Did you know that protein is essential for a shiny coat, strong muscles, a healthy immune system, and more? We’re going to chat about all things protein so you can find the right balance of nutrients for your pup.

Let’s explore how much protein is in dog food, why it’s important for our furry friends, and how to choose the right type. 

How Much Protein is in Wet Dog Food?

The protein content may look a little different depending on whether you have wet or dry dog food. Let’s start with wet dog food. 

The exact amount of dog food protein per 100 g can vary depending on the brand, but the label will tell you everything you need to know. 

Look for the guaranteed analysis section on the label. This should explain the percentages of nutrients. Keep in mind that wet dog food contains water (about 60-80%), and the rest is dry matter.

So, how do we figure out how many grams of protein are in a can of wet dog food? 

Say you have 100 grams of wet dog food, and you can see that the moisture content is 75%; you know that the dry matter is 25%. Multiply the dry matter weight by the protein percentage on the label.

To work this out, we multiply the dry matter percentage (as a decimal) by the total weight of the food. We then multiply the dry matter weight by the protein percentage to figure out the amount of protein. 

For instance, if we have 100 grams of wet dog food, the crude protein is 10%, and we know that 25% is dry matter. Therefore, we can expect that in 100 grams of wet dog food, there will be approximately 2.5 grams of protein.

Know that the crude protein content in dog food doesn’t tell you anything about the quality or source of protein; it’s just a way to talk about all the protein calculated. 

How Much Protein is in Dry Dog Food?

So, how much protein does dry dog food have? 

Dry dog food usually contains more protein than wet food because there’s more dry matter. So, you get a more concentrated amount of protein. 

Suppose that you have a 100g of dry dog food, and the label says it has 20% protein. Most dry dog food contains about 85-95% dry matter. Let’s say that 90% of our 100g bag of dry food is dry matter, and it contains 20% of protein. 

So, we want to calculate 20% of 90 grams, which is 18 grams. Therefore, we can expect to find about 18 grams of protein in our 100g dry dog food. 

With all dog food, there’s a minimum requirement of 18% crude protein. But the amount of protein your pup actually needs depends on so many factors like their age, breed, health, and activity level. 

At Jinx, our kibble formula is the perfect balance of protein, fats, and carbs for the modern dog. We not only exceed the minimum requirements of protein but use high-quality protein sources and ingredients to keep that tail wagging every mealtime.

Why is Protein Important in Dog Food?

Just like humans, protein is crucial for dogs. When your pup eats their favorite dog food, the protein content is broken down into amino acids. These are super important nutrients that power all sorts of processes, from muscle development to digestive health. Our furry friends need to get essential amino acids through their diet, as their bodies can’t create them. 

Let’s dig a little deeper to see just why your pup needs to get enough protein in their diet.

Coat and Skin Health

Picture this: your excited pup is bounding toward you with a coat so shiny it reflects the sunlight as you head off on your morning walk. There’s nothing better than seeing your dog healthy and happy. Protein plays a big role in that.

Ever wondered how much protein supports your pup’s coat and skin health? Well, about 20% to 30% of your dog’s daily protein intake supports a shiny coat and healthy skin. Healthy fats like omega-3 and omega-6 also contribute to skin and coat health.

A healthy and balanced diet with high protein levels from good quality sources like chicken and beef is ideal for keeping your pup’s skin and coat in good shape. 

Muscle Development and Growth

Active and growing dogs need protein for muscle development, growth, and tissue repair. High-quality protein sources like chicken, beef, and fish provide a complete amino acid profile. 

Feeding your dog a diet that meets their protein needs really helps them reach their full potential and make sure they have the energy to love life. 

Protein is just as important for very active dogs to repair muscle as it is for a senior arthritic pooch to maintain muscle. It’s also essential for healing after an injury or surgery. 

Immunity

Protein supports the immune system in a few ways. A protein-rich diet makes sure the body has enough building blocks to produce antibodies, which help fight off infections. Protein intake is also important for optimal nutrient absorption, essential for a healthy immune system. 

Energy

Do you know the most efficient energy source for dogs? While you may think it's carbs, the answer is dietary fats. Fats provide more energy per gram than either protein or carbs. 

Although carbohydrates aren’t inherently bad for dogs, the perfect balance of carbs, protein, and fat is essential for maintaining energy levels. Protein itself is not the primary source of energy for dogs, but it is part of a balanced diet that helps them thrive and live a healthy life.

Weight Management

Obesity in dogs is a growing concern. When a dog carries extra weight, it can seriously affect their quality of life and lead to other health complications. 

A diet high in protein is great for healthy weight management, promoting fullness, and supporting lean muscle mass. All of these factors help prevent overeating and build muscle, which are important for supporting lots of physical activity. 

