What Is Considered Low Protein In Dog Food

Daves Pet Food Restricted Diet Farmyard Blend In Sauce

First 5 Ingredients: Chicken Broth, Peas, Chicken, Chicken Fat, PotatoesPhosphorus content .05%

Daves Pet Food prides itself on producing wholesome and delicious pet foods that are affordable. The recipes are developed by world-famous nutritionists who know what dogs need to thrive.

Rarely does healthy and truly nutritious pet food combine with the word affordable, but the brand sticks to its mission of getting you the products you deserve at prices you can afford.

The company has a wide variety of offerings for pets with differing lifestyles, ages, conditions, and restrictions. It also has a restricted diet catalog that caters to specific medical needs.

Made specifically for canines who are battling kidney disease, this recipe has restricted amounts of phosphorus and protein.

The first ingredient here is chicken broth, giving your pet essential moisture that keeps him hydrated and reduces the risk for urinary tract infections and kidney stones. Its followed by peas for animal protein, an easily digested veggie that also comes with fiber, zinc, iron, potassium, and magnesium.

But our pets deserve some quality fresh meat, even if these shouldnt make up the bulk of the meal. There is fresh chicken here and fresh chicken liver . The chicken liver, aside from giving nutrients, can help your dog eat more because it adds palatability to the food.

Nutro Ultra Weight Management Dry Dog Food Best Overall

This product is an excellent quality kibble for all, not just those that need a low protein content. But at 23%, this option comes with a low-ish protein content. It still exceeds the basic requirements set by AAFCO, and it is nutritionally complete.

The first two ingredients are chicken and chicken meal, so you can be sure that despite the low content, he is still receiving high-quality protein. Lamb meal and salmon meal are also listed, but grains are more prevalent than these ingredients.

This option is designed for those needing to manage their weight, but it isnt strictly just for them. It provides enough fats and calories to sustain his energy throughout the day.

It lists a variety of vitamin and mineral supplements, as well as ingredients such as coconut, kale, and pumpkin for a boost of antioxidants.

The only criticism we have of this product is that in an attempt to reduce fatty ingredients, the glucosamine content is low. So this is not a good option for senior or large dogs.

But overall, we think this is the best low protein dog food you can buy this year.

This is our top pick for the best low protein dog food for the money. The great price comes with a big kibble bag, so itll last you a long time, and theres plenty to go round if you have more than one pooch.

It lists prebiotic fiber and probiotic ingredients to aid digestion, as well as a wide variety of vitamins and minerals for overall health.

Which Type Of Low

Wet dog food generally has higher protein content levels than dry kibble, so it may not be best for pets on a low-protein diet.

Also, protein content should be calculated on the crude protein content, which means they dry matter weight. This needs to be taken into consideration if you opt for wet dog food for your pet.

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Look At The Minimum Percentage Of Crude Protein

We mentioned that good low-protein dog food should have a minimum of 18 percent crude protein. Do take note that this is the dry matter weight of the dog food. So if you are going to get wet dog food, make sure to compute for its protein component on a dry matter weight basis. Heres how. Suppose you have a product that contains 75% moisture and 10% protein. You will have to subtract 75% from 100% to get 25% which is the percentage of dry matter. From this 25%, you will then have to compute the percentage of protein. So, divide 10% by 25% to get 40%. This means the wet dog food actually has a minimum protein content of 40% and not 10% as printed on the label.

Purina Pro Plan Sport High Protein Dog Food

Protein Content – 30.0%

Purina is one of the largest if not the largest pet food and animal nutrition companies in the world. With access to some of the top animal nutritionists and chemists, you can have the confidence in knowing Purina Pro Plan is formulated to help your dog perform.

Purina Pro Plan is specifically formulated to contain 30% protein and 20% fat, which is a balanced performance diet for all life states. Designed to fuel metabolic needs and maintain lean muscle.

• 37.5 lb. Bag

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Cats Are Obligate Carnivores

Unlike dogs, which are omnivores, cats are obligate carnivores. This means that their bodies have adapted to a diet consisting strictly of meat, which provides animal protein.

Domestic cats are very similar to their wild predecessors and have evolved very little from them. In the wild, a cats diet consists of mainly small rodents, such as mice, as well as rabbits, birds, insects, frogs, and reptiles.

A cats metabolism is especially suited to a strictly meat-based diet. While herbivores and omnivores can synthesize certain amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins, cats have more limited ability to do so.

What Is The Best Dog Food For Dogs With Kidney Disease

These diets are formulated to help dogs with CKD avoid metabolic acidosis and are available from your veterinarian. Examples include Hills® Prescription Diet® k/d®, Royal Canin® Veterinary Diet Canine Renal Support, Purina® ProPlan® Veterinary Diet NF Kidney Function®, and Rayne Clinical Nutrition Adult Health-RSS.

