Being a responsible pet parent includes ensuring your dog eats a nutritious diet. Experts agree that feeding your dog the right food has numerous health benefits, from managing their weight to strengthening their immune system.
“Commercially processed canned or kibble foods are designed to meet all of a dog’s nutritional needs, including proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. They are convenient, consistent, and readily available, and they undergo strict quality control and inspection processes to catch any contaminants or pathogens before they can harm pets or people,” explains Dr. Lori Teller, a board-certified veterinarian and past president of the American Veterinary Medical Association.
Having written about dogs and dog food for over three years, I understand the importance of making informed choices. To guide you in your search, I consulted with veterinarians and animal nutrition experts about what to look for when choosing the healthiest dog food. Below, you’ll find expert-recommended dog food brands and options that NBC Select staff members feed their own beloved pets.
SKIP AHEAD How We Selected the Healthiest Dog Food | Top Healthiest Dog Food Picks | How to Choose the Healthiest Food for Your Dog | Why Trust NBC Select?
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How We Selected the Healthiest Dog Food
When choosing the healthiest food for your dog, our experts recommended considering these key factors:
Top Healthiest Dog Food Picks for 2024
The following list includes dog food options that align with expert recommendations and are trusted by NBC Select staff for their own dogs.
Healthiest Dog Food for Puppies: Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Small Bites Dry Dog Food
Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Small Bites Dry Dog Food
What makes it healthy:
- Small, easy-to-digest kibble for puppies
- Supports overall puppy development and health
- Formulated for gentle digestion
Things to consider:
- None at this time
Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Small Bites Dry Dog Food is designed for puppies up to one year old, featuring small kibble that’s easy for young dogs to digest, according to the brand. The formula includes natural omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil to support healthy brain and eye development, along with a blend of vitamins E and C to boost a puppy’s developing immune system. It’s available in 4.5-pound and 12.5-pound bags. Hill’s also offers a canned puppy food formula that experts recommend as a great addition when mixed with dry food.
Food type: Dry | Texture: Crunchy kibble | Calorie content: 393 kcal per cup | Main ingredients: Chicken, brown rice, whole grain wheat
Healthiest Dry Dog Food for Sensitive Stomachs: Purina Pro Plan Adult Sensitive Skin & Stomach Dry Dog Food
Purina Pro Plan Adult Sensitive Skin & Stomach Dry Dog Food
What makes it healthy:
- Easily digestible formula
- Contains novel proteins for sensitive dogs
- Free of wheat, soy, and corn, common allergens
Things to consider:
- Transition may take time
- Kibble pieces are uniform in size
For dogs with food sensitivities, Purina Pro Plan Adult Sensitive Skin & Stomach Dry Dog Food can help minimize issues like itching, loose stools, and occasional vomiting. This formula is made without corn, wheat, or soy, making it easier to digest for dogs with intolerances. It uses high-protein salmon, a novel protein source that’s gentle on sensitive stomachs, plus probiotics and prebiotic fiber to promote digestive and immune health. Omega-6 fatty acids support healthy skin and coat.
Food type: Dry | Texture: Crunchy kibble | Calorie content: 407 kcal per cup | Main ingredients: Salmon, barley, rice, oatmeal, canola meal, fish meal
Healthiest Overall Dog Food: Royal Canin Small Breed Adult Dry Dog Food
Royal Canin Small Breed Adult Dry Dog Food
What makes it healthy:
- Crunchy kibble texture promotes dental health
- Available in multiple kibble sizes for different breeds
- Comes in a resealable bag for freshness
Things to consider:
- None at this time
Royal Canin is known for its diverse range of dog food options tailored to specific dog sizes, breeds, and dietary needs, including food sensitivities and gastrointestinal issues. This Small Breed Adult Dry Dog Food is formulated for small dogs aged 10 months to 8 years, weighing between 9 and 22 pounds. NBC Select staff and veterinarians recommend Royal Canin for its quality and palatability. Royal Canin offers dry food formulas for extra-small, medium, large, and giant breeds, as well as puppy formulas.
