Your dog should be fed delicious, healthful food. Even though your dog can seem to be craving leftovers from your meals, every dog is different and has different nutritional needs than people. Your dog’s age, size, and individual demands should all be taken into account when selecting the best dog food. Among our best dog foods, you could search for a senior or small-breed formula. For specific advice, it’s also important to speak with your veterinarian.
To determine which dog food brands are the best, pet experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute investigated and evaluated several options. We also had a conversation with The Vets’ Alejandro Caos, DVM, a veterinarian, to have a deeper understanding of all the considerations. “Healthy dog food should provide balanced nutrition, use high-quality ingredients, promote proper digestion and be suitable for your dog’s life stage and any unique dietary considerations,” stated Dr. Caos.
Our experts are aware with the best brands available and routinely test and evaluate a variety of dog goods, such as strollers and unbreakable dog toys. We’ve conducted customer testing as well as in-house testing of dog food. In conducting our research, we polled dog owners and veterinarians (such as Dr. Caos and dog owner Megan Conrad, M.B.B.S., associate veterinarian at Wellhaven Pet Health in Oregon), taking into account factors including availability, pricing, and variety for each product. Before compiling our list of the best dog foods, we examined a total of more than 25 brands.
1. Nutro Ultra Adult Large Breed Dry Dog Food
Pros
- Kibble may benefit your dog’s dental health.
- comprises fruits, vegetables, and grains.
- varieties to suit a range of demands, ages, and sizes
- accessible via the internet, pet stores, and mass retail
Cons
- A bit costly when it comes to dry dog food
2. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula
This multi-protein dry dog food is made with a blended mix that includes chicken, lamb, and salmon. From puppyhood, one of our pet professionals’ dogs has been eating this brand of food, and they still adore it.
According to Dr. Caos, “the crunch texture can help promote dental health,” just like other dry dog food. “The mechanical action of chewing kibble can help reduce tartar buildup and maintain healthier teeth and gums while the abrasive action of chewing can help scrape away plaque.” In addition to preserving teeth, this kibble contains all the “superfoods” that the brand claims to offer, such as grains, seeds, fruits, and vegetables, in addition to protein (each cup has at least 22% crude protein).
Pros
- superior components
- Over 30,000 five-star ratings on Amazon
- accessible for purchase in numerous locations
- Excellent value for the money
Cons
There are less expensive supermarket brands.
3. Purina Pro Plan
Dr. Conrad considers this kind to be among the “most nutritionally balanced” available, hence she strongly suggests it. Omega-6 fatty acids support heart health, while EPA and DHA (found in salmon and fish oil) assist maintain a dog’s healthy, glossy skin and hair. It’s beneficial for a dog with sensitive stomach since it contains natural prebiotic fiber, which helps to promote digestive health by nurturing beneficial intestinal flora.
You can see from the ingredient list that this alternative mostly consists of fish proteins, along with a number of vitamins and minerals like choline chloride and vitamin-E and vitamin-A supplements to support the function of the pup’s liver. Additionally, it is free of poultry, which some people find to be a flavor preference.
There are numerous other Pro Plan options available for dogs with various sizes and conditions. A few are a puppy formula, a weight-management mix for large dogs, and a high-protein mix with meat. A well-known mass-market brand, Purina can be found online, in pet supply stores, supermarkets, and big-box retailers. You can also look into the Purina One line if you need to spend less money.
5. Merrick Grain-Free Dog Food
While the majority of dogs don’t require a grain-free diet, if your dog has demonstrated sensitivity or allergy to grains, your veterinarian may suggest one.
Dr. Caos says, “Every dog is different, and their nutritional needs may vary.” “While some dogs thrive on grain-free formulas, others may do well on diets containing grains.” This meal for beef and sweet potatoes is made for all breeds and contains a whopping 32% of protein. It also contains glucosamine and chondroitin, which support healthy hips and joints, as well as omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids, which support glowing fur and healthy skin. The first component is deboned beef, which is followed by sweet potatoes, lamb meal, and salmon meal.
The Merrick brand offers some grain-free dog food for puppies, but there aren’t many grain-free options available. The Merrick grain-free wet dog meals, like a canned steak supper, are also very well-liked. The brand can be found in pet food stores, certain mass merchants, and online.
6. Wellness Canned Dog Food
Dr. Caos lists a few reasons why you might wish to choose wet dog food, such as this one from Wellness. The high moisture level of this type of food makes it simpler for dogs to eat and helps keep them hydrated, especially for dogs with dental disorders that may make it difficult for them to chew hard food and for dogs who don’t seem to drink enough water throughout the day. Furthermore, according to Dr. Caos, wet dog food may appeal to pets more because of its “softer texture, stronger smell, and richer flavors.”
While canned food is generally more costly than dry kibble, it is still less expensive than fresh food. Because cans are heavy, you should refrigerate any unused portion of an open can. But canned food is shelf-stable and keeps well for a long time when left unopened, unlike fresh dog food. This one’s primary protein sources are lamb and beef, but it also has a number of extra vitamins and nutrients to support the immune system, digestion, and strong bones of your pet.
You can purchase Wellness dog food at a variety of retail locations, like as PetSmart and Walmart, as well as online at Chewy and Amazon. Other varieties available are turkey and even a venison and salmon blend.
What to consider when shopping for the best dog food?
When shopping for the best dog food, consider the following factors:
- Age: Dogs need different foods at different phases of their lives, including puppy, adult, and senior.
- Size: Your dog’s size can affect what they need to eat; tiny, medium, and giant breeds can all have different nutritional requirements.
- Health Needs: Take into account any particular dietary requirements or health concerns that your dog may have, such as allergies, stomach problems, or weight control.
- Ingredients: Look for high-quality ingredients, including named protein sources, whole grains, vegetables, and fruits. Avoid fillers, artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors.
- Nutritional Balance: Ensure the dog food is balanced with the appropriate levels of protein, fat, vitamins, and minerals.