Best Dog Food
- Human-grade wet food & kibble options
- No added hormones, fillers, or preservatives
- Customizable meals for dogs with dietary restrictions
- Reliable delivery & convenient packaging
- Half-portion fresh food options to round out your pup’s current meals
- Fresh, dry & raw dog food options
- Formulated by veterinary nutritionists
- Build your dog's personalized meal plan
- Cooked in small batches for more nutrition & flavor
- No artificial additives, preservatives, or fillers
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Dogs make the best companions. Nobody is happier to see you walk through the door than a dog, especially if you're bringing them a treat. One of the most important responsibilities of pet owners is providing wholesome meals. Giving your dog nutritious food is essential to keeping them happy and healthy.
But with so many dog food brands available, how do you know which one is best for your pup? To help you make an informed decision, we sifted through numerous products to help you choose the best dog food for your pet.
Our Top Picks For Best Dog Food
- Royal Canin Small Puppy Dry Dog Food – Best For Puppies
- Blue Buffalo Homestyle Recipe Chicken Dinner With Garden Vegetables – Best Wet Dog Food
- Hill's Science Diet Small Bites, Lamb & Brown Rice Recipe – Best Dry Dog Food
- Taste of the Wild High Prairie Grain-Free Recipe – Best Grain-Free Dog Food
- The Honest Kitchen Whole Grain Chicken Recipe – Best With Human-Grade Ingredients
Best Dog Food Reviews
Below are our top five picks for the best dog food. We selected the products based on their nutritional value, ingredient quality, price, availability and customer ratings. We also checked online reviews from reputable sources to see the consensus on the best dog food brands on the market.
Best for Puppies: Royal Canin Small Puppy Dry Dog Food
Why we chose it: Royal Canin Small Puppy Dry Dog Food contains most of the essential nutrients puppies need, and its tiny kibble makes it easy to chow down.
Puppies have different nutritional requirements from adult dogs. They typically require dog foods with more calories and a different nutrient balance to promote their healthy growth and development.
Royal Canin Small Puppy Dry Dog Food is a high-quality dog food packed with all the essential proteins and minerals puppies need for healthy growth. Additionally, it's rich in vitamins and antioxidants that bolster immunity. It's nutritionally balanced for the needs of a puppy aged 2 to 10 months old.
And if your puppy is a finicky eater, don't worry. The product's kibbles come in small sizes, so even picky eaters and puppies with small jaws won't have trouble chomping.
Besides its Small Puppy Dry Dog Food formula, Royal Canin also offers formulas for medium and large-sized pups. However, it only comes in chicken flavor, so you won't be spoilt for choice.
Best Wet Dog Food: Blue Buffalo Homestyle Recipe Chicken Dinner With Garden Vegetables
Why we chose it: Blue Buffalo Homestyle Recipe Chicken Dinner With Garden Vegetables is a protein-rich, wet dog food made from real chicken, but at an affordable price so your pup can feel fancy without emptying your wallet.
While most dogs don't mind eating dry dog food, some don't find it palatable. If your pup makes a fuss when served dry kibble, consider substituting it for wet dog food. Wet dog food typically has a softer texture than dry dog food, making it easier to chew.
Blue Buffalo's Homestyle Recipe Chicken Dinner With Garden Vegetables is an additive-free dog food rich in protein from fresh chicken, making it great for healthy muscle development. It's also rich in vitamins from whole vegetables like carrots, peas and sweet potatoes, making it a wholesome meal for your pup.
It's a more affordable than many other wet dog food brands on the market. At many online stores, a 12.5-ounce can is roughly $3, while other brands cost $4 to $8 for the same size.
Besides the chicken recipe formula, Blue Buffalo also offers formulas with beef, lamb, fish or turkey as the main protein. You can serve your pet the formula as a sole meal or add it to dry food to make it more enticing and tasty.
Best Dry Dog Food: Hill's Science Diet Small Bites, Lamb & Brown Rice Recipe
Why we chose it: Hill's Science Diet Small Bites comes in small kibbles meant to be easy for dogs to chew, and it contains no artificial flavors or preservatives.
