Being a responsible pet parent includes ensuring your dog receives a nutritious and balanced diet. Experts emphasize the numerous health benefits of feeding your dog the right food, from maintaining a healthy weight to strengthening their immune system. Of course, this balanced diet can be complemented with their favorite dog treats.
According to Dr. Lori Teller, a board-certified veterinarian and past president of the American Veterinary Medical Association, commercially processed dog foods, whether canned or kibble, are expertly formulated to meet your dog’s complete nutritional needs. These foods provide the necessary proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals in a convenient and consistent manner. Furthermore, these commercially available options undergo rigorous quality control and inspection processes, designed to detect and eliminate contaminants or pathogens before they can harm pets or their owners.
With over three years of experience writing about dogs and dog food specifically, I’ve delved deep into the world of canine nutrition. To bring you the most reliable recommendations, I’ve consulted with veterinarians and animal nutrition experts to understand the essential factors to consider when choosing the best dog food. Below, you’ll find a curated list of expert-recommended dog food brands, including options personally chosen by NBC Select staff for their own beloved pets.
IN THIS GUIDE
- Key Considerations When Choosing Dog Food
- Top Picks: Most Highly Recommended Dog Foods
- Determining the Best Food for Your Dog’s Specific Needs
- Why Trust NBC Select’s Recommendations?
Our Top Picks at a Glance
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Key Considerations When Choosing Dog Food {#how-i-picked-the-best-dog-food}
When selecting the right food for your canine companion, experts recommend focusing on these key factors:
Top Picks: Most Highly Recommended Dog Foods in 2025 {#best-dog-food-in-2025}
The following list features dog food options that align with expert guidance and are trusted choices 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](https://www.amazon.com/Science-Diet-Healthy-Development-Chicken/dp/B000261MX6?tag=1189551dogfood-20) $18.99 – $20.99 – $19.99 – $21.99 – $20.99
What we like:
- Small kibble size ideal for puppies
- Supports overall healthy development in puppies
- Formulated to be easily digestible
Something to note:
- No significant drawbacks at this time
Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Small Bites Dry Dog Food is specifically formulated for puppies up to one year old. The brand highlights its small, easy-to-digest kibble, perfect for young dogs. The formula incorporates natural omega-3 fatty acids derived from fish oil, which are crucial for healthy brain and eye development in puppies. Additionally, it contains a blend of vitamin E and vitamin C to bolster a puppy’s developing immune system. This puppy food is available in 4.5-pound or 12.5-pound bags. Hill’s also offers a canned puppy food formula, which experts suggest can be an excellent addition when mixed with dry kibble.
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](https://www.amazon.com/Purina-Pro-Plan-Sensitive-Stomach/dp/B01EY9KQ2Y?tag=1189551dogfood-20) $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
Something to note:
- Transitioning may require adjustment time for some dogs
- Kibble pieces are uniform in size
For dogs with sensitive stomachs or skin, Purina Pro Plan Adult Sensitive Skin & Stomach Dry Dog Food is a highly recommended option. Ingredient sensitivities can manifest as excessive itching, digestive upset, and occasional vomiting. This Purina formula is crafted to minimize these issues by excluding corn, wheat, and soy, making it more digestible for sensitive dogs. It’s important to note that unless your dog has a diagnosed intolerance, these ingredients are generally beneficial, providing essential vitamins, minerals, and carbohydrates. To ensure a complete and balanced diet, this formula includes high-protein salmon (novel proteins like salmon are often recommended for sensitive stomachs), probiotics and prebiotic fiber for digestive and immune support, and omega-6 fatty acids to promote 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 Dog Food: Royal Canin Small Breed Adult Dry Dog Food
[
Royal Canin Small Breed Adult Dry Dog Food](https://petco.9zpg.net/LAXEV?subId1=1189551dogfood&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.petco.com%2Fshop%2Fen%2Fpetcostore%2Fproduct%2Froyal-canin-mini-adult-dog-food%3Firgwc%3D1%26irclickid%3DzkzxIExqXxyPRbPWnMWJV0-KUkFydjzIeXmlxM0%26cm_mmc%3DAFF%257CIMP%257CCCY%257CCCO%257CPM%257C0%257CrBfYNcTb52ivxnPcri3CBm%257C2465030%257C648966%257C0%257C0) $66.99 – $59.99
What we like:
- Appealing crunchy texture
- Available in multiple kibble sizes
- Convenient resealable bag
Something to note:
- No significant drawbacks at this time
Royal Canin stands out for its extensive range of dog food options. They offer both dry and wet food formulations tailored to specific dog sizes, breeds, and dietary needs, including sensitivities and gastrointestinal issues. I personally feed my 6-year-old Havanese-Bichon Frise mix, Bella, Royal Canin’s Small Breed Dry Dog Food, based on my veterinarian’s recommendation. This kibble is 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 the same formula for her 2-year-old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Loki, on the recommendation of Loki’s breeder. I’ve observed that Bella prefers Royal Canin over other brands she previously left unfinished. Royal Canin’s product line extends to dry food formulas for extra-small, medium, large, and giant breeds, along with puppy-specific 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 is a veterinarian-recommended dog food brand. Loki, a 2-year-old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, enjoys his Royal Canin kibble from a slow feeder, which helps him eat at a healthier pace. Image courtesy of Shari Uyehara.
Best Poultry-Free Dog Food: Merrick Grain Free Real Salmon & Sweet Potato Dry Dog Food
[
Merrick Grain Free Real Salmon & Sweet Potato Dry Dog Food](https://www.amazon.com/Merrick-Salmon-Sweet-Potato-Recipe/dp/B07WMDV4D4?tag=1189551dogfood-20) $77.98 – $77.98 – $77.98
What we like:
- Formulated with novel proteins
- Suitable for dogs with allergies
- Small kibble size
Something to note:
- Grain-free formulation
Merrick Grain Free Real Salmon & Sweet Potato Dry Dog Food is an excellent choice for dogs with sensitive stomachs or allergies to common proteins. Research indicates that beef and chicken are among the most frequent causes of allergies in dogs. Dr. Joe Wakshlag, professor of clinical nutrition and sports medicine and rehabilitation at Cornell College of Veterinary Medicine, advises pet owners to watch for allergy signs like excessive itching and vomiting to determine the best dietary approach. However, it’s important to note that most dogs do not experience these types of allergies, and chicken and turkey are safe and nutritious 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 Food for Active Dogs: Purina Pro Plan Sport Performance Salmon & Cod Dry Dog Food
[
Purina Pro Plan Sport Performance Salmon & Cod Dry Dog Food](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B097NW2TCR?tag=1189551dogfood-20) $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
Something to note:
- Not specifically formulated for senior dogs
Purina Pro Plan Sport Performance Salmon & Cod Dry Dog Food is a hit with picky eaters, according to NBC Select commerce analytics manager Amanda Smith, whose rat terrier, Mac, prefers this formula. Designed for active adult dogs, this dry food contains glucosamine and omega-3 fatty acids to support joint health and mobility. With a 30% protein and 20% fat ratio, it’s formulated to sustain high energy levels in active dogs. Purina offers this food in various flavor combinations, including turkey, duck and quail, salmon and cod, and beef and bison, catering to different canine 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 Dog Food: The Farmer’s Dog Subscription Dog Food
[
The Farmer’s Dog Subscription Dog Food
Price based on a trial at $2 per day for 14 days.](https://thefarmersdog.otegtm.net/anDrmj?subId1=1189551dogfood&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thefarmersdog.com%2Fsignup%2Fme%3Fcard%3DGetStarted) $28.00
What we like:
- Convenient home delivery
- Customized food formulas
- Easy storage pouches
Something to note:
- Transitioning may require adjustment time for some dogs
- Generally more expensive than traditional dog food
The Farmer’s Dog offers a subscription service delivering fresh, pre-portioned dog food directly to your doorstep. Meals are customized based on your dog’s specific needs, considering factors like age, weight, breed, activity level, and body build. Upon signing up, you complete a detailed questionnaire, and The Farmer’s Dog calculates a plan tailored to 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. He 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, with each thawed package staying fresh for up to four days in the fridge. NBC Select social editor Sadhana Daruvuri feeds The Farmer’s Dog to her 2-year-old Maltipoo, Bandit. She shares, “Friends recommended it, and their dogs loved it. Bandit’s trial was a success – he clearly preferred it over his kibble.” Bandit, previously a picky eater with kibble, showed significantly increased mealtime enthusiasm after switching to The Farmer’s Dog. Subscription prices begin at $2 per day, with delivery options ranging from weekly to bi-monthly (pricing varies based on your dog’s specific needs).
