10 Best High Protein Dog Foods 2026: According to Reviews | Chewy

The 10 Best High Protein Dog Foods

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How we created this high protein dog food list

We leveraged input from our veterinarians and artificial intelligence to identify key considerations to help you find the best high protein dog food.
We scanned thousands of customer reviews and ratings and scored each product based on its performance against each of the key considerations. We then considered how popular a product is with Chewy customers and combined that with its key consideration scores to create the list of the best high protein dog foods.

Key high protein dog food considerations

Protein Content

Protein Source

Digestibility

Nutrient Balance

1
Taste of the Wild High Prairie Grain-Free Dry Dog Food, 28-lb bag
Taste of the Wild High Prairie Grain-Free Dry Dog Food, 28-lb bag
Taste of the Wild High Prairie Grain-Free Dry Dog Food, 28-lb bag
Taste of the Wild High Prairie Grain-Free Dry Dog Food, 28-lb bag
Taste of the Wild High Prairie Grain-Free Dry Dog Food, 28-lb bag
Taste of the Wild High Prairie Grain-Free Dry Dog Food, 28-lb bag
Taste of the Wild High Prairie Grain-Free Dry Dog Food, 28-lb bag
Taste of the Wild High Prairie Grain-Free Dry Dog Food, 28-lb bag

Taste of the Wild High Prairie Grain-Free Dry Dog Food, 28-lb bag

Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars
9,144
$58.99 Chewy Price
($2.11/lb)
Promo, New Customers Only: Spend $49+, Get $20 eGift Card

Our ratings

Protein Content

4.4/5
Great

Protein Source

4.4/5
Great

Digestibility

4.4/5
Great

Nutrient Balance

4.4/5
Great

Is this high protein dog food right for my pet?

Breed Size

All Breeds

Lifestage

All Lifestages, Adult

Top Ingredients

Water buffalo, lamb meal, chicken meal, sweet potatoes, peas

Special Diet

Gluten Free, High-Protein, Grain-Free
2
Blue Buffalo Wilderness Chicken & Salmon High-Protein Grain-Free Adult Canned Dog Food, 12.5-oz, case of 12
Blue Buffalo Wilderness Chicken & Salmon High-Protein Grain-Free Adult Canned Dog Food, 12.5-oz, case of 12
Blue Buffalo Wilderness Chicken & Salmon High-Protein Grain-Free Adult Canned Dog Food, 12.5-oz, case of 12
Blue Buffalo Wilderness Chicken & Salmon High-Protein Grain-Free Adult Canned Dog Food, 12.5-oz, case of 12
Blue Buffalo Wilderness Chicken & Salmon High-Protein Grain-Free Adult Canned Dog Food, 12.5-oz, case of 12
Blue Buffalo Wilderness Chicken & Salmon High-Protein Grain-Free Adult Canned Dog Food, 12.5-oz, case of 12
Blue Buffalo Wilderness Chicken & Salmon High-Protein Grain-Free Adult Canned Dog Food, 12.5-oz, case of 12
Blue Buffalo Wilderness Chicken & Salmon High-Protein Grain-Free Adult Canned Dog Food, 12.5-oz, case of 12
Blue Buffalo Wilderness Chicken & Salmon High-Protein Grain-Free Adult Canned Dog Food, 12.5-oz, case of 12

Blue Buffalo Wilderness Chicken & Salmon High-Protein Grain-Free Adult Canned Dog Food, 12.5-oz, case of 12

Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars
1,190
$39.00 Chewy Price
($0.26/oz)
Promo, New Customers Only: Spend $49+, Get $20 eGift Card

Our ratings

Protein Content

4.6/5
Excellent

Protein Source

4.6/5
Excellent

Digestibility

4.4/5
Great

Nutrient Balance

4.4/5
Great

Is this high protein dog food right for my pet?

