Is 20% protein dog food enough for my 17lb lightly active dog?

Hi and thanks for your post! Since Chloe is lightly active, I would choose the lower protein option (20% verses 25%). Higher protein foods are more appropriate for working dogs and highly active dogs. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

Interesting question! There are no hard and fast rules here and ut depends on the quality of protein and amount which is digested/absorbed, the lifestyle of the dog and any medical conditions, illness or injury. Maintenance diets in healthy pets are often lower in protein, injury, illness and intense exercise such as agility would require an increase in intake. Obesity is a concern and if Chloe is maintaining a kean, healthy weight i would not be concerned about changing her diet

Hello, increased protein will likely not be of much benefit for Chloe if she is not very active. Either of those foods, provided they meet the AAFCO requirements for a maintenance life stage will be sufficient for Chloe. A higher protein food would likely benefit a working dog the most. Hope this helps

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Unless your vet had given you specific diet requirements for a specific disease (kidney disease for example), this percentage should be fine. I will warn that some dogs actually develop diarrhea on high-protein foods, though I have seen many pets do great on it. Best wishes to you and Chloe!

Hello there! I'm not David obviously; unfortunately, I don't think he's on the forum at the moment as your priority question has been sitting for 20 minutes, so I'm answering it to make sure that you get an answer because you paid for one in a timely manner. I would consider a highly active dog as a working dog, such as one that helps herd sheep or pulls dog sleds for example. These are dogs that are active all day long, burning high amounts of calories, and require a special working dog diet to meet their caloric needs. If Chloe is walked 20-60 minutes five to six days a week, I would not classify her as highly active. She is active, but I would say more mildly active. Adult minimum fat percent of the diet should be 5.5%. The 10% should be fine for her. You can post again a free question in the forum if you want David to answer you, and it will stay until he gets to it. Best of luck, I hope this helps!

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I would just pick one protein source. I do not think Chloe is overweight, she has a waste. I wouldn't recommend letting her gain anymore though. I think the treats are fine as long as Chloe doesn't have a chicken allergy. I hope this helps and have a great day!

The recommended level for an adult, spayed dog is about 18% protein and 9-15% fat. If she is active as in a working dog, doing agility trials several times per week, or other high-intensity activities, then a higher fat/protein combination is needed as the body uses up more energy and the muscles need to be continually supplied with protein. However, for a typical house pet with regular exercise, sticking to the recommended amount is best. Overfeeding leads to excess calories which turn into fat and weight gain and are not used.