Healthy & Natural Foods
Nutrition really is the foundation of health. It’s the body’s fuel and provides the building blocks for the maintenance of health, tissue repair and energy. “Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.”– Hippocrates
To help you in your search, we consulted veterinarians and animal nutrition experts on what to keep in mind when shopping for the best dog food. Below are some highly rated options based on their guidance for a healthy and balanced diet.
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Our Top Picks
Best Overall Dry: Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula ($72)
Best for Sensitive Stomachs: Hill’s Science Diet Adult ($75)
Best for Puppies: Purina Pro Plan Healthy Puppy Formula ($56)
Best Budget: Iams Proactive Health Dry Dog Food ($47)
Best for Seniors: Purina Pro Plan Bright Mind Adult 7+ ($26)
Best for Big Dogs: Royal Canin Giant Adult ($85)
Best for Small Dogs: Hill’s Science Diet Adult Small & Mini ($56)
Best Overall Wet: Purina Pro Plan Classic Adult Complete Essentials ($33)
Best Wet for Senior Dogs: Blue Buffalo Homestyle Recipe ($36)
Best Budget Wet: Pedigree Choice Cuts in Gravy Adult ($22)
IN THIS ARTICLE
Rating:
5/5
Price at time of publish: $72/30 pounds
It’s no wonder Blue Buffalo is a top-selling dog food brand. We chose Blue Buffalo Life Protection adult dry dog food as the best dry dog food because this formula was created to support holistic health and wellness in adult dogs. Because its number one ingredient is always high-quality real meat, followed by fruits, vegetables and whole grains, it helps your dog build and maintain healthy muscles and bones. Formulated with essential proteins, carbohydrates and omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, your dog’s coat and skin will shine and his teeth will sparkle.
Recommended by veterinarians and animal nutritionists, Blue dry dog food is made with antioxidants, vitamins and minerals to support a healthy immune system, while eliminating meat by-products, corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors and preservatives.
What We Like:
- Made with chicken, lamb, beef, or fish as the first and main ingredient
- Formulations for puppies, adults, and seniors, and for small, standard and large breed sizes
- Ingredients include whole grains, fruit, and vegetables
- Never made with poultry by-product meals, corn, wheat, or soy
What We Don’t Like:
- Some flavors and formulations are difficult to come by
Rating:
5/5
Price at time of publish: $75/30 pounds
If your pup is suffering from frequent digestive issues such as diarrhea, constipation, and smelly flatulence, it’s always a good idea to get advice from your vet. However, switching to Hill’s Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin Formula could be the perfect solution. We highly recommend this food for dogs experiencing these kinds of issues.
Hill’s Science Diet has earned top marks from 500 of our panelists. Many dog owners noted that their vet had recommended the brand and that it could effectively address various health issues, like a sensitive stomach.
The Sensitive Stomach & Skin Formula line is a great choice for pet owners looking for a variety of options to suit their dog’s needs. The two recipes for dry dog food, Chicken & Barley or Grain-free Chicken & Potato, provide the perfect choice for both small and large breed dogs. The three flavors of canned wet food are also sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. Overall, the Sensitive Stomach & Skin Formula line is a great option for pet owners looking to make sure their furry friends are getting the nutrition they need in a variety of flavors.
This dog food is the perfect choice for pet owners! Each recipe is made with real chicken as the primary source of protein and the first ingredient, providing your pup with a good source of prebiotic fiber and a balanced gut microbiome. Not only that, but it also contains essential vitamins and omega-6 fatty acids to help keep your dog’s skin and coat healthy. We highly recommend this dog food for pet owners looking for a nutritious and tasty meal!
What We Like:
- Chicken is first ingredient
- Contains prebiotic fiber from beet pulp
- Available without a prescription
- Canned versions too
What We Don’t Like:
- Dry food only available in chicken flavor
Rating:
5/5
Price at time of publish: $56/18 pounds
Purina Pro Plan Puppy Formula is the perfect choice for young pups. Boasting probiotics for digestive health, omega-6 fatty acids derived from fish oil and a variety of minerals and vitamins, this puppy formula provides your pup with the nutrition they need to grow and develop. Most notably, it contains DHA, an essential nutrient puppies get from their mother’s milk, which aids in the development of healthy brains and vision. According to the 50+ dog parents in our survey group, their veterinarian’s recommendation was the leading factor in their choice to feed their pup this puppy food.
