- The Best Dry Dog Food
- 1. Taste of The Wild High Prairie
- 2. BLUE Buffalo Life Protection Formula
- 3. ORIJEN Original Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
- 4. Purina Pro Plan Savor
- 5. Hill’s Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin
- 6. Merrick Grain Free Dry Dog Food
- 7. BLUE Wilderness Nature’s Evolutionary Diet
- 8. Rachael Ray Nutrish Food for Dogs
- 9. Wellness Core Protein Rich Nutrition
- 10. Iams MiniChunks
- 11. Nutro Wholesome Essentials
- 12. Whole Earth Farms Grain Free Recipe
- 13. Diamond Naturals Adult Dog Food
- 14. Royal Canin Small Breed Dog Food
- 15. Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Dog Food
To be healthy, happy, with optimal weight and shiny coat, dogs need quality nutrition. But exactly what is that – quality canine nutrition? Is it whole meats only, or are veggies, grains, and fruits allowed? Sure, if money was no issue, we’d all let our dogs eat whole meats like fresh chicken and lamb to their heart’s desire, but unfortunately, whole meats are expensive. The next best thing? Quality dry dog foods that are packed with good animal protein, healthy carbs and fat.
But finding the best dry dog food is no easy task. With literally thousands of options to choose from, it can be difficult to find the food that offers great nutrition, your dog loves and your budget doesn’t mind. Luckily, you’re in the right place. After consulting with several experts and reviewing hundreds of different dog diets, we’ve created a list of what we believe are the best dry dog foods currently on the market. And if you need more information on canine nutrition? Our buying guide is there to help!
The Best Dry Dog Food
1. Taste of The Wild High Prairie
Key Features
Calorie content: 3,719 kcal/kg, 370 kcal/cup
Crude protein: 32%
Crude fat: 18%
Crude fiber: 4%
Maximum moisture: 10%
With essential vitamins minerals, Taurine and species-specific probiotics
First three ingredients: buffalo, lamb meal, chicken meal
Rich in quality animal protein and healthy fats, the Taste of the Wild High Prairie Canine Recipe is a high-quality dog food that offers the best in terms of both nutrition and taste. Made with roasted bison and roasted venison, it offers a unique flavor that your dog could only taste in the wild.
The first three ingredients in this recipe are animal protein sources: buffalo, lamb meal and chicken meal. And that’s not even all of it – besides these delicious and nutritious ingredients, the formula also contains roasted bison and venison, beef and ocean fish meal. Quality protein, indeed! There are several antioxidant-rich plants in here too, including sweet potatoes, potatoes, tomatoes, pea protein, blueberries, raspberries and dried chicory root for extra fiber. The recipe doesn’t contain any artificial additives and is grain-free, making it ideal for both healthy and sensitive pups. If you want to find out more about their company, product lines, and recall history, read our overview of Taste of The Wild Dog Food.
2. BLUE Buffalo Life Protection Formula
Key Features
Calorie content: 3,613 kcals/kg, 377 kcals/cup
Crude protein: 24%
Crude fat: 14%
Crude fiber: 5%
Maximum moisture: 10%
With essential vitamins and minerals and Glucosamine
First three ingredients: deboned chicken, chicken meal, brown rice
Made with nutritious and easily digestible ingredients, the Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula is a good choice for all adult dogs. Well-balanced and complete, with quality animal protein, wholesome grains, vegetables and fruit, this recipe promotes the well-being of all dog breeds.
The first two ingredients are deboned chicken and chicken meal, which is a great source of Glucosamine, whic supports joint health and repair. As for grains, there are brown rice, barley and oatmeal, all rich in fiber and plant protein. The recipe also contains flaxseed, peas, potatoes, alfalfa meal and chicken fat, making it nicely balanced with 24% of protein and 14% of fat. Thanks to flaxseed and chicken fat, it also has a good omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acid ratio which helps promote healthy skin and coat. To provide a complete diet, the formula is enriched with vitamins and minerals, but is free from all artificial additives.
