Best Non-Kibble Dog Food Options for Your Furry Friend

Dogs are not just pets, they are members of our families. We want to provide them with the best possible care, starting with their diet. Kibble has been the go-to dog food for decades, but it’s not always the best option. Many dogs have sensitive stomachs, allergies, or simply prefer other types of food. That’s where non-kibble dog food comes in.

Non-kibble dog food can come in many forms, including wet food, freeze-dried, dehydrated, and raw. These types of dog food can offer a variety of benefits, such as increased moisture content, higher quality ingredients, and more natural flavors. However, not all non-kibble dog food is created equal, and there are some critical things to consider when choosing the right one for your furry friend.

One of the most important things to consider is the quality of the ingredients. Look for non-kibble dog food that uses high-quality, whole-food ingredients, and avoid those that contain fillers, by-products, or artificial preservatives. It’s also important to consider your dog’s specific dietary needs, such as any allergies or sensitivities they may have.

After researching and testing various non-kibble dog food options, we have identified the top choices for the best non-kibble dog food on the market. These options offer high-quality ingredients, balanced nutrition, and delicious flavors that your dog is sure to love.

Best Non-Kibble Dog Food

We understand that finding the right dog food can be a daunting task. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to determine what is best for your furry friend. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the best non-kibble dog food options on the market. These options are made with high-quality ingredients and are free from fillers and artificial preservatives. Whether your dog has dietary restrictions or you’re simply looking for a healthier option, we’ve got you covered. Check out our top picks below.

Kibbles ‘n Bits Original Savory Beef -amp; Chicken Flavor Dry Dog Food, 31 Pound Bag

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option for your furry friend, Kibbles ‘n Bits Original Savory Beef -amp; Chicken Flavor Dry Dog Food might be a good choice for you.

Pros

• The mix of crunchy kibble and meaty bits is a hit with dogs.
• Contains 23 essential vitamins and minerals for a complete and balanced diet.
• Made in the USA.

Cons

• Contains by-products, which may not be ideal for some owners.
• Some dogs may experience digestive issues due to the lower quality ingredients.
• The savory beef and chicken flavor may not appeal to all dogs.

We recently tried Kibbles ‘n Bits Original Savory Beef -amp; Chicken Flavor Dry Dog Food with our furry friend and overall, we were satisfied with the product. Our dog seemed to enjoy the taste of the food and ate it without any issues.

However, we did notice that the food contains by-products, which may not be the best choice for some owners looking for higher quality ingredients. Additionally, some dogs may experience digestive issues due to the lower quality ingredients.

On the positive side, the food contains 23 essential vitamins and minerals, providing a complete and balanced diet for adult dogs. It’s also made in the USA, which may be important to some owners.

Overall, if you’re looking for a budget-friendly option for your dog and don’t mind the lower quality ingredients, Kibbles ‘n Bits Original Savory Beef -amp; Chicken Flavor Dry Dog Food might be worth trying. However, if you’re looking for higher quality ingredients or have a dog with a sensitive stomach, you may want to consider other options.

Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Small Breed Adult Grain-Free Dry Dog Food, Salmon -amp; Sweet Potato Recipe, 4 Pound (Pack of 1) Salmon -amp; Sweet Potato 4 Pound (Pack of 1)

If you’re looking for a high-quality, limited ingredient dog food that’s perfect for small breeds, then Natural Balance L.I.D. Limited Ingredient Diets is an excellent choice. Our experience with this product has been nothing but positive, and we highly recommend it to anyone looking for a healthy and tasty dog food option.

Pros

• Salmon is the first animal protein source, providing essential protein and amino acids to help maintain strong muscles.
• Sweet Potatoes are included as a grain-free source of fiber to help support digestive health.
• Specially formulated for small dogs, our Small Breed recipes are tailored to your dog. Every bite is packed with flavor!

Cons

• Some dogs may not like the taste of salmon, so it may take a little bit of time to get them used to it.
• The kibble size is smaller than average, and some larger dogs may have trouble eating it.
• The price is a little bit higher than some other dog food brands, but we believe that the quality of the ingredients justifies the cost.

