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The Best Dry Dog Food For Happy, Healthy Pups
Which dry dog foods are best?The foundation of a happy and healthy life for your dog begins with the right food. Dogs require the proper nutrients and vitamins to support their specific lifestyle, age, breed and potential special needs.
Dry dog food is the preferred option for most dog owners, as it's cost-effective, nutrient-packed and aids in dental hygiene. Hill Science Diet Adult Large Breed Dog Food is a comprehensive healthy option from a trusted brand that comes at a high price. With so many options available and so many unique dogs, It's important to take time to find the right dry dog food for your furry friend.
What to know before you buy dry dog food AgeMost dry food focuses on one of three life stages, including puppy, adult and senior. Puppies generally require more fat, protein and minerals, while senior food features fewer calories for less active dogs. It's important to note that the puppy, adult and senior designation changes from breed to breed. Smaller dogs, like Jack Russell Terriers, may not enter the senior stage until 10 or 12 years of age, while large dogs, like Great Danes, may be considered seniors at 8 or 9 years old.
LifestyleThe extent to which your dog is active will influence the type of dry dog food they eat. These options tend to feature an active formula that provides calories and protein for working and adventurous dogs. Some dry food options may boast a serving guide that changes based on how active your dog is.
SizeDry dog food is offered in a wide range of sizes, from smaller packs of around 5 pounds all the way up to large bags that may be 40 or 50 pounds in size. Owners prefer dry dog food since it can last a long time when properly stored, typically 2-4 months. If your dog consumes the whole bag within that time frame, and you are sure your dog enjoys that particular formula, it will be more cost-effective to buy larger bags, provided you have the space for storage.
Smaller dogs, as well as those trying something new, will be served well by smaller bags. These will also be easier to store as they will take up less space.
Special needsVarious dry dog foods specifically target special needs, such as weight management, joint pain, mobility issues or skin and coat concerns. These tend to come at a higher price than other formulas, but providing your dog with the help they need in their food may mean that you eliminate the need for frequent vet appointments and emergency visits that will cost much more.
What to look for in a quality dry dog food Whole fruits and vegetablesSeek out recipes that boast whole fruits and vegetables, which will offer essential vitamins and minerals to your dog and help keep their diet balanced. Some options may include so-called superfoods, which are nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables, including pumpkin, kale and blueberries.
Probiotics and antioxidantsSome formulas are reinforced with immune-boosting antioxidants as well as probiotics to help gut health and digestion. These are helpful for both adult and senior dogs, particularly older canines that may need assistance in absorbing vitamins and minerals.
How much you can expect to spend on dry dog foodQuality dog food tends to cost between $2 per pound, though buying large sizes will slightly reduce the per-pound price. Generally, more expensive options boast higher quality ingredients.
Dry dog food FAQ What ingredients should be avoided?A. Avoid those options that feature any artificial preservatives, flavors or colors. Most formulas will advertise this upfront. There are also common allergens that most owners may want to steer clear of, including eggs, soy, wheat and corn. There should be no sugar in the formula, either. Types of meat should be specifically identified, such as chicken, salmon, beef or lamb.
Some dog owners want to avoid grains, though this is regularly contested, particularly by vets. Unless your dog has an allergy to grains, there is little to support eliminating grain from your dog's diet.
How do I transition my dog to new dry food?A. Introducing a new formula to your dog should be done over 10 to 14 days so their stomach can adequately adjust. Mix in about 25% of the new food to the old formula in the first few days, adding a quarter of new kibble every 3 days while removing the equivalent amount of the previous recipe. Monitor your pet for reactions; some diarrhea may occur briefly, but any illness or irritation, including shedding, drooling or itching, that lasts more than a day can mean the food is incompatible.
What's the best dry dog food to buy? Top dry dog food
Hill Science Diet Adult Large Breed Dog Food
What you need to know: From a leading dog food brand, this specialized formula provides energy and an immune boost to medium-sized adult dogs.
What you'll love: This is from one of the most trusted dog food brands, includes omega-3s, high protein and antioxidants, has an enticing aroma and is easily digestible.
What you should consider: It is one of the most expensive formulas available.
Top dry dog food for the money
Diamond Naturals Premium Formula
What you need to know: This nutrient-rich formula provides balanced health coverage for various adult dogs.
