Best Dog Food Brands*
Discover quality recipes we recommend for your dog with top-rated brands and best-selling recipes.
What to look for in dog food
Quality nutrition can help your dog live a long and healthy life. Here are some things to consider when choosing food for your pet.
Your dog’s needs
Buy food that’s tailored to your dog’s age, lifestyle and health concerns for optimal health benefits.
AAFCO-approved nutritional guarantee
The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) stamp means the food is complete and balanced.
Ingredients
Look for high-quality protein sources and avoid artificial colors, flavors and preservatives.
Find the right food
Get a personalized recommendation for your dog with our Right Food Finder.
Pet parent faves
Best Affordable Dog Food Brand
WholeHearted
Starting with wholesome protein as the first ingredient, WholeHearted offers a number of recipes, including options for easy digestion, seniors, sensitive pets and weight management. Plus, all food has probiotics to help promote a happy belly and omega-3 fatty acids to help support a healthy skin & coat.
Best Small Breed Dog Food Brand
Hill’s Science Diet
A vet favorite, Hill’s Science Diet offers evidence-based clinical nutrition that meets a variety of needs. Their food is specifically formulated to provide optimal nutrition for all ages and select health concerns like skin and stomach sensitivities.
Best Raw Dog Food Brand
Instinct
Instinct offers freeze-dried and frozen 100% raw meals packed with high-quality ingredients. Offering minimally processed natural ingredients and no fillers, Instinct’s line includes freeze-fried toppers, kibble with freeze-dried bits and more that make it easy to feed your pet raw.
Best Grain Free Dog Food Brand
Taste of the Wild
Packed with fresh, high-quality meat, Taste of the Wild’s recipes include savory combinations and probiotics to help promote optimal digestive health. It offers an extensive line of grain-free food, plus a newer line featuring ancient grains like quinoa, millet and chia that provide your dog with fiber.
We’re here to help
Beyond food, our stores offer health & wellness products and services to help make sure your dog has everything they need to thrive.
Grooming
Target their specific needs with essential care and customized packages.
Dog Training
Reinforce good behavior while strengthening their total well-being.
Vet Services
Get the care your pet needs to feel their best at every stage of life.
Pet Pharmacy
Save big on heartworm preventives, pain relievers, Rx flea & tick control and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Vets can help you choose a food that fits your dog’s nutritional needs based on their age, lifestyle, health concerns and activity level. For example, a dog with food sensitivities will need different food than a healthy young adult dog.
Hill's Science Diet is a favorite brand among vets because their formulas are consistent, natural ingredients are tested for purity, and recipes do not have any artificial flavors or preservatives.
The best brand of dog food always depends on your dog. Since every dog has different needs, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Some dogs may have food sensitivities, while other dogs may be choosy about flavor.
When choosing food, look for the American Association of Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) seal of approval on the back of the bag. Then, look at the list of ingredients. Quality dog food does not have any artificial colors, flavors or preservatives.
The best brand of dog food is one that supports your dog’s age, health, activity level and preferences. If you have more than one dog, what’s best for one dog may not be best for the others.
Puppies have very specific nutritional needs. Because every puppy is different, there’s no single brand that’s best for every puppy. According to AAFCO guidelines, puppy food should have a specific amount of protein, fat and calcium. For example, puppy food should be made up of at least 22.5% protein, but protein only needs to make up 18% of adult dog food.
The best brand depends on your dog’s specific needs. Small breeds should eat food specifically formulated for their size, so the kibble is easier to chew and your dog gets the nutrients they need. Small breed dogs usually need more protein and calories per pound than larger breeds. They can also benefit from an antioxidant-rich diet.
*Based on petco.com customer reviews.
