Best Low-Protein Dog Food

Updated April 2020
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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and we never accept free products from manufacturers. Read more  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.Read more 
Bottom Line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Hill's Prescription Diet Kidney Care k/d Dry Dog Food
Hill's Prescription Diet
Kidney Care k/d Dry Dog Food
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Highly Recommended
Bottom Line

One of the most commonly prescribed low-protein dog foods available. Can easily be mixed with k/d canned food.

Pros

A trusted prescription dog food that's often prescribed by vets for dogs with various health conditions such as renal failure. Contains ingredients that may increase appetite. Has only 12% protein and .3% sodium. Contains amino and omega fatty acids.

Cons

Costly, and it requires a prescription from a veterinarian to purchase.

Best Bang for the Buck
Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets NF Kidney Function Dry Dog Food
Purina Pro Plan
Veterinary Diets NF Kidney Function Dry Dog Food
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Simple Yet Solid
Bottom Line

Slightly less expensive than some other low protein dog foods. Has only safe ingredients.

Pros

Beyond the low levels of protein, it has low sodium and phosphorus for improved health of the dog. Has a minimum level of crude protein of 12.5%. Product is made in the United States, so you know you're receiving safe ingredients.

Cons

Must have authorization from a veterinarian for purchase. Small dogs may not be able to chew the large pieces of kibble.

Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Renal Support S Dry Dog Food
Royal Canin
Veterinary Diet Renal Support S Dry Dog Food
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Trusted Brand
Bottom Line

One of the lowest protein levels you'll find in a dry dog food at 10.5%.

Pros

Formula is easy to digest, which is beneficial for older dogs. Most dogs like the aroma and taste. Recipe has limited levels of phosphorus and protein to reduce stress on the kidneys. Has enough calories to prevent lethargy.

Cons

Not intended to be used as the dog's only food. Requires authorization from vet.

Hill's Prescription Diet Kidney Care k/d Canned Dog Food
Hill's Prescription Diet
Kidney Care k/d Canned Dog Food
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Feature-packed
Bottom Line

A bit pricier than dry dog food, but this canned food has extremely low levels of protein.

Pros

Made in the U.S., so you can trust the quality of the ingredients. Tastes great, so the dog will maintain its appetite. Has only 2.5% minimum protein levels. Uses essential amino acids to allow the dog to maintain its lean muscle mass.

Cons

More expensive than most low protein dry dog foods. Requires veterinarian authorization.

Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Renal Support D Canned Dog Food
Royal Canin
Veterinary Diet Renal Support D Canned Dog Food
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Most Versatile
Bottom Line

Texture and aroma allow the dog to maintain its appetite, even with a low protein level.

Pros

Crude protein levels are between 2.5% and 5.5%. Dogs love the kibbles covered in gravy. Reduces lethargy by providing adequate calories for a dog that wants to eat less. Uses reduced phosphorus levels for kidney health.

Cons

Needs authorization from vet for purchase. Intended for supplemental feeding only.

Why trust BestReviews?
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and we never accept free products from manufacturers. Read more  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and we never accept free products from manufacturers. Read more  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.Read more 
How we decided

We purchase every product we review with our own funds — we never accept anything from product manufacturers.

14 Models Considered
6 Hours Researched
1 Experts Interviewed
252 Consumers Consulted
Zero products received from manufacturers.

We purchase every product we review with our own funds — we never accept anything from product manufacturers.

The FDA recently announced 16 brands that have been linked to canine heart disease. We are working to remove these from our review pages as quickly as possible.

Check back soon to see our new picks.

For some dogs, digesting protein can be difficult on the kidneys and liver. For older dogs, kidney and liver problems can cause the dog’s health to deteriorate quickly. Low-protein dog food helps animals that have kidney, liver, or bladder problems (such as bladder stones). Most dog food has at least a 25% protein content. Low protein food, on the other hand, will have protein levels of 18% or less — usually much less. Dogs need protein to maintain lean muscle mass and energy, so choosing a low-protein diet should only be done with the help of a veterinarian. In fact, low-protein food often needs veterinarian approval to purchase.

The team that worked on this review
  • Angela
    Angela
    Editor
  • Kyle
    Kyle
    Writer
  • Melinda
    Melinda
    Web Producer
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Royal Canin

Veterinary Diet Renal Support S Dry Dog Food

Royal Canin

Veterinary Diet Renal Support S Dry Dog Food

One of the lowest protein levels you'll find in a dry dog food at 10.5%.
$120
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Hill's Prescription Diet

Kidney Care k/d Canned Dog Food

Hill's Prescription Diet

Kidney Care k/d Canned Dog Food

A bit pricier than dry dog food, but this canned food has extremely low levels of protein.
$69
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Royal Canin

Veterinary Diet Renal Support D Canned Dog Food

Royal Canin

Veterinary Diet Renal Support D Canned Dog Food

Texture and aroma allow the dog to maintain its appetite, even with a low protein level.
$249
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Purina Pro Plan

Veterinary Diets NF Kidney Function Dry Dog Food

Purina Pro Plan

Veterinary Diets NF Kidney Function Dry Dog Food

Slightly less expensive than some other low protein dog foods. Has only safe ingredients.
$35

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