What you'll love: It's a terrific value for a recipe that boasts antioxidants, whole fruits and vegetables and no artificial ingredients and it promotes healthy skin and coat.
What you should consider: The high protein diet is not ideal for less active, older dogs.
Worth checking out
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula
What you need to know: From a popular brand, this recipe features an array of vitamins, minerals and nutrients for a healthy balanced diet.
What you'll love: This chicken and rice adult recipe supports immune function, mobility and healthy skin and coat. It's free of gluten, soy and byproduct. It boasts whole fruits, vegetables and grains.
What you should consider: It's rather pricey.
Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.
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The Best Dog Food Delivery Services, According To Veterinarians, Experts And Editors
If you're looking to upgrade your pup's diet, the best dog food delivery services offer nutritionally balanced recipes that they actually enjoy eating. Adding to the overall convenience, these services make it easy to pause, reschedule or cancel deliveries. To help you understand what each one provides and which options are worth trying, I chatted with veterinarians and other experts, as well as incorporated my own experience and that of Forbes Vetted staff members who've used them. Some of our favorites offering fresh cooked recipes are The Farmer's Dog, Ollie and PetPlate, and there are great raw dog food delivery services like Maev and We Feed Raw, too.
Some of our top picks for the best dog food delivery services include The Farmer's Dog, Ollie and ... [+] PetPlate.
ILLUSTRATION: FORBES / PHOTO: THE FARMER'S DOGMost manufactured pet foods use feed-grade ingredients, or those deemed not suitable for human consumption—but brands offering fresh dog food deliveries using what are known as human-grade ingredients have been rising in popularity over the past few years. It's not hard to see why: There's a lot more research being done on the topic of dog food ingredients. According to Rodney Habib, co-author of The Forever Dog, dry food took up close to 99% of the global pet food market a decade ago—today, that's down to 67%.
If you're one of the many who are interested in transitioning your pup off of kibble and onto higher-quality food, one of the delivery services on this list might be right for you; we also advise consulting your veterinarian before changing your dog's diet. Below, we've laid out the pros and cons of the nine best dog food delivery services worth looking into.
Number of options: Four fresh food recipesAdditional offerings: TreatsPersonalized plans: YesAAFCO-compliant: Yes
What we love:
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The Farmer's Dog works with veterinarians to formulate pre-portioned meals for your pup based on their breed, age, activity level, ideal weight and food sensitivities. After you fill out a quick survey asking for the aforementioned details, you're presented with recommended options. There are four recipes to choose from—beef, chicken, turkey and pork—which include a medley of vegetables as well as ingredients like chickpeas, lentils, salmon oil and chia seeds. The Farmer's Dog's meals are not only prepared in a human-food facility (subject to human-food standards), but they're also gently cooked at a relatively low heat—meaning a temperature that's high enough to kill potential pathogens but low enough to preserve nutritional integrity. Your meals are shipped frozen with your pup's name on the front, and can be stored in the freezer until you're ready to thaw them. The packaging must be cut open and the bags are not resealable, however.
The exact cost of your meal plan will depend on your pup's size and lifestyle, of course, but in general The Farmer's Dog is reasonably priced and on the lower end in comparison with other leading fresh-food diets on the market. You can also choose to add chicken, pork or turkey treats to your delivery. Note that The Farmer's Dog (as well as all dog food brands on this list) adhere to guidelines established by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO).
As veterinarian Dr. Karen Shaw Becker and Habib explore in The Forever Dog, there's science supporting that a diet lower in processed foods is linked with a longer life span in dogs. Becker also advocates for fresh or homemade food because the formulation guidelines for U.S. Pet foods are set for highly active animals—meaning you run the risk of either a nutrient-deficient dog if you're trying to slim them down, or an extremely active pup that potentially may consume toxic levels of minerals that they do not need if they're eating much more than the recommended serving. So having a tailored formula for your particular dog, as The Farmer's Dog and many other services on this list provide, is especially important.