3. ORIJEN Original Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
Key Features
Calorie content: 3940 kcal/kg, 449 kcal per/cup
Crude protein: 38%
Crude fat: 18%
Crude fiber: 4%
Maximum moisture: 12%
With Glucosamine and Chondroitin sulfate, zinc and other naturally occurring vitamins and minerals
First three ingredients: deboned chicken, deboned turkey, Atlantic flounder
If you want only the absolute best for your pet in terms of nutrition, look no further than Orijen Original All Life Stages recipe. Orijen, in general, is one of the top dog food brands, so no matter which formula you choose, both you and your furry friend will love it. The reason why we love this particular recipe the most is because it contains various easily digestible, tasty animal protein sources, plus several nutritious but low-glycemic carbohydrate sources.
So, what is in this formula? Let’s start with the animal protein sources, which take up 85% of the ingredients. Chicken, turkey, Atlantic flounder, Atlantic mackerel, whole Atlantic herring, and several nutritious chicken and turkey organs like hearts, livers and kidneys. Besides these, legumes, veggies, fruits and seeds are also a part of the ingredient list, including red and green lentils, pinto beans, peas, pumpkin, carrots, apples, pumpkin and sunflower seeds, and many others. It’s a fantastic combination of nutritious, antioxidant and fiber-rich ingredients that work together to promote the health of all dogs, no matter their breed or age. Because there are no additives or fillers, this is also the best puppy food on our Top list.
You may also like our Orijen Dog Food Review.
4. Purina Pro Plan Savor
Key Features
Calorie content: 3997 kcal/kg, 382 kcal/cup
Crude protein: 26%
Crude fat: 16%
Crude fiber: 3%
Maximum moisture: 12%
With essential vitamins and minerals, prebiotics and Glucosamine
First three ingredients: chicken, rice flour, whole grain wheat
Provide your pooch with complete and balanced nutrition without breaking the bank with Purina Pro Plan Savor dry dog food. Made with natural prebiotic and highly digestible ingredients such as chicken, grains and quality fat, this dog food is well-balanced, perfect for healthy, adult dogs.
Some of the ingredients you’ll find in this recipe include chicken, poultry by-product meal and fish meal, which are a source of Glucosamine, so necessary for healthy joints. Rice flour, whole grain wheat, soybean meal, whole grain corn and wheat bran are all part of the blend too, adding fiber (natural prebiotic) and more protein to the formula. The recipe also contains added vitamins and minerals, so it provides 100% complete nutrition. If your dog is a picky eater, we’d highly recommend this one because hard kibble combined with tender, shredded bites makes for an appetizing texture as well as flavor.
5. Hill’s Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin
Key Features
Calorie content: 3734 kcal/kg, 392 kcal/cup
Crude protein: 21%
Crude fat: 12%
Crude fiber: 4%
Maximum moisture: 10%
With essential vitamins and minerals and Taurine
First three ingredients: chicken, brewers rice, chicken meal
If your pup is struggling with digestive issues and itchy, inflamed skin and lackluster coat, give Hill’s Science Diet Sensitive Stomach and Skin a try. Made with wholesome ingredients such as chicken and highly digestible grains, veggies and fruits, this nourishing recipe promotes gentle digestion and healthy skin and coat.
The ingredients you’ll find in this dog food include chicken and chicken meal, brewers rice and brown rice, peas, barley, whole grain sorghum, apples, broccoli, cranberries and other. Rich in antioxidants and prebiotic fiber, they help feed your pup’s beneficial gut bacteria, promoting healthy digestion and overall well-being. Healthy fats, coming from ingredients such as chicken fat, flaxseed and soybean oil, provide omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids which help lower inflammation, promoting skin health. Of course, there are added minerals and vitamins as well, including vitamin E for skin and coat nourishment.
Read here our review of Hill’s Science Diet Dog Food.
6. Merrick Grain Free Dry Dog Food
Key Features
Calorie content: 3641 kcal/kg, 385 kcal/cup
Crude protein: 38%
Crude fat: 15%
Crude fiber: 3.50%
Maximum moisture: 11%
With essential vitamins and minerals, Glucosamine hydrochloride and Chondroitin sulfate
First three ingredients: deboned beef, lamb meal, sweet potatoes
Give your pet the food that is as yummy as it is nourishing with Merrick’s Real Texas Beef and Sweet Potato canine recipe. Made with real, deboned beef, along with various nutritious veggies and fruits, this dog food delivers allergy-friendly nutrition that promotes the health of adult pups.