Food type: Fresh | Texture: Soft, easy to chew | Calorie content: Varies based on individual questionnaire | Main ingredients: Human-grade ingredients (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 Dog Food for Large Breeds: Purina Pro Plan Large Breed Adult Dry Dog Food
[
Purina Pro Plan Adult Large Breed Dry Dog Food](https://www.amazon.com/Purina-Pro-Plan-Focus-Formula/dp/B002OY0QDQ?tag=1189551dogfood-20) $71.98 – $89.98 – $74.99 – $71.98 – $74.99
What we like:
- Formulated to maintain healthy weight in large breeds
- Larger kibble size suitable for bigger dogs
- Good value for the size
Something to note:
- Primarily available in large bag sizes
Purina Pro Plan Large Breed Adult Dry Dog Food is developed with input from veterinary nutritionists, ensuring healthy formulations and ingredient selection. The highly-rated Pro Plan line caters to dogs of various sizes and life stages, including large breed adults and puppies. This formula includes natural prebiotic fiber to support digestive health and 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 version of this dry kibble, which has an optimized protein-to-fat ratio suitable for his senior, less active lifestyle.
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 reduced activity levels. Image courtesy of Zoe Malin.
Best Canned Wet Dog Food: Royal Canin Adult Gastrointestinal Canned Dog Food
[
Royal Canin Adult Gastrointestinal Canned Dog Food – 24 Pack](https://go.redirectingat.com/?xs=1&id=96128X1608993&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.chewy.com%2Froyal-canin-veterinary-diet-adult%2Fdp%2F46799&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nbcnews.com%2Fselect%2Fshopping%2F1189551dogfood) $119.76 – $117.36
What we like:
- Excellent for dogs with sensitive stomachs
- Low-fat formulation
- Supports healthy gut bacteria
Something to note:
- Requires veterinarian approval for purchase
- Generally more expensive than other canned options
- Cans are not resealable
Royal Canin offers a wide array of wet food options, formulated and tested by veterinary nutritionists, providing variety to your dog’s diet. 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 a veterinarian’s approval is necessary to purchase this food. The formula includes prebiotics to maintain beneficial gut bacteria, a blend of dietary fibers to support healthy digestion, and omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil to soothe the GI tract.
Royal Canin also provides other specialized wet food options for concerns like weight loss, digestive care, and joint care, all requiring veterinary approval. For a non-prescription option, 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 Dog Food: Just Food For Dogs Fish & Sweet Potato
[
Just Food For Dogs Fish & Sweet Potato](https://www.amazon.com/JustFoodForDogs-Fresh-Frozen-Quality-Ingredients/dp/B0B3SDRCM4?tag=1189551dogfood-20) $76.99 – $76.99
What we like:
- Made with locally sourced produce
- Long freezer shelf life
- Convenient to store
Something to note:
- Individually packaged pouches
- Dietary transition may be needed
Just Food For Dogs Fish & Sweet Potato offers high-protein, low-calorie frozen dog food pouches, ideal for overweight or less active dogs. They feature various recipes made with locally sourced produce and single-source protein options, including venison, lamb, and turkey. Suitable for all life stages, the packaging includes feeding guidelines. Pouches can be frozen for up to 18 months, and thawed meals remain fresh for up to seven days when sealed. Once opened, it’s recommended to use within five days.