Food type: Dry | Texture: Crunchy kibble | Calorie content: 359 kcal per cup (small breed formula) | Main ingredients: Corn, chicken by-product meal, brewers rice, brown rice
Royal Canin dog food is frequently recommended by veterinarians for its nutritional value and breed-specific formulations.
Healthiest Poultry-Free Dog Food: Merrick Grain Free Real Salmon & Sweet Potato Dry Dog Food
Merrick Grain Free Real Salmon & Sweet Potato Dry Dog Food
What makes it healthy:
- Novel protein source, salmon, beneficial for allergies
- Good for dogs with sensitivities to common proteins
- Small kibble size, easy to eat
Things to consider:
- Grain-free formula
Merrick Grain Free Real Salmon & Sweet Potato Dry Dog Food is ideal for dogs with sensitive stomachs or allergies to common proteins like chicken. Studies indicate that beef and chicken are among the most common allergens for dogs. This formula uses salmon as a novel protein source and avoids common poultry ingredients. While most dogs do not require poultry-free diets, this option is excellent for those with specific sensitivities.
Food type: Dry | Texture: Crunchy kibble | Calorie content: 392 kcal per cup | Main ingredients: Deboned salmon, salmon meal, whitefish meal, sweet potatoes, potatoes, peas
Healthiest Food for Active Dogs: Purina Pro Plan Sport Performance Salmon & Cod Dry Dog Food
Purina Pro Plan Sport Performance Salmon & Cod Dry Dog Food
What makes it healthy:
- Helps maintain a healthy weight for active dogs
- Palatable for picky eaters
- Supports joint health and mobility
Things to consider:
- Not formulated for senior dogs
Purina Pro Plan Sport Performance Salmon & Cod Dry Dog Food is designed specifically for active adult dogs. It contains glucosamine and omega-3 fatty acids to support joint health and mobility, crucial for active breeds. With a 30% protein and 20% fat ratio, it provides sustained energy for high-energy dogs. Available in various flavors, including turkey, duck, quail, and beef and bison, to suit different preferences.
Food type: Dry | Texture: Crunchy kibble | Calorie content: 473 kcal per cup | Main ingredients: Salmon, rice, poultry by-product meal, corn gluten meal, whole grain corn, beef fat
Healthiest Subscription Dog Food: The Farmer’s Dog Subscription Dog Food
The Farmer’s Dog Subscription Dog Food
Price varies (starting around $28.00 for a 14-day trial at $2/day)
What makes it healthy:
- Fresh, human-grade ingredients delivered to your door
- Customized formula based on your dog’s needs
- Convenient and easy to store
Things to consider:
- Transition period may be needed
- Can be more expensive than traditional kibble
The Farmer’s Dog is a subscription service delivering fresh, pre-portioned dog food directly to your home. Meals are customized based on your dog’s age, weight, breed, activity level, and body build, ensuring they receive the precise nutrition they require. The brand uses human-grade ingredients and provides balanced, ready-to-eat meals. Food pouches can be stored in the fridge or freezer.
The Farmer’s Dog offers fresh, customized meal plans tailored to your dog’s specific dietary needs, promoting optimal health and enjoyment at meal times.
Healthiest Dog Food for Large Breeds: Purina Pro Plan Large Breed Adult Dry Dog Food
Purina Pro Plan Adult Large Breed Dry Dog Food
What makes it healthy:
- Helps maintain healthy weight in large breeds
- Larger kibble size appropriate for bigger dogs
- Good value for the quantity
Things to consider:
- Available in large bag sizes
Purina Pro Plan Large Breed Adult Dry Dog Food is formulated with input from veterinary nutritionists. This Pro Plan range is designed for different dog sizes and life stages. The large breed formula includes natural prebiotic fiber for digestive health and omega-6 fatty acids and vitamin A for skin and coat health. For senior large breeds with reduced activity, a weight-management version is also available.
