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High vs. low protein kibble: Which is right for my dog's needs?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Male | neutered | 1 year and 1 month old | 20.08 lbs

What's the difference in kibble with high protein and lower protein? How does it affect dogs? Is it good or bad and why the protein levels differ?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on April 25th, 2017

Kibble with high protein content would be correct food for a younger dog (under 2 years of age) who is still growing. Also working dogs that are out herding a lot, or getting a very large amount of exercise, should get a higher protein containing feed. Racing dogs such as greyhounds and whippets are fed a higher protein feed during training so they can make a lot of muscle. Non-working/non-racing dogs need to be fed a lower protein containing food as do dogs with kidney disease.

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