The Highest Protein Dog Foods

The protein requirement for canines is a commonly misunderstood component of pet nutrition. First of all, protein should be meat-based. According to The Pet Center: "Dogs are quite able to tolerate diets with protein levels higher than 30 percent on a dry weight basis." Feeding such a high-protein diet does not predispose your dog to kidney damage, as research recently shows--though lower protein diets are advised. Some of the best canine diets provide high meat-based proteins and low carbohydrates.

Blue Buffalo

Formulated by animal nutritionists, Blue Buffalo dog food contains one of the highest protein based ingredients on the market. Increased concentrations of chicken and turkey combined with low carbohydrates top the list for pet owners desiring to put lots of protein into their dog's diet.

Evo

Marketed as the "ancestral diet," Evo dog food contains ingredients that closely resemble what wild dogs or wolves---the canine's ancestor---ate in the wild: a diet of prey. Evo is a grain-free, meat-based protein diet with highly digestible fats that reduce allergies, even prevent them, and is available as a canned food or as dry kibble.

BARF (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food) Diet

The raw meat diet brought to the pet food industry by Ian Billinghurst contains some of the highest concentrations of protein available. Raw meaty bones, muscle meat, organs and certain vegetables containing "good carbs" make up the BARF diet, which stands for Biologically Appropriate Raw Food. The food comes prepared as frozen patties or rolls; the bones are packaged and frozen. Diets thaw in the refrigerator 24 hours before serving.