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Kinetic Performance Dog Food Review: Fueling Your Active Companions Adventure
As a devoted pet food expert, I am excited to share my insights into Kinetic Performance Dog Food, a brand that takes pet nutrition to new heights. Designed specifically for active and high-performance dogs, this premium-quality dog food prioritizes energy, endurance, and overall well-being. From working dogs to sporting champions and energetic pets, Kinetic is here to optimize their performance and support their boundless spirit.
Benefits of Feeding Your Dog Kinetic Performance Dog Food:
The benefits of this exceptional dog food extend far beyond a regular meal. Kinetic Performance Dog Food offers a range of advantages that every pet parent seeks for their beloved furry companion:
- Enhanced Weight Management: With carefully selected ingredients and a balanced nutritional profile, Kinetic helps your dog maintain a healthy weight while keeping their energy levels soaring.
- Improved Performance: Tailored for active canines, Kinetic fuels your dogs body with the right nutrients, ensuring they stay at their peak during every adventure.
- Omega-3 Rich Formulas: Essential omega-3 fatty acids in Kinetic support your dogs coat health, reducing inflammation, and contributing to overall well-being.
- Natural and Preservative-Free: Kinetic stands out with its commitment to using natural ingredients and omitting artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives. Rest assured, youre providing your dog with only the best.
Ingredients in Kinetic Performance Dog Food:
The ingredient list reads like a gourmet menu, boasting premium-quality components that promote vitality and health:
- Chicken, lamb, and salmon provide the primary protein sources, ensuring muscle development and maintenance.
- Wholesome grains like brown rice and barley supply sustained energy for active lifestyles.
- Nutrient-dense vegetables like peas, lentils, and chickpeas contribute to joint health and overall well-being.
- Natural fats from chicken fat and flaxseed provide energy and support nutrient absorption.
PROS
- High protein content
- To our knowledge, Kinetic has never had a product recall
- Foods are nutritionally complete and balanced according to AAFCO standards
- Affordable
- All recipes are free of artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives
CONS
- Some recipes contain plant-based protein
Nutrient Values:
Kinetic Performance Dog Food impresses with its well-balanced nutrient profile, suited for active dogs specific requirements:
- Protein Content: Ranging from 24% to 33%, the high protein levels in Kinetic exceed the recommended minimum of 20% for adult dogs, promoting muscle health and energy.
- Fat Content: With 18% to 22% fat, Kinetic strikes a perfect balance for dogs to remain active and maintain healthy skin and coat condition.
- Carbohydrates: The low carbohydrate content, at 34% to 36%, keeps dogs energized without risking weight gain.
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Kinetic is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, supporting coat health, reducing inflammation, and promoting brain function.
Types of Kinetic Performance Dog Food:
Kinetic Performance Dog Food offers a variety of formulas, each catering to different needs:
- Active 26K Formula: For highly active dogs, keeping them energetic and ready to tackle any challenge.
- Puppy 28K Formula: Specifically formulated for the healthy growth and development of puppies.
- Power 30K Formula: Supports working and sporting dogs, ensuring they can maintain their stamina.
- Ultra 32K Formula: For those needing a performance boost, enhancing their overall capabilities.
Price and Value for Money:
Kinetic Performance Dog Food is a premium brand, so it is priced higher than some other dog foods on the market. The price per pound of Kinetic Food varies depending on the formula and the size of the bag. For example, a 30-pound bag of the Active 26K Formula costs around $60, while a 15-pound bag of the Puppy 28K Formula costs around $35.
However, it is important to note that the price of Kinetic Dog Food is comparable to other premium dog foods on the market. For example, a 30-pound bag of Royal Canin Performance Formula costs around $65, while a 15-pound bag of Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Formula costs around $35.
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to feed your dog Kinetic Performance Dog Food is a personal one. If you are looking for a high-quality, grain-free dog food that can help your partner maintain a healthy weight and improve their performance, then Kinetic Dog Food is a good option. However, it is important to consider the price of the food before making a decision.
