Being a responsible pet parent means prioritizing your dog’s health, and a cornerstone of that is providing them with a nutritious diet. Experts emphasize that the right food is crucial for everything from maintaining a healthy weight to bolstering a strong immune system. While those tempting dog treats have their place, a balanced diet built around Healthy Dog Food Brands is paramount.
“Commercially processed dog foods, whether canned or kibble, are expertly formulated to meet the complete nutritional needs of dogs,” explains Dr. Lori Teller, a board-certified veterinarian and past president of the American Veterinary Medical Association. “These foods offer convenience, consistency, and are readily accessible. Furthermore, they undergo rigorous quality control and inspection processes designed to prevent contaminants or pathogens from affecting pets and their owners.”
With years of experience writing about dog health and nutrition, I’ve consulted with leading veterinarians and animal nutrition specialists to guide you in choosing the best options. This article compiles expert-recommended healthy dog food brands and highlights choices favored by NBC Select staff for their own beloved companions.
IN THIS GUIDE
- Key Considerations for Healthy Dog Food
- Best Healthy Dog Food Brands in 2024
- How to Choose the Right Healthy Food for Your Dog
Key Considerations for Healthy Dog Food
When selecting healthy dog food brands, experts recommend focusing on several critical factors to ensure your dog receives optimal nutrition. These include:
- Nutritional Completeness: The food should be “complete and balanced,” meeting the standards set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) for your dog’s life stage.
- Ingredient Quality: While specific ingredients are less critical than overall nutrient balance, prioritize foods with high-quality protein sources and wholesome ingredients.
- Digestibility: A healthy dog food should be easily digestible to ensure maximum nutrient absorption and minimize digestive upset.
- Life Stage and Breed Specific Needs: Puppies, adult dogs, and seniors have different nutritional requirements. Large and small breeds may also benefit from tailored formulas.
- Transparency and Brand Reputation: Choose brands with established reputations, transparent ingredient sourcing, and ideally, veterinary nutritionists on staff.
Best Healthy Dog Food Brands in 2024
The following list features top healthy dog food brands, recommended by experts and trusted by pet owners, categorized for various needs and preferences.
Best Healthy Dog Food for Puppies: Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Small Bites Dry Dog Food
Image: Bag of Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Small Bites Dry Dog Food, a healthy option for puppy nutrition.
Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Small Bites Dry Dog Food is a top choice for puppies up to one year old. This healthy dog food brand offers small, easy-to-digest kibble formulated to support overall puppy health. It’s enriched with natural omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil for healthy brain and eye development, and a blend of vitamins E and C to boost their developing immune systems.
Key Features:
- Small kibble, easy for puppies to eat.
- Supports healthy brain and eye development.
- Promotes a strong immune system.
- Easy to digest formula.
Food type: Dry | Texture: Crunchy kibble | Calorie content: 393 kcal per cup | Main ingredients: Chicken, brown rice, whole grain wheat
Best Dry Healthy Dog Food for Sensitive Stomachs: Purina Pro Plan Adult Sensitive Skin & Stomach Dry Dog Food
Image: Bag of Purina Pro Plan Adult Sensitive Skin & Stomach Dry Dog Food, a healthy dog food option for dogs with sensitivities.
For dogs with sensitivities, Purina Pro Plan Adult Sensitive Skin & Stomach Dry Dog Food stands out as a healthy and effective option. This formula is designed to minimize digestive issues and skin sensitivities. It excludes corn, wheat, and soy, common allergens for some dogs, and features easily digestible novel proteins like salmon. The inclusion of probiotics and prebiotic fiber further supports digestive and immune health.
Key Features:
- Formulated for sensitive stomachs and skin.
- Uses novel proteins like salmon.
- Free of corn, wheat, and soy.
- Contains probiotics and prebiotic fiber.
Food type: Dry | Texture: Crunchy kibble | Calorie content: 407 kcal per cup | Main ingredients: Salmon, barley, rice, oatmeal, canola meal, fish meal
Best Overall Healthy Dog Food Brand: Royal Canin Small Breed Adult Dry Dog Food
Image: Bag of Royal Canin Small Breed Adult Dry Dog Food, recognized as a top healthy dog food brand.
