Which is the best dog food for your furry pal? Well, this is what many dog owners are asking.
Unfortunately, too many options in the market coupled with conflicting information and false advertising makes it uneasy about making a choice.
It’s not all gloomy, though.
I’ll give you valuable tips and suggestions on the best-tested brands to help you get the best dog food for your furry friend.
Let’s dive right in, shall we?
Keep in mind that we may receive commissions when you click our links and make purchases. However, this does not impact our reviews and comparisons.
Top 10 Best Dog Food Brands
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula
The blue buffalo life Protection formula presents an excellent meat-based protein and fats for the holistic health and well-being of adult dogs. It combines antioxidant-rich brown rice. With its exceptional protein and fat to fiber and moisture ratio, this formula offers well-balanced canine nutrition.
Among the 23 available recipes are the Adult Chicken and Brown Rice formula. The main ingredients are boneless chicken, chicken meal, brown rice, barley, oatmeal, and flaxseed. It has a fat-to-protein ratio of 57%. This dry food is considered appropriate for dogs of all breeds with a quality rating of 4.5 out of 5.
| Key Ingredients | Suitability | Average Price |
| Deboned chicken Chicken meal Brown rice BarleyFlaxseed | Adult dogs of all breeds | $49.98 |
Read our Blue Buffalo Dog Food Review
Purina Pro Plan
This is an inclusive grain food containing fresh chicken as the primary protein source. Purina Pro Plan Savor Adult Shredded Blend Chicken & Rice with 26% protein has real chicken as the primary ingredient.
The food has a quality star rating of 4.7 out of 5.
The live probiotics included support immune and digestive health. It’s fortified with vitamin A and omega-6 fatty acids for the nourishment of your dog’s skin and coat.
| Key Ingredients | Suitability | Average Price |
| Chicken Brewers rice Poultry by-product meal Corn gluten meal Animal fat | Adult Dogs | $45.78 |
Also find our: Purina One Dog Food Review
Taste of the Wild
High Prairie is a protein-packed meal with ingredients like ingredients bison, venison, wildfowl, salmon, lamb, and boar. The sources of protein are fresh buffalo, chicken, and lamb.
This 4.6 stars rated grain-free and nutrient-balanced food that’s highly recommended for grown dogs with hypersensitivity to the usual beef and chicken protein.
| Key Ingredients | Suitability | Average Price |
| Fresh buffalo Lamb meal Chicken meal Sweet Potatoes Peas | Adult dogs of all breeds | $48.99 |
Read our Taste of the Wild Dog Food Review
American journey salmon & sweet potato
American Journey Salmon & Sweet Potato Recipe is a top-rated dog food with a 5-star quality review.. This grain-free dry food has salmon as its main source of animal protein. It’s highly rich in fat, protein, and omega 3-fatty acids. Chickpeas act as a source of fiber and protein, while sweet potatoes offer substantial amounts of vitamin A and beta carotene.
The formula also uses chicken and turkey meals to boost its protein. This food comprises 32% protein and 14% fat. Given these elements, your dog is guaranteed to maintain a healthy immune system, bones, and muscles.
| Key ingredients | Suitability | Average Price |
| Salmon Sweet potatoes Chickpeas Salmon Oil & Flaxseed Carrots | Dogs at all life stages | $ 26.99 |
Hill’s Science Diet
Hill’s Science Adult 7+ Chicken Meal, Barley & Brown Rice Recipe comes highly recommended with a quality rating of 4.8. It’s made with wholesome ingredients, including savory chicken meal, rice, and barley, to give a deeply nourishing meal that meets your dog’s needs and restores youthful energy.
Omega-6 fatty acids nourish the skin for a healthier and shinier coat, while a combination of vitamin E & C supports a healthy immune system. This food has no artificial preservatives or additives. It’s recommended for mature dogs of all breeds.
Key Ingredients | Suitability | Average Price |
| Chicken Brown Rice Barley Chicken meal | Adult dogs | $ 54.99 |
Rachael Ray Nutrish
This is another super-rated dog food brand. Rachael Ray Nutrish Real Chicken and Veggies Recipe have a 4.5-star rating. The food is made from real farm-raised chicken as its number one ingredient. Peas and carrots are used as sources of essential natural minerals and vitamins.
This food contains chicken meal, soya bean meal, corn, and beet pulp. With a fat-to-protein ratio of 52%, this food is recommended for adult large-breed dogs.
| Key Ingredients | Suitability | Average price |
| Chicken Chicken Meal Dried peas Soy Meal Corn | Adult large breed dogs | $16.73 |
Royal Canin Veterinary Diet
This diet is designed to help dogs with tummy problems. Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Gastrointestinal Low Fat is formulated to promote digestive health and stool quality with its highly digestible proteins and prebiotics.
These prebiotics supply a balance of good gut bacteria. Fish oil is used to source omega-3 fats that nourish and soothe the gastrointestinal tract.
The low-fat content provides the necessary calories ideal for dogs with difficulties processing fats. This food has a customer rating of 4.5.
| Key Ingredients | Suitability | Average Price |
| Brewers rice Chicken by-product meal Wheat Barley Fish oil | Adult Dogs | $84.99 |
American Journey Stews Poultry
This stews poultry & beef variety pack has real meat in each recipe. It’s a meat-rich meal that combines high-quality chicken or beef with wholesome carrots in a savory broth for an irresistible flavor that gives dogs high-quality protein for lean muscles.
