As dog parents, we only want the best for our beloved canines. But when it comes to choosing the best dry dog food, things can get pretty challenging.
Lucky for you, we in The Furry Companion have compiled a list of our top picks for the best dry dog food. We’ll also give you quick facts about the benefits of getting dry food for your pet. Then, we’ll let you in on a few tips on how to shop for your dog’s meal.
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Choosing the Best Dry Dog Food
Dry dog food is the most common choice of meal for owners because of its convenience and affordability. This hard-textured chow benefits the dog’s dental hygiene and packs more energy-giving nutrients than wet foods. These kibbles are not only rich in healthy protein and carbohydrates, but they are also easy to store. You can’t go wrong with dry dog food: you can leave it anywhere or bring it for travel when needed.
When you’re shopping for the best dry dog food, you have to be meticulous with the brands you pick. The first thing that you have to understand is the nutrition standards of the products. By checking this aspect, you will be sure that you are feeding your pet the best dry dog food out there. Danielle Conway, DVM, CVA, VSMT, CCRP says that “Good nutrition is a cornerstone for health and can play a critical role in illness recovery.”
Next, inspect the contents of the product. Prioritize foods that are rich in protein and fats because dogs need these more than carbohydrates. Items like gluten and wholesome grains are exceptional, but be careful with recipes that have low-quality grains or fillers. According to T. J. Dunn, Jr., DVM, “The key to the healthy dogs’ diets was that they were consuming a diet based upon meat and the poor doers were eating diets based upon grain such as corn!” Do away with formulas that have artificial ingredients and make use of generic protein source. Remember that the best dry dog food also has identifiable ingredients stated in the labels.
Lastly, always keep in mind the health condition of your pet. Before getting your buddies some food, you should completely understand what they need for nutrition. Old dogs have different needs from growing puppies. Also, you may want to assess if they have food allergies or medical conditions that could affect their diet. In the end, it is always wise to consult your vet for a recommendation on the best dry dog food for your pet. “An elimination diet trial is the only way to diagnose a food allergy in a dog or cat,” Thomas Lewis, DVM, DACVD adds,
Top Picks for Dry Dog Food 2020
1. Diamond Naturals Real Meat Recipe Dry Dog Food
The first pick on our list of best dry dog food is Diamond Naturals Real Meat Recipe. If you’re a dog parent searching for a meal that can improve your dog’s digestion, this is the stuff!
Every bite of Diamond Naturals contains around 80 million colonies of Lactobacillus bacteria which promote gut health. With this component, good bacteria and bad bacteria are delicately balanced to ensure that your dog’s digestive system runs smoothly. Furthermore, the presence of probiotics and the inclusion of high protein sources enhance the immune system of your pet.
This dog food’s simple formula does not fall short by providing nutrient-dense superfoods. The meals are perfectly balanced, with 15% fat and 25% protein. The beef comes only from grass-fed cattle. Above all, this recipe will satisfy your dog’s hunger! You can order Diamond Naturals Real Meat Recipe Dry Dog Food in Amazon here.
2. Earthborn Holistic Adult Advantage
Landing a spot on our best dry dog food list is the Earthborn Holistic Adult Advantage. With high-quality ingredients of whitefish meal and chicken meal, this dog food will fill up your canine. This meal packs high levels of antioxidants that strengthen the immune system while promoting overall health. Earthborn Holistic blends fruits and vegetables that provide beta-carotene and vitamin E for your dog.
The recipe contains a mix of spinach, carrots, apples, and blueberries. Plus, it also has fully cooked wholesome grains, including brown rice, oatmeal, rye, and barley. Don’t worry: these grains are entirely digestible and even promote intestinal health. The formulation also includes L-carnitine to make your dog’s muscles strong and aid in the burning of their fat. Overall, this meal is a splendid choice for owners of dogs with an active lifestyle. Check out Earthborn Holistic Adult Advantage in Amazon here.
3. Pedigree Complete Nutrition Dry Dog Food
Known as one of the most trusted manufacturers of pet food, Pedigree certainly earns the approval of dogs. It’s a popular pick because of its affordable formulation that doesn’t fall short on the necessary nutrients that your dog needs.
