Choosing the right dog food can feel overwhelming with so many options available. Veterinarians emphasize the importance of selecting a diet that meets your dog’s specific needs, taking into account their life stage, breed, and any health conditions. Consulting with a vet is crucial to determine the best nutritional plan for your furry companion. Additionally, they often recommend brands that adhere to the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) standards, ensuring nutritional completeness and balance.
To simplify your decision-making, we’ve analyzed insights from a survey of 407 dog owners. These pet parents shared their experiences with various popular dog food brands, evaluating them on ease of use, how much their dogs liked the food, ingredient quality, and overall value. Based on their ratings, we’ve compiled a list of top-rated dog food brands to consider for your beloved pet. Whether you’re a new dog owner stocking up on essential dog supplies or simply exploring better food options, this guide will help you navigate the best choices available.
Discover the leading dog food brands, as recommended by PEOPLE Tested, below.
Purina Pro Plan
Star Qualities:
- High-quality ingredients formulation for optimal canine health.
- Highly palatable, loved by dogs according to owner feedback.
- Kibble size suitable for effective dog training.
Red Flags:
- Limited flavor variety for picky eaters.
Purina Pro Plan emerged as the most favored dog food brand in our survey, chosen by 14 percent of dog owners. Recognized as Purina’s premium line, it prioritizes high-quality ingredients, a key factor for many pet parents. Survey results indicated exceptional palatability and owners reported their dogs thriving into their senior years on this diet.
The Purina Pro Plan range is extensive, encompassing both wet and dry food options tailored for different breed sizes, weight management, sensitive stomachs, and other specific needs. The smaller kibble size is appreciated for training purposes, though flavor choices are somewhat limited, typically offering one or two protein sources per formula. Some users noted packaging challenges, as it can be difficult to open and often lacks resealability.
Hill’s Science Diet
Star Qualities:
- Highly praised ingredient quality by dog owners.
- Specialized formulas for various health conditions.
- Available in different kibble sizes for all breeds.
Red Flags:
- Wet food cans require a can opener, which can be inconvenient.
Hill’s Science Diet achieved the highest overall score in our dog food brand survey, particularly excelling in ingredient quality. Veterinarian recommendations were common among survey respondents, highlighting its suitability for dogs with health issues. Hill’s Science Diet offers formulations for weight management, digestive sensitivities, and allergies, alongside prescription diets for conditions like urinary and kidney problems.
Within their over-the-counter selections, Hill’s Science Diet provides options for different dog sizes, such as Small Bites formulas with smaller kibble for easier chewing by smaller breeds. Puppy and senior dog formulas are also available in both wet and dry formats. The primary drawback reported is its higher price point, with respondents noting recent price increases. Additionally, some wet food containers require a can opener, which some owners find less convenient.
Purina One
Star Qualities:
- More affordable Purina brand option for budget-conscious owners.
- Weight management formulas to help maintain a healthy weight.
- Well-tolerated by dogs with sensitive stomachs, according to owners.
Red Flags:
- Limited flavor selection may not suit all dogs.
Eleven percent of the 407 dog owners we surveyed feed their dogs Purina One. It stood out as a top choice for dogs with digestive sensitivities. Owners frequently mentioned its suitability for sensitive stomachs, even with long-term use. While maintaining high-quality ingredients, Purina One provides a more economical alternative to Purina Pro Plan.
Purina One offers both wet and dry dog food, including specialized small breed formulas for smaller dogs. Survey participants reported that this food aids in maintaining a healthy weight, and specific formulas cater to concerns like weight management, joint health, and skin and coat health. However, flavor options are often limited to chicken or lamb, which may be restrictive for picky eaters or dogs with food sensitivities.
FreshPet
Star Qualities:
- Made with high-quality, human-grade ingredients for superior nutrition.
- Exceptional palatability, dogs highly enjoy the taste according to owners.
- Contains visible chunks of real meat, appealing to dogs and owners alike.
Red Flags:
- Limited retail availability compared to conventional brands.
Fresh dog food is gaining popularity, and Freshpet is a favored choice among surveyed dog owners. This brand offers fresh dog food made with human-grade ingredients, including meat and vegetables, packaged in refrigerated rolls. Freshpet excelled in our survey for ingredient quality and dog engagement, with owners reporting high palatability and satisfaction knowing their pets are consuming healthy, wholesome food.
Freshpet provides diverse options, including various flavors and grain-free recipes. The main downsides are its less widespread availability and the need for refrigeration due to its shorter shelf life.
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Blue Buffalo
Star Qualities:
- Premium ingredients supporting overall canine health and well-being.
- Promotes healthy coat and skin, as reported by dog owners.
- Small-breed formulas with appropriately sized kibble for easier eating.
Red Flags:
- Fewer specialized formulas for specific health conditions compared to competitors.
Blue Buffalo is another brand recognized for its commitment to high-quality ingredients, a top priority for dog owners. Survey respondents indicated that the food contributes to their dogs’ health and happiness. Many owners noted improvements in digestive issues and shinier, softer coats. Blue Buffalo is also widely accessible and often more affordable than other premium brands.
The brand offers both wet and dry food varieties, with numerous protein options to accommodate allergies or preferences. Owners appreciate the small-breed dry food options with smaller kibble. However, Blue Buffalo’s range of formulas for specific health conditions is not as extensive as some other brands.
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Iams
Star Qualities:
- Consistent quality over the years, trusted by long-term users.
- Supports healthy skin and coat, contributing to overall appearance.
- Reasonably priced for the quality offered, appealing to budget-conscious owners.
Red Flags:
- Some formulas contain fillers, which some owners prefer to avoid.
Inconsistent dog food quality can be frustrating, but surveyed dog owners consistently praised Iams for its reliability. Long-time users affirmed its consistently high quality and good ingredient selection. Owners also commonly noted its positive impact on coat health and its reasonable price for the quality provided.
Iams offers a moderate range of dry dog food but fewer wet food choices. Formulas are available for different life stages and breed sizes, but specific health condition formulas are limited. The Iams Proactive Health Healthy Weight line addresses weight management, but options for other health issues are scarce. Some formulas do contain more fillers than some owners prefer.
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Royal Canin
Star Qualities:
- Breed-specific formulas catering to unique breed needs.
- Formulated with highly digestible proteins for sensitive stomachs.
- Kibble shapes tailored to different snout sizes for easier eating.
Red Flags:
- Kibble size consistency can vary between different bags.
Royal Canin stands out for offering breed-specific formulas, addressing the unique health predispositions of certain breeds. For example, Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition French Bulldog Dry Dog Food features a kibble shape designed for short snouts and incorporates highly digestible proteins to reduce gas and stool odor. Formulas also target specific health concerns like allergies and digestive issues, with kibble sizes adjusted for different dog sizes.
Surveyed dog owners rated Royal Canin highly for ingredient quality, noting its positive impact on their dogs’ health. A common concern was inconsistency in kibble size between bags. It is also a more expensive option compared to other brands.
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Kirkland Signature
Star Qualities:
- Top-rated for value satisfaction in our dog owner survey.
- Available in large bags, ideal for multi-dog households or large breeds.
- Owners satisfied with ingredient quality relative to the affordable price.
Red Flags:
- Primarily sold at Costco, limiting accessibility for non-members.
Kirkland Signature dog food, Costco’s in-house brand, is known for its balance of quality and affordability. Offered in 40-pound bags, it’s practical for large dogs or multiple pets. Owners appreciate the inclusion of healthy ingredients like sweet potato, lentils, and salmon. Survey respondents consistently praised its palatability and excellent value for money, ranking it highest in value satisfaction.
Kirkland offers a limited variety, mainly dry kibble, with formulas for different life stages including puppies, small breeds, and seniors. Wet food options are basic and limited to two varieties.
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Purina Beneful
Star Qualities:
- Features diverse kibble shapes and textures to maintain dog’s interest.
- Reasonably priced, making it accessible for many dog owners.
- Widely available in most pet stores and retailers.
Red Flags:
- Owners desire more real meat pieces in the formulation.
For dogs that easily tire of their food, Purina Beneful, another Purina brand, offers an appealing solution. Its dry foods contain a mix of kibble shapes and textures, which survey participants found helped maintain their dogs’ interest and encouraged slower eating. Beneful is also affordable and readily available.
Beneful provides a wide range of wet and dry food options, including flavors designed to entice picky eaters. They offer small-breed specific products like Beneful IncrediBites Small Dog and various wet food flavors and consistencies.
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Fromm
Star Qualities:
- Formulated with clean, high-quality ingredients and minimal fillers for optimal health.
- Products proudly made in the USA, ensuring quality and safety standards.
