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Is high protein grain-free food too much for my adult or senior dog?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Male | neutered | 7 years old | 20 lbs

The commonly recommended protein requirement for adult dog is 15-30%, so will those grain-free dry foods come with higher protein (usually above 30%) be too much for a dog really needs? Especially for senior dog?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr Stafford, BVetMed, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Published on August 16th, 2017

I wouldn't worry too much about it having a higher level of protein as the body simply excretes what it doesnt use. In the case of a dog with liver issues I would recommend a diet low in protein but this is only a concern if your dog's liver is impaired.

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