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Are you looking for some of the healthiest dog food brands for your pup? It’s important to always consult your vet when it comes an appropriate food regimen for your pet. However, there are certain qualities to consider.
What to look for
Are you looking for some of the healthiest dog food brands for your pup? It’s important to always consult your vet when it comes an appropriate food regimen for your pet. However, there are certain qualities to consider.
Lifestage
Just like humans, dogs need different amounts of vitamins, minerals and nutrients depending on how old they are. Make sure you read the label thoroughly to make sure your brand is suitable for whatever life stage suits them.
AAFCO-approved nutritional guarantee
This marking on the bag or can indicates that the food within is a complete and balanced meal for your pup.
Size
The size of your pet matters when it comes to the best dog food brands. Larger dogs can be prone to certain diseases because of their size—that means they’ll need different vitamins and minerals. Smaller dogs may need a more miniature kibble to ensure everything is being chewed thoroughly and digested.
Find the right food
Get a personalized recommendation for your dog with our Right Food Finder.
Pet parent faves
Though only your vet can determine the safest dog food for your pet, we can offer you a list of our best-sellers based on pet parent purchases. Here are our most popular brands.
Compare All
ORIJEN Dog Food
Taste of the Wild Dog Food
Instinct Dog Food
Hill’s Dog Food
Wholehearted Dog Food
The Honest Kitchen Dog Food
| Dog Food Brand | Year Founded | Offers Different Lifestages | Complete and Balanced | Offers Different Breed Sizes | Grain-Free Available | Offers Limited Ingredients |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ORIJEN Dog Food | 1985 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Taste of the Wild Dog Food | 2007 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Instinct Dog Food | 2002 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Hill’s Dog Food | 1907 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Wholehearted Dog Food | 2006 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| The Honest Kitchen Dog Food | 2016 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| The Honest Kitchen Dog Food | 2002 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
ORIJEN Dog Food
ORIJEN prides itself on using quality ingredients that are grain-free and suitable for the WholePrey diet.
- Offers a variety of food both cats and dogs
- Biologically appropriate recipes
- Offers all ages dog food
- Available for all different sized breeds
- Freeze-dried selections keep food shelf-stable
- Limited ingredient options
“Great food! I am so happy with this choice of puppy food for my dog. My puppy and her older sister and brother do too— lol. Need more!"" - Biggina706
Pros
- First five ingredients are raw or fresh
- Food is made up of 85% protein
- Contains freeze-dried whole foods
Cons
- On the higher side of the cost scale
Taste of the Wild Dog Food
Taste of the Wild believes good dog food brands should mimic the variety they had while fending for themselves in the wilderness. They offer unique ingredients like venison, bison, smoked salmon and trout to entice your pet and keep them intrigued.
- AHas selections for both dogs and cats
- Offers both grain-free and ancient grain options
- Formulates both large breed and small breed dog food
- The Taste of the Wild Prey line has limited ingredients for sensitive stomachs
- Available in various flavors so your pet doesn’t get bored
- Combines high-quality proteins with fiber-filled carbs to keep your pet fuller for longer
- Offers both senior dog food age blends and puppy blends 15.0%
“My six dogs love it! I’ve been feeding Taste of the Wild for a couple of years now, this is the only food that my dogs finish off, they waste nothing.” –Boots1953
Pros
- Offers an assorted variety of flavors for your pets
- Options for pets who have dietary restrictions
Cons
- No wet food options for dogs
Hill’s Dog Food
When you go to your vet’s office, you’ll often see a display of Hill’s Science Diet—and with their scientifically formulated dog food, it’s easy to see why. Hill’s offers solutions for a variety of dietary restrictions and ailments—including prescription food.
- Offers selections for both dogs and cats
- Hill’s dog food is reviewed by pet nutritionists
- Offers dog food that is designed to be gentle on their stomachs
- Is one of the best dog food brands for weight control
- Has a good mix of both wet and dry dog food
“Hills Science, a better option. Hills Science dog food is way superior, in my opinion, to other dog foods. My dogs like it and they stay healthy on it. I have used this food on my other dogs in the past - they lived long, healthy lives (my border collie lived to 17 years of age). I would definitely recommend it.” -Sally Anne
Pros
- Many vets offer this food in their office
- They offer prescription food options
Cons
- Higher price point
Wholehearted Dog Food
Wholehearted wants your pups to get a nourishing, nutritious meal that’s also packed with flavor. They have a variety of ingredients and textures designed with an appetizing flavor and scent that can send your pup running every time a container of Wholehearted is opened.
- Available for both dogs and cats
- Offers a variety of wet food and toppers so you can mix and match
- Available in a variety of sizes and price points
- Offers Active Performance blends for pups who exert a lot of energy
“WholeHearted dog food Kibble is small enough for our elderly dog and works fine for our other dogs as well. They all seem happy with the taste!! We've tried several of the WholeHearted brands and are very happy with the product.” -JamieLance
Pros
- Variety of sizes
- Suits many dietary restrictions
- Different textures keep your pup from getting bored
Cons
- Not a lot of options for dogs on a weight control diet
The Honest Kitchen Dog Food
Pour overs, stews, pâtés, broths—The Honest Kitchen has a gourmet- selection for your beloved pup. They won’t get bored with all these delicious flavors that offer numerous combinations at mealtime. All of their food is also human-grade, which means you’ll only find ingredients that are suitable to use in human food.
- Available for cats and dogs
- Made in the USA
- No GMO products
- No fillers
- No by-products
- No artificial preservatives
- No artificial colors
“Love Pour Overs! [This review was collected as part of a promotion.] My dogs LOVE the pumpkin Pour Overs. One is very picky when it comes to food. I signed up at the website for a monthly auto-ship and have not been disappointed.” -Donna R.
Pros
- Human-grade food means you’re providing your pet with a home-cooked meal with the benefit of knowing it has all the vitamins and minerals they need to thrive.
Cons
- Higher price point
Instinct Dog Food
Instinct knows that every pet has unique nutritional needs, dietary restrictions and palates. Some of the top dog food brands provide a variety, and Instinct offers every dry, wet, frozen, freeze-dried food options as well as meal toppers.
- Offers selections for both dogs and cats
- Offers a variety of options for dietary restrictions
- Choose between shelf-stable and frozen raw products
- Made in the USA
- Every bite is protein-packed
- Has an array of dog food flavors
- A great mix of raw food and kibble
“Dog this food is great for allergies. Instinct is the best food for dogs with allergies. My golden doodle’s ears were constantly infected—the vet recommended this food and 10 yrs later my dog has never had another ear infection.” -Renéeee
Pros
- Offers an amazing assortment of options, including some of the best dog food for aging dogs
Cons
- Higher price point
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Learn More About Best Dog Food
Just like humans, there is a big debate on which diet is best for your dog to eat. The best way to find the proper brand of wet dog food or dry dog food for your particular pup is to consult your vet. They can tell you if your pet has sensitivities or weight issues. They can also recommend the most suitable brand for your dog’s unique needs.
Look for a brand that offers blends for smaller breeds or blends that are specifically for the Shih Tzu breed.
Larger breeds need special formulas at every life stage—since large breed dogs are often prone to bone diseases, they need the right balance of nutrients. Always look for the large breed formulas. It’s also important to consult your vet for recommendations on supplements.
