Best Overall Dog Food
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Typical Cost Per Meal:*$2.65
- Fresh human-grade food
- Recipes designed by vets
- Convenient and easy-to-use subscription model
- Highly reviewed and rated
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Typical Cost Per Meal:*$3.00
- Human-grade ingredients
- Above-average protein and fat content
- Protein-boosting lentils and chia seed
- Highly reviewed and rated
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Typical Cost Per Meal:*$0.62
- Six dry foods with limited ingredients
- Grain-inclusive and grain-free options
- Specific small breed and weight-loss recipes
- Highly reviewed and rated
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Typical Cost Per Meal:*$3.16
- Air-dried to preserve nutrition
- High in protein from named meats
- Flaxseed is rich in omega 3 fatty acids
- Highly reviewed and rated
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Typical Cost Per Meal:*$3.65
- Six different meats to choose from
- Rich in protein and fat
- Grain-free
- Highly reviewed and rated
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Typical Cost Per Meal:*$0.89
- Reasonably priced 5-star product
- Above-average protein
- Designed to aid weight-loss
- Highly reviewed and rated
-
Typical Cost Per Meal:*$2.65
- Fresh human-grade food
- Recipes designed by vets
- Convenient and easy-to-use subscription model
- Highly reviewed and rated
-
Typical Cost Per Meal:*$3.00
- Human-grade ingredients
- Above-average protein and fat content
- Protein-boosting lentils and chia seed
- Highly reviewed and rated
-
Typical Cost Per Meal:*$3.65
- Six different meats to choose from
- Rich in protein and fat
- Grain-free
- Highly reviewed and rated
-
Typical Cost Per Meal:*$3.16
- Air-dried to preserve nutrition
- High in protein from named meats
- Flaxseed is rich in omega 3 fatty acids
- Highly reviewed and rated
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Typical Cost Per Meal:*$3.13
- Fresh wet food
- Created by veterinary nutritionists
- No plant-based protein boosters
- Highly reviewed and rated
Frequently asked questions
The best type of dog food for your dog depends on various factors, including their age and breed. There are many different types of food available, from dry to wet, raw to fresh. Here are the advantages and considerations for each type:
- Very convenient
- Has a long shelf life
- Generally more affordable
- Easily stored
- Always look for higher %s of real meat
- Be aware of artificial additive
- Cooking at high temperatures can damage nutrients
- More palatable for some dog
- Provides moisture
- Good option for dogs with dental issues
- Typically more expensive per serving
- Shorter shelf life after opening
- Often includes high-quality ingredients
- Suitable for some dogs with allergies
- Gently cooked to retain nutrients
- Generally more expensive
- Shorter shelf life
- Must be stored in refrigerator
- Said to mimic a dog's ancestral diet
- Promotes healthier coats
- Improve energy levels
- Can be expensive
- Shorter shelf life
- Needs to be frozen/refrigerated
- Complete control of ingredients
- Easier to accommodate for allergies
- Avoid any food sensitivities
- Must be carefully balanced to meet all of a dog's nutritional needs
- Work with a veterinary nutritionist to create a balanced recipe
It’s also important to consider your dog's age and activity level when choosing a food. Puppies, adult dogs, and senior dogs have different nutritional requirements. High-energy dogs may need more protein and calories, while older dogs may need a diet tailored to joint health.
Veterinarians are trained to provide expert guidance on a dog's specific nutritional needs, based on factors such as their age and breed as well as any underlying health conditions. Consulting a veterinarian before choosing a dog food is a highly recommended step in ensuring the health and well-being of your pet.
Common ingredients that can cause allergies in dogs include beef, chicken, lamb, wheat, corn, eggs, fish, artificial additives, apples, potatoes and tomatoes.
If your dog has allergies or food sensitivities, a veterinarian can help identify potential allergens and suggest appropriate hypoallergenic or limited-ingredient diets. Dogs with certain health conditions, such as kidney disease, diabetes, or obesity, may require specialized diets too. Veterinarians can prescribe prescription or therapeutic foods designed to manage these conditions.
If your dog is overweight or underweight, a veterinarian can provide guidance on calorie intake and portion control to help achieve and maintain a healthy weight.
Homemade diets and certain specialty diets require careful formulation to prevent nutritional imbalances. A veterinarian can help you create or choose a balanced diet for your dog.
Regular check-ups with a veterinarian allow for the monitoring of your dog's health, including any changes in weight, coat condition, energy levels, or dental health. Adjustments to the diet can be made as needed. By consulting with a veterinarian, you'll have access to professional expertise and personalized recommendations that can help you make an informed decision about the best dog food for your specific pet. This proactive approach to your dog's nutrition can contribute to their overall health and longevity.
