The lowdown on our protein and the benefits for your dog

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Reviewed by our experts. More info
Cindy Feng
Happy white dog at table with Lyka and fresh ingredients

Protein is a key building block in any healthy dog's diet. Not only is it super tasty — it's critical to your dog's bodily functions like regulating blood glucose levels, healing their body and aiding in digestion (just to name a few!).

Why does my dog need protein?

In humans, protein is an essential macronutrient, and the same is true for our pups. Protein builds and repairs muscle, hair and skin cells, and plays a starring role in hormone production.

Your dog can get their protein from plant sources, but animal protein has a much higher level of amino acids. Amino acid deficiency can lead to serious health problems such as dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM).

How much protein does your dog need?

Our dogs need a certain balance of ingredients in their diet to thrive (not just survive!). The optimum diet needs to be made up of at least 50% protein, as well as fruit, vegetables and superfoods.

Our recipes at Lyka contain an optimal mix of high protein, moderate fat and low GI carbohydrates.

On average, our recipes contain 57% protein, 15% carbohydrates and 15% fat. Our highest protein recipe is Kangaroo (67%), which also clocks in at just 9% fat — the leanest in our range. Our Fish Bowl has the most carbohydrates at 18%: just under half the commercial average!

Our protein explained

We believe in offering a wide variety of protein choices, because some dogs have allergies or intolerances to certain proteins, and there’s also the matter of personal preference. With six protein choices on offer, we are proud to be able to cater to the many adorable pups out there!

Lyka the dog sniffing Lyka pet food meals

Beef

Our grass-fed beef, ethically sourced in Queensland and WA, is a great choice to help your pupper thrive.

  • It contains high levels of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), a fatty acid with many benefits for your pupper.

  • It contains a lower omega 6:omega 3 ratio than grain-fed beef. An excess of omega 6s can cause chronic inflammation.

  • We also use beef heart, packed with Vitamin B12, which is crucial for enzyme function.

  • To boost your dog’s immunity and help with their vision, our recipes contain beef liver – one of the richest available sources of Vitamin A.

Chicken

Our chicken bowls contain lean, free-range chicken breast, which is also hormone and antibiotic-free. And let’s not forget the eggs, also packed with multiple benefits for our puppers.

  • High in iron, we also use chicken hearts in our recipes.

  • Our recipes contain a good serving of chicken liver, abundant in Vitamin A.

  • Our free-range eggs are high in choline, which is essential for brain function, and another great source of protein.

Turkey

Like our chicken, our barn-raised Hunter Valley turkey is hormone and antibiotic-free. Turkey has made waves in the human world for its many health-boosting properties and the same can be applied to your pupper’s diet.

Lamb

Your pupper may not have tried lamb in other food sources but it’s a delicious protein that can help your dog in many ways. As lamb is higher in fat, it might not be the best option if your dog has a sensitive tummy.

  • Bursting with iron, chowing down on our lamb recipe promotes healthy red blood cell development.

  • Lamb is rich in B-vitamins like niacin, which helps with healthy skin and energy.

  • Just like our other proteins, lamb’s liver is high in immunity-boosting Vitamin A.

Kangaroo

Our Kangaroo recipe is ultra-low in fat but high protein, and the perfect option if your dog has pancreatitis, diabetes, allergies or needs to reduce their fat intake.

  • A novel, high-protein option for pups with sensitivities

  • High in phytonutrients such as Vitamin C, to assist in preventing cell damage

  • Rich in bioactive ingredients, including raspberries, to help fight disease

Fish

A taste-bud-tingling recipe that's bursting with Omega-3s and 6s, it's a great option for pups suffering from sensitive skin, digestive issues, obesity, mobility concerns and diabetes.

  • Contains blue grenadier and sardines which are high in protein — essential for the growth and repairs of cells, muscles and tissue.

  • Includes a healthy dose of niacin, which is used to turn food into energy and keep your pup’s nervous and digestive systems in tip-top shape.

  • A great source of essential fatty acids such as Omega 3 and Omega 6, which are vital for healthy skin and coat, brain development, immunity, reducing inflammation, as well as supporting heart and kidney health.

Lyka: healthy food for your dog

Here at Lyka, we believe that whole ingredients, not just individual nutrients, matter - that's why our recipes contain an abundance of fresh and purposeful vet-approved ingredients. With six recipes on offer, each is nutritious and delicious, and complete and balanced for all life stages. Discover first-hand the benefits of high-quality, biological-appropriate proteins in your dog's diet - order a Starter Box today and say hello to the Lyka way!

This article was reviewed by Lyka's veterinary and nutrition experts

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A picture our range of Lyka meals

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