The 20 Best Dog Foods, According to 407 Dogs (2024)

Hill's Science Diet offers dry and wet dog foods in a wide range of flavors with formulations to meet the nutritional needs of dogs of every shape and size, and at each life stage—puppy, adult, and senior. Hill's Science Diet was the top ranking brand among the 407 dog parents who participated in our survey, with an overwhelming majoring citing their veterinarian's recommendation, the human-grade ingredients, and their dog's overall enjoyment as the top reasons for choosing a food from Hill's Science Diet for their dog. Hill’s Pet Nutrition has been in business for more than 70 years and is a favorite of many veterinarians and nutritionists.

Hill's Science Diet dog foods are made with meat (chicken, turkey, lamb, or beef) or fish (salmon or whitefish) as the first ingredient along with human-grade ingredients providing essential vitamins and nutrients within each serving. They also offer special formulations to address health issues, including weight management, joint discomfort, heart health, and food sensitivities.

In addition to the standard dry and wet options, Hill's Science Diet even offers a completely separate line of smaller kibble versions of their formulas. These "Small Bites" are excellent for puppies and small breed dogs:

• Puppy Small Bites—Chicken and brown rice recipe supports the developmental needs of puppies
• Adult 7+ Small Bites—Made with chicken meal, barley, and brown rice for dogs over 7 years old
• Adult Healthy Mobility Small Bites—Added glucosamine and chondroitin for healthy joints and increased mobility
• Adult Light Small Bites Light—Low-calorie chicken formula for less active adult dogs
• Adult Sensitive Stomach and Skin Small Bites—Highly digestible formula has added nutrients to help support skin and gut health
• Perfect Digestion Small Bites—Adult formula with prebiotics, pumpkin, and oats to support healthy digestion
• Adult 7+ Perfect Digestion Small Bites—Senior formula to promote healthy digestion

The high quality and wide range of formulas is why Hill's Science Diet makes our favorite dog food. It even comes in a resealable bag.

_{Food Type: Dry, wet | Flavors: So many including chicken, turkey, lamb, beef, and fish | Package Sizes: 5, 15.5, 17, 33, and 35 pounds}

Dogs get so excited about canned food. You might offer wet food if your dog is picky or if they have dental problems that make kibble hard to crunch. Blue Buffalo Homestyle Recipe is a good canned choice.

The primary ingredient is always a protein like chicken or beef, followed by beef or chicken broth and liver and vegetables like peas, sweet potatoes, and carrots. There are no artificial preservatives or flavors and no byproduct meal, corn, or wheat. Canned food is usually more expensive than dry food, but this brand is more affordable than many.

Blue Buffalo also offers the Blue Wilderness brand and that has even more flavors including trout and chicken and salmon and chicken.

_{Food Type: Wet | Flavors: Beef, chicken, lamb, turkey, fish and sweet potato| Package Sizes: 6, 12, 24 cans}

Each serving of Purina Pro Plan Puppy Formula gives a developing pup the protein, fat, calcium, omega fatty acids, and phosphorus their body needs to support their rapid growth and soaring energy levels. The recipes also provide probiotics for digestive health and a wide spectrum of minerals and vitamins.

Purina Pro Plan Puppy Formula is available as wet food in three formulations, Classic, Grain-Free, and High Protein with beef, chicken, and turkey as the main sources of protein. The dry food is categorized by anticipated adult size with Healthy Puppy for small to medium, and Healthy Puppy Large Breed for dogs likely to grow over 50 pounds as an adult. The kibble for pups comes in five flavors with two designed for sensitive stomachs: Shredded Blend Chicken & Rice, Chicken & Rice, Lamb & Rice, Salmon & Rice, and Lamb & Oatmeal.

More than 50 dog parents in our survey group fill their dog's bowl with a recipe from Purina Pro Plan crediting their vet's recommendation as the lead determining factor in their choice. On the packaging of Purina Pro Plan Puppy Formula food you'll find month-to-month serving size guidance, but some recipes include by-product meals, corn gluten meal, and/or pea protein.