The recipe is complete with quality ingredients like vegetables and whole grains. Moreover, its primary sources of protein include lamb, steak, and chicken. This product is one of the best dry dog food for sure!
With 12% moisture content, Pedigree has more moisture in their food than other products. Even better, the formula doesn’t fail to include vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It is complete with omega-6 fatty acids that keep your dog’s skin smooth and shiny. There are no added sugars or artificial flavors, as well. This balanced meal will surely aid in your pet’s proper growth and overall well-being. See what customers say about Pedigree Complete Nutrition Dry Dog Food here.
4. Nutro Ultra Adult Dry Dog Food
Our next tasty meal is the Nutro Ultra Adult Dry Dog Food. One of the best dry dog food out there, this brand uses farm-raised chicken in the United States. This protein works to keep your dogs’ metabolism smooth and their muscles firm. Nutro’s formulation also contains amino acids and antioxidants that strengthen the immune system.
This dog food has whole grains and oatmeal that aid in nutrient absorption. Since this recipe is rich in soluble fiber, sensitive stomachs are guaranteed to have smoother digestion. More than that, Nutro only offers the top ingredients for your dog. It makes no use of artificial coloring, additives, flavoring, or preservatives. This best dry dog food consists of only the finest ingredients.
5. Purina Beyond Simply 9 Dry Dog Food
Dog owners will surely agree that Purina Beyond Simply 9 is one of the best dry dog food out there. It is the best option for senior dogs and growing dogs who need a high-protein diet.
Purina makes use of white chicken meat and chicken meal as its only protein sources. Along with this ingredient comes a variety of wholesome grains, such as rice, barley, and oatmeal. These grains are excellent sources of fiber and help improve your pet’s digestion.
The ingredients of these meals also help reduce the risk of kidney problems, especially for older canines. Other components of the food are canola meal, beef fat, liver flavoring, and sunflower oil. Each bite is rich in essential vitamins and minerals to promote overall health. Made with natural ingredients, it will surely give your pets the necessary nutrients while getting their palate satisfied!
6. IAMS Proactive Health Dry Dog Food
Every dog deserves a treat of IAMS Proactive Health Dry Dog Food. With its unique formula of carefully picked ingredients, it’s a top pick for our best dry dog food.
IAMS specializes in producing well-balanced food that can provide the necessary nutrients for your dog. The food contains L-carnitine, which improves your dog’s metabolism so that they maintain a healthy weight.
This meal is a high source of protein made only from farm-raised chickens. It also includes vegetables, fruits, and wholesome grains that strengthen your pet’s immune system and keep their skin looking great. On top of that, the components of this food can improve your dog’s neuromuscular and cardiovascular functions. IAMS’ best ingredients are present in the special kibbles that are easy to chew and eat
You can be sure that IAMS Proactive Health Dry Dog Food does not contain artificial and processed ingredients. It is also free from soy or wheat products. Show your dog some love with this meal!
7. Orijen Original Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
Orijen Original Grain-Free Dry Dog Food prides itself for having high-quality ingredients in a specially blended formula. No wonder why it’s one of the best dry dog food out there.
The meal packs protein such as turkey, chicken, fish, and whole eggs. These ingredients are balanced with local vegetables and fruits to provide other necessary nutrients. Pet owners have only good things to say about Orijen, so rest assured it’s appropriate for your dog’s diet.
Each component of this pick for best dry dog food is freshly picked every day from sustainable farms in Canada. You can be sure that the ingredients are free from additives or preservatives and has not been in the freezer. Orijen is suited for dogs of various life stages, sizes, and breeds. Thus, all kinds of canines can enjoy the goodness that this dog food brings.
8. Taste of the Wild High Protein Dog Food
Not to be forgotten in our best dry dog food list is Taste of the Wild. Get your dog a healthy source of protein and carbohydrates with this grain-free meal. Taste of the Wild offers a variety of ingredients apart from the usual meat that dog foods have. Instead of the old chicken and beef, why not give your pet a taste of salmon, lamb, venison, bison, boar, and wildfowl?