Dry dog food typically costs less than wet dog food. As a result, it's an excellent budget-friendly alternative, particularly if your pup isn't a picky eater.
Hill's Science Small Bites is a nutrient-dense dry dog food with lamb as its primary protein and brown rice as its main carbohydrate. Besides these primary ingredients, the recipe is fortified with vitamins and omega-6 to boost immunity and give your pup a shiny fur coat.
Unlike some dry dog foods that are tough to eat and digest, this product has tiny kibbles packed with natural fibers, making it easy for dogs to consume. It comes in 4.5, 15.5 or 33-pound bags, and there are also formulas specially formulated for puppies and seniors.
Overall, while Hill's Science Small Bites is an excellent vet-recommended dog food, it doesn't come in a variety of flavors. You'll only have two options — lamb and brown rice or chicken and barley.
Best Grain-Free Dog Food: Taste of the Wild High Prairie Grain-Free Recipe
Why we chose it: Taste of the Wild High Prairie is an affordable grain-free dog food packed with high-quality proteins and fat.
While there's a lot of hype about grain-free dog foods, they aren't necessarily suitable for every dog. In fact, according to some studies, there may be a potential link between grain-free diets and a heart disease called dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs. However, the results are inconclusive, and there's still an ongoing study by the FDA. Nonetheless, if your dog has been diagnosed with a grain food allergy, you may want to put your pup on a grain-free diet.
Taste of the Wild High Prairie is a good option for dogs allergic to or intolerant of grains. It contains real bison and venison and is high in protein to promote healthy bone, joint and muscle development. It's also rich in probiotics and antioxidants that help to boost immunity and improve coat appearance.
In addition to the roasted bison and venison recipe, there are nine other recipes, including salmon, lamb, fowl and more. The food comes in 5, 14 and 28-pound bags. If your dog doesn't eat foods with grain, it's a solid option. However, consult your vet before you put your pet on a grain-free diet.
Best With Human-Grade Ingredients: The Honest Kitchen Whole Grain Chicken Recipe
Why we chose it: The Honest Kitchen Whole Grain Chicken Recipe is made in the USA with human-grade ingredients and is quick to prepare.
While the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) states that there's no real definition for human-grade dog food, dog food producers often use the term to describe dog foods that conform with the same processes used to prepare and handle food for human consumption.
The Honest Kitchen offers various human-grade dog foods without colors, preservatives or by-products. The brand's Whole Grain Chicken Recipe is made from real chicken as the main ingredient, along with organic whole-grain barley. The brand also offers six other recipes, including turkey, beef, fish and more.
You can prepare the recipe you choose by simply mixing it with warm water, stirring it and letting it sit for three minutes before serving your dog. Alternatively, you can add it to your dog's dry food for a more delicious treat.
This product can be difficult to find, and it isn't available at some top online stores. Plus, it isn't a pocket-friendly option, as it's pricier than many other options on this list.
Other Dog Food We Considered
We evaluated numerous dog food products. While some almost made our list of top picks for the best dog food, we omitted them because of various factors, such as price, availability and recipe variety. Besides our top picks, here are some other solid options worth considering.
Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Gastrointestinal Low Fat Canned Dog Food
Some dogs have sensitive stomachs and are susceptible to gastrointestinal issues. If your dog has digestive tract issues, you may want to consider this product after consulting your vet. It's specially formulated for dogs with sensitive stomachs, as its ingredients are gentle on digestion. It's also low in fat content, making it perfect for dogs that struggle to digest fat.
However, we didn't include it as our top pick for the best wet dog food option because it was pricier than our top option. It was also out of stock on some top online marketplaces.
JustFoodForDogs Turkey and Whole Wheat Macaroni Recipe
This product almost made our cut for the best human-grade dog food. We liked that it was available in a wide variety of flavors and made from fresh human-grade ingredients. Additionally, many customer reviews stated that picky dogs found it palatable.
However, we excluded it from our list of top picks because it wasn't readily available on some popular online marketplaces. Plus, it's costlier than our top pick for human-grade dog food.
Orijen Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
Orijen Grain-Free Dry Dog Food is another solid choice if you have a dog that's intolerant or allergic to grains. The brand's grain-free recipe is high in protein and available in various flavors. Plus, it comes in 4.5, 13, or 25-pound bags for added convenience.
