If you have been to your local pet store recently, you might have noticed the dog food aisle is no longer one small strip in the back of the store.
Instead, it is two to three aisles packed full of dry dog food.
Some claim to be all-natural but then have ingredients like meal or byproduct. Others say they are grain-free, but still have “flours” listed.
Reading the back of a dog food bag might make you feel as though you need a chemistry degree.
Image via Flaticon
Luckily, you do not have to wander down the aisles and try to decode what manufacturers are telling you.
Instead, you need a curated list of the best dog foods pre-screened for all the nasty additives and one that focuses on your pet’s well-being.
Comparison Table
Product | Image | Rating | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|
Merrick Grain Free Dry Dog Food Recipes |  | ||
Taste of the Wild Grain Free Premium High Protein Dry Dog Food |  | ||
Nutro Ultra Dry Dog Food |  | ||
Blue Buffalo Freedom Grain Free Natural Adult Large Breed Dry Dog Food |  | ||
Whole Earth Farms Adult Recipe Dry Dog Food |  | ||
Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Diets Dry Dog Food |  | ||
Diamond Naturals Adult Real Meat Recipe Premium Dry Dog Food |  | ||
Taste of The Wild Grain Free Premium High Protein Dry Dog Food |  | ||
Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Grain Free, Natural Adult Dry Dog Food |  | ||
Wellness Core Natural Grain Free Dry Dog Food |  |
How We Handpick Our Best Dry Dog Food Winners
Image via Pixabay
Today, you have dozens of brands to choose from for your dog’s nutritional needs.
Many advertise themselves as “balanced,” and some are audacious enough to label themselves as “vet approved.” One word of caution: any brand stating they are veterinarian approved has violated the AAFCO labeling rules. Therefore, you should avoid them altogether.
Our ranking process is simple:
10 Of The Best Dry Dog Food Brands For Dogs Of All Sizes
To make your job of shopping for the right dog food easier, we have organized our top 10 best dry dog food brands based on their small, medium, or large breed formulas.
Merrick Grain Free Dry Dog Food Recipes
- #1 INGREDIENT: DEBONED MEAT, FISH OR POULTRY: Merrick Grain Free dog food recipes contain leading levels of high quality...
- HEALTHY SKIN AND COAT, HIPS AND JOINTS: These grain free dog food recipes contain leading levels of Omega-3 and 6 fatty...
- REAL WHOLE FOODS FOR OPTIMAL NATURAL NUTRITION: Merrick Grain Free dog food recipes include real, whole foods like sweet...
Merrick’s grain-free formula focuses on real beef, vegetables, and fruits for a potent blend of vitamins and minerals for your dog. It is free from gluten, artificial colors, and artificial preservatives. Merrick products are all made in their Texas facility using ingredients they source from local farmers.
Guaranteed analysis shows 38% protein, 15% fat, and 3.5% fiber.
Quality | Check Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|
$$ |
Taste Of The Wild Pacific Stream Grain-Free
- Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream with SMOKE-FLAVORED SALMON dry dog food; REAL FISH is the #1 ingredient; high-protein...
- Nutrient-rich and provides the energy to thrive; vitamins and minerals from SUPERFOODS; omega fatty acids for healthy...
- Each serving includes high levels of species-specific, K9 Strain PROPRIETARY PROBIOTICS — plus antioxidants and...
Taste of the Wild focuses on whole food nutrition using real fruits, vegetables, and dried chicory root. The company prides themselves on using powerful antioxidants from natural sources, and they use a proprietary K9 probiotic blend for better digestion.
Guaranteed analysis shows 38% protein, 15% fat, and 3.5% fiber.
Quality | Check Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|
$$ |
Nutro Ultra Adult Dry Dog Food
- Contains one (1) 30 lb. bag of NUTRO ULTRA Adult Dry Dog Food with a Trio of Proteins From Chicken, Lamb and Salmon
- Features trio of protein from chicken, lamb, and salmon—chicken is the #1 ingredient—specially formulated for adult...
- Our premium dog food kibble is made with high-quality ingredients and provides complete and balanced nutrition for adult...
Nutro Ultra uses farm-raised chicken from the U.S. They also focus on whole grains, soluble fiber sources, and antioxidants. You never find artificial flavors or colors in Nutro products either.
Guaranteed analysis shows 38% protein, 15% fat, and 3.5% fiber.
Quality | Check Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|
$$ |
Blue Freedom Grain-Free Beef Recipe
- STARTS WITH REAL BEEF: A recipe that starts with real beef as the first ingredient, this dry dog food features the high...
- GRAIN FREE LARGE BREED DOG FOOD: BLUE Freedom grain free dog food for large breed dogs contains glucosamine and...
- ANTIOXIDANT-RICH LIFESOURCE BITS: A precise blend of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals carefully selected by holistic...
Blue Freedom is a line from the Blue Buffalo family of dry dog food products. This line focuses on a gluten-free product that uses beef over chicken.
