High Meat Content Dog Food
Veterinarian Dr. med. vet. Franziska G. explains: High Meat Content in Dog Food

"Unlike cats, dogs are not pure carnivores. Nevertheless, meat provides dogs with many of the nutrients they need to maintain various bodily functions. Meat is rich in high-quality proteins and essential amino acids (e.g. arginine), which you need for muscle building, heart function, cell regeneration and the immune system.
As such, many vets recommend a diet that is as balanced as possible and contains animal protein such as meat. In addition to the meat content, other important factors like the protein source, production process and composition of other ingredients determine whether the food is suitable for your dog."
This content is a translation of the original text published on zooplus.de, created by Veterinarian Dr.med.vet. Franziska G., in collaboration with our editorial team. The information provided is for general guidance only and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always consult your vet if you have any concerns about your pet’s health or wellbeing. The text on this page was written by veterinarian Franziska G. in co-operation with the zooplus team.
Veterinarian Dr. med. vet. Franziska G. explains: High Meat Content in Dog Food

"Unlike cats, dogs are not pure carnivores. Nevertheless, meat provides dogs with many of the nutrients they need to maintain various bodily functions. Meat is rich in high-quality proteins and essential amino acids (e.g. arginine), which you need for muscle building, heart function, cell regeneration and the immune system.
As such, many vets recommend a diet that is as balanced as possible and contains animal protein such as meat. In addition to the meat content, other important factors like the protein source, production process and composition of other ingredients determine whether the food is suitable for your dog."
This content is a translation of the original text published on zooplus.de, created by Veterinarian Dr.med.vet. Franziska G., in collaboration with our editorial team. The information provided is for general guidance only and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always consult your vet if you have any concerns about your pet’s health or wellbeing. The text on this page was written by veterinarian Franziska G. in co-operation with the zooplus team.
What is dog food with a high meat content?
To date, there is no legal definition of "dog food with a high meat content". However, it is generally recognised that a dog food with a high meat content contains at least 50 percent meat (or animal protein) on average. In addition to muscle meat and offal, this can also include fish or eggs. In most cases, dry dog food with a high meat content contains less meat than wet dog food with a high meat content.
What is dog food with a high meat content?
To date, there is no legal definition of "dog food with a high meat content". However, it is generally recognised that a dog food with a high meat content contains at least 50 percent meat (or animal protein) on average. In addition to muscle meat and offal, this can also include fish or eggs. In most cases, dry dog food with a high meat content contains less meat than wet dog food with a high meat content.
Which animal proteins are best for my dog?
Dog food with a high meat content contributes to a varied diet. A balanced diet is important for your dog's health. This includes a combination of the following animal protein sources to avoid a nutrient deficiency or surplus:
- Muscle meat: Meat contains many proteins and essential amino acids that are important for the health of muscles and cells.
- Fish: Fatty fish species (e.g. salmon and mackerel) contain many healthy omega-3 fatty acids such as EPA and DHA.
- Eggs: Although boiled eggs should only be fed in moderation, they still provide not only high-quality protein, but also healthy fats and vitamins.
- Offal: Heart, liver and kidneys are high in various minerals and vitamins.
Which animal proteins are best for my dog?
Dog food with a high meat content contributes to a varied diet. A balanced diet is important for your dog's health. This includes a combination of the following animal protein sources to avoid a nutrient deficiency or surplus:
- Muscle meat: Meat contains many proteins and essential amino acids that are important for the health of muscles and cells.
- Fish: Fatty fish species (e.g. salmon and mackerel) contain many healthy omega-3 fatty acids such as EPA and DHA.
- Eggs: Although boiled eggs should only be fed in moderation, they still provide not only high-quality protein, but also healthy fats and vitamins.
- Offal: Heart, liver and kidneys are high in various minerals and vitamins.
Which type of dog food has the highest meat content?
Meat content varies from feed to feed. Differences can be found among different brands and product lines, but also among the types of food:
- BARF food for dogs (raw feeding): BARF complete dog foods are generally characterised by a high proportion of animal proteins of around 70 to 80 percent.
- Wet dog food: High-quality wet food for dogs usually has a meat content of around 50 to 70 per cent.
- Dry dog food: Dry dog food has a slightly lower meat content, usually between 30 and 50 per cent.
- Dog food for seniors: Special food for older dogs usually has an adapted meat content of around 40 to 60 per cent, as they need less energy.
Which type of dog food has the highest meat content?
Meat content varies from feed to feed. Differences can be found among different brands and product lines, but also among the types of food:
- BARF food for dogs (raw feeding): BARF complete dog foods are generally characterised by a high proportion of animal proteins of around 70 to 80 percent.
- Wet dog food: High-quality wet food for dogs usually has a meat content of around 50 to 70 per cent.
- Dry dog food: Dry dog food has a slightly lower meat content, usually between 30 and 50 per cent.
- Dog food for seniors: Special food for older dogs usually has an adapted meat content of around 40 to 60 per cent, as they need less energy.
