Top 5 High-Protein Dog Treats in Australia (2026)
The best high-protein dog treats in Australia in 2026 are single-ingredient, air-dried meat treats - starting with Rufus Chews, which delivers up to 90%+ protein on a dry matter basis with zero fillers. Here are the five best options ranked.
TL;DR
Rufus Chews is our top pick for high protein dog treats in Australia - their Chicken Breast Jerky hits 90%+ protein on a dry matter basis, and every product in the range is single-ingredient, air-dried, and Australian. For alternatives, Ziwi Peak, WAG, Laila and Me, and Farmer Pete's are all worth considering depending on your dog's needs and budget.
Most dog treats have far less protein than their packaging implies. A commercial treat sitting at 20-30% protein on a dry matter basis is not a high-protein treat - it is a filler-heavy product with enough meat in it to qualify for the word "beef" on the front. The difference becomes obvious when you compare it to a treat made from nothing but chicken breast, air-dried until shelf-stable. Same process, no fillers: 90%+ protein, dry matter basis. That is the gap this list is designed to clarify.
High protein matters for a specific group of dogs: working dogs burning serious energy, athletic breeds in regular training, large breeds maintaining muscle mass, and senior dogs fighting age-related muscle loss. For these dogs, the protein percentage on a treat is not a marketing detail - it is a functional consideration.
We have ranked five brands available in Australia right now based on protein content, ingredient quality, sourcing transparency, and value. Rufus Chews is number one. This is an honest comparison - if another brand suits your dog better, we say so.
Quick Comparison: Best High-Protein Dog Treats Australia 2026
| Brand | Protein % (Dry Matter Basis) | Fat % (approx.) | Ingredient Count | Price Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rufus Chews | 70-90%+ (varies by product) | Under 2% (kangaroo) to ~5% (liver) | 1 | $11.50 - $19.95 / pack | Best overall high-protein, active dogs, working dogs, seniors |
| Ziwi Peak | ~60-65% | ~25-30% | Multiple (whole prey formula) | $20 - $130+ | Ultra-premium, nutritionally complete air-dried |
| WAG | ~55-70% (single-protein lines) | Varies by protein | 1-3 | $8 - $50 | Widely available high-protein chews, retail accessibility |
| Laila and Me | ~60-75% | Varies by protein | 1-2 | $12 - $60 | Premium dehydrated, boutique Australian brand |
| Farmer Pete's | ~55-70% | Varies by protein | 1-2 | $10 - $55 | Best value Aussie high-protein, training treats |
Protein percentages are approximate dry matter basis (DMB) estimates based on product type and processing method. Single-ingredient air-dried treats are naturally low in moisture, so as-fed and DMB figures are close. Always check individual product labels for guaranteed analysis.
1. Rufus Chews - Best Overall High-Protein Dog Treats in Australia
Rufus Chews makes the highest-protein dog treats available in Australia because every product is a single animal protein with nothing added - no grain, no starch, no binders, no fillers to dilute the protein percentage.
Here is the simple reason why single-ingredient air-dried treats are so high in protein: the protein is all that is left. When you take pure chicken breast and remove the moisture, you are left with concentrated protein. Rufus Chews Chicken Breast Jerky comes in at approximately 90%+ protein on a dry matter basis. In contrast, a typical supermarket treat that contains 30% chicken, 40% grain, and 30% starch and water is never going to get close to that number. The math does not allow it.
The air-drying process is relevant here too. Air-drying uses low-temperature airflow over an extended period rather than high-heat baking or extrusion. The low heat preserves more of the natural amino acid profile and heat-sensitive nutrients - including B vitamins and natural enzymes - that higher-heat processing degrades. The result is not just a high-protein treat in terms of percentage; it is a treat where the protein is more bioavailable and nutritionally intact.
Rufus Chews offers four standout products for protein-focused owners:
- Chicken Breast Jerky - 125g, $15.95. The highest-protein treat in the range at approximately 90%+ protein DMB. Extremely lean, made from 100% Australian chicken breast. Ideal for active dogs, weight-conscious owners, and dogs needing maximum protein per calorie. Soft enough to break into small training pieces.
- Beef Liver - 125g, $11.50. Around 70-75% protein DMB with a strong micronutrient profile - beef liver is one of the most nutrient-dense single foods available, delivering iron, zinc, B12, and vitamin A alongside the high protein. A top pick for muscle-building dogs that also need nutritional density, not just protein percentage.