Royal Canin is widely recognized as a top healthy dog food brand, offering diverse options tailored to specific dog sizes, breeds, and dietary needs. Royal Canin Small Breed Adult Dry Dog Food is a particularly popular choice, recommended by veterinarians and favored by dog owners for its balanced nutrition and palatability. This formula is designed for small breed adult dogs (10 months to 8 years, weighing 9-22 pounds) and provides comprehensive nutrition to support their overall health.
Key Features:
- Breed-specific formulas available.
- Highly palatable, even for picky eaters.
- Offers formulas for various dietary needs.
- Veterinarian recommended.
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
Best Poultry-Free Healthy Dog Food: Merrick Grain Free Real Salmon & Sweet Potato Dry Dog Food
Image: Bag of Merrick Grain Free Real Salmon & Sweet Potato Dry Dog Food, a healthy grain-free and poultry-free choice.
For dogs with sensitivities or allergies to poultry, Merrick Grain Free Real Salmon & Sweet Potato Dry Dog Food is an excellent healthy alternative. This grain-free formula utilizes salmon as a novel protein source and is free of common allergens like chicken and beef. It’s rich in omega fatty acids for skin and coat health and easily digestible.
Key Features:
- Poultry-free and grain-free formula.
- Uses salmon as a novel protein source.
- Good for dogs with allergies or sensitivities.
- Rich in omega fatty acids.
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 Healthy Dog Food for Active Dogs: Purina Pro Plan Sport Performance Salmon & Cod Dry Dog Food
Image: Bag of Purina Pro Plan Sport Performance Salmon & Cod Dry Dog Food, a healthy option for active and working dogs.
Active dogs require a diet that fuels their energy levels and supports their physical demands. Purina Pro Plan Sport Performance Salmon & Cod Dry Dog Food is a healthy dog food brand specifically formulated for active adult dogs. With a high protein and fat ratio, it provides sustained energy and supports muscle maintenance. Glucosamine and omega-3 fatty acids promote joint health and mobility, crucial for active dogs.
Key Features:
- High protein and fat content for active dogs.
- Supports joint health and mobility.
- Palatable for picky eaters.
- Available in various flavors.
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 Healthy Dog Food: The Farmer’s Dog Subscription Dog Food
Image: The Farmer’s Dog packaging, a convenient and healthy fresh dog food subscription service.
For ultimate convenience and fresh, customized nutrition, The Farmer’s Dog Subscription Dog Food is a top healthy dog food brand. This service delivers fresh, human-grade dog food directly to your door, tailored to your dog’s specific needs based on age, weight, breed, and activity level. The pre-portioned meals are made with high-quality ingredients and are easy to store and serve.
Key Features:
- Fresh, human-grade ingredients.
- Customized meal plans.
- Convenient home delivery.
- Easy to store and serve.
Food type: Fresh | Texture: Soft, easy to chew | Calorie content: n/a (based on questionnaire) | Main ingredients: Human-grade (based on questionnaire)
Best Healthy Dog Food for Large Breeds: Purina Pro Plan Large Breed Adult Dry Dog Food
Image: Bag of Purina Pro Plan Adult Large Dry Dog Food, a healthy and balanced food for large breed dogs.
Large breed dogs have unique nutritional needs, particularly concerning joint health and weight management. Purina Pro Plan Large Breed Adult Dry Dog Food is a healthy dog food brand formulated to address these needs. It contains glucosamine and chondroitin to support joint health and a balanced protein-to-fat ratio to help maintain a healthy weight in larger dogs.
Key Features:
- Formulated for large breed adult dogs.
- Supports joint health with glucosamine and chondroitin.
- Helps maintain healthy weight.
- Contains prebiotic fiber for digestive health.
Food type: Dry | Texture: Crunchy kibble | Calorie content: 407 kcal per cup | Main ingredients: Chicken, rice, corn gluten meal, whole grain corn
Best Canned Wet Healthy Dog Food: Royal Canin Adult Gastrointestinal Canned Dog Food
Image: Royal Canin Adult Gastrointestinal Canned Dog Food, a healthy wet food option for sensitive stomachs, in a 24-pack case.