Besides beef, this grain-free formula contains lamb meal, sweet potatoes and potatoes, peas, organic alfalfa and other ingredients. For natural antioxidant content, there are apples and blueberries, while flaxseed, sunflower oil and salmon oil provide the recipe with much needed essential fatty acids, which are necessary for overall health, but also better skin and coat condition. There are added vitamins and minerals too, making the food well-balanced and complete. Because this is a grain-free, as well as artificial additive-free recipe, it’s suitable for dogs with grain sensitivities and digestive issues.
Check out our guide on Merrick Dog Food.
7. BLUE Wilderness Nature’s Evolutionary Diet
Key Features
Calorie content: 3,599 kcal/kg, 409 kcal/cup
Crude protein: 34%
Crude fat: 15%
Crude fiber: 6%
Maximum moisture: 10%
With essential vitamins and minerals and Glucosamine
First three ingredients: deboned chicken, chicken meal, peas
Formulated to mirror the natural diet of wolves, the Blue Buffalo Wilderness Chicken recipe is a healthy dog food that will not only nourish your pet’s well-being, but also satisfy their high protein cravings. Made with wholesome foods, including two different animal protein sources and just the right amount of carbohydrates, this is one high-quality dry dog food.
The ingredients include deboned chicken and chicken meal (great source of Glucosamine), as well as Menhaden fish meal which contains plenty of omega-3 fatty acids. As for vegetables, seeds and fruits, you’ll find the usual – peas, flaxseed, potatoes and sweet potatoes, alfalfa meal, blueberries, cranberries and other healthy foods. But that’s not all – this recipe also contains some ‘superfoods’ such as turmeric, dried kelp and parsley which are all packed with phytochemicals and antioxidants that help fight inflammation. The formula is also enriched with all essential supplements, so it provides well-balanced nutrition for all adult dogs.
8. Rachael Ray Nutrish Food for Dogs
Key Features
Calorie content: 3,508 kcal/kg, 326 kcal/cup
Crude protein: 26%
Crude fat: 14%
Crude fiber: 4%
Maximum moisture: 10%
With essential vitamins and minerals
First three ingredients: chicken, chicken meal, dried peas
Made with simple, wholesome and healthy ingredients, such as the U.S. farm-raised chicken, Rachel Ray’s Nutrish Chicken & Veggies recipe is a good choice for all adult healthy dogs. The recipe includes one animal protein source and various natural grains, legumes and vegetables, plus all the necessary vitamins and minerals.
The first two ingredients here are chicken and chicken meal – easily digestible and nourishing, these are the perfect ingredients for chicken-loving dogs. Othe ingredients include soybean meal, whole ground corn, peas, brown rice, alfalfa concentrate and dried beet pulp for extra fiber and good digestion. With 26% of protein and 14% of fat, this is a nicely balanced dog food that both supports muscle maintenance and healthy coat and skin. Importantly for sensitive canines, it’s free from all artificial additives, including preservatives, colors and flavors.
Find out more about Rachael Ray Dog Food.
9. Wellness Core Protein Rich Nutrition
Key Features
Calorie content: 3,660 kcal/kg or 421 kcal/cup
Crude protein: 34%
Crude fat: 16%
Crude fiber: 4%
Maximum moisture: 10%
With essential vitamins and minerals, Glucosamine, Chondroitin Sulfate and Beta-Carotene
First three ingredients: deboned turkey, turkey meal, chicken meal
Packed with wholesome, nutritious ingredients, including lean animal proteins and antioxidant-rich fruits and veggies, Wellness Core Original dry dog food is a great choice for all dog breeds, including the sensitive canines. Free from grains but with plenty of fiber, it’s suitable even for pets with poor digestion.
The main protein sources– deboned turkey, turkey meal and chicken meal – are also the first three ingredients, making this recipe high in crude protein (a whopping 34 percent!). These are followed by peas, potatoes, flaxseed, spinach, broccoli, carrots, apples, blueberries and many other highly nutritious foods. As for the fat sources, with chicken fat and salmon oil, the formula contains lots of essential fatty acids, which are crucial for healthy skin and shiny coat, among other things. Considering this is a grain-free recipe, it’s suitable for dogs with grain sensitivities and digestive issues. At the same time, the recipe can also be fed to sensitive dogs in general, as it’s artificial additives free.
For more information on the brand, check out our Wellness Core Dog Food Review.
