. This stops the accumulation of the products and the symptoms that go along with it.
- Protein-Losing Nephropathy (PLN) -Large protein molecules that can pass through the kidneys’ filtering system and end up in the urine are referred to as PLN. This problem may hasten the progressive loss of kidney function. Contrary to popular belief, dietary protein restriction can actually improve overall protein absorption by closing these gaps.
- Bladder Stones -When the urine of a dog has a higher-than-normal concentration of minerals, those minerals crystallize and cause stones to form in the urinary tract. Too much animal protein increases the calcium levels in urine, which promotes the growth of these urate crystals and lowers the levels of urinary citrate, a chemical that aids in preventing their formation.
- Protein Intolerance -Dietary protein intolerance in dogs is more common than you might think and is brought on by the body’s inability to properly digest the proteins. Similar to most other allergies, this causes symptoms on the skin and in the digestive system. A low-protein elimination diet is frequently advised by the veterinarian to treat this condition in order to pinpoint the main offender.
Final Thoughts
Although a dog’s diet must contain protein, there are times when a low-protein dog food is required for medical conditions like kidney or liver disease. The majority of dog food brands contain a lot of protein, which can make choosing the right one difficult.