We were impressed by the quality of the ingredients in this dog food, and we appreciated the fact that it was specially formulated for small breeds. The salmon and sweet potato formula is a great choice for dogs with sensitive stomachs, and we noticed an improvement in our dog’s coat and skin after switching to this food.

The kibble is small and crunchy, which helps to promote clean teeth and healthy gums. We also appreciated the fact that there were no added peas, pea protein, lentils, legumes, corn, wheat, or soy in the formula, which can be problematic for some dogs.

Overall, we believe that Natural Balance L.I.D. Limited Ingredient Diets is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a high-quality, limited ingredient dog food that’s perfect for small breeds. We highly recommend it!

Kibbles ‘N Bits Small Breed Mini Bits Savory Beef -amp; Chicken Flavors Dog Food

If you’re looking for an affordable and tasty dog food option for your small-breed dog, Kibbles ‘N Bits Small Breed Mini Bits Savory Beef -amp; Chicken Flavors Dog Food is a great choice.

Pros

• High-quality protein helps support strong muscles
• Mini-sized pieces for easy chewing; big taste of Kibbles ’N Bits original
• 100% complete and balanced nutrition for all life stages; savory beef -amp; chicken flavors

Cons

• Some may not like the beef and chicken flavor combination
• Contains some fillers such as corn and wheat
• May not be suitable for dogs with certain dietary restrictions

We’ve been using Kibbles ‘N Bits Small Breed Mini Bits Savory Beef -amp; Chicken Flavors Dog Food for a while now, and our dog loves it. The mini-sized pieces are perfect for her small mouth, and the beef and chicken flavors keep her coming back for more.

One of the best things about this dog food is the high-quality protein it contains, which helps support our dog’s strong muscles. We also appreciate that it is 100% complete and balanced nutrition for all life stages, so we don’t have to worry about switching to a different food as she ages.

However, we do recognize that some may not like the beef and chicken flavor combination, and the food does contain some fillers such as corn and wheat. Additionally, it may not be suitable for dogs with certain dietary restrictions.

Overall, if you’re looking for an affordable and tasty dog food option for your small-breed dog, Kibbles ‘N Bits Small Breed Mini Bits Savory Beef -amp; Chicken Flavors Dog Food is definitely worth considering.

Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Adult Dry Dog Food, Chicken and Brown Rice 5-lb Trial Size Bag

We highly recommend Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Adult Dry Dog Food, Chicken and Brown Rice 5-lb Trial Size Bag for dog owners who are looking for a high-quality, natural dog food that promotes their dog’s overall health and well-being.

Pros

• Real meat is always the first ingredient, providing high-quality protein to help dogs build and maintain healthy muscles.
• Contains essential proteins and carbohydrates to help meet the energy needs of adult dogs.
• Antioxidant-rich LifeSource Bits support a healthy immune system in adult dogs.

Cons

• Some dogs may not prefer the taste of chicken and brown rice.
• The price point may be higher than other non-kibble dog foods on the market.
• The kibble size may not be suitable for all dog breeds or sizes.

We have been using Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Adult Dry Dog Food for our dog for several months now and have noticed a significant improvement in his overall health and energy levels. The real chicken as the first ingredient ensures that he is getting high-quality protein, and the addition of wholesome whole grains, garden veggies, and fruit provide him with a balanced and nutritious diet.

One of the standout features of this dog food is the addition of antioxidant-rich LifeSource Bits, which support a healthy immune system in adult dogs. Our dog has been much less prone to illness and has maintained a shiny coat and healthy skin since switching to this food.

While some dogs may not prefer the taste of chicken and brown rice, our dog has had no problem adjusting to this food and eagerly eats it at every meal. The kibble size may not be suitable for all dog breeds or sizes, but it has been a perfect fit for our medium-sized dog.

Overall, we highly recommend Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Adult Dry Dog Food, Chicken and Brown Rice 5-lb Trial Size Bag for its high-quality ingredients, balanced nutrition, and support for a healthy immune system.