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What Health Issues Require A Low Protein Dog Diet

Several medical conditions can indicate that your dog could benefit from a low protein dog diet, such as liver disease, kidney disease, weight gain, and bladder stones. In the case of liver and kidney disease, vets typically recommend a low protein diet because it reduces the workload on these vital organs. Both these organs metabolize proteins, so by switching to a low protein diet, the liver and kidney wont have to work as much and put the body through as much strain

Kidney and liver issues are common in dogs, but there are some more uncommon health issues that could be helped by a low protein diet, such as bladder stones. Studies have shown that switching to a low protein dog diet can dissolve the stone, with VCA Hospitals stating:

Dogs that have experienced struvite bladder stones will often be fed a therapeutic diet for life. Diets lower in protein, phosphorus, and magnesium, and promote acidic urine are recommended. The preventive diet is NOT the same as the diet that promotes dissolution of the stones.

Many studies have shown that low protein diets can have positive impacts on dogs with kidney issues. One reason is that these diets restrict the amount of phosphorus a dog digests. In contrast, some vets think that limiting phosphorus can be a better approach than restricting proteins. Its vital that you do your research and speak to a veterinarian before making any drastic changes to your dogs diet.

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 its 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.

Its 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 its completely free of corn, wheat, and soy, its easier to digest and reduced the chances of skin irritations.

What We Like About It

• Its 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 didnt like the taste of this dog food
• Others have said that the kibble is too large for small mouths

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Canidae All Life Stages

The Canidae is specifically made for dogs of all ages, from puppies to top adult dogs to seniors. If you have more dogs of various sizes, breed, and age then this dry dog food is a good option to consider. It contains turkey food without corn, soy, or wheat.

If you are looking for low protein dog food recipes for kidney disease, this dog food will work well.

The Canidae All Life Stages dry senior dog food includes probiotics to improve digestion and antioxidants for a good immune system. It also contains omega 3 and 6 fatty acids to grow the healthy skin and shiny coat on the body of your dog.

Key Features:

• Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids
• No artificial colors, preservatives, or flavor

In addition to the above food options, there are some other options that you can consider such as Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula, Mattie’s Healthy Treats, Royal Canin Veterinary Diet, etc.

Best Low Phosphorous Dog Food For Senior Dogs

Due to a senior dogs changing needs as they age, you will be best off with Hill Science Diet Dry Dog Food, Adult 7+ for Senior Dogs or with a similar product made for dogs that are reaching a mature age. It is packed with nutrients, vitamins, and minerals, and has enough glucosamine and chondroitin to support bone health as the dogs body starts producing less.

• Special Diet: Natural

Ingredients

Chicken Meal, Cracked Pearled Barley, Brewers Rice, Whole Grain Wheat, Whole Grain Corn, Whole Grain Sorghum, Whole Grain Oats, Chicken Fat, Dried Beet Pulp, Soybean Meal, Chicken Liver Flavor, Soybean Oil, Lactic Acid, Flaxseed, Potassium Chloride, Calcium Carbonate, Iodized Salt, Choline Chloride, vitamins , Niacin Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin A Supplement, Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin Supplement, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Folic Acid, Vitamin D3 Supplement), L-Lysine, minerals , Taurine, DL-Methionine, Oat Fiber, Mixed Tocopherols for freshness, Natural Flavors, L-Carnitine, Beta-Carotene, Apples, Broccoli, Carrots, Cranberries, Green Peas.

Our Review

Senior dogs have different nutritional needs compared to young pups and adult dogs, and planning accordingly by providing proper nutrition is key to a long and healthy life. When comparing different low protein dog foods, Hills Science Diet ranks as the best low protein dog food for dogs over 7.

Pros:

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Best Low Phosphorous Canned Dog Food

If your dog is one of those pups that would much rather eat wet, mushy and delicious dog food, then you might want to consider the Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Canine Gastro Intestinal Low Fat Canned Dog Food a carefully designed product for dogs with digestive issues and more.

• Breed Size: Small Breeds, Medium Breeds, Large Breeds, All Breeds
• Total Weight: 6.6 pounds
• Special Diet: Pea-Free, Veterinary Diet, Sensitive Digestion

Our Review

Keep in mind that many places will not sell this product without veterinary authorization, and you should respect this by only feeding this canned Royal Canin food at the recommendation of a licensed vet.

Ingredients

Brewers Rice, Chicken By-Product Meal, Wheat, Barley, Natural Flavors, Dried Plain Beet Pulp, Chicken Fat, Salt, Fish Oil, Calcium Carbonate, Monocalcium Phosphate, Potassium Chloride, Psyllium Seed Husk, Sodium Silico Aluminate, Fructooligosaccharides, Hydrolyzed Yeast, Taurine, Vitamins , Dl-Methionine, Choline Chloride, L-Lysine, Marigold Extract , Trace Minerals , Rosemary Extract, Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols And Citric Acid.