Breed Size

All Breeds

Lifestage

Adult

Top Ingredients

Chicken, Fish Broth, Chicken Liver, Salmon, Potatoes

Special Diet

High-Protein, No Corn No Wheat No Soy, Pea-Free, Natural...
3
Wellness CORE Bowl Boosters Bare Turkey Freeze-Dried Dog Food Mixer or Topper, 4-oz bag
Wellness CORE Bowl Boosters Bare Turkey Freeze-Dried Dog Food Mixer or Topper, 4-oz bag
Wellness CORE Bowl Boosters Bare Turkey Freeze-Dried Dog Food Mixer or Topper, 4-oz bag
Wellness CORE Bowl Boosters Bare Turkey Freeze-Dried Dog Food Mixer or Topper, 4-oz bag
Wellness CORE Bowl Boosters Bare Turkey Freeze-Dried Dog Food Mixer or Topper, 4-oz bag
Wellness CORE Bowl Boosters Bare Turkey Freeze-Dried Dog Food Mixer or Topper, 4-oz bag

Wellness CORE Bowl Boosters Bare Turkey Freeze-Dried Dog Food Mixer or Topper, 4-oz bag

Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars
688
$8.98 Chewy Price
($2.25/oz)
Promo, New Customers Only: Spend $49+, Get $20 eGift Card

Our ratings

Protein Content

4.5/5
Great

Protein Source

4.5/5
Great

Digestibility

4.5/5
Great

Nutrient Balance

4.5/5
Great

Is this high protein dog food right for my pet?

Breed Size

All Breeds

Lifestage

All Lifestages, Adult

Top Ingredients

Turkey Hearts, Mixed Tocopherols added to preserve freshness, Rosemary Extract, Green Tea Extract

Special Diet

No Corn No Wheat No Soy, Grain-Free, Gluten Free, Limited Ingredient Diet...
4
American Journey Protein & Grains Healthy Weight Salmon, Brown Rice & Vegetables Recipe Dry Dog Food, 28-lb bag
American Journey Protein & Grains Healthy Weight Salmon, Brown Rice & Vegetables Recipe Dry Dog Food, 28-lb bag
American Journey Protein & Grains Healthy Weight Salmon, Brown Rice & Vegetables Recipe Dry Dog Food, 28-lb bag
American Journey Protein & Grains Healthy Weight Salmon, Brown Rice & Vegetables Recipe Dry Dog Food, 28-lb bag
American Journey Protein & Grains Healthy Weight Salmon, Brown Rice & Vegetables Recipe Dry Dog Food, 28-lb bag
American Journey Protein & Grains Healthy Weight Salmon, Brown Rice & Vegetables Recipe Dry Dog Food, 28-lb bag
American Journey Protein & Grains Healthy Weight Salmon, Brown Rice & Vegetables Recipe Dry Dog Food, 28-lb bag
American Journey Protein & Grains Healthy Weight Salmon, Brown Rice & Vegetables Recipe Dry Dog Food, 28-lb bag
American Journey Protein & Grains Healthy Weight Salmon, Brown Rice & Vegetables Recipe Dry Dog Food, 28-lb bag

American Journey Protein & Grains Healthy Weight Salmon, Brown Rice & Vegetables Recipe Dry Dog Food, 28-lb bag

Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars
621
$49.99 Chewy Price
($1.79/lb)
Promo, New Customers Only: Spend $49+, Get $20 eGift Card

Our ratings

Protein Content

4.4/5
Great

Protein Source

4.5/5
Great

Digestibility

4.4/5
Great

Nutrient Balance

4.4/5
Great

Is this high protein dog food right for my pet?

Breed Size

All Breeds

Lifestage

All Lifestages, Adult

Top Ingredients

Deboned Salmon, Whitefish Meal (a source of Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate), Brown Rice, Peas, Barley

Special Diet

High-Protein, No Corn No Wheat No Soy, Weight Control, With Grain
5
Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Grain-Free Great Plains Red Recipe Freeze-Dried Dog Food, 20-lb bag
Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Grain-Free Great Plains Red Recipe Freeze-Dried Dog Food, 20-lb bag
Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Grain-Free Great Plains Red Recipe Freeze-Dried Dog Food, 20-lb bag
Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Grain-Free Great Plains Red Recipe Freeze-Dried Dog Food, 20-lb bag
Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Grain-Free Great Plains Red Recipe Freeze-Dried Dog Food, 20-lb bag
Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Grain-Free Great Plains Red Recipe Freeze-Dried Dog Food, 20-lb bag
Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Grain-Free Great Plains Red Recipe Freeze-Dried Dog Food, 20-lb bag
Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Grain-Free Great Plains Red Recipe Freeze-Dried Dog Food, 20-lb bag
Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Grain-Free Great Plains Red Recipe Freeze-Dried Dog Food, 20-lb bag

Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Grain-Free Great Plains Red Recipe Freeze-Dried Dog Food, 20-lb bag

Rated 4.3 out of 5 stars
866
$84.98 Chewy Price
($4.25/lb)
Promo, New Customers Only: Spend $49+, Get $20 eGift Card

Our ratings

Protein Content

4.2/5
Great

Protein Source

4.3/5
Great

Digestibility

4.2/5
Great

Nutrient Balance

4.1/5
Great

Is this high protein dog food right for my pet?

Breed Size

All Breeds

Lifestage

All Lifestages, Adult

Top Ingredients

Deboned Beef, Pork and Bone Meal, Salmon Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Potatoes

Special Diet

No Corn No Wheat No Soy, High-Protein, Gluten Free, Raw...
6
Solid Gold Weight Control Real Chicken & Sweet Potato Grain-Free Dry Dog Food for Medium & Large Dogs, 22-lb bag
Solid Gold Weight Control Real Chicken & Sweet Potato Grain-Free Dry Dog Food for Medium & Large Dogs, 22-lb bag
Solid Gold Weight Control Real Chicken & Sweet Potato Grain-Free Dry Dog Food for Medium & Large Dogs, 22-lb bag
Solid Gold Weight Control Real Chicken & Sweet Potato Grain-Free Dry Dog Food for Medium & Large Dogs, 22-lb bag
Solid Gold Weight Control Real Chicken & Sweet Potato Grain-Free Dry Dog Food for Medium & Large Dogs, 22-lb bag
Solid Gold Weight Control Real Chicken & Sweet Potato Grain-Free Dry Dog Food for Medium & Large Dogs, 22-lb bag
Solid Gold Weight Control Real Chicken & Sweet Potato Grain-Free Dry Dog Food for Medium & Large Dogs, 22-lb bag
Solid Gold Weight Control Real Chicken & Sweet Potato Grain-Free Dry Dog Food for Medium & Large Dogs, 22-lb bag
Solid Gold Weight Control Real Chicken & Sweet Potato Grain-Free Dry Dog Food for Medium & Large Dogs, 22-lb bag

Solid Gold Weight Control Real Chicken & Sweet Potato Grain-Free Dry Dog Food for Medium & Large Dogs, 22-lb bag

Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars
392
$72.99 Chewy Price
($3.32/lb)
Promo, New Customers Only: Spend $49+, Get $20 eGift Card

Our ratings

Protein Content

4.4/5
Great

Protein Source

4.4/5
Great

Digestibility

4.4/5
Great

Nutrient Balance

4.4/5
Great

Is this high protein dog food right for my pet?

Breed Size

All Breeds

Lifestage

All Lifestages, Adult

Top Ingredients

Chicken, Chicken Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Potatoes, Peas

Special Diet

No Corn No Wheat No Soy, Natural, Gluten Free, Weight Control...
7
Taste of the Wild Ancient Stream Smoke-Flavored Salmon with Ancient Grains Dry Dog Food, 28-lb bag
Taste of the Wild Ancient Stream Smoke-Flavored Salmon with Ancient Grains Dry Dog Food, 28-lb bag
Taste of the Wild Ancient Stream Smoke-Flavored Salmon with Ancient Grains Dry Dog Food, 28-lb bag
Taste of the Wild Ancient Stream Smoke-Flavored Salmon with Ancient Grains Dry Dog Food, 28-lb bag
Taste of the Wild Ancient Stream Smoke-Flavored Salmon with Ancient Grains Dry Dog Food, 28-lb bag
Taste of the Wild Ancient Stream Smoke-Flavored Salmon with Ancient Grains Dry Dog Food, 28-lb bag
Taste of the Wild Ancient Stream Smoke-Flavored Salmon with Ancient Grains Dry Dog Food, 28-lb bag
Taste of the Wild Ancient Stream Smoke-Flavored Salmon with Ancient Grains Dry Dog Food, 28-lb bag

