If your veterinarian has suggested a low protein diet for your furry friend, you want to make sure that you are selecting a premium quality option that will offers ingredients that will meet all of his dietary needs. There are a lot of dog food brands on the market, which can make it difficult to determine which option to choose.
Best Low Protein Dog Foods
1. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Adult Healthy Weight Dry Dog Food
First up on our list of premium quality low protein dog foods is Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Adult Healthy Weight Dry Dog Food. Like all products made by Blue Buffalo, the manufacturer took great care to consider the health needs of canines that not only need a low protein diet, but also those who need to manage their weight. With that said, this formula is not only offers low protein ingredients, but it also has a reduced calorie content, making it a great dog food for weight loss, too.
Features
This dog food features real deboned chicken as the first ingredient, which is a natural source of protein. It also features wholesome grains, garden veggies, and fresh fruit, such as brown rice, peas, potatoes, blueberries, and cranberries. The reduced protein can calorie content will help to keep your pooch in the best health possible, as will the addition of essential vitamins and minerals.
Like all other dry dog food formulas made by Blue, this product is enhanced with their exclusive Life Source Bits, which contain a premier blend of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It’s completely free of corn, wheat, and soy, as well as byproduct meals, as well as artificial flavors and preservatives. In other words, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that your furry friend will be eating the highest quality ingredients to meet his nutritional needs.
What We Like About It
- It’s both a low protein and low calorie dog food
- It’s made for adult dogs of all sizes, and breeds
- Contains real meat as the first ingredient
- Offers a variety of natural fruits and vegetables
- Features essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to support optimal health
- Free of byproducts, corn, wheat, and soy
- No artificial flavors or preservatives
- Most pet owners have reported a significant improvement in their dogs’ overall health
Reasons to Complain
- Some customers complained about the shipment, saying that the bag was torn when they received it
- Others said that their dogs weren’t found of the taste
Final Verdict: If you are looking for a low protein, low calorie food for your pup, Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Adult Healthy Weight Dry Dog food is a great option. It’s made from the highest quality ingredients and is specially formulated for dogs that need to consume a low protein diet and lose weight.
2. Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Diets Dry Dog Food
Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Diets Dry Dog Food is a low protein, grain free dog food, making it the perfect option for dogs that suffer from kidney or liver problems, as well as food allergies or sensitive stomachs.
Features
Specially formulated with a limited amount of premium ingredients, you will have confidence knowing that your four-legged family member will be in the very best health when you offer him this food. One of the primary ingredients is salmon, which is an excellent source of protein. It also features natural carbohydrates, like sweet potatoes and potatoes, instead of harsh grains, so it’s easier for your dog to digest, making it a great dog food for sensitive stomachs.
This food is also infused with vital nutrients, like vitamin A, vitamin E, vitamin D3, folic acid, biotin, vitamin B12, taurine, and potassium. Since it features limited ingredients, it’s considered a dog food for allergies, as it doesn’t contain ingredients that many canines have reactions to. Customers say that they noticed a significant difference in their dog’s overall health when they started offering them this food, and that it seems to be very palatable.
What We Like About It
- Limited ingredients for allergy sufferers
- Grain free for easy digestion
- Contains real salmon, a premium source of protein
- Formulated for dogs of all ages, sizes, and breeds
- Completely free of artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives
- Backed by a 100 percent Satisfaction Guarantee
Reasons to Complain
- Some of the reviews indicated that this dry kibble has a pungent odor
- Others have said that they think the formula has changed
Final Verdict: If your dog needs to ingest lower amounts of proteins, has a sensitive stomach, and/or suffers from allergies, Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Diets Dry Dog Food is an excellent option. It’s free of ingredients that are known allergens for canines, it features easy to digest natural carbohydrates, and it contains reduced amounts of premium quality proteins.
3. Hill’s Science Diet Senior Dog Food
Whether your dog is a senior Weimaraner, Maltese, Chihuahua, Newfoundland, Cane Corso, Miniature American Shepherd, or any other breed, and he requires a low protein diet, consider feeding him Hill’s Science Diet Senior Dog Food. It’s a premium quality senior dog food, as it’s specially formulated for all breeds that are 7 years of age or more.
