The 5 Best Dog Foods To Feed Your Best Friend
One of the most important things you can give to your dog is a healthy diet. And that means not just going out and buying the first generic bag of store-bought food you can find, but selecting the right formula to match your pup specific age and breed. In recent years, a growing science surrounding K9 nutrition has produced a wide range of dog food types, from specialized performance blends to grain-free and high-protein varieties full of natural ingredients. Our list rounds up the very best options from each of those categories, so whether you’ve got a growing pup or an active adult, you’re sure to find something to help your dog not only survive, but thrive.
Purina Pro Plan Savor Shredded Blend
Give your dog the best
It’s no secret that Purina is one of the most trusted brands in dog food, so it should come as no surprise that the Pro Plan Savor Shredded Blend, their most advanced formula, is our top choice. One 45 pound bag comes packed with high-quality ingredients and nutrients, including real chicken, vitamin A, and omega-6 fatty acids. Uniquely, those components are also fortified with guaranteed live probiotics that help your support your dog’s digestive and immune health, in addition to everything else.
Pros:
- Crunchy and tender pieces offer varied texture
- Vitamins help promote healthy coat
- Also available with beef and lamb
Cons:
- A little expensive
- Only for adult dogs
Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Grain Free, Natural Adult Dry Dog Food
A grain-free alternative
Too many dry foods on the market today are made with grain and filler ingredients, which provide little nutritional substance to your dog and can even harm their digestive system. Blue Buffalo Wilderness recognized that and created an all-natural blend that includes only real meat and carbohydrates, such as duck, sweet potatoes, and peas. The result is a high-protein, grain-free formula that is perfect for all dogs, but especially for dogs that lead an active and energetic lifestyle, since all that meat helps promote muscle development and the carbs fuel for physical activity.
Pros:
- Proprietary blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals
- Contains calcium for strong bones and teeth
- Unique meat options like duck and salmon
Cons:
- A little expensive
- Some dogs may have trouble digesting
Pedigree Small Breed Adult Dry Dog Food
Smaller kibble for smaller mouths
If your chihuahua or shih tzu is too picky for other dry foods, try the Pedigree Small Breed Adult Dry Dog Food. As its name suggests, it’s specially tailored for adult dogs of smaller breeds, including more manageable kibble pieces and a variety of high-quality ingredients like whole grains, protein, and small amounts of vegetables that support digestion. At the same time, it does away with unhealthy ingredients often found in lower-quality blends, such as high fructose corn syrup, added sugar, and other artificial flavors.
Pros:
- Kibble helps keep teeth clean
- Also includes omega-6 fatty acids
- Made in USA
Cons:
- Bag is small
- Whole grain isn’t super healthy
Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Dry Dog Food
Young dogs rejoice
When it comes to the health of your dog, special attention needs to be paid to what you’re feeding them at the start of their life. Luckily, the Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food makes that easy with a stand-out blend that is scientifically engineered for puppies. The formula includes several ingredients designed to promote your young dog’s mind and body, including fish oil for supporting healthy brain development and a balanced set of minerals for strengthening bones and teeth. It’s no wonder, then, that it’s one of the most commonly-recommended brands by veterinarians everywhere.
Pros:
- Chicken meal and barley recipe
- Also promotes eye health
- Protein is the first ingredient
Cons:
- Includes some grain filler
- Fairly expensive
Iams Proactive Health Adult Minichunks Dry Dog Food
A versatile blend for a variety of breeds
The Iams Proactive Health Adult Minichunks is suitable for any breed — which makes it a great choice for anyone who owns more than one dog and is looking to satisfy them all with one basic blend. It incorporates plenty of tasty and nutritious ingredients, such as real chicken, fiber, and probiotics, so you’re less likely to have problems during potty time. At roughly 10 dollars a pound, it’s also surprisingly affordable.
Pros:
- Veterinarian-approved
- Good for dogs with sensitive stomachs
Cons:
- Ingredients aren’t the highest-quality
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the best dog food the best dog food?
The best dog foods on the market should incorporate a range of natural, high-quality ingredients and little to no fillers like grain. Look for blends that feature real protein as the first ingredient. Also consider formulas that are fortified with vitamins and minerals, such as fatty acids for promoting brain and muscle development and probiotics for supporting healthy digestive functioning.
How do I know which dry food is right for my dog?
Dog foods today come in almost as many varieties as there are types of dog, so it’s up to you to decide which is right for your favorite K9. If you have a puppy, it’s a good idea to look for a blend that is specially formulated for young dogs, since they can help promote physical and mental growth at early stages of like. Likewise, if you have a small or large dog, you should consider a formula that matches that size. Ultimately, you may have to experiment with a few different varieties before finding one that you — and your dog — enjoy.
Why Trust Us
Since 2008, DogTime has served as a leading resource for millions of dog owners and pet lovers alike. Our goal is to give every dog and pet a happy, healthy home by providing owners with all the information they need to be the best pet parents possible. Our experts share their insights and recommendations to make caring for your beloved pets a breeze.