Finding the best food for your dog's nutritional needs and life stage requires understanding the different types and formulas that are available.
10 dog foods to promote your pal's health
When you have a dog, you want what's best for its health and well-being. Feeding your pet nutritious food that meets its dietary requirements is one of the most important things you can do to achieve these goals. However, when it comes time to pick dog food, it can be tricky.
Finding the best food for your dog's nutritional needs and life stage requires understanding the different types and formulas that are available. We've done the work for you by assessing these features and highlighting the best dog foods on the market.
Types of dog food
One of the first considerations when choosing dog food is the type. Although dry and wet foods are the most common varieties, freeze-dried, organic and fresh are gaining popularity. Each one has its pros and cons.
- Dry dog food comes in kibble form and is affordable and convenient to feed. It doesn't need to be stored in the fridge and won't taste off if you leave a bowl out all day for your dog to pick at.
- Wet dog food tends to contain more meat and fewer fillers, but it's expensive to feed exclusively, especially if you have large dogs. As such, some dog owners mix wet and dry foods or use it as a kibble topper.
- Freeze-dried dog food is a high-end option usually made predominantly from freeze-dried raw meat, plus some produce and supplements. You mix it with water to rehydrate it and can feed it alone or as a kibble topper.
- Organic dog food is made with ingredients that were produced without chemicals and additives. This type of food is suitable for canines with sensitive digestive systems, skin issues and allergies that can be aggravated by harsh ingredients.
- Fresh dog food is made of wholesome ingredients such as fresh meat and veggies, so it must be stored in the refrigerator. The high price and fairly short shelf life make it somewhat inconvenient to feed. However, frozen varieties are available. Fresh dog food is typically rich in protein, vitamins and minerals and is made with limited ingredients and without a lot of fillers.
- Raw dog food may be fresh, dehydrated or freeze-dried. It's expensive, but the high quality of the ingredients make it a good choice for owners who want to feed their dog food in the purest form. It's often made with human-grade whole ingredients and doesn't contain artificial additives or fillers.
Life stage
Dogs of different ages have varying nutritional requirements for proper growth and development. To meet these needs, dog food is available in formulas for puppies, adults and seniors. Additionally, some companies make dog food that's suitable for most or all life stages.
Breed size
Small-breed and large-breed dog foods are designed to better meet the needs of the smallest and largest dogs. In addition to ingredients and nutrients that are targeted to the size of a dog, size-specific food is also made with kibbles, chunks or bites that are easy to chew for the small, medium or large dogs.
Special needs
Just like humans, some dogs have special dietary needs to help them live their best lives. Low calorie or "healthy weight" dog foods are suited to those canines that need to slim down. Sensitive system foods are formulated for dogs that are prone to digestive upset. Additionally, special canine diets are available for dogs with various health conditions, such as diabetes, skin allergies, kidney disease and more.
Dog food prices
Wet dog food can cost anywhere between roughly $10 and $60 for a pack of 12 cans, while dried dog food costs between $30 and $150 for a large bag. Organic, freeze-dried, fresh and raw foods are the costliest types of dog food. Depending on the size and dietary needs of your dog, these types of diets can cost several hundred dollars per month.
Best dog foods
Diamond Naturals Lamb Meal and Rice Formula Adult Dry Dog Food: available at Amazon and Petco
This is an affordable dry food that doesn't skimp on quality ingredients. It's made with lamb protein as the number one ingredient and contains healthy grains, fruits and vegetables.
Wellness Core Natural Grain-Free Wet Dog Food: available at Amazon and Petco
Fortified with vitamins and minerals, this canned dog food is also high in protein that makes it suitable for active dogs. It doesn't contain grains or artificial additives, which appeals to many dog owners.
Blue Buffalo Blue Wilderness High-Protein Grain-Free Dry Dog Food: available at Amazon
This dry dog food contains the brands proprietary LifeSource Bits that are packed with beneficial nutrients. It's a high-protein formula that's made without grains, which is ideal for active dogs that are prone to various allergies.
Wag Dry Dog Food: available at Amazon
If you're looking for a dog food that doesn't contain a lot of artificial ingredients and is made with quality protein, this is the brand to try. We put it to the test and found that it offers similar benefits as pricier options.
Primal Freeze-Dried Chicken Formula Nuggets: available at Amazon
This freeze-dried dog food is suitable for feeding as a complete diet or a topper/mixer. It's made in the U.S.A. with whole chicken, produce and supplements that are derived from quality sources.
Blue Buffalo Blue Wilderness Wet Dog Food: available at Amazon and Petco
If Blue Buffalo is your brand and you want wet food that's rich in protein, this is a good choice. Made without grains or artificial ingredients, it's available in flavors dogs love. It contains protein from traditional and special sources such as venison and trout.
Nutro Natural Choice Chicken and Brown Rice Recipe: available at Amazon and Petco
Formulated for adult dogs, this dry dog food features chicken as the number one ingredient. A combination of omega fatty acids, antioxidants and fiber benefits numerous systems so dogs can thrive.
Ziwi Peak Air-Dried Dog Food: available at Amazon
If you'd like to feed raw but find it somewhat inconvenient, this air-dried food is an excellent alternative. It's easy to feed, contains nutrient-rich superfoods and is free of grains. We also like that it's made with protein that is ethically sourced.
Tender and True Pet Nutrition Organic Dog Food: available at Amazon and Petco
Not only is this dog food USDA certified to be organic, it's also animal welfare certified and made with cage-free chicken. The grain-free recipe is suitable for dogs in all stages of life.
Pedigree Choice Cuts in Gravy: available at Amazon
This top-selling wet food is an affordable option that's made by a trusted brand. The tasty bites are smothered in gravy, which makes it a good option for dogs that prefer wet food or have difficulties chewing. It's also yummy served as a kibble topper.
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Jennifer Manfrin is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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