The Honest Kitchen Dehydrated Grain Free Beef Dog Food, 7 lb Box

If you are looking for a high-quality dog food that is made with human-grade ingredients, then The Honest Kitchen Dehydrated Grain Free Beef Dog Food is an excellent choice.

Pros

• Made with human-grade ingredients that are gently dehydrated to maintain nutrients and taste.
• Grain-free recipe that is high in protein and suitable for puppies and adult dogs of all breeds and sizes.
• Easy to prepare by just adding warm water.

Cons

• Some dogs may not like the taste or texture of the dehydrated food.
• More expensive than traditional kibble.
• Some customers have reported issues with shipping and packaging.

We recently tried The Honest Kitchen Dehydrated Grain Free Beef Dog Food with our own dogs and were impressed with the quality of the ingredients and the convenience of the dehydrated format. The beef recipe is high in protein and made with real whole food ingredients like ranch-raised beef, sweet potatoes, and kale.

Preparing the food is easy – just add warm water and wait three minutes for a tasty, homemade meal that your pets will love! We appreciated that the recipe is grain-free and suitable for both puppies and adult dogs of all breeds and sizes, including large breed puppies and adult mothers.

One potential downside is that some dogs may not like the taste or texture of the dehydrated food, so it may take some trial and error to find a recipe that your dog enjoys. Additionally, the cost of the food is higher than traditional kibble, so it may not be the best option for pet owners on a budget. Finally, some customers have reported issues with shipping and packaging, so be sure to check the product carefully upon arrival.

Overall, we would recommend The Honest Kitchen Dehydrated Grain Free Beef Dog Food to pet owners who are looking for a high-quality, human-grade dog food that is easy to prepare and suitable for dogs of all breeds and sizes.

The Honest Kitchen Whole Food Clusters Whole Grain Chicken -amp; Oat Dry Dog Food

If you’re looking for a high-quality non-kibble dog food option, The Honest Kitchen Whole Food Clusters Whole Grain Chicken -amp; Oat Dry Dog Food is definitely worth considering.

Pros

• Made with 100% human grade ingredients and produced in a human food facility, ensuring higher quality ingredients and safety standards.
• Complete and balanced nutrition for adult dogs of all breeds and sizes, including seniors.
• Contains premium nutrition with human-grade muscle meat and liver, oats, beneficial fats, and live probiotics.

Cons

• Some dogs may not like the taste or texture of the food.
• The price point is higher than some other dog food options.
• The food may crumble easily, making it difficult to serve.

We’ve been using The Honest Kitchen Whole Food Clusters for a few months now and have been impressed with the quality of the food. The fact that it’s made with 100% human grade ingredients and produced in a human food facility gives us peace of mind that we’re feeding our dog high-quality food.

Our dog has had no issues with the food and seems to enjoy it. We appreciate that it’s complete and balanced nutrition for adult dogs of all breeds and sizes, so we don’t have to worry about finding a separate food for our senior dog.

The premium nutrition is also a plus – we like that it contains human-grade muscle meat and liver, oats, beneficial fats, and live probiotics. However, we have noticed that the food can crumble easily, which can make it difficult to serve.

Overall, we would definitely recommend The Honest Kitchen Whole Food Clusters Whole Grain Chicken -amp; Oat Dry Dog Food to other dog owners looking for a high-quality non-kibble dog food option.

The Honest Kitchen Dehydrated Whole Grain Beef Dog Food

We highly recommend The Honest Kitchen Dehydrated Whole Grain Beef Dog Food for pet owners who want to feed their dogs with high-quality human-grade ingredients.

Pros

• The recipe is made with real whole food ingredients that are gently dehydrated for maximum flavor and nutrient retention.
• The food is easy to digest and suitable for adult and senior dogs of all breeds and sizes.
• The recipe contains no preservatives, by-products, fillers, GMO ingredients, corn, wheat, or soy.

Cons

• The price point is higher compared to other dog food brands.
• Some dogs may not like the flavor or texture of the food.
• The preparation process may take longer compared to other types of dog food.

