19 Best Dog Foods in 2024

Buyer’s Guide: Finding the Best Dog Food

There are many things to consider before deciding which dog food to purchase for your beloved best friend. The pet food market is a bit of a jungle, to say the least. There are many brands and plenty of conflicting information about what is truly healthy.

Since your dog’s health and nutrition are at the top of your list, we’ve included some characteristics to consider before making your choice.

Does Your Dog Need a Special Type of Food?

First and foremost, you need to consider your dog’s needs, and that goes for each dog you own. Some dogs suffer from food allergies or sensitivities, which require a diet that does not contain the allergens that bother them. For those with certain health conditions, some dietary modifications may be needed.

For most healthy dogs, you will have a wider variety of foods to choose from and won’t be required to filter out as many options. If you have a dog with health issues, you will need to weed out the foods that don’t fit the criteria. Always check with your veterinarian regarding your dog’s health, dietary needs, and any conditions they have.

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Decide Your Preferred Food Type

You have several food types to choose from, all of which have pros and cons.

Dry Kibble

Dry food is a popular choice among most dog owners and is the most readily available option in grocery stores and local pet food stores. It stores well and is the most cost-friendly option, but it is higher in carbohydrates and lower in moisture. Some brands contain bits of freeze-dried food or tender bites to add flavor and make it more palatable.

Wet or Canned Food

These varieties have an even longer shelf life than kibble and contain much more moisture for hydration. They are much more palatable and contain fewer carbohydrates than dry food, but they are also more expensive, messy, and create more trash. Many owners feed wet food as a topper for dry kibble to offset the cost.

Fresh Food

You also have fresh food diets that can purchased locally or obtained through subscription services, depending on the brand you choose. Fresh food diets are the healthiest choice since they contain fewer preservatives and are typically made from top-quality ingredients. Fresh food is also highly palatable and is full of moisture and needed nutrients.

It is undoubtedly the most expensive choice of the three and can become quite costly when feeding larger or multiple dogs. Fresh food can also be used as a topper to kibble to provide health benefits while remaining friendly to the budget.

Choose an Appropriate Food

Every dog needs to be fed food appropriate to their age, size, and overall activity level. What is appropriate for one dog may not be appropriate for another. Puppies, adults, and seniors have different nutritional needs, so be sure to get food that works for your dog’s life stage. Some brands are suitable for all life stages, while others are crafted specifically for different stages of life.

Active dogs that expend a lot of energy will have more nutritional requirements than couch potatoes. Size also plays a factor when determining the right food. If you have a large dog, it’s best to look for food formulated to fit their needs. The same goes for small dogs, which need a smaller kibble that is easier to chew.

Check the Ingredients

The ingredient list may not be able to tell you the overall quality of the ingredients, but it does provide a list of everything included in the food, which will help you make a more informed decision. This is especially important for dogs with special dietary needs or allergies, as you want to avoid potential allergens in the formula.

It’s good to look for foods that offer real meat as the first ingredient to ensure pure animal protein is at the top of the list. It is essential to avoid foods that are full of fillers, artificial colors, preservatives or flavors, heavy amounts of by-products, or any other harmful ingredients. A licensed veterinarian will be able to give you information on what types of ingredients to avoid and what to look for before you make your purchase.

Read the Food’s Label

The dog food label contains all the information you need to determine what you need to know about a particular food. Labels can be difficult to read, time-consuming, and even misleading, according to the Merck Veterinary Manual.

Dog food labels are required by the United States Food and Drug Administration, or FDA, to tell you eight key pieces of information regarding your dog’s food. Individual states may have some more precise label requirements as well. The eight key pieces of information disclosed by the FDA include:

Feeding Guidelines

A few years ago, the FDA started investigating grain-free formulas and their potential link to Canine Dilated Cardiomyopathy. 16 dog food brands have been named in the investigation, but none have been recalled, as the investigation is still ongoing. If you have concerns regarding this information, contact your veterinarian to discuss whether a grain-free diet is even necessary for your dog.

Consider the Cost

You will be buying dog food throughout your dog’s life, so you must ensure your budget is prepared for the extra expense before bringing home a new four-legged family member. It is important not to skimp on quality for a more budget-friendly food, as most low-cost foods are packed full of unnecessary ingredients. This could ultimately lead to nutritional deficiencies or other health concerns, which can end up being very costly in the long run.

There are plenty of wallet-friendly brands that produce high-quality formulas, and it’ll be easier to recognize this once you are familiar with ingredient lists and reading the labels. As a general rule, the higher the quality of the diet, the more expensive it will be. Be sure to find something that works for you financially and your pup’s overall health and nutritional needs.

Talk to Your Veterinarian

Getting advice from your veterinarian is highly recommended when it comes to your dog’s nutrition. It’s a good idea to check with them before making any dietary changes or transitioning to a new food. Your veterinarian is familiar with your dog’s health and will be able to guide you on what you need to look for in terms of dog food.

Our Selection Process For Dog Foods

To create this buyer’s guide, our writing team and editorial staff checked customer reviews, brand reputation, and veterinary approval ratings to present the dog foods we think should be highlighted for our readers. In some cases, we conducted hands-on testing along with seeing how much our dogs liked the dog foods. All these factors were considered when selecting these listed dog foods to help you make the best purchase for your furry friends.

Why Trust Dogster?

Since 2004, Dogster has been a trusted brand for dog owners online, which means we have a lot of experience with dog foods. We take pride in promoting the well-being of all dogs—from toy breeds to giant canines. Our in-house veterinarians, writers, and editors examine each product on our lists, ensuring its quality and reputation. As pet owners ourselves, we only want the best for our furry companions. At Dogster, we are transparent about the products we promote. The nutritional information, overall brand reputation, and customer reviews are all considered for these lists. We inform you how we want to be informed.

Conclusion

Overall, the best adult dog food is The Farmer’s Dog fresh food. It’s packed with high-quality nutrients to keep your dog happy and healthy for years. A more affordable option is the Blue Buffalo Divine Delights Variety Pack, which includes a range of flavors to stop fussy dogs from getting bored.

Whether you’re a new dog owner or a seasoned expert, knowing which dog food your dog will enjoy the most is a challenge. Hopefully, these reviews will help you choose your dog’s next favorite brand.

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