10. Iams MiniChunks
Key Features
Calorie content: 3,650 kcal/kg, 380 kcal/cup
Crude protein: 25%
Crude fat: 14%
Crude fiber: 4%
Maximum moisture: 10%
With essential vitamins and minerals and L-Carnitine
First three ingredients: chicken, ground whole grain corn, ground whole grain sorghum
Who says that quality dry dog food has to be expensive? Iams ProActive Health Adult MiniChunks is proof that there are still healthy and tasty affordable dog foods. Made with animal protein, whole grains and fruit, this formula is a good choice for adult, healthy dogs.
The main protein sources here are chicken, chicken by-product meal and dried egg product. These ingredients help dogs build strong muscles as well as maintain them more easily, while grains like whole grain sorghum and whole grain corn up the fiber content to promote healthy digestion. Spinach, tomatoes, green peas, carrots, and dried apple and blueberries pomace provide much needed vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that help dogs develop a strong immune system. To help our furry friends burn fat and maintain a healthy metabolism, the recipe contains L-Carnitine, as well as all essential minerals and vitamins.
11. Nutro Wholesome Essentials
Key Features
Calorie content: 3,736 kcal/kg, 379 kcal/cup
Crude protein: 26%
Crude fat: 15%
Crude fiber: 3%
Maximum moisture: 10%
With essential vitamins and minerals, Chondroitin Sulfate, Glucosamine and DHA
First three ingredients: chicken, chicken meal, brewers rice
Specially formulated for large breed dogs, Nutro Wholesome Essentials Large Breed dry dog food contains everything a large dog needs to thrive –and then some. The chicken, brown rice and sweet potato recipe is well-balanced, yummy, healthy and nourishing, and can be fed to both adult dogs and puppies.
With several animal protein sources, such as chicken, chicken meal and lamb meal, this recipe provides quality canine nutrition, no matter the age of your pet. Brewers and brown rice, peas, whole grain sorghum, sweet potato, dried blueberries, apples and carrots increase the fiber and antioxidant content, promoting a strong immune system. And thanks to chicken fat and fish oil, the recipe is high in omega-3 fatty acids, including DHA to support neural development of young pups. This, and the fact that there are no artificial additives present, make Nutro Wholesome one of the best dog foods for puppies.
Read the in-depth Nutro Dog Food Review.
12. Whole Earth Farms Grain Free Recipe
Key Features
Calorie content: 3478 kcal/kgm 348 kcal/cup
Crude protein: 26%
Crude fat: 13%
Crude fiber: 3.5%
Maximum moisture: 11%
With essential vitamins and minerals
First three ingredients: pork meal, dried potatoes, peas
Whether you’re looking for quality dog food for your senior dog, an energetic adult, or a still-developing puppy, Whole Earth Farms All Stages recipe is a good choice. Formulated to satisfy the needs of all breeds and all life stages, this dry dog food is packed with wholesome ingredients, including several animal protein sources, vitamins and minerals.
The protein sources include pork meal, pork, beef and lamb. This is followed by nutritious veggies, fruits and even antioxidant-rich spices, including potatoes and sweet potatoes, peas, organic alfalfa meal, dried blueberries, rosemary, sage and thyme. With 13% of fat (pork fat and salmon oil) and just the right amount of total calories, this recipe is healthy and moderate, perfect for weight maintenance. There are no grains of any kind here, so the formula is suitable even for canines with grain sensitivities and allergies. Finally, since this is an artificial additive-free dog food, it’s a good option for sensitive pets in general. Whole Earth Farms Grain-Free Dry Dog Food is one of 7 dog food recipes included in our review of Whole Earth Farms Dog Food.
13. Diamond Naturals Adult Dog Food
Key Features
Calorie content: 3,518 kcal/kg, 329 kcal/cup
Crude protein: 25%
Crude fat: 15%
Crude fiber: 4.5%
Maximum moisture: 10%
With essential vitamins and minerals, Taurine and probiotics
First three ingredients: beef meal, peas, ground white rice
Give your adult dog the nutrition they deserve with Diamond Naturals Beef Meal & Rice recipe. Packed with quality protein, fruits, veggies and highly digestible grains, this formula will nourish your pet while providing the energy they need to stay active. The addition of several ‘superfoods’ helps dogs develop a healthy and strong immune system while promoting healthy skin and shiny coat.