For wet food options, Royal Canin Adult Gastrointestinal Canned Dog Food is a top healthy choice, particularly for dogs with sensitive stomachs or digestive issues. This low-fat formula is designed to be gentle on the GI tract, containing prebiotics and dietary fibers to support gut health and omega-3 fatty acids to soothe the digestive system. Note: Vet approval is needed to purchase.
Key Features:
- Specifically formulated for gastrointestinal health.
- Low-fat and easily digestible.
- Contains prebiotics for gut health.
- Veterinarian recommended for sensitive stomachs.
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 Healthy Dog Food: Just Food For Dogs Fish & Sweet Potato
Image: Just Food For Dogs Fish & Sweet Potato frozen dog food, a healthy fresh-frozen option with quality ingredients.
Just Food For Dogs Fish & Sweet Potato offers a healthy, fresh-frozen dog food option made with high-quality, human-grade ingredients. This formula is low in calories and high in protein, making it suitable for dogs needing weight management or those with limited activity levels. It features locally sourced produce and a single protein source, ideal for dogs with sensitivities.
Key Features:
- Fresh-frozen, human-grade ingredients.
- Low calorie, high protein.
- Single protein source options.
- Locally sourced produce.
Food type: Fresh | Texture: Soft, easy to chew | Calorie content: 26 kcal per ounce | Main ingredients: Cod, sweet potatoes, potatoes, green beans, broccoli
Best Healthy Dog Food for Digestive and Joint Health (Budget-Friendly): Kirkland Signature Adult Formula Chicken, Rice and Vegetable Dog Food
Image: Bag of Kirkland Signature Adult Formula Chicken, Rice and Vegetable Dog Food, a healthy and affordable option from Costco.
For a budget-friendly yet healthy dog food brand, Kirkland Signature Adult Formula Chicken, Rice and Vegetable Dog Food is a solid choice. This dry food offers a balanced diet with chicken as a primary protein source, brown rice for digestibility, and added vegetables. It includes probiotics for digestive health and glucosamine and chondroitin for joint support, making it a healthy and economical option for many dog owners.
Key Features:
- Budget-friendly and widely available at Costco.
- Good source of protein.
- Supports digestive and joint health.
- Suitable for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
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 Healthy Dog Food for Sensitive Stomachs: Hill’s Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Canned Dog Food
Image: Hill’s Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Canned Dog Food, a healthy wet food for dogs with sensitivities, in a 12-pack.
If you prefer wet food and your dog has a sensitive stomach, Hill’s Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Canned Dog Food is an excellent healthy option. This formula is specifically designed to be gentle on sensitive digestive systems. It comes in various palatable recipes like turkey and rice stew, providing moisture and flavor while minimizing digestive upset.
Key Features:
- Wet food formula for sensitive stomachs and skin.
- High moisture content for hydration.
- Palatable and available in different recipes.
- Can be mixed with dry food.
Food type: Wet | Texture: Soft, easy to chew | Calorie content: 253 kcal/can | Main ingredients: Chicken broth, turkey, carrots, pork liver, rice, chicken
Best Prepared Wet Healthy Dog Food: Purina Beneful Prepared Meals Beef & Chicken Medley
Image: Purina Beneful Prepared Meals Beef & Chicken Medley, a palatable and convenient wet food in resealable tubs.
For a palatable and convenient wet food option that can be served as a treat or a complete meal, Purina Beneful Prepared Meals Beef & Chicken Medley is a popular choice. Dogs often love the flavor of this stew-like food, which contains real beef, chicken, vegetables, and rice. It’s a fully balanced meal and comes in resealable tubs for easy serving and storage.
Key Features:
- Highly palatable flavor.
- Resealable container for convenience.
- Can be served as a meal or topper.
- Contains real meat and vegetables.
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 Right Healthy Food for Your Dog
Selecting the right healthy dog food brand involves considering several key factors to ensure your dog’s nutritional needs are met.
Meets AAFCO Nutrition Standards
Ensure the dog food you choose meets the AAFCO nutritional standards for your dog’s life stage. Look for the “nutritional adequacy statement” on the label, which should state “complete and balanced nutrition.” This guarantees the food is formulated to be a dog’s sole diet and provide all necessary nutrients.
