What Dog Food Is Healthiest? Determining the optimal diet for your canine companion is crucial for their overall well-being. At FOODS.EDU.VN, we understand this concern and are dedicated to offering clear, expert-backed guidance to assist you in making the best choices. From fresh, whole-food options to specialized formulas, explore the world of canine nutrition and discover the healthiest food choices for your beloved pet, ensuring they thrive for years to come. Delve into our articles for the best pet nutrition, balanced diet, and canine wellness tips.
1. How to Choose the Healthiest Dog Food?
Selecting the healthiest dog food involves considering factors like nutritional completeness, balance, and appropriate portion sizes tailored to your dog’s unique needs. A nutritionally complete diet provides all the essential nutrients a dog needs.
When choosing the right food for your dog, experts recommend considering the following factors:
- Nutrition Adequacy: Prioritize foods that meet the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) standards.
- Ingredients and Palatability: Focus on nutrient content rather than specific ingredients.
- Nutritional Value and Proportions: Check energy density and feeding guidelines.
- Your Dog’s Size, Weight, and Life Stage: Choose food appropriate for your dog’s age, size, and breed.
When selecting your pet’s food, it is important to consider the information on the label and beyond the label. According to Dr. Brian Roberts, a board-certified veterinarian, brands that provide the best diets also invest in research.
1.1. Nutritional Adequacy: Meeting AAFCO Standards
Experts say any good dog food will meet the AAFCO nutrition standards. Look for the phrase “complete and balanced” on the nutritional adequacy statement, which the FDA considers one of the most important aspects of a dog food label. While AAFCO has feed control officials that develop standards, definitions, and policies for the sale and distribution of pet food, among other animal feeds, the voluntary membership association doesn’t regulate, test, approve or certify pet food, so there’s no such thing as an “AAFCO approved” brand or product. This statement ensures that the product is intended to be fed as a pet’s sole diet and is nutritionally balanced.
1.2. Ingredients and Palatability: Focusing on Nutrients, Not Just Ingredients
Finding the healthiest food for your dog is less about specific ingredients and more about the nutrients your companion is getting from those ingredients. The ingredient list can give you an idea of what nutrients your dog can get from their meal. The AAFCO states that an ingredient list is required to display all ingredients from highest amount to least amount by weight, which means the first three listed are the most critical. According to Dr. Richard Hill, a board-certified veterinary nutritionist, dog owners should focus on the nutrients their companion is getting from those ingredients instead.
AAFCO has developed several safety standards for ingredients used in pet food, and it goes in depth about common pet food labels. Some say natural ingredients like whole chicken are better than something processed like chicken meal; however, both are from the same source — chicken meal is just dehydrated chicken.
1.3. Nutritional Value and Proportions: Understanding Energy Density
To ensure you’re giving your dog the appropriate nutrients and proportions, check the food’s energy density — shown as kcal (calories) per cup, can or ounce, similar to the nutritional facts on human foods — and its feeding guidelines. Each specific brand and type of dog food should have clearly labeled feeding amounts for your dog’s ideal weight. Once you determine feeding guidelines, you should keep an eye on your pet’s weight with the Body Condition Score, which is a visual scale that evaluates the amount of fat on key parts of the dog’s body.
1.4. Life Stage Considerations: Tailoring to Size, Weight, and Age
Generally, your dog’s food should match their life stage. For example, you should feed your puppy food that’s specifically labeled for puppies until they reach their adult body weight. Small breeds can switch to adult dog food at seven to nine months, while bigger breeds typically switch at 12 to 14 months. Giant breed dogs can remain on a puppy diet until 1.5 years since they continue to grow for longer than standard sized dogs.
You’ll often see certain dog foods labeled for small, medium, and large breeds — these labels mostly deal with the size of the kibble and whether it’s easy for them to ingest. Some brands like Royal Canin have breed-specific formulas, which can help certain breeds’ needs. Manufacturers that follow nutritional science have developed diets with ingredient content for specific classes of breeds who are predisposed to certain problems.
2. What Are Some Top Dog Food Choices for 2025?
The top dog food choices for 2025 include options for puppies, sensitive stomachs, active dogs, and specific breed sizes, each catering to unique nutritional needs and dietary requirements. Expert guidance ensures optimal health for every canine.