Customer Reviews:
Pet parents have praised Kinetic Performance Dog Food for its positive impact on their dogs performance and overall health. With an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars on Amazon, the brand has garnered widespread approval. However, as every dog is unique, its essential to be attentive to individual reactions and consult with your veterinarian when considering a dietary change.
Positive Reviews:
- My dog loves the taste of Kinetic Dog Food, and Im happy to see that its made with high-quality ingredients. Ive noticed that my dog has more energy since I switched him to this food, and his coat looks healthier too. Barbara S.
- Ive been feeding my dog Kinetic Performance Dog Food for a few months now, and Im really happy with the results. Hes lost a few pounds, and he seems to be much more active. I would definitely recommend this food to other dog owners. John D.
- I was looking for a high-quality dog food that would help my dog maintain a healthy weight, and Im glad I found Kinetic Food. My dog loves the taste, and Im happy to see that hes getting all the nutrients he needs. Sarah M.
Negative Reviews:
- My dog didnt seem to like the taste of Kinetic Food, and he would often leave his food bowl unfinished. I ended up switching him to a different food. Janet B.
Overall, Kinetic Performance Dog Food has received mostly positive reviews from customers. However, there are a few negative reviews that mention that some dogs did not like the taste of the food or that it caused loose stools. It is important to note that every dog is different, and what works for one dog may not work for another.
Recall History:
One impressive aspect of Kinetic Performance Dog Food is its recall-free history since 2011. This track record further solidifies the brands commitment to quality and safety.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, Kinetic Performance Dog Food lives up to its name, providing a premium fuel source for your active canine companions adventures. From enhancing their performance to maintaining a healthy weight, Kinetic ensures your dog stays at the top of their game. However, it is vital to remember that individual dogs may have different dietary needs. Always consult your veterinarian to make the best choice for your beloved companion.
At PetFoodIdeas.com, we are thrilled to recommend Kinetic Performance Dog Food for active dogs seeking optimal nutrition and vitality. Lets fuel your pets passion for adventure with the finest ingredients and nutritional excellence. Join our community of pet lovers, and together, well nurture the happiness and well-being of our four-legged friends! #KineticPerformanceDogFood #OptimalNutrition #ActiveDogs
Best High Protein Dog Food
High protein dog foods are more regularly being pushed as the best nutrition in the ever-evolving and competitive world of dog food.
Studies show that 28% of consumers pet food purchases are influenced by whether the recipe is high protein. Many brands have taken advantage of this growing trend and have produced their own range of high protein formulas.
But is a high protein diet for dogs beneficial or required? What are the health risks that dogs could face on such a high protein diet? Which dogs will benefit most from a high protein diet?
Finally, the most critical question of all is a high protein dog food worth all the hype, or is it just marketing spin designed to make you shell out on more expensive products as many believe?
Lets dig into the facts before we roll out the best high-protein dog food formulas on offer.
Are Dogs Carnivores?
Contrary to popular belief, dogs are not obligate carnivores and are, in fact, omnivores just like humans. Being an omnivore contrasts heavily with cats, who are obligate carnivores and ideally should only consume a diet of meat and fish.
Being omnivores means that dogs are capable of consuming plant material such as vegetables, fruits, or grains. As a consequence, vegetables and fruits can and should make up a proportion of your dogs diet and will not cause any adverse effects.
Sadly, there are some significant misconceptions about what is the most appropriate diet for dogs.
Modern domesticated dogs are descendants of wolves. As a consequence of this ancestry, their natural diet closely mimics that of their wild cousins. A wolfs diet would include high quantities of meat.
The nutritional makeup of meat varies depending on the animal, but all meat is high in protein and fat and contains a negligible proportion of carbohydrates.
However, as modern dogs were domesticated, they adapted to be capable of eating a wider variety of food, including more plant-based material such as vegetables and starches.
This adaptation was necessary for dogs survival as meat and fish were often scarce, costly, or only available in certain seasons. In some cases, some dogs would have to go weeks or months without any significant meat intake.