Purina Pro Plan is an excellent choice for puppy food, with real chicken, lamb, or salmon as the first ingredient in all of their recipes. The dry food is offered in two forms – Healthy Puppy and Healthy Puppy Large Breed – and five flavors: Shredded Blend Chicken & Rice, Chicken & Rice, Lamb & Rice, Salmon & Rice, and Lamb & Oatmeal. Each recipe is free of artificial flavors and colors, though some ingredients such as pea protein and corn gluten meal may not be suitable for all puppies. All in all, Purina Pro Plan is a great choice to ensure your pup is getting the best nutrition.
What We Like:
- Recipes feature chicken, salmon, or lamb as the first ingredient and main source of protein
- Provides DHA, a nutrient found in mothers’ milk, to support vision and brain development
- Formulations to address specific health needs (sensitive stomach & skin) and breed size (small or large)
- High protein diet to support their muscle and bone development
What We Don’t Like:
- Recipes may contain corn gluten meal, protein by-product meal, and/or pea protein
Rating:
5/5
Price at time of publish: $47/30 pounds
Iams Proactive Health dry food line is an excellent choice for your dog’s diet. It is specially formulated to meet the needs of puppies, adult and senior dogs, with versions for small and large breeds. Each serving contains vitamins and nutrients a dog needs to support digestion, energy and overall health. Fiber, prebiotics, omega-6 fatty acids, glucosamine and antioxidants are included, making Iams Proactive Health an ideal choice for your dog’s diet.
The kibbles are available in two delicious flavors: chicken & whole grain or lamb & rice. As the first ingredient, they contain real meat combined with healthy ingredients such as flaxseed, corn, eggs and soybeans. Although the kibbles are rich in nutrients, they also contain by-product meals and fillers that some dogs are sensitive to eating.
Iams Proactive Health dog food is an affordable option for dog owners. It is available in major supermarkets, stores, and even online retailers, making it easily accessible.
What We Like:
- Formulations for puppies, adults, and seniors, and for small and large breeds
- Contains no artificial preservatives or flavors
- Made with real chicken or lamb as the first ingredient
What We Don’t Like:
- Recipes include fillers
Rating:
5/5
Price at Time of Publish: $26 (5 pounds)
For nearly a century, Purina has been manufacturing pet food. This longevity has made it a familiar and reliable brand for many veterinarians. The Purina Pro Plan Bright Mind senior formula is composed of chicken as the first ingredient, with most of the animal protein derived from chicken and poultry byproduct meal.
This formula contains a wide array of supplements geared towards senior health. Probiotics are included to help with digestion, glucosamine for increased mobility, omega-6 fatty acids to promote healthy skin and coat, and antioxidants to boost the immune system.
Fish oil, antioxidants, B vitamins, and arginine are included in this formula to support mental sharpness and cognitive health in aging dogs. It is available in adult, large, and small breed kibble varieties, as well as a canned food option.
What We Like:
- Chicken is the first ingredient
- Supplements for mental, joint, and digestive health
- Formulas for adult, large, and small breeds
What We Don’t Like:
- Only two flavors
Rating:
5/5
Price at time of publish: $114/30 pounds
Royal Canin Giant Adult Dry Dog Food is specially formulated to meet the nutritional requirements of large, adult dogs such as Newfoundlands, Great Pyrenees, and Great Danes, which weigh 100 pounds or more. Our panel of canine parents have reported that their dogs remain healthy due to the consistent consumption of Royal Canin food that is tailored to the size, age, and needs of their particular pooch.
This Royal Canin dry dog food is specially formulated for giant breeds who are two years of age and older. To help support their joint health, it contains glucosamine, chondroitin, and omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids (providing EPA and DHA). Additionally, it includes taurine for heart health, fiber for digestion, and antioxidants for immunity. Plus, it’s chicken-flavored, so your pup will love it!