What our staff says: "We slowly transitioned our mixed-breed puppy to The Farmer's Dog and now she finishes the bowl every day, where her food used to just sit untouched," shares deputy editor Rose Sala, whose puppy had suddenly lost interest in her food. "I love that it lands on my doorstep, so I no longer need to panic buy her food the night we run out." Julie Finken, associate product manager at Forbes Vetted, adds: "Their customer service is top-notch—they send me text updates, and I can easily update my order just by replying to their texts, without needing to log into my account. I've had to adjust my delivery dates several times, and their replies are always super speedy—no hassle at all!"
Number of options: Five fresh recipes, two baked recipesAdditional offerings: Treats, supplements and health screeningsPersonalized plans: YesAAFCO-compliant: Yes
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Ollie's fresh food comes in five flavors, each of which includes ingredients intended to target a particular health issue or concern. Beef with sweet potato is formulated to promote eye health and regulate blood sugar; chicken with carrots could be a fit for dogs with sensitive stomachs; turkey with blueberries is a good option for anyone concerned about their dog's skin and coat; lamb with cranberries targets immune support and digestion; and pork with apples is a more allergy-friendly choice for dogs with food sensitivities. A scoop and reusable storage container are also conveniently included with your first order. Many customer reviews note how their otherwise fussy eater loves Ollie's meals, which offer a variety of proteins and ingredient blends to entice the pickiest pups.
The brand offers both fresh and baked options. For the fresh recipes, you can select from a full fresh plan or half fresh plan. The latter, meanwhile, is the better option for those who want to save a little money by using Ollie as more of a meal topper than feeding it as their dog's entire diet. If you're more drawn to the baked offerings, those are made with human-grade ingredients, too. Available in either chicken or beef, these are baked in small batches and formulated for all life stages.
As with most services on this list, your suggested recipes will be provided after you fill out a survey about your pup (including, in Ollie's case, a question about what their poop currently looks like). In addition to treats (crunchy treats, jerk treats and dental chews) and a variety of supplements you can add onto your order, one unique offering that Ollie provides is virtual health screenings for customers' dogs. Using the Ollie app, you can upload photos for the brand's team of veterinary experts to review, with the options to do a digestion screening that analyzes their stool, a dental screening or a weight screening.
What our editors say: "The packaging and easy-to-follow directions on how much to serve your particular pup made Ollie very simple," says Forbes Vetted executive director Cory Baldwin. "I was also shocked to find that some of the recipes actually smelled appetizing, and of course my dog went crazy for the stuff—especially the lamb flavor."
Number of options: Six fresh food recipes, two baked recipesAdditional offerings: Treats and supplementsPersonalized plans: YesAAFCO-compliant: Yes
What we love:
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With six protein options to choose from (chicken, turkey, venison, lamb, beef and pork), PetPlate's fresh food meal plans are an especially good choice for pups who experience allergies. The service—which came recommended by experts I spoke with—makes it easy to vary your dog's diet, as you can mix and match as many recipes as you'd like in every delivery, at no extra charge. If your dog is allergic to poultry and beef, for example, you still have three meals to choose from.
Formulated with the help of veterinary nutritionists, the personalized meals are packaged in lidded containers. These make it exceptionally easy to store leftovers without worrying about getting dog food all over your fridge (as well as easy to travel with). Each recipe has a different-colored lid, so you can quickly tell which one is which when you're moving them to the fridge to thaw. I particularly appreciate the texture of PetPlate's food—it's not a puréed, uniform mush, but rather every recipe looks like it's been home-cooked. You can see the chunks of meat, green beans or grains of rice, for instance, in every container.
Human-grade baked food—choose from chicken or beef—is available to add to your meal plan as well, or you can buy a four-pack if you don't want to commit to a subscription. You also have the option to add two different types of treats or four different types of supplements to your order, based on your pet's needs and health concerns. PetPlate is also available via Chewy.
What our writer says: I've been feeding my dogs PetPlate for several years now. I appreciate how easy it is to store and seal the lidded containers if I don't use everything in them at once, as well as how simple it is to swap in a new recipe with each order if you'd like to try something different. I've always had dogs with various food allergies, and when we got my current pup, Gizmo, on the venison recipe right after adopting him, his skin issues cleared up and his coat started to look more glossy. You also get reward points with every delivery, and while it takes a while to rack them up, you can eventually use them toward credit on subsequent orders.
