9 Ideas for Low Protein Dog Treats (DIY and Budget)

The words “low protein” and dog treats seem like they shouldn’t go together. While dogs are omnivores, meaning they can (and will!) eat almost anything humans can, they typically need high protein diets to be happy and healthy. The average adult dog requires about 18% of its daily nutrients from protein.

However, sometimes a dog needs to be put on a special low protein diet. A low protein diet is usually only prescribed under certain medical circumstances, such as if the dog has kidney disease, liver disease, or certain kinds of bladder stones.

When Does a Dog Need a Low Protein Diet?

Kidney and Liver Disease

If your dog has kidney or liver disease, your vet might recommend a low protein diet. A low protein diet is a way of reducing the workload on these organs. 

The kidney and liver are responsible for metabolizing proteins for use by the rest of the body. Reducing the amount of protein in your dog’s diet reduces the work these organs have to do, which is essential if these organs are already under stress or compromised.

The disorders that lead to kidney and liver disease are usually chronic, meaning that your dog’s new low protein diet will be a permanent change.

Bladder Stones

Urate bladder stones, the least common type of bladder stones found in dogs, can be alleviated by switching to a low protein diet. The cause of urate bladder stones is usually genetic, and urate bladder stones are the most easily dissolvable of all types of bladder stones.

Switching to a low protein diet is often enough to address bladder stones. In this case, the diet change is temporary and only needs to be adhered to until the bladder stones are gone.

The Best Low Protein Treats for Dogs

If your vet has recommended a low protein diet for your dog, they may prescribe some special food to feed them. What about treats? Your vet might have given you some recommendations of low protein treats to feed your dog.

We’ve put together this handy guide to help you find the best low protein treats for your canine buddy.

1. Hill’s Prescription Low Protein Dog Treats

Veterinarians often recommend Hill’s prescription dog food and treats for patients with specific dietary requirements. Hills is a company well-known for its scientific approach to making dog food.

Hill’s Low Protein Dog Treats have a protein content of about 12%, but they also have a high fiber content to aid in protein digestion. They are crunchy treats that are also good for your dog’s oral hygiene. They are low in sodium and calcium.  

2. Hill’s Grain-Free Soft-Baked Naturals Dog Treats

Hill’s Grain-Free Soft-Baked Naturals Dog Treats are not specifically made for a low protein diet. However, they are low enough in protein to meet most vets’ requirements for low protein diets.

Hill’s Grain-Free Soft-Baked Naturals Dog Treats are made with a blend of sweet potato and beef, with sweet potato being the primary ingredient. The amount of beef in these treats does not put the treat over the 10% protein threshold that most vets recommend for dogs with liver or kidney disease.

The treats are made without soy, wheat, or maize and contain no artificial colors or chemical ingredients.

3. Buddy Biscuits Grain-Free Soft Healthy Dog Treats

Buddy Biscuits contain a minimum of 5% protein and, depending on the flavor you choose, might have up to 7% protein. They come in three flavors: beef, chicken, and peanut butter. The primary ingredient in these treats is chickpeas.

Buddy Biscuits Grain-Free treats are low fat and low calorie and have a high moisture content, so they are soft and easy for your dog to eat. They are not small enough to use as training treats but are soft enough to easily tear into smaller pieces if that is how you intend to use them.

4. Kidney Restore Dog Treats

These treats, made by Healthy Kidney, Inc., do more than reward your dog. They provide renal support in treat form. As well as being low in protein, they are also high in nutrients that promote liver and kidney function.

Kidney Restore treats are high in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory herbs. They contain turmeric, calcium, vitamin B, C & E, cranberry extract, extract of Rehmannia, and acacia. While none of these are formal medications for liver or kidney disease, they have all been shown to support liver and kidney health and reduce inflammation.

Kidney Restore treats are not a substitute for medication.

5. Zuke’s Superfood Blend Dog Treats

Zuke’s is one of the most popular dog-treat brands around. Zuke’s makes all its products in the USA and use only the best all-natural ingredients. Their Superfood blend dog treats are not explicitly made to be low protein, but they contain only between 6-7% protein.

These treats come in three flavors: great greens, bold berries, and vibrant veggies. They are low-calorie and meat-free. They are also relatively low in fiber, so do not rely on them for this, and surprisingly high in sugar.

They are not grain-free but contain no corn, soy, or wheat.

6. Old Mother Hubbard Classic

These hard, bone-shaped treats are higher in protein than others on this list, at a minimum of 12% protein, so depending on what your vet recommends, they may or may not be suitable for your dog. They are 100% vegan, oven-baked, and contain no artificial preservatives.

The primary ingredient in Old Mother Hubbard Classic treats is whole wheat flour. They also contain apples, sweet potatoes, carrots, canola oil, flaxseed, and green tea and rosemary extracts. They come in three sizes: large, medium, and small.

7. Wholesome Pride Sweet Potato Treats

Wholesome Pride Sweet Potato treats are unique in that they contain just one ingredient: sweet potato. These 100% sweet potato treats are made of dehydrated sweet potato and come in three shapes: cuts, fries, and bites.

These treats are chewy and dense, so they are better used as an occasional treat rather than as a training reward. They are high in fiber and naturally grain, and gluten-free. The treats are made in the USA.

8. Pet Botanics Low Protein Treats for Dogs

Pet Botanics make some of the best, most convenient training rewards around. Their treats are pea-sized, soft, and easily ingested, making them the perfect treat to reward your dog during a training session.

Pet Botanics Low Protein treats are a low protein version of their regular training treats. They contain 12% protein and are low-calorie. The primary ingredient in the treat is pork liver, including sweet potato, carrots, flaxseed oil, and salmon.

They are pretty low in fiber.

9. Fruitables Pumpkin and Banana Flavor

Though not designed specifically to be low protein, the blend of the ingredients in many flavors of Fruitable treats makes them perfect for a low protein diet. Their pumpkin and banana flavor meets the protein requirements for a low protein diet at 8% protein. 

The primary ingredient in these treats is pumpkin. Other ingredients include oats, barley, sunflower oil, bananas, and vanilla flavor. They are high in fiber and contain no wheat, soy, or artificial preservatives.

Final Woof 

Treats are not a necessary part of your dog’s diet, but they make your dog’s life more fun!

Your vet is your best resource for understanding your dog’s dietary needs. Put your dog on a low protein diet only if your vet recommends it. Otherwise, keep feeding Fido the same high-quality, high-protein food you always have.