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You probably know the old saying, "you are what you eat." Well, if that's true for humans, it's equally true for dogs, whose health and well-being can hinge on the quality of nutrition they receive. As such, it's in every pet owner's best interest to find the best dog food for their four-legged buddy.
And yet, with so many options to choose from, selecting the best dog foods can be a daunting prospect. The ACTIVE Reviews Team has investigated several of the top options, arriving at a list of 10 recommendations. Read on for recommendations that encompass wet food, dry food, allergy needs, and more.
The Best Dog Food - Our Top Picks
- Best Overall Dog Food: Royal Canin Size Health Nutrition Dry Dog Food
- Best Dry Dog Food: Purina Beyond Superfood Blend
- Best Dog Food for Allergies: Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Adult Dry
- Best Wet Dog Food: Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Adult Gastrointestinal
- Best Dog Food for Sensitive Stomach: Wellness Core Digestive Health
- Best Dog Food for Small Dogs: Royal Canin Six XS Health Nutrition
- Best Grain-Free Dog Food: Orijen Fit and Trim
- Best Natural Dog Food: Castor and Pollux Organix Grain-Free
- Best Budget Dog Food: Purina Pro Plan High Protein
- Best Dog Food for Large Dogs: Wellness Core Grain Free Large Breed
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Best Overall - Royal Canin Size Health Nutrition Dry Dog Food
SPECS
- Type: Dry
- Size recommendation: Extra Small, Small, Medium, Large, and Giant
- Age recommendation: Adult (10 months to 8 years)
Royal Canin Size Health Nutrition Dry Dog Food is our best-in-show selection. Each formula is made to suit the specific needs of different sizes of dogs. Made with a great balance of nutrients and fatty acids that help enhance the natural shine of your pup's fur coat, along with high concentrations of protein, this is a great pick for providing your dog with all the energy it needs.
What We Like
- Customized nutrition for each dog size
- High concentration of protein
- Includes needed vitamins and minerals
What We Don't Like
- High price point
- Includes common allergens
BUY: Royal Canin Size Health Nutrition Dry Dog Food
Best Dry Dog Food - Purina Beyond Superfood Blend
SPECS
- Type: Dry
- Size recommendation: All
- Age recommendation: All
For some pet owners, dry food is simply easier and more convenient to deal with. There's a lot to love about the Purina Beyond Superfood Blend, which boasts an enviable list of fresh, natural ingredients: Fresh-caught salmon, egg, pumpkin, and more. Made without any artificial preservatives or coloring, this dry food is recommended for dogs of any age and size.
What We Like
- Natural ingredients, including salmon
- No artificial preservatives or colors
- Works for dogs of any age or size
What We Don't Like
- Not the cheapest dog food
- Not recommended if your dog needs extra hydration via wet food
BUY: Purina Beyond Superfood Blend
Best Dog Food for Allergies - Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Adult Dry
SPECS
- Type: Dry
- Size recommendation: All
- Age recommendation: Adult
Do you have a dog with food allergies or other specific dietary needs? The Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Adult Dry may be your best option. While the ingredient list is lighter than we'd want it to be on real, quality proteins, it's clinically proven to improve skin sensitivities caused by reactions to specific proteins. An exclusive blend of fibers is designed to promote healthy digestion.
What We Like
- Special fiber blend aids digestion
- Promotes healthy skin
- Clinically tested to help with food sensitivities
What We Don't Like
- Not as many whole-food ingredients as we'd like
- Needs approval from a vet to purchase
BUY: Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Adult Dry
Best Wet Dog Food - Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Adult Gastrointestinal
SPECS
- Type: Wet
- Size recommendation: All
- Age recommendation: Adult
The Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Adult is a tasty and nutritious option for dogs who prefer their food from a can. Developed by veterinarians, it's clinically proven to help with short- and long-term digestion issues. It also has a great combination of high-protein content with very little fat, which further helps with easy digestion.
What We Like
- High protein content
- Low fat content
- Works well for adult dogs with digestion problems
What We Don't Like
- Higher price point
- Needs vet approval to purchase
BUY: Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Adult
Best Dog Food for Sensitive Stomach - Wellness Core Digestive Health
SPECS
- Type: Dry
- Size recommendation: All
- Age recommendation: Adult
For tender-tummied pups, Wellness Core Digestive Health is a safe and nourishing option. Fortified with quality ingredients including chicken and rice, this grain-heavy option is made to support a healthy biome and to assist with digestion. For adult dogs, this is also a great pick to provide a natural immune system boost.
What We Like
- Builds a healthy biome
- Supports immune system
- Promotes healthy skin and fur
What We Don't Like
- Higher price point
- Not recommended for puppies
BUY: Wellness Core Digestive Health
Best Dog Food for Small Dogs - Royal Canin Size Health Nutrition XS
SPECS
- Type: Dry
- Size recommendation: XS
- Age recommendation: Adult
Small dogs require food that's properly sized for their tiny jaws. The Royal Canin Size Health Nutrition XS dry food is recommended for extra-small breeds, offering kibble that's safe and easy for them to chew. Made with hearty chicken flavor, it also has a solid nutritional profile, including a calorie count that's targeted to smaller breeds, plus optimal levels of EPA and DHA to ensure lustrous coats and healthy skin.