Number of options: Four recipesAdditional offerings: Probiotics and treatsPersonalized plans: YesAAFCO-compliant: Yes
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Nom Nom is one of the first fresh dog food delivery services to have hit the market, and it's racked up loyal customers in the decade since launching. Offering four fresh-food recipes—beef, chicken, pork and turkey—the brand is unique in the way that its meals are prepared. Essentially, each ingredient is cooked separately, rather than all at once in the same batch. This helps to maintain every ingredient's optimal nutritional value. The food is formulated for all life stages, including puppies, and recipes are evaluated by board-certified veterinary nutritionists. Nom Nom also offers two types of probiotics as well as chicken and beef jerky treats you can add to your order.
If you aren't satisfied with Nom Nom's meals and it's not working for your dog for any reason, you can request a full refund of your first order within 30 days. And if you aren't sure about committing to a subscription right away, Nom Nom offers the option to purchase a sampler pack to see if it's the right fit for your pup; you can also buy standalone packages versus going the subscription route on Chewy or at your local PetSmart.
For those with dogs who have particular food sensitivities or allergies, however, you might want to take a close look at the ingredients list. Unlike many fresh food services on this list, it's worth mentioning that two of the recipes include egg (which has high nutritional value but is also a common allergen). Note that including more than two recipes in your delivery is an extra $5 per shipment.
Number of options: 13 frozen food recipes, eight "Pantry Fresh" recipes, two "JustFresh" optionsAdditional offerings: Treats, supplements, cat food and treatsPersonalized plans: YesAAFCO-compliant: Yes
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From standard, popular recipes, like turkey- and beef-based ones to meals like fish and sweet potato or tofu and quinoa, variety is the name of the game with JustFoodForDogs. The delivery service offers a staggeringly large range of recipes as well as types of formulas, and it's also one of the only services that carries veterinary prescription food as well, making it really stand out from the rest.
In addition to its selection of frozen fresh meals (which include a recipe that targets joint and skin concerns as well as one for sensitive stomachs), you can opt for shelf-stable formulas made with human-grade ingredients that are particularly convenient to travel with. A large assortment of treats and supplements can be added to your order, and those with cats may also want to give its fresh cat food a go (my notoriously picky geriatric cat is a huge fan). You can shop by life stage or health goal, plus you can also consult with one of the brand's nutritionists to create a fully customizable meal for your dog if you don't find one that hits the mark.
Dr. Francisco DiPolo, a New York City–based veterinarian, particularly recommends JustFoodForDogs as a service that taps into disease-specific meals. If your dog requires a low-fat diet for liver support or low-protein for kidney issues, for instance, the service offers a more nutritious alternative to kibble or canned food—plus an easy way to ensure your pup is getting the balanced nutrients they need. "Anything that simplifies the process for the owner and attends to this kind of macronutrient issue, I think it's important," he says.
You have the option of a subscription-based or onetime order (and you can also try sampler packs to get a sense of what your dog prefers), but note that a subscription will save you 50% off your first order and then 5% off subsequent ones. JustFoodForDogs also has brick-and-mortar stores around the country and is available at Petco and Chewy.
What our staff says: Jennifer Bruno, VP of business strategy at Forbes Vetted, feeds her dog Henry JustFoodForDogs. Before transitioning him to the brand's diet, she says, he "often had stomach problems and would have to have homemade chicken and rice with chicken stock—and since switching he's had no problems, and absolutely loves his food."
Number of options: Six protein options in the form of meal plans or bulk patties; prekitted boxes with three bestsellersAdditional offerings: NonePersonalized plans: YesAAFCO-compliant: Yes
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For those interested in going the raw food route, We Feed Raw offers six different types of 16-ounce patties: Choose from chicken, turkey, duck, lamb, beef or venison, or mix several different recipes in each subscription delivery. (For more on the benefits of each protein source, check out the brand's recipe page.) All recipes are made with muscle meat, organ meat, edible bone and a vitamin premix. If you're not sure you want to commit to a subscription or you simply would like to see how your pup likes the food before doing so, you can purchase a onetime box, but note that it only includes We Feed Raw's three best-selling recipes (turkey, beef and lamb). Large, 5-pound patties can also be purchased in bulk, in increments of 30-pound boxes, which is particularly convenient if you have a multi-dog household and want to stock up.
