There are many dog food options out there, including organic, wet, dry, canned, grain-free, and natural foods. Meanwhile, with different brands of dog food, it takes effort to figure out which is the best food to feed a dog. Generally, you will know the best food to feed a dog by the ingredients contained in the food. However, more than ingredients are needed to give you the whole picture, according to experts.
Therefore, in this post, we want to help you search for the best dog food by giving you the best brands in 2024. We’ve also included everything you need to know about buying food for a dog based on experts’ recommendations, even if you have a dog with food allergies.
Factors to Consider When Buying Dog Food
Different factors determine what makes food good for a dog, but the two biggest factors are the nutritional component and proportions. On the one hand, the food has to be nutritionally balanced, having the right micro and macro elements the dog needs. On the other hand, the amount of food you give your dog, depending on their size and weight, matters.
According to Dr. Megan Shepherd – a certified veterinary nutritionist and the founder of Veterinary Clinical Nutrition, “Overall, when selecting your dog’s food, it is important to consider the information on the label and beyond the label.”
With that said, below are major factors to look at when picking out the best food for your dog.
Ingredients and taste
The best food to feed a dog is less about the specific ingredients and more about the nutrients the dog gets from those ingredients. As such, certified veterinary nutritionists advise dog parents to focus more on the nutrients their companion gets. Nevertheless, the ingredient list presents a good idea of the nutrients the dog will get from the meal and the durability of the dog food.
Breed size
The size of a dog also determines the best food to feed the dog. Typically, what you give a small dog will be different from what a large, giant-breed dog eats. If you have a small dog, for instance, you will want to give them something they can easily bite and chew. Meanwhile, large dog breeds have a slower metabolic rate and, therefore, need greater portions of low-calorie food. This is to ensure they do not overfeed, are full, and do not gain weight that will hurt their health and joints.
Nutritional value
When selecting the best food to feed a dog, the nutrients and proportions matter a great deal. To know the nutrients your dog is getting from the food you’re giving them, look at the food’s energy density (written in kcal). Also, look at the feeding guidelines to know how to give your dog the right proportion to help them live longer.
AAFCO nutrition standards
The best food to feed a dog will meet the AAFCO nutrition standards; you can determine this by looking at the label. You’re looking for the nutritional adequacy statement written on the label, which must include ‘complete and balanced.’ Food that meets AAFCO regulation standards is certified as nutritionally complete and good for a dog.
Dog weight and life stage
The food you give your dog should generally match its life stage – that is, puppies should eat puppy food. Before you get the food, look for the specifications on the label as to what life stage it is suitable for.
The Importance of Getting the Right Food for Your Dog
Like human beings, our canine friends also need certain essential vitamins and minerals for general health and well-being. Animals also need a daily combination of the right elements, such as protein, vitamins, carbohydrates, fats, minerals, and water, to function properly. If you want your dog to get a balanced diet, you have to get food that offers that. Therefore, when you give your dog the right dog food, you will see the following benefits:
Muscle tone
Protein is essential for building the skin, muscles, organs, hair, and other tissues and for repairing and regenerating damaged cells. One of the benefits of getting the best food to feed a dog is that the dog gets an adequate amount of protein. As such, your dog will be able to build and maintain strong muscles and be in perfect body condition, especially if it is a hunting dog.
Protection against disease
The best food to feed a dog will contain minerals and vitamins that work together to keep your dog’s immune system functioning properly. Where minerals promote the normal function of the cells, vitamins help reduce the damage done to the cells. Giving your dog adequate levels of minerals and vitamins will protect your pet from falling ill eventually.
Rich, shiny coat
The right dog food will ensure optimal skin and hair coat health in the dog. For instance, if a dog is eating a proper balance of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, they will have healthy skin. Also, the right nutrients prevent dryness of the skin and ensure the production of hair with a nice sheen.
Top 10 Dog Food Brands Reviewed
1. Nutro Ultra Dry Food for Large Breed
This dog food offers a tasty combination of chicken, lamb, and salmon to produce dry dog food high in protein. With chicken and chicken meal as the main ingredient, this dog food offers a crunch texture that can promote your dog’s dental health. Apart from the two main ingredients, this dog food also contains glucosamine and chondroitin, which help promote healthy joints and cartilage.
- Pros
- Works for various dog types with different lifestyles.
- Features three different types of animal protein that your canine companion will benefit from.
- Cons
- It is not the best food to feed a dog that has grain allergies.
Reviews
Pius J | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“After a while of searching for the best food for my dog, I came across the Nutro Ultra Dry Food and it ticked all my boxes.”
