Being a pet parent involves many responsibilities, and one of the most crucial is providing a nutritious diet. Experts emphasize that the right dog food offers numerous health benefits, from weight management to strengthening the immune system.
“Commercially processed canned or kibble foods are designed to meet dogs’ nutritional needs for proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. They are convenient, consistent, readily available, and undergo quality control and inspection processes to prevent contaminants or pathogens from affecting pets or people,” explains Dr. Lori Teller, a board-certified veterinarian and past president of the American Veterinary Medical Association.
Choosing the best dog food can be overwhelming. To simplify your search, we consulted veterinarians and animal nutrition experts about what to consider when shopping for dog food. Below are expert-recommended dog food brands and options favored by pet-owning staff.
Top Dog Food Picks
Here are some of the best dog food options in various categories:
Best Dog Food for Puppies: Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Small Bites Dry Dog Food
Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Small Bites Dry Dog Food is formulated for puppies up to one year old. Its small, easy-to-digest kibble is designed for young dogs. The formula includes natural omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil to support healthy brain and eye development, and a blend of vitamin E and vitamin C to boost puppies’ immune systems, according to Hill’s. Available in 4.5-pound and 12.5-pound bags, Hill’s also offers a canned puppy formula that experts recommend mixing with dry food.
- Food type: Dry
- Texture: Crunchy kibble
- Calorie content: 393 kcal per cup
- Main ingredients: Chicken, brown rice, whole grain wheat
Best Dry Dog Food for Sensitive Stomachs: Purina Pro Plan Adult Sensitive Skin & Stomach Dry Dog Food
For dogs with sensitive stomachs, Purina Pro Plan Adult Sensitive Skin & Stomach Dry Dog Food is a great option. It is formulated without corn, wheat, or soy, making it easier to digest for dogs with intolerances. The formula includes high-protein salmon, probiotics, prebiotic fiber, and omega-6 fatty acids to support digestive and immune health, and a healthy coat.
- Food type: Dry
- Texture: Crunchy kibble
- Calorie content: 407 kcal per cup
- Main ingredients: Salmon, barley, rice, oatmeal, canola meal, fish meal
Best Overall Dog Food: Royal Canin Small Breed Adult Dry Dog Food
Royal Canin offers a wide range of dog food options tailored to different dog sizes, breeds, and dietary needs. Royal Canin Small Breed Adult Dry Dog Food is designed for small dogs aged 10 months to 8 years, weighing between 9 and 22 pounds. Veterinarians frequently recommend Royal Canin due to its breed-specific formulations. The kibble is designed for small breeds and the formula supports their specific nutritional requirements.
- Food type: Dry
- Texture: Crunchy kibble
- Calorie content: 359 kcal per cup (small breed formula)
- Main ingredients: Corn, chicken by-product meal, brewers rice, brown rice
Royal Canin’s dog food is a popular choice among veterinarians and dog owners alike. Many dogs thrive on Royal Canin, and it’s often recommended for its quality and breed-specific options.
Best Poultry-Free Dog Food: Merrick Grain Free Real Salmon & Sweet Potato Dry Dog Food
Merrick Grain Free Real Salmon & Sweet Potato Dry Dog Food is an excellent option for dogs with poultry sensitivities or allergies. This formula uses salmon as a novel protein source and is free from grains. It’s beneficial for dogs with sensitive stomachs or allergies to common proteins like chicken and beef.
- Food type: Dry
- Texture: Crunchy kibble
- Calorie content: 392 kcal per cup
- Main ingredients: Deboned salmon, salmon meal, whitefish meal, sweet potatoes, potatoes, peas
Best Food for Active Dogs: Purina Pro Plan Sport Performance Salmon & Cod Dry Dog Food
Purina Pro Plan Sport Performance Salmon & Cod Dry Dog Food is designed for active adult dogs. This high-performance formula contains glucosamine and omega-3 fatty acids to support joint health and mobility. With a 30% protein and 20% fat ratio, it provides sustained energy for active dogs. It is available in various flavor combinations to cater to different preferences.
- Food type: Dry
- Texture: Crunchy kibble
- Calorie content: 473 kcal per cup
- Main ingredients: Salmon, rice, poultry by-product meal, corn gluten meal, whole grain corn, beef fat
Best Subscription Dog Food: The Farmer’s Dog Subscription Dog Food
The Farmer’s Dog is a subscription service delivering fresh, pre-portioned dog food directly to your home. Meals are customized based on your dog’s age, weight, breed, activity level, and build. This service offers convenience and ensures your dog receives freshly prepared, human-grade food tailored to their specific needs.
Best Dog Food for Large Breeds: Purina Pro Plan Large Breed Adult Dry Dog Food
Purina Pro Plan Large Breed Adult Dry Dog Food is formulated to meet the specific needs of large breed dogs. It contains natural prebiotic fiber for digestive health and omega-6 fatty acids and vitamin A for skin and coat health. The formula is designed to help large breed dogs maintain a healthy weight and support their joints.
- Food type: Dry
- Texture: Crunchy kibble
- Calorie content: 407 kcal per cup
- Main ingredients: Chicken, rice, corn gluten meal, whole grain corn
Best Canned Wet Dog Food: Royal Canin Adult Gastrointestinal Canned Dog Food
Royal Canin Adult Gastrointestinal Canned Dog Food is a low-fat option ideal for dogs with gastrointestinal issues or sensitive stomachs. This wet food requires veterinary approval and contains prebiotics, dietary fibers, and omega-3 fatty acids to support gut health and soothe the GI tract. It’s a pricier option but formulated for specific dietary needs.
