Protein for Dogs
The macronutrient your dog cannot live without — and how to choose sources that actually work.
Protein supplies the amino acids dogs use to build muscle, repair tissue, manufacture enzymes and hormones, and maintain a healthy immune system. Of the 22 amino acids dogs require, ten are essential — meaning they must come from food.
Quality matters more than quantity. A diet with 30% mediocre protein can be less useful than one with 22% high-quality animal protein. Look for named species ("chicken meal", "salmon"), not vague terms like "meat by-products of unspecified origin".
Daily protein by body weight
The figures below are practical baselines for healthy adult dogs at moderate activity.
| Body weight | Daily protein (high quality) |
|---|---|
| 5–15 lb (2–7 kg) | 15–25 g |
| 15–30 lb (7–14 kg) | 25–45 g |
| 30–60 lb (14–27 kg) | 45–80 g |
| 60–90 lb (27–41 kg) | 80–115 g |
| 90+ lb (41+ kg) | 115–150 g+ |
Best protein sources
- Poultry: chicken, turkey, duck — lean, highly digestible.
- Red meat: beef, lamb — iron-rich, calorie-dense.
- Fish: salmon, sardines — bonus omega-3s.
- Eggs: the gold standard for biological value.
- Organ meat: liver, kidney — micronutrient powerhouses (feed in moderation).