The patties arrive frozen and can last in the freezer up to six months in their original, sealed packaging. Before serving, make sure to thaw them in the fridge for an appropriate amount of time; meal plan patties take approximately 12 hours to thaw in the refrigerator, while the bigger, 5-pound ones generally need about 24 hours. Based on your answers to the survey questions about your individual dog, We Feed Raw provides portion guidance. When you're ready to feed your pup, just open the packaging and place the meat in their bowl. In addition to serving the food raw, you can also consider lightly searing it.
What our writer says: I've been feeding my dogs We Feed Raw as their evening meal for several months now and can attest to how appetizing this food is to them—particularly for my notoriously picky geriatric dog. Just note that you do have to either eyeball the food or use a food scale in order to portion it out for your pup if the suggested portioning isn't a full patty at once.
Number of options: Two recipes for adult dogs, one recipe for puppiesAdditional offerings: Treats, supplements and bone broth meal toppersPersonalized plans: YesAAFCO-compliant: Yes
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Maev's frozen raw food is packaged similarly to kibble, making it easy to serve and portion out for your dog. The brand offers two recipes for adults (beef and chicken) and a chicken-based one for puppies. Alongside the protein, each blend contains a variety of fruits, veggies and more, such as potatoes, green beans, blueberries, zucchini, kale and peanut butter. The frozen bite-sized chunks are packaged in a bag you store in the freezer, so all you have to do is scoop it out and toss it in your dog's bowl. And while most dogs appreciate the crunchy texture of the frozen food, you can also opt to let it thaw for about 10 minutes before serving.
In selecting the appropriate formula, you first want to choose the one for your dog's appropriate life stage (either puppy or 1 year old and up). For the adult recipe, in addition to having the option of either chicken, beef or a mix of the two, you're also asked to further customize your formula to focus on one of four areas: weight and digestion, skin and coat, anxiety and calming or hip and joint. There's a portion-guidance chart on Maev's site to help dog owners determine how much to feed based on their pet's age and activity level, as well as a transitional guide for those intending to make the switch entirely to raw food.
Deliveries can be scheduled anywhere from one to 10 weeks apart, with the option to cancel, pause or change delivery frequency at any time. You can order anywhere from one to 16 bags at once, and you save more with larger orders. (Shipping is also free on orders over $249.) Other products that can be added to your box include freeze-dried beef liver treats, a beef bone broth topper and various supplement bars.
What our editors say: "I found Maev to be an incredibly convenient way to add fresh, raw food to my senior dog's diet," shares senior updates editor Karen Tietjen. "Pouring the frozen chunks into her bowl was as easy as scooping out kibble, and I didn't have to worry about any messy prep (and subsequent fears of contamination)." I also feed my dogs Maev, and you can read more in this Maev vs. We Feed Raw comparison piece to figure out which one might be the best raw food plan for you.
Number of options: Four UnKibble recipes and three fresh recipesAdditional offerings: TreatsPersonalized plans: YesAAFCO-compliant: Yes
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Spot & Tango's UnKibble may look similar to traditional dry dog food, but it's actually a blend of meat, starch, fruit and veggies that have been dehydrated via a low-temperature drying process. This helps the ingredients retain their natural vitamins, minerals, colors and aromas (making it more palatable for pups than regular kibble), as well as maintain their nutritional integrity. It's a more nutritious alternative to regular dry dog food that's a bit more affordable than frozen fresh meals, plus more convenient to store and travel with.
Recipes include cod and salmon, beef and barley, chicken and brown rice and turkey and sweet potato, plus the brand offers frozen fresh food in turkey and quinoa, beef and brown rice and lamb and sweet potato recipes. Both GMO-free formulas are made with fresh, whole ingredients and free of artificial preservatives, fillers or additives. As with most other dog food delivery services on this list, you're asked to complete a quick quiz providing your pup's details. Note that you can only ship up to two UnKibble recipes in your delivery at a time, but you can mix and match any of the three frozen fresh meals in your box. Food is shipped every week, every two weeks, every four weeks or every eight weeks, depending on your dog's portion size—but Spot & Tango hopes to introduce more flexibility into its shipping frequencies soon.
