What to Look for in Low Protein Dog Food

Low protein dog food is usually recommended for dogs who have kidney problems.  Yet, even in this scenario it’s important that pet owners distinguish between what is healthy and what isn’t.  Just because a particular brand has designated themselves as a low protein dog food, doesn’t mean that they necessarily deserve that label.  Why?  Well, if the quality of the protein is inferior, the dog’s health would still be compromised, since canine nutrition still requires some amount of animal protein.

And that’s the key word in the equation… animal protein.  If low protein dog food is created from mostly grains and vegetables, it is not going to be adequate enough for your dog’s needs.  Remember, kidney problems do not automatically negate what nature has dictated for your dog’s diet.

However, it should also be noted that not all types of animal protein are the same.  Since dog food isn’t regulated as much as human food, it’s entirely possible that dog food of any variety contains protein from sources that are ‘empty calories.’  Bones are an example.  While they are a source of animal protein, they provide very little when it comes to nutrition in general.  So, if you find that a particular brand of low protein dog food has a high concentration of bones, you need to avoid it, even if it meets the other nutritional requirements.

In conclusion, when it comes to low protein dog food, quality is what matters.  Yes, low protein dog food will contain smaller amounts of protein… that’s to be expected.  But if that protein is from inappropriate sources, it’s still not going to do your dog any good.  Ultimately, the best type of low protein dog food will use real meat for its animal protein, and whole grains or vegetables for any plant-based protein.  It will also contain a limited number of fats and sugars, since these can also place unnecessary stress on the kidneys.