Royal Canin’s Giant Adult Dry Dog Food is nutritionally balanced and made with chicken by-product meal as the first ingredient. By-product meals are made up of high-protein and nutrient-rich parts of an animal, like organs, which are typically less expensive than other sources. Utilizing by-products helps reduce food waste and doesn’t necessarily detract from the quality of the food, although some pet owners prefer to avoid them. The kibble pieces in this food are larger to promote chewing, though the size may vary from batch to batch.
What We Like:
- Glucosamine, chondroitin, and omega fatty acids (EPA and DHA) to support bone and joint health
- Taurine is included to support heart health
- Formulated for dogs over 100 pounds
What We Don’t Like:
- Only one size for packaging, 30 pounds
Rating:
5/5
Price at time of publish: $56/15.5 pounds
Hill’s Science Diet Adult Mini & Small Dry Dog Food is the perfect solution for dogs weighing between 2 and 30 pounds. Available in two delicious flavors; Chicken & Brown Rice and Lamb & Brown Rice, the smaller kibble size makes meal time more enjoyable for your pup.
Hill’s Science Diet food for mini and small dogs is formulated with real chicken or lamb as the primary ingredient, along with easy-to-digest ingredients like pumpkin to help aid digestion. Developed in the United States by leading veterinarians and scientists, the recipes are specially tailored to provide the optimal combination of protein, fats, and carbohydrates that adult dogs of this size need.
For owners of small breeds, bags of food specially designed to accommodate their needs are available. These bags are 4.5 or 15.5 pounds in size to ensure that the food won’t get stale before it’s all eaten. The food is free from artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives, and there are special formulas for dental care, stomach and skin sensitivities, weight management, and mobility support.
What We Like:
- No artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives
- Each piece of kibble is smaller than typical to accommodate smaller mouths and teeth
- Made with real chicken or lamb as the first ingredient
What We Don’t Like:
- Only two flavors
Rating:
5/5
Price at time of publish: $33 (13 oz)
Purina Pro Plan Complete Essentials offers an extensive variety of flavors, from classic combinations like chicken and rice, to more unique flavor pairings like chicken and duck, turkey and chicken, and turkey, duck, and quail. All of the flavors are free from artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives.
If your dog is a picky eater or has dental issues such as a loss of teeth, pate-style food could be a great option. It has a thick texture and a strong aroma that may be appealing to your pup. However, since dogs have individual taste preferences, you should not be discouraged if they don’t like one type of pate-style food. The variety of flavors available means that there is likely one that your pup will love.
Vets often recommend food with 23 vitamins and minerals, which are scientifically formulated to meet AAFCO standards for a complete and balanced meal. Quality control is guaranteed since the ingredients can be traced directly to the companies that supply them. Plus, the food is made in a U.S. facility, making it even more appealing to pet owners.
We are big fans of Purina due to their dedication to aiding shelters and rescue groups. The Petfinder Foundation, a non-profit organization, donates the majority of its funds (91%) to programs dedicated to helping homeless pets. These programs are spread throughout the United States and are in the form of grants to humane organizations.
What We Like:
- Often recommended by vets
- Huge array of flavors
- Reasonably priced
What We Don’t Like:
- Some flavors sell out quickly
- One can may be too large for small dogs
Rating:
5/5
Price at Time of Publish: $36 (12 cans)
If your aging dog doesn’t have a strong appetite and might be struggling with sore teeth and gums, Blue Buffalo’s popular canned food recipe can make mealtime easier and tastier. This formula is packed with proteins, like chicken, chicken broth, and chicken liver, plus healthy carbs such as oatmeal, brown rice, flaxseed, and fish oil. Plus, you won’t find any artificial flavors or preservatives, corn, wheat, soy, or poultry byproduct meals in the ingredients list. This recipe also features blueberries, carrots, and sweet potatoes for added nutrition.
This senior meal is a great option for your older pup, as it is supplemented with omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids to promote a healthy skin and coat, as well as antioxidants for the immune system and glucosamine and chondroitin for joint mobility. You have the choice of feeding it alone, mixing it with dry kibble, or using it as an occasional treat to make even the pickiest of eaters happy.
