Best-for · PetScored desk

Best high-protein dog food.

Ranked by guaranteed-analysis protein percentage. High protein is not free - it usually comes with higher cost per calorie and more sensitivity overlap. We show the tradeoff.

Drawn from the 143 beta scorecards currently in PetScored.

Protein on the bag is easy to inflate with plant matter. PetScored credits high protein only when the named animal source is at the top of the ingredient list and the dry-matter conversion lands in the band the rubric expects.

This list ranks by panel protein percentage. We do not claim higher is always better - working dogs, active breeds, and lean dogs benefit; sedentary dogs, dogs with renal concerns, and many seniors do not.

Independent. PetScored may earn a commission on purchases through tagged links at no extra cost to you. Affiliate revenue does not affect any score on this page. Affiliate disclosure ›

Our pick

Stella & Chewy's

Chewy's Chicken Dinner Patties Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food

6.7/ 10

Crude protein 48% on the guaranteed-analysis panel. Nutrition Fit 8.0.

Freeze-dried raw-style patties with official manufacturer label fields, 4,420 kcal/kg, and 60 kcal/patty captured. Chewy agrees on kcal/kg but still lists 50 kcal/patty, so per-patty calories remain disclosed while value math uses kcal/kg; follow manufacturer handling and rehydration directions.

Read the full scorecard ›Buy on Amazon

Runners-up

70 more picks, ranked

02
Stella & Chewy's Duck Duck Goose Dinner Patties6.8
Crude protein 40% on the guaranteed-analysis panel. Nutrition Fit 8.0.
Buy on Amazon
03
Primal Freeze-Dried Nuggets Chicken Formula6.4
Crude protein 39% on the guaranteed-analysis panel. Nutrition Fit 8.0.
Buy on Amazon
04
ZIWI Peak Air-Dried Beef6.6
Crude protein 38% on the guaranteed-analysis panel. Nutrition Fit 8.0.
Buy on Amazon
05
Orijen Original5.7
Crude protein 38% on the guaranteed-analysis panel. Nutrition Fit 6.0.
Buy on Amazon
06
Orijen Regional Red5.2
Crude protein 38% on the guaranteed-analysis panel. Nutrition Fit 6.0.
Buy on Amazon
07
Orijen Six Fish5.9
Crude protein 38% on the guaranteed-analysis panel. Nutrition Fit 6.0.
Buy on Amazon
08
Earthborn Holistic Primitive Natural5.9
Crude protein 38% on the guaranteed-analysis panel. Nutrition Fit 4.0.
Buy on Amazon
09
Instinct Original Real Chicken6.5
Crude protein 37.5% on the guaranteed-analysis panel. Nutrition Fit 4.0.
Buy on Amazon
10
Dr. Marty Nature's Blend Essential Wellness6.2
Crude protein 37% on the guaranteed-analysis panel. Nutrition Fit 8.0.
Buy on Amazon
11
Primal Freeze-Dried Nuggets Beef Formula6.6
Crude protein 37% on the guaranteed-analysis panel. Nutrition Fit 8.0.
Buy on Amazon
12
Nature's Logic Canine Chicken Meal Feast6.5
Crude protein 36% on the guaranteed-analysis panel. Nutrition Fit 6.0.
Buy on Amazon
13
Open Farm RawMix Wild Ocean6.6
Crude protein 36% on the guaranteed-analysis panel. Nutrition Fit 6.0.
Buy on Amazon
14
Sundays for Dogs Beef Recipe7.1
Crude protein 35% on the guaranteed-analysis panel. Nutrition Fit 8.0.
Buy on Amazon
15
ZIWI Peak Air-Dried Lamb6.9
Crude protein 35% on the guaranteed-analysis panel. Nutrition Fit 8.0.
Buy on Amazon
16
Wellness CORE Wholesome Grains Original Turkey & Chicken6.8
Crude protein 35% on the guaranteed-analysis panel. Nutrition Fit 6.0.
Buy on Amazon
17
Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Chicken Adult (Plus Wholesome Grains)7.0
Crude protein 34% on the guaranteed-analysis panel. Nutrition Fit 6.0.
Buy on Amazon
18
Crave Grain-Free High-Protein Adult with Chicken6.9
Crude protein 34% on the guaranteed-analysis panel. Nutrition Fit 6.0.
Buy on Amazon
19
Wellness CORE Ocean Whitefish Herring Meal & Salmon Meal6.9
Crude protein 34% on the guaranteed-analysis panel. Nutrition Fit 6.0.
Buy on Amazon
20
Wellness CORE Original Deboned Turkey Turkey Meal & Chicken Meal7.0
Crude protein 34% on the guaranteed-analysis panel. Nutrition Fit 6.0.
Buy on Amazon
21
Acana Meadowland6.0
Crude protein 33% on the guaranteed-analysis panel. Nutrition Fit 6.0.
Buy on Amazon
22
Acana Wild Atlantic6.6