So what’s in here? Besides beef meal and white rice, the recipe also contains flaxseed, dried beet pulp and chicory root, kale, chia seeds, oranges, blueberries, pumpkin, coconut, spinach, papaya and many, many other fiber and antioxidant-rich foods. It’s a highly nutritious blend of ingredients that supports the health and well-being of adult dogs. Plus, it tastes delicious! Of course, the recipe is also supplemented with all important vitamins and minerals, as well as probiotics for healthy digestion. Since it doesn’t contain any artificial additives, it’s also suitable for sensitive pets.
14. Royal Canin Small Breed Dog Food
Key Features
Calorie content: 3744 kcal/kg, 359 kcal/cup
Crude protein: 25%
Crude fat: 14%
Crude fiber: 3.4%
Maximum moisture: 10%
With essential vitamins and minerals, L-Carnitine
First three ingredients: corn, chicken by-product meal, brewers rice
Small breed and toy dogs may be tiny, but they have huge and usually picky appetites. That’s why Royal Canin Size Health Nutrition for small adult dogs may be a good choice. Made with nutritious grains, veggies and chicken, this recipe features small and yummy pieces of kibble.
The ingredients include chicken by-product meal, corn, brewers and brown rice, wheat and dried beet pulp for extra fiber. There is also chicken fat and fish oil, which provide omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids, including DHA which is very important for brain health. The recipe also contains all the essential (added) vitamins and minerals, and includes L-Carnitine which promotes healthy metabolism and helps pups shed that extra fat easier. Although simple in its formulation, this dry dog food provides healthy sustenance, plus tastes delicious which is great news for all picky eaters.
15. Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Dog Food
Key Features
Calorie content: 3,410 kcal/kg, 355 kcal/cup
Crude protein: 21%
Crude fat: 12%
Crude fiber: 4%
Maximum moisture: 10%
With essential vitamins and minerals, Taurine and Beta-Carotene
First three ingredients: lamb meal, brown rice, brewers rice
Dogs with sensitive health, such as digestive issues, excessive shedding and itchy skin, need a special diet that won’t aggravate their problems but alleviate them. Natural Balance L.I.D. lamb meal and brown rice recipe is perfect for that. Formulated with a limited list of protein and carbohydrate sources, this dog food will nourish your sensitive pet without causing digestive upset.
Besides lamb meal and brown rice, which are the first two ingredients, the recipe contains other highly digestible and nutritious foods, such as brewers rice and rice bran, lamb, and dried tomato pomace and canola oil. Pretty simple, but still healthy and nourishing. Of course, there are added supplements too, including all essential minerals and vitamins, Taurine for heart health and Beta-Carotene for extra antioxidant content. There are no artificial additives of any kind, and the recipe is even free from corn, wheat and soy – perfect for pets with ultra-sensitive health.
Best Dry Dog Food Buying Guide & FAQ
Every pet parent who loves their dog like a member of their family wants the best for them. But when it comes to canine nutrition, finding ‘the best’ food is tricky. Are grains healthy or should you avoid them? Are by-product meals ok in well-balanced formulations or should you steer clear from brands that use them? Should you feed your pup breed-specific foods or regular kibble? With so many different options on the market, it’s no wonder most dog owners feel overwhelmed and confused!
To make the process of finding the best dry dog food for your pet easier, we’ve put together this buying guide. Here, we cover everything you need to know about proper dog nutrition, including the things to consider and maybe avoid when shopping for dog foods. We’ve also answered some of the frequently asked questions about dog diet in general down below, so stay tuned until the very end.
Things to Consider When Buying Dry Dog Food
Finding a quality, well-balanced dry dog food for your pet can sometimes be headache-inducing – with literally thousands of varieties to choose from, how does one decide?
Fortunately, you don’t have to be an expert on canine nutrition, you just need to know the basics, which we cover right here. Before buying any dog food, consider the following.
- The health condition of your pet
The current health condition of your dog is of utmost importance. Healthy dogs who eat whatever is served in front of them have the most options – quality protein, healthy carbohydrate sources such as whole grains, veggies, fruits and seeds, as well as some good fat sources should all be present in your dog’s food. Although some pet parents avoid grains, there’s really no reason to do that unless your pet has grain allergies or sensitivities. Check out our article on grain free dog food.
