Being a responsible pet parent includes ensuring your dog receives a nutritious and balanced diet. Experts emphasize that feeding your dog the right food is crucial for a multitude of health benefits, ranging from weight management to building a strong immune system. And yes, this complements those beloved dog treats you spoil them with!
Dr. Lori Teller, a board-certified veterinarian and past president of the American Veterinary Medical Association, explains, “Commercially processed dog foods, whether canned or kibble, are expertly formulated to meet the complete nutritional needs of dogs, encompassing proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. They offer convenience, consistency, and widespread availability. Furthermore, these foods undergo rigorous quality control and inspection processes designed to detect and eliminate contaminants or pathogens before they can harm pets or their human families.”
Drawing on over three years of experience writing about dogs and, specifically, dog food, I’ve consulted with veterinarians and animal nutrition specialists to guide you in your search for the best dog food. Below, you’ll find expert-recommended dog food brands and insights into options that NBC Select staff members personally feed their canine companions.
EXPLORE: Key Factors in Choosing Dog Food | Top Good Dog Food Picks for 2024-2025 | Determining the Ideal Food for Your Dog | Why Trust Our Recommendations?
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Key Factors in Choosing Good Dog Food {#how-to-pick-good-dog-food}
Based on expert recommendations, when selecting the right dog food, consider these key factors:
Top Good Dog Food Picks for 2024-2025 {#best-dog-food-picks}
The following list highlights dog food options that align with expert advice and are trusted by NBC Select staff for their own dogs.
Best Dog Food for Puppies: Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Small Bites Dry Dog Food
Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Small Bites Dry Dog Food
$18.99 $20.99 $19.99 $21.99 $20.99
What We Like:
- Small kibble size, ideal for puppies.
- Supports overall health and development in puppies.
- Formulated for easy digestion.
Points 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 and features small, easily digestible kibble. The formula includes natural omega-3 fatty acids derived from fish oil, which promote healthy brain and eye development. It also contains a blend of vitamin E and vitamin C to bolster a puppy’s developing immune system. Available in 4.5-pound and 12.5-pound bags, Hill’s also offers a canned puppy food option, which experts suggest can be a beneficial 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
Best 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
$71.98 $89.98 $71.98 $74.99 $74.99
What We Like:
- Easily digestible formula.
- Features novel proteins.
- Free from wheat, soy, and corn.
Points to Consider:
- Adjustment period may be needed for some dogs.
- Kibble pieces are uniformly sized.
For dogs with sensitivities to certain food ingredients, which can manifest as excessive itching, digestive upset, or occasional vomiting, Purina Pro Plan Adult Sensitive Skin & Stomach Dry Dog Food is a thoughtful choice. This formula excludes corn, wheat, and soy, making it more digestible for dogs with intolerances. It’s important to note that these ingredients are only problematic for dogs with specific intolerances, as they generally provide valuable vitamins, minerals, and carbohydrates. To ensure a balanced diet, this food incorporates high-protein salmon (novel proteins like salmon are beneficial for sensitive stomachs), probiotics, prebiotic fiber for digestive and immune health, and omega-6 fatty acids for 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
Best Overall Good Dog Food: Royal Canin Small Breed Adult Dry Dog Food
Royal Canin Small Breed Adult Dry Dog Food
What We Like:
- Appealing crunchy texture.
- Variety of kibble sizes available across product range.
- Convenient resealable bag.
Points to Consider:
- None at this time.
Royal Canin stands out for its extensive range of dog food options, encompassing both dry and wet dog food formulations tailored to specific dog sizes, breeds, and dietary needs, including food sensitivities and gastrointestinal issues. Having received a veterinarian’s recommendation, I personally feed my 6-year-old Havanese-Bichon Frise mix, Bella, Royal Canin’s small-breed dry dog food. This kibble is specifically designed for small dogs aged 10 months to 8 years, weighing between 9 and 22 pounds.
Shari Uyehara, former NBC Select editorial operations manager, also uses this formula for her 2-year-old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Loki, based on a breeder’s recommendation. I’ve observed Bella’s preference for Royal Canin over other brands, which she previously often left unfinished. Royal Canin also offers dry food formulas for extra-small, medium, large breeds, and giant breeds, as well as a dedicated puppy formula.
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. Loki, a 2-year-old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, enjoys his Royal Canin kibble from a slow feeder, which helps regulate his eating pace. Image courtesy of Shari Uyehara
Best Poultry-Free Good Dog Food: Merrick Grain Free Real Salmon & Sweet Potato Dry Dog Food
Merrick Grain Free Real Salmon & Sweet Potato Dry Dog Food
What We Like:
- Features novel proteins, beneficial for sensitivities.