_{Food Type: Dry, wet | Flavors: Shredded Blend Chicken & Rice, Chicken & Rice, Lamb & Rice, Salmon & Rice, and Lamb & Oatmeal | Package Sizes: 6, 18, 34 pounds}

FreshPet's Vital Balanced Nutrition line of dog food consist of lightly cooked recipes made with animal-source proteins, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. The fresh food is always stored in a refrigerator to keep the natural attributes of the ingredients used intact. The dog food is suitable for all life stages and breed sizes, and is always free of preservatives, by-product meals, and genetically modified organisms.

FreshPet's quality ingredients received the highest marks among our 400+ group of home testers, tying only with Hill's Science Diet, our best overall choice. Within the Vital line of dog food from FreshPet there are recipes made with chicken or beef as the lead protein and first ingredient. For dogs with food sensitivities and health conditions, there are recipes formulated for joint health & mobility,digestive health, andgrain allergies.

The food is packaged in resealable bags and insausage-shaped rollsthat are easy to slice. The soft texture of the food often appeals to picky eaters and is easier for dog's who are missing a few teeth to consume. Due to the fresh nature of the food, this recommendation is for readily purchased in person, but some retailers (like the ones we've listed above) offer shipping and pick-up options.

_{Food Type: Fresh | Flavors: Chicken, beef and lamb, chicken, beef, salmon & egg | Package Sizes: 1, 1.5. 5 pounds}

Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula dog foods are made with animal-source protein—chicken, beef, lamb, or fish—as the primary ingredient. The protein-rich kibble is also made whole grains, vegetables, and fruit to provide calcium, phosphorus, prebiotics, fiber, antioxidants, and omega 3 and 6 fatty acids.

Among our dog parent panelists most Blue Buffalo buyers praised the brand for its consistent use of human-grade ingredients and the brand's commitment to keeping their dog food free of common allergens, like corn, wheat, and soy. Recipes are optimized for needs specific to size and age, like glucosamine and chondroitin, to help large breeds maintain healthy joints and muscles, and DHA, a nutrient puppies need for healthy brain and eye development.

Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula dog food is readily available for the most part, but some flavors can be more difficult to come by.

_{Food Type: Dry | Flavors: Chicken and brown rice, beef and brown rice, fish and brown rice | Package Sizes: 5, 15, 30, 34 pounds}

Iams Proactive Health dog food is budget friendly and readily available at big box stores, supermarkets, and through online retailers. Iams offers kibble and canned dog food recipes to meet the needs of dogs according to their age (puppies,adults, andsenior), lifestyle, and size (small breedandlarge breed).

Each serving provides vitamins and nutrients a dog needs like fiber, prebiotics, omega-6 fatty acids, glucosamine, and antioxidants to help support digestion, energy, and overall health. All recipes are made with real meat as first ingredient along flaxseed, corn, egg, and soybeans, to name a few. But many also include meat by-product meals and fillers which are likely to have ingredients that some dogs are sensitive to when consumed. The flavors and textures are enjoyed by dogs, but their human guardians participating in our testing collective would like to see more vegetables added to Iams recipes.

_{Food Type: Dry | Flavors: Chicken and whole grain rice | Package Sizes: 7, 15, 30, 38.5 pounds}

Pedigree has a complete line of dog nutrition products including kibble, canned food, and dental chews. The items are easy to find at grocery stores, big box stores, and online. The food is affordable and comes in a range of sizes you can choose depending on the size of your dog and your storage space.

Pedigree Complete Nutrition dry dog food comes in two flavors: chicken, rice, and vegetable and grilled steak and vegetable. The recipes include vegetables like dried beet pulp and dried carrots. The first ingredient, however, is ground corn. There are no artificial flavors, high fructose corn syrup, or sugar.