While dogs may now be more capable of digesting the plant-based material, they havent totally disconnected from their wolf cousins and therefore excel on a diet with a large proportion of meat and fish ingredients. A dogs health is likely to noticeably decline if the proportion of meat in its diet is low.
The Advantages of High Protein Dog Food
Protein is required in a dogs diet for growth and maintenance purposes. Whether its a young dog growing at an alarming rate or an adult dog repairing its body after high levels of activity, protein and its amino acids are at the core. The more active a dog, the more protein is needed for this growth and maintenance.
Therefore the advantage of a high protein diet is that these needs and requirements can be quickly and adequately met. Thisprotein will enable growth, quicken recovery, and allow for an active lifestyle.
However, the advantages do not end there. A high protein diet can have a number of other minor effects, such as improving a dogs skin and coat. I
t can also help build and maintain a strong and healthy immune system to fight off infection and disease. Dogs with a low protein often experience illness far more often than dogs with a high protein diet.
There is also a common misconception that excess protein is wasted if it is not required. This is not true. Excess protein can be burned as calories to produce energy, just like carbohydrates and fat.
The only difference is that protein is less commonly stored by a dogs body, which means it may bemore effective to consume following exercise and exertion.
A high proportion of protein will only be wasted if a dog does not participate in enough exercise to use its high protein intake.
The Dangers of High Protein Dog Food
Some may argue that a high protein diet comes with absolutely no risks or dangers. While we believe that high protein diets are not dangerous, there are some specific circumstances that dog owners should be aware of and cautious of.
Dogs with underlying kidney issues need to be careful about their protein intake to avoid worsening or aggravating their problems. We do not believe that high protein diets cause kidney issues, but they will undoubtedly exacerbate existing issues.
If your dog suffers from kidney issues, you should focus on the consumption of high-quality and digestible protein in smaller quantities rather than a high protein diet.
Also, diets high in animal protein can make regulating Calcium and Phosphorus levels more challenging. There are some who will say that high protein diets can cause problems with bone and joints, such as them growing too fast.
While there is no conclusive evidence of this, it is common practice to regulate mineral intake in large breed puppies. For more information on the appropriate nutrition for large breed puppies and balancing minerals, check out our Best Puppy Food article.
Besides, ensuring that your dog has a healthy balance of minerals and vitamins is just as important as its core nutrition of protein, fat,and carbohydrates.
The Decline of Animal Protein in Dog Food
Unfortunately, many dog food brands have taken advantage of modern dogs adaptations to include high levels of plant material like grains and vegetables. This has lead to the reduction of the overall level of protein to the legal minimums.
These minimum legal levels for protein starkly contrast from a dogs natural and ancestral diet. In some extreme cases, low-quality and cheap dog food can include as much as 70% plant-based material.
The problem of declining levels of protein in dog food can be further compounded when high protein plant by-products like Pea Protein and Potato Protein are used to inflate overall protein levels misleadingly.
A study performed by the association of Pet Obesity Prevention found in 2018 that only 21.8% of dog owners would consider feeding their dog Pea Protein. However, a large portion of dog food recipes contain Pea Protein, which shows that pet owners either misunderstanding food labels or simply not reading them.
Consumers without knowledge of the correct makeup of dog food can be tricked by these ingredients into believing that the formula they are providing to their dog is high protein and high in meat.
The core of a dogs protein intake should be animal protein, and unfortunately, as we have discussed above, this is often not the case. One of the reasons why animal protein is superior to plant-based protein is that dogs can digest it far more effectively.
This allows them to make use of all the amino acids the protein contains to repair, maintain, and grow their bodies. This will be discussed in more detail further in the article.
Also, plan material does not contain the full range of amino acids needed by dogs. While dogs can create some of the missing amino acids, it is far more effective if they can get them from their diet instead.
To learn more about Pea Protein and other Pea by-products, check out ourPeas, Pea Protein, Pea Flour, and Pea Fiber in Dog Foodarticle.
To learn more about Potatoes and Potato By-products, check out ourPotatoes, Potato Protein & Potato Starch in Dog Foodarticle.
