Top 9 Dog Food Brands, Pawsitively Approved by 400+ Canines
Top 9 Dog Food Brands, Pawsitively Approved by 400+ Canines
To determine the top dog food brands, we consulted with veterinarians and followed the rigorous standards set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). But what matters most is what dog owners think! We surveyed 401 dog owners to understand their dogs' preferences and needs, considering factors like size, age, and breed. Our goal was to find the best food brands that cater to a wide range of dogs. You can find more details on our research methodology below, under 'How We Found The Best Dog Food Brands'. As dog owners ourselves, we've also included the foods that we trust and feed to our own furry companions
No 1 : Highest Recommendation
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Hill's Science Diet
Hill's Science Diet Dog Food Review
Pros:
- Made with easy-to-digest ingredients
- No artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives
- Available as wet or dry food
- Formulas for breed size and specific health needs
Cons:
- Canned variety lacks pull tab for easy opening
Product Overview:
Hill's Science Diet dog food, developed by veterinarians and manufactured in the US, offers a range of flavors and formulations to meet the nutritional needs of dogs of all sizes. With its high-quality ingredients and rigorous safety standards, it's our top recommendation for most canines.
Product Options:
- Life Stages: Puppy, Adult, Senior
- Food Types: Dry, Wet
- Breed Sizes: Mini, Small, Medium, Large
Key Features:
- Real animal protein as the first ingredient
- Human-grade ingredients
- Formulas for specific needs (food sensitivities, dental cleaning, weight management, etc.)
- Meets or exceeds AAFCO and WSAVA nutrient profiles and manufacturing guidelines
Benefits:
- Easy digestion
- Reduced dietary issues
- Straightforward potty sessions
Note: Hill's Prescription Diet, a line of prescription foods for dogs with specific medical problems, is available only with a veterinarian's direction and prescription
No 2 : Top-Rated Wet Option
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Blue Buffalo Wet Dog Food
Blue Buffalo Wet Dog Food Review
Pros:
- Made without by-product meals, corn, soy, or wheat
- Free of artificial flavors and preservatives
- Can be mixed with dry food for added convenience
Cons:
- Some flavors and formulations may be hard to find
Product Overview:
Blue Buffalo offers a range of wet dog food formulations to support dogs' specific needs based on size and life stage. Our research team found that Blue Buffalo's wet food is not only appetizing and easy to digest but also gentle on sensitive stomachs and beneficial for skin and coat health.
Product Options:
- Life Stages: Puppy, Adult, Senior
- Food Types: Dry, Wet, Refrigerated
- Breed Sizes: Toy, Small, Standard, Large
Key Features:
- Meat-first recipes made with human-grade ingredients
- Enhanced with vitamins, minerals, and nutrients
- No by-product meals, corn, soy, wheat, artificial flavors, or preservatives
- Eight lines of wet food to meet various dietary needs and preferences
Tips:
- Mix with dry food to make each serving more cost-effective
- Adjust portion sizes according to product label directions to avoid overfeeding
No 3 : Budget-Friendly
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Iams Dog Food
Iams Dog Food Review
Pros:
- Budget-friendly options
- Formulations tailored to specific health needs (weight management, joint and bone support, digestive maintenance)
- Made with human-grade ingredients
Cons:
- Recipes include fillers, which may not be ideal for some dogs
- Limited vegetable content in recipes
Product Overview:
Iams offers a range of dog food varieties to meet the needs of dogs according to their age, lifestyle, and size. Their recipes include fiber, grains, and omega-6 fatty acids to support digestion, energy, and overall health. With both kibble and canned options available at affordable prices, Iams is accessible through big box stores, supermarkets, and online retailers.
Product Options:
- Life Stages: Puppy, Adult, Senior
- Food Types: Dry, Wet
- Breed Sizes: Extra Small, Small, Medium, Large, Extra Large
Key Features:
- Meat or fish as the first ingredient in all recipes
- Formulations to address specific health needs
- Budget-friendly prices
Room for Improvement:
- Increase vegetable content in recipes
- Consider removing fillers from recipes
No 4 : Top Refrigerated Pick
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FreshPet Dog Food
FreshPet Dog Food Review
Pros:
- Made with human-grade ingredients sourced from US farms
- Appeals to picky eaters
- Never made with meat-meal by-products
Cons:
- Difficult to make cost-effective for large dogs
- No senior-specific formula (though suitable for seniors)
Product Overview:
FreshPet dog food uses refrigeration as the only preservative, offering a fresh and flavorful meal for your canine. With human-grade ingredients sourced from US farms, FreshPet is a high-quality option that appeals to picky eaters.
Product Options:
- Life Stages: Puppy, Adult
- Food Type: Refrigerated
- Breed Sizes: Small, Medium, Large
Key Features:
- Farm-raised chicken, fish, beef, eggs, fruits, and vegetables
- Grain-free recipes and puppy-specific formulations available
- Resealable bags or slice-and-serve rolls for convenience
Benefits:
- Freshness and flavor of home-cooked meals
- Nutritional value and balance
- Soft and easy to chew for dogs
Note: FreshPet food requires refrigeration and has a shorter shelf life than dry or canned food, making it more expensive for large breed dogs.