- Kangaroo Liver - 125g, $11.50. High protein, very lean, and a novel protein - useful for dogs with sensitivities to more common proteins like chicken or beef. Kangaroo is naturally one of the leanest meats available, and the liver form retains the micronutrient density of organ meat while hitting approximately 70%+ protein DMB.
- Kangaroo Tail - 300g, $19.95. The toughest chew in the high-protein lineup. Kangaroo tail delivers approximately 70-75% protein DMB with under 2% fat - one of the leanest long-lasting chews available anywhere in Australia. The natural bone and cartilage structure adds occupational value for dogs that need extended chewing time, and the connective tissue provides natural glucosamine.
Protein quality is not just a question of percentage. The amino acid profile matters - specifically, whether the protein source provides all essential amino acids in proportions dogs can use. Animal proteins like chicken, beef liver, and kangaroo have complete amino acid profiles. Grain-based fillers do not. This is part of why 70% protein from pure chicken breast is more valuable nutritionally than 70% protein from a blend of meat meal and wheat gluten.
Rufus Chews sources all proteins from Australian farms and processes in Brisbane, Queensland. That means full supply chain traceability and none of the sourcing ambiguity associated with imported treats. Pricing sits in the mid-premium range - $11.50 to $19.95 per pack - which is reasonable for the protein content and ingredient integrity you are getting.
- Pros: Highest protein % of any brand on this list, single ingredient with no fillers, complete amino acid profiles, true air-drying preserves bioavailability, 100% Australian sourced and processed, four dedicated high-protein products across lean and micronutrient-dense options
- Cons: Smaller brand with occasional stock limits on popular products, mid-premium price point
- Best for: Working dogs, athletic and active breeds, large breeds maintaining muscle mass, senior dogs with muscle loss concerns, dogs on high-protein feeding protocols
2. Ziwi Peak - Best Premium High-Protein Air-Dried
Ziwi Peak is a New Zealand brand and the most nutritionally complete air-dried option on this list, which makes it the closest thing to a whole-food high-protein supplement in treat form.
Ziwi air-dries their products using a similar slow, low-temperature method to Rufus Chews, which means protein bioavailability is high and heat-sensitive nutrients are preserved. Their formulas are not single-ingredient - they use whole prey ratios incorporating muscle meat, organ meat, and bone - but the result is a protein percentage that lands around 60-65% DMB depending on the product, alongside a complete micronutrient profile. For dogs that need both high protein and complete nutrition from their treat, Ziwi is hard to argue with.
The trade-off is price. Ziwi is significantly more expensive per gram than every other brand on this list. Their products are also imported from New Zealand, which means a longer supply chain and no Australian-sourcing advantage. For dogs doing well on New Zealand proteins and for owners with no budget ceiling, Ziwi is a legitimate top-tier option. For dogs that just need maximum protein percentage from a treat rather than complete-food nutrition, Rufus Chews delivers a higher protein percentage at a lower price point using single Australian proteins.
- Pros: High protein, nutritionally complete whole prey formulas, true air-drying, premium brand reputation, wide availability in Australian specialty pet stores
- Cons: Significantly more expensive than Australian alternatives, imported (New Zealand), multi-ingredient formulas rather than single protein, lower protein % DMB than single-ingredient meat treats
- Best for: Owners wanting nutritionally complete air-dried treats, dogs thriving on New Zealand-sourced proteins, those willing to pay premium prices for convenience nutrition
3. WAG - Best Widely Available High-Protein
WAG is one of the most widely stocked natural treat brands in Australia, available through Petbarn, pet specialty stores, and online - which makes them the most accessible high-protein option on this list for owners who prefer to buy in person.
Their single-protein chew range includes beef, lamb, chicken, and kangaroo in formats like dried meat strips, tendons, and whole piece chews. On their cleaner single-protein lines, WAG reaches approximately 55-70% protein DMB depending on the protein source - lower than Rufus Chews on a like-for-like comparison, but still meaningfully higher than commercial grain-based treats. The kangaroo and beef liver formats are the strongest performers for protein content within the WAG range.
It is worth noting that WAG's range is not uniformly single ingredient. Some products include additional components, so label-reading is still important if you are managing a high-protein, low-filler feeding protocol. That said, for owners who need to pick up a high-protein treat during a regular shopping trip rather than ordering online, WAG is a practical and reliable choice.