- Suitable for dogs with allergies.
- Small kibble size.
Points to Consider:
- Grain-free formula (consider if truly necessary for your dog).
Merrick Grain Free Real Salmon & Sweet Potato Dry Dog Food is an excellent option for dogs with sensitive stomachs or allergies to common proteins. Research indicates that beef and chicken are among the most frequently reported allergens in dogs. Dr. Joe Wakshlag, professor of clinical nutrition and sports medicine and rehabilitation at Cornell College of Veterinary Medicine, advises monitoring for allergy signs like excessive itching and vomiting to determine the best dietary choices for your dog. However, he also notes that most dogs do not typically develop these allergies, so avoiding chicken and turkey is unnecessary unless an allergy or intolerance is suspected.
Food type: Dry | Texture: Crunchy kibble | Calorie content: 392 kcal per cup | Main ingredients: Deboned salmon, salmon meal, whitefish meal, sweet potatoes, potatoes, peas
Best Good Dog Food for Active Dogs: Purina Pro Plan Sport Performance Salmon & Cod Dry Dog Food
Purina Pro Plan Sport Performance Salmon & Cod Dry Dog Food
$84.68 $84.68 $87.69 $84.69 $84.99
What We Like:
- Helps maintain a healthy weight for active dogs.
- Appealing flavor for picky eaters.
Points to Consider:
- Not specifically formulated for senior dogs.
Amanda Smith, NBC Select commerce analytics manager, feeds Purina Pro Plan Sport Performance Salmon & Cod Dry Dog Food to her 3-year-old Rat Terrier, Mac, a known picky eater who finds this option particularly palatable. Designed for active adult dogs, this dry food includes glucosamine and omega-3 fatty acids to support joint health and mobility. With a 30% protein and 20% fat ratio, it helps sustain high energy levels. Available in various flavor combinations, including turkey, duck, and quail, salmon and cod, and beef and bison formulas, there’s likely a flavor to suit your active dog’s 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
Best Subscription Good Dog Food: The Farmer’s Dog Subscription Dog Food
The Farmer’s Dog Subscription Dog Food
Price based on $2 per day for 14 days. $28.00
What We Like:
- Convenient home delivery.
- Personalized formula tailored to your dog’s needs.
- Easy to store packaging.
Points to Consider:
- Transition period may be required.
- Generally more expensive than traditional dog food.
The Farmer’s Dog offers a subscription service that delivers fresh, ready-to-serve dog food directly to your doorstep. Each delivery contains pre-portioned meals customized to your dog’s specific needs based on age, weight, breed, activity level, and body condition. Upon signing up, you complete a detailed questionnaire, and the brand calculates a plan that precisely meets your dog’s caloric and nutritional requirements.
Bandit, a 2-year-old Maltipoo, has been enjoying The Farmer’s Dog since he was 6 months old and remains enthusiastic about mealtime, according to his owner, Sadhana Daruvuri. Image courtesy of Sadhana Daruvuri
Food pouches can be stored in the refrigerator or freezer and remain fresh for up to four days in the fridge once thawed. NBC Select social editor Sadhana Daruvuri, who feeds The Farmer’s Dog to her 2-year-old Maltipoo, Bandit, shares, “Friends who had tried it raved about it, so I decided to test it with Bandit. It was immediately clear he preferred it significantly over his kibble.” Daruvuri notes that Bandit, previously a picky kibble eater, showed a marked increase in mealtime excitement after switching to The Farmer’s Dog. Subscription prices start at $2 per day, with delivery frequencies ranging from weekly to bi-monthly (plan pricing varies based on your dog’s individual profile).
Food type: Fresh | Texture: Soft, easy to chew | Calorie content: n/a (personalized based on questionnaire) | Main ingredients: Human-grade (personalized based on questionnaire)
Mac, a 3-year-old Rat Terrier, eats his Purina Pro Plan dry dog food from a snuffle mat, a stimulating toy that encourages slower eating and engagement during mealtime. Image courtesy of Amanda Smith
Best Good Dog Food for Large Breeds: Purina Pro Plan Large Breed Adult Dry Dog Food
Purina Pro Plan Adult Large Breed Dry Dog Food
$71.98 $89.98 $74.99 $71.98 $74.99
What We Like:
- Formulated to help maintain healthy weight in large breeds.
- Larger kibble size suitable for bigger dogs.
- Good value for the size of the bag.
Points to Consider:
- Available in large bag sizes, which may not be ideal for all households.