Food type: Dry | Texture: Crunchy kibble | Calorie content: 407 kcal per cup | Main ingredients: Chicken, rice, corn gluten meal, whole grain corn
Purina Pro Plan Large Breed formula supports the unique nutritional needs of larger dogs, helping them maintain optimal weight and joint health.
Healthiest Canned Wet Dog Food: Royal Canin Adult Gastrointestinal Canned Dog Food
Royal Canin Adult Gastrointestinal Canned Dog Food – 24 Pack
What makes it healthy:
- Excellent for dogs with sensitive stomachs
- Low-fat formula supports gut health
- Contains prebiotics for healthy gut bacteria
Things to consider:
- Requires veterinary approval
- More expensive than some other options
- Cans are not resealable
Royal Canin Adult Gastrointestinal Canned Dog Food is a veterinarian-formulated wet food ideal for dogs with gastrointestinal issues or sensitive stomachs. This low-fat option contains prebiotics to maintain beneficial gut bacteria, dietary fibers to aid digestion, and omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil to soothe the GI tract. Veterinary approval is needed to purchase this specialized diet. Royal Canin also offers other veterinary wet food options for concerns like weight loss, digestive care and joint care, all requiring vet approval. A regular adult canned dog food option is available without prescription.
Food type: Wet | Texture: Soft, easy to chew | Calorie content: 345 kcal per can | Main ingredients: Pork by-products, pork liver, brewers rice flour, corn grits, corn meal
Healthiest Frozen Dog Food: Just Food For Dogs Fish & Sweet Potato
Just Food For Dogs Fish & Sweet Potato
What makes it healthy:
- Made with locally sourced produce
- Long freezer shelf life
- Easy to store frozen pouches
Things to consider:
- Individually packaged portions
- Gradual diet transition recommended
Just Food For Dogs Fish & Sweet Potato recipe provides high-protein, low-calorie nutrition, making it suitable for overweight or less active dogs. Made with locally sourced produce and a single protein source, it’s a limited ingredient diet. Options like venison, lamb, and turkey are also available. Suitable for all life stages, with feeding guidelines provided. Pouches can be stored frozen for up to 18 months and thawed meals stay fresh for up to seven days sealed in the original packaging. This fish and sweet potato option is balanced for dogs with sensitive stomachs or those needing a novel protein due to allergies.
Food type: Fresh | Texture: Soft, easy to chew | Calorie content: 26 kcal per ounce | Main ingredients: Cod, sweet potatoes, potatoes, green beans, broccoli
Healthiest Dog Food for Digestive and Joint Health: Kirkland Signature Adult Formula Chicken, Rice and Vegetable Dog Food
Kirkland Signature Adult Formula Chicken, Rice and Vegetable Dog Food
What makes it healthy:
- Good source of protein for muscle maintenance
- Promotes joint health with glucosamine and chondroitin
- Budget-friendly option
Things to consider:
- Only available in one bag size
Kirkland Signature Adult Formula Chicken, Rice and Vegetable Dog Food offers a balanced diet with chicken, whole grain brown rice, and vegetables. This formula includes probiotics for digestive health and glucosamine and chondroitin to support healthy joints. A suitable option for dogs with sensitive stomachs, and a small breed formula is also available.
Food type: Dry | Texture: Crunchy kibble | Calorie content: 393 kcals per cup | Main ingredients: Chicken, chicken meal, whole grain brown rice, cracked pearled barley, chicken fat
Healthiest Wet Food for Sensitive Stomachs: Hill’s Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Canned Dog Food
Hill’s Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Canned Dog Food – 12 Pack
What makes it healthy:
- Gentle formula for various sensitivities
- High moisture content for hydration
- Can be mixed with dry food for added palatability
Things to consider:
- Cans are not resealable
Hill’s Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Canned Dog Food is a veterinarian-recommended wet food for dogs with sensitive stomachs. It’s formulated to be gentle and easy to digest, minimizing discomfort and side effects. Available in turkey and rice stew, salmon, and chicken recipes. Wet food can be mixed with dry kibble to increase moisture and improve texture.