The Fish & Sweet Potato recipe provides a balanced diet for dogs with sensitive stomachs or those requiring novel proteins due to allergies. For those unsure which recipe to choose, Just Food For Dogs offers a variety pack with options 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 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](https://go.redirectingat.com/?xs=1&id=96128X1608993&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.costco.com%2Fkirkland-signature-adult-formula-chicken%252C-rice-and-vegetable-dog-food%252C-40-lbs.product.100343454.html&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nbcnews.com%2Fselect%2Fshopping%2F1189551dogfood) $46.99
What we like:
- Good source of protein
- Promotes joint health
- Budget-friendly option
Something to note:
- Limited bag size variety
Kirkland Signature Adult Formula Chicken, Rice and Vegetable Dog Food is a reliable choice for dogs with sensitive stomachs, according to NBC Select associate reporter Bianca Alvarez. Her 8-year-old pitbull, Baylor, has thrived on this dry food for years, tolerating it better than other brands. The formula contains probiotics to support digestive health and glucosamine and chondroitin for joint support. 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 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](https://www.amazon.com/Hills-Science-Diet-Sensitive-Stomach/dp/B07MF5YGT1?tag=1189551dogfood-20) $46.68 – $49.68 – $49.08 – $49.68
What we like:
- Suitable for various sensitivities
- High moisture content
- Can be mixed with dry food
Something to note:
- Cans are not resealable
Hill’s Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Canned Dog Food is a veterinarian-recommended wet food, especially for dogs with sensitive stomachs. I personally mix this canned food with my dog Bella’s kibble, as recommended by her vet, and it has proven to be gentle and well-tolerated. The turkey and rice stew is Bella’s favorite, but salmon and chicken recipes 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 Dog Food: Purina Beneful Prepared Meals Beef & Chicken Medley
[
Purina Beneful Prepared Meals Beef & Chicken Medley](https://go.redirectingat.com/?xs=1&id=96128X1608993&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.chewy.com%2Fpurina-beneful-prepared-meals-beef%2Fdp%2F127701&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nbcnews.com%2Fselect%2Fshopping%2F1189551dogfood) $15.13 – $21.44 – $20.47 – $27.29
What we like:
- Flavorful and appealing to dogs
- Convenient resealable container
- Can be served as a standalone meal
Something to note:
- No significant drawbacks at this time
Purina Beneful Prepared Meals Beef & Chicken Medley is a flavorful wet food option that NBC Select’s Amanda Smith uses as a weekly treat for her dog, Mac, mixed with his dry kibble. This stew-like meal contains vegetables, real beef and chicken chunks, and rice. It’s a nutritionally complete meal, suitable to be served alone (following recommended portion sizes available on Purina’s website) or as a tasty topper for dry food.
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 Best Food for Your Dog’s Specific Needs {#how-to-determine-the-best-food-for-your-dog}
The two most critical factors in determining if a dog food is beneficial for your dog’s health are its nutritional completeness and balance and appropriate portion sizes based on your dog’s individual size and weight. When choosing dog food, it’s essential to look at both the information on the label and factors beyond it.
The nutrition adequacy statement on the label, often referred to as the AAFCO statement, indicates the species and life stage the food is formulated for and how this claim is substantiated (either through formulation or feeding trials). However, what’s not on the label is equally important. 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 and whether the company regularly analyzes finished products for nutrient content, pathogens, and other undesirable components.