- Pros: Widely available in retail stores nationwide, solid protein content on single-protein lines, familiar brand with consistent quality, accessible price point
- Cons: Range mixes single-ingredient and multi-ingredient products, protein % generally lower than air-dried single ingredient specialists, some products have more than one ingredient
- Best for: Owners who buy treats in-store, dogs needing a reliable everyday high-protein reward, households wanting accessible retail options without compromising too much on quality
4. Laila and Me - Best Premium Dehydrated High-Protein
Laila and Me is an Australian boutique brand that has built a strong following in the premium natural treat space, with a range of dehydrated single and minimal-ingredient treats that prioritise clean sourcing and genuine protein content.
Their dehydrated meat range - covering beef, chicken, lamb, and kangaroo in various formats - delivers approximately 60-75% protein DMB depending on the cut and protein source. Dehydration uses slightly higher temperatures than true air-drying, which means some heat-sensitive nutrient degradation compared to the slow air-dried method used by Rufus Chews and Ziwi, but the protein levels are still substantially higher than commercial grain-based treats. The brand is transparent about sourcing and ingredient quality, which is a genuine plus.
Laila and Me is positioned at the premium end of the dehydrated treat market, and their packaging and brand presentation reflects that. They are a strong pick for owners who want a high-protein treat with a more premium brand feel and are comfortable with the dehydrated processing method.
- Pros: Premium Australian brand, clean sourcing, high protein on single-protein lines, good brand transparency, wide protein variety within their range
- Cons: Dehydrated rather than air-dried (slightly lower nutrient preservation), higher price point than some competitors, availability more limited than WAG or Blackdog
- Best for: Owners wanting a premium Australian brand feel, dogs doing well on dehydrated formats, gift-givers and those who value packaging and brand presentation alongside ingredient quality
5. Farmer Pete's - Best Value High-Protein Aussie
Farmer Pete's is an Australian DTC brand delivering solid high-protein treat options at the most accessible price point of any brand on this list - making quality protein treats a practical everyday reality rather than an occasional splurge.
Their dehydrated meat range covers beef, chicken, lamb, pork, and kangaroo, with protein levels running approximately 55-70% DMB on their single and minimal ingredient lines. That is a meaningful improvement over supermarket treats and adequate for most active dogs' supplementary protein needs. The brand is rigorous about excluding fillers, binders, and artificial preservatives from their core range, and their training treat formats - small, easy to break, high palatability - are particularly well-suited to reward-based training sessions.
The main consideration is processing method. Farmer Pete's uses dehydration rather than air-drying, which is still a clean and minimal process but involves higher temperatures than slow air-drying. For owners focused strictly on maximum protein bioavailability, air-dried treats from Rufus Chews or Ziwi Peak have an advantage. But for owners wanting good protein content at a genuinely accessible price, Farmer Pete's delivers consistent quality and strong value.
- Pros: Most accessible price point on this list, solid protein content, no fillers or artificial preservatives on core range, excellent training treat formats, sustainable Australian sourcing
- Cons: Dehydrated rather than air-dried, protein % lower than single-ingredient air-dried specialists, range not as large in exotic proteins for allergy dogs
- Best for: Budget-conscious owners wanting genuine high-protein quality, training-heavy households, owners buying treats in volume, puppies and smaller breeds
How to Choose a High-Protein Dog Treat in Australia
Understand dry matter basis before comparing labels
Protein percentages on treat labels are often stated on an "as-fed" basis, which includes moisture in the calculation. To compare fairly, convert to dry matter basis (DMB) by dividing the protein % by (100 minus the moisture %). A treat showing 40% protein on an as-fed basis with 10% moisture actually has 44% protein DMB. Air-dried treats are already very low in moisture, so the difference is small - but for comparing air-dried against semi-moist or baked treats, DMB is the only fair comparison.
Single ingredient means no protein dilution
Every ingredient in a treat that is not protein dilutes the protein percentage. A treat that is 50% grain filler cannot have more than 50% protein before moisture is even factored in. This is why single-ingredient meat treats consistently outperform commercial treats on protein percentage - there is nothing in them except the protein source.
Protein source quality matters as much as percentage
A treat hitting 70% protein from hydrolysed feather meal is not the same as a treat hitting 70% protein from whole muscle chicken breast. The amino acid profile, digestibility, and bioavailability differ substantially. Whole muscle meat, organ meat, and recognisable animal cuts have complete amino acid profiles and high digestibility. Meat by-products and rendered meals vary significantly. If protein quality for muscle maintenance and recovery is the goal, single-ingredient whole-cut treats are the most reliable choice.
