Best Cheap Dog Food Brands in 2024

Dogs are more than just pets; they’re family members. As such, we want to give them the best care possible, and that starts with their food. With so many options available, it can be challenging to find the right one. In this article, we’ll be discussing the best dog food brands that are both cheap and high-quality.

When it comes to dog food, there are a few critical things to keep in mind. First and foremost, you want to ensure that your dog is getting all the necessary nutrients they need to stay healthy. This includes protein, carbohydrates, fat, and essential vitamins and minerals. Secondly, you want to make sure that the food is safe and free from harmful ingredients that could harm your furry friend.

While there are many high-end dog food brands available, they can be expensive, making them unaffordable for many pet owners. That’s why we’ve done the research to find the best dog food brands that won’t break the bank. In this article, we’ll be discussing the top affordable dog food brands that are still high-quality and nutritious.

So, whether you’re on a tight budget or just looking to save some money, we’ve got you covered. Keep reading to find out which dog food brands made our list and why they’re the best choice for your furry friend.

Best Cheap Dog Food Brands

As pet owners, we understand that finding the best dog food for our furry friends can be a daunting task, especially when you’re on a tight budget. With so many options available in the market, it can be challenging to choose the right one that meets all of your dog’s nutritional needs without breaking the bank. That’s why we’ve done the research for you and compiled a list of the best cheap dog food brands that provide excellent value for money. Our recommendations are based on the quality of ingredients, nutritional value, and affordability. So, whether you have a small or large dog, a puppy or a senior, we’ve got you covered. Check out our top picks below.

Blue Buffalo Small Breed Dog Food

If you’re looking for a high-quality, natural dog food option that won’t break the bank, Blue Buffalo’s Small Breed Dog Food is definitely worth considering.

Pros

• Real chicken is the first ingredient
• Contains immunity-boosting LifeSource Bits
• Supports higher energy levels in small breed dogs

Cons

• Packaging may vary
• Formula adjustments may occur
• May not be suitable for dogs with certain dietary restrictions

We recently tried Blue Buffalo’s Small Breed Dog Food for our furry friend and were impressed with the quality of the ingredients. With real chicken as the first ingredient and no chicken or poultry by-products, corn, wheat, or soy, we felt good about giving our dog a natural, protein-rich diet.

One thing we particularly liked about this dog food was the inclusion of LifeSource Bits, which contain a precise blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals to support immune system health, life stage needs, and a healthy oxidative balance. We also appreciated that the formula was tailored to support the higher energy requirements of small breed dogs.

While we did notice that the packaging may vary and formula adjustments may occur, we didn’t find these to be major concerns. However, if your dog has certain dietary restrictions, it’s important to check the ingredients carefully before purchasing.

Overall, we would definitely recommend Blue Buffalo’s Small Breed Dog Food to anyone looking for a high-quality, natural dog food option that won’t break the bank.

Amazon Brand – Wag Small Breed Dry Dog Food, Chicken and Brown Rice, 5 lb Bag 5 Pound (Pack of 1)

If you’re looking for an affordable dog food brand that doesn’t skimp on quality, Amazon’s Wag brand is definitely worth considering.

Pros

• Real meat is the first ingredient, which is always a good sign.
• Probiotics and fiber support healthy digestion and the immune system.
• No added chicken by-product meal, corn, wheat, or soy.

Cons

• Some dogs may not like the taste.
• The kibble is very small, which may not be ideal for larger dogs.
• May not be suitable for dogs with specific dietary needs.

We’ve been using Wag dog food for a few months now and have been really happy with it overall. The fact that real meat is the first ingredient is a huge plus, and we like that it doesn’t contain any fillers like corn or wheat.

Our dog also seems to have good digestion on this food, and we haven’t noticed any negative side effects. However, we have heard from some other dog owners that their dogs don’t seem to like the taste of this food as much as other brands.

One thing to note is that the kibble is quite small, which may not be ideal for larger dogs who need to chew more. Additionally, if your dog has specific dietary needs, this food may not be suitable for them.

Overall, we would definitely recommend trying out Wag dog food if you’re looking for an affordable option that still provides good quality ingredients.

IAMS Minichunks Adult Dry Dog Food Lamb -amp; Rice Recipe Dog Kibble, 30 lb. Bag Lamb,Rice 30 Pound (Pack of 1)

If you’re looking for an affordable and nutritious dog food brand, IAMS Minichunks Adult Dry Dog Food with Lamb and Rice might be a good choice for you. With real, premium lamb as the first ingredient, this dry dog food promotes healthy digestion with a tailored blend of wholesome fibers and prebiotics, while omega-6 fatty acids promote a healthy skin and coat. Plus, this lamb dog food builds strong muscles with quality-sourced protein.

Pros

• Real, premium lamb as the first ingredient
• Promotes healthy digestion with a tailored blend of wholesome fibers and prebiotics
• Builds strong muscles with quality-sourced protein

Cons

• Some dogs may not like the taste
• May cause diarrhea in some dogs
• Contains chicken by-product meal, which may not be suitable for all dogs

We’ve been using IAMS Minichunks Adult Dry Dog Food with Lamb and Rice for our dog for a few months now and have been pleased with the results. Our dog seems to enjoy the taste and his coat looks shiny and healthy. We also appreciate that this dog food is affordable and readily available at most pet stores.

One thing to keep in mind is that some dogs may not like the taste of this dog food, so it’s important to monitor your dog’s reaction when you first introduce it to their diet. Additionally, some dogs may experience diarrhea when switching to this dog food, so it’s best to gradually transition them over a period of a few days.

Overall, we would recommend IAMS Minichunks Adult Dry Dog Food with Lamb and Rice to anyone looking for an affordable and nutritious dog food brand.

Nutro So Simple Meal Complement Wet Dog Food Chicken and Chicken -amp; Duck Recipes in Bone Broth Variety Pack

This is a great option for dog owners who want to give their furry friend a tasty and healthy meal complement.

Pros

• Made with only 7 natural ingredients, including real chicken as the #1 ingredient and real duck.
• Mix this dog food in with your dog’s favorite Nutro Dry Dog Food for added flavor and ultimate tail wags.
• Crafted with real, recognