Low Protein Diets for Dogs

By Amy Cocke

Instructions

When to feed low protein

Step 1:
Your veterinarian should be the one to tell you your dog requires a low-protein diet, which normally is recommended only in the case of kidney and liver problems or congestive heart failure. A dog's natural diet includes a lot of protein, so low-protein diets should be used only if there is no other choice. Your dog can become malnourished if he doesn't get enough protein.

Foods

Step 1:
In a low-protein diet for dogs, protein comes from vegetable sources, such as corn and potatoes, or from animal sources that are added in very low amounts, such as chicken, liver and eggs. Most prescription low-protein dog foods offer about 1.6 or 1.7 grams of protein per kilogram of your dog's weight. A dog normally needs about 25 percent of protein in her diet. With a low-protein diet, a 15-pound dog, for example, would receive about 11 percent protein daily.

Availability

Step 1:
When your veterinarian recommends your dog go on a low-protein diet, she will give you a prescription for a food that suits your dog's needs. There also are low-protein recipes available on the Internet, such as at Douglas Island Veterinary Service. Recipes also are offered for low-protein treats, so your dog can snack safely. Check with your veterinarian before feeding your dog a homemade low-protein diet.

Resources

Douglas Island Veterinary Service

More Puppy Pages

Low Protein & Aggression in Dogs

While there are anecdotal reports about the role that a high-protein diet can play in a dog's predisposition to aggression, not many scientific studies have been conducted to prove how aggressive dogs may benefit from low-protein diets. The topic...

A dog diagnosed with cancer should be assessed by a veterinarian and prescribed a natural diet based on that dog's specific nutritional needs. Dog and diet must be re-evaluated often so the recipe can be revised according to weight, disease progression...

How to Choose a High Protein Dog Food for Dogs With Food Allergies

You want to feed your dog a premium high-protein dog food because your dog is active. But your dog also has food allergies. Most high-protein dog foods are based on chicken, poultry or other meat that is usually not acceptable for dogs with food...

Over 2,000 years ago, the Greek physician Hippocrates said "Let your food be your medicine, and your medicine be your food." Today, your ailing dog has many options for medical treatment besides food, but diet and supplements can prevent and alleviate...

How to Care for a Schnoodle Dog With a Sensitive Stomach

The schnoodle, a cross between a schnauzer and a poodle, has a life expectancy of 15 years, and generally experiences less health problems than many purebred dogs. However, some schnoodles are prone to poor digestion and sensitive stomachs. Digestion...