Taste of the Wild Ancient Stream Smoke-Flavored Salmon with Ancient Grains Dry Dog Food, 28-lb bag

Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars
2,081
$58.99 Chewy Price
($2.11/lb)
Promo, New Customers Only: Spend $49+, Get $20 eGift Card

Our ratings

Protein Content

4.4/5
Great

Protein Source

4.5/5
Great

Digestibility

4.4/5
Great

Nutrient Balance

4.3/5
Great

Is this high protein dog food right for my pet?

Breed Size

All Breeds

Lifestage

All Lifestages, Adult

Top Ingredients

Salmon, Salmon Meal, Fish Meal, Grain Sorghum, Millet

Special Diet

High-Protein, Chicken-Free, With Grain
8
CANIDAE Pure Farm To Bowl Small Breed Wild-Caught Salmon & Lentil Recipe Dry Dog Food, 10-lb bag
CANIDAE Pure Farm To Bowl Small Breed Wild-Caught Salmon & Lentil Recipe Dry Dog Food, 10-lb bag
CANIDAE Pure Farm To Bowl Small Breed Wild-Caught Salmon & Lentil Recipe Dry Dog Food, 10-lb bag
CANIDAE Pure Farm To Bowl Small Breed Wild-Caught Salmon & Lentil Recipe Dry Dog Food, 10-lb bag
CANIDAE Pure Farm To Bowl Small Breed Wild-Caught Salmon & Lentil Recipe Dry Dog Food, 10-lb bag
CANIDAE Pure Farm To Bowl Small Breed Wild-Caught Salmon & Lentil Recipe Dry Dog Food, 10-lb bag
CANIDAE Pure Farm To Bowl Small Breed Wild-Caught Salmon & Lentil Recipe Dry Dog Food, 10-lb bag
CANIDAE Pure Farm To Bowl Small Breed Wild-Caught Salmon & Lentil Recipe Dry Dog Food, 10-lb bag
CANIDAE Pure Farm To Bowl Small Breed Wild-Caught Salmon & Lentil Recipe Dry Dog Food, 10-lb bag

CANIDAE Pure Farm To Bowl Small Breed Wild-Caught Salmon & Lentil Recipe Dry Dog Food, 10-lb bag

Rated 4.3 out of 5 stars
219
$39.99 Chewy Price
($4.00/lb)
Promo, New Customers Only: Spend $49+, Get $20 eGift Card

Our ratings

Protein Content

4.2/5
Great

Protein Source

4.1/5
Great

Digestibility

4.2/5
Great

Nutrient Balance

4.2/5
Great

Is this high protein dog food right for my pet?

Breed Size

Extra Small Breeds, Small Breeds

Lifestage

All Lifestages, Adult

Top Ingredients

Salmon, Salmon Meal (Source of Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate), Peas, Lentils, Tapioca

Special Diet

Limited Ingredient Diet, High-Protein, No Corn No Wheat No Soy, Raw...
9
Blue Buffalo Wilderness Salmon Recipe Adult High-Protein Grain-Free Dry Dog Food, 24-lb bag
Blue Buffalo Wilderness Salmon Recipe Adult High-Protein Grain-Free Dry Dog Food, 24-lb bag
Blue Buffalo Wilderness Salmon Recipe Adult High-Protein Grain-Free Dry Dog Food, 24-lb bag
Blue Buffalo Wilderness Salmon Recipe Adult High-Protein Grain-Free Dry Dog Food, 24-lb bag
Blue Buffalo Wilderness Salmon Recipe Adult High-Protein Grain-Free Dry Dog Food, 24-lb bag
Blue Buffalo Wilderness Salmon Recipe Adult High-Protein Grain-Free Dry Dog Food, 24-lb bag
Blue Buffalo Wilderness Salmon Recipe Adult High-Protein Grain-Free Dry Dog Food, 24-lb bag
Blue Buffalo Wilderness Salmon Recipe Adult High-Protein Grain-Free Dry Dog Food, 24-lb bag
Blue Buffalo Wilderness Salmon Recipe Adult High-Protein Grain-Free Dry Dog Food, 24-lb bag