_{Food Type: Dry, canned | Flavors: Chicken, rice, and vegetable; steak and vegetable | Package Sizes: 3.5, 16, 18, 30 pounds}

Hill's Science Diet Adult Mini & Small Dry Dog Food is designed and packaged to make the meal time experience more enjoyable for adult dogs weighing 2 to 30 pounds. The canned food comes in smaller containers—5.8 ounce cans with a pull tab and 3.5 ounce trays with a foil lid, and each piece of kibble is smaller than the typical size. Since little dogs eat smaller portions, the bags of food are also smaller, 4.5 or 15.5 pound bags, to prevent the kibble from getting stale.

The foods are made with chicken, lamb, or beef as the primary ingredient, and without artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives. All of the recipes for mini and small dogs were developed in the United States by veterinarians and scientists to provide the optimal mix of protein, fats, and carbs adult dogs of this size require. There are also formulas fordental care,sensitive stomachs & skin,weight management, andmobility support.

_{Food Type: Dry | Flavors: Chicken meal and rice, lamb meal and brown rice | Package Sizes: 4.5, 15.5 pounds}

For over 50 years, Royal Canin as been a global leader in advocating for and implementing science-led nutrition for pet food, and within our 400-plus panel of dog parents, many attributed their dog's continued health to a steady diet of Royal Canin dog food suited to their specific size, age, and needs. Our big-pawed pals tend to put a lot of stress on their heart and their joints, so giving them food formulated to support their needs with taurine, glucosamine, chondroitin, and omega fatty acids (EPA and DHA), enhances their overall well-being. Royal Canin offers protein-rich kibble for large dogs (56-100 pounds) and giant dogs that weigh over 100 pounds. The brand also has formulas designed to meet the specific needs shared among large purebred dogs, including Golden Retrievers, Boxers, and German Shepherds.

The nutritionally balanced from Royal Canin providesfiber along with antioxidants for immunity. It's made with chicken by-product meal as the first ingredient, but according to Royal Canin, the poultry-meal used is made from nutrient-rich parts of an chicken that are typically less expensive and that you probably wouldn't consider adding to your grocery list—like internal organs. The use of animal sourced by-product meals by Royal Canin also helps reduce food waste, but some pet parents prefer to avoid.

In addition to large dogs, Royal Canin has formulas and variations for dogs of all ages, sizes, and to address specific health issues, like sensitive skin & coat and digestive aliments.

_{Food Type: Dry | Flavors: Chicken | Package Sizes: 6, 30, 35 pounds}

Tender and True makes all sorts of dog food from canned to freeze-dried to treats. The company has made organic pet foods for a decade, including several organic recipes featuring USDA certified organic chicken and humanely raised turkey. There are no artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors and the first ingredient for every recipe is chicken or turkey.

Tender and True also has two specific organic recipes for small breed dogs with tiny kibble chunks. All of the company’s organic foods feature poultry that are raised humanely and without antibiotics. Other ingredients include organic dried peas and organic chickpeas. Although the foods come in three sizes, it can be difficult to find the larger bags.

_{Food Type: Dry | Flavors: Chicken, chicken and liver, turkey and liver, turkey and oats | Package Sizes: 4, 11, 20 pounds}

Each recipe of Vital Essentials Freeze-Dried Raw Entree Nibs Dog Food is made with a single source animal protein—chicken, beef, rabbit, duck, or turkey—that is raw and slowly frozen over 48 hours to preserve the nutritional value of the meat. With naturally occurring vitamins and minerals in each protein rich serving, the food is suitable for dogs of all sizes. The food pieces with the Entree line come in two sizes, Nibs or Mini Nibs, that can be served as-is or rehydrated with water.

If your dog has a food allergy or sensitivity, this might be a suitable option for them as all of the recipes are free of gluten, grains, and by-product meals. The raw dog food is also free of artificial preservatives, fillers, and coloring. The Entree Nibs and Mini Nibs are packaged in 5.5, 14, and 25 ounce bags, and once opened the food should be consumed within 30 days.

Vital Essentials manufacturers all of their pet foods, treats, and meal toppers in the United States.