No 5 : Top Pick for Pups
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Purina Pro Plan
Purina Pro Plan Puppy Food Review
Pros:
- Formulations address specific health needs and breed size
- Essential nutrients for teeth, bone, brain, and vision development (calcium, phosphorous, DHA)
- Antioxidants, probiotics, and glucosamine for immune, digestive, and joint health
- Budget-friendly and widely available
Cons:
- Some recipes contain corn gluten meal, protein by-product meal, and/or pea protein
Product Overview:
Purina Pro Plan offers a range of puppy food formulas designed to meet the evolving needs of developing dogs. With protein-rich recipes and essential nutrients, this brand is a popular choice among dog owners and veterinarians alike.
Product Options:
- Life Stages: Puppy, Adult, Senior
- Food Types: Dry, Wet
- Breed Sizes: Small, Medium, Large
Key Features:
- Meat or fish as the first ingredient
- Calcium and phosphorous for strong bones and teeth
- DHA for brain and vision development
- Antioxidants and probiotics for immune and digestive health
- Glucosamine for joint health and mobility
Benefits:
- Supports overall health and development
- Meets specific needs of small, medium, and large breed puppies
- Budget-friendly and widely available
Note: While Purina Pro Plan recipes may contain by-product meals, corn gluten meal, and/or pea protein, the latter is used in limited amounts and primarily in Sensitive Skin and Stomach recipes
No 6 : Top-Rated Whole Grains
Fromm Family Pet Food Review
Pros:
- Made with human-grade ingredients (meat, fish, vegetables, whole grains, fruits)
- Recipes free of fillers (corn syrup, artificial flavors, white flour)
- Family owned and operated in Wisconsin
Cons:
- Limited availability compared to other brands
- Packaging could be more user-friendly
Product Overview:
Fromm Family Pet Food offers high-quality dog food made with human-grade ingredients and no fillers. With a long history dating back to 1904, this family-owned business sources ingredients from trusted farms to create recipes for puppies, adults, and seniors of all breed sizes.
Product Options:
- Life Stages: Puppy, Adult, Senior
- Food Types: Dry, Wet
- Breed Sizes: Small, Medium, Large, Giant
Key Features:
- Probiotics for digestive regularity
- Omegas for a shiny coat
- Amino acids for proper muscle function
- High-quality complex carbohydrates for energy and fiber
Benefits:
- Nutrient-rich ingredients for optimal health
- No fillers or artificial additives
- Family-owned and operated with a long history of quality
Note: While Fromm dog food may be harder to find due to limited availability, it's worth seeking out for its high-quality ingredients and commitment to nutritional excellence
No 7 : Finest Organic Choices
Tender & True Dog Food Review
Pros:
- Made with USDA-certified organic ingredients
- Animal Welfare certified
- Balanced formulas for all life stages
Cons:
- May not appeal to all dogs
- Can sizes for wet food vary among recipes
Product Overview:
Tender & True offers a range of organic dog food options, including kibble, canned wet food, and freeze-dried food, all made with USDA-certified organic ingredients. The brand prioritizes animal welfare and works with third-party certification experts to ensure humane sourcing and no use of antibiotics, hormones, or GMOs.
Product Options:
- Life Stages: All life stages
- Food Types: Dry, Wet, Treats
- Breed Sizes: All
Key Features:
- Organic ingredients
- Animal Welfare certified
- Balanced formulas
- No corn, soy, or wheat
- No artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors
- Manufactured in the USA
Benefits:
- High-quality, organic ingredients
- Humane sourcing
- Balanced nutrition for all life stages
- Variety of flavors and textures
Note: While can sizes may vary among recipes, Tender & True offers a range of options to suit different needs and preferences
No 8 : Perfect for Plus-Size Pups
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Royal Canin Large Breed Adult Dry Dog Food
Royal Canin Dog Food Review
Pros:
- Formulas tailored for large and giant breeds (56+ pounds and 100+ pounds)
- Science-backed nutrition for optimal health
- Encourages mixing wet and dry foods for variety
- Recipes for age, size, breed, and health concerns
Cons:
- Kibble size varies between bags of the same recipe
- First ingredient is often a meat by-product meal
Product Overview:
Royal Canin offers a range of dog food formulas designed to meet the specific needs of large and giant breeds, as well as dogs of all ages, sizes, and health conditions. With over 50 years of science-led nutrition expertise, Royal Canin provides nutritionally balanced food that supports overall well-being.