Lastly, if you are interested in learning about Ingredient Splitting, which is a sinister technique used by dog food brands to mislead consumers, be sure to check outIngredient Splitting in Pet Food- Exposed.
The Importance of Protein Bioavailability/Quality
As we discussed above, in ideal circumstances, a dog should be consuming the vast majority of its protein from animal and fish sources and not plant-based material. But isnt all protein pretty similar?
Many of us do not realize that the bioavailability (which is a fancy way of saying digestibility) of ingredients can vary tremendously. The American College of Veterinary Nutrition discusses the importance of protein quality in their FAQ.
The result of this is that far less protein may be actually digested or absorbed in comparison to the quality that is consumed.
Here are a couple of examples of protein bioavailability, according to Liz Paplika, in her 1996 book The Consumers Guide to Dog Food.
- Eggs 100%
- Fish Meal 92%
- Beef 78%
- Milk 78
- Wheat 60%
- Corn 54%
- Wheat Gluten 40%
As you can see above, the ingredients from animals such as meat or eggs are far more bioavailable or digestible than plant-based material. What this means in real terms is that you would have to consume significantly more Wheat or Corn in order to digest the same quantity of protein as Beef or Fish.
This is one of the reasons that the % of protein listed on dog foods guaranteed analysis can be misleading as 25% protein from plant-based material is far less digestible than 25% protein from mostly meat and fish ingredients.
What Kind Of Dogs Need A High Protein Dog Food?
Active Dogs
The most common need for higher levels of protein in a dogs diet relates to activity. Dogs who are more active require additional protein to repair and maintain their bodies after rigorous exercise.
This high protein requirement is especially true for younger dogs, especially larger breed puppies such as Great Danes, German Shepherds, or Huskies.
However, there is no hard or definitive measurement when it comes to activity, so it is essential to use your experience and knowledge when judging your dogs activity levels and the portion of protein they therefore require.
Working Dogs
Working dogs need additional protein for the same reason more active none working dogs do. Working dogs often cover great distances or need to be stronger and healthier. Some examples of working dogs include Police or Military Dogs, Search and Rescue Dogs, Herding Dogs, and Sled Dogs.
However, there is still a significant difference between how much protein an extremely active sled dog and a less active drug-sniffing dog would need, so its important to approach each working dog as an individual.
A good rule of thumb is to keep track of how long your dogs spend running a day as if this is significant; then, their protein intake should also be substantial.
Recovering Dogs
Dogs recovering from severe illness or surgery can benefit from increased protein levels. The higher levels of protein in their diet can help speed up the healing process and boost the immune system to fight off any further infection or illness.
Recovering dogs can also lose their appetite, so its essential to ensure that the food they do eat contains a plentiful supply of protein to ensure a speedy recovery.
Examples of recovering dogs could include those who have undergone joint replacement surgery, those who have undergone cancer treatment, or those who have suffered a severe infection or illness.
Puppies
The reason puppies need higher levels of protein is probably the most obvious of all those in this breakdown. Fueling their rapid growth relies on plenty of protein to build their muscles and the surrounding tissues.
While humans spend up to twenty years developing to their full size, some dogs breed can reach their full size in as little as a year. This short period of explosive growth demands protein in much higher proportions.
Add to this the fact that puppies are almost always extremely active, as we have discussed previously. This combination of growth and activity equates to a very high demand for high-quality animal protein.
Once again, for an in-depth look at the appropriate nutrition for puppies, check out our Best Puppy Food article.
Senior Dogs
Many people believe that older dogs need less protein in their diets, but this is a widespread misconception or misunderstanding.
This is as the opposite can, in fact, be true. Older dogs are often less capable or able to absorb nutrients such as protein and, as a consequence, will need to consume higher levels of such nutrients to absorb sufficient proportions for their needs.
This is backed up by Dr. Delmar Finco, who, in the mid-1990s, stated that benefits from a reduced protein diet typical of existing canine geriatric products have never been proven, and the possibility exists that reduced protein diets are not in the best interest of the geriatric patient.