Number of options: HundredsAdditional offerings: Pet toys, treats, accessories and morePersonalized plans: NoAAFCO-compliant: Varies based on brand
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If you're a pet parent, you're likely more than familiar with Chewy's status as a one-stop shop—plus its convenient Autoship feature and fast delivery speeds. And if you're not necessarily in the market for a brand-new dog food but just looking for a quicker way for your pup's grub to arrive at your doorstep, there's no better site to do your shopping. Not only does the retailer sell products from popular pet food brands like Hill's Science Diet, Blue Buffalo, The Honest Kitchen, Weruva and more, but some subscription-based fresh foods (like PetPlate and JustFoodForDogs) are also available via Chewy.
What our editors say: Several Forbes Vetted editors use Chewy for their pet food deliveries. "I use Chewy for food and medicine for my pets," says Jordan Thomas, assistant deals editor. Consumer tech editor Rebecca Isaacs also subscribes from Chewy: "We were in search of a special kidney treatment food and finding it was a total pain, but it was on Chewy and we opted to Autoship. It was a simple process at checkout and we could choose how frequently it shows up." I also regularly use Chewy's Autoship and can attest to how easy it is to change or delay delivery dates or cancel them altogether. Chewy's customer service, additionally, is top-tier: Reps are available 24/7 via chat and always resolve my issues swiftly.
Why Trust Forbes VettedThe Forbes Vetted team is dedicated to finding the best products on the market, testing them firsthand, interviewing experts and doing research in order to deliver top recommendations to you. That includes pet products and specifically pet food, from the best dry dog food to the best raw dog food to how to approach homemade food for your pup.
Are Dog Food Delivery Services Worth It?
If you value nutritious meals tailored to your individual dog that they enjoy eating—and it's within your budget and you have the storage space in your freezer—we think dog food delivery services are certainly worth it.
What Is The Most Affordable Dog Food Delivery Service?
Most fresh dog food delivery services are significantly more expensive than traditional store-bought food, and ultimately the price of a meal plan will depend on your dog's size, activity level and what recipe(s) you choose. The Farmer's Dog, Ollie and PetPlate are all generally similarly priced, however.
Is The Farmer's Dog More Expensive Than Ollie?
The Farmer's Dog and Ollie are pretty similar in pricing, though which recipes and meal plans you select for your dog will ultimately affect the total price of your subscription.
Do Vets Recommend Homemade Dog Food?
While homemade dog food is an option for pet parents looking to feed their pups a preservative-free, nutritious diet, in addition to being time-consuming, it can be difficult to create balanced recipes at home. "The logical thinking is that the more wholesome the ingredients are, the better the absorption and nutritional value of them," says Dr. DiPolo. "So if we start from that idea, then perhaps, pets will be better fed if they're in some way receiving some ingredients that are wholesome and homemade … but there's got to be some kind of way to at least pay attention to the micronutrients and vitamins and all these little things that, as time goes by, we kind of discover that they do have an impact in health. And if you simply pick food and just mix them together and just because we feel it's wholesome, that may not be enough." That's where the dog food delivery services on this list come in.
The Best Dog Foods In 2024, Recommended With Advice From Vets
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When it comes to dog food, there are many dry and wet recipes available, including options for puppies, senior dogs, and those with sensitive stomachs. Add to that many popular pet food brands, and choosingone of the best dog foods for your pet can be difficult.
We consulted veterinarians and animal nutritionists and researched hundreds of recipes to choose the best options from top brands, including affordable canned food, kibble, and fresh food. Our recommendations are based on each food's nutritional adequacy, calorie content, and ingredients. One of our top picks, Wellness Complete Health Lamb and Barley Recipe, is a dry food for adult dogs. It has a healthy balance of protein, fat, and fiber, plus beneficial ingredients like omega fatty acids from fish oil for brain and joint health.
All of our picks meet the standards set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), which means they have the right balance of fat, protein, and fiber for a dog's life stage. They also align with the Global Nutrition Guidelines published by the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA).
Read more about how Business Insider Reviews researches and tests pet products.