What We Like
- Well-sized for extra-small breeds
- Promotes lustrous coats and healthy skin
- Reasonable price point
What We Don't Like
- Not suited for larger dogs
- Not targeted to puppies
BUY: Royal Canin Size Health Nutrition XS
Best Grain-Free Dog Food - Orijen Fit and Trim
SPECS
- Type: Dry
- Size recommendation: All
- Age recommendation: Adult
Has your furry friend been placed on a grain-free diet? If so, you may want to stock up on some Orijen Fit and Trim, a dry food that earns our highest recommendation for grain-free pups. The ingredient list is loaded with fresh, natural proteins, including chicken, turkey, and fish. Indeed, the first five ingredients are all fresh or raw, and a total of 85 percent of this chow is made with natural animal products.
What We Like
- 85% made from natural animal products
- Completely grain free
- Suitable for all breeds and sizes
What We Don't Like
- High price point
- Not targeted to puppies
Best Natural Dog Food - Castor and Pollux Organix Grain-Free
SPECS
- Type: Wet
- Size recommendation: All
- Age recommendation: Adult
If you want to ensure your dog is ingesting only natural, chemical-free, preservative-free food, Castor and Pollux Organix Grain-Free is our top pick. With wild turkey as its #1 ingredient and an impressive list of natural vegetables, this grainless selection is completely pesticide- and fertilizer-free.
What We Like
- No chemicals, pesticides, preservatives, or artificial ingredients
- Robust list of natural ingredients
- Cooked in an organically certified kitchen
What We Don't Like
- Not recommended for puppies
- Larger dogs may go through bigger portions, as it's not quite as naturally filling as other foods
BUY: Castor and Pollux Organix Grain-Free
Best Budget Dog Food - Purina Pro Plan High Protein
SPECS
- Type: Dry
- Size recommendation: All
- Age recommendation: Adult
Buying dog food week to week can be pricey, but it's more than possible to get a nutritious option for a low price point. Take Purina Pro Plan High Protein, our pick for best budget dog food. For a modest sticker price, you'll get live probiotics and a host of natural ingredients. In fact, real chicken is the first ingredient listed. A great pick for any adult dog, including those who have some digestive issues.
What We Like
- Reasonable price
- Includes real ingredients, including chicken
- Promotes digestive health
What We Don't Like
- Not recommended for puppies
- Not recommended if your dog needs hydration from wet food
BUY: Purina Pro Plan High Protein
Best Dog Food for Large Dogs - Wellness Core Grain Free Large Breed
SPECS
- Type: Dry
- Size recommendation: Large
- Age recommendation: Adult
Designed to accommodate the higher caloric needs of big dogs, Wellness Core Grain Free Large Breed is a great way to nourish heftier canines. It supports hip and joint health, which are common concerns among larger breeds. Fatty acids and antioxidants further boost holistic, whole-body health.
What We Like
- Supports hip and joint health
- Targeted to address caloric needs of larger dogs
- Includes high-quality poultry
What We Don't Like
- Not recommended for small dogs
- Higher price point
BUY: Wellness Core Grain Free Large Breed
What to Look for in Dog Food
Sizing up different dog food options? There are a few factors you'll want to keep in mind.
Type
Choosing between wet and dry dog food is often a matter of convenience, preference, and price. One thing that we will note is that if you have a dog that seems resistant to drinking water, wet food can be a good way to provide a little extra hydration.
Breed/Size/Age Recommendation
Many dog foods will be recommended for particular breeds or sizes of dogs. This is mostly a matter of the size of the chunks; because smaller dogs have smaller teeth, they need their food to be a little bit finer and easier to chew. There are also nutritional concerns associated with different breeds or sizes, such as ingredients that promote hip and joint health.
Key Ingredients
Look for dog foods that list specific types of meat, as opposed to vague references to "meat products." Also try to avoid rendered fat, white flour, and preservatives.
FAQs About Dog Food
What ingredients should I avoid in dog food?
Some of the most harmful and unhealthy ingredients that are used in dog foods include white flour, rendered fat, and preservatives such as BHA or BHT.
How many times should I feed my dog?
Talk to your veterinarian as this can be dog- and breed-specific, but a good rule of thumb is two meals a day, spaced roughly 12 hours apart.
Is wet or dry food better for dogs?
It's mostly a matter of price and preference, though wet food can be a good way to provide your dog with additional hydration. This can be valuable if you have a dog that doesn't drink very much water throughout the day.
What is the best first ingredient in dog food?
Look for dog foods that start by listing a specific type of protein—a specific type of meat, for example.
How to Train Your Dog to Run With You | Best Hiking Gear for Dogs | Best Dog Harnesses | Best Dog Foods | Best Dog Leashes | Best Dog Balls | Best Dog Frisbees | Best Dog Backpacks | Best Dog Toys | Best Dog Beds | Best Dog Treadmills