2.1. Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Small Bites Dry Dog Food: Best for Puppies
Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Small Bites Dry Dog Food is designed for puppies up to 1 year old, featuring small, easy-to-digest kibble. According to Hill’s, the formula has natural omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil that work to support healthy brain and eye development, as well as a vitamin E and vitamin C blend that helps support a healthy immune system in puppies. It is available in 4.5- or 12.5-pound bags, and the brand also offers a canned puppy formula, ideal for mixing with dry food.
What we like
- Small-sized kibble
- Supports overall puppy health
- Easy to digest
Something to note
- Nothing to note at this time
2.2. Purina Pro Plan Adult Sensitive Skin & Stomach Dry Dog Food: Best for Sensitive Stomachs
Purina Pro Plan Adult Sensitive Skin & Stomach Dry Dog Food is formulated without corn, wheat, or soy, making it easier to digest for dogs with sensitivities. The formula includes high-protein salmon, probiotics, prebiotic fiber, and omega-6 fatty acids, supporting digestive and immune health, as well as healthy skin and coat, according to the brand. Investing in a dog food formulated for dogs with sensitive stomachs and skin can help minimize these issues.
What we like
- Easy to digest
- Novel proteins
- No wheat, soy or corn
Something to note
- May take time to adjust
- Kibble is all same size
2.3. Royal Canin Small Breed Adult Dry Dog Food: Best Overall
Royal Canin Small Breed Adult Dry Dog Food is a diverse option suitable for small dogs between 10 months and 8 years old, weighing between nine and 22 pounds. Former NBC Select editorial operations manager Shari Uyehara regularly uses the same formula for her dog Loki, a 2-year-old cavalier King Charles spaniel, after it was recommended by Loki’s breeder. Royal Canin also has dry food formula for extra-small, medium, large breeds and giant breeds, as well as a puppy formula. The small-breed kibble is made for small dogs 10 months to 8 years old that weigh between nine and 22 pounds.
What we like
- Crunchy texture
- Multiple kibble sizes
- Resealable bag
Something to note
- Nothing to note at this time
2.4. Merrick Grain Free Real Salmon & Sweet Potato Dry Dog Food: Best Poultry-Free
Merrick Grain Free Real Salmon & Sweet Potato Dry Dog Food is ideal for dogs with sensitive stomachs or allergies to common proteins. Studies show that proteins like beef and chicken are among the most reported causes of allergies in dogs, so it’s important to look out for common signs of allergies — like excessive itching and vomiting — to figure out what works best for them. Most dogs don’t usually experience these types of allergies, so you don’t need to avoid chicken and turkey unless you think your dog may have an allergy or intolerance.
What we like
- Novel proteins
- Good for allergies
- Small kibble size
Something to note
- Grain-free
2.5. Purina Pro Plan Sport Performance Salmon & Cod Dry Dog Food: Best for Active Dogs
Purina Pro Plan Sport Performance Salmon & Cod Dry Dog Food is designed for active adult dogs, containing glucosamine and omega-3 fatty acids to maintain joint health and mobility. It has a ratio of 30% protein and 20% fat to keep their energy up, according to Purina. This food is available in several flavor combinations to fit your dog’s preferences.
What we like
- Maintains healthy weight
- Good for picky eaters
Something to note
- Not for older dogs
2.6. The Farmer’s Dog Subscription Dog Food: Best Subscription
The Farmer’s Dog is a subscription plan that delivers fresh, ready-to-eat dog food to your door. Each prepared meal delivery comes with the exact portions your dog needs based on their age, weight, breed, activity level and build. Before you place an order, you’ll fill out a questionnaire and the brand calculates the plan that fits your dog’s caloric and nutritional needs.
What we like
- Delivers to your home
- Custom formula
- Easy to store
Something to note
- May take time to adjust
- More expensive
2.7. Purina Pro Plan Large Breed Adult Dry Dog Food: Best for Large Breeds
Purina Pro Plan Large Breed Adult Dry Dog Food is formulated for large-breed adults, containing natural prebiotic fiber for digestive health and omega-6 fatty acids and vitamin A for skin and coat health, according to the brand.
