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Dry dog food really runs the gamut from nutritious chunks to true garbage. Not only must dogs get exercise and grooming, but as beloved family members, they deserve the best nutrition available. The best dry dog foods contain all the nutrients a dog needs for his age, size, and health conditions. Dogs are carnivores, so the number one ingredient in any dry dog food should be a natural protein source. They also need a mix of fats and fiber to keep their coat, eyes, and joints healthy and happy. Dry dog foods are often the most economical choice. Plus, they store well and are easy to transport. We’ve created a list of some of the best dog food on the market, including formulas balanced for optimum nutrition, from puppy to senior recipes.
- Best for small dogs: Hill’s Science Diet Adult Small Paws
- Best for senior dogs: Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Senior Dry Dog Food
- Best for sensitive stomachs: Canidae PURE Grain Free
- Best for puppies: Taste of the Wild High Prairie Puppy Recipe
- Best budget: Wag Dry Dog/Puppy Food
The best dry dog foods: Our picks
You’ll notice that there isn’t one “best overall” pick in this list because it doesn’t really apply here. Every breed is different and each pooch has their own problems and personalities. All of that should factor into your dry food choice so peruse the entire list before you buy your furry pal a big sack of kibble.
Best for small dogs: Hill’s Science Diet Adult Small Paws
Hill’s Science Diet Adult Small Paws
Pros
- Easy for small dogs to eat
- Formulated with the proper nutrition for little animals
- No strong smell
- Affordable
- Pleasant flavors
Cons
- No large bag options
Specs
- Flavors: Chicken Meal & Rice, and Lamb Meal & Brown Rice
- Price: $3.35 per pound
Hill’s Science Diet Adult Small Paws starts with high-quality chicken as the main protein source. With 24.9-percent crude protein, it’s heavy on the nutrients small dogs need. Kibble size and calorie density target the higher metabolism of small breeds. Hill’s Science Diet includes a special antioxidant blend designed specifically for the challenges of being a petite pup. This best dry dog food for small dogs is also rich in omega-6 fatty acids and vitamin E to support skin and coat health.
Best for senior dogs: Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Senior Dry Dog Food
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Senior Dry Dog Food
Pros
- High in protein for supporting muscles
- Easy-to-chew chunks
- Additional compounds for joint support like glucosamine
- Omega fatty acids
Cons
- May take some time to transition from regular food
Specs
- Flavors: Chicken and Brown Rice
- Price: $2.15 per pound
Blue Buffalo’s Life Protection Formula Natural Senior Dry Dog Food contains the 18-percent protein senior dogs need, along with a whole lot more. The recipe includes extra glucosamine, a compound found in the body’s connective tissues, and chondroitin sulfate, which maintains and rebuilds joint cartilage. Add to that natural sources of omega fatty acids and DHA to support the brain and eyes. The extra nutrients address areas that begin to decline in a dog’s later years.
Best for sensitive stomachs: Canidae PURE Grain Free
Canidae PURE Grain Free
Pros
- Familiar, natural ingredients
- Easy to transition to from typical food
- Omega fatty acids
- Allergy friendly
- Mild smell
Cons
- Expensive
Specs
- Flavors: Duck & Sweet Potato, Lamb & Pea, Salmon & Sweet Potato
- Price: $2.88 per pound
Canidae PURE Grain Free comes in many flavors, each with a single protein source, including familiar options like chicken or duck and the less common wild boar or salmon. A greater variety of options helps those trying to narrow down a dog’s source of allergies or the reason for an upset stomach. Canidae also lists the very short ingredient list, eight in total, on the front of the package. It’s simple yet contains essential nutrients, such as the omega fatty acids needed for optimum skin and coat health.
Best for puppies: Taste of the Wild High Prairie Puppy Recipe
Taste of the Wild High Prairie Puppy Recipe
Pros
- Extremely high protein content
- High meat content
- Easy to chew
- Relatively affordable
- Probiotics for digestion
Cons
- Strong smell
Specs
- Flavors: Bison & Venison
- Price: $2.14 per pound
Taste of the Wild High Prairie Puppy Recipe gives puppies nutrients they need like DHA for their developing brain and eyes. Small kibble is easier for pint-sized mouths to chew, yet it’s crunchy to keep puppy teeth clean. The addition of probiotics in the best puppy food promotes digestive health by balancing the gut biome. The top two ingredients—water buffalo and lamb—are protein sources rich in essential amino acids for healthy growth and development. This recipe leaves out grains because they are a common source of allergies, but always check with a veterinarian to be sure grain-free is right for your junior dog.
Best budget: Wag Dry Dog/Puppy Food
Wag Dry Dog/Puppy Food
Pros
- Available on subscribe and save for an extra discount
- High protein content
- DHA for brain development
- Several flavors
- Easy to chew
Cons
- Not as affordable as you might expect from an Amazon brand
Specs
- Flavors: Beef & Sweet Potato, Chicken & Sweet Potato, Salmon & Sweet Potato
- Price: $2.50 per pound
Wag Dry Dog/Puppy Food contains nutrients for adults and puppies in a single recipe. A high 35-percent protein content brings high levels of omega fatty acids and essential amino acids. Because it’s designed for puppies, it also contains DHA to feed brain and eye development and health. Wag comes in five flavors, each with a protein as the first and most plentiful ingredient on the list. Medium-sized kibble works for adults and isn’t too big for puppies.