Crude protein 33% on the guaranteed-analysis panel. Nutrition Fit 6.0.
Buy on Amazon
23
Earthborn Holistic Coastal Catch6.8
Crude protein 32% on the guaranteed-analysis panel. Nutrition Fit 6.0.
Buy on Amazon
24
Taste of the Wild Ancient Prairie with Roasted Bison & Venison7.1
Crude protein 32% on the guaranteed-analysis panel. Nutrition Fit 6.0.
Buy on Amazon
25
Taste of the Wild High Prairie Canine Recipe with Roasted Bison & Roasted Venison6.9
Crude protein 32% on the guaranteed-analysis panel. Nutrition Fit 6.0.
Buy on Amazon
26
Taste of the Wild Wetlands Roasted Fowl7.0
Crude protein 32% on the guaranteed-analysis panel. Nutrition Fit 6.0.
Buy on Amazon
27
Zignature Turkey Limited Ingredient Formula7.2
Crude protein 32% on the guaranteed-analysis panel. Nutrition Fit 6.0.
Buy on Amazon
28
Diamond Naturals Extreme Athlete Chicken & Rice6.0
Crude protein 32% on the guaranteed-analysis panel. Nutrition Fit 4.0.
Buy on Amazon
29
Open Farm RawMix Wild Ocean Ancient Grains Recipe6.9
Crude protein 31% on the guaranteed-analysis panel. Nutrition Fit 8.0.
Buy on Amazon
30
Zignature Trout & Salmon Meal Limited Ingredient Formula7.6
Crude protein 31% on the guaranteed-analysis panel. Nutrition Fit 8.0.
Buy on Amazon
31
Acana Singles Limited Ingredient Lamb & Apple6.0
Crude protein 31% on the guaranteed-analysis panel. Nutrition Fit 6.0.
Buy on Amazon
32
Purina ONE SmartBlend True Instinct With Real Salmon & Tuna Adult7.8
Crude protein 30% on the guaranteed-analysis panel. Nutrition Fit 9.0.
Buy on Amazon
33
Badlands Ranch Superfood Complete Beef Recipe6.2
Crude protein 30% on the guaranteed-analysis panel. Nutrition Fit 8.0.
Buy on Amazon
34
Farmina N&D Ancestral Grain Chicken & Pomegranate Adult7.0
Crude protein 30% on the guaranteed-analysis panel. Nutrition Fit 8.0.
Buy on Amazon
35
Merrick Grain Free Real Salmon & Sweet Potato7.5
Crude protein 30% on the guaranteed-analysis panel. Nutrition Fit 8.0.
Buy on Amazon
36
Merrick Real Texas Beef + Sweet Potato Recipe6.9
Crude protein 30% on the guaranteed-analysis panel. Nutrition Fit 8.0.
Buy on Amazon
37
Eukanuba Premium Performance 30/20 Sport6.8
Crude protein 30% on the guaranteed-analysis panel. Nutrition Fit 6.0.
Buy on Amazon
38
Purina Pro Plan Sport Performance 30/20 Chicken & Rice6.5
Crude protein 30% on the guaranteed-analysis panel. Nutrition Fit 6.0.
Buy on Amazon
39
Purina Pro Plan Bright Mind Adult 7+ Chicken & Rice7.0
Crude protein 29% on the guaranteed-analysis panel. Nutrition Fit 9.0.
Buy on Amazon
40
Acana Free-Run Poultry Recipe7.6
Crude protein 29% on the guaranteed-analysis panel. Nutrition Fit 8.0.
Buy on Amazon
41
Taste of the Wild Southwest Canyon with Wild Boar7.3
Crude protein 29% on the guaranteed-analysis panel. Nutrition Fit 8.0.
Buy on Amazon
42
Fromm Four-Star Game Bird7.4
Crude protein 27% on the guaranteed-analysis panel. Nutrition Fit 8.0.
Buy on Amazon
43
Inception Real Chicken Recipe7.4
Crude protein 27% on the guaranteed-analysis panel. Nutrition Fit 8.0.
Buy on Amazon
44
Jinx Chicken, Brown Rice & Sweet Potato Recipe7.8
Crude protein 27% on the guaranteed-analysis panel. Nutrition Fit 8.0.
Buy on Amazon
45
Merrick Healthy Grains Real Chicken + Brown Rice Recipe With Ancient Grains7.2
Crude protein 27% on the guaranteed-analysis panel. Nutrition Fit 8.0.
Buy on Amazon
46
Spot & Tango UnKibble Beef & Barley6.9
Crude protein 27% on the guaranteed-analysis panel. Nutrition Fit 8.0.
Buy on Amazon
47
Taste of the Wild PREY Angus Beef Limited Ingredient7.2
Crude protein 27% on the guaranteed-analysis panel. Nutrition Fit 8.0.
Buy on Amazon
48
Hill's Prescription Diet i/d Digestive Care Chicken Flavor6.9
Crude protein 26.2% on the guaranteed-analysis panel. Nutrition Fit 9.0.
Buy on Amazon
49
Purina ONE SmartBlend Lamb & Rice Adult7.9
Crude protein 26% on the guaranteed-analysis panel. Nutrition Fit 9.0.
Buy on Amazon
50
Purina Pro Plan Complete Essentials Shredded Blend Adult Chicken & Rice7.4
Crude protein 26% on the guaranteed-analysis panel. Nutrition Fit 9.0.
Buy on Amazon
51
Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin & Stomach Salmon & Rice8.0