However, it is also true that more senior dogs are less active, and this may offset this lower absorption rate. As we mention in many of our articles, factors such as age can vary tremendously between dogs, and some older dogs may maintain their active lifestyles while others may become very sedentary. Only you, as the dogs owner, can be a competent judge of their lifestyle.
For an in-depth look at senior dog food, check out our Best Senior Dog Food article.
Pregnant Dogs
Last but not least is pregnant dogs. Just as puppies need protein to develop their bodies and muscles, pregnant dogs need plenty of protein to grow the puppies inside them throughout the course of the pregnancy. Excellent nutrition is crucial for a healthy pregnancy and to give the resulting puppies the best start in life.
A poor diet during pregnancy can lead to more sickly puppies or a higher rate of puppy mortality.
How Much Protein Does My Dog Need?
Below is the recommended minimum proportion of protein required by different types of dogs, some of which we have discussed above.
- Puppy 28%
- Adult 18%
- Performance 25%
- Racing Sled 35%
- Lactating 28%
Remember that the above proportions are minimum recommendations and that, as we discussed earlier in this article, additional protein beyond what is required is not wasted.
Instead, it can be utilized as a source of energy, just like fat and carbohydrates are. Many of the formulas that we will suggest later in the article will contain enough protein for a Racing Sled dog, so if you think that is overkill for your house dog, then that is a completely acceptable thought process.
Are High Protein Dog Foods Worth it?
This is a tough question, and its answer can be affected by a number of factors. There is no doubt that high protein dog foods, especially those high in high-quality animalprotein, are significantly more expensive than their lower protein alternatives.
This is because meat ingredients are more costly, as I am sure we all aware of when we do our weekly grocery shopping.
Worldwide meat consumption is rising, and pet food manufacturers are forced to compete with the human food industry for the limited supply of meat, which many argue is unsustainable.
The reality is that many of us cant afford these premiumranges no matter how much we love our canine friends.
Activity levels also play a significant factor in whether high levels of protein can be best utilized. Working huskies who pull sleds need very high levels of protein to keep their muscles and bodies well maintained.
However, docile or inactive dogs need far less protein for their growth and maintenance. Many busy dog owners only have time to walk their dogs once a day or for longer on weekends, and this kind of lifestyle may not require a high protein intake.
You need to judge how active your dog is and whether it will benefit from a higher level of protein. As mentioned earlier, protein wont always go to waste, but if your dog is inactive and consuming a very high proportion of protein, some of it may be lost and excreted through urine.
Best High Protein Dog Foods
There an increasingly broad range of dog foods marketed as high protein. Ironically many of those ranges that are marketed as high protein arent that high in protein after all, which is why its important to study a formulas ingredient list and Guaranteed Analysis carefully.
However, the following recipes are high in protein and are some of our favorites. They all include an abundance of protein that is derived from high-quality meat and fish ingredients, which is an important distinction, as we discussed earlier.
Best High Protein Adult Dog Foods
Victor Ultra Pro Review
Victor is a very popular dog food brand and one which we discuss and recommend on a regular basis. This is in part thanks to the affordable price and large quantities that Victors dog food is sold in.
This makes it a very viable option for dog owners with large breed dogs or multiple dogs.
Victor also produces some recipes that could be classified as high protein or very high protein. While not quite as cheap as their other recipes, they are still very affordable and probably the cheapest discussed in this article.
The most prominent of these recipes is Ultra Pro, which features working husky dogs on its packaging.
The proportion of protein in Ultra Pro is substantial and sufficient for dogs of all activity levels. In addition, the fat proportion is also extremely high, which would make this formula suitable for dogs with very high activity levels.
However, with the fat proportion being so high, less active dogs would need to be careful to avoid weight gain.
Due to the protein and fat proportion being so high, the proportion of carbohydrates is extremely low and a very accurate depiction of a dogs natural diet.