- Food type: Wet
- Texture: Soft, easy to chew
- Calorie content: 345 kcal per can
- Main ingredients: Pork by-products, pork liver, brewers rice flour, corn grits, corn meal
Best Frozen Dog Food: Just Food For Dogs Fish & Sweet Potato
Just Food For Dogs Fish & Sweet Potato is a frozen dog food made with locally sourced produce and limited ingredients. This high-protein, low-calorie option is suitable for overweight dogs or those with sensitivities. It provides a balanced diet with novel protein and is available in various recipes.
- Food type: Fresh
- Texture: Soft, easy to chew
- Calorie content: 26 kcal per ounce
- Main ingredients: Cod, sweet potatoes, potatoes, green beans, broccoli
Best Dog Food for Digestive and Joint Health: Kirkland Signature Adult Formula Chicken, Rice and Vegetable Dog Food
Kirkland Signature Adult Formula Chicken, Rice and Vegetable Dog Food is a budget-friendly option that supports digestive and joint health. It contains probiotics for digestive health and glucosamine and chondroitin for joint support. Many dogs with sensitive stomachs tolerate this formula well.
- Food type: Dry
- Texture: Crunchy kibble
- Calorie content: 393 kcals per cup
- Main ingredients: Chicken, chicken meal, whole grain brown rice, cracked pearled barley, chicken fat
Best Wet Food for Sensitive Stomachs: Hill’s Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Canned Dog Food
Hill’s Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Canned Dog Food is specifically formulated for dogs with sensitive stomachs and skin. This wet food is easy to digest and comes in turkey, salmon, and chicken recipes. It can be mixed with dry food to add moisture and palatability.
- Food type: Wet
- Texture: Soft, easy to chew
- Calorie content: 253 kcal/can
- Main ingredients: Chicken broth, turkey, carrots, pork liver, rice, chicken
Best Prepared Wet Dog Food: Purina Beneful Prepared Meals Beef & Chicken Medley
Purina Beneful Prepared Meals Beef & Chicken Medley is a flavorful and convenient wet dog food. This prepared meal contains veggies, real beef and chicken chunks, and rice. It can be served alone as a balanced meal or mixed with dry kibble as a topper.
- Food type: Wet
- Texture: Soft, easy to chew
- Calorie content: 265 kcal per tub
- Main ingredients: Beef and chicken broth, beef, wheat gluten, liver, white rice
How to Choose the Best Dog Food for Your Dog
Choosing the best dog food involves considering several factors to ensure your dog’s health and well-being. Here are key aspects to evaluate:
- AAFCO Nutritional Standards: Ensure the dog food meets the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) nutritional standards. Look for the “complete and balanced” statement on the label, which indicates the food is nutritionally adequate as a sole diet.
- Ingredients and Palatability: Focus on the nutrients provided by the ingredients rather than specific ingredients themselves. The ingredient list is ordered by weight, with the first three ingredients being the most significant. Consider if the formula is meat-based or vegetable-based.
- Nutritional Value and Proportions: Check the food’s energy density (calories per cup, can, or ounce) and feeding guidelines. Follow the recommended feeding amounts based on your dog’s ideal weight and monitor their body condition using the Body Condition Score.
- Dog’s Size, Weight, and Life Stage: Select food appropriate for your dog’s life stage (puppy, adult, senior). Puppy food is essential for growth, while adult and senior formulas cater to different metabolic needs. Consider breed-specific formulas, especially for small, medium, and large breeds, to address specific health predispositions.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Food
Dry Food vs. Wet Food: The primary difference between dry and wet dog food is water content. Dry food (kibble) contains about 10% water, while canned food has up to 70%. Mixing wet food with dry food can enhance palatability and hydration, especially for picky eaters or dogs needing more moisture in their diet. Dry food is generally more economical and stable for storage.
Ingredients to Avoid in Dog Food: While most commercial dog foods are formulated to be safe, avoid foods with garlic powder, onions, raisins, grapes, and sugar-free additives, as these are toxic to dogs. Also, be cautious of foods heavily laden with artificial dyes.
Grain-Free Dog Food: Grain-free formulas exclude wheat, barley, rye, and corn. While often marketed for dogs with sensitivities, true gluten intolerance is rare in dogs. Grains provide essential carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Grain-free diets may not always be nutritionally superior and have been linked to dilated cardiomyopathy in some studies, although the cause is still under investigation.
Raw Dog Food Diets: Experts generally advise against raw food diets due to the risk of microbial pathogens, antibiotic-resistant genes, and parasites that can harm both pets and humans. Commercial dog food is formulated to be nutritionally complete and balanced, reducing the need for raw diets that can pose health risks.
Dog Food Toppers and Boosters: Toppers like canned pumpkin, blueberries, or bone broth can enhance palatability for picky eaters but should be used sparingly as occasional treats, not daily additions. They should be factored into your dog’s total calorie intake and are not generally necessary if your dog eats a balanced diet.
Managing Dog Weight: If your dog gains weight, first evaluate their daily food intake, including treats and scraps. Consult with your veterinarian to rule out underlying health issues and discuss transitioning to a weight management food if necessary.
Determining How Much to Feed Your Dog: Caloric needs vary based on breed, weight, size, and activity level. Consult your veterinarian to determine your dog’s specific caloric needs and appropriate feeding amounts.
By considering these factors and consulting with your veterinarian, you can make informed decisions about what is the best dog food for your dog, ensuring they receive a nutritious and balanced diet tailored to their individual needs.