Features
Hill’s Pet Nutrition, the makers of this low protein dog food, are dedicated to providing the best possible nutrition for dogs of all ages, sizes, and breeds. Their Senior Dog Food is made with the needs of mature dogs in mind. It features natural chicken as the first ingredient, as well as a blend of whole grains, vegetables, and fruits for optimal nutrition.
The ingredient profile in this formula includes broccoli, apples, carrots, cranberries, green peas, whole grain wheat, whole grain corn, whole grain oats, and cracked pearled barley. It’s also infused with essential vitamins and minerals to support healthy organs and joints. The majority of pet owners are pleased with the product and report that their canine companions seem to like the flavor.
What We Like About It
- Features a reduced protein content that’s sourced from real chicken
- Contains a blend of fruits and vegetables for improved nutritional value and flavor
- Formulated with vital nutrients that senior dogs need to thrive
- Completely free of artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives
- Made in the USA
Reasons to Complain
- It does contain corn and wheat, so if your pup has a sensitive stomach or allergies, this formula might not be the right choice
- There were complaints about the condition of the bag upon deliver
Final Verdict: For senior dogs that require a reduced protein intake, Hill’s Science Diet Senior Dog Food is made of natural ingredients and features the essential nutrients that mature adult canines need to thrive. However, as mentioned, it does contain gluten, so if your pet has allergies or a sensitive stomach, you might want to consider a different option.
4. Canidae All Life Stages Dog Dry Food
Canidae All Life Stages formula is a low fat, low protein dog food that is designed for canines of all ages, sizes, and breeds. This vet formulated recipe contains premium quality ingredients that suit the needs of all dogs, so it’s very versatile and can be used as a dog food for French Bulldogs that are puppies or as a dog food for German Shepherds that are in their Golden Years – or any other breed, no matter what stage of life.
Features
This formula features 10 percent less protein than Canidae All Life Stages Multi-Protein dog food, and it has 27 percent less fat, too. Ingredients include brown rice, rice bran, oatmeal, potatoes, cracked pearl barley, turkey, chicken, fish, and a variety of other premium quality ingredients for optimal nutrition.
It’s also fortified with essential vitamins, minerals, and nutrients, such as glucosamine and chondroitin, which support joint health, and other necessary nutrients that your canine companion needs at all stages of life. And, since it’s completely free of corn, wheat, and soy, it’s easier to digest and reduced the chances of skin irritations.
What We Like About It
- It’s a low fat, low protein dry dog food
- Formulated for dogs of all breeds, ages, and sizes
- Fortified with glucosamine for improved joint health
- Completely free of corn, wheat, and soy
Reasons to Complain
- Some users have said that their dogs didn’t like the taste of this dog food
- Others have said that the kibble is too large for small mouths
Final Verdict: Canidae All Life Stages Dog Dry Food is made for dogs of all ages, sizes, and breeds, which means that you won’t have to constantly purchase new food for your pooch as he grows, or different formulas if you have multiple pets. The reduced protein and fat content is ideal for canines that require limited protein and need help maintaining their weight.
5. Diamond Naturals Real Meat Recipe Premium Specialty Senior Dry Dog Food
The last low protein dog food featured on our list is made by Diamond Naturals, a manufacturer that is highly regarded for producing a variety of recipes that are formulated to meet the unique nutritional needs of all dogs. Their Real Meat Recipe Premium Specialty Senior Dry Dog Food is made for mature pups that have trouble digesting protein. It’s also formulated with glucosamine and chondroitin to improve and support joint health, which is very important for senior dogs.
Features
The protein content of this formula is 25 percent, which is ideal for pooches that require a restricted protein intake. This recipe feature a bevy of natural ingredients, such as chicken, peas, eggs, oatmeal, rice bran, beet pulp, quinoa, dried kelp, coconut, spinach, carrots, papaya, oranges, pumpkin, chia seed, blueberries.
It’s also infused with essential vitamins and minerals, like zinc, copper, biotin, niacin, ascorbic acid, folic acid, and sulfate to up the nutritional value. The inclusion of probiotics helps to improve digestion, too. Completely free of wheat, corn, and filler ingredients, as well as artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives, you can have confidence knowing that you will be meeting your senior dog’s dietary needs when with this formula.
