Being a responsible pet parent involves providing your furry friend with a nutritious diet. Experts agree that the right dog food offers numerous health benefits, such as weight management and a strong immune system. This guide, based on consultations with veterinarians and animal nutrition experts, will help you navigate the world of dog food and choose the best option for your canine companion.
Dr. Lori Teller, a board-certified veterinarian and past president of the American Veterinary Medical Association, states that commercially processed canned or kibble foods are designed to meet dogs’ nutritional needs, providing proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. These foods undergo quality control and inspection to prevent contaminants or pathogens from affecting pets or people.
Top Dog Food Picks
Here are some expert-recommended dog food brands and options that NBC Select staffers feed their own pets:
- Best Dog Food for Puppies: Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Small Bites Dry Dog Food
This puppy food is designed for dogs up to 1 year old and features small, easy-to-digest kibble. It contains natural omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil for healthy brain and eye development, along with a blend of vitamin E and vitamin C to support a healthy immune system. Alt text: Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Food Small Bites in a blue bag, a nutritious option for puppies.
- Best Dry Dog Food for Sensitive Stomachs: Purina Pro Plan Adult Sensitive Skin & Stomach Dry Dog Food
This formula is ideal for dogs with sensitive stomachs and skin, as it doesn’t contain corn, wheat, or soy, making it easier to digest. It includes high-protein salmon, probiotics, prebiotic fiber, and omega-6 fatty acids for overall health. Alt text: Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin and Stomach Dog Food bag, formulated with salmon and rice for gentle digestion.
- Best Overall Dog Food: Royal Canin Small Breed Adult Dry Dog Food
Royal Canin offers diverse options tailored to dog sizes, breeds, and dietary restrictions. The small-breed kibble is made for dogs 10 months to 8 years old, weighing between nine and 22 pounds. Alt text: Royal Canin Small Breed Adult Dry Dog Food bag, a popular choice among small dog owners.
- Best Poultry-Free Dog Food: Merrick Grain Free Real Salmon & Sweet Potato Dry Dog Food
This formula is excellent for dogs with sensitive stomachs or allergies to common proteins like beef and chicken. It contains salmon and sweet potato, providing novel proteins and avoiding common allergens. Alt text: Merrick Grain Free Salmon and Sweet Potato Dog Food bag, a poultry-free option for dogs with sensitivities.
- Best Food for Active Dogs: Purina Pro Plan Sport Performance Salmon & Cod Dry Dog Food
Designed for active adult dogs, this dry food includes glucosamine and omega-3 fatty acids to support joint health and mobility. Its 30% protein and 20% fat ratio helps maintain high energy levels. Alt text: Purina Pro Plan Sport Performance Dog Food Salmon and Cod, designed for active dogs needing high energy.
- Best Subscription Dog Food: The Farmer’s Dog Subscription Dog Food
The Farmer’s Dog delivers fresh, ready-to-eat dog food tailored to your dog’s age, weight, breed, activity level, and build. Each meal is pre-portioned and easy to store. Alt text: The Farmer’s Dog food packaging, showcasing a subscription service for fresh, customized dog meals.
- Best Dog Food for Large Breeds: Purina Pro Plan Large Breed Adult Dry Dog Food
This formula is geared toward large-breed adults, containing natural prebiotic fiber for digestive health, omega-6 fatty acids, and vitamin A for skin and coat health. Alt text: Purina Pro Plan Large Breed Adult Dog Food, designed to meet the specific nutritional needs of larger dogs.
- Best Canned Wet Dog Food: Royal Canin Adult Gastrointestinal Canned Dog Food
Ideal for dogs with gastrointestinal issues or sensitive stomachs, this low-fat canned option requires vet approval. It includes prebiotics, dietary fibers, and omega-3 fatty acids to support gut health and digestion. Alt text: Royal Canin Gastrointestinal Wet Dog Food, a veterinary-approved option for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
- Best Frozen Dog Food: Just Food For Dogs Fish & Sweet Potato
This high-protein, low-calorie food is great for dogs who are overweight or don’t get regular exercise. It is made with locally sourced produce and a single protein source, perfect for dogs with sensitivities or allergies. Alt text: Just Food For Dogs Fish & Sweet Potato frozen dog food, offering a balanced diet for sensitive dogs.
