Dogs are integral to our families, offering companionship, loyalty, and endless joy. To reciprocate their unwavering affection, providing them with the best dog food is paramount. With a plethora of options available, selecting the right food can be daunting.
Expert Veterinary Insight
“Navigating the vast landscape of dog food choices can indeed feel overwhelming. Consulting with a veterinarian to pinpoint the ideal diet for your dog is incredibly beneficial.” —Nell Ostermeier, DVM, CVA, FAAVA, Integrative Veterinarian
Veterinarians are invaluable resources in determining your dog’s specific nutritional requirements, considering crucial factors such as life stage, breed predispositions, and any existing health conditions. Furthermore, they can guide you towards reputable brands that adhere to the stringent Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) standards for dog food quality and nutritional completeness.
To streamline your decision-making process, we conducted a comprehensive survey of 407 dog owners, gathering their firsthand experiences and insights on leading dog food brands. These pet parents evaluated various popular food options, rating brands on key aspects including ease of use, palatability (dog engagement), ingredient quality, and overall value. Leveraging these ratings, we have compiled a list of top-rated dog food brands to consider for your beloved canine companion, whether you are a new dog owner stocking up on essential dog supplies or simply seeking to explore alternative feeding options.
Continue reading to discover the best dog food brands, as determined by PEOPLE Tested and real dog owners.
Purina Pro Plan
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Star Qualities:
- High-quality ingredients are a brand hallmark.
- Exceptional palatability, beloved by dogs according to owner feedback.
- Kibble size versatility, suitable for training treats.
Red Flags:
- Limited flavor variety within specific formulas.
Purina Pro Plan emerged as the most prevalent dog food brand in our survey, favored by 14 percent of respondents. Widely recognized as Purina’s premium line, Pro Plan prioritizes high-caliber ingredients, a crucial factor for discerning dog owners. Survey data indicates high palatability, with many pet parents reporting their dogs thriving and living longer on this food.
The Purina Pro Plan range is extensive, encompassing both wet and dry food formulations tailored to diverse needs: breed sizes, weight management, sensitive stomachs, and specialized dietary requirements. The smaller kibble size is appreciated for training purposes, though flavor options within each formula can be somewhat restricted, typically offering only one or two protein choices. Some users have noted packaging challenges, mentioning difficult-to-open and non-resealable bags.
Hill’s Science Diet
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Star Qualities:
- Ingredient quality consistently praised by dog owners.
- Specialized formulas addressing specific health conditions.
- Kibble size variations catering to different breeds.
Red Flags:
- Wet food cans require a can opener, less convenient than pull-top options.
Hill’s Science Diet achieved the highest overall satisfaction score in our survey, particularly excelling in ingredient quality. Veterinarian recommendations are common for this brand, making it an excellent choice for dogs with health sensitivities or specific needs. Hill’s Science Diet offers targeted formulas for weight management, digestive sensitivities, and allergies, alongside prescription diets for conditions like urinary and kidney issues.
Within their over-the-counter range, Hill’s Science Diet provides breed-specific options, such as Small Bites formulas with smaller kibble ideal for small dog breeds. Formulas for puppies and senior dogs are also available in both wet and dry formats. However, Hill’s Science Diet tends to be a pricier option, with survey respondents noting price increases. The need for a can opener for wet food containers was also mentioned as a minor inconvenience.
Purina One
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Star Qualities:
- More budget-friendly Purina option without compromising quality.
- Formulations support healthy weight maintenance.
- Well-tolerated by dogs with sensitive stomachs, according to owners.
Red Flags:
- Limited flavor selection compared to other brands.
Purina One is chosen by 11 percent of surveyed dog owners, particularly praised for its suitability for dogs with digestive sensitivities. Many owners highlighted its gentleness on sensitive stomachs, even with long-term use. While maintaining high-quality ingredients, Purina One presents a more affordable alternative to Purina Pro Plan.
Purina One offers both wet and dry dog food, including small breed formulas with appropriately sized kibble. Respondents noted its effectiveness in maintaining healthy weight and appreciate formulas addressing specific health concerns like weight management, joint health, and skin and coat health. Flavor availability is somewhat restricted, primarily featuring chicken or lamb, which may be limiting for picky eaters or dogs with food sensitivities.
Freshpet
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Star Qualities:
- Made with human-grade ingredients, appealing to health-conscious owners.
- Exceptional palatability, dogs enthusiastically consume this food.
- Contains visible chunks of real meat and vegetables.
Red Flags:
- Limited retail availability compared to conventional brands.
Fresh dog food is a growing trend, with Freshpet being a prominent brand among our survey participants. Freshpet utilizes human-grade ingredients, including recognizable meats and vegetables, presented in refrigerated rolls or bags. It excelled in our survey for ingredient quality and dog engagement, with owners reporting high palatability. Many owners appreciate the wholesome, nutritious nature of Freshpet, free from artificial additives.
