
Alternative protein sources for dogs with allergies
Reagiert dein Hund empfindlich auf Rind oder Huhn? Futtermittelallergien belasten viele Fellnasen, wobei oft tierische Eiweiße die Auslöser sind (Müller et al. 2016). Aber keine Sorge: Es gibt wunderbare Alternativen, die deinen Schatz bestens versorgen. Wie pflanzliche Proteine die Gesundheit fördern können und worauf du bei der Auswahl achten solltest, erfährst du hier. Entdecke direkt unser Sortiment für sensible Hunde und finde die perfekte Lösung für deinen Napf.
From: Alena Thielert
Modified: 27.04.2026
Published: 27.04.2026
Why are proteins so important for dogs?
Proteins are essential nutrients in a dog's diet and are therefore particularly important for your four-legged friend's health. Proteins consist of amino acids that fulfill a variety of functions in the body. They not only serve as a source of energy, but also help to build muscle and regenerate body tissue. Furthermore, proteins are involved in numerous metabolic processes and also help to strengthen the immune system. Proteins are also involved in the formation of creatine, which in turn ensures healthy skin and a beautiful coat. All in all, your dog needs proteins to maintain its bodily functions.

High-quality proteins in dog food
For a balanced diet, it is important that the dog food contains high-quality proteins. These offer a high biological value, which means they are particularly well utilized by your furry friend. High-quality proteins for dogs can be of both animal and plant origin. However, the biological value of plant-based protein sources is somewhat lower, which is why a higher quantity is processed in the food.
A dog basically needs 20 amino acids, 10 of which are considered essential. This means that dogs cannot produce them themselves. They must therefore be ingested through food. Animal proteins contain all essential amino acids, while plant proteins may lack some. In order to cover all amino acids, it is therefore advisable to combine several plant protein sources. Ready-made, vegan dog food usually offers an optimal amino acid profile. However, if you want to cook for your pet yourself, supplements such as our ALL-IN VELUXE are an ideal addition to provide your four-legged friend with all the important amino acids.
Tip: If you want to conjure up a tasty meal for your furry friend yourself, we recommend our recipe "Proteins in a bowl".
The problem with animal proteins
Animal proteins in particular are among the main allergens in dogs. Beef (34%), chicken (15%) and lamb (14.5%) trigger allergic reactions most frequently. If your four-legged friend is diagnosed with a food allergy, it is important to avoid the food ingredient that triggers the allergy. One possible solution for dogs with allergies is single-protein dog food, which only contains a single protein source. In this way, a protein source to which the dog is not allergic can be specifically selected. Exotic meats such as horse, ostrich, kangaroo or camel are particularly suitable, as most dogs have not previously received these protein sources and are therefore less likely to have an allergic reaction. Dog food with insect protein can also be an alternative to conventional protein sources.
Plant-based protein sources for your furry friend
If you want to avoid animal proteins altogether, you can use plant-based proteins. These are particularly suitable for dogs with food allergies, but also provide healthy dogs with the protein they need. The best plant-based protein sources include
- Soja
- Linsen
- Erbsen
- Bohnen
- Lupinen
- Quinoa
- Haferflocken
- Amaranth
- Buchweizen
- Hanfsamen
- Tofu
- Mais
- Reis
- Kartoffeln
- Süßkartoffeln
VEGDOG: The dog food with plant-based proteins
We at VEGDOG have worked with vets to develop a purely plant-based dog food that meets 100% of your dog's requirements. It excludes the dog's main allergens and is therefore particularly well tolerated. In our dry food variety GREEN CRUNCH , we use sweet potatoes, peas and lentils as a plant-based protein source, while our wet food variety SENSITIVE contains amaranth, lentils and lupins. In addition to these varieties, we have many more in our range that score points with a first-class protein supply. Discover our vegan dog food and offer your dog a healthy diet that meets their needs
How much protein does a dog need per day?
A balanced supply of nutrients is essential, as both a protein deficiency and an excess of protein can lead to health problems. If your furry friend gets too much protein, for example, the kidneys can be damaged. Dog food with a low protein content is therefore also advisable for dogs with kidney disease.
Your dog's protein requirements depend on factors such as age, size, metabolism and activity level - so the following information is only a small guide: A healthy, adult dog should receive 2 to 6 g of crude protein per kilogram of body weight per day. The protein content of dry food should therefore be between 20 and 25 % and between 5 and 7 % for wet food. However, puppies, pregnant bitches and senior dogs have a higher protein requirement, as do very active working dogs.