Blue Buffalo Wilderness Salmon Recipe Adult High-Protein Grain-Free Dry Dog Food, 24-lb bag

Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars
2,025
$73.98 Chewy Price
($3.09/lb)
Promo, New Customers Only: Spend $49+, Get $20 eGift Card

Our ratings

Protein Content

4.4/5
Great

Protein Source

4.4/5
Great

Digestibility

4.3/5
Great

Nutrient Balance

4.4/5
Great

Is this high protein dog food right for my pet?

Breed Size

All Breeds

Lifestage

Adult

Top Ingredients

Salmon, Chicken Meal, Peas, Pea Protein, Fish Meal (source of Omega 3 Fatty Acids)

Special Diet

High-Protein, No Corn No Wheat No Soy, Natural, Grain-Free
10
Nutro Natural Choice Adult Small Breed Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food, 5-lb bag
Nutro Natural Choice Adult Small Breed Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food, 5-lb bag
Nutro Natural Choice Adult Small Breed Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food, 5-lb bag
Nutro Natural Choice Adult Small Breed Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food, 5-lb bag
Nutro Natural Choice Adult Small Breed Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food, 5-lb bag
Nutro Natural Choice Adult Small Breed Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food, 5-lb bag
Nutro Natural Choice Adult Small Breed Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food, 5-lb bag
Nutro Natural Choice Adult Small Breed Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food, 5-lb bag

Nutro Natural Choice Adult Small Breed Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food, 5-lb bag

Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars
1,908
$15.97 Chewy Price
($3.20/lb)
Promo, New Customers Only: Spend $49+, Get $20 eGift Card

Our ratings

Protein Content

4.5/5
Great

Protein Source

4.5/5
Great

Digestibility

4.5/5
Great

Nutrient Balance

4.5/5
Great

Is this high protein dog food right for my pet?

Breed Size

Extra Small Breeds, Small Breeds

Lifestage

Adult

Top Ingredients

Chicken, Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Barley, Oatmeal

Special Diet

No Corn No Wheat No Soy, Molasses-Free, High Fiber, Non-GMO...

Frequently Asked Questions about High Protein Dog Foods

How much protein is in everyday dog food?

The protein content in everyday dog food varies depending on the type of food and its intended purpose: Dry Dog Food (Kibble): Typically contains 18 to 26% crude protein for adult maintenance. Wet Dog Food: Usually has a protein content of 8 to 12%, though this appears lower due to higher moisture content. High Protein Formulas: Often contain 30% or more crude protein in dry foods. Always check the packaging for the exact protein percentage to ensure it meets your dog’s dietary needs.

What are the benefits of low fat and high protein dog foods?

Low fat and high protein dog foods offer several benefits, especially for dogs with specific health or weight concerns: Supports Weight Management: Lower fat content helps prevent obesity while maintaining lean muscle mass. Improves Muscle Health: High quality protein supports muscle repair and growth. Boosts Energy Levels: Provides sustained energy without excess calories from fat. Suitable for Active Dogs: Ideal for working dogs or those with high activity levels. Better Digestion: Reduced fat can be gentler on the stomach for dogs with sensitive digestive systems. This combination is often recommended for overweight dogs, senior dogs, or breeds prone to weight related health issues.

What are the best high protein dog food brands?

Several reputable brands specialize in high protein dog food, offering formulas for different dietary needs. Some top options include: Taste of the Wild: Known for its high protein content and grain free recipes with novel proteins like bison or venison. Blue Buffalo Wilderness: Features high quality animal proteins with no by products or artificial additives. Orijen: Offers biologically appropriate, protein rich recipes with fresh, regionally sourced ingredients. Wellness CORE: A premium high protein option that includes grain free and raw infused varieties. Purina Pro Plan Sport: Designed for active and working dogs, with a focus on muscle maintenance and energy.