Freshpet offers diverse options, including various flavors and grain-free recipes. The primary drawbacks are its less widespread availability in retail stores and the refrigeration requirement, resulting in a shorter shelf life and specific storage needs.
Blue Buffalo
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Star Qualities:
- High-quality ingredients contribute to overall dog health and well-being.
- Promotes healthy coat appearance, noted by many owners.
- Small-breed formulas feature appropriately sized kibble.
Red Flags:
- Fewer specialized formulas for specific health concerns compared to some brands.
Blue Buffalo is another brand emphasizing premium ingredients, highly valued by pet owners. Survey respondents attested to its positive impact on dog health and happiness. Some owners reported digestive improvements in their dogs, along with enhanced coat shine and softness. Blue Buffalo enjoys broad availability and often presents a slightly more affordable price point than other premium brands.
Blue Buffalo offers both wet and dry food options, with a good selection of protein sources to accommodate allergies or preferences. Small-breed dry food options with smaller kibble are available. However, Blue Buffalo’s range of formulas for specific health conditions is not as extensive as some competitors.
Iams
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Star Qualities:
- Consistent quality over many years, a testament to brand reliability.
- Supports healthy skin and coat condition.
- Reasonable price point for the quality offered.
Red Flags:
- Some formulas contain fillers that some owners find undesirable.
Consistency is a hallmark of Iams dog food, a quality appreciated by long-term users. Owners consistently report reliable high quality and the use of good ingredients. Improved coat health and a reasonable price-to-quality ratio are frequently cited benefits of Iams.
Iams offers a moderate range of dry dog food but a more limited selection of wet food. Formulas cater to different life stages and breed sizes, but specialized diets for health conditions are less prevalent. The Iams Proactive Health Healthy Weight formula addresses weight management, but options for other conditions are limited. The inclusion of fillers in some formulas is a point of concern for some owners.
Royal Canin
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Star Qualities:
- Breed-specific formulas address unique needs of different breeds.
- Highly digestible proteins promote digestive health.
- Kibble shapes tailored to different snout shapes and sizes.
Red Flags:
- Kibble size consistency can vary between different bags.
Royal Canin stands out for its breed-specific formulas, catering to the unique predispositions of various dog breeds. For example, Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition French Bulldog Dry Dog Food features a kibble shape designed for brachycephalic breeds and incorporates highly digestible proteins to minimize gas and stool odor. Formulas also address specific health concerns and are available in size-specific kibble options.
Survey respondents rated Royal Canin highly for ingredient quality and its positive impact on dog health. However, inconsistencies in kibble size between bags and a higher price point compared to other brands were noted as drawbacks.
Kirkland Signature
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Star Qualities:
- Top-rated for value satisfaction in our survey, offering excellent quality for the price.
- Available in large, economical bags, ideal for multi-dog households.
- Owners satisfied with ingredient quality relative to the cost.
Red Flags:
- Primarily sold at Costco warehouses and online.
Kirkland Signature, Costco’s in-house brand, is renowned for its balance of quality and affordability. Available in 40-pound bags, it features healthy ingredients like sweet potatoes, lentils, and salmon. Survey participants consistently praised its palatability and exceptional value, making it the highest-rated brand for value satisfaction.
The variety of Kirkland Signature dog food is somewhat limited, but it includes formulas for different life stages, including puppies, small breeds, and senior dogs. Dry kibble is the primary format, with only two basic wet food options available.
Purina Beneful
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Star Qualities:
- Unique kibble shapes and textures maintain dog interest.
- Affordable and readily accessible in most retail stores.
- Wide variety of flavors and formulas.
Red Flags:
- Some owners desire more real meat pieces in the food.
Purina Beneful, another Purina brand, is designed to appeal to dogs who may be finicky eaters. Its dry foods feature a mix of kibble shapes and textures, intended to enhance engagement and encourage slower eating. Beneful is also known for its affordability and widespread availability.
Beneful offers a broad spectrum of wet and dry food options, including numerous flavors to entice picky dogs. Beneful IncrediBites Small Dog caters to small breeds, and various wet food flavors and consistencies are available. Some owners express a wish for more substantial meat pieces in the formulations.
Fromm
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Star Qualities:
- Clean, high-quality ingredients with minimal fillers.
- Manufactured in the USA, appealing to owners prioritizing domestic production.
- Family-owned company with a long-standing reputation.
Red Flags:
- Can be challenging to find in mainstream retail locations.
Fromm is a more specialized brand focused on premium, high-quality dry dog food. Known for its clean formulations with minimal fillers, Fromm emphasizes quality ingredients. Owners appreciate its five-generation family ownership and domestic manufacturing. However, Fromm’s limited retail presence and higher price point, typical of premium foods, can be drawbacks.
Pedigree
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Star Qualities:
- Budget-friendly dry food option.
- High palatability, dogs readily consume it with minimal waste.
- Widely available in retail stores.
Red Flags:
- Ingredient quality is not as high as premium brands.