All this protein and fat is from a number of meat and fish ingredients. This includes Chicken Meal, Beef Meal, Menhaden Fish Meal,and Pork Meal.
This combination of meat meals that have already had their moisture removed sums to an extremely high portion that forms the vast majority of the kibble.
Peas and Sweet Potatoes provide the carbohydrates and act as the binding agent for the kibble.
Orijen is renowned for being one of the most popular players in the premium pet food industry and is often the first name that dog owners would think of when asked to name a super premium brand.
Despite this, they are regularly at the center of controversy, and there are many dog owners who are not fans.
While all of their formulas would be considered very high in protein, their Fit and Trim recipe is specifically designed to provide a higher ratio of protein to fat than any of their other formulas.
Orijen is known for its use of exceptionally high-quality ingredients, and the ingredients used in Fit and Trim maintain this standard.
The formula contains over ten sources of poultry and fish, including Chicken, Turkey, Whole Eggs, Flounder, and Herring, amongst a long list of other ingredients.
These meat and fish ingredients are combined with a huge variety of fruits and vegetables, such as Beans, Peas, and Chickpeas.
While its is likely that these vegetables contribute a notable portion of protein, the proportion is high already that it is not significant.
As we mentioned previously, Fit and Trim does have lower levels of fat than other Orijen formulas, but because this is deliberate, we do not heavily penalize them for this.
In addition, the proportion of fat in the formula is still far more than is required for an active and healthy dog, and they will instead be able to utilize the excess protein or carbohydrates during peak activity.
Earthborn Holistic Primitive Natural Review
Earthborn Holistic produces many different types of dog food, including Limited Ingredient Dog Food, Wet Dog Food, and Grain Free Dog Food.
While we have given some of their recipes mixed reviews, their Primitive Natural formula is by far their best and coincidently contains the highest proportion of protein by a significant margin.
The formula contains a considerable portion of meat and fish ingredients that provide high levels of protein and fat. Some of these ingredients include Chicken, Turkey, and Whitefish.
Chicken Fat is also present, which is being increasingly used as a source of additional animal fat and to enhance the flavor and taste of a recipe. Find out more about the use of Chicken Fat in our article, Chicken Fat In Dog Food.
Potatoes and Peas are the other core ingredients and provide a small proportion of carbohydrates and fiber. The portion of both these ingredients is not significant enough to dilute the level of animal protein, which is crucial.
There is also a portion of Pea Starch, which is a pea by-product. We imagine this is being used as a binding agent and not to provide nutrition.
The formula has a surprisingly high level of the Omega 3 Fatty Acid for a formula that doesnt focus heavily on fish.
Natures Logic is a lesser-known brand, but their recipes fill an essential niche in the premium and hypoallergenic dog food market.
Even more impressive is that some of their formulas also fill the niche of high-protein dog food without being directly marketed as such, which has earned them a place within this article.
We do not generally suggest dog food recipes with grain ingredients. However, for those dogs who do not react well to other vegetable ingredients, then there is a place for them. An example of this could be dogs with severe Pea and Legume allergies.
Natures Logics dry dog food recipes make use of the grain Millet. While we dont consider Millet to be quite as advantageous as other grains like Brown Rice and Oats, it is still far superior to the worst grains such as Wheat and Corn.
The above-mentioned Duck & Salmon Meal Formula contains a mix of Duck, Turkey, and Salmon ingredients along with Pork Liver.
The Pork Liver can provide a number of minerals and vitamins that traditional meat cuts can not. The proportion of protein and fat is extremely satisfactory and suitable for dogs of all activity levels.
The Pork Formula is also worth mentioning for those dogs who do not react well to multiple meat and fish ingredients.
It contains almost identical nutrition but only makes use of Pork Meal and Pork Liver alongside the everpresent Millet.
Weruva Harmony Chicken, Turkey and Salmon Dinner with Pumpkin Review
Weruva is a brand that is best known for producing cat food, but they have a smaller range of dog food. What makes Weruva unique is that they produce some of their products in Thailand.
While this may be offputting for some consumers, the facility is said to be state of the art and enacts all of the required policies and safety measures.