Dr. Brian Roberts, a board-certified veterinarian and regional medical director with VCA Animal Hospitals, emphasizes, “Does the brand employ veterinarians, or more specifically, board-certified veterinary nutritionists? Brands committed to the best nutrition invest in research.”
Here are key considerations experts recommend when selecting high-quality dog food:
Meets AAFCO Nutrition Standards {#meets-aafco-nutrition-standards}
Experts agree that any high-quality dog food will meet AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) nutrition standards. Dr. Roberts explains, “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 states ‘complete and balanced,’ the product is designed to be a dog’s sole diet and is nutritionally balanced.”
Dr. Wakshlag emphasizes AAFCO’s role in ensuring nutritional completeness. The FDA considers this statement a crucial part of dog and cat food labels, usually found in small print on the back.
While AAFCO sets standards and definitions for pet food, it’s a voluntary membership association and does not regulate, test, approve, or certify pet food brands or products. Therefore, “AAFCO approved” is not an accurate claim.
Ingredients and Palatability {#ingredients-and-palatability}
Choosing the best dog food is less about specific ingredients and more about the nutrients those ingredients provide, according to Dr. Richard Hill, a board-certified veterinary nutritionist at the University of Florida.
However, the ingredient list offers insights into nutrient sources. 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.
Dr. Roberts notes, “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 portioning, examine the food’s energy density, indicated as kcal (calories) per cup, can, or ounce, similar to human food nutrition labels, and its feeding guidelines.
Dr. Kristin Michael, a board-certified veterinarian at VCA Liberty Animal Hospital, states, “Commercially prepared dog foods generally provide all essential nutrients for a dog’s health. Each brand and type should have clear feeding guidelines based on your dog’s ideal weight.”
Once you establish feeding guidelines, 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 scale to assess and track a pet’s body condition at each check-up. Dr. Michael advises that a dog outside a healthy range may have underlying health issues needing attention.
Dr. Hill points out that obesity is a leading nutritional disease in dogs, potentially shortening lifespan by up to two years in some breeds. Obesity often stems from owners misinterpreting calorie intake. Dr. Wakshlag explains, “Bag recommendations are for normal, active dogs, but many dogs are not.” (More on dog obesity below.)
Your Dog’s Size, Weight, and Life Stage {#your-dog-size-weight-and-life-stage}
Dog food should generally match your dog’s life stage. Puppy food, specifically labeled for puppies, should be fed until adulthood. Small breeds can switch to adult food around 7-9 months, while larger breeds around 12-14 months, according to the American Kennel Club. Dr. Michael adds, “Giant breeds may remain on puppy food until 1.5 years due to their longer growth period.”
Tufts University Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine suggests that healthy senior dogs eating a balanced diet may not need food changes in their later years.
Dog foods are often labeled for small, medium, and large breeds, primarily relating to kibble size for easier ingestion. Brands like Royal Canin offer breed-specific formulas addressing particular breed needs.
Dr. Roberts explains, “Nutritionally informed manufacturers create diets for breed classes predisposed to certain issues. For example, large and giant breeds prone to joint problems benefit from ‘giant breed’ diets formulated with this in mind.”
However, Dr. Wakshlag advises caution, suggesting verifying ingredient lists and nutritional content to ensure breed-specific formulas are truly beneficial and not just marketing tactics.
Frequently Asked Questions
Dry vs. Wet Dog Food: What’s the Difference?
The main difference between dry and canned dog food is water content. Dr. Roberts notes, “Kibble is about 10% water, while canned food is over 70%.” If ingredients are similar, mixing wet food with dry food is acceptable, especially for picky eaters or dogs needing hydration. Adding dog-safe fresh vegetables and fruits as meal additions or treats can boost nutritional value without extra calories, as long as kibble intake remains consistent, according to Dr. Wakshlag.
Dry food is typically more cost-effective and stable when stored properly in its original packaging in a dry place, compared to wet food, which spoils after opening at room temperature. Dr. Hill recommends storing dry food in a cool, dry place and thoroughly cleaning bags or reusable containers before refilling.
