Choosing the right dog food can feel like navigating a maze. With countless options available, from kibble to fresh meals, and brands boasting various benefits, it’s understandable to feel overwhelmed. Just like us, dogs thrive on a balanced diet tailored to their specific needs. Finding the perfect dog food is an act of love, ensuring your furry companion is happy, healthy, and full of energy for years to come.
“There are so many food options for dogs that it is normal to feel overwhelmed. Working with a veterinarian to choose the right diet for your dog can be really helpful.” – Dr. Nell Ostermeier, DVM, CVA, FAAVA, Integrative Veterinarian
Veterinarians play a crucial role in guiding dog owners through this decision. They can assess your dog’s individual needs based on factors like age, breed, activity level, and any existing health conditions. Furthermore, they can recommend reputable brands that adhere to the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) standards, ensuring complete and balanced nutrition.
To simplify your search, we conducted a comprehensive survey of 407 dog owners. We gathered their real-world experiences with various popular dog food brands, evaluating factors such as ease of use, how much their dogs enjoyed the food (engagement), ingredient quality, and overall value. This hands-on feedback allowed us to identify the top-rated dog food brands that stand out in today’s market. Whether you’re a new dog parent stocking up on dog essentials or simply seeking to upgrade your current dog food, our guide will help you make an informed choice.
Here are the best dog food brands, as rated by dog owners in our PEOPLE Tested survey.
Purina Pro Plan
Star Qualities:
- High-quality ingredients formulation.
- Palatable taste, loved by many dogs.
- Kibble size suitable for training treats.
Red Flags:
- Limited flavor variety.
Purina Pro Plan emerged as the most frequently used brand in our survey, chosen by 14% of dog owners. It’s recognized as Purina’s premium line, prioritizing high-quality ingredients, a crucial factor for many dog owners. Survey data indicates that dogs generally enjoy the taste, and owners reported their dogs living longer, healthy lives on this food.
Purina Pro Plan offers a diverse range of formulas, encompassing wet and dry food options tailored for different breed sizes, weight management, sensitive stomachs, and specific dietary needs. The smaller kibble size is appreciated by many, making it ideal for training purposes. However, flavor options are somewhat limited, typically offering only one or two protein sources per formula. Some users found the packaging challenging to open and noted the lack of resealability.
Hill’s Science Diet
Star Qualities:
- Highly praised ingredient quality by dog owners.
- Specialized formulas for various health conditions.
- Available in different kibble sizes.
Red Flags:
- Wet food cans require a can opener.
Hill’s Science Diet achieved the highest overall satisfaction score in our dog food brand comparison, excelling particularly in ingredient quality. A significant number of respondents mentioned veterinarian recommendations, highlighting its suitability for dogs with health concerns. Hill’s Science Diet provides formulas designed to manage weight, digestive sensitivities, and allergies, including prescription diets for conditions like urinary and kidney issues.
Their over-the-counter range includes options for different dog sizes, such as Small Bites formulas with smaller kibble for small breeds. Puppy and senior dog formulas are available in both wet and dry forms. The primary drawbacks noted were the higher price point, which respondents felt had increased recently, and the inconvenience of needing a can opener for some wet food containers.
Purina One
Star Qualities:
- More budget-friendly Purina option.
- Weight management formulas available.
- Suitable for dogs with sensitive stomachs, according to owners.
Red Flags:
- Limited flavor options.
Purina One is favored by 11% of surveyed dog owners, especially for dogs with digestive sensitivities. Owners reported it being gentle on sensitive stomachs, even with long-term use. While maintaining good ingredient quality, it presents a more affordable alternative to Purina Pro Plan.
Purina One offers both wet and dry dog food, including small breed formulas with appropriately sized kibble. Respondents noted its effectiveness in maintaining healthy weight, with specialized formulas for weight management, joint health, and skin and coat health. However, flavor choices are often limited to chicken or lamb, which might not suit picky eaters or dogs with specific protein sensitivities.
Freshpet
Star Qualities:
- Made with human-grade ingredients.
- High palatability, dogs love the taste.
- Contains visible pieces of real meat and vegetables.
Red Flags:
- Limited availability in retail stores.
Fresh dog food is gaining popularity, with Freshpet being a favored brand among our survey participants. They offer refrigerated fresh dog food made with human-grade meat and vegetables in convenient tubes. Freshpet scored high in ingredient quality and dog engagement, with owners praising the taste and the healthy, nutritious composition free from artificial additives.
Freshpet provides various options, including different flavors and grain-free choices. The main drawbacks are its limited retail availability and the need for refrigeration and shorter shelf life compared to dry kibble.