Purina is committed to animal nutrition, employing numerous veterinary nutritionists to develop their dog food formulations. Their highly-regarded Pro Plan range caters to dogs of varying sizes and life stages, including large breed adults and puppies. Purina Pro Plan Large Breed Adult Dry Dog Food contains natural prebiotic fiber to support digestive health, along with omega-6 fatty acids and vitamin A for skin and coat health. NBC Select associate updates editor Zoe Malin feeds her 100-pound yellow lab, Chance, the weight-management dry kibble from this line, which features a protein-to-fat ratio optimized for less active, senior dogs.
Food type: Dry | Texture: Crunchy kibble | Calorie content: 407 kcal per cup | Main ingredients: Chicken, rice, corn gluten meal, whole grain corn
Chance, a 100-pound Yellow Lab, transitioned to Purina Pro Plan’s weight management dog food at age 8 due to decreased activity levels. Image courtesy of Zoe Malin
Best Canned Wet Good Dog Food: Royal Canin Adult Gastrointestinal Canned Dog Food
Royal Canin Adult Gastrointestinal Canned Dog Food – 24 Pack
What We Like:
- Excellent for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
- Low-fat formulation.
- Supports healthy gut flora.
Points to Consider:
- Requires veterinary approval for purchase.
- More expensive compared to other canned foods.
- Cans are not resealable.
For those looking to incorporate wet food into their dog’s diet, Royal Canin offers a variety of wet food options developed by veterinary nutritionists. While pricier, Royal Canin Adult Gastrointestinal Canned Dog Food is a low-fat option beneficial for dogs with gastrointestinal sensitivities or stomach issues. Note that this food requires veterinary approval to purchase. The formula includes prebiotics to foster beneficial gut bacteria, a blend of dietary fibers to aid digestion, and omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil to soothe the GI tract.
Royal Canin also provides other targeted wet food options for concerns like weight loss, digestive care, and joint care (all requiring vet approval). For a readily available option without needing prior approval, consider their regular adult canned dog food.
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
Best Frozen Good Dog Food: Just Food For Dogs Fish & Sweet Potato
Just Food For Dogs Fish & Sweet Potato
What We Like:
- Made with locally sourced produce.
- Long shelf life when frozen.
- Convenient to store.
Points to Consider:
- Individually packaged portions.
- Gradual transition may be needed when introducing to a dog’s diet.
Just Food For Dogs offers frozen pouches of high-protein, low-calorie dog food, making it suitable for overweight or less active dogs. They provide a variety of recipes featuring locally sourced produce and single protein sources for limited ingredient diets, including venison, lamb, and turkey. Suitable for all life stages, each package includes feeding guidelines. Pouches can be frozen for up to 18 months, and thawed meals remain fresh for up to seven days when sealed in the original packaging. Once opened, it’s recommended to use the contents within five days.
The Fish & Sweet Potato recipe offers a balanced diet for dogs with sensitive stomachs or those requiring novel proteins due to allergies. For dogs with varied tastes or dietary needs, Just Food For Dogs also offers a variety pack featuring recipes like venison and squash, lamb and brown rice, and beef and potato.
Food type: Fresh | Texture: Soft, easy to chew | Calorie content: 26 kcal per ounce | Main ingredients: Cod, sweet potatoes, potatoes, green beans, broccoli
Best Good 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 We Like:
- Good source of protein.
- Supports joint health.
- Budget-friendly option.
Points to Consider:
- Only available in one bag size.
NBC Select associate reporter Bianca Alvarez feeds her 8-year-old Pitbull, Baylor, Kirkland Signature Adult Formula Chicken, Rice and Vegetable Dog Food. “Baylor has a very sensitive stomach, and this dry food is one of the few she can tolerate,” Alvarez explains. “We’ve used it for years, and whenever we’ve tried switching, she either dislikes it or experiences stomach upset.” This food includes probiotics for digestive health and glucosamine and chondroitin to support healthy joints. Kirkland Signature also offers a small breed formula.
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
Best Wet Good Dog 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 We Like:
- Suitable for various sensitivities.
- High moisture content, beneficial for hydration.
- Can be mixed with dry food.
Points to Consider:
- Cans are not resealable.
I often mix my dog Bella’s dry kibble with canned food to enhance moisture and texture in her evening meal. Given her sensitive stomach, her veterinarian recommended Hill’s Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Canned Dog Food. It has proven to be one of the few canned options that doesn’t cause her any discomfort or adverse effects. Bella particularly enjoys the turkey and rice stew, but recipes featuring salmon and chicken are also available.