What We Like:
- Chicken is the main ingredient
- Lots of added supplements including antioxidants, glucosamine, and omega fatty acids
- No artificial flavors, preservatives, or byproducts
What We Don’t Like:
- Only one flavor
Rating:
4.3/5
Price at the time of publish: $22 (13 oz)
Cost is not necessarily indicative of the quality of wet food; foods that meet the AAFCO standards for “complete and balanced” can be found at a variety of price points. Therefore, it is perfectly acceptable to select a wet food that is complete and balanced, while still remaining within a budget.
Pedigree Choice Cuts has been formulated to meet the American Association of Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) standards for complete and balanced nutrition. With a stew-like texture and available in multiple flavors, this food is sure to please your pup! It contains 82% moisture and can be served as a main course or as a tasty topping for their dry food. This product is made in the USA and comes in two can sizes (13.2 and 22-ounce).
What We Like:
- Affordable
- Tap top which doesn’t require can opener
- Variety pack of flavors available
What We Don’t Like:
- Strong aroma
- Cans too large for small dogs
- Final Verdict
Our favorite dry dog food is Hill’s Science Diet Small Bites. Hill’s foods are highly recommended by veterinarians, come in many flavors and sizes, and have no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives. If you are feeding a puppy, consider Purina Pro Plan High-Protein Puppy Food. It features meat, poultry, or salmon as the first ingredient and has added nutrients to benefit a growing puppy.
How to determine the best food for your dog
At first glance, high-quality dog food can not be distinguished from bad. Because the front of the packaging can promise a lot. The look should therefore always go to the back first, because the list of ingredients with the composition of the food provides information about whether it is good dog food.
In high-quality dog food, the ingredients and the amount contained are listed exactly in percentages, so that it can be seen which meat or vegetables are contained in the food. The feed ingredients are listed in descending order of the amount they contain. If beef, for example, is listed first, the feed usually contains the most of it.
High-quality dog food has some characteristics by which it can be identified:
- High content of carbohydrates (45-55 %)
- High meat/protein content (min. 35-45 %)
- Use of food grade meat
- Contains important minerals, trace elements and vitamins
- Does not contain large amounts of dairy products or grains
- Contains fruits or vegetables and healthy oils
- Free of sugar, flavor enhancers, flavorings, binders or preservatives
In addition to the ingredients, the so-called “analytical components” also play a role in the choice of feed. They provide information about whether the composition and ingredients of the food are convincing. In good dog food, they should be within the following range:
- At least 18 % crude protein
- approx. 5 % crude fat
- Maximum 2 % crude ash
- Maximum 5 % crude fiber
Overall, however, the nutrient requirement always depends on the dog, because breed, age and activity level are also relevant. Puppies, pregnant bitches or senior citizens, for example, have special needs.
What dogs really need
1. Carbohydrates
The most important energy supplier and component of the dog food are carbohydrates. These can be contained, for example, in the form of potatoes, rice, corn or cereals. The proportion of carbohydrates should be 45 to 55%.
2. Proteins
Proteins are also an important component of dog food. They are contained, for example, in meat, fish and offal, egg and dairy products or as vegetable protein in legumes or cereals. There should be about 35 to 35% proteins in the feed.
3. Fats
High quality fats are also important for the health of the dog. Oils such as olive oil, salmon oil, evening primrose oil or hemp oil provide the dog with important nutrients. In good dog food, fats should make up about 5%.
4. Dietary fiber
Dietary fibers are important for a regular digestion of the dog. They can be supplied, for example, by fruits and vegetables.
5. Minerals and Vitamins
Minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, iron and Co. are also vital for dogs, as are vitamins. Therefore, these should also be sufficiently contained in the feed.
Wet Food or Dry Food?
Unlike cats, dog owners have the option of feeding their pet wet food or dry food. Depending on the needs of the dog, the appropriate feeding method can be found.
High-quality dog food: wet
- High-quality wet food provides a healthy and species-appropriate diet for dogs.
- “Closer to nature” than dry food.
- Can be made with a high meat content due to its consistency.
- Meanwhile also available vegetarian/vegan.
- Contains sufficient liquid (approx. 80%).