When looking for a quality dog food, it's essential to pay attention to the ingredients listed on the packaging. Here are some key ingredients to look for:
- Real Meat: The primary ingredient should be a high-quality source of real meat, such as chicken, turkey, beef, or fish. Meat should be listed as the first ingredient, and ideally, it should be named rather than generic meat meal.
- Healthy Fats: Look for sources of healthy fats such as chicken fat, fish oil, or flaxseed. These fats provide energy and support skin and coat health.
- Fruits and Vegetables: High-quality dog food often includes fruits and vegetables like sweet potatoes, carrots, peas, or blueberries. These ingredients offer vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
- Protein Sources: In addition to the primary meat source, quality dog food may include other protein-rich ingredients like eggs or legumes (e.g., lentils, chickpeas) to provide a well-rounded amino acid profile.
- Natural Preservatives: Quality dog foods use natural preservatives such as tocopherols (a form of vitamin E) or rosemary extract instead of artificial preservatives like BHA, BHT, or ethoxyquin.
- Limited Fillers: Avoid dog foods with excessive fillers like corn, soy, and wheat, as these ingredients offer limited nutritional value and can trigger allergies or sensitivities in some dogs.
- Avoid Artificial Additives: Check for artificial colors, flavors, and additives on the ingredient list, as these are unnecessary and may contribute to health issues in some dogs.
- Complete and Balanced Formulation: Look for dog food labeled as "complete and balanced," indicating that it meets the nutritional standards set by organizations like the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) or the European Pet Food Industry Federation (FEDIAF).
- AAFCO Statement: Check for an AAFCO statement on the packaging, specifying that the food is formulated to meet the nutritional needs of a particular life stage.
There are several red flags and harmful ingredients that pet owners should be aware of and avoid when selecting dog food. These ingredients can be detrimental to a dog's health and well-being. Here are some of the most important ones to watch out for:
- Artificial Preservatives: Avoid dog foods that contain artificial preservatives such as BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole), BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene), and ethoxyquin. These chemicals have been associated with health concerns in some studies.
- Artificial Colors and Flavors: Artificial colors and flavors serve no nutritional purpose and may be linked to allergic reactions or behavioral issues in some dogs.
- Excessive Fillers: Dog foods that contain excessive amounts of fillers like corn, soy, and wheat offer limited nutritional value and may contribute to digestive issues or allergies.
- Generic/Unnamed Byproducts: Ingredients like "by-products" are vague and can include lower-quality, less desirable parts of animals. Look for specific, named sources of meat.
- Added Sugar: Some dog foods contain added sugars, which are unnecessary and can contribute to obesity, dental issues, and diabetes.
- High Salt (Sodium) Content: Excessive salt levels can lead to health problems, including high blood pressure and heart disease. Check the sodium content on the label.
- Unspecified Fats: Avoid foods that simply list "animal fat" without specifying the source. High-quality dog foods should clearly indicate the type of fat, such as chicken fat or fish oil.
- Unidentified Protein Sources: If the protein source is generic (e.g., "meat meal" or "animal protein"), it's unclear what type of meat is included, making it challenging to assess quality.
- Corn Syrup and Corn Sweeteners: These ingredients are often used as cheap sources of sweetness and should be avoided.
- Chemical Additives: Look out for artificial additives like propylene glycol (used as a preservative and sweetener) and propyl gallate (used as an antioxidant), as they may have health concerns associated with them.
- Rendered Fat or Protein: Ingredients labeled as "rendered fat" or "rendered protein" can include low-quality, processed materials and are best avoided.
- Mystery Ingredients: Dog food labels should be transparent, so be cautious of foods that list generic terms like "animal digest" or "natural flavoring" without specifying their origin.
- Inadequate Nutritional Information: Ensure the dog food provides complete and balanced nutrition according to established standards, such as those set by AAFCO or FEDIAF. Check for an AAFCO statement on the packaging.
- Unnatural Preservatives: Some natural preservatives like rosemary extract are safe, but excessive use can lead to health issues. Check for the presence of any natural preservatives in excessive amounts.
Protein is a crucial component of a dog's diet and its importance cannot be overstated. It plays several essential roles in a dog's overall health and well-being.
Protein is vital for building and maintaining muscle mass. It provides the amino acids necessary for muscle growth, repair, and strength. Proteins serve as the building blocks for enzymes and hormones that regulate various bodily functions. These include digestion, metabolism, and the immune system.
Amino acids from dietary protein are essential for the production of antibodies and other immune system components. A well-balanced diet rich in protein can help dogs better resist infections and diseases.
High-quality protein sources can help dogs feel full and satisfied, reducing the likelihood of overeating and obesity. Puppies, in particular, require higher levels of protein for growth and development. Pregnant and lactating females also have increased protein needs.