All of Weruvas dry dog food recipes are high in protein, but some, in particular, have a very high protein content.
Two members of the Harmony range, Chicken Dinner with PumpkinandChicken, Turkey, and Salmon Dinner with Pumpkin,are noteworthy examples of this.
These recipes use whole meat and fish ingredients such as Chicken, Turkey, and Salmon, as well as Whole Eggs to provide high-quality protein.
As we have mentioned throughout this article, meat, fish, and egg ingredients such as these are the ideal source of protein and are very easily digested and utilized.
The recipes also contain a range of whole legumes such as Peas and Lentils, which are considered high-quality sources of carbohydrates.
The portion is significant, but the protein they provide supplements already high levels, and so is not worth being concerned about.
For those of you who have read some of our other best of articles, youll know that Merricks Grain-Free range is one of our favorites.
The majority of the formulas in this range provide excellent nutrition from a range of high-quality ingredients. While their formulas arent explicitly marketed as high protein as others in this article, the protein content is still very high.
The range includes formulas with common meat and fish ingredients such as Chicken or Beef but also includes others with less common ingredients such as Rabbit or Venison.
While the protein level in these formulas does vary depending on the meat and fish ingredients, they are all at the very least satisfactory, with some, such as the above Chicken and Sweet Potato, being very satisfactory.
Their Chicken formula includes a small mix of Chicken and Turkey ingredients. These poultry ingredients are combined with Sweet Potatoes, Potatoes, and Peas.
The advantage of Potatoes and Sweet Potatoes in this formula is that they do not provide a significant portion of protein.
Therefore the vast majority of the protein in this formula is from animal sources. The downside of this is that these starch ingredients do provide a significant portion of carbohydrates. However, this still appears to be within satisfactory limits.
Acana, the sister brand of Orijen, also has some formulas with a high proportion of protein. Until recently, they did not have a specific high protein range or recipelike other competing brands.
However, in April 2018, they released a formula with a high ratio of protein to fat, similar to Orijens formula Fit and Trim.
The recipe is known as Light and Fit and focuses on providing a very high proportion of protein and a lower proportion of fat.
As mentioned, this formula is very similar to Orijens and uses a mix of high protein poultry ingredients and high-quality vegetables.
Sadly, Acanas recipes do not have the vast range of ingredients that Orijens do, but nevertheless, they still provide fantastic nutrition and are void of any by-products or fillers.
However, unlike Fit and Trim, the Light and Fit recipe has a notably lower proportion of fat. This means it could be more suitable for dogs hoping to achieve weight loss without lowering their protein intake.
Unfortunately, the consequence of a low-fat proportion is a higher proportion of carbohydrates, which dogs do not require in large portions.
Solid Gold Barking At The Moon With Beef Review
Solid Golds High Protein range is also very blunt about its protein content. Their range used to be more extensive than Natures Variety Instinct.
However, Solid Gold Discontinued some of these products and now has two High Protein recipes, which are Barking At The Moon With Beef and Barking At The Moon With Duck.
While not quite as unique as previous recipes, these do differ from others by not focusing on Chicken.
Ingredients in Barking At The Moon With beef include Beef, Eggs, and Ocean Fish Meal. These combine to provide a very high protein proportion.
Eggs, in particular, are another noteworthy ingredient as they are one of the most complete sources of protein available for both humans and dogs alike.
Unfortunately, Solid Golds High Protein recipes do use a Potato-By product, which is Potato Protein. This by-product contributes plant-based protein, which is considered inferior to animal protein. Sadly, Potato Protein is the third listed ingredient, so this portion is not small.
Find out more about Potato Protein in our articlePotatoes, Potato Protein & Potato Starch in Dog Food.
Despite its use of Potato Protein, Solid Golds Barking At The Moon still contains a large portion of animal and fish-based protein and is viable for those dog owners on a tight budget who can not afford some of the more premium recipes listed above.