Other ingredients include dried egg white, carrots, peas, and potatoes. With a fat-to-protein ratio of 65%, this food with a rating of 4.6 is recommended for adult dogs of all breeds.
| Key Ingredients | Suitability | Average Price |
| Chicken & Chicken broth Beef & Beef broth Chicken liver Dried egg white Carrots | Adult dogs | $20 |
Nutro Wholesome Essentials
This lamb & rice Recipe is made from natural, wholesome ingredients. Pasture-fed lamb provides the primary protein source for this food. This provides a complete and balanced meal packed with necessary nutrients and rich flavor.
Other ingredients include chicken meal, venison, brown rice, and barley. Nutro wholesome essentials contain optimal levels of omega-3 and omega-6 for a healthy and shiny coat. You can’t go wrong with this 4.6 stars rated food.
| Key Ingredients | Suitability | Average price |
| Deboned Lamb Brown rice Chicken meal Venison | Large dog breeds | $52.92 |
Wellness Soft Puppy Bites
This Grain-free Lamb $ Salmon Recipe is specially made for puppies under 1 year. It comprises a mixture of pure meat proteins with veggies and fruits for a healthy and strong dog.
The lamb presents an excellent source of high-quality proteins and essential amino acids. Salmon adds protein, calcium. Phosphorus and omega 3 fatty acids. It also contains apples, sweet potatoes, and blueberries for a tasty, nutritious treat. This is a top-rated food with a quality rate of 4.7.
| Key Ingredients | Suitability | Average price |
| Lamb Salmon Chickpeas Ground potatoes Vegetable glycerin | Puppies under 1 year | $4 |
Best Dog Food: Buyers Guide
Type of Dog Food
Dry food
Dry food is still considered the most common by dog owners taking 22% of the United States retail market share. It consists of biscuit-like pieces packed in bags or boxes. Dry food has a low moisture content food of between 3-11%.
Canned/ Wet food
Wet food has a high moisture content of up to 80%. They are cooked at high temperatures and tightly closed to avoid contamination. These foods are packed in cans, trays, and pouches.
Raw Dog food
This is mainly in fresh uncooked meat, preferably with bones and other organs.
Frozen dog food
This is raw food that has had its moisture removed and is pressed into small pucks, pellets or patties and frozen.
Homemade dog food
This is usually prepared at home. Homemade food ensures that the owner has complete control and certainty of everything that goes into the dog’s plate.
Dehydrated dog food
These foods have had most of their moisture removed. They are either raw or slightly cooked before being dehydrated. They have to be rehydrated before feeding.
What to Consider When Buying Dog Food
Your canine friend deserves the best in terms of nutrition, right? Knowledge of what to consider when buying dog food will help you get the right nutritional requirements for your dog.
These factors include:
- Your dog’s Age- Puppies and adult dogs have different nutritional needs. The age of your dog will determine the kind of food to buy.
- Specific Needs of the Dog- Consider the potential allergens for your dog and give it foods that solve that specific problem.
- The Food Label- Carefully read through the food label to ensure it contains the necessary ingredients for your dog. Look out for artificial additives and preservatives.
- Dog’s Breed- Different breeds have different nutritional needs and metabolic rates.
- The Expiration Date- Check both the ingredients and packaging to determine how long the food remains edible.
Dog Food Frequently Asked Questions
What vegetables can dogs eat?
Adding vegetables is a healthy way to rev up your dog’s diet. Green leafy veggies like Spinach and kales, root vegetables, e.g., carrots, sweet potatoes, and parsnips, stalks like celery and asparagus. Squash such as pumpkin and butternut, broccoli, brussel sprouts, and cauliflowers are great for dogs.
Read our article on Dog-Friendly Snacks That Your Frenchie will Love Anytime
What fruits can dogs eat?
In moderation, you can give fruits like apples, apricots, bananas, blackberries, blueberries, cantaloupe, cranberries, strawberries, watermelon, pineapples, pears, and peaches.
Is human food good for dogs?
Does human food contain some ingredients that can harm your dog? Things like garlic, macadamia nuts, onions, raisins, and chocolate are harmful to your furry friend. Therefore, it’s best to keep your dog off table food.
How important are dog food flavors?
Dog food comes in various flavors that are appealing to your dog. These flavors include chicken, beef, lamb, fish, turkey, and salmon flavors. These flavors entice your dog to eat.
Where to Buy Dog Food
Best Shops
various retail shops sell dog food depending on your location. Among the best and most common are Walmart, Petco, and PetSmart. These also offer online services.
Best Online stores
If you are wondering where to order online, no need to worry. These two places got your back:
- Amazon
Amazon has a pet store where you can buy dog food. Check their veterinary diets for happier and healthier pets; you can shop by breed. If you are looking to save time, you can subscribe to receiving your dog food anytime or per your schedule.
- Chewy
Chewy sells nothing other than pet supplies. They are the specialists where you get nothing but the best. You can call their vet nutritionists 24/7. Get a variety of wet, dry, veterinary diets, premium foods, raw homemade, food topping, and frozen food delivered at your doorstep.
How We Reviewed
This compilation is based on customer feedback from Amazon and Chewy. We also considered recommendations from top veterinary officers and dog experts. And made inquiries from customers on their experience with different foods. We reviewed food that only got a 4.5 to 5-star rating.
Overall Pricing
The prices for dog food are varied depending on various factors like the brand, ingredients used, size, package, type of food, among others. However, the prices generally fall under three categories as follows:
- Budget dog food price range $10-$20
- Premium dog food price range $20-$30
- Elite dog food price range $40-$50
Final Thoughts
Dogs are a special part of our lives and deserve the best in terms of nutrition. When it comes to choosing the best dog food, go for what will meet your dog’s specific needs. After all, they hold a special place in your heart and deserve only the best in their bowl, right? There you have it, it’s your choice now.