- Best Dog Food for Digestive and Joint Health: Kirkland Signature Adult Formula Chicken, Rice and Vegetable Dog Food
This budget-friendly option contains probiotics to maintain digestive health, and glucosamine and chondroitin to support healthy joints. Alt text: Kirkland Signature Adult Formula Dog Food bag, a budget-friendly choice with added digestive and joint support.
- Best Wet Food for Sensitive Stomachs: Hill’s Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Canned Dog Food
This wet food is designed for dogs with sensitive stomachs and skin. It adds moisture and texture to meals and is available in turkey, salmon, and chicken recipes. Alt text: Hill’s Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin Canned Dog Food, a palatable and gentle wet food option.
- Best Prepared Wet Dog Food: Purina Beneful Prepared Meals Beef & Chicken Medley
This stew includes veggies, real beef, chicken, and rice. It’s a fully balanced meal that can be served alone or mixed with dry food. Alt text: Purina Beneful Prepared Meals Beef & Chicken Medley, a convenient and tasty wet food choice.
How to Choose the Best Food for Your Dog
The most important factors are whether the food is nutritionally complete and balanced and whether you’re giving your dog the right portions based on their size and weight.
Key Considerations:
- AAFCO Nutrition Standards: Ensure the dog food meets AAFCO nutrition standards. Look for the “complete and balanced” statement on the label.
- Ingredients and Palatability: Focus on the nutrients your dog gets from the ingredients. The ingredient list should display ingredients from highest to least amount by weight.
- Nutritional Value and Proportions: Check the food’s energy density (kcal per cup, can, or ounce) and feeding guidelines.
- Dog’s Size, Weight, and Life Stage: Choose food that matches your dog’s life stage, such as puppy, adult, or senior formulas.
Understanding Key Ingredients and Nutritional Needs
Ingredient Lists:
- AAFCO Standards: The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) sets standards for pet food ingredients.
- Top Ingredients: The first three ingredients are the most critical, helping you determine if the formula is vegetable-based or meat-based.
Nutritional Value:
- Energy Density: Check the kcal (calories) per cup, can, or ounce.
- Feeding Guidelines: Follow the feeding guidelines on the label and adjust based on your dog’s activity level and body condition.
Life Stage Considerations:
- Puppy Food: Feed puppies food specifically labeled for them until they reach their adult body weight.
- Adult Food: Small breeds can switch to adult food at 7-9 months, while larger breeds switch at 12-14 months.
- Senior Food: If your senior dog is healthy and eating a balanced diet, there’s no need to change their food unless advised by a vet.
Addressing Common Concerns
- Grain-Free Diets: Grain-free diets aren’t inherently better and can sometimes prevent dogs from getting their appropriate daily nutritional intake. There is an ongoing investigation by the FDA regarding a potential link between grain-free diets and dilated cardiomyopathy in some dogs.
- Raw Food Diets: Experts advise against raw diets due to the risk of microbial pathogens and other harmful factors.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Dry vs. Wet Food: Dry food (kibble) is around 10% water, while canned food is upwards of 70% water. Mixing wet food with dry food is acceptable, especially for picky eaters or dogs needing extra hydration.
- Ingredients to Avoid: Garlic powder, onions, raisins, grapes, sugar-free additives, and heavily dyed foods should be avoided.
- Dog Food Toppers: Use toppers sparingly and factor them into your dog’s total calorie intake.
By considering these factors and consulting with your veterinarian, you can ensure your dog receives a high-quality, nutritious diet tailored to their specific needs.
Alt text: A Cavalier King Charles Spaniel eagerly awaits its meal of Royal Canin dog food.