Highlights for the best dog foodsBest dry: Wellness Complete Health Adult Lamb and Barley Recipe - See at Chewy
Best wet: Hill's Science Diet Adult Beef and Barley Entree - See at Chewy
Best fresh: Just Food for Dogs - See at Chewy
Best for sensitive stomachs: Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin and Stomach Salmon and Rice - See at Chewy
Best dry for puppies: Wellness Complete Health Deboned Chicken, Oatmeal, and Salmon Meal - See at Chewy
Best wet for puppies: Blue Buffalo Baby Blue Healthy Growth Chicken and Vegetable - See at Chewy
Best dry for seniors: Merrick Senior Real Chicken and Brown Rice - See at Chewy
Best wet for seniors: Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Chicken and Barley - See at Chewy
Best for small breeds: Nulo Frontrunner Small Breed Turkey, Whitefish, and Quinoa - See at Chewy
Best for large breeds: Wellness Complete Health Large Breed Deboned Chicken and Brown Rice - See at Chewy
Best grain-free: Merrick Real Duck and Sweet Potato - See at Chewy
Best limited ingredient: Wellness Simple Limited Ingredient Diet Duck and Oatmeal - See at Chewy
Best low fat: Nutro Ultra Weight Management with Chicken, Lamb, and Salmon - See at Chewy
Best high fiber: Nutro Healthy Weight Chicken and Brown Rice - See at Chewy
Best dry foodThe best dry dog food is convenient, practical, and affordable. Prices are lower because you're not paying for the water that's in higher moisture wet foods, says Dr. Megan Shepherd, a veterinary nutritionist and adjunct professor of nutrition at Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine. Calorie and nutrient content in kibble varies, but the AAFCO minimum for protein is 18% for adult dogs. Pet dogs are omnivorous and don't need super high levels of protein, so look for a moderate amount of protein. Protein quality and digestibility are most important, says Kelly Swanson, director of the nutritional sciences division at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Department of Animal Sciences.
The best dry foods contain ingredients that meet the AAFCO's nutrient requirements for complete and balanced food. These ingredients include whole meats and fish, meat meals, rice and beans for protein, and fiber from grains, vegetables, and fruit. Swanson also recommends fat concentrations under 20%. However, if your dog is a healthy weight and doesn't have pancreatitis or gastrointestinal disease, don't worry too much about fat content.
Our recommendations for the best dog foods have all the essential nutritional qualities plus healthy extras. Our pick from Nature's Logic has also undergone feeding trials, which are tests to ensure a food is palatable, digestible, and able to sustain pets over time. The picks below also have health-boosting ingredients, like omega fatty acids for skin and coat health and glucosamine, chondroitin, and green-lipped mussels, which may provide joint support.
Editor's note: Shepherd is now a scientific communications nutritionist for pet food company Royal Canin. She spoke with us in October 2021 before she began working for Royal Canin, so we do not view her contributions to this article as a conflict of interest.
Wellness Complete Health Adult Lamb and Barley RecipeLamb and lamb meal are the main protein sources, and carbohydrates include oatmeal, ground barley, and ground brown rice. Healthy extras like menhaden fish meal provide omega fatty acids, while glucosamine and chondroitin support joint health. This food is appropriate for moderately active, normal-weight dogs with 24% protein, 12% fat, and 4% fiber. Each cup contains 417 kcal.
Merrick Real Beef and Brown Rice RecipeBeef and pork meal lead the ingredients list, and there are a variety of carbohydrates, including brown rice, barley, oatmeal, quinoa, carrots, and apples. Health extras include omega fatty acids (salmon), glucosamine, and chondroitin. With 26% protein, 15% fat, and 3.5% fiber, this is a good option for moderately active, normal-weight dogs. Each cup contains 386 kcal.
Nature's Logic Canine Chicken Meal FeastAt the top of the list are chicken meal, chicken fat, millet, and eggs. Carbohydrates include pumpkin seeds, kelp, almonds, carrots, apples, blueberries, and cranberries. There are healthy extras like probiotics and digestive enzymes. We recommend this food for active, normal-weight dogs with a breakdown of 36% protein, 15% fat, and 5% fiber. This food has undergone feeding trials and each cup contains 418 kcal.
Best budget dry foodThere's a relationship between price and quality when it comes to the best dog foods. Ultra-cheap foods often contain lower-quality ingredients to bulk them up and keep their prices down.
"But it's important to remember that there are many more affordable dog foods that are perfectly good options," says Dr. Jamie Richardson, head of veterinary medicine at Small Door Veterinary. You don't need to break the bank to feed your dog a healthy diet.