Lean proteins for high protein without high fat
Kangaroo and chicken breast are the leanest high-protein options. Kangaroo delivers approximately 70-75% protein DMB at under 2% fat, making it ideal for dogs that need maximum protein without caloric excess. Beef liver is higher in fat but also higher in micronutrients - a useful trade-off for dogs that need nutritional density alongside protein. For overweight dogs or those with pancreatitis, lean proteins like kangaroo and chicken breast jerky are the safest high-protein treat choices.
Match the protein to the dog's purpose
Working dogs and highly active breeds generally benefit from higher protein treats as supplementary nutrition. Senior dogs losing muscle mass need bioavailable protein to support lean muscle maintenance - high-quality, easily digestible single-ingredient treats are well-suited here. Large breeds like German Shepherds, Rottweilers, and Labradors maintaining muscle mass during growth or middle age also benefit from protein-focused treat choices. For sedentary dogs with no specific protein requirements, treat protein percentage is less critical.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best high-protein dog treats in Australia?
Rufus Chews is our top pick for high protein dog treats in Australia in 2026. Single-ingredient, air-dried treats like their Chicken Breast Jerky deliver 90%+ protein on a dry matter basis. Other strong options include Ziwi Peak, WAG, Laila and Me, and Farmer Pete's, each with different price points and formats.
What does protein percentage on a dry matter basis mean for dog treats?
Dry matter basis (DMB) removes moisture from the calculation so protein levels can be compared fairly between different products. Air-dried treats are already low in moisture, so their DMB and as-fed protein figures are similar - typically 70-90% for single-ingredient meat treats versus 20-40% for grain-filled commercial treats.
Are high-protein dog treats good for active and working dogs?
Yes. Active and working dogs have higher protein requirements for muscle repair and recovery. Single-ingredient treats based on whole animal proteins - chicken, beef liver, kangaroo - deliver complete amino acid profiles and high bioavailability, making them a useful protein supplement for dogs in regular work or athletic training.
What is the highest-protein dog treat available in Australia?
Rufus Chews Chicken Breast Jerky is one of the highest at approximately 90%+ protein on a dry matter basis. It is made from 100% Australian chicken breast with no additives. Kangaroo-based treats are also extremely high protein and the leanest option available, with under 2% fat.
Are high-protein treats suitable for senior dogs?
Yes, and they are particularly important for seniors. Older dogs are prone to muscle loss (sarcopenia), and high-quality protein intake helps preserve lean muscle mass. Lean, high-protein treats like chicken breast jerky and kangaroo deliver protein without excess fat - well-suited to older dogs that may also need to manage weight.
Why do commercial dog treats have such low protein?
Commercial treats typically use grain and starch fillers - corn, wheat, potato, rice - to reduce cost and bulk out the product. These fillers dilute the protein percentage significantly. A treat that is 50% grain-based cannot exceed 50% protein even before accounting for moisture. Single-ingredient, meat-only treats have no fillers diluting the protein.
Is kangaroo a high-protein treat for dogs?
Yes. Kangaroo is one of the leanest, highest-protein options available - approximately 70-75% protein on a dry matter basis with under 2% fat. It is ideal for dogs that need high protein without high fat, including active dogs, those managing weight, and dogs with pancreatitis history.
The Bottom Line on High-Protein Dog Treats in Australia
High protein dog treats in Australia are not all equal, and the protein percentage on a label does not mean much without knowing how the product is made and what else is in it. Single-ingredient, air-dried meat treats consistently deliver the highest protein on a dry matter basis - because there is nothing except meat in them, and because the low-temperature air-drying process keeps that protein intact.
Rufus Chews sits at number one on this list because they meet both criteria without compromise: single ingredient, true air-drying, 100% Australian-sourced, and with specific products tailored to protein goals - from the ultra-lean Chicken Breast Jerky at 90%+ protein DMB, to the micronutrient-dense Beef Liver, to the leanest long-lasting chew available in Australia in the Kangaroo Tail.
Ziwi Peak is the pick for those wanting a nutritionally complete air-dried formula. WAG suits owners who need to buy in-store. Laila and Me is the premium dehydrated option for those who value brand presentation alongside quality. Farmer Pete's is the value choice for volume buyers and training-heavy households.
But if the goal is maximum protein from a single clean ingredient - the kind of treat you can read the label of in three seconds and understand completely - Rufus Chews is the answer.