How Much Protein Does My Dog Need?

As a dog parent, it’s normal to wonder how much protein does a dog need per day. The first thing to know is that dogs are different, and their protein needs will change throughout their life. 

If you’re not sure how much protein a dog should get, your vet is the best person to ask. Here’s a general breakdown of how much protein dogs need each day: 

• Puppies and pregnant/nursing dogs: Around 22-25% crude protein. 
• Adults: At least 18% crude protein. 
• Senior dogs: Between 22-25% crude protein. 

The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) sets the rules for nutritional standards in dog food, including how much protein. Always check the guaranteed analysis sections when shopping. This will tell you all about the macronutrients. Although adult dog food has to contain a minimum protein requirement, there is no minimum protein quality, so it’s important to choose high-quality sources. 

A good tip to follow is to check that a real premium animal protein is the first ingredient listed on the dog food label, like our Jinx wet food or kibble recipes. Like human food labels, ingredients are listed by weight on dog food. That way, you know that the protein is the biggest ingredient by weight. 

Protein is essential for healthy, active, and strong dogs. The best way to make sure your pup gets all the protein they need is to choose a dog food that goes beyond the AAFCO’s standards. That’s why our all life stages Kibble formulas contain 27% protein from high-quality sources like cage-free chicken, Atlantic salmon, and grass-fed beef: perfect for adult and senior dogs. Our cage-free chicken puppy kibble recipe contains even higher protein content, at 30%, to support growth and development.  

Factors That Affect Your Dog's Protein Needs

How much protein your pup needs will depend on a few factors: 

• Age: Puppies and older dogs typically have higher protein needs than adult dogs. Puppies are growing muscles, while senior dogs require higher protein levels to maintain muscle mass. 
• Breed and size: Generally, larger dogs like German Shepherds and Great Danes will need more protein than smaller breeds. 
• Health conditions: Weight loss or gain, kidney problems, and other medical conditions can affect your pup’s protein requirements. 
• Activity level: Working dogs and pups with high activity levels, like Huskies, may need more protein than less active dogs. 

What's Wrong with Low-Protein Dog Foods?

How much protein should dog food have? The AAFCO states that dog food must contain at least 18% crude protein. While the AAFCO set a good baseline, Jinx recipes are designed to not just meet minimum requirements but exceed them for optimal nutrition. 

There are dog foods that meet the minimum requirement without providing any extra protein. These dog foods tend to be cheaper and of lower quality, as they rely heavily on carbs and fats for energy. The amount of protein, the quality, and the overall nutritional profile are all essential when determining the best food for your pup. The AAFCO standards are the bare minimum levels for basic health, but not enough to give your dog the fuel they need to thrive. 

There are times when your vet may prescribe a low-protein diet due to medical conditions. If you’re considering a low-protein diet, speak to your veterinarian beforehand, as it could cause deficiencies in a healthy dog.

Using a protein-rich meal topper can be an easy way to add a protein boost to your dog’s diet. But the best way to help your pup get all the protein they need is to choose a dog food that exceeds minimum protein requirements. If you do have an especially picky eater on your hands, a sprinkle of our salmon and pumpkin topper adds an irresistible boost to any meal!  

Best Sources of Protein for Dogs

When choosing food, get into the habit of scanning the dog food label. If there’s a specific animal protein as the first ingredient, then it’s a good sign that it’s the primary source of protein.  Let’s explore different types of protein for dogs and their benefits.

Animal Sources

Meat is an important and yummy source of protein for dogs. There are plenty of healthy protein sources:

• Chicken (a classic option that’s low in fat and high in protein) 
• Turkey 
• Lamb 
• Beef 
• Pork (make sure to choose lean cuts and avoid processed pork) 
• Eggs 
• Fish (salmon and tuna are great options and are full of omega-3 fatty acids) 
• Bison 
• Rabbit 
• Venison

Plant Sources

Dogs are omnivores, so they can flourish on a diet that contains both plant-based and animal-based protein sources. Unless your pup has allergies or sensitivities to meat protein, your vet is unlikely to suggest a plant-based diet for your dog. 

Plant-based protein sources for dogs include: 

• Peas 
• Lentils 
• Quinoa 
• Barley 
• Buckwheat 
• Oats 
• Chickpeas 
• Potato 
• Rice 

Nurture your pup from the inside out with Jinx dog food. Our premium kibble and wet dog food are packed with high-quality animal proteins and nutrient-rich plant sources to power up your pooch. All are expertly crafted to be irresistibly tasty and nutritious, using real ingredients for even the pickiest of eaters. 

At Jinx, we're here to upgrade the way you care for your dog by providing holistic nutrition made with thoughtful formulation, real ingredients, and a whole lot of love.