- Family-run company with a long-standing reputation for quality dog food.
Red Flags:
- Can be harder to find in mainstream retail stores, considered a specialty brand.
Fromm, a more specialized brand, is a worthwhile option for those seeking high-quality dry food with premium ingredients. Known for its clean formulas with minimal fillers, Fromm is praised for its quality. Survey respondents valued its five-generation family ownership and domestic manufacturing. Availability is limited, and it is pricier, typical of high-quality foods.
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Pedigree
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Star Qualities:
- Inexpensive dry food option for budget-conscious dog owners.
- Palatable, dogs enjoy the taste and finish their meals, according to owners.
Red Flags:
- Ingredient quality is not as high as premium brands due to the lower price point.
Pedigree offers affordable dog food that is popular with dogs, according to our survey. It scored highly for value, offering larger quantities like 30-pound bags at lower prices. Its wide availability in retail stores is also appreciated.
Pedigree provides both wet and dry food, with formulas for different breed sizes and needs like weight management, as well as a variety of dog treats. Dog owners report good palatability, evidenced by clean bowls. However, ingredient quality is lower due to its price point, with corn often listed as the first ingredient and unspecified protein sources.
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What to Know About Dog Food Brands
Nutritional Adequacy
Ensuring your dog’s food provides complete nutrition is paramount. Dr. Ostermeier advises, “It’s important to ensure that you are feeding a complete and balanced diet — this information should be readily available on the label.”
Look for the Nutritional Adequacy Statement, confirming AAFCO standards compliance. “Complete and balanced” signifies it contains all necessary nutrients in correct proportions for your dog’s life stage, whether puppy, adult, or senior.
Food Type
Dog food comes in dry, wet, and fresh varieties, each with advantages. Choose based on your and your dog’s needs.
- Dry Food (Kibble): Affordable and easy to store, but processing levels and filler content vary by brand.
- Wet Food: More appealing to picky eaters due to flavor and higher moisture. Dr. Ostermeier notes, “The benefit of wet foods is that they are high in moisture and in general, less processed than dry foods… The increased moisture is hydrating and helps to keep their kidneys happy.” Brands like Blue Buffalo offer both wet and dry options.
- Fresh Foods: Similar benefits to wet food, lightly cooked ingredients, but require refrigeration and have shorter shelf lives. Freshpet is a popular fresh food choice.
- Raw and Homemade Diets: Growing in popularity, but veterinarian consultation is crucial for nutritional balance. Dr. Ostermeier recommends, “If you are interested in feeding alternative diets such as raw, gently cooked, or home-prepared, I recommend consulting with an integrative veterinarian or veterinary nutritionist.”
Budget
Dog food prices vary significantly. Factor in daily food needs and package sizes. Larger bags are often more economical if storage space allows.
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Behind the Scenes
Our best dog food brand recommendations are based on a survey of 407 dog owners.
- Survey Categories: Owners rated food on ease of use, dog engagement, ingredient quality, and value, detailing likes and dislikes.
- Results: Top-scoring brands were Hill’s Science Diet and Freshpet (4.3/5), followed by Fromm and Blue Buffalo (4.2/5).
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is the healthiest dog food?
“Healthiest” is subjective, depending on the dog’s age, size, breed, lifestyle, health, and taste preferences. Veterinarian consultation is best for tailored recommendations.
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What dog food brands do vets recommend?
Veterinarians frequently recommend Purina, Hill’s Science Diet, Royal Canin, and Iams. These brands invest in research and employ veterinary nutritionists, making them reliable starting points.
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Can I switch dog food brands without causing illness?
Gradual transition is key to avoid digestive upset. Dr. Ostermeier advises, “The best way to switch dog foods is to introduce the new food gradually… I recommend adding a small amount — for example, one to two tablespoons — as a ‘side dish’ to your dog’s current food and then building from there. If all goes well, as you increase the new food, decrease the amount of the old food until you are feeding 100 percent the new diet.”
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Why Trust PEOPLE?
Camryn Rabideau, a pet product expert and tester, has extensive experience writing about pet food and interviewing veterinarians. She leveraged survey data and expert insights from veterinarian Nell Ostermeier to compile this guide.
Our Expert Panel
What Is PEOPLE Tested?
PEOPLE Tested provides trustworthy product recommendations through rigorous lab and home testing, ensuring effectiveness, durability, and ease of use. Recommendations are unbiased and earned through merit.