What we like
- Maintains healthy weight
- Large kibble size
- Good value for size
Something to note
- Large bag sizes
2.8. Royal Canin Adult Gastrointestinal Canned Dog Food: Best Canned Wet Dog Food
Royal Canin Adult Gastrointestinal Canned Dog Food is designed for dogs with gastrointestinal issues or sensitive stomachs, requiring veterinary approval to order. The formula contains prebiotics to maintain gut health, a blend of dietary fibers for healthy digestion, and omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil to soothe the GI tract, according to Royal Canin.
What we like
- Great for sensitive stomachs
- Low-fat
- Maintains gut health
Something to note
- Needs vet approval
- More expensive
- Non-resealable can
2.9. Just Food For Dogs Fish & Sweet Potato: Best Frozen Dog Food
Just Food For Dogs Fish & Sweet Potato pouches provide high-protein, low-calorie food, suitable for overweight or less active dogs, according to the brand. The meals are made for all life stages, and they include a feeding guide on the packaging so you know how much to feed your dog. The meals are made for all life stages, and they include a feeding guide on the packaging so you know how much to feed your dog. All pouches last up to 18 months in the freezer, and thawed meals stay fresh when sealed in the original package for up to seven days, according to the brand.
What we like
- Locally sourced produce
- Last a long time
- Easy to store
Something to note
- Individually packaged
- May need to ease into new diet
2.10. Kirkland Signature Adult Formula Chicken, Rice and Vegetable Dog Food: Best for Digestive and Joint Health
Kirkland Signature Adult Formula Chicken, Rice, and Vegetable Dog Food is suitable for dogs with sensitive stomachs, containing probiotics for digestive health and glucosamine and chondroitin to support healthy joints, according to the brand.
What we like
- Good source of protein
- Promotes joint health
- Budget-friendly
Something to note
- No bag size variety
2.11. Hill’s Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Canned Dog Food: Best Wet Food for Sensitive Stomachs
Hill’s Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Canned Dog Food is ideal for dogs with sensitive stomachs, providing high moisture content and various recipes to suit different preferences.
What we like
- Good for several sensitivities
- High moisture content
- Can mix with dry food
Something to note
- Non-resealable can
2.12. Purina Beneful Prepared Meals Beef & Chicken Medley: Best Prepared Wet Dog Food
Purina Beneful Prepared Meals Beef & Chicken Medley is a fully balanced meal with veggies, beef, chicken, and rice, suitable as a standalone meal or topper for dry food.
What we like
- Dogs love the flavor
- Resealable container
- Can serve on its own
Something to note
- Nothing to note at this time
3. How Do I Interpret Dog Food Labels?
Interpreting dog food labels involves understanding key components such as the ingredient list, nutritional adequacy statement, and feeding guidelines to ensure your dog receives a complete and balanced diet. The Global Nutrition Guidelines set by the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) recommend investigating the brand to determine the people involved in the product’s formulation and manufacturing and whether the company routinely analyzes its finished products for nutrient content, pathogens and other items that don’t belong in dog food.
3.1. Ingredient List: Understanding the Order
The ingredient list displays all ingredients from highest to lowest amount by weight. The first three ingredients are the most critical, indicating the primary components of the formula. This helps you determine if the formula is vegetable-based or meat-based. For example, a food listing chicken, chicken meal, and brown rice as the first three ingredients is meat-based.
3.2. Nutritional Adequacy Statement: Ensuring Completeness and Balance
The nutritional adequacy statement, also known as the AAFCO statement, indicates the species and life stage the food is formulated for and how it’s substantiated, either by formulation or feeding tests. Look for the phrase “complete and balanced,” which ensures the product is intended to be fed as a pet’s sole diet and is nutritionally balanced.
3.3. Feeding Guidelines: Determining Appropriate Portions
Feeding guidelines provide recommendations for the amount of food to feed your dog based on their weight and activity level. Check the food’s energy density (kcal per cup, can, or ounce) and adjust portions accordingly to maintain an ideal body weight.
4. What Ingredients Should I Look For In Dog Food?
When choosing dog food, prioritize ingredients that provide essential nutrients, such as high-quality proteins, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates, while avoiding artificial additives and fillers for optimal canine health.