There is a downside, though. Orijen's dry dog food is costlier than other dry food brands we evaluated, so it didn't make our cut.
Dog Food Guide
The best dog food products can give your dog a tasty meal rich in nutrients. However, not all dog foods are created equal. Nutrient content varies from product to product, with some being richer in certain nutrients than others.
Read on to learn more about the essential nutrients your dog requires and the key factors to consider when selecting a dog food brand.
Important Nutrients That Dogs Need In Their Diet
While dietary requirements vary from dog to dog depending on age, size and breed, all dogs require six key nutrients.
- Water
- Carbohydrates
- Proteins
- Fats
- Minerals
- Vitamins
Water is life, and without it, dogs can't survive. Water accounts for over 50% of a dog's body mass, and it's essential to several critical functions, such as regulating body temperature, breaking down other nutrients, lubricating body tissues and eliminating waste from the body.
While wet dog foods may contain plenty of water, solely providing your dog with wet dog food won't fulfill your pet's nutritional requirements. Therefore, you should ensure your dog always has access to clean, fresh water. As a rule of thumb, make sure your dog drinks at least one ounce of water per pound of its body weight per day. For instance, a 60-pound Labrador Retriever should drink roughly 60 ounces of water daily.
Carbohydrates are another vital nutrient dogs require in their diet because they provide energy. But since dogs can obtain carbohydrates from proteins and fats, they aren't as essential as the other nutrients.
Nonetheless, a diet rich in carbohydrates can benefit your dog if your pup often engages in rigorous activities that deplete its energy levels. Carbohydrates in dog foods typically come in the form of grains, such as wheat, barley or rice, or vegetables and legumes.
Dogs can't synthesize proteins from other nutrients. They require proteins from food sources to maintain healthy bones, muscles and tissues. Proteins are often the main nutrient in most dog foods, and they typically come from meat, fish or poultry.
Fats are another crucial nutrient dogs can't do without. Like carbohydrates, they provide energy. Additionally, fats cushion organs and help dogs maintain healthy hair and shiny coats. Some essential fats include linoleic acid and omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Dog foods with fish oil are a good source of healthy fats.
Finally, dogs require vitamins and minerals to promote a healthy metabolism. Some essential vitamins and minerals for dogs include vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin E, vitamin K, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and potassium.
Generally, most good dog foods contain all the mentioned nutrients in reasonable quantities. However, as a general rule, look for the AAFCO nutritional adequacy statement label on the dog food you want to purchase to determine if it meets your pet's dietary needs.
Dangerous Foods For Dogs
If your dog gives you puppy dog eyes because it wants to share the tasty treat you're eating, you may want to think twice. This is because while dogs can consume many human foods, some can be dangerous. Here are some foods you should never give your dog.
- Alcohol: It can cause diarrhea and vomiting. In severe cases, it can cause liver and brain damage or even death.
- Avocados: They contain a substance called persin that's toxic in dogs. It can induce vomiting and diarrhea.
- Chocolate: While it's a tasty treat for humans, chocolate can pose serious health risks for dogs. It contains a substance called theobromine that can lead to various health issues, such as heart issues, kidney failure or even death.
- Citrus: Foods that contain citrus, such as oranges, can irritate dogs' stomachs if consumed in small amounts. However, in large amounts, citrus can lead to more severe complications like nervous system damage.
- Coffee: While it's a great stimulant for people, coffee can cause dogs to experience diarrhea, vomiting or even heart complications if ingested in large amounts.
- Cooked bones: Uncooked bones generally aren't harmful to dogs. However, cooked bones can easily splinter and choke dogs or cause digestive tract issues.
- Garlic: While garlic is an excellent food enhancer for human food, it's unsuitable for dogs as it can destroy their red blood cells and cause anemia.
- Grapes: They can induce vomiting in dogs or even lead to renal failure if ingested in large amounts.
- Onions: Like garlic, onions can damage a dog's red blood cells and cause anemia.
- Xylitol: It's a popular sweetener in many products, such as chewing gum, candy and even toothpaste. If consumed in large amounts by dogs, any product with xylitol can cause severe hypoglycemia and lead to liver failure.