Blue Buffalo
Star Qualities:
- Premium ingredients promoting dog health.
- Reported coat health benefits.
- Small breed formulas with manageable kibble size.
Red Flags:
- Fewer specialized formulas for specific health conditions compared to some brands.
Blue Buffalo is another brand recognized for high-quality ingredients, a key consideration for dog owners. Survey respondents indicated that it contributes to their dogs’ overall health and happiness. Some owners noted improvements in digestive issues and shinier, softer coats. Blue Buffalo is widely accessible and often more affordable than other premium brands.
They offer both wet and dry food, with multiple protein options to accommodate allergies or preferences. Small breed dry food with smaller kibble is available. However, compared to brands like Hill’s Science Diet or Royal Canin, Blue Buffalo has a less extensive range of specialized formulas for specific health concerns.
Iams
Star Qualities:
- Consistent quality over the years, according to long-term users.
- Promotes healthy skin and coat.
- Reasonable price for the quality offered.
Red Flags:
- Some formulas contain more fillers than preferred by some owners.
Consistency in dog food quality is highly valued, and Iams received positive feedback for its reliable quality over time. Owners who have used Iams for years attest to its consistently high standards and good ingredient selection. Coat health improvement and a reasonable price point for the quality were frequently mentioned benefits.
Iams offers a moderate selection of dry dog food, with fewer wet food options. Formulas for different life stages and breed sizes are available, but specialized formulas for health problems are limited. The Iams Proactive Health Healthy Weight formula addresses weight management. Some formulas were noted to contain more fillers than some owners desire.
Royal Canin
Star Qualities:
- Breed-specific formulas tailored to unique needs.
- Highly digestible proteins.
- Kibble shapes designed for different snout sizes.
Red Flags:
- Kibble size consistency can vary between bags.
Royal Canin stands out for its breed-specific formulas, catering to the unique predispositions of certain breeds. For example, Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition French Bulldog Dry Dog Food features a kibble shape designed for short snouts and incorporates highly digestible proteins to reduce gas and stool odor. They also offer formulas for specific health issues and kibble sizes tailored to different dog sizes.
Survey respondents rated Royal Canin highly for ingredient quality, noting its positive impact on dog health. However, inconsistent kibble size between bags was a recurring concern, and the brand is generally more expensive than many others.
Kirkland Signature
Star Qualities:
- Top-rated for value satisfaction in our survey.
- Available in large, economical bags.
- Good ingredient quality for the price.
Red Flags:
- Primarily sold at Costco warehouses.
Kirkland Signature, Costco’s in-house brand, is recognized for its balance of quality and affordability. Offered in 40-pound bags, it’s ideal for large dogs or multi-dog households. Owners appreciate the inclusion of healthy ingredients like sweet potato, lentils, and salmon. It achieved the highest value satisfaction rating in our survey, with dogs generally enjoying the taste.
While variety is limited, Kirkland provides formulas for different life stages, including puppies, small breeds, and senior dogs. Dry kibble is the main offering, with only two basic wet food options available.
Purina Beneful
Star Qualities:
- Mixture of kibble shapes and textures to maintain dog’s interest.
- Budget-friendly price point.
- Widely available in stores.
Red Flags:
- Owners desire more meaty pieces in the food.
Purina Beneful, another Purina brand, is designed to appeal to dogs who easily tire of their food. Its dry foods feature a mix of kibble shapes and textures, reported to keep dogs engaged and slow down eating speed. Beneful is also affordable and readily available in most stores.
Beneful offers a wide selection of wet and dry food, including flavors aimed at picky eaters. Beneful IncrediBites Small Dog is tailored for small breeds, and various wet food flavors and consistencies are available. Some owners wished for more visible meat pieces in the formulas.
Fromm
Star Qualities:
- High-quality, clean ingredients with minimal fillers.
- Made in the USA.
- Family-run company emphasizing quality.
Red Flags:
- Can be harder to find in typical retail settings.
Fromm is a more specialized brand focusing on high-quality, clean dry dog food formulas with minimal fillers. Owners appreciate its family-owned business model, five-generation history, and domestic production. While pricier and less widely available, Fromm is favored for its commitment to premium ingredients.
Pedigree
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Star Qualities:
- Economical dry food option.
- Palatable, dogs tend to eat it all.
Red Flags:
- Ingredient quality is not as high as premium brands.