- High-Quality Proteins: Essential for muscle development and overall health.
- Healthy Fats: Support skin and coat health and provide energy.
- Complex Carbohydrates: Offer a sustained energy source and fiber for digestion.
“Carbohydrates — and corn especially — provide calories, extra fiber for better digestion, important vitamins and minerals and antioxidants,” says Roberts.
4.1. High-Quality Proteins: Essential Building Blocks
High-quality proteins are crucial for muscle development and overall health. Look for named meat sources like chicken, beef, fish, or lamb as the primary ingredients. Avoid foods with excessive amounts of unnamed meat by-products or fillers.
4.2. Healthy Fats: Supporting Skin and Coat
Healthy fats, such as omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, support skin and coat health, provide energy, and aid in nutrient absorption. Look for ingredients like fish oil, flaxseed, or sunflower oil.
4.3. Complex Carbohydrates: Providing Sustained Energy
Complex carbohydrates, like brown rice, oatmeal, and sweet potatoes, offer a sustained energy source and fiber for digestion. Avoid excessive amounts of simple carbohydrates or fillers like corn and wheat, unless your dog has no intolerance.
5. Are There Any Ingredients to Avoid in Dog Food?
Yes, certain ingredients should be avoided in dog food, including artificial additives, excessive fillers, and potentially harmful substances like garlic powder, onions, raisins, grapes, and sugar-free additives.
- Artificial Additives: Dyes, preservatives, and flavorings can be harmful.
- Excessive Fillers: Corn, wheat, and soy offer little nutritional value.
- Harmful Substances: Garlic powder, onions, raisins, grapes, and sugar-free additives are toxic.
“Although often seen in humans, actual cases of true gluten intolerance in dogs and cats are quite rare,” says Roberts, adding that the aforementioned ingredients aren’t just filler ingredients.
5.1. Artificial Additives: Potential Health Risks
Artificial additives, such as dyes, preservatives, and flavorings, can pose potential health risks to dogs. These additives offer no nutritional value and may cause allergic reactions or other adverse effects.
5.2. Excessive Fillers: Limited Nutritional Value
Excessive fillers, such as corn, wheat, and soy, offer limited nutritional value and can contribute to digestive issues. These ingredients are often used as inexpensive fillers and may not be easily digestible for some dogs.
5.3. Harmful Substances: Toxic Ingredients
Harmful substances, such as garlic powder, onions, raisins, grapes, and sugar-free additives (e.g., xylitol), are toxic to dogs and should be strictly avoided. These ingredients can cause severe health problems, including organ damage and even death.
6. What Are the Differences Between Dry, Wet, and Fresh Dog Food?
Dry, wet, and fresh dog food differ primarily in water content, processing methods, and ingredient composition, each offering distinct advantages and disadvantages for canine nutrition.
- Dry Dog Food (Kibble): Economical, shelf-stable, and good for dental health.
- Wet Dog Food (Canned): Higher moisture content, palatable, and suitable for dogs with dental issues.
- Fresh Dog Food: Minimally processed, high-quality ingredients, and tailored to individual needs.
“Kibble is 10% water, [while] canned food is upwards of 70% water,” says Roberts. If both products have the same ingredients and only the water content differs, it’s okay to mix the wet food with your dog’s dry dog food, especially if they often get picky about their food or need an extra boost of hydration, he says.
6.1. Dry Dog Food (Kibble): Economical and Convenient
Dry dog food, or kibble, is economical, shelf-stable, and good for dental health due to its abrasive texture. It typically contains around 10% water and is made by extruding ingredients under high pressure and heat.
6.2. Wet Dog Food (Canned): Higher Moisture Content
Wet dog food, or canned food, has a higher moisture content (around 70%), making it palatable and suitable for dogs with dental issues or those needing extra hydration. It is typically more expensive than dry food and has a shorter shelf life once opened.
6.3. Fresh Dog Food: Minimally Processed and Tailored
Fresh dog food is minimally processed, uses high-quality ingredients, and can be tailored to individual needs. It is often prepared with human-grade ingredients and delivered fresh or frozen. While it offers optimal nutrition, it is the most expensive option and requires refrigeration or freezing.