Crude protein 26% on the guaranteed-analysis panel. Nutrition Fit 9.0.
Buy on Amazon
52
4Health Wholesome Grains Adult Chicken & Rice7.5
Crude protein 26% on the guaranteed-analysis panel. Nutrition Fit 8.0.
Buy on Amazon
53
Annamaet Original7.6
Crude protein 26% on the guaranteed-analysis panel. Nutrition Fit 8.0.
Buy on Amazon
54
Diamond Naturals All Life Stages Chicken & Rice Formula7.7
Crude protein 26% on the guaranteed-analysis panel. Nutrition Fit 8.0.
Buy on Amazon
55
Kirkland Signature Super Premium Adult Chicken Rice & Vegetable7.7
Crude protein 26% on the guaranteed-analysis panel. Nutrition Fit 8.0.
Buy on Amazon
56
Open Farm Wild-Caught Salmon & Ancient Grains Dog Kibble7.6
Crude protein 26% on the guaranteed-analysis panel. Nutrition Fit 8.0.
Buy on Amazon
57
Pure Balance Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Adult7.5
Crude protein 26% on the guaranteed-analysis panel. Nutrition Fit 8.0.
Buy on Amazon
58
Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets OM Overweight Management5.7
Crude protein 26% on the guaranteed-analysis panel. Nutrition Fit 8.0.
Buy on Amazon
59
Rachael Ray Nutrish Real Beef Pea & Brown Rice Recipe6.9
Crude protein 26% on the guaranteed-analysis panel. Nutrition Fit 8.0.
Buy on Amazon
60
Whole Earth Farms Adult Recipe Chicken & Brown Rice7.4
Crude protein 26% on the guaranteed-analysis panel. Nutrition Fit 8.0.
Buy on Amazon
61
American Journey Salmon & Sweet Potato Recipe7.4
Crude protein 25% on the guaranteed-analysis panel. Nutrition Fit 8.0.
Buy on Amazon
62
Beneful Healthy Weight6.6
Crude protein 25% on the guaranteed-analysis panel. Nutrition Fit 8.0.
Buy on Amazon
63
Diamond Naturals Beef Meal & Rice7.5
Crude protein 25% on the guaranteed-analysis panel. Nutrition Fit 8.0.
Buy on Amazon
64
Diamond Naturals Skin & Coat All Life Stages Salmon & Potato7.9
Crude protein 25% on the guaranteed-analysis panel. Nutrition Fit 8.0.
Buy on Amazon
65
Eukanuba Adult Medium Breed Maintenance7.1
Crude protein 25% on the guaranteed-analysis panel. Nutrition Fit 8.0.
Buy on Amazon
66
Fromm Adult Gold7.7
Crude protein 25% on the guaranteed-analysis panel. Nutrition Fit 8.0.
Buy on Amazon
67
Iams ProActive Health Adult Minichunks Chicken & Whole Grains7.2
Crude protein 25% on the guaranteed-analysis panel. Nutrition Fit 8.0.
Buy on Amazon
68
Instinct Be Natural Real Chicken & Brown Rice7.8
Crude protein 25% on the guaranteed-analysis panel. Nutrition Fit 8.0.
Buy on Amazon
69
Nature's Recipe Grain Free Chicken, Sweet Potato & Pumpkin7.5
Crude protein 25% on the guaranteed-analysis panel. Nutrition Fit 8.0.
Buy on Amazon
70
Royal Canin Small Adult Dry Dog Food7.0
Crude protein 25% on the guaranteed-analysis panel. Nutrition Fit 8.0.
Buy on Amazon
71
Taste of the Wild Sierra Mountain Roasted Lamb7.6
Crude protein 25% on the guaranteed-analysis panel. Nutrition Fit 8.0.
Buy on Amazon

How this list is built

Rationale

Ranking is raw guaranteed-analysis protein, tie-broken on Nutrition Fit. We make no claim about adequacy for any specific dog. Match this list to your vet's protein-range recommendation.

Cuts

Below the protein cutoff

FAQ

About this list

How is the PetScored best high-protein dog food list ranked?

Ranking is raw guaranteed-analysis protein, tie-broken on Nutrition Fit. We make no claim about adequacy for any specific dog. Match this list to your vet's protein-range recommendation.

How many dog foods are on this list?

71 picks cleared the rubric bar for this list. 72 other scored brands were considered and didn't make the cut. We surface both for transparency.

Does PetScored take payment to influence the ranking?

No. PetScored takes no manufacturer money. The list is computed deterministically from the rubric and the public product data. The same inputs produce the same ranking every time. See /trust for the full posture.

Will this list change?

Yes - but in defined ways. Adding a new scored product can change the ranking. A rubric version bump (see /methodology/changelog) can change it. A source-confidence update on an existing product can change it. We publish every change.