AAFCO sets the adult minimum at 18% crude protein, but the evidence-backed sweet spot for healthy adults is 24–28% from named animal sources — more matters for seniors and athletes, less is false economy.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| AAFCO adult minimum | 18% crude (on dry matter ~20%) |
| Practical sweet spot | 24–28% for maintenance |
| Athletes/working | 28–32% with fat 18–20% |
| Healthy seniors | 24%+ — never restrict without kidney diagnosis |
| Source beats number | Chicken meal > “fresh chicken only” at equal percentage |
Why the minimum is not the target
18% prevents deficiency, not flourishing. Muscle maintenance, immune function, and coat quality all improve toward the mid-20s — the margin matters as dogs age because protein efficiency declines. The old senior-protein myth (restrict it) is retired: healthy seniors need 24%+ and restriction only follows a kidney diagnosis (our kidney file).
Reading protein honestly
Percentage is only half the story — source quality is the other half. Plant proteins (pea, corn gluten meal) inflate the number without matching amino-acid profiles; our pea protein file and chicken meal file unpack the difference. Formula reviews in the library rate both axes.
FAQ
Is 26% protein enough for my dog?
For most adult dogs, yes — comfortably above minimum with margin. Athletes and hard keepers move to 28–32%.
Is high protein bad for kidneys?
In healthy dogs, no — the restriction logic applies only to diagnosed kidney disease. Healthy seniors need adequate protein most of all.
Related reading: Chicken meal file · Pea protein file · Kidney file · All FAQs