_{Food Type: Freeze-dried | Flavors: Chicken, beef, turkey, duck, rabbit | Package Sizes: 5.5 ounces, 14 ounces, 1.56 pounds}

Open Farm Freeze Dried Raw Dog Food consists of humanely raised meats and wild-caught salmon mixed with organic ingredients such as blueberries, carrots, and squash. The company stresses the importance of natural, responsibly sourced whole ingredients and includes no artificial flavors, additives, or preservatives.

These chunks can be fed as-is right out of the pouch, or they can be hydrated with a little water. They can be a standalone meal or work as a tasty topper to make regular kibble more exciting. Open Farm also makes chicken, turkey, and beef bone broth with human-grade ingredients that can be poured over food to make it enticing.

_{Food Type: Freeze-dried | Flavors: Beef, turkey, lamb, chicken, pork, surf & turf | Package Sizes: 3.5, 13.5, 22, 31.5 ounces}

Open a bag of Farmina N&D dog food and it smells a little like a farmer’s market. The recipes are full of whole ingredients like blueberries, pomegranate, and pumpkin. There are so many different protein choices ranging from chicken and lamb to venison, quail, and herring. These give a range of options if your dog has food allergies or is just a picky eater.

The food has no artificial preservatives or GMOs. The recipes all feature a protein as the primary ingredient but are also packed with loads of fruits and vegetables including spinach, apples, and carrots. The food can be difficult to find and is more costly than some, but is on par with many premium brands.

_{Food Type: Dry, canned | Flavors: Lamb & blueberry, chicken & pomegranate, lamb, herring, venison, quail, and others | Package Sizes: 5.5, 15.4, 26.4 pounds}

Weight management dog foods are for overweight or less-active dogs. This recipe has 15 percent less fat than in similar adult Pro Plan formulas. It comes in traditional kibble or a blend with shredded bits but is only available with chicken as the main protein. There are no artificial colors or flavors. Pro Plan also has weight-management formulas targeted to small and large breeds.

Purina Pro Plan's Weight Management Formula line of dog food is commonly recommended by veterinarians for dogs of all shapes and sizes that need to shed extra weight in order to maintain optimal health. Plus, dogs seem to enjoy the flavor and hundreds of real dog parents we surveyed have experienced beneficial results from the brand.

The Weight Management formula is available in Chicken & Rice, a standard kibble, or Shredded Blend Chicken & Rice, incorporating both crunchy kibble and chewy pieces. Both recipes are made with real chicken as the first ingredient along with rice, whole grain wheat, barely, and eggs. There is also a wet food option, but it only comes in one flavor, Turkey & Rice Entree, made with real turkey, liver, and chicken.

Each serving has a guaranteed protein-to-fat ratio that has been carefully measured to help a dog maintain muscle mass while losing weight, and prebioticfiberto help a dog feel full and support their digestive system. The food also provides EHA and DHA omega-6 fatty acids and Vitamin A, which benefits your dog's coat. On each package of Purina Pro Plan Weight Management Formula dog food you'll find straightforward feeding instructions, with serving size determined by your dog's weight, with guidance for weight maintenance as well as weight loss.

_{Food Type: Dry, wet | Flavors: Chicken and rice, shredded blend chicken and rice | Package Sizes: 6, 18, 34 pounds}

Do you brush your dog’s teeth and get regular dental cleanings with your vet? There are several ways you can keep your dog’s teeth healthy, including dental chews and dental care dog foods like this one. Hill’s Science Diet Oral Care has textured pieces of kibble that scrub your dog’s teeth while he chews. The goal is to lessen plaque and tartar buildup and promote fresh breath.

This oral care food meets the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) standards for effectiveness, which means it has been demonstrated to slow or reduce the buildup of plaque and tartar. Hill's Science Adult Oral Care dry dog food is available in a chicken, brown rice, and barley recipe and contains no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.

_{Food Type: Dry| Flavors: Chicken, brown rice, and barley | Package Sizes: 4, 28.5 pounds}

For dogs with food sensitivities, Basics by Blue Buffalo is a full line of limited ingredient dry and wet dog foods all made with a single animal protein source and never made with by-product meals. The recipes are also free of corn, wheat, soy, dairy, and eggs, making it easier to avoid the allergen causing your dog discomfort.