Sensitive dogs, on the other hand, have fewer options, as they should avoid the ingredients that cause them digestive upset and/or other health problems. These may or may not be grains, though –the only way to know for sure if grains are the problem is to have your pet checked by your veterinarian. Grains, especially whole grains, are a great source of fiber, plant protein, and vitamins and minerals and you really shouldn’t exclude them from your dog’s diet just because of the grain-avoidance trend. For more options, check out our detailed review of dog foods for sensitive stomachs.
- The age and size of your pet
The age, as well as the size and particularly the weight of your dog matter too. Puppies need different nutrition than adult and senior dogs because they’re still developing and growing. If you’re looking for the best dry puppy food, pay attention to the macronutrients first and foremost – there should be plenty of protein and healthy fats there, as well as some fiber for good digestion. Omega-3 fatty acids and DHA specifically are also important as they promote healthy brain development in young pups.
Overweight pets also need a different diet than healthy dogs. For one, they need fewer calories, and two, they require significantly less fat than other pets. If your furry friend is on the chubby side, it may also be a good idea to look for high fiber dog foods as fiber increases the volume of the food (so they still get to eat quite a lot) without packing on the calories.
You may also like our article on Dog Food for Weight Loss.
- The quality of the food and your dog’s preferences
While we all want the best for our four-legged companions, it’s not always possible to feed them the healthiest of foods. There are several reasons for that, but let’s start with the most obvious ones. One, it’s actually difficult to find the food that is both healthy, highly nutritious and budget-friendly. Two, super-healthy food is different for each dog – some dogs will thrive on high protein foods, while others will get sick, especially if they already have kidney problems. And finally, even when you find quality, healthy food that’s affordable, there’s no guarantee your pet will actually want to eat it.
So how do you go from here? We have a few pointers: firstly, always take into account your dog’s specific health conditions, lifestyle, age, and weight before purchasing dog food. Secondly, pay attention to the macro- and then micro-nutrients of the food. You want quality animal protein in the formulation (this will depend on your dog’s health, of course, but generally 20% to 35% of crude protein is good), some healthy carbs such as wholesome grains (if not sensitive), veggies and fruits, and also some fat, preferably coming from animal fat like chicken fat, fish oil, salmon oil, but also canola oil, etc. And what about the taste? Although added flavors are not recommended for sensitive canines, they can be life-saving for finicky eaters. As long as the flavor is there in small quantities and the food is well-balanced otherwise, a little bit of added flavor doesn’t hurt (natural are always better than artificial, though).
What to Avoid Feeding Your Dog
To purchase the best dry dog food for your pet, besides knowing what to look for, you should also know what to stay away from. While each dog is different (e.g. some may thrive on grains-included formulas, others may not), there are some things that most pets simply don’t do well on. We talk about the most important ones here.
- Artificial preservatives
Pet foods need to contain preservatives in order to stay fresh and safe for a long time. However, there are many ways to preserve dog food, and only one of them includes using artificial preservatives. Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) and ethoxyquin are some of the most commonly used artificial preservatives in pet foods, and while they’re highly effective at preventing food from spoiling, they have also been linked to certain health issues. Some studies have shown that ingesting large amounts of these preservatives leads to health problems, including cancer in laboratory animals. However, it’s worth noting that pet foods (as well as human foods!) contain very small amounts of preservatives, so these problems may never actually happen in real life. Still, considering there are natural alternatives such as vitamins C and E and plant extracts like rosemary, there’s no need to risk it.
Take a look at our guide on Organic Dog Food.
- Artificial flavors and colors
We mentioned that dog foods with added flavor can be life-saving for picky eaters. They’re also a good option for extremely skinny, rescue dogs who are wary of foods given to them. However, when it comes to non-picky eaters, there’s really no need for added flavors at all. Sure, in small quantities and in well-balanced formulas, added flavor will just improve the palatability of the food and won’t cause any issues. But for sensitive dogs, added flavor, and especially artificial flavor, may cause problems. For this reason, it’s best to stay away from both artificial flavors and colors as they don’t add anything in terms of nutrition to the food, only make the recipe taste and look better.
- Certain ‘people foods’
Finally, it’s important to know that certain people foods are harmful to pets. Although no quality dog food brand will use these foods in their formulations, it’s still a good idea to be on the lookout and read the ingredients list.
- Xylitol: this sweetener can cause dangerous blood sugar drops in dogs, as well as liver failure if ingested in large amounts.
- Onions, garlic, chives: whether raw, cooked or powdered, these plants are not healthy for dogs in large quantities. They can kill red blood cells, causing anemia and vomiting.