Food type: Wet | Texture: Soft, easy to chew | Calorie content: 253 kcal/can | Main ingredients: Chicken broth, turkey, carrots, pork liver, rice, chicken
Bella, a 6-year-old Havanese-Bichon Frise mix, enjoys a nightly meal of Royal Canin adult kibble combined with Hill’s Science Diet canned food. Image courtesy of Mili Godio
Best Prepared Wet Good Dog Food: Purina Beneful Prepared Meals Beef & Chicken Medley
Purina Beneful Prepared Meals Beef & Chicken Medley
What We Like:
- Dogs generally enjoy the flavor.
- Comes in a convenient resealable container.
- Can be served as a standalone meal or topper.
Points to Consider:
- None at this time.
Amanda Smith occasionally mixes a scoop of Purina Beneful Prepared Meals Beef & Chicken Medley with Mac’s dry food as a weekly treat. This stew-style wet food contains vegetables, real beef chunks, chicken, and rice. It’s a fully balanced meal, suitable for serving alone (following portion guidelines on Purina’s website) or as a flavorful topper to enhance your dog’s regular kibble.
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
Determining the Ideal Food for Your Dog {#how-to-determine-the-best-food-for-your-dog}
The two most important factors in assessing whether a dog food is beneficial for your dog’s health are its nutritional completeness and balance, and ensuring you are feeding appropriate portions based on your dog’s size and weight. When choosing a dog food, consider both the information presented on the label and factors beyond it.
The nutritional adequacy statement on the label indicates the species and life stage the food is formulated for and how this claim is substantiated, either through formulation or feeding trials. Equally important is what’s not on the label. The Global Nutrition Guidelines from the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) recommend researching the brand to understand who is involved in formulation and manufacturing. Does the company routinely analyze finished products for nutrient content and potential contaminants?
Dr. Brian Roberts, a board-certified veterinarian with VCA Animal Hospitals, emphasizes, “Does the brand employ veterinarians on staff, particularly board-certified veterinary nutritionists? Brands dedicated to producing the best diets invest in extensive research.”
Here are key considerations experts recommend when selecting high-quality dog food.
Adherence to AAFCO Nutrition Standards {#meets-aafco-nutrition-standards}
Experts agree that any Good Dog Food will meet AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) nutrition standards. Dr. Roberts advises, “Check the nutritional adequacy statement on the label. If it states ‘complete and balanced,’ the product is designed as a dog’s sole diet and is nutritionally balanced.”
Dr. Wakshlag adds, “AAFCO ensures that commercially available dog food is nutritionally complete.” The FDA highlights this statement as a crucial element on dog and cat food labels. It is typically found on the back label in smaller print.
While AAFCO sets standards and definitions for pet food sale and distribution, it’s a voluntary association and does not regulate, test, or approve pet food brands or products. Thus, there is no official “AAFCO approved” designation.
Ingredients and Palatability {#ingredients-and-palatability}
Choosing the best dog food is less about specific ingredients and more about the nutrients they provide. Dr. Richard Hill, a board-certified veterinary nutritionist at the University of Florida, stresses focusing on nutritional value over individual ingredients.
However, the ingredient list is informative. AAFCO mandates listing ingredients by weight, from highest to lowest. The first three ingredients are most significant, indicating if the food is primarily meat-based (chicken, fish, lamb) or vegetable-based (corn, brown rice).
AAFCO establishes safety standards for pet food ingredients and provides detailed information on common pet food labeling terms.
Dr. Roberts explains, “While some believe ‘natural’ ingredients like whole chicken are superior to ‘processed’ ingredients like chicken meal, both originate from the same source—chicken meal is simply dehydrated chicken.”
Nutritional Value and Proportions {#nutritional-value-and-proportions}
To ensure proper nutrition and proportions, check the food’s energy density, listed as kcal (calories) per cup, can, or ounce, and the feeding guidelines.
Dr. Kristin Michael, a board-certified veterinarian at VCA Liberty Animal Hospital, notes, “Commercially prepared dog foods generally contain all essential nutrients for a dog’s health. Each brand should provide clear feeding amounts for your dog’s ideal weight.”
After determining appropriate feeding amounts, monitor your dog’s weight using the Body Condition Score, a visual scale assessing body fat (an ideal score is 4 or 5). Vets use this to assess body condition at each visit. Dr. Michael advises, “A dog outside a healthy range may have an underlying health issue.”
Obesity is a major nutritional concern in dogs, potentially reducing lifespan by up to two years in some breeds, according to Dr. Hill. Dr. Wakshlag points out that pet owners often misunderstand calorie intake: “Recommendations on dog food bags are for normal, active dogs—many dogs are not.” (More on dog obesity below.)