Food type: Wet | Texture: Soft, easy to chew | Calorie content: 253 kcal/can | Main ingredients: Chicken broth, turkey, carrots, pork liver, rice, chicken
Mixing wet food like Hill’s Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin with dry kibble can enhance mealtime enjoyment and provide added hydration for dogs.
Healthiest Prepared Wet Dog Food: Purina Beneful Prepared Meals Beef & Chicken Medley
Purina Beneful Prepared Meals Beef & Chicken Medley
What makes it healthy:
- Appealing flavor for dogs
- Resealable container for convenience
- Can be served as a complete meal or topper
Things to consider:
- None at this time
Purina Beneful Prepared Meals Beef & Chicken Medley can be used as a treat mixed with dry food or as a standalone balanced meal. This stew contains vegetables, real beef and chicken chunks, and rice. A convenient option with a resealable container, it offers a palatable way to provide balanced nutrition.
Food type: Wet | Texture: Soft, easy to chew | Calorie content: 265 kcal per tub | Main ingredients: Beef and chicken broth, beef, wheat gluten, liver, white rice
How to Choose the Healthiest Food for Your Dog
The most important factors in determining if a dog food is healthy are its nutritional completeness and balance, and whether you are feeding your dog appropriate portions based on their size and weight. When selecting food, consider both the information on the label and the brand itself.
The AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) statement on the label indicates the species and life stage the food is formulated for and how that claim is substantiated (formulation or feeding trials). The WSAVA (World Small Animal Veterinary Association) Global Nutrition Guidelines recommend researching the brand to understand who formulates and manufactures the food, and if the company routinely analyzes finished products for nutrient content and potential contaminants.
“Do they employ veterinarians, and specifically, board-certified veterinary nutritionists? Brands that produce the healthiest diets invest in research,” says Dr. Brian Roberts, a board-certified veterinarian and regional medical director with VCA Animal Hospitals.
Here are key considerations from experts for choosing high-quality, healthy dog food:
Meets AAFCO Nutrition Standards
Any healthy dog food should meet AAFCO nutrition standards. “You can check if a pet food meets your pet’s nutritional needs by looking for the nutritional adequacy statement on the label. If it says ‘complete and balanced,’ it’s designed to be a dog’s sole diet and should be nutritionally balanced,” says Roberts.
Dr. Joe Wakshlag emphasizes AAFCO’s role in ensuring nutritional completeness. The FDA also highlights the nutritional adequacy statement as a critical part of dog and cat food labels. While AAFCO sets standards, it doesn’t regulate, test, approve, or certify pet food brands.
Ingredients and Palatability
Choosing the healthiest dog food isn’t solely about specific ingredients but about the nutrients those ingredients provide. Dr. Richard Hill, a board-certified veterinary nutritionist at the University of Florida, suggests focusing on nutrient content.
Ingredient lists are ordered by weight from highest to lowest. The first three ingredients are the most significant, indicating if the food is meat-based or vegetable-based. AAFCO sets safety standards for pet food ingredients and provides guidelines on common pet food labels.
“Some believe natural ingredients like whole chicken are superior to processed ingredients like chicken meal. However, both originate from the same source – chicken meal is simply dehydrated chicken,” explains Roberts.
Nutritional Value and Proportions
Check the food’s energy density (calories per cup, can, or ounce) and feeding guidelines to ensure proper nutrient intake and proportions.
“Generally, commercially prepared dog foods contain all essential nutrients for a healthy life,” states Dr. Kristin Michael, a board-certified veterinarian and medical director at VCA Liberty Animal Hospital. “Each brand and type should have clear feeding amounts for your dog’s ideal weight.”