- Grapes and raisins: these fruits can cause kidney failure in dogs and even a small amount can make a dog sick, inducing vomiting.
Dog Food Prices: Is Expensive Dry Dog Food Really Better?
Although the old adage “you get what you pay for” has some merit in general, it’s not always true when it comes to dog nutrition. There are quality dog food brands that are inexpensive, just like there are mediocre pet foods that are obscenely overpriced. So how do you go about finding a food that is both healthy and budget-friendly?
- Look for complete dog foods: the most important thing for good dog food is that it’s well-balanced and complete. This means that the final formula meets or exceeds the standards set by nutritional authorities, particularly the AAFCO.
- Look at the Guaranteed Analysis and the Ingredient List: make sure the food you’re buying contains enough quality protein and healthy fat for your dog, plus some nutritious carbohydrate sources. After you’ve checked out the Guaranteed Analysis section, take a quick look at the ingredient list. The best dog food brands use real meats and meals, wholesome and low-glycemic carbs and healthy fats in their formulations. That said, by-products are not something you should avoid in well-balanced, affordable foods –many experts agree they’re highly nutritious, sometimes even more so than lean muscle meats.
- Look for reputable brands: while we're for trying out different dog food brands, if you want a brand that consistently makes healthy, tasty and reasonably priced recipes, it’s ok to stick to it. In any case, what’s important is to look for reputable brands, companies that have safe and sustainable manufacturing practices.
Our Top Pick
We hope that our Top 15 list has helped you find the right food for your pet, or at least armed you with a better understanding of dog nutrition. As for us, we chose the Taste of the Wild, High Prairie Adult Canine Recipe, as our No. 1 food as it’s packed to the brim with quality, tasty protein sources, plus it’s reasonably priced. With a whopping 34% of protein, several antioxidant-rich veggies, fruits and legumes, and species-specific probiotics, this food checks all the right boxes: it’s delicious, incredibly nutritious, easy on digestion and budget-friendly!
FAQ
Q: How much should I feed my dog?
This depends on the current weight of your pet. Generally though, adult dogs require around 25 to 30 calories per pound of body weight to maintain their weight. But, if your dog is underweight, they’ll need more than that, if they’re overweight less than that. Bear in mind that this is a rough approximation; puppies and nursing dogs, for instance, need more food than adult dogs, while sedentary pets, no matter their age, require less.
Q: Can I mix dry food with canned food?
Absolutely! Mixing wet dog food with dry dog food is recommended if you’re dealing with a fussy eater. And even if you’re not, it’s good to provide your pet with a little bit of variety from time to time. Just be mindful of the calories (it’s easy to go overboard!).
Q: How can I stop my dog from gulping his food?
If your pet swallows their food whole without much of chewing, there are a few things you can do to help them eat slower.
Hand feed: if you have the time, hand-feed your pup whenever possible. Take a small amount of dry food into your hand and offer it to your dog. Do not offer seconds immediately – after your dog eats the first offering, wait a few moments and then offer more food.
Turn the dish upside down: to make your dog work for his food, pour kibble into a bowl that’s been turned upside down. This creates an obstacle and will slow their eating.
Put a toy/rock in their bowl: another way you can create obstacles for your pet while eating, is to place a softball or a large rock right in the center of their dish.
Q: How should I switch my dog from one food to another?
Start by mixing about 25% of the new food with around 75% of the old food. Keep doing this for 3-4 days. Then, start mixing it half-half and keep serving it like that for another 3-5 days. Next, move to mixing around 75% of the new food with 25% of old food, and after a few days, serve the new food only.
Q: Do I need to feed my specific breed of dog a specific food?
While not absolutely necessary, it’s recommended to feed your specific breed pet with a breed-specific food because these recipes are specially formulated to satisfy the needs of particular dog breeds. Small breed dogs have different metabolisms than large breed dogs and vice-versa, so they may require different diets.
Q: How should dog food be stored?
Dry dog food should be stored in a cool and dry environment, preferably in its original bag as it provides a fat barrier. Opened bags of food should also be stored in cool and dry places (under 100°F or 38°C).
Sources
- Dr. Krista Williams, BSc, DVM, Dry, Canned, or Semi-Moist: Food Choices for Dogs, PetMD
- Can Dogs Live on Just Dry Food?, Wag!