A solely wet food diet can be beneficial for dogs with dental issues preventing kibble chewing or for those needing higher moisture due to conditions like recurrent urinary issues.
Are There Ingredients to Avoid in Dog Food?
Garlic powder is a common palatant in commercial pet food to enhance taste but can pose health risks, according to Dr. Michael. Onions, raisins, grapes, and sugar-free additives are also toxic to dogs, though usually absent in commercial foods. Avoid heavily dyed dog foods, often used for visual appeal, advises Dr. Michael.
Is Grain-Free Dog Food Better?
Grain-free formulas exclude wheat, barley, rye, and corn, often marketed for gluten intolerance. However, grain-free diets aren’t inherently superior and may even hinder proper nutrition.
Dr. Roberts clarifies, “True gluten intolerance in dogs and cats is rare. These ‘grain’ ingredients provide calories, fiber for digestion, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants – they aren’t just fillers.”
Dr. Hill supports the inclusion of moderate carbohydrates in a dog’s diet. Grain-free foods often replace grains with other carbohydrates like potatoes and legumes, maintaining similar carbohydrate levels despite marketing claims.
Research suggests a potential link between some grain-free diets and dilated cardiomyopathy in certain dogs, but the FDA investigation is ongoing. Experts are unsure if the issue stems from specific ingredients or overall quality control. Dr. Wakshlag suggests it might be breed predisposition rather than grain-free food itself.
Should Dogs Eat Raw Food Diets?
Experts advise against raw food diets for dogs. Dr. Teller states, “The AVMA discourages feeding dogs uncooked animal-source protein due to illness risks to pets and humans. Commercially available, balanced pet food negates the need for supplements unless veterinarian-prescribed.”
Raw meat-based diets carry higher risks of microbial pathogens, antibiotic-resistant genes, and anti-nutritional factors. Dr. Michael warns of parasites and bacteria in raw diets, harmful to dogs and potentially transmissible to humans. This caution extends to freeze-dried meat “boosters” added to kibble. Hard bones in raw diets can cause gut obstruction or splintering, leading to emergencies, adds Dr. Michael.
Are Dog Food Toppers Necessary?
Dog food toppers, like canned pumpkin, blueberries, or bone broth, enhance palatability for picky eaters. However, experts recommend using toppers sparingly, as a last resort for appetite issues, not daily, to avoid creating dependency. Dr. Teller reiterates that toppers are unnecessary with a balanced commercial diet unless advised by a vet. Treat toppers like treats, factoring them into total calorie intake.
What to Do If Your Dog is Overweight?
The first step for overweight dogs is to assess their food type and amount, including treats, table scraps, and potential overfeeding by multiple household members or access to other pets’ food, advises Dr. Michael.
Next, consult your veterinarian. Dr. Michael says, “They might recommend tests to rule out underlying medical causes or suggest a weight management food option.”
How Much Food Should You Feed Your Dog Daily?
There’s no universal answer to daily food quantity. Calorie needs vary based on breed, weight, and size. WSAVA provides a calorie chart for healthy adult dogs up to 108 pounds, based on National Research Council calculations. However, individual needs vary. Experts recommend consulting your veterinarian for personalized caloric needs.
Meet Our Experts {#meet-our-experts}
At NBC Select, we collaborate with experts possessing specialized knowledge and authority from relevant training and/or experience. We ensure all expert advice and recommendations are independent and free from undisclosed financial conflicts.
Why Trust NBC Select? {#why-trust-nbc-select}
I am Mili Godio, an updates editor at NBC Select, with experience writing about various dog-related topics, including treats, toys, travel carriers, and car safety. For this guide, I consulted six veterinarians and veterinary nutritionists on dog food selection and researched numerous market options to provide the best recommendations.
Stay updated with NBC Select’s in-depth coverage of tech and tools, wellness and more, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok for the latest insights.