Dog’s Size, Weight, and Life Stage {#dog-s-size-weight-and-life-stage}
Dog food should match their life stage. Puppy food is essential until adulthood. Small breeds may switch to adult food around 7-9 months, larger breeds at 12-14 months, according to the American Kennel Club. Dr. Michael adds, “Giant breeds may need puppy food until 1.5 years due to prolonged growth.”
Tufts University Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine advises that healthy senior dogs on a balanced diet may not need food changes in later life stages.
Dog foods are often categorized for small, medium, and large breeds, mainly reflecting kibble size for easier eating. Some brands like Royal Canin offer breed-specific formulas to address specific breed needs.
Dr. Roberts explains, “Nutritionally informed manufacturers develop diets with ingredient adjustments for breeds prone to certain issues. For example, large and giant breeds can develop joint problems, and ‘giant breed’ formulas consider this.”
However, always verify if breed-specific formulas offer genuine benefits beyond marketing. Check ingredient lists and nutritional content to ensure the food truly meets your breed’s needs, advises Dr. Wakshlag.
Frequently Asked Questions
The primary difference between dry food and canned dog food is water content. Dr. Roberts states, “Kibble is about 10% water, while canned food can be over 70%.” If ingredients are similar, mixing wet and dry food is acceptable, especially for picky eaters or to boost hydration. Adding dog-safe vegetables and fruits can also enhance nutrition without excessive calories, as long as it complements their regular kibble intake.
Dry food is more cost-effective and shelf-stable when stored properly. Dr. Hill recommends storing dry food in a cool, dry place and cleaning containers before refilling. Wet food, once opened, spoils at room temperature. A solely wet food diet can be beneficial for dogs with dental issues preventing kibble chewing or those needing higher moisture intake for health reasons like urinary issues.
Garlic powder is a common, yet problematic ingredient to avoid in dog food. While it enhances taste, it poses health risks, according to Dr. Michael. Onions, raisins, grapes, and sugar-free additives are also toxic, though less common in commercial foods. Avoid heavily dyed foods, which are often used for visual appeal.
Grain-free formulas exclude wheat, barley, rye, and corn, often aimed at gluten intolerance, which is rare in dogs. Dr. Roberts clarifies that these ingredients are not mere fillers. “Carbohydrates, especially corn, provide calories, fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.” Dr. Hill supports moderate carbohydrate intake, noting grain-free foods often replace grains with potatoes and legumes, maintaining carbohydrate levels. Research links some grain-free diets to dilated cardiomyopathy in dogs, but the FDA investigation is ongoing. Experts are unsure if this is ingredient-related or a quality control issue. Dr. Wakshlag suggests pre-existing predispositions in dogs may be a factor.
Experts advise against raw food diets, including homemade, freeze-dried, or dehydrated options consisting of raw meat, eggs, and certain fruits and vegetables. Dr. Teller of the AVMA discourages raw animal protein due to pathogen risks for both pets and humans. Commercially balanced pet foods generally negate the need for supplements unless veterinarian-prescribed. Raw meat-based diets carry higher risks of microbial pathogens and harmful bacteria that can affect both dogs and humans. Hard bones in raw diets can cause gut obstructions or splintering, posing serious health risks, according to Dr. Michael.
Dog food toppers like pumpkin, blueberries, or bone broth can enhance palatability for picky eaters but should be used sparingly, not daily, to avoid creating dependence. Dr. Teller recommends toppers only if prescribed by a vet and considers them as treats, factored into daily calorie intake.
To address dog weight gain, first evaluate the type and amount of food and treats, including table scraps and feeding from multiple household members. Consult your vet to rule out underlying medical conditions and discuss if weight management food is appropriate, advises Dr. Michael.
Daily food quantity varies based on breed, weight, and size. The WSAVA provides a calorie chart for adult dogs up to 108 lbs, using National Research Council data. However, individual needs differ, and veterinary consultation is recommended to determine your dog’s specific caloric needs.
Meet Our Experts {#meet-our-experts}
NBC Select consults experts with specialized knowledge and experience, ensuring independent and unbiased advice free from financial conflicts of interest.
Why Trust NBC Select? {#why-trust-nbc-select}
As an Updates Editor at NBC Select, I have extensive experience writing about dog-related topics, including treats, toys, and pet travel safety. For this guide, I consulted with six veterinarians and veterinary nutritionists and researched numerous dog food options to provide well-informed recommendations.
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