Product Options:
- Life Stages: Puppy, Junior, Adult, Mature, Senior
- Food Types: Dry, Wet
- Breed Sizes: Very Small, Small, Medium, Large, Giant
Key Features:
- Taurine, glucosamine, chondroitin, and omega fatty acids (EPA and DHA) for heart and joint support
- Formulas for specific health issues (sensitive skin & coat, digestive ailments, dental concerns)
- Breed-specific formulas for purebred dogs (Golden Retrievers, Boxers, German Shepherds)
Benefits:
- Supports overall health and well-being
- Addresses specific needs of large and giant breeds
- Variety of formulas and flavors to suit individual needs
Note: While the first ingredient may be a meat by-product meal, Royal Canin's formulas are still rich in protein and nutrients. However, some pet owners may prefer to avoid this ingredient. Additionally, kibble size variation between bags may be a concern for some owners
No 9 : Best In-Store Option
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Kirkland Signature Adult Formula Dog Food
Kirkland Signature Adult Dog Food Review
Pros:
- Highly digestible chicken and egg protein
- Probiotics and prebiotics for sensitive stomachs
- Glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health
Cons:
- No transparency in ingredient sourcing
Product Overview:
Kirkland Signature Adult Dog Food is a premium dog food offered at a fair price by Costco. The brand provides dry dog food in various flavors and life stages, including puppy, adult, and mature formulas. They also offer formulas for small breeds and weight management.
Key Features:
- Highly digestible protein sources (chicken and egg)
- Probiotics and prebiotics for digestive health
- Glucosamine and chondroitin for joint support
- Formulas for all life stages and breed sizes
- Available in dry and wet food options
Benefits:
- Supports healthy digestion and joint health
- Suitable for dogs with sensitive stomachs
- Convenient and affordable
- Freshness guaranteed when purchased directly from Costco
Product Details:
- Life Stage: Puppy, Adult, Mature
- Food Type: Dry
- Breed Size: All
- Ingredients: Chicken, egg, rice, vegetables, probiotics, prebiotics, glucosamine, chondroitin
Note: While Kirkland Signature Adult Dog Food lacks transparency in ingredient sourcing, reviewers report positive results with long-term use, indicating a quality product. Always check the freshness date when purchasing, especially from online retailers other than Costco
Another Excellent Option
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Purina ONE Dog Food
Purina ONE Dog Food Review
Pros:
- Natural ingredients with added vitamins, minerals, and nutrients
- No fillers used in recipes
- Effective for sensitive stomachs and weight maintenance
Cons:
- Ingredients include by-product meals
Product Overview:
Purina ONE offers a wide range of formulas to support general health and wellness, as well as specific health concerns such as joint issues, cognitive support, and skin sensitivities. With over 40 dog owners in our testing survey feeding their dogs Purina ONE, it's clear that this brand is effective in alleviating health issues, particularly sensitive stomachs and weight management.
Key Features:
- Natural ingredients with added vitamins, minerals, and nutrients
- No fillers used in recipes
- Wet and dry dog food options
- Manufactured in the United States
- Formulas for puppies, adults, and seniors
- Suitable for small, medium, and large breed dogs
Benefits:
- Supports overall health and wellness
- Effective for sensitive stomachs and weight management
- Natural ingredients with added nutrients
- Wide range of formulas to address specific health concerns
- Affordable and widely available
Product Details:
- Life Stage: Puppy, Adult, Senior
- Food Type: Dry, Wet
- Breed Size: Small, Medium, Large
- Ingredients: Natural ingredients, by-product meals, vitamins, minerals, nutrients
Note: While Purina ONE recipes include by-product meals, they are still made with natural ingredients and are effective in supporting dog health. Additionally, Purina ONE is a more affordable and widely available option compared to Purina Pro Plan, making it a great choice for dog owners on a budget
Final Verdict
Our top pick for most dogs is Hill's Science Diet, offering a wide range of recipes tailored to each dog's nutritional needs, flavor preferences, and texture enjoyment. For a more budget-friendly option, Iams provides wet and dry dog foods with meat or fish protein as the first ingredient, catering to dogs of all ages and sizes.
What to Look for in a Dog Food Brand
1. Intended Life Stage: Consider your dog's age, size, lifestyle, and medical conditions when choosing a dog food brand. Different life stages require distinct nutritional support.
2. Nutritional Adequacy Statement: Ensure the brand meets AAFCO standards, indicated by a statement on the packaging.
3. Veterinary Nutritionist Formulated: Opt for brands developed by veterinary nutritionists with Ph.D.s in animal nutrition for optimal recipe formulation.
4. Dry Food vs. Wet Food: Both options can provide nutritional balance; consider your dog's preferences and adjust portions accordingly if mixing both.
5. Brand Evaluation: Our research panel considered factors like veterinarian recommendations, trustworthy ingredients, value, and retailer availability to select top dog food brands.
How We Found the Best Dog Food Brands
Our comprehensive questionnaire gathered feedback from 407 dog owners, considering factors like:
- Qualities that matter most when choosing a dog food brand
- Veterinarian recommendations
- Ingredient trustworthiness
- Value and budget-friendliness
- Retailer availability
- Dog size, breed, and age to ensure picks catered to diverse canine needs
This thorough approach helped us select top dog food brands suitable for various dogs, from senior French Bulldogs to Golden Retriever puppies
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