Should Your Dog Be Eating More Protein?

When it comes to your dog’s nutrition, protein is a key player. It builds muscle, supports organ function, boosts the immune system, and even contributes to healthy skin and a shiny coat. But how much protein does your dog really need? Could they benefit from more—and is it possible to go overboard?

Understanding the right balance of protein is essential for your dog’s long-term health, and it starts with knowing your dog’s lifestyle, breed, and individual needs.

Why Dogs Need Protein

Protein is made up of amino acids—some of which dogs can’t produce themselves and must obtain from their diet. These amino acids are essential for:

Muscle development and repair
Hormone and enzyme production
Immune system strength
Energy, especially in active and working dogs
Skin and coat health

Unlike carbohydrates, protein and healthy fats provide long-lasting energy and is far more biologically appropriate for dogs, who are naturally carnivorous.

Do Some Dogs Need More Protein Than Others?

Yes. Not all dogs have the same protein requirements. Several factors influence how much protein your dog should be getting:

1. Activity Level

Active dogs, sporting breeds, and working dogs burn more energy and require higher levels of protein to support muscle recovery and stamina. If your dog loves running, hiking, or competing, a higher-protein diet will better meet their nutritional needs.

2. Age

Puppies need more protein to fuel rapid growth, while senior dogs need it to maintain lean muscle mass and prevent weakness as they age. Despite outdated advice, older dogs often benefit from increased protein—not less.

3. Size and Breed

Larger breeds like German Shepherds or Rottweilers often need more protein to support their joints and muscle mass. Meanwhile, smaller dogs may have different metabolisms but still benefit from quality animal-based proteins.

4. Health Conditions

Certain medical conditions may require adjusted protein levels. While dogs with skin problems often thrive on high-protein, low-allergen diets.

How Raw Feeding Helps You Control Protein Quality and Quantity

Not all protein is created equal. Raw Gold’s complete raw meals are made from high-quality, human-grade meat that offers bioavailable protein—meaning your dog can actually absorb and use it efficiently. This contrasts with many commercial dry foods, which often contain low-quality meat meals and plant-based proteins that offer little real benefit.

With raw feeding, you know exactly what your dog is getting—and you can adjust portions and protein sources based on their needs. Raw Gold’s range includes:

Free Range Chicken Complete Minced Meal – Lean and easy to digest
Duck With Vegetables Complete Minced Meal – A rich, novel protein for dogs with allergies
Venison Green Tripe – Excellent for gut health and sensitive stomachs
Venison Muscle Meat – Muscle-building and flavourful

Each of these options is tailored to support energy, muscle recovery, and long-term health with the correct balance of protein, fat, and micronutrients.

Can Dogs Get Too Much Protein?

While most healthy dogs can handle higher protein levels just fine, balance is key. Excessive protein combined with low-quality ingredients can strain kidneys over time or contribute to weight gain if calorie intake isn’t managed. That’s why feeding a balanced raw diet—rather than just adding more meat—is so important.

Signs Your Dog May Need More Protein

Low energy or fatigue
Muscle loss or weakness
Dull coat or excessive shedding
Slower recovery from exercise
Increased hunger or weight loss

If your dog shows any of these signs, it may be time to revisit their diet and consider increasing the protein quality and quantity.

Quality Protein Matters

Protein is one of the most essential nutrients in your dog’s diet—but finding the right amount means taking their lifestyle, age, and breed into account. With Raw Gold’s premium raw meals, you can be confident your dog is getting the protein they need to live an active, healthy life.