Is All Wet Dog Food High in Protein?
Not all wet dog food is high in protein—some brands include fillers or lower-quality ingredients that reduce the overall protein content.
When considering your wet dog food options, check the nutrition label and look for meat, poultry, or fish as the first ingredient. Avoid formulas with excessive grains, starches, or unnamed meat by-products.
Stella & Chewy’s wet dog food is crafted with real, responsibly sourced animal meat as the main ingredient, ensuring your dog gets the protein they need from premium, highly digestible sources.
How Much Protein Do Dogs Need?
Protein is essential for dogs because it is necessary to support and build muscle tone, immune health, eye, heart and brain health, vibrant skin and coat, digestion, circulation and energy levels. While AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) sets a minimum protein requirement of 18% for adult dogs and 22.5% for puppies per meal, many dogs thrive on diets containing higher levels thanks to their carnivorous ancestors: the wolf! Optimal protein intake varies based on age, breed, and daily activity, so it’s important to choose a diet that aligns with your dog's specific needs.
Also, keep in mind that AAFCO only specifies the measurable amount of protein - it doesn’t account for protein quality or digestibility, which can vary between brands.
Wet Food, Protein & Weight Management
High-protein wet dog food can support healthy weight gain in underweight, active, or recovering dogs, because it provides nutrient-dense calories in an easily digestible format.
However, high-protein food alone won’t cause your dog to gain weight. Calories from all macronutrients, including fats and carbohydrates, along with portion size and exercise, determine whether a dog gains or loses weight.
High Protein Wet Food for Puppies, Adults & Senior Dogs
Puppies and senior dogs have unique nutritional needs, and high-protein wet food can provide essential support for both.
Compared to adult dogs, puppies need more high-quality protein to build strong muscles and support growth (note: large breed puppies have unique dietary needs to ensure proper bone development).
High-protein wet dog food is also a great option for senior dogs because it helps maintain muscle mass, support joint health for mobility and sustain energy levels. Wet food is easier to chew and digest, helping senior dogs with dental issues to get the protein they need.
Stella & Chewy’s wet dog food is high in protein and formulated for dogs of all ages and life stages, providing premium, complete and balanced nutrition with real meat and other wholesome ingredients such as organic fruits and veggies, guaranteed probiotics, and essential vitamins and minerals.
In addition to wet food, Stella & Chewy’s also offers high-protein dry dog food and freeze-dried raw recipes, which offer the highest levels of protein along with the benefits of a raw diet.
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