Ingredients and Palatability
Focus on the nutrients provided by the ingredients rather than specific ingredients themselves. The ingredient list is ordered by weight, with the first few ingredients being the most significant. This helps determine if the food is meat-based or vegetable-based. Both “whole chicken” and “chicken meal” are valid protein sources; “chicken meal” is simply dehydrated chicken.
Nutritional Value and Proportions
Check the food’s energy density, listed as kcal per cup, can, or ounce, and follow the feeding guidelines. These guidelines are a starting point, but you should monitor your dog’s weight using the Body Condition Score (BCS). A BCS of 4 or 5 (on a 9-point scale) is ideal. Adjust feeding amounts as needed to maintain a healthy weight, as obesity is a common nutritional disease in dogs.
Your Dog’s Size, Weight, and Life Stage
Choose dog food appropriate for your dog’s life stage (puppy, adult, senior). Puppy food is crucial for growing dogs until they reach their adult weight (around 7-9 months for small breeds, 12-14 months for larger breeds, and up to 1.5 years for giant breeds). Consider breed-specific formulas, especially for large and giant breeds prone to joint issues. These formulas often take breed-specific predispositions into account.
Frequently Asked Questions about Healthy Dog Food
What’s the difference between dry and wet dog food in terms of health?
The main difference is water content. Dry food (kibble) is about 10% water, while wet food is around 70% water. If ingredients are similar, mixing wet and dry food is fine and can increase palatability and hydration. Dry food is more economical and shelf-stable, while wet food can be beneficial for hydration and dogs with dental issues.
Are there any ingredients to avoid in healthy dog food brands?
Avoid garlic powder, which is a palatant but can be harmful in large quantities. Onions, raisins, grapes, and sugar-free additives are toxic to dogs. Also, avoid foods heavily laden with artificial dyes.
Is grain-free dog food healthier?
Generally, no. Grain-free diets are not inherently healthier and are rarely necessary unless your dog has a diagnosed grain intolerance (which is uncommon). Grains provide carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Grain-free foods often replace grains with potatoes or legumes. Some research suggests a potential link between grain-free diets and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs, although the cause is still under investigation.
What about raw dog food diets? Are they healthy?
Experts generally advise against raw food diets. Raw meat can carry harmful pathogens that risk illness for both pets and humans. Commercial dog foods are formulated to be nutritionally complete, and supplements are usually unnecessary unless prescribed by a vet. Raw diets also carry a higher risk of microbial pathogens and parasites.
Are dog food toppers healthy?
Toppers like canned pumpkin or blueberries can enhance palatability for picky eaters but should be used sparingly. They should be considered treats and factored into daily calorie intake. Overuse can lead to dogs becoming dependent on toppers and refusing regular food.
How do I know if my dog is eating a healthy amount?
Monitor your dog’s weight and body condition using the Body Condition Score. If you notice weight gain or loss, adjust food portions and consult your veterinarian. Obesity is a common health issue in dogs. Calorie needs vary based on breed, weight, size, and activity level. Consult your vet to determine your dog’s specific caloric needs.
Meet Our Experts
- Dr. Lori Teller: Board-certified veterinarian and immediate past president of the American Veterinary Medical Association.
- Dr. Joe Wakshlag: Professor of clinical nutrition and sports medicine and rehabilitation at Cornell College of Veterinary Medicine.
- Dr. Brian Roberts: Board-certified veterinarian and regional medical director at VCA Animal Hospitals.
- Dr. Richard Hill: Board-certified veterinary nutritionist and associate professor at the University of Florida Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences.
- Dr. Kristin Michael: Board-certified veterinarian and medical director at VCA Liberty Animal Hospital.
Why Trust NBC Select?
As an updates editor at NBC Select with extensive experience writing about pet products, including dog food, treats, and toys, I have consulted with numerous veterinary experts and researched countless dog food options to provide reliable and expert-backed recommendations. Our goal is to provide helpful and trustworthy information to pet owners seeking the best for their animals.
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