Blue Buffalo Basics offers six dry food recipes for adult dogs: salmon & potato, turkey & potato, grain free duck & potato, grain-free lamb & potato, grain-free turkey & potato, and grain-free salmon & potato. There are variations for small breeds, large breeds, seniors, and puppies, along with wet food recipes packaged in 3.5 ounce trays and 12.5 ounce cans—all made without chicken. Each serving of this nutritionally balanced dog food provides antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals to bolster your dog's overall health..

Each serving of this nutritionally balanced dog food provides antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals to bolster your dog's overall health.

For more severe food allergies, consider a prescription food in consultation with your veterinarian.

_{Food Type: Dry | Flavors: Salmon & potato, turkey & potato, grain free duck & potato, grain-free lamb & potato, grain-free turkey & potato, and grain-free salmon & potato | Package Sizes: 11, 24 pound}

Fromm Classic Mature Adult Dog Food is formulated to meet the changing needs of dogs as they get older by supporting and fortifying mobility, immunity, and energy. As a dogs age their activity levels tend to dip, so this food helps prevent unintended weight gain—a common issue among dogs as they age which can lead to secondary health issues.

To provide complete and balanced nutrition in each serving, the easy-to-digest recipe for seniors is made with chicken. brown rice, barley, fruits, and vegetables, which will give your dog a dose of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. The crunchy kibble also includes Fromm's proprietary blend of prebiotics and probiotics to help keep your dog's digestive system and metabolism functioning properly.

Fromm received top marks among the 400-plus dog parents we polled, with many noting the brand's reliable use of human-grade ingredients along with their dog's enjoyment of the food, as the main reasons for choosing a dog food from Fromm.

Fromm is a family-owned business that has been making pet food for decades from their two fully owned and operated facilities in the United States. The food, primarily sold within speciality shops and online retailers, is usually more expensive than other options that made our list.

_{Food Type: Dry | Flavors: Chicken | Package Sizes: 15, 30 pounds}

The Farmer's Dog Food offers a custom diet designed specifically for your dog’s age, weight, breed, and health condition. There are four recipes (Chicken, Beef, Pork, and Turkey) all lightly cooked, made with USDA certified human-grade ingredients, and always free of by-product meals and artificial preservatives.

To place an order, the Farmer's Dog asks dog guardians to fill out a short questionnaire about each dog they plan to feed. You then choose to have four or six weeks worth of frozen dog food—all made with animal-source protein, vegetables, legumes, starches, and healthy fats (like fish oil and sunflower seeds)—delivered to the address of your choice.

Each order for each dog arrives in a separate cardboard box with frozen packs of food. The packs are made from BPA-free plastics that is non-toxic, and each pack should be kept frozen until ready to consume. You can either leave a pack in your refrigerator for it to thaw or put it in a pot of boiling water to serve to your dog more immediately. For smaller dogs, one pack may hold four meals, and for larger dogs you may feed a pack (or two) at each meal.

The ingredient list for each recipe is straightforward and each serving provides vitamins, antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and nutrients. Plus, each order can be customized (you can even choose to add treats), so your can tailor it to your dog's needs as they grow up, pause when you are traveling, and easily change the address for delivery if they are staying with a sitter.

_{Food Type: Fresh frozen | Flavors: Chicken, beef, pork, turkey | Package Sizes: Portions depend on dog’s weight and nutritious needs}

Fromm offers wet and dry dog foods formulated with their proprietary blend of prebiotics and probiotics to keep the digestive system and metabolism functioning properly. And Fromm, a family-owned business based in Wisconsin, received high scores for reliable use of quality ingredients and overall satisfaction.

They offer a variety of pet food recipes for all life stages,puppies, adults, andseniors, all which are made with ingredients—including meat, fish, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables—sourced from fully vetted farms and manufactured in their owned facilities. All recipes are always free of fillers, such as artificial flavors, corn syrup, and white flour, which provide no nutritional value but are commonly added to dog food to cut costs.