- Yeast dough: Bread requires yeast dough to rise. Similarly, yeast dough can cause a dog's stomach to swell and cause severe pain when ingested.
All these foods can cause severe medical complications or even lead to death if ingested in large amounts. Therefore, avoid giving your dog any of these foods. And if your dog accidentally consumes any of them, contact emergency services immediately or rush your pup to the nearest vet.
Besides the listed foods, steer away from foods with preservatives, such as BHA, BHT and TBHQ, as they can be detrimental to your pup's health.
How To Choose The Best Dog Food Brand
There's no one-size fits all dog food. Depending on your dog's age, size, breed and other factors, certain dog foods may suit your dog better than others. Read on to learn more about determining the best dog food brand for your pooch.
Know Their Dietary Needs
Dietary needs vary from dog to dog. While some dogs require foods high in certain nutrients, they require less of others. For instance, dog breeds such as beagles, dachshunds and labrador retrievers are more susceptible to gaining weight than other breeds. As a result, they may require low-fat foods.
Check For Key Ingredients
The AAFCO requires dog food brands to list the ingredients in their products in descending order depending on weight. This means that the topmost ingredient on the label is usually the one in the highest quantity, while the bottom one is usually the one in the lowest quantity.
Thus, while a dog food's ingredient list may not tell you much about the ingredient quality, it can tell you what the dog food contains. This information can prove beneficial if you have a dog allergic to certain foods or a pup with special dietary needs.
Choose dog foods with animal and plant-based ingredients to ensure your dog gets a balanced diet. Additionally, avoid products with additives, chemical preservatives or fillers, as they can do more harm than good.
Consider Your Dog's Age
Dogs' nutritional requirements vary depending on their age. The dietary needs of a senior dog differ from those of a puppy. For instance, while puppies may require high-calorie foods to support their active lifestyles and development, senior dogs may require foods with fewer calories.
Generally, the best dog food brands include life-stage labels on their products. For example, Royal Canin has age-specific labels for puppy, adult and senior dog food formulas. When choosing dog food, look out for these labels and pick an age-appropriate product for your dog.
Research Dog Food Brands
There are numerous dog food brands on the market, and many of them claim to be the best. But don't take their word for it. Instead, check whether they are formulated and approved by vets. Furthermore, check whether they invest in research. Generally, the best dog food brands are vet-approved and vet-formulated in conjunction with nutritionists. Moreover, the top brands often conduct research to continuously improve their products.
Read Online Reviews
If you want an impartial opinion about a particular dog food, check its online reviews. Customer reviews on online marketplaces would be a good place to start. Customers who post their experiences with a product can provide invaluable insights and honest feedback. While it isn't always the case, the best dog food products typically have ratings of 4.2 stars and above and thousands of reviews.
In addition to customer reviews, check out online reviews from trusted sites for in-depth details about the best products. However, be wary of online reviews that explicitly endorse certain products, as they may be biased.
Dog Food FAQ
How We Chose The Best Dog Food
We chose the best dog foods on this list after scrutinizing dozens of customer reviews on popular online marketplaces. We also read numerous online reviews from reputable sources to see where there was a consensus on the best dog food product in each category. Afterward, we compiled the list based on these factors:
- Availability
- Formula and recipe variety
- Ingredient quality
- Palatability
- Price
In addition to these factors, we ensured the list only contains dog foods that meet or surpass the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) standards. However, while we took the utmost care to make sure the list contains nutritious and safe foods for your dog, we recommend consulting your vet to determine the ideal dog food for your pup.
Summary of Digg's Best Dog Food
- Royal Canin Small Puppy Dry Dog Food – Best For Puppies
- Blue Buffalo Homestyle Recipe Chicken Dinner With Garden Vegetables – Best Wet Dog Food
- Hill's Science Diet Small Bites, Lamb & Brown Rice Recipe – Best Dry Dog Food
- Taste of the Wild High Prairie Grain-Free Recipe – Best Grain-Free Dog Food
- The Honest Kitchen Whole Grain Chicken Recipe – Best With Human-Grade Ingredients