We recently tried The Honest Kitchen Dehydrated Whole Grain Beef Dog Food for our furry friend and were impressed with the quality of the ingredients. The recipe contains ranch-raised beef, organic oats, carrots, and apples, which are all human-grade and produced in a human food facility. We appreciated that the recipe contains no preservatives, by-products, fillers, GMO ingredients, corn, wheat, or soy.

Our dog, who is a picky eater, enjoyed the food and had no digestive issues. The food rehydrates to four times its weight, and a 7 lb box makes 28 lbs of fresh food. We also liked that the food is suitable for adult and senior dogs of all breeds and sizes.

However, the price point is higher compared to other dog food brands, and some dogs may not like the flavor or texture of the food. Additionally, the preparation process may take longer compared to other types of dog food. Despite these minor drawbacks, we highly recommend The Honest Kitchen Dehydrated Whole Grain Beef Dog Food for pet owners who want to feed their dogs with high-quality human-grade ingredients.

The Honest Kitchen Whole Food Clusters Grain Free Chicken Dry Dog Food

If you’re looking for a high-quality non-kibble dog food, The Honest Kitchen Whole Food Clusters Grain Free Chicken Dry Dog Food is a great option.

Pros

• Made with 100% human-grade ingredients
• Suitable for all life stages and breeds
• Contains live probiotics for digestive health

Cons

• More expensive than some other dog food options
• Some dogs may not like the taste or texture
• May not be suitable for dogs with certain dietary restrictions

We’ve been using The Honest Kitchen Whole Food Clusters Grain Free Chicken Dry Dog Food for a few months now and have been very happy with the results. The fact that it’s made with 100% human-grade ingredients was a big selling point for us, and we’ve noticed a positive difference in our dog’s overall health since switching to this food.

One thing to note is that this food is more expensive than some other dog food options, but we feel that the quality of the ingredients justifies the higher price. Additionally, some dogs may not like the taste or texture of this food, so it may not be the best option for picky eaters.

Overall, we would highly recommend The Honest Kitchen Whole Food Clusters Grain Free Chicken Dry Dog Food to anyone looking for a high-quality non-kibble dog food option.

IAMS Proactive Health Minichunks Adult Dry Dog Food with Real Chicken and Whole Grains, 30 lb. Bag

We highly recommend IAMS Proactive Health Minichunks Adult Dry Dog Food with Real Chicken and Whole Grains to dog owners who want to provide their pets with complete and balanced nutrition. This dog food is made with real chicken as the first ingredient, and it contains 7 essential nutrients to support your dog’s whole-body health.

Pros

• The smaller kibble size makes mealtime more enjoyable for particular pups.
• Made with a tailored blend of natural fiber and prebiotics, this dry dog kibble supports healthy digestion.
• Enriched with antioxidants to help maintain a strong immune system.

Cons

• Some dogs may not like the taste of this dog food.
• The price point may be higher compared to other dog food brands.
• Some dogs may experience digestive issues during the transition period.

We’ve been using IAMS Proactive Health Minichunks Adult Dry Dog Food with Real Chicken and Whole Grains for our dogs, and we’ve noticed that they love the smaller kibble size. The tailored blend of natural fiber and prebiotics has also helped improve their digestion. We’ve also noticed that their coats are shiny and healthy-looking after switching to this dog food.

Overall, IAMS Proactive Health Minichunks Adult Dry Dog Food with Real Chicken and Whole Grains is a great choice for dog owners who want to provide their pets with complete and balanced nutrition. It’s also a great way to support your dog’s whole-body health and maintain a strong immune system.

Blue Buffalo Basics Skin -amp; Stomach Care, Grain Free Natural Adult Small Breed Dry Dog Food, Lamb -amp; Potato

If you’re looking for a limited-ingredient dog food that’s good for sensitive stomachs and skin, Blue Buffalo Basics Skin -amp; Stomach Care may be a good option for you.