What to consider when shopping for the best dry dog foods
Dog foods aren’t created with equal nutritive value. The ingredients’ quality, nutrient content, and kibble size all play a role in which one is right for your dog. Breeds of different sizes also have different nutritional needs. A food that’s tailored to your dog’s individual traits and circumstances will ensure he has the energy for all of your adventures together.
Dog age and food requirements
Like humans, a dog’s nutritional needs change throughout his life. Dogs need calorie-dense food with omega fatty acids and DHA for brain and vision development during the puppy years. They also need foods with a balanced calcium to phosphorus ratio for adequate bone development. Additionally, puppy foods often have smaller or softer kibble for little jaws that don’t function at full strength.
Depending on the breed, dogs l mature from puppyhood between one and two years old. In their adult years, they don’t need the extra calories found in puppy chow. Adult dogs who eat puppy food may gain too much weight. A high-quality dry dog food designed for adult dogs works well during this stage of life.
Dogs enter their senior years around age seven, but that can vary by breed. For example, small breeds tend to live longer than large breeds, while a large breed may begin showing signs of aging around five years old.
Senior dogs need the same nutrients as younger adult dogs. However, they tend to slow down and live a more sedentary lifestyle. Consequently, many senior dog foods have fewer calories or may be labeled as diet food. Some senior foods include extra vitamin E, beta-carotene, glucosamine, or other nutrients that support the immune system or joint health. Plus, many diets are even supplemented with specific dog vitamins.
Dog size and type of kibble
Size matters. Large dog breeds have slower metabolisms, burning only about 20 calories per pound. Small breeds burn around 40 calories per pound. The best dry dog food for small dogs usually has a higher caloric density than a recipe designed for larger dogs. Additionally, small dogs, especially toy breeds, may not have the jaw strength to eat the large kibble found in regular dry dog food.
Dog medical history and diet
Dogs can suffer from many of the same medical conditions found among humans, like food allergies, diabetes, and obesity. And as with people, a dog’s diet can help control some common health issues. For example, LID foods are usually made with a single (possibly two) protein source and a limited list of ingredients. They’re also made of less common protein sources like venison or buffalo instead of chicken or beef, to which more dogs are allergic. If your dog has stomach or digestive problems, the veterinarian may recommend an LID (Limited Ingredient Diet) food to help identify the specific allergy. Many manufacturers also make a grain-free version of their adult dog foods to accommodate canines with sensitive stomachs or allergies.
Find high-quality sources of protein, healthy fats, and digestible carbohydrates in dog food
As carnivores, dogs have different nutritional needs than humans. They require a dry dog food made of at least 18-percent protein, no less than 5-percent fat, and around 5-percent fiber. Many dry dog foods have a label with a breakdown of the protein, fiber, fat, and carbohydrate percentages and content.
Check for high-quality ingredients like natural sources of protein and whole vegetables and fruits. Ingredients are listed with the most abundant ingredient first. The first ingredient on the list should be an animal protein source like fish, chicken, or beef because they naturally contain the right balance of essential amino acids that dogs need. Some of the less expensive dog foods will contain meat by-products, which aren’t as high quality, nor do they contain everything your dog needs. They shouldn’t be the only protein source in the food.
Related: Best dog treats of 2023
FAQs
There are several fantastic dry dog food brands worth considering. Blue Buffalo, Canidae, Hill’s Science Diet, and Taste of the Wild, all of which made our list, are some of the best brands on the market. They source high-quality ingredients and create recipes designed to meet the different stages of a dog’s life.
The highest quality dog food has whole ingredients sourced from reputable farms and providers. As far as dry dog food goes, Taste of the Wild stands out for its focus on ingredients native to a wild dog’s diet, such as sorghum, millet, and water buffalo. These sources still meet the nutritional needs of the modern dog but are less likely to trigger allergies compared to some contemporary canine food sources.
Dogs don’t have to eat grain-free. Some dogs have gluten or other food allergies that stem from grains. In that case, a grain-free diet makes sense. However, for dogs without allergies or other health conditions which grain could affect, grains provide vital nutrients for a balanced diet.
Related: Best wet dog foods of 2023
The final word on shopping for the best dry dog foods
- Best for small dogs: Hill’s Science Diet Adult Small Paws
- Best for senior dogs: Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Senior Dry Dog Food
- Best for sensitive stomachs: Canidae PURE Grain Free
- Best for puppies: Taste of the Wild High Prairie Puppy Recipe
- Best budget: Wag Dry Dog/Puppy Food
Your dog deserves the best dry dog food for his age, size, and medical needs. Many dry dog foods are budget-friendly and nutritionally sound. Whether your dog’s in need of the best puppy food, the best senior dog food, or somewhere in between, dry dog food can keep him fueled, healthy, and ready to live life with his favorite person (you).
