5 Of The Best Dry Dog Foods To Keep Your Pet Healthy
Complete and balanced nutrition keeps your dog as healthy as possible throughout its life.
Dogs of any age can benefit from dry dog foods. The texture helps remove gunk from their teeth, while the nutrient-packed pieces keep your pet looking and feeling their best. And in addition to grooming tools, it’s one of the most important things you’ll choose for your furry family member.
Deciding which kibble is best is not as easy as grabbing any bag off a shelf. Each dog has unique health needs, preferences, and nutrition requirements. For example, an active hunting dog may need higher protein and more calories, while a homebound Chihuahua needs a little help controlling their weight. For these reasons, it’s important to be careful in your selection.
Best Dry Dog Foods to Consider
As you dig in and start researching dry dog foods for your pet, there are a few things to check out to ensure you’re meeting all of their needs. By paying close attention, you can be sure your fuzzy family member can feel their best. Finding an option they love may take a few tries, but the effort is worth it.
At the top of our list is, well, a list. The ingredient list that is. You want to ensure that there are at least two or three meat products within the first four ingredients or so. We also recommend paying attention to the types of grains and starches in the recipe. Some are healthier than others.
The next two things to consider are kibble size and flavor. Small pieces are better for itty bitty dogs or those with dental problems, while big, crunchy bites are ideal for cleaning larger dogs’ teeth. And if you don’t have the right flavor, your dog may not even give the new food a try.
One example of high-quality dry food is Canidae PURE Limited Ingredient Adult Dry Dog Food. It has three sources of meat and only a few other additives. Fewer ingredients often mean less trouble with digestion, and the small pieces make it suitable for dogs of any size. Then again, if you prefer the addition of raw and ancestral meats, you may like Merrick Backcountry Raw-Infused dog food.
Lastly, while your dog may love dry food, it’s important to ensure that they are staying hydrated. One way to stay on top of this is to add a food topper with hydration to their dry food. We’re sure your pup won’t complain about more flavor in their bowl.
Canidae PURE Limited Ingredient Dry Dog Food
Canidae PURE Limited Ingredient Dry Dog Food is nutritionally complete and balanced perfectly for adult dogs of any breed. You can also choose from salmon, lamb, and bison recipes, making it easy to find a flavor your pup will love while sticking to any of their unique dietary needs. Meanwhile, added antioxidants, probiotics, and a special blend of vitamins and minerals ensure a healthy coat, comfortable digestion, and a robust immune system.
Pros:
- Allergy-friendly grain and chicken-free recipes help minimize discomfort and itching
- Many finicky dogs enjoy the flavor of this food
- Ideal for any breed, making it a fantastic choice for multi-pet households
- It has no fillers or synthetic ingredients
Cons:
- Pricier than many dry dog foods
- Pieces easily break and crumble
Taste of the Wild High Prairie Dog Food
The high-protein, nutrient-dense recipe of Taste of the Wild High Prairie Dry Dog Food supports your pet in every way. Buffalo, lamb, venison, and beef create the base of this protein-rich kibble, giving them strong bones, muscles, and joints. From there, canine-specific prebiotics and probiotics, omega fatty acids, antioxidants, and a variety of superfoods keep their skin and coat in great shape.
Pros:
- Three varieties include a puppy formula, grain-free, and ancient grains, so you can choose based on your dog’s needs
- Small pieces help small and large breeds eat safely
- Strong scent helps attract and entice picky pups
- You can get large bags for added convenience
Cons:
- Pea protein is one of the first five ingredients which can exacerbate existing heart health issues
- Can take a couple of weeks for your dog’s tummy to adjust to this food
Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin and Stomach
Purina has been a giant in the pet food industry for a good reason. They provide balanced, reliable nutrition for an affordable price compared to competitors. That’s why Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin and Stomach Dry Dog Food is one of our favorite options. It’s chicken-free, pea-free, and formulated to help even the most sensitive pups feel their best. In fact, it’s one of the first foods experts recommend if your pet has been struggling with dry skin or digestive irritation.
Pros:
- This is an affordable choice, especially considering the health benefits and quantity
- Chicken-free recipe makes it allergy-friendly
- Can help ease long-term skin issues, like hot spots and hives
- Strong scent and flavor entice dogs to eat it, even if they tend to turn up their nose at other foods
Cons:
- Flavor options are limited
- Strong scent can spread around a room if you don’t use an airtight container
Farmina Natural and Delicious Small Bites Dog Food
Little dogs can have big health problems, which is why feeding them high-quality food is essential. That’s where Farmina Natural and Delicious Small Bites Dog Food comes in. It uses lamb, fish, and eggs to create a protein-rich base, along with wholesome oats and grains. Best of all, no pea-based ingredients make it an especially great choice for older dogs or those with existing heart health problems.
Pros:
- Helps minimize tear stains, which are common in small dogs with subpar diets
- Ancestral grains are healthier and more complete than common fillers found in other dog foods
- Small pieces make it easy for tiny breeds to chew and swallow comfortably
- Easily digested, even for dogs with sensitive tummies
Cons:
- On the expensive side, considering package sizes
- Includes chicken fat in the recipe
Merrick Backcountry Raw-Infused Dry Dog Food
Most dogs do best when their diets are as close to what they’d get in nature as possible. That’s why we recommend Merrick Backcountry Raw-Infused Dry Dog Food. It’s available in a wide range of recipes and flavors, but no matter which you choose, you can count on top-tier ingredients, such as rabbit, beef, salmon, and more. Of all of the different varieties, we especially love the raw-infused, whole-grain recipe, which provides advanced flavor and nutrition.
Pros:
- Excellent way to provide the benefits of raw feeding without the effort
- Bulk bags make stocking up convenient
- Most dogs have lots of energy when this is their primary diet
- Formula and flavor variety ensures there’s one for almost any dog, regardless of age or size
Cons:
- Amount of freeze-dried pieces can vary per bag
- Can be pricey if you have to feed many dogs
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any ingredients I should avoid while choosing dry dog food?
While every dog’s dietary needs are different, there are a few ingredients that many experts agree should be avoided in excess. These include peas, preservatives, dyes, corn syrup, and over-processed fats.
How do I switch my dog from one dry food to another?
The best way to switch your dog’s food is the mixing method. This method minimizes stomach aches, gas, and raunchy stool. In general, you start by switching out a quarter of your dog’s original food with the new one. Every couple of days, replace more and more until they are only eating the new food.
Does my dog’s breed matter when choosing dry dog food?
Most dog breeds have specific health problems, so while breed isn’t the biggest factor when choosing dog food, it should be a consideration. It’s also a good idea to pay close attention to the size of the food’s pieces to ensure your dog’s safety.
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