What We Like About It
- Specially formulated for senior dogs
- Features a reduced protein content, which is sourced from real animal meat
- Includes a wide range of fruits and vegetables, including foods that aren’t often used in dog food, such as papaya, coconut, quinoa, and kelp
- Fortified with glucosamine and chondroitin for improved joint health
- Contains the essential nutrients that senior dogs need to thrive
- Made in the USA
- Completely free of corn, wheat, artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives
Reasons to Complain
- Some pet owners claim that this dog food causes digestive issues
- Others have said that their dogs didn’t like the taste
Final Verdict: If you’re looking for a high quality low protein dog food for your senior pet, Diamond Naturals Real Meat Recipe Premium Specialty Senior Dry Dog Food is a great option to choose. Specially formulated to meet the nutritional needs of senior dogs, this food contains essential vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that older dogs need to thrive.
6. Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Diet, Grain Free Natural Adult Dry Dog Food
Lean turkey is the first and only protein sourced ingredient in Blue Buffalo’s limited ingredient formula. Formulated with Blue Buffalo’s high standards and proprietary recipes, Blue Buffalo is rich with essential vitamins and minerals. And, Blue Buffalo avoids the fillers and unhealthy additives in its recipes.
- A recipe that starts with real turkey as the first ingredient, this adult dry dog food features a single animal protein source along with potatoes, peas and pumpkin to support gentle digestion in your dog
- This formula contains BLUE’s exclusive LifeSource Bits – a precise blend of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals carefully selected by holistic veterinarians and animal nutritionists
- It never contains chicken (or poultry) by-product meals, corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors or preservatives.
7. Diamond Naturals Light Real Meat Recipe Premium Dry Dog Food
Diamond Naturals featured limited by high-quality protein in pasture raised lamb. The family run company is dedicated to providing only the healthiest and highest quality products. The added probiotics aid in sensitive stomachs.
- Single source of protein in pasture raised, lean lamb.
- The recipe is formulated with probiotics to survive and thrive in your pet’s GI tract.
- Diamond Naturals contain no corn, wheat, filler; no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives.
8. Dave’s Pet Food Dog Food – Restricted Bland Diet
Despite being formulated for a restricted diet, Dave’s Pet Food provides a delicious and complete meal for your pet. And, this formula is rich with essential vitamins and minerals. This pet food is meant to be served at room temperature and by directed by your vet.
- Dave’s Pet Food contains lower levels of protein and phosphorus for intermittent fasting.
- This recipe was reformulated as grain free and carrageenan free
- Dave’s Pet Food is made in the USA.
9. Veterinary Diets Purina Veterinary Canine
Veterinary Diets provides a complete and balanced meal for pets. This protein restricted recipe features only high-quality ingredients. Veterinary Diets is also a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids.
- Veterinary Diets uses a restricted amount of high-quality protein.
- The formula is low in phosphorus to help support the kidneys
- Veterinary Diets provides a rich source of omega fatty acids
10. Instinct Limited Ingredient Diet Grain Free Recipe Natural Dog Food & Toppers
Instinct Limited Ingredient is made with grass fed lamb, the single source of protein which is also easily digestible. The healthy flavor is designed to be delicious, with each piece of food freeze dried raw. And, Instinct only uses high-quality ingredients with ZERO fillers.
- Instinct is crafted for dogs with food allergies and made with simple, easily digestible protein
- every piece of kibble is coated in freeze dried raw for nutrition and taste.
- No grain, dairy, eggs, chicken, beef, fish, sweet potato, potato, chickpeas, corn, wheat, soy, artificial colors or preservatives.
11. Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet Dry Dog Food with Vitamins & Minerals for All Breeds
Merrick Limited Ingredient contains only a single source of animal protein: salmon. This formula was specifically created for animals with sensitive stomachs and allergies. In addition to being a solid source of Omega 3’s, Merrik contains high levels of Glucosamine and Chondroitin for healthy hips and joints.
- Merrik has a single-source of deboned salmon protein.
- The recipe contains high-levels of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids.
- Merrik is also grain-free and contains no gluten.