Gift H | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“I have always wanted a food brand that can work well for my different breeds and that was what I got with this dog feed. I am sure to get some more!”
2. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula for Puppies
This dog food was formulated specially to cater to the health and overall well-being of your canine companion making it the best food to feed a dog. It features formulas with real meat, garden fruit, and veggies, whole grains, and added LifeSource Bits. The dog food offers a precise blend of nutrients enhanced with antioxidant-rich ingredients. Furthermore, it is formulated with the importance of the puppyhood stage in mind, featuring ingredients that will support healthy development.
- Pros
- Available in different puppy formulas
- It contains smaller-sized kibble pieces
- Cons
- It is not the best option if your puppy is sensitive to grains.
Reviews
Ori O. | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“For puppies, their health is a major priority which is why I recommend you get this Life Protection Formula.”
James A. | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“Quality, affordable, and comes in a sizable quantity. It was a great purchase.”
3. Pawstruck Beef Dog Food
This dog food is excellent for dogs that are sensitive to grains as it is grain-free. It was slow-cooked to ensure it retains its natural nutrition, and it gives that crunchy texture. Meanwhile, the food is made with over 95% beef and is devoid of any artificial preservatives. This all-natural, gluten-free meal is the perfect meal for your pup with a paleo-inspired recipe that aids digestion.
- Pros
- It is nutrient-packed and slow-cooked to retain its natural nutrient composition.
- It is balanced with meat and other important ingredients that a pup needs to grow.
- Cons
- If you prefer vegetarian dog food for your pet, you should check other options.
Reviews
Paul W. | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“My dog keeps refusing many of the food I bring to him and I was getting frustrated until someone told me Pawstruck beef dog food. Now my dog can’t stop eating.”
Gentle A. | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“The Pawstruck beef food is an ideal meal for every dog that I will recommend any day, anytime.”
4. Dr. Mercola Free-Range Dehydrated Dog Food
Dr. Mercola is formulated with the perfect health of your canine companion in mind, meeting the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) standards. It was crafted using organic meats, bones, fruits, and vegetables and humanely raised, organic free-range chicken. It is completely free from added hormones, sugar, preservatives, antibiotics, gluten, grain, flavors, artificial colors, and gluten.
- Pros
- Suitable for all dog breeds and life stages, including large-sized dogs.
- It is gluten- and grain-free, making it excellent for dogs allergic to grains.
- It comes ready to be used straight from the bag; no special preparation is required.
- Cons
- It is a bit on the expensive side compared to other options
Reviews
Joyce V. | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“Since my dog started taking this dehydrated dog food, it’s been having a great appearance and stronger bones. I need to get as many as I can.”
Samuel K. | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“I got value for my money on this particular product and the only thing on my mind is why I did not get it earlier.”
5. ACANA Grain-Free Red Meat
This grain-free red meat is a dry dog meal that contains a wide range of ingredients every pup needs to survive. It offers great support for the digestive health, healthy weight, immune health, and healthy skin and coat of your canine companion. Furthermore, it is crafted with ingredients you know and loves, perfectly suited to match your pup’s natural nutritional needs.
- Pros
- Rich in flavor, dogs crave the right amount of nutrients to support healthy skin and a sheen coat.
- Helps your dog maintain a healthy weight with its balanced ingredients.
- Cons
- Some customers have reservations regarding the smell of the meal.
Reviews
Ahmed B. | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“Let me fill you in on a secret – this Acana dog feed is the absolute best you can find out there. It is rich in all ingredients needed for healthy skin.”
Karl A. | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“One thing you never want to overlook is the weight of your dog, and that is what this amazing dog feed helps you achieve.”
6. Cesar Chicken Dog Food Topper
If you’re looking to add a gourmet to the variety of food your dog is eating; this food is a perfect choice. This wet dog food, limited-ingredient meal topper offers delicious topper features with real chicken as the number one ingredient. Meanwhile, if you don’t want to serve it as a topper, you can serve it on its own as a snack.
- Pros
- It has no preservatives, colors, or the like, giving you an all-natural choice of gourmet for your canine companion.
- You can use it as a topper or as a special snack for your pet.
- Cons
- Some customers complain that the dog meal is packaged in small amounts.
Reviews
Anthonia Z. | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“For someone who has been in the market for a while in search of a great topper, I am glad I finally found this amazing option.”
Gentle A. | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“For me, it is the absence of preservatives or coloring that makes me love it.”