Pros:

+ Works well for dogs with digestive issues+ Contains prebiotics and easy-to-digest proteins, antioxidants for immune health+ Supports GI health, supports healthy digestion+ Low fat

What Does Low Protein Mean For Dogs

The Association of American Feed Control Officials insists that a dogs diet must contain a certain minimum of protein content to be healthy. According to them, it should contain at least 25% protein dry matter.

By the way, food is usually calculated on a dry matter basis. This is because, according to Dr Hohenhaus, the level of protein in a food is usually diluted by water. Dr. Hohenhaus who is a staff doctor at the NYCs Animal Medical Center shows us how this is so.

According to her, the quantity of protein contained in a portion of dry food is a lot higher than youd find in a similar portion of wet food. Now, you see why we measure food content on a dry basis. Its the best way to get the most accurate assessment of food content.

In a portion of regular dog food, protein content is usually kept at about 25%, thereabout. However, for a low protein dog food, the protein content drops to about 3/4 of that value. So, you find about 18% and thats really low for a healthy dog.

For this reason, its only in certain dire health conditions that a vet would be hard-pressed to recommend a low protein diet.

But back to the protein content thing If you check out most low protein dog food brands in the market today, you might find only about a couple of brands that keep up with this requirement. Its not that they are not complying with the standards, its just theres a bit of a paradigm shift these days in the veterinary world.

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Low Protein Dog Diet Food Percentages

In a low-protein diet, the amount of protein can vary, but the range is 13% to 18%. This percentage can be higher depending on the quality of the proteins used. Many commercial brands dont offer a low protein diet. On the other hand, you can get a low-protein diet from a prescription brand. Such brands produce food with a protein percentage of less than 20%.

What Do You Feed A Dog With A Protein Allergy

Chicken, beef, turkey, and lamb are meats used most often in pet food for dogs. However, they sometimes trigger an allergic reaction. To treat this allergy, replacing their meat with novel protein diets such as venison, rabbit, duck, kangaroo, or ostrich is the best way as these proteins are considered as hypoallergenic dog food.

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Why Do Some Dogs Need A Low Protein Diet

Dogs need protein in their diet to provide the building blocks for cells and tissues. But like other nutrients in your dogs diet, several organs play an important role in breaking down proteins so that your dog can utilize them.

The small intestines break down proteins into amino acids. The byproducts of this metabolism then travel to the liver for processing. Finally, the kidneys eliminate nitrogenous waste leftover from protein digestion.

If your dog has chronic kidney failure, his kidneys may not adequately filter nutrients from the blood.

High protein levels can overload the kidneys and prevent them from efficiently removing wastes produced by digestion. This accumulation of byproducts can be problematic.

Hepatitis and reduced liver function can also cause the accumulation of waste products in the blood. But even pups with these health conditions need some protein to support normal body processes.

The recommended minimum protein content for typical dry food is 18%. Low protein diets for dogs without severe health conditions usually have a 20% protein content.

But some prescription diets for dogs with extreme health conditions have even lower protein amounts.

Non-prescription diets with low protein content can help senior dogs at risk of developing kidney or liver problems. These foods reduce stress on the weakened organs of older dogs and may help slow the progression of the disease.

Best Low Protein Senior Dog Food

Older dogs with chronic liver and kidney disease or low energy levels are sometimes prescribed a low-protein diet.

1. Hills Science Diet Adult 7+ Small Bites Dry Dog Food

Our rating: 5Top ingredients: Chicken Meal, Cracked Pearled Barley, Brewers RiceType: Dry

Dog food is specifically made for senior dogs older than seven years with poor kidney health. This pet food allows older dogs to maintain a healthy weight while providing complete body nutrition.

The all-natural, quality ingredients contain a precise blend of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and amino acids to support your pets immune system.

Pros:

• Contains no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives
• It comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee and is the number one choice by veterinarians
• Easy-to-digest dog food with synergistic ingredient blend that promotes ideal weight and youthful vitality for seniors

Cons:

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What Is Low Protein Food/diet

Unluckily, using terms like low or high can be somewhat confusing and irritating in pet nutrition. Healthy adult dogs need a low protein dog food having a minimum of 3.5- 4.5 grams of protein for every 100 calories they eat. Beyond this minimum requirement, there is no legal definition or consensus of what exactly a high or low protein food is. Each veterinarian, trainer, or pet nutritionist might have different ranges for what they consider in each category. Its essential to clarify the actual amount of low protein dog food recommended by the worlds best veterinarians in research or recommendations. So that pet owners may benefit from low protein dog food advantages.