Top 6 Best Low Protein Foods For Dogs With Kidney, Liver Disease or Allergies

In today’s world of dog food, protein is king, but are there times when too much protein can have ill effects? The answer is complicated, but yes, in a few instances, low protein diets may benefit your dog’s health. In this article, we will discuss the whys, the when, the how, and the best low protein dog foods.

As discussed, so many times before, there is a mind-blowing number of dog food options available, which can make choosing the right food for your pup challenging. And I think we can all agree that we just want what’s best for our dogs. So, with that in mind, the list of foods below is chosen for a variety of reasons, like:

• Availability – You will always be able to find the foods either at Amazon or Chewy.
• Price – We do our best to include a range of price points.
• Special Dietary Needs Beyond the Main Subject of the Article – Though not every situation can be covered we do our best to cover more common issues such as food sensitivities or joint disease.

However, before we jump in, it is critical to state that low protein dog foods should only be used when advised and supervised by your trusted veterinarian. Protein is an essential macronutrient in your dog’s diet. Switching your dog’s diet to a food low in protein can have severe adverse health effects on your dog.

Changing your dog to a lower protein diet will not cure liver or kidney disease, but it may help slow the progression.

Why Your Dog May Benefit from a Low Protein Diet

There are just a couple of situations in which a dog food with low protein would benefit your dog’s health. Dogs with chronic illnesses such as kidney or liver disease may require a lower protein diet to maintain a healthy lifestyle. If you and your vet determine that a low protein food is the right choice for your dog, you will want to follow up with them regularly for bloodwork to ensure the food is having its desired effects and not causing other issues.

The other reason you may consider a dog food lower in protein would be if your dog is at a higher risk or is predisposed to kidney or liver disease. Again, before switching your dog’s food, take the time to consult a professional.

Dogs with chronic kidney disease (CKD) benefit from lower protein diets because decreased protein can slow the progression of CKD through lessening the stress of expelling protein waste through the kidneys. According to the VCA, the recommended amount of protein in dry dog food, “…for dogs with CKD is less than or equal to 14-20%.”

According to Tufts University, dogs with chronic liver disease should only be changed to a low protein diet if the dog has gone into liver failure and can no longer break down proteins. Liver failure occurs if the liver function decreases to around 70% of its normal working capacity, and your dog is suffering from Hepatic Encephalopathy. The other reason veterinarians recommend changing a dog’s diet due to liver disease is due to copper build up in the liver, a genetic condition. 

Dogs with less severe liver disease may benefit from dog food that is lower in protein and supports good digestive health. Depending on the severity of the liver disease, your vet will recommend the proper protein range for your dog.

It is necessary to mention that there is a difference between a lower protein diet and a low protein diet for dogs. A real low protein diet will consist of prescription food that has been approved to contain a severely limited amount of protein. The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) recommends and 18% minimum protein level for a balanced diet. In contrast, a lower protein diet consists of food that does not require a prescription and contains around 18% protein. Keep in mind most dog foods average well above the 18% minimum level.

How to Choose a Low Protein Dog Food

After deciding with your vet that your dog should change their diet, they will give you a protein percentage range to look for when choosing a dog food. Taking that into consideration, you will likely have other factors to consider as well, such as:

• If your dog has other health issues such as food allergies or arthritis
• Dog’s weight
• Dog’s energy level
• Taste – Whether your dog will eat the food or not
• Ease of availability
• Price
• Quality
• Where the ingredients are sourced
• Where the food is manufactured
• Ingredients

Top 6 Best Low Protein Dry Dog Foods

As mentioned earlier, below is a compilation of dog foods that have a lower than average protein level. The list is comprised of well-respected dog food brands with quality ingredients.

1. Hills K/D Renal Health Dog Food – Good for Dogs with Kidney Disease

Hill’s Science diet is a long-time, trusted brand used by vet hospitals worldwide. Hills K/D is Science Diet’s Low Protein dog food, which is specially formulated to help promote good kidney health while at the same time maintain good muscle mass. The food has been tested and proven to improve & lengthen the quality of a dog’s life. This food has a lower phosphorus and sodium level to aid in promoting better kidney health.

Key Points:

• Protein Content Minimum 12% Maximum 16%
• Fat Content Minimum 17%
• Fiber Content Maximum 5%
• First 5 Ingredients: Brown Rice, Brewers Rice, Pork Fat, Cracked Pearled Barley, Chicken

Pros:

• Contains Beet Pulp to help promote good digestive health
• Contains Fish Oil which is a good source of omega-3 & 6 fatty acids
• Contains Taurine and L-Carnitine to help support good heart health

Cons:

• Price
• May require a prescription to order

2. Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diet NF – Good for Dogs with Kidney Disease

Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diet NF is a low protein dog food recipe for dogs with kidney disease to help slow the progression of the disease. This uniquely formulated food is “Energy-Dense” to ensure adequate calorie intake and has reduced amounts of phosphorus and sodium. Purina vet formulas have been rigorously tested and proven to aid in managing severe pet diseases.