7. What is the Role of Grain-Free Diets in Dog Food?
Grain-free diets exclude grains like wheat, barley, rye, and corn, often marketed as healthier options, but they aren’t necessarily better for dogs and may even prevent them from getting appropriate daily nutritional intake.
- Not Necessarily Healthier: Grain-free does not automatically equate to healthier.
- Potential Nutritional Deficiencies: May prevent dogs from getting adequate nutrition.
- Carbohydrate Alternatives: Often replaced with potatoes and legumes.
“Although often seen in humans, actual cases of true gluten intolerance in dogs and cats are quite rare,” says Roberts, adding that the aforementioned ingredients aren’t just filler ingredients. “Carbohydrates — and corn especially — provide calories, extra fiber for better digestion, important vitamins and minerals and antioxidants,” he says.
7.1. Not Necessarily Healthier: Marketing vs. Reality
Grain-free diets are often marketed as healthier options, but they aren’t necessarily better for dogs. Actual cases of true gluten intolerance in dogs and cats are quite rare. It’s important to understand that “grain-free” does not automatically equate to “healthier.”
7.2. Potential Nutritional Deficiencies: Risk of Imbalance
Grain-free diets may prevent dogs from getting their appropriate daily nutritional intake. Grains like corn and wheat provide calories, fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
7.3. Carbohydrate Alternatives: Potatoes and Legumes
Grain-free foods often replace grains with other sources of carbohydrates, such as potatoes and legumes. These alternatives are not inherently better and can still impact blood sugar levels.
8. How Do Raw Food Diets Compare to Commercial Dog Food?
Raw food diets, consisting of uncooked meats, bones, and vegetables, contrast with commercial dog food by offering minimally processed ingredients but carry a higher risk of bacterial contamination and nutritional imbalances.
- Minimally Processed: Offers natural, unprocessed ingredients.
- Higher Risk of Contamination: Increased risk of bacterial pathogens.
- Nutritional Imbalances: Difficult to ensure a balanced diet.
“The AVMA discourages feeding dogs any animal-source protein that has not first been subjected to a process to eliminate pathogens because of the risk of illness to cats and dogs as well as humans,” says Teller. If your pet is eating a complete and balanced commercially available pet food, supplements are not recommended unless specifically prescribed by your veterinarian, says Teller.
8.1. Minimally Processed: Natural Ingredients
Raw food diets offer natural, unprocessed ingredients, which some owners believe are more beneficial. However, this comes with a higher risk of bacterial contamination and difficulty in ensuring a balanced diet.
8.2. Higher Risk of Contamination: Bacterial Pathogens
Raw food diets pose a higher risk of microbial pathogens, antibiotic resistance genes, and anti-nutritional factors. Harmful parasites and bacteria can contaminate raw diets, which may not only harm your dog but also be transmitted to you and your family.
8.3. Nutritional Imbalances: Ensuring a Balanced Diet
It can be challenging to ensure a balanced diet with raw food diets, as they require careful planning and supplementation to meet all of your dog’s nutritional needs. This is why if your pet is eating a complete and balanced commercially available pet food, supplements are not recommended unless specifically prescribed by your veterinarian.
9. What Are the Benefits and Risks of Dog Food Toppers?
Dog food toppers, such as canned pumpkin, blueberries, and bone broth, enhance palatability for picky eaters but should be used sparingly to avoid dietary imbalances and dependency.
- Enhance Palatability: Improves taste for picky eaters.
- Dietary Imbalances: Can disrupt the nutritional balance.
- Dependency: May cause dogs to only want food with toppers.
“If your dog is eating a complete and balanced commercially available pet food, toppers are not recommended unless specifically prescribed by your veterinarian,” says Teller. Toppers should be treated like dog treats and factored into their total calories, our experts say.
9.1. Enhance Palatability: Improving Taste
Dog food toppers improve taste, making food more appealing to picky eaters. This can be beneficial for dogs who are reluctant to eat their regular food.
9.2. Dietary Imbalances: Disrupting the Nutritional Balance
Toppers can disrupt the nutritional balance of your dog’s diet if used excessively. They should be treated as treats and factored into their total calorie intake.