We've found plenty of high-quality foods available at lower prices. As long as a food meets the AAFCO complete and balanced standards like our picks and makes sense for your dog's life stage, you're good to go.
Rachael Ray Nutrish Dish Beef and Brown Rice Recipe With Veggie and Fruit BlendBeef and chicken meal are the first two protein sources in this dry dog food. Other standout ingredients include brown rice, pea protein, and brewers rice. Menhaden fish oil provides omega fatty acids. With 26% protein, 14% fat, and 4% fiber, we recommend this food for moderately active, normal-weight dogs. One cup contains 352 kcal.
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Chicken and Brown Rice RecipeThe main protein sources in this recipe are deboned chicken and chicken meal. Standout carbohydrates include brown rice, barley, oatmeal, peas, sweet potatoes, carrots, and cranberries. Healthy extras include omega fatty acids and glucosamine. We recommend it for moderately active, normal-weight dogs, with 24% protein, 14% fat, and 5% fiber. One cup is 378 kcal.
Natural Balance Original Ultra Chicken and Barley RecipeChicken and chicken meal lead the list of ingredients. Other ingredients include pearled barley, peas, oat groats, brown rice, and dried beet pulp. It also contains fish oil for omega fatty acids. Its nutrition breakdown of 24% protein, 14% fat, and 5% fiber is ideal for normal, active-weight dogs. One cup contains 370 kcal.
Best wet foodSome dogs prefer the taste or texture of wet food, Richardson says. These foods may also be easier to digest because they may be less processed and contain fewer preservatives. Just avoid wet food containing only meat since an all-meat diet won't provide your dog with complete and balanced nutrition. Instead, you can use a small amount of all-meat food as a delicious meal topper for kibble or stuff it in some of the best dog toys like the Kong Classic.
The same nutritional standards apply to dry and wet dog food, but comparing their labels isn't easy because wet food has more water content. To compare them, you need a wet food's protein, fat, and fiber on a "dry matter basis," a measurement of nutrients without water included. Cummings Veterinary Medical Center at Tufts University explains how to calculate that. You can also call the brand or ask your veterinarian for help. We contacted brands to obtain the dry matter basis for our picks.
Wet food often has more protein and fat and fewer carbohydrates. Before you switch your pet from dry food to any of our recommendations, talk to your vet about potential issues your dog may have digesting a lot of protein or fat.
Go! Solutions Skin + Coat Care Shredded Chicken RecipeThis wet food has protein sources of chicken, chicken and turkey broth, and chicken liver. Brown rice, carrots, peas, sweet potatoes, and pumpkin round out the list. It contains 48% protein, 28% fat, 1.5% fiber, and 320 kcal per 12.5-ounce carton, which is about 25.6 calories per ounce.
Wellness Lamb and Beef Stew with Brown Rice and ApplesAt the front of the ingredients list are lamb broth, lamb, beef, and beef liver as protein sources. Carbohydrates include brown rice, apples, carrots, and spinach. This food consists of 41% protein, 26% fat, and 1% fiber. A 12.5-ounce can contains 359 kcal, or about 29 calories per ounce.
Hill's Science Diet Adult Beef and Barley EntreeBeef and pork liver are the main protein sources in this wet food for adult dogs ages 1 to 6 years. Carbohydrates include whole grain corn, cracked pearled barley, and prebiotic dried beet pulp. The food contains 23.7% protein, 19.3% fat, and 1.3% fiber, with 406 kcal per 13-ounce can.
Best fresh foodPet guardians have shown increased interest in fresh food, Richardson says. That may be partly due to marketing promoting the benefits of feeding dogs a fresh diet. It's often true that these foods are minimally processed and contain whole, gently cooked ingredients. They also tend to be preservative-free, so follow the storage instructions carefully.
Because these foods are fancier, they are more expensive, but you get convenience too. Brands typically offer subscription services and deliver frozen fresh, customized meals to your doorstep.
Richardson says nutrition standards are the same as for other dog food. The food should have an AAFCO nutritional adequacy statement and the ingredients should be the same ones found in other types of dog food: meat sources of protein, whole grains, fruits, and marine sources of fats. It's a big bonus if there are healthy extras like omega fatty acids, glucosamine, and chondroitin.
Our recommendations come from brands wi
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