What happens if a dog gets too much protein?
Animal proteins are particularly important for muscle building, energy production and your dog's immune system. But too much meat can also have negative consequences. These include:
| Consequence- | Kidney strain |
|---|---|
| Description- | Healthy kidneys can normally excrete excess proteins well. However, in dogs that already suffer from kidney disease, too much meat in their diet can lead to more severe kidney problems. |
| Consequence- | Liver strain |
| Description- | A meat-rich diet can put a strain on the liver due to the excess protein, especially in dogs whose liver is already damaged. |
| Consequence- | Digestive problems |
| Description- | Due to the low fibre content of meat, a diet high in meat can cause digestive issues such as diarrhoea in dogs. |
| Consequence- | Obesity |
| Description- | Excess animal protein can be stored as fat, which increases the risk of obesity in dogs. |
| Consequence- | Nutrient deficiency |
| Description- | If the diet is too heavily focussed on meat, this can lead to a nutrient deficiency (e.g. vitamin deficiency), which can have various health consequences. |
Consequence- | Description- |
|---|---|
Kidney strain | Healthy kidneys can normally excrete excess proteins well. However, in dogs that already suffer from kidney disease, too much meat in their diet can lead to more severe kidney problems. |
Liver strain | A meat-rich diet can put a strain on the liver due to the excess protein, especially in dogs whose liver is already damaged. |
Digestive problems | Due to the low fibre content of meat, a diet high in meat can cause digestive issues such as diarrhoea in dogs. |
Obesity | Excess animal protein can be stored as fat, which increases the risk of obesity in dogs. |
Nutrient deficiency | If the diet is too heavily focussed on meat, this can lead to a nutrient deficiency (e.g. vitamin deficiency), which can have various health consequences. |
What happens if a dog gets too much protein?
Animal proteins are particularly important for muscle building, energy production and your dog's immune system. But too much meat can also have negative consequences. These include:
| Consequence- | Kidney strain |
|---|---|
| Description- | Healthy kidneys can normally excrete excess proteins well. However, in dogs that already suffer from kidney disease, too much meat in their diet can lead to more severe kidney problems. |
| Consequence- | Liver strain |
| Description- | A meat-rich diet can put a strain on the liver due to the excess protein, especially in dogs whose liver is already damaged. |
| Consequence- | Digestive problems |
| Description- | Due to the low fibre content of meat, a diet high in meat can cause digestive issues such as diarrhoea in dogs. |
| Consequence- | Obesity |
| Description- | Excess animal protein can be stored as fat, which increases the risk of obesity in dogs. |
| Consequence- | Nutrient deficiency |
| Description- | If the diet is too heavily focussed on meat, this can lead to a nutrient deficiency (e.g. vitamin deficiency), which can have various health consequences. |
Consequence- | Description- |
|---|---|
Kidney strain | Healthy kidneys can normally excrete excess proteins well. However, in dogs that already suffer from kidney disease, too much meat in their diet can lead to more severe kidney problems. |
Liver strain | A meat-rich diet can put a strain on the liver due to the excess protein, especially in dogs whose liver is already damaged. |
Digestive problems | Due to the low fibre content of meat, a diet high in meat can cause digestive issues such as diarrhoea in dogs. |
Obesity | Excess animal protein can be stored as fat, which increases the risk of obesity in dogs. |
Nutrient deficiency | If the diet is too heavily focussed on meat, this can lead to a nutrient deficiency (e.g. vitamin deficiency), which can have various health consequences. |
Which dry dog food has the highest meat content?
There are numerous dry foods for dogs that have a high meat content. One example is Wolf of Wilderness Adult "Wild Hills" Duck - grain-free with 41% fresh chicken meat.
Which dry dog food has the highest meat content?
There are numerous dry foods for dogs that have a high meat content. One example is Wolf of Wilderness Adult "Wild Hills" Duck - grain-free with 41% fresh chicken meat.
What percentage of meat should dog food contain?
For a healthy adult dog, a meat content of around 60 to 80 percent is generally suitable. However, the right amount of meat for your dog depends on the feeding method and individual factors. Older dogs, for example, have a lower protein requirement.
What percentage of meat should dog food contain?
For a healthy adult dog, a meat content of around 60 to 80 percent is generally suitable. However, the right amount of meat for your dog depends on the feeding method and individual factors. Older dogs, for example, have a lower protein requirement.
How can I find a good wet food with high meat content for dogs?
Good wet dog food with a high meat content is generally characterised by the use of high-quality ingredients and a good balance of nutrients. The fewer artificial additives and the more balanced the nutrients, the better the quality.
How can I find a good wet food with high meat content for dogs?
Good wet dog food with a high meat content is generally characterised by the use of high-quality ingredients and a good balance of nutrients. The fewer artificial additives and the more balanced the nutrients, the better the quality.
