9.3. Dependency: Creating Picky Eaters
Overuse of toppers may cause dogs to become dependent on them, refusing to eat their regular food without the added flavor. This can lead to nutritional deficiencies and unhealthy eating habits.
10. How Can I Tell if My Dog is Overweight, and What Should I Do?
You can tell if your dog is overweight by using the Body Condition Score, which assesses fat levels. Consult a veterinarian to rule out medical issues and adjust their diet accordingly.
- Body Condition Score: Visual scale to assess fat levels.
- Veterinary Consultation: Rule out underlying medical issues.
- Dietary Adjustments: Modify food type and portions.
The first thing to address if you notice your dog is gaining weight or shifting out of an ideal Body Condition Score range is the type and amount of foods they’re getting on a daily basis, says Michael.
10.1. Body Condition Score: Assessing Fat Levels
The Body Condition Score (BCS) is a visual scale that evaluates the amount of fat on key parts of the dog’s body. A healthy BCS is typically a 4 or 5.
10.2. Veterinary Consultation: Ruling Out Medical Issues
Consult your veterinarian to rule out any underlying medical issues that may be contributing to weight gain. They may recommend diagnostic tests or suggest a weight management food.
10.3. Dietary Adjustments: Modifying Food and Portions
Adjust your dog’s diet by modifying the type of food and reducing portion sizes. Eliminate table scraps and treats, and ensure all household members are aware of the new feeding guidelines.
FAQ: What Dog Food Is Healthiest?
1. How much should I feed my dog?
The number of calories your dog needs per day depends on factors like breed, weight, and activity level. Consult the WSAVA’s chart or, better yet, talk to your veterinarian for specific caloric needs.
2. Can I mix wet and dry dog food?
Yes, mixing wet and dry dog food is fine if both have the same ingredients, but be mindful of the water content. This is particularly helpful for picky eaters or dogs needing extra hydration.
3. What is the main ingredient I should avoid that’s commonly seen in commercial pet food?
The main ingredient you should avoid that’s commonly seen in commercial pet food is garlic powder. Onions, raisins, grapes and sugar-free additives are also toxic to dogs, though most commercially prepared food won’t contain these ingredients.
4. Are grain-free diets better for my dog?
Not necessarily. Grain-free diets aren’t inherently better and may prevent dogs from getting their appropriate daily nutritional intake. Plus, grain-free foods will usually use other sources of carbohydrates in place of grain — including potatoes and legumes — so the formula will very rarely be low in carbs despite the brand’s marketing.
5. Are raw food diets safe for dogs?
Experts advise against raw diets due to the higher risk of microbial pathogens and potential harm to your dog and family.
6. What are dog food toppers and should I use them?
Dog food toppers are mixed into your pet’s food to make it taste better, which can be good for picky eaters. However, you should use toppers as a last resort if they’re not eating their regular food, and you certainly shouldn’t add them to their meal every day because it can cause your dog to only want to eat that type of food.
7. How can I tell if my dog is gaining weight?
Use the Body Condition Score to assess fat levels and consult with your vet if you notice your dog is gaining weight.
8. What do I do if my dog is overweight?
Discuss the weight gain with your dog’s veterinarian. They may want to look at diagnostic tests to determine if an underlying disease process could be contributing to the issue, or if perhaps a weight management food is a better food option for the pet.
9. Why is AAFCO approval important?
The AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) standards help ensure that the pet food meets the minimum nutritional requirements for your pet’s life stage. Look for the nutritional adequacy statement on the label that includes the phrase ‘complete and balanced,’ then the product is intended to be fed as a pet’s sole diet and should be nutritionally balanced.
10. Can senior dogs eat the same food as adult dogs?
If your senior dog is healthy and eating a nutritionally balanced diet in the later stages of its life, there is no need to change its food, according to Tufts University Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine. However, consulting your veterinarian can provide personalized guidance for your senior dog’s specific needs.
Navigating the world of dog food can be overwhelming, but with the right knowledge, you can make informed decisions to ensure your furry friend thrives. For more in-depth guides, personalized recommendations, and expert advice, visit FOODS.EDU.VN today. Let us help you provide the best nutrition for your beloved companion!
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