When selecting dog food, it's essential to consider the protein content and source. Look for dog foods with high-quality protein sources, such as real meat (e.g., chicken, turkey, beef, or fish) listed as the primary ingredient.
While protein is essential, excessively high-protein diets may not be suitable for all dogs and could lead to health issues. Consult with your veterinarian to determine the ideal protein level for your dog. Balancing protein intake with other essential nutrients like fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals is key to providing a well-rounded and nutritious diet for your dog.
The amount of food you should feed your dog and how often, depends on your dog's age, size, activity level, and the specific dog food you're using.
Here are some general guidelines to help you determine how much to feed your dog and how often:
Check guidelines
Start by checking the feeding guidelines provided on the packaging of the dog food you've chosen. These guidelines typically give recommended daily servings based on your dog's weight and life stage (e.g., puppy, adult, senior).
Consider age and activity levels
Growing puppies generally require more calories and nutrients to support their rapid growth. Puppies are often fed multiple times a day (usually three to four meals) to meet their energy needs. Adult dogs may be fed once or twice a day, depending on their activity level and preference. Most dogs do well with two meals a day. Senior dogs often have lower activity levels and may require fewer calories. Consult with your veterinarian to determine the appropriate feeding schedule and portion size for your senior dog.
Monitor weight
It's essential to keep an eye on your dog's weight and body condition (i.e. regular vet visits). Adjust the portion sizes based on whether the dog is maintaining a healthy weight. If they’re gaining or losing weight unintentionally, make appropriate changes to the portion size.
Measure portions
Measure your dog's food using a standard measuring cup or kitchen scales rather than estimating portion sizes by eye. This ensures accuracy. If feeding multiple meals a day, divide the daily portion into equal servings. This helps prevent overeating and provides a consistent feeding routine.
Watch for treats
Factor in any treats or table scraps your dog receives throughout the day when determining the total daily calorie intake. Be mindful not to overindulge in high-calorie treats.
Key things to consider
Always keep in mind the exact amount of food your dog needs can vary depending on factors such as metabolism, breed, and individual variations. It's important to strike a balance between providing enough nutrition to maintain good health and preventing overfeeding, which can lead to obesity and associated health problems.
Regularly assessing your dog's body condition and consulting with your veterinarian will help ensure that you're feeding your dog the right amount and maintaining their optimal weight and health.
Transitioning your dog to a new food should be done gradually over a period of about 7-10 days. This slow transition helps prevent digestive upset and allows your dog's digestive system to adjust to the new food.
In this video, Dr. Gary Richter shares a simple feeding tip that can help lower your dog's risk of getting sick when you switch to a new food.
The best-known fresh dog food brand in the country, The Farmer’s Dog impresses with its nutritious meals made from high-quality, human-grade ingredients and delivered in bespoke portions to your door.
- Meal plans designed for your dog
- Vet-designed recipes account for dietary restrictions
- Made in human-grade USDA standard facilities
A leading fresh dog food brand, Ollie produces home-delivered custom meal plans for your dog by gently cooking human-grade ingredients. It also provides drier ‘baked’ dog food, treats and supplements.
- Gently cooked to maintain nutrients.
- Made in human-grade USDA standard facilities.
- Custom plans based on your dog.
Family-owned Redbarn sells several high-quality products, including treats, chews, bones and rolled food. But it's the three dry dog foods (air-dried, grain-free and whole grain) that are our top picks.
- Protein-rich kibble with named meats
- Production facilities are USDA- and FDA-audited
- Order online for home delivery
There are fewer than 100 Board Certified Veterinary Nutritionists and two of them develop Nom Nom’s fresh dog food, which is delivered in customized portions. It also sells probiotic supplements.
- Recipes by Board Certified Veterinary Nutritionists
- Meals customized to your dog’s needs
- High-quality ingredients
Open Farm produces multiple products, including dry, wet, gently-cooked and freeze-dried raw dog food. It also sells treats, supplements and bone broths. All with an emphasis on quality and ethics.
- 100% Animal Welfare certified meats
- Emphasis on sustainability
- Buyers can trace every ingredient to its source
- Best Overall Dog Food: The Farmer's Dog
- Best Quality Ingredients Dog Food: Ollie
- Best Budget-Friendly Dog Food: Wellness Simple Limited Ingredient Diet
- Best Dry Dog Food: Redbarn Air-Dried
- Best Wet Dog Food: We Feed Raw
- Best Food for Overweight Dogs: Blue Wilderness Adult Healthy Weight
- Best Food for Underweight Dogs: The Farmer's Dog
- Best Dog Food for Allergies: Ollie