7. Canidae Chicken-and-Rice Dry Dog Food
Give your furry friend optimum protein from this chicken meal, especially if you’re looking for a nutritionally dense formula and mouth-watering taste combined. This dry dog food is crafted with a trio of antioxidants and omega-3, omega-6 fatty acids, and probiotics. It is completely free from common allergens like soy, corn, and wheat and is crafted to give your dog wholesome nutrition.
- Pros
- This food is formulated for all breeds.
- It is completely free of those common food allergens that many dogs are allergic to, such as corn, soy, and wheat.
Reviews
Antoniette J. | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“I have more than one dog breed and finding a dog food that works for them all has been a challenge. But not anymore with this chicken and rice dry dog food from Canidae.”
Esther E. | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“My dog is not allergic to this food. Oops! You have no idea how excited I am about that.”
8. Canidae Grain-Free Sun-Dried Dog Food
This dog food contains wholesome ingredients such as farm-grown veggies, premium proteins, and hearty grains for balanced nutrition. It is formulated with several single animal proteins, making it suitable for dogs with a sensitive stomach. Furthermore, if your dog is allergic to grains, this food, featuring real lamb paired with veggies and fruits, is a great choice.
- Pros
- It has great value, taste, and allergy-relief properties
- Contains ingredients that help with ear infections.
- Cons
- Some consumers have complained about dust and also have differing opinions on the food quality and size.
Reviews
Ibrin T. | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“The veggies and fruits added to this food are as good as it can get, and this has improved my dog’s health.”
Joshua A. | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“This dog food is a great reflection of the Canidae brand as my dog loves it and so I do too.”
9. Blue Buffalo Freedom Dry Dog Food
Blue Buffalo Freedom is a delicious, grain-free dog meal formula with zero gluten and high-quality real meat. It has zero poultry by-product meals, containing ingredients to support puppies’ healthy growth and development. If you’re looking for a grain-free diet to give your furry friend, this is one great option to start with.
- Pros
- It is one of the best dog foods you can find as far as ingredient listing goes.
- Contains quality ingredients, digestive properties, and energy-boosting components.
- Cons
- Some consumers complain about the fiber contained, which is quite decent.
Reviews
Immaculate E. | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“On first purchase, I checked the ingredient listing and that appears to be the most comprehensive I have gotten from any dog food.”
Gerald H. | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“My dog is as addicted to this food as I am to my console, and that is why I recommend it to anyone.”
10. Wellness Functional Meal Topper
This high-quality meal topper is crafted to support the overall health and vitality of a canine with guaranteed zinc and vitamin E levels. Made with whole, nutrient-rich ingredients, this food is also a great choice if your dog is a picky eater. Moreover, the food is suitable for all dog breeds and sizes and has added flavor to boost energy and maintain strong immune systems.
- Pros
- Stand out for its nutritional components
- It is a great addition to your pup’s diet.
- Cons
- There are reservations about the packaging being too much air and less than halfway filled.
Reviews
Francis E. | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“My dog was always selecting food and that was costing me a lot. All that stopped when I got the Wellness Functional Meal Topper.”
Theophilus J. | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“It’s a 5-star for me because I got all I wanted for my dog in terms of nutritional value.”
Comparing Nutro Ultra Dry Food for Large Breeds to Other Dog Foods
| Product | Awards | Star | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nutro Ultra Dry Food for Large Breed | Editor’s Choice | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | Buy on Amazon Buy on Chewy |
| Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula for Puppies | Top Pick | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | Buy on Amazon Buy on Chewy |
| Pawstruck Beef Dog Food | Top Pick | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | Buy on Amazon Buy on Chewy |
| Dr. Mercola Free-Range Dehydrated Dog Food | Top Pick | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | Buy on Amazon Buy on Chewy |
| ACANA Grain-Free Red Meat | Top Pick | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | Buy on Amazon Buy on Chewy |
| Cesar Chicken Dog Food Topper | Top Pick | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | Buy on Amazon Buy on Chewy |
| Chicken-and-Rice Dry Dog Food | Top Pick | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | Buy on Amazon Buy on Chewy |
| Canidae Grain-Free Sun-Dried Dog Food | Top Pick | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | Buy on Amazon Buy on Chewy |
| Blue Buffalo Freedom Dry Dog Food | Top Pick | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | Buy on Amazon Buy on Chewy |
| Wellness Functional Meal Topper | Top Pick | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | Buy on Amazon Buy on Chewy |
Conclusion
If you’re at sea about what food to buy for your dog, these ten options are a good place to start as quality food can make all the difference. They are formulated with the right ingredients and nutrients that your dog requires to maintain a good and healthy life. Moreover, a good way to help your dog fight infections and diseases is to give them the best food to feed a dog that is rich in the right nutritive value.