The Best Dog Food
When you're picking out food for your pup there are so many factors to keep in mind. Breed, age, and health can all determine what they should be eating and how their bodies will react to different ingredients. We know there are so many different dog food options out there so we've rounded up our favorites to help you decide. Whether you have a senior dog or a brand-new puppy, we know you'll find something that you and your furry friend will love. While we were researching dog food, we found that the best ones are made from high-quality ingredients, are designed to support digestive health, and come in flavors that your dog will love. With these things in mind, our favorite dog food is the Life Protection Formula from Blue Buffalo. This dry dog food is designed for adult dogs and is made with quality ingredients such as deboned beef, brown rice, carrots, and blueberries. In addition to being delicious, this food is also a great option to boost your dog's immune system. If your dog has a sensitive stomach, we also love the Sensitive Skin and Stomach formula from Purina Pro Plan. With live probiotics and oatmeal included in the mix, your dog shouldn't have any issues digesting this tasty food. Keep reading to discover your new favorite dog food.
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula
Delicious and nutritious
This beef and brown rice dry dog food from Blue Buffalo is full of vitamins and minerals that will boost your dog’s overall health. The food is made from high-quality deboned beef, real fruits and vegetables, and complex carbohydrates like sweet potatoes that are cold-formed to preserve the potency of each ingredient. In addition to increasing your dog’s energy, you’ll also notice an improvement in their joint and skin health.
Pros:
- We like that this food comes tightly sealed so you can ensure it is fresh each time you purchase a new bag.
- You won’t have to worry about your dog getting hungry in between meals thanks to the high protein content of this food. It will take their bodies more time to process the protein and healthy fats, so they won’t be constantly begging for more food.
Cons:
- Some picky dogs don’t like to eat the antioxidant-rich LifeSource Bits that are mixed into the food and leave them behind in their food bowl.
Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin and Stomach
If your pup deals with skin or stomach complaints you need to switch to this formula from Purina Pro Plan. This sensitive dog food is high in protein, omega-6 fatty acids, and natural prebiotic fiber to support a healthy digestive system. In addition to salmon and rice, this food also includes oatmeal, which is very gentle and makes it easier to digest every ingredient. Get ready for your dog to fall in love with this food.
Pros:
- In addition to helping with your dog’s skin and stomach complaints, this dog food also includes ingredients that will make your dog’s coat thicker and shinier.
- We like that this food is made with high-quality ingredients that take longer to process. You will likely notice a positive difference in your dog’s stool quality and frequency soon after they start eating this food.
Cons:
- This dog food smells strongly of salmon, which might be a turn-off for some dog parents.
Cesar Soft Wet Dog Food Variety Packs
Gourmet grub
Once you add these wet dog food packs from Cesar to your dog’s diet, they’re going to be impatiently waiting for mealtime to come. Each loaf is 3.5 ounces and can be used as part of your dog’s daily food intake or their entire calorie count. They’ll love delicious flavors like smoked bacon and egg or scrambled egg and sausage, both of which have pork as their first ingredient. With a minimum of 8.5 percent crude protein in each loaf, this wet food is a great way to increase your dog’s intake of quality protein from various types of meat.
Pros:
- We like how easy it is to serve this food with a lid that easily peels off and keeps the food fresh inside. You won’t have to get out a can opener each time you feed your dog.
- This is a great option for picky eaters because it smells and tastes delicious, or at least your dog will think so.
Cons:
- This dog food does contain additives to keep the wet food fresher for longer, so it isn’t quite as healthy as other formulas or homemade dog food.
Wag Dry Dog Food for Puppies
Finding a dog food that your puppy loves and that will help them grow strong can be a challenge, which is why we love the puppy formula from Wag. The chicken and lentil recipe is designed specifically for puppies and consists of 36 percent protein to help with muscle growth. Free from grains and chemical preservatives, this food will support your little pup as they transition into adulthood.
Pros:
- We like that this food was formulated with guidance from veterinarians and a pet nutritionist to ensure the most important ingredients are included in the mix.
- This puppy food is fairly affordable, especially for a grain-free formula.
Cons:
- The size of each piece of food is very small, which is great for puppies but may make mealtimes messy if you have a larger breed.
Taste of the Wild High Prairie Grain-Free Canine Recipe
Powerful protein
If your dog suffers from allergies or a sensitive digestive system, it may be time to test out a grain-free diet. This formula from Taste of the Wild contains 32 percent protein derived from pasture-raised bison and venison. These sources of protein are easy to digest and are helped out by the dried chicory root that supports digestive health. Plus, this formula includes dog-specific bacteria strains that are added after the food is cooked to help with overall gut health. What’s not to love?
Pros:
- We like that this food was designed specifically to support adult dogs as they age.
- Since there aren’t any fillers in this nutrient-rich dog food, it will be easier for your dog to absorb all of the vitamins and minerals. This will help with their overall digestive health but will also prevent your dog from being overly hyperactive.
Cons:
- This food is more expensive than other grain-free recipes available for purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I transition my dog from one food to another?
Since every dog food has slightly different ingredients, it’s important to slowly introduce the new food over a few days to prevent vomiting, diarrhea, or stomach discomfort. The American Kennel Club recommends that you start with 75 percent old food and 25 percent new food. On day three you can increase it to 50 percent of each food and by day five you can increase it again to 75 percent new food and 25 percent old food. This means that by day seven your dog will be switched over entirely to their new food and shouldn’t have any digestive issues.
How do I know if my dog needs to be on a grain-free diet?
Most traditional dry dog foods contain grains in the form of rice, barley, and corn. But in recent years it has been discovered that these simple carbohydrates have resulted in allergies or sensitivities for some dogs. Some symptoms include itchiness, hair loss, hot spots, inflamed skin, sores, and scabs. If you think a grain-free diet might be the right option for your dog based on these symptoms, please check with your vet for a final opinion.
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