Monitor your dog’s weight using the Body Condition Score, a visual scale assessing body fat (a score of 4 or 5 is ideal). Vets use this to track a pet’s condition and address any weight issues. Obesity is a top nutritional disease in dogs, potentially shortening lifespan. Wakshlag notes that overfeeding often stems from misunderstanding calorie intake recommendations, which are typically based on active dogs, whereas many dogs are less active.
Your Dog’s Size, Weight, and Life Stage
Dog food should match your dog’s life stage. Puppy food is necessary until adulthood – small breeds around 7-9 months, larger breeds at 12-14 months, and giant breeds around 1.5 years, according to the American Kennel Club and Tufts University Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine.
Dog foods are often labeled for small, medium, and large breeds, mainly indicating kibble size. Some brands like Royal Canin have breed-specific formulas, potentially beneficial for breed-specific needs.
Roberts suggests that manufacturers using nutritional science develop diets considering predispositions of certain breeds, like joint problems in large breeds. However, Wakshlag advises verifying the actual benefits of breed-specific formulas by checking ingredient lists and nutritional content to ensure they are not just marketing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between dry and wet dog food?
The primary difference is water content. “Kibble is about 10% water, while canned food is over 70% water,” says Roberts. Mixing wet food with dry food is acceptable if ingredients are similar, especially for picky eaters or for hydration. Adding dog-safe vegetables and fruits can also boost nutrition without extra calories.
Dry food is more economical and shelf-stable when stored correctly, while wet food spoils quickly after opening. Wet food-only diets can benefit dogs with dental issues or those needing higher moisture intake due to health conditions.
What ingredients should I avoid in dog food?
Garlic powder, a palatant, can pose health risks. Onions, raisins, grapes, and sugar-free additives are toxic to dogs. Avoid foods with excessive dyes.
Is grain-free dog food healthier?
Grain-free formulas, omitting wheat, barley, rye, and corn, are typically for dogs with gluten intolerance, which is rare. Grain-free diets are not inherently healthier and can sometimes lack necessary nutrients.
Roberts clarifies that grains provide calories, fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Hill adds that carbohydrates are healthy in moderation for dogs. Grain-free foods often replace grains with other carbohydrates like potatoes and legumes.
FDA is investigating a potential link between some grain-free diets and dilated cardiomyopathy in dogs, but the cause is still unclear.
Is a raw food diet healthy for dogs?
Experts advise against raw food diets due to the risk of pathogens. “The AVMA discourages feeding dogs uncooked animal-source protein due to illness risks for pets and humans,” says Teller. Commercially balanced pet foods are sufficient, and supplements are unnecessary unless prescribed by a vet.
Raw meat diets increase the risk of microbial pathogens and antibiotic resistance. Michael warns of harmful parasites and bacteria in raw diets that can harm pets and families. This also applies to freeze-dried meat “boosters.” Hard bones in raw diets can cause obstructions or splintering.
Are dog food toppers healthy for dogs?
Dog food toppers, like pumpkin, blueberries, and bone broth, can enhance palatability for picky eaters but should be used sparingly, not daily, to avoid creating dependence. “If your dog eats a balanced commercial diet, toppers are not recommended unless prescribed by your vet,” says Teller. Toppers should be treated as treats and factored into calorie intake.
What should I do if my dog is overweight?
Address weight gain by first evaluating the type and amount of food, treats, and table scraps your dog receives. Consult your vet to rule out underlying medical issues and discuss if a weight management food is appropriate.
How much food should I feed my dog daily?
Daily food amounts vary based on breed, weight, and size. WSAVA provides a calorie chart for adult dogs up to 108 pounds, but consulting your veterinarian for personalized caloric needs is recommended.
Meet Our Experts
At NBC Select, we consult experts with specialized knowledge and ensure independent, unbiased advice.
Why Trust NBC Select?
I am an updates editor at NBC Select with experience writing about dog-related topics. For this article, I consulted six veterinarians and veterinary nutritionists and researched numerous dog food options to provide expert-backed recommendations.
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