Each bite is rich in antioxidants and essential vitamins that ensure your dog’s proper nutrition. This product is best suited for canines whose bodies have become sensitive to ingredients like chicken and beef. Since it’s grain-free, you can be sure that your pet is safe from developing any allergies. Taste of the Wild is also guaranteed to have the appropriate fat-to-protein ratio for your dog’s balanced meal.
9. I and Love and You Naked Essentials
With its unique ingredients and packed nutrients, I and Love and You Naked Essentials surely is dog’s top choice. One of its most significant features is that it makes use of bison and lamb as a source of protein. Not a lot of formulations include bison, which makes Naked Essentials a top pick for best dry dog food. Lamb and bison are two ingredients that are suited for dogs who are prone to allergies.
More than that, Naked Essentials is grain-free for your hypersensitive pooch. This dog food packs pro- and prebiotics that aid digestion and strengthen the immune system. It also contains omega-3 to promote a stronger heart and healthier skin. All these features make Naked Essentials an excellent choice for your best dry dog food.
10. Zignature Zssential Multi-Protein Formula
The last option on our list is Zssential’s Multi-Source Protein recipe. Packed with nutrients like vitamin B12, selenium, and omega-3 fatty acids, this meal will strengthen your dog’s heart. Plus, it can also provide your pet with phosphorous, thiamin, riboflavin, and niacin. The recipe is high in protein, free of grains, and low in saturated fat, making it a balanced meal. Zssential ensures the proper ratio of vegetables and fruits with fiber-rich carbohydrates and other antioxidants.
This dog formula takes its protein from top-quality meat only. There’s salmon straight from the Northwest, duck meal from France, and turkey coming from the American Midwest. This product contains no dairy, soy, wheat, corn, or chicken. Every bite makes your dog stronger and his appetite satisfied.
We at The Furry Companion know that you only want what’s best for your dog. After reading this guide, we suggest you do some research so that you can give the best dry dog food for your furry friend.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best dog food recommended by vets?
If you are keen on giving your dogs the best nutrition, vet recommended food is a good option. You can choose among Orijen Adult Food, Purina Pro Plan Dry Dog Food, Wellness CORE Natural Grain Free, ROYAL CANIN Size Health Nutrition, and Hill’s Science Diet Adult Large Breed.
What is the healthiest dog food on the market?
When dogs feed on dog food with good nutrition, they, of course, become healthier. But also, it improves teeth condition, makes the coat shinier, and their weight appropriate. Healthiest dog food includes Ollie, The Farmer’s Dog, Blue Buffalo Life Protection, Wellness Core Grain-Free, and Canidae Pure.
What are the worst dog foods?
Bad dog foods include fillers as ingredients. They are unnecessary, as well as, it does not necessarily improve the health condition of your dog. Beware of brands like Purina Dog Chow, Ol’ Roy, Kibbles ‘N Bits, and Beneful.
What dog food is killing dogs?
FDA says that grain-free dog food is killing the dogs. To be safe, pets with no special condition that prohibits them from consuming grains should stick to the ordinary kibble.
What is the best quality dog food?
To ensure the best health of your dogs, it is only wise to stick to the best quality dog food. Some that you might consider trying are Instinct Original Grain-Free Dry, Nulo Freestyle Dry Dog Food, Wellness Complete Health Dry Dog Food, Blue Buffalo Life Protection Dry, and Nature’s Logic Dry Dog Food.
Should dogs eat grain free?
Grain-free dog foods are not recommended since the carbohydrates needed by the dog are only replaced by other ingredients that are potentially harmful. Many dog owners initially switched to grain-free food since carbohydrates were known to contribute to obesity and lack of energy.
Why are peas bad for dogs?
Contrary to this belief, peas are good for dogs. It is a healthy source of necessary vitamins and nutrition. Just be cautious when feeding them to your dogs, because the pods might get stuck in the throat and cause choking.
Do vets recommend Blue Buffalo?
Vets do not recommend Blue Buffalo because it causes severe illness. There are also lots of customer complaints on the product.
Is dry food better than wet food?
Not necessarily. Both have their pros and cons. However, dry dog food does have some advantages. It keeps your dog’s teeth healthy – it cleans their mouth and also assures you that their teeth are doing fine. Also, wet dog food tends to be more expensive than dry food.
What ingredients should dogs avoid?