Pedigree is a budget-conscious brand that remains popular due to its affordability and palatability. It scored highly for value in our survey, offering larger quantities like 30-pound bags at a lower cost than many premium brands. Broad retail availability is another advantage.
Pedigree offers both wet and dry food, including formulas for different breed sizes and weight management, along with a variety of dog treats. Dogs generally enjoy the taste, resulting in minimal food waste. However, Pedigree’s ingredient quality is lower compared to premium brands, often featuring corn as a primary ingredient and unspecified protein sources, reflecting its lower price point.
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People / Sara Luckey
Key Considerations When Choosing Dog Food Brands
Nutritional Adequacy
Ensuring your chosen dog food provides complete and balanced nutrition is the foremost consideration. Dr. Ostermeier emphasizes, “It’s crucial to verify that you are feeding a complete and balanced diet – this information should be clearly stated on the product label.”
Look for the Nutritional Adequacy Statement, confirming the food meets AAFCO standards. The statement should declare the food as “complete and balanced,” signifying it contains all necessary nutrients in appropriate ratios. It also specifies the intended life stage, as nutritional needs vary between puppies, adult dogs, and senior dogs.
Dog Food Types
A wide array of dog food types are available: dry food (kibble), wet food, and fresh food options. Each type offers distinct advantages, necessitating a choice based on your and your dog’s needs.
- Dry Food: Often the most economical and easiest to store, dry food’s processing level and filler content vary by brand.
- Wet Food: More palatable for picky eaters due to enhanced flavor and aroma. Dr. Ostermeier notes, “Wet foods are beneficial due to their high moisture content and generally lower processing compared to dry foods. Increased moisture is hydrating and supports kidney health.” Brands like Blue Buffalo offer both wet and dry options.
- Fresh Foods: Similar advantages to wet food, with lightly cooked ingredients. However, they require refrigeration and have shorter shelf lives. Freshpet is a popular fresh food choice among surveyed owners.
- Raw and Homemade Diets: Increasingly popular, but veterinary consultation is essential to ensure nutritional completeness. Dr. Ostermeier advises, “For alternative diets like raw, gently cooked, or homemade, consulting with an integrative veterinarian or veterinary nutritionist is recommended.”
Budget Considerations
Dog food prices vary significantly. Aligning your choice with your budget is important. Calculate daily food requirements, as larger dogs consume food more quickly. Consider package sizes, as larger bags often offer better value, provided storage space is available.
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People / Tamara Staples
Behind the Survey: How We Ranked Dog Food Brands
To identify the best dog food brands, we surveyed 407 dog owners about their feeding practices and brand preferences.
- Survey Categories: Respondents shared positive and negative aspects of their dog’s food, rating ease of use, engagement (palatability), ingredient quality, and value. These scores were compiled to determine top-rated brands.
- Survey Results: Hill’s Science Diet and Freshpet tied for the highest average score (4.3/5). Fromm and Blue Buffalo followed closely with a score of 4.2.
Frequently Asked Questions about Dog Food
What constitutes the healthiest dog food?
Dog food choice is highly individual. A food beneficial for one dog may not suit another. Defining a single “healthiest” option is challenging due to variations in age, breed, size, lifestyle, health, and taste preferences. Veterinary consultation is crucial for personalized recommendations tailored to your dog’s specific needs.
Which dog food brands are most often recommended by veterinarians?
Veterinarians commonly recommend four major dog food brands: Purina, Hill’s Science Diet, Royal Canin, and Iams. These brands are recognized for rigorous research supporting health claims and employing veterinary nutritionists in product formulation, making them reliable starting points in your dog food search.
How to transition to a new dog food brand without causing digestive issues?
Abruptly switching dog food can lead to digestive upset. Dr. Ostermeier advises gradual introduction: “The best approach is a gradual transition. Begin by adding a small amount of the new food – one to two tablespoons – as a ‘side dish’ to the current food. Gradually increase the new food while decreasing the old food until you are feeding 100 percent of the new diet.”
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People / Kate Rousu
Why Trust PEOPLE Tested for Dog Food Recommendations?
Camryn Rabideau, a writer and product tester specializing in home and pet products, authored this guide. With extensive experience writing about pet food and interviewing numerous veterinarians and veterinary nutritionists, she brings deep expertise. As a dog owner herself, she has firsthand experience with many brands featured. This article is based on thorough analysis of hundreds of survey responses from dog owners and expert insights from veterinarian Nell Ostermeier.
Expert Panel
- Nell Ostermeier, DVM, CVA, FAAVA, Integrative Veterinarian
What is PEOPLE Tested?
The PEOPLE Tested seal signifies rigorously tested and approved products that meet high standards of effectiveness, durability, and user-friendliness. Our unique methodology involves lab testing and home testing to evaluate products comprehensively. Recommendations are based on test results, ensuring unbiased and trustworthy product guidance. We regularly re-evaluate product categories to ensure our recommendations remain current and reflect the best available options. PEOPLE Tested recommendations are earned, never bought, ensuring unbiased and reliable guidance for consumers.