Throughout the year, Fromm's facilities are inspected by outside agencies such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS). Plus, every product Fromm's sells has a unique batch code which allows the company to trace each product through processing and formulation, including each ingredients' supplier.

_{Food Type: Dry, canned | Flavors: Beef, chicken, salmon and more | Package Sizes: 5, 15, and 30 pounds}

Some dogs have sensitivities to certain ingredients and that can have an impact on their skin or cause stomach upset. Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin and Stomach features three different flavors: salmon and rice, lamb and oat meal, and turkey and oat meal. One of the proteins are the main ingredient and oat meal is easy to digest so it doesn’t hurt the immune system.

Rich in antioxidants and omega 3 fatty acids, the recipes are designed to be gentle on the digestive system and have no artificial colors, flavors, or poultry by-product meal. Pet owners say it’s particularly tasty and even picky eaters can find a flavor they love.

Food Type: Dry | Flavors: Salmon and rice, lamb and oat meal, turkey and oat meal | Package Sizes: 4, 16, 24 pounds

Final Verdict

Hill’s Science Diet is a good choice for dry food. It’s a long-time favorite of veterinarians, available in many formulas and flavors. If you prefer canned, Blue Buffalo Homestyle Recipe comes in many flavors, and a protein is always the main ingredient.

FAQ

• How much should I feed my dog?

  Every bag or can of dog food will have feeding recommendations based on your dog’s age and weight, but that’s just a starting point. Just like humans, metabolism can vary from dog to dog, Dr. Katribe points out, so the amount should be adjusted based on weight gain or loss. Your veterinarian can help you figure out your dog’s ideal weight.

  “For animals with slower metabolisms or limited activity, bag guidelines are often too high; for a very active dog, though, they may be too low,” Dr. Katribe says. “A key way to judge your dog’s weight is that you should be able to feel their ribs when applying slight pressure to the sides of their chest, but not see those ribs through the skin.”

• Does dog food expire?

  You might notice that dog food has a “best by” date, which is the window in which a food is the most nutritious for your pet. It can vary from months to years, depending on the manufacturer and type of food. It doesn’t mean that the food has expired after that time, but it’s not as healthy.

  How you store the food, however, can impact spoilage and contamination. “When storing dry kibble, it is best practice to keep it in an airtight container and not remove it from the original bag,” says Dr. Wuellner.

• Is plant-based dog food safe for dogs?

  Dogs can be kept on a plant-based or vegetarian diet as long as it is nutritionally complete and balanced, says Dr. Katribe.

  “Because these formulations are newer, and it can be more challenging to ensure nutritional requirements for dogs are met with only plant-based ingredients than when meat is included, it’s important to not only check the label for completeness statements, but also consider contacting the company to ensure the diet was formulated by someone with professional training in canine nutrition and food science,” Dr. Katribe suggests. “As these diets are generally newer, there may be new developments as we learn more about long-term effects and as more research is performed.”

• Should you switch dog foods regularly?

  Don’t worry about your dog getting bored with their food. “Our dogs’ gastrointestinal tracts get very accustomed to a single type of food when we primarily feed one thing every day,” says Dr. Katribe. “Switching diets isn’t necessary if there isn’t an issue that needs to be addressed." In fact, Dr. Katribe says that if the transition is done too quickly, it can actually cause digestive upset (e.g., diarrhea, vomiting).

  If you want to keep things interesting, give your dogs treats in small quantities. You can do that in food puzzles or treat balls to make things mentally stimulating as well.

  You should, however, consider changing food based on your pet’s life stage and any health considerations when nutritional needs change, says Dr. Wuellner.

  “If a pet owner is considering switching up their diet, it’s vital to do it gradually,” Dr. Wuellner says. “Slowly incorporate the new food into a pet’s diet, mixing it with the older food at first, to lower the possibility of upsetting a pet’s stomach. Always talk to your vet before making any changes.”

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