Buyer’s Guide to the Best Low Protein Dog Food
Of all the things you do for your furriest member of your family, feeding him a premium quality dog food that meets his nutritional needs is the most important. While there are tons of dog food options to choose from, it might seem like choosing a formula for your pet is an easy task. But, not all dog foods are created equally. Unfortunately, many products contain fillers, byproducts, artificial flavors and preservatives, and a variety of other ingredients that can actually do significant harm to your pooch, so it can be difficult to weed through the different options and determine what formulas are actually safe for your canine companion. And, if your pup requires a specific type of diet – like a low protein diet – it can make it even harder to decide which food you should fill his dog bowl with.
With that said, if you’ve recently discovered that your pet needs a low protein diet, you probably have a lot of questions. In this portion of our review, we’ll answer some of the questions that you might have, like why dogs may need a low protein diet, and the benefits of this type of food. We’ll also let you know how we decided which options are the best low protein dog food brands.
Why Dogs Might Need a Low Protein Diet
As we mentioned at the start of this review, protein is an essential part of a dogs diet; it’s an essential part of any living being’s diet, as a matter of fact. That’s because protein is a building block for various essential components of the body, such as muscles. However, while protein is an important nutrient, some dogs have difficulty processing it.
When protein is digested, it produces waste products, which need to be processed and excreted by other organs, like the liver and kidneys. If these organs cannot properly process and remove the byproducts that are created by protein, a dog’s health can suffer. Canines that suffer from liver or renal failure are often prescribed a low protein diet.
What is Low Protein Dog Food?
As the name suggests, low protein dog food is specially formulated so that it contains limited amounts of protein; for example, it might contain 20 percent less protein than standard dog food formulas. It’s important to note that completely eliminating protein from a canine’s diet is not recommended, as dogs require this nutrient to support their overall health; however, if a dog has liver or kidney issues, reducing the amount of protein he receives is highly recommended.
In addition to featuring a lower protein content, reduced protein dog food can contains various nutrients that dogs need to thrive. They can also be further formulated to support a pup’s health in other ways; for example, a recipe might be low protein and low fat.
The Benefits of Low Protein Food for Dogs
Even if your dog doesn’t have kidney or liver problems, feeding him a low protein diet can be beneficial. Some of the advantages of offering your furry pal a low protein food include:
- Improved kidney and liver health. Since these are the organs that are primarily responsible for processing and eliminating this vital nutrient, if his protein content is reduced, these organs will get a much-needed break, and can thereby improve their health.
- Reduced levels of toxins, such as nitrogen, in the blood. As protein is processed, it releases byproducts, and if the liver and kidneys aren’t functioning properly or are overworked, these byproducts can accumulate in the bloodstream and potentially cause a number of serious health issues.
- Reduced risk of urinary tract infections. As protein is synthesizes, crystals or stones can form, which can get trapped in the urinary tract, causing blockages that are painful and could possibly require surgery to correct.
How We Chose the Best Low Protein Dog Food Brands
Believe it or not, there are several different low protein dog food options on the market. We read the ingredients in each formula to determine their quality. We also read through the low protein dog food reviews that were offered by many customers who have used these products.
We used the information that our panel provided and the insight we gathered from the reviews that we red to determine which brands of low protein dog food were the best; and those brands are the five featured in this review.
Summing It Up
To help you on your quest for finding the best low protein dog food, we’ve assessed a large selection of food choices to determine which brands offer the right nutrients for your canine companion. Through our research, we have been able to select what we consider to be the top five protein free dog food formulas.
As a pet parent, the type of dog food you offer your four-legged family member is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. You want to ensure that you are selecting an option that will meet all of his nutritional needs in order to ensure optimal health. Generally speaking, canines require a healthy dose of protein in their diets, as this nutrient is the building block for healthy muscles and joints, and as such, selecting a high protein dog food is usually the best option.
Whether your furry pal is suffering from health issues and requires a low protein diet, or you just want to switch him to a low protein dog food to improve his overall health, there are a lot of different options to choose from. The formulas listed in this review contain the highest quality ingredients and feature protein contents that are safe for canines and offer a verity of other essential nutrients that are vital for a canine’s health.
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