Being a responsible pet parent includes providing your dog with a nutritious diet. Experts agree that the right dog food offers numerous health benefits, such as maintaining a healthy weight and boosting the immune system.
According to Dr. Lori Teller, a board-certified veterinarian and past president of the American Veterinary Medical Association, commercially processed canned or kibble foods are formulated to meet dogs’ nutritional needs, offering convenience, consistency, and quality control.
As someone who has been writing about dog food for four years, I consulted with veterinarians and animal nutrition experts to compile a list of 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
Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Small Bites Dry Dog Food is designed for puppies up to 1 year old. The small, easy-to-digest kibble contains natural omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil for healthy brain and eye development, and a blend of vitamin E and vitamin C to support a healthy immune system.
- 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
For dogs with sensitive stomachs and skin, Purina Pro Plan Adult Sensitive Skin & Stomach Dry Dog Food is an excellent choice. This formula avoids corn, wheat, and soy, making it easier to digest. It includes high-protein salmon, probiotics, prebiotic fiber, and omega-6 fatty acids to support digestive and immune health, as well as a 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 offers a diverse range of dog food options tailored to different dog sizes, breeds, and dietary restrictions. The Small Breed Adult Dry Dog Food is designed for small dogs between 10 months and 8 years old, weighing between nine and 22 pounds.
- 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 Dog Food: Merrick Grain Free Real Salmon & Sweet Potato Dry Dog Food
Merrick Grain Free Real Salmon & Sweet Potato Dry Dog Food is ideal for dogs with sensitive stomachs or allergies to common proteins. Salmon provides a novel protein source, while sweet potato offers a grain-free carbohydrate option.
- 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 is specifically formulated for active adult dogs. It contains glucosamine and omega-3 fatty acids to support joint health and mobility, with a 30% protein and 20% fat ratio to maintain energy levels.
- 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 is a subscription plan that delivers fresh, ready-to-eat dog food tailored to your dog’s specific needs. Meals are based on their age, weight, breed, activity level, and build, ensuring optimal caloric and nutritional intake.
- Food type: Fresh
- Texture: Soft, easy to chew
- Calorie content: N/A (based on questionnaire)
- Main ingredients: Human-grade (based on questionnaire)
Best Dog Food for Large Breeds: Purina Pro Plan Large Breed Adult Dry Dog Food
Purina Pro Plan Large Breed Adult Dry Dog Food is designed for large-breed adults, formulated with natural prebiotic fiber for digestive health and omega-6 fatty acids and vitamin A for skin and coat 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 Dog Food: Royal Canin Adult Gastrointestinal Canned Dog Food
Royal Canin Adult Gastrointestinal Canned Dog Food is a low-fat option suitable for dogs with gastrointestinal issues or sensitive stomachs. It contains prebiotics to maintain good bacteria in the gut, a blend of dietary fibers, and omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil.
- 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 is a high-protein, low-calorie food that’s great for overweight dogs or those who don’t get regular exercise. It provides a balanced diet for dogs with sensitive stomachs or allergies, using a novel protein source.
- 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 is a budget-friendly option that supports digestive and joint health. It contains probiotics to maintain digestive health, and glucosamine and chondroitin to help support healthy joints.
- 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 is a great wet food option for dogs with sensitive stomachs, providing high moisture content and essential nutrients.
- 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 Dog Food: Purina Beneful Prepared Meals Beef & Chicken Medley
Purina Beneful Prepared Meals Beef & Chicken Medley is a convenient and tasty wet food option that can be served on its own or mixed with dry 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
How to Choose the Best Food for Your Dog
When selecting the best food for your dog, prioritize nutritional completeness and balance, along with appropriate portion sizes.
- AAFCO Nutrition Standards: Look for the “complete and balanced” statement on the label.
- Ingredients and Palatability: Focus on the nutrients derived from the ingredients.
- Nutritional Value and Proportions: Check the energy density (kcal per cup, can, or ounce) and feeding guidelines.
- Dog’s Size, Weight, and Life Stage: Choose food appropriate for your dog’s life stage (puppy, adult, senior) and breed size.
Frequently Asked Questions
Dry vs. Wet Food
The main difference is water content. Dry food has about 10% water, while canned food has over 70%. Mixing wet food with dry food is acceptable.
Ingredients to Avoid
Avoid garlic powder, onions, raisins, grapes, and sugar-free additives, as these are toxic to dogs.
Grain-Free Diets
Grain-free diets aren’t necessarily better and can sometimes prevent your dog from getting appropriate nutrition.
Raw Food Diets
Experts advise against raw diets due to the risk of microbial pathogens and potential harm to both pets and humans.
Dog Food Toppers
Use toppers sparingly and factor them into your dog’s total calorie intake.
Weight Management
Address weight gain by monitoring food types and amounts and consulting with your veterinarian.
How Much to Feed
Calorie needs vary based on breed, weight, and size. Consult with your vet for specific recommendations.