High-quality dog food: Dry
- High-quality dry food is suitable for nutrition, but it is less “close to nature” than wet food and not the first choice for many dogs.
- Can only be made with a fairly small amount of meat due to its consistency.
- Contains little liquid (about 10%), so the dog must drink a lot on its own. Therefore, dry food is not suitable for dogs that drink little, as it leads to a chronic lack of liquid in the long run.
- Meanwhile also vegetarian/vegan available.
- Often contains excessive amounts of carbohydrates.
Is grain harmful for dogs?
Many brands advertise their dog food as grain-free – but is that really a sign of quality and is grain actually harmful to dogs?
It is wrong to say that dogs cannot tolerate or should not eat any grain at all. Because the digestive tract of our domesticated dogs has changed over decades so that they can also digest grain.
As carnivores and omnivores, grain is therefore not fundamentally unhealthy for dogs. A certain amount can even be healthy and beneficial for digestion. Nevertheless, grains should make up only a small portion of good dog food, if any at all.
Nevertheless, grains can cause allergies in some dogs, so grain-free food should be chosen in this case. Dogs with diabetes are also better off avoiding grains.
The type of grain can also play a role. So-called pseudo cereals such as amaranth, millet or brown rice are better suited for dog food.
Why high quality dog food instead of cheap food?
It is obvious that when you buy the dog food, you look for a good price. And especially good dog food is not cheap. However, high-quality dog food brings some advantages:
- The food has all the important nutrients and can be optimally utilized by the dog. This means that a dog has to eat less of a good food. One needs thus altogether less.
- Cheap food is mostly simply excreted, because it contains unnecessary fillers.
- Bad food can lead to illnesses or cause allergies in the long run. Although you save money when buying the food, in the long term the savings are usually reflected in veterinary costs.
FAQ
How long does dry dog food last?
Each package of dry dog food should display a “best by” or expiration date. If the package has not been opened and is kept in a temperature-controlled atmosphere, then it should last for the length of time indicated, usually 12 to 18 months from the time of production.
According to Miller, it is best to consume the kibble within two months after the package is opened, provided that it is kept at a constant temperature. If the kibble is exposed to high temperatures, the fat can go bad. Therefore, it is important to make sure that the bag of dog food is kept climate controlled. Although extreme cold can change the texture of the food, it does not cause any damage.
Miller says that if a bag of dry kibble has been open for an extended period of time, its flavor can change.
Can dry food be mixed with wet dog food?
Yes, you can mix dry and wet food, says Miller. There is nothing wrong with it if these points are true:
- Your dog is healthy
- his gastrointestinal system is working
- his immune system is intact
It doesn’t matter if you mix wet and dry food in the same bowl or give your dog one and the other. The two types differ mainly in their water and energy content. Therefore, all mixing variants are possible without any problems.
Is wet dog food better than dry?
Your dog might say yes, because canned food is so tasty.
“Miller states that, in certain cases, wet food can be more beneficial than kibble. This is due to the fact that it reduces the amount of preservatives, provides additional moisture, and is easier to digest for pets with dental, esophageal, or gastric disease. It is also a good option for ill pets who need a tastier food to encourage them to eat, as well as for those with nasal issues that affect their sense of smell.”
Why Trust iHugDogs?
This story was updated by Allison Lewis, a writer for iHugDogs, who shares her home with a happy pomeranian named Cody. Before researching and writing about pet products for a living, Wright embarked on a self-mandated, ongoing quest to find the optimal items for her dog. She is now delightfully devoted to helping humans discover and select the most favorable products for their pets.
We also took a comprehensive survey on preferred brands and feeding habits. Each respondent provided data on their dog’s age, size, and breed, in addition to a detailed history of the dog food brands and products they mutually enjoy. We also considered recommendations from veterinarians, trainers, and rescue workers and considered features such as ingredients, flavors, cost, and package sizes.
A previous version of this story was written by Mary Jo DiLonardo who has covered animals and pets for several decades. Mary Jo has fostered more than 60 dogs and puppies. She is always searching for the healthiest and most effective products to use with them such as best dog food for older dogs and best dog bowls.