Best High Protein Puppy Foods
As was mentioned earlier in the article, puppies need a notably higher proportion of protein than their parents, and there is a huge selection of puppy food products on the market that can meet this demand. Here are just a few of our top picks of high protein puppy food formulas.
FarminaN&D Chicken & Pomegranate Puppy Recipes
Mini & Medium Breed Review
Maxi Breed Review
While Farminas adult formulas might not have quite the dazzling levels of protein as some of the formulas mentioned above, the proportion of protein in their puppy formulas is absurd.
It is important to note that they have two puppy formulas within this specific range, one designed for mini and medium-breed puppies and another designed for large-breed puppies, both of which we have listed above.
The primary focus of the puppy formulas are on two core meat and fish ingredients: Chicken and Herring. Both of these ingredients are ideal for a puppys diet and provide a plentiful supply of protein and fat.
The Herring, in particular, supplies a very satisfactory level of the Omega Fatty Acids, which can help improve the health of your puppys skin and coat.
In addition to Chicken and Herring, the formulas include Potatoes and a select number of fruit and vegetable ingredients.
While we dont believe Potatoes are the ideal source of carbohydrates, the portion of them in these formulas is low enough, which is not of significant concern.
In addition, Potatoes are unlikely to provide a significant portion of plant-based protein, which ensures the vast majority of the protein present is from meat and fish sources.
Some examples of other fruits and vegetables present in small quantities are Pomegranate, Apples, Carrots, and Spinach.
We mentioned Orijen earlier in this article with their Fit & Trim formula as well as their lower cost sister brand Acana, so it will come as no surprise that they feature in the puppy section of this article.
Orijen produces two puppy recipes, their standard Puppy Formula and their Puppy Large Formula.
For the most part, they are very similar, but they do have some unique differences to ensure healthy growth in large-breed puppies. We have provided links to both above if you want to investigate fully.
Orijen excels at two things, providing unprecedented nutrition and using a massive range of high-quality human-grade ingredients.
Their Puppy formula is a perfect example of this as it contains over fifteen different meat and fish ingredients. These ingredients provide a proportion of protein and fat that is significantly above average and is extremely bioavailable.
Examples of meat and fish ingredients present in the formulas include Chicken, Turkey, Mackerel, Herring, and some Organ meats like Liver and Heart.
The fish ingredients help boost the levels of the Omega Fatty Acids, which can provide a range of health benefits. Organ meats can provide high levels of vitamins and minerals that arent as abundant in traditional meat cuts.
Orijen then combines these meat and fish ingredients with a large variety of legumes and other vegetables.
While some would frown upon a large number of these legumes, their quantities are very small, and even when they have summed, the total portion is not excessive.
Best High Protein Canned/Wet Dog Foods
Crave Chicken & Beef Pate Review
Crave is a relative newcomer to the pet food market and is owned by Mars Petcare, which produces other recognizable brands such as Pedigree dog food and Whiskas cat food.
The brand was launched to cater to the consumers who demand higher-quality pet food at an affordable price. Crave is by far the most affordable dog food brand featured in this article and is sold at stores like Walmart and PetSmart.
Check out our articles on Walmart Dog Food, PetSmart Dog Food, and Cheap Dog Food for more information.
However, wet dog food is still noticeably more expensive than dry food, but hopefully, Craves wet dog food products shouldnt break the bank or make you flinch.
Craves Pate range offers a small variety of wet dog food formulas. Each formula contains both traditional meat cuts alongside organ meat.
This organ meat provides beneficial Vitamins and Minerals that standard meat cuts lack. This combination of meat ingredients offers fantastic nutrition, extremely high in protein and fat.
Despite being low-cost, Craves wet dog food has more protein than the majority of premium brand recipes.
Finally, none of Cravens Pate recipes contain a significant portion of vegetable ingredients, let alone frowned upon vegetable by-products which are present in some of their dry food products. This ensures that almost all of the protein in the formula is highly digestible animal protein.
Canned recipes from Crave should appeal to dogs who do not enjoy or cope well with regular kibble and who can not afford a very costly diet of exclusively premium canned food.