Pros

• Starts with real lamb, making it a good option for dogs with a sensitive stomach
• Limited ingredient dog food that doesn’t contain any chicken, beef, corn, wheat, soy, dairy or eggs
• Antioxidant-rich LifeSource Bits, a precise blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that support immune system health

Cons

• May not be a good option for dogs who require a specific type of protein
• Some dogs may not like the taste
• More expensive than some other dog foods on the market

As someone who has tried Blue Buffalo Basics Skin -amp; Stomach Care with my own dog, I can attest to its effectiveness in helping with sensitive stomach issues. The limited ingredient formula is easy on the digestive system, and the small-bite kibble is perfect for smaller dogs who have trouble chewing larger pieces of food.

One thing to keep in mind is that this dog food may not be suitable for dogs who require a specific type of protein. While the lamb-based formula is great for many dogs, those who require a different type of protein may need to look elsewhere. Additionally, some dogs may not like the taste of this dog food, so it’s important to monitor your dog’s reaction when introducing it into their diet.

Overall, Blue Buffalo Basics Skin -amp; Stomach Care is a good option for dogs with sensitive stomachs and skin. While it may be more expensive than some other dog foods on the market, its high-quality ingredients and effectiveness make it worth the investment.

Buying Guide

When it comes to selecting the best non-kibble dog food for your furry friend, there are several factors to consider. We understand that the process can be overwhelming, so we have put together a buying guide to help you make an informed decision.

Nutritional Content

The first and most important factor to consider when selecting non-kibble dog food is its nutritional content. Look for food that has balanced nutrients, including protein, fat, and carbohydrates, as well as essential vitamins and minerals. You can check the label to ensure that the food meets the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) standards.

Ingredients

It’s important to understand what ingredients are in your dog’s food. Look for food that uses high-quality, whole-food ingredients, such as real meat, vegetables, and fruits. Avoid food that contains fillers, artificial preservatives, and additives. You can also opt for food that is grain-free or uses limited ingredients if your dog has allergies or sensitivities.

Type of Food

There are different types of non-kibble dog food available, including wet food, freeze-dried food, and dehydrated food. Wet food is a good option for dogs who need more moisture in their diet, while freeze-dried and dehydrated food are convenient and easy to store. Consider your dog’s preferences and needs when selecting the type of food.

Brand Reputation

Lastly, consider the reputation of the brand when selecting non-kibble dog food. Look for brands that have a good track record of producing high-quality, nutritious food. You can also check online reviews and ratings to see what other pet owners have to say about the brand.

By considering these factors, you can select the best non-kibble dog food for your furry friend. Remember to consult with your veterinarian if you have any questions or concerns about your dog’s diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-rated non-kibble foods for small dog breeds?

There are several non-kibble dog food options that are highly recommended for small dog breeds. Some of the top-rated options include canned food, freeze-dried food, and dehydrated food. These options are not only easy to digest but also provide the necessary nutrients that small dogs need.

Which dog foods are free from fillers and preservatives?

Many non-kibble dog foods are free from fillers and preservatives. Some of the best options include raw food, freeze-dried food, and dehydrated food. These types of food are made with high-quality ingredients and do not contain any harmful additives.

What options are available for all-natural dry dog food?

If you are looking for all-natural dry dog food, there are several options available. Some of the best options include freeze-dried food, dehydrated food, and air-dried food. These types of food are made with high-quality ingredients and do not contain any harmful additives.

How can I find affordable alternatives to kibble for my dog?

There are several affordable alternatives to kibble for dogs. Some of the best options include canned food, freeze-dried food, and dehydrated food. These types of food are not only affordable but also provide the necessary nutrients that dogs need.

Which dog foods are considered the healthiest by veterinary experts?

Veterinary experts recommend non-kibble dog food options that are made with high-quality ingredients and do not contain any harmful additives. Some of the healthiest options include raw food, freeze-dried food, and dehydrated food.

What are the best real food options for dogs who prefer a non-kibble diet?

If your dog prefers a non-kibble diet, there are several real food options available. Some of the best options include raw food, cooked food, and homemade food. These types of food are made with high-quality ingredients and provide the necessary nutrients that dogs need.