Key Points:

• Protein Content Minimum 12.5%
• Fat Content Minimum 13%
• Fiber Content Maximum 2.5%
• First 5 Ingredients: Whole Grain Corn, Brewers Rice, Dried Egg Product, Animal Fat Preserved with Mixed-Tocopherols, Sugar

Pros:

• Contains Fish Oil
• Rich in vitamins and nutrients
• Less expensive than other prescription brands

Cons:

• Low Fiber level
• Not Good for dogs with allergies
• May need a prescription to order

3. Natural Balance LID Bison and Sweet Potato – Good for Dogs with Allergies

Natural Balance LID Bison and Sweet Potato is a lower protein grain-free dog food perfect for dogs with food allergies or food sensitivities. This formula is a lower protein, but is not considered a low protein diet. However, it is ideal for dogs who are at high risk for kidney disease, or in the early stages of liver disease. The protein in this recipe, bison, is known for its low calorie and fat content also, making this food good for dogs who are a bit less active.

Key Points:

• Protein Content Minimum 20%
• Fat Content Minimum 10%
• Fiber Content Maximum 4%
• First 5 Ingredients: Sweet Potatoes, Bison, Potato Protein, Pea Protein, Canola Oil

Pros:

• Contains Salmon Oil
• No artificial flavors or colors
• Easily digestible ingredients
• Cost

Cons:

• Lacks probiotics

4. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Healthy Weight Dog Food

Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula for Healthy Weight is a Chicken, and Brown Rice based formula. This recipe is rich in antioxidant-rich ingredients such as blueberries and kelp. Also, this food has been enriched with probiotics to aid in GI health and glucosamine and chondroitin to help improve joint health. Blue Buffalo’s Life Protection foods contain an exclusive kibble called Life Source bits packed with vitamins and nutrients.

Key Points:

• Protein Content Minimum 20%
• Fat Content Minimum 9%
• Fiber Content Maximum 10%
• First 5 Ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Barley, Pea Fiber

Pros:

• Has multiple probiotics
• No Corn, Wheat, or Soy so may work for dogs with mild food allergies
• Cost

Cons:

• Contains Salt

5. Diamond Naturals Light Adult Dog Lamb and Rice Formula

Diamond Pet Food is one of the world’s largest pet food manufacturers. This formula is made with pasture-raised lamb and is ideal for the less active overweight dogs needing a lower protein diet. This food is high in easily digestible fiber like brown rice and oatmeal. Additionally, this food has been enhanced with probiotics to promote good digestive health and packed with superfoods like blueberries, kale, and spinach. 

Key Points:

• Protein Content Minimum 18%
• Fat Content Minimum 6%
• Fiber Content Maximum 8%
• First 5 Ingredients: Lamb meal, whole grain brown rice, oatmeal, cracked pearled barley, ground white rice

Pros:

• High in fiber and low in fat
• Contains glucosamine and chondroitin to help with good joint health
• Has multiple probiotics
• Doesn’t contain salt
• No artificial colors
• Cost

Cons:

• Contains grains so may not work for dogs with severe allergies

6. Solid Gold Holistique Blendz Complete Health – Good for Dogs with Liver Issues

Solid Gold Holistique Blendz is specifically formulated for more mature canines. It has been uniquely created with reduced levels of sodium, phosphorus, and calcium, to help aid in liver and kidney function. Also, this food contains an abundance of superfoods to support a healthy immune system and probiotics to aid in GI wellness.

Key Points:

• Protein Content Minimum 18%
• Fat Content Minimum 6%
• Fiber Content Maximum 4%
• First 5 Ingredients: Oatmeal, Pearled Barley, Peas, Ocean Fish Meal, Dried Eggs

Pros:

• Includes super foods like pumpkin, blueberries, and cranberries
• Contains healthy whole grains
• Live probiotics
• Price

Cons:

• Not a good choice for dogs with food allergies and sensitivities

Conclusion

Low protein foods aren’t near as common as high-protein diets, but they are definitely needed. For those of us with dogs suffering from liver or kidney diseases, it is good that there are foods available to help slow down the effects of the disease. Though these foods won’t cure our dogs, they can make a significant impact on their quality of life.