We consulted experts to help you navigate the many dog food options out there, including organic, natural, canned and grain-free.
One of the best ways to figure out the best dog food for your pup is through the ingredient list — but it doesn't always give you the whole picture, experts say.
“Commercially processed canned or kibble foods are formulated to meet dogs’ nutritional needs for proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals — they’re convenient, consistent and readily available, and they undergo a process of quality control and inspection that is meant to catch any contaminants or pathogens before they affect pets or people,” explained Dr. Lori Teller, a board-certified veterinarian and president of the American Veterinary Medical Association.
One of the best ways to figure out the best dog food for your pup is through the ingredient list — but it doesn't always give you the whole picture, experts say.
By Mili Godio
In addition to providing a cozy bed and plenty of toys, feeding your dog a nutritious diet is one of the many responsibilities that come with being a pet parent. Selecting the right food for your pup is an important decision, but with so many options on the market, it can be overwhelming. Experts told us the right food can not only lead to better absorption and digestion but also give your dog distinct health advantages.“Commercially processed canned or kibble foods are formulated to meet dogs’ nutritional needs for proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals — they’re convenient, consistent and readily available, and they undergo a process of quality control and inspection that is meant to catch any contaminants or pathogens before they affect pets or people,” explained Dr. Lori Teller, a board-certified veterinarian and president of the American Veterinary Medical Association.
As the number of dog-owning households grows in the U.S., it comes as no surprise that Americans are spending more on their furry friends’ diet. According to a recent survey by the American Pet Products Association, people spent upwards of $50 billion on food and treats for their pets in 2021 (up from $38 billion in 2020), with dog owners spending an average of $287 on food annually. Major pet supply retailers, like Chewy and Petco, have also seen a higher demand for premium dog food in the past year despite inflation concerns causing decreased spending on other essentials, like leashes and toys.
We consulted veterinarians and animal nutrition experts on what to keep in mind when shopping for the best dog food and compiled some highly rated options based on their guidance.
Best dog food to consider in May 2023
In line with our experts’ advice, all of the following highly rated dog foods — including dry kibble and canned wet food — meet or exceed the Association of Animal Feed Controls Officials (AAFCO) nutritional standards. They also come from brands that have a team of veterinary nutritionists on staff to regulate the use of high-quality ingredients, and each brand provides a feed guide on its packaging to help you determine the appropriate portions for your dog’s weight and size. All of the brands also offer high-calorie options for puppies and easily digestible kibble sizes for various sized dogs.
1. Best overall dry dog food: Royal Canin
Royal Canin Size Health Nutrition Small Adult Formula Dog Dry Food
Royal Canin offers some of the most diverse dog food options on the market — the brand makes both dry and wet food for a variety of dog sizes, breeds and dietary restrictions, including food sensitivities and gastrointestinal issues. I feed my 4-year-old Havachon, Bella, Royal Canin’s small-breed kibble — formulated for small dogs from 10 months old to 8 years that weigh 9 pounds to 22 pounds — after it was recommended by my veterinarian. Select’s manager of editorial operations Shari Uyehara says she also feeds her dog Loki, a 1-year-old cavalier King Charles spaniel, the same formula after it was recommended by Loki’s breeder. I’ve noticed that Bella prefers this brand over others, which she would often leave half-eaten. Royal Canin also offers its dry food formula for medium and large breeds, as well as a puppy formula.
2. Best dog food for puppies: Hill’s Science Diet
Hill's Science Diet Puppy Small Bites Dry Dog Food
Hill’s Science Diet’s dog food for puppies is designed for dogs up to 1 year old and is packaged in a small, easy-to-digest kibble, according to the brand. The formula contains natural DHA from fish oil that works to support healthy brain and eye development, as well as a vitamin E and vitamin C blend that helps support a healthy immune system in puppies, Hill’s Science Diet says. The food comes in a 4.5- or 15.5-pound bag, and the brand also offers a canned puppy formula, which our experts say can be great to mix into your dog’s kibble.
3. Best frozen dog food: Just Food for Dogs
Just Food For Dogs Fish & Sweet Potato
Just Food For Dogs is designed to be high in protein and low in calorie count, so it can be beneficial for dogs who may be overweight or don’t get regular exercise, according to the brand. It offers a variety of meal options that are made up of locally sourced produce and only one source of protein for a limited ingredients diet.
This sweet potato and fish option provides a balanced diet for dogs with sensitive stomachs or those in need of a novel protein due to allergies, Just Food For Dogs says. The brand offers two types of food: Fresh Frozen, which has no preservatives and can be thawed and served, and Pantry Fresh, which is shelf-stable for up to two years and doesn’t require refrigeration, according to the brand.
4. Best dog food for sensitive stomachs: Purina
Purina Pro Plan Adult Sensitive Skin & Stomach Dry Dog Food
Some dogs are sensitive to certain food ingredients, which can cause excessive itching, loose stools, occasional vomiting and other symptoms. Investing in a dog food formulated for dogs with sensitive stomachs and skin can help minimize these issues. This option from Purina is crafted without corn, wheat or soy to make it more easily digestible for dogs with an intolerance to these ingredients. However, experts told us these types of ingredients should only be avoided if your dog has an intolerance, as they are full of healthy vitamins, minerals and carbohydrates. To help your dog maintain a complete and balanced diet, the brand says the formula contains high-protein salmon, probiotics and prebiotic fiber for digestive and immune health and omega-6 fatty acids to help support a healthy skin and coat.
5. Best poultry-free dog food: Merrick
Merrick Grain Free Real Salmon & Sweet Potato Dry Dog Food
Former Select editor Morgan Greenwald gives Merrick’s salmon and sweet potato kibble to her 1-year-old pit bull mix, Suzie, since she can’t tolerate some other types of protein. “She gobbles it down and she does great with it — she has a sensitive tummy and her vet said we should avoid chicken and turkey, so I stick to salmon,” Greenwald says, adding that she likes the sweet potato in the formula “because it's good for dogs' digestion.”
The experts we spoke to agree: Studies show that proteins like beef and chicken are among the most reported causes of allergies in dogs, so it’s important to look out for common signs of allergies — like excessive itching and vomiting — to figure out what works best for them, says Dr. Joe Wakshlag, professor of clinical nutrition and sports medicine and rehabilitation at Cornell College of Veterinary Medicine. However, most dogs don’t usually experience these types of allergies, so you don’t need to avoid chicken and turkey unless you think your dog may have an allergy or intolerance.
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Dog Food