Pedigree is a budget-friendly brand popular for its affordability and palatability. It scored highly for value in our survey, offering larger quantities like 30-pound bags at a lower price point. Widely available in retail stores, Pedigree offers both wet and dry food, including formulas for different breed sizes and weight management, along with dog treats. Dogs generally enjoy the taste, but ingredient quality is lower compared to premium brands, with corn often listed as a primary ingredient and less specific protein source descriptions.
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Understanding Dog Food Brands: Key Considerations
Choosing the best dog food involves more than just brand names. Here are crucial factors to consider:
Nutritional Adequacy
Prioritize dog foods that provide complete and balanced nutrition. “It’s important to ensure that you are feeding a complete and balanced diet — this information should be readily available on the label,” emphasizes Dr. Ostermeier.
Look for the AAFCO Nutritional Adequacy Statement on the packaging. This statement confirms that the food meets AAFCO standards for nutritional completeness and balance, indicating it contains all necessary nutrients in the correct proportions for your dog’s life stage (puppy, adult, senior).
Food Type
Dog food comes in various forms, each with its own advantages:
- Dry Food (Kibble): Often the most economical and convenient for storage. However, ingredient quality and processing levels can vary significantly between brands.
- Wet Food (Canned): More palatable for picky eaters due to enhanced flavor and aroma. “The benefit of wet foods is that they are high in moisture and in general, less processed than dry foods,” explains Dr. Ostermeier. “The increased moisture is hydrating and helps to keep their kidneys happy.” Brands like Blue Buffalo offer both wet and dry options.
- Fresh Food: Similar benefits to wet food with lightly cooked ingredients. Requires refrigeration and has a shorter shelf life. Freshpet is a popular fresh food brand according to our survey.
- Raw and Homemade Diets: Increasing in popularity, but require careful planning and veterinary consultation to ensure nutritional completeness. “If you are interested in feeding alternative diets such as raw, gently cooked, or home-prepared, I recommend consulting with an integrative veterinarian or veterinary nutritionist,” advises Dr. Ostermeier.
Budget
Dog food prices vary widely. Factor in your budget and consider the daily feeding amount, which influences how long a bag or case will last. Larger dogs naturally consume more food than smaller breeds. Larger bag sizes are often more cost-effective if storage space is available.
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Survey Methodology
Our recommendations are based on a survey of 407 dog owners.
- Survey Categories: Respondents shared their opinions on their dog’s food, including pros and cons, and rated ease of use, dog engagement, ingredient quality, and overall value.
- Results Interpretation: We compiled and analyzed these scores to identify the top-performing dog food brands. Hill’s Science Diet and Freshpet tied for the highest average score of 4.3 out of 5, followed by Fromm and Blue Buffalo at 4.2.
Frequently Asked Questions about Dog Food Brands
What is considered the healthiest dog food?
Defining the “healthiest” dog food is subjective and depends on individual dog needs. Factors like age, breed, size, activity level, health conditions, and taste preferences all play a role. Consulting your veterinarian is the best approach to determine the most suitable food for your dog.
Which dog food brands are most often recommended by veterinarians?
Veterinarians frequently recommend Purina, Hill’s Science Diet, Royal Canin, and Iams. These brands are known for extensive research, substantiated health claims, and employing veterinary nutritionists in product development. They are reliable starting points in your dog food search.
How should I transition my dog to a new food brand to avoid digestive issues?
Gradual transition is key to prevent digestive upset when switching dog foods. “The best way to switch dog foods is to introduce the new food gradually,” advises Dr. Ostermeier. “I recommend adding a small amount — for example, one to two tablespoons — as a ‘side dish’ to your dog’s current food and then building from there. If all goes well, as you increase the new food, decrease the amount of the old food until you are feeding 100 percent the new diet.”
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Why Trust PEOPLE Tested Reviews?
Camryn Rabideau, a seasoned product tester specializing in home and pet products, authored this review. Her extensive experience includes in-depth pet food research, interviews with numerous veterinarians and veterinary nutritionists, and personal experience as a dog owner. She meticulously analyzed hundreds of survey responses for this guide. Expert veterinary insights were provided by Dr. Nell Ostermeier.
Our Expert Panel
Dr. Nell Ostermeier, DVM, CVA, FAAVA, Integrative Veterinarian
About PEOPLE Tested
The PEOPLE Tested seal of approval signifies our commitment to rigorous product testing. Our unique methodology involves testing in labs and with home testers to assess effectiveness, durability, usability, and more. Recommendations are based solely on test results, ensuring unbiased and trustworthy product guidance for consumers. We regularly re-evaluate product categories to maintain up-to-date recommendations. Our recommendations are earned, never bought, providing reliable purchasing advice every time.