It is designed for larger breeds, which means you have glucosamine and chondroitin added for the joint and bone health issues larger breeds are known for:
The guaranteed analysis, which is required within the AFFCO labeling procedure lists Blue Buffalo Freedom at 22% protein, 13% fat, and 6% fiber.
Quality | Check Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|
$$ |
Whole Earth Farms Adult Recipe
- Made In The USA
- For adult Dogs Of All Breeds
- First ingredient is quality protein
Whole Earth Farms focuses on natural nutrition. Their kibbles are made in the United States and contain probiotics for easier digestion. It is harder to find locally, especially in big box pet stores. You can purchase it online with ease from third-party sellers.
The guaranteed analysis shows 26% protein, 13% fat, and 3.5% fiber.
Quality | Check Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|
$$ |
Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Diets
- Contains (1) 26 pound bag of dry dog food
- Grain-free, limited ingredient diet with a single animal protein source
- Helps minimize the number of ingredients dogs are exposed to
Natural Balance uses a LID recipe (limited ingredient diet) for dogs with sensitivity to grain. Omega-3 fatty acids are added in for healthier coats, while only single animal proteins are used to prevent stomach upset.
Guaranteed analysis shows 21% protein, 10% fat, and 5% fiber.
Quality | Check Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|
$$ |
Diamond Naturals Adult Real Meat Recipe
- Real Beef protein for superior taste and nutrition.
- levels of vitamin E and selenium.
- Omega-6 and omega-3 Fatty acids for skin and coat.
Diamond Naturals focuses on real protein, nutrient-dense fruits and vegetables, and a probiotic blend for easier digestion. All Diamond Natural products are made in the U.S. and do not feature corn, wheat, filler, artificial flavors or colors.
Guaranteed analysis shows 25% protein, 15% fat, and 4.5% fiber.
Quality | Check Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|
$$ |
Taste of The Wild Grain Free Premium High Protein
- Taste of the Wild high Prairie with roasted bison & venison real meat is #1 ingredient optimal amino acid profile &...
- High protein ingredients with added vitamins & minerals fruits and vegetables as SUPERFOODS for hard-working...
- Ingredients from TRUSTED, SUSTAINABLE sources around the world; made without grain, corn, wheat, filler; NO ARTIFICIAL...
Taste of the Wild’s prairie version is still grain-free but focuses on animal proteins over fish. They still use their proprietary probiotic blend along with added Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids.
Guaranteed analysis shows 32% protein, 18% fat, and 4% fiber.
Quality | Check Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|
$$ |
Blue Buffalo Wilderness Chicken Recipe
- MORE CHICKEN IS COMING: An evolution of your dog’s formula with more chicken than ever, plus wholesome grains
- PACKED WITH REAL CHICKEN: A recipe made to satisfy your dog’s natural love for meat, this high protein dog food...
- HEALTHY INGREDIENTS: BLUE Wilderness grain free dog food, made with healthy carbohydrates including sweet potatoes and...
Blue Buffalo Wilderness focuses on a diet that mirrors that of ancestral wolves. It has high protein, antioxidants, and essential carbohydrates to keep up with your dog’s energy.
Guaranteed analysis shows 34% protein, 15% fat, and 6% fiber.
Quality | Check Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|
$$ |
Wellness CORE Grain-Free Original
- GRAIN-FREE ADULT DRY DOG FOOD: Premium protein from responsibly sourced turkey is expertly balanced with nutrient rich...
- LEANER BODY MASS AND MUSCLE TONE: Based on the nutritional philosophy that dogs thrive on a natural diet mainly...
- SUPPORTS HEALTHY COAT & DIGESTIVE HEALTH: Guaranteed levels of omega fatty acids from ingredients such as flaxseed and...
Wellness CORE focuses on grain-free diets with high-protein content, probiotics, and vitamins. They eliminate the need for artificial ingredients and byproducts by sticking to real food and all-natural preservatives.
Guaranteed analysis shows 34% protein, 15% fat, and 6% fiber.
Quality | Check Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|
$$ |
A Quick Buyer’s Guide When Shopping For The Best Dry Dog Food
Image via PIxabay
Whether you purchase one of the top 10 or go out shopping for your preferred brand, consider these tips to ensure you come home with a bag packed full of the right nutrients for your dog:
Whether you purchase one of the top 10 or go out shopping for your preferred brand, consider these tips to ensure you.
Should You Use BARF Instead?
Flaticon
BARF, biologically available raw food, is a new fad for pet food. Some proponents will argue that BARF is the only correct diet for dogs, but if done improperly, it could lead to catastrophic consequences for your dog.
Realize that BARF, according to Cesar Millan, is only for dogs with medical conditions like immune disorders or skin conditions. In most cases, dogs are better off with high-quality commercial dog foods using natural meat products.
Feel free to share your opinion on the best dry dog food out there or whip up something special for your fur baby by looking over the DIY recipes we have on the site.
Featured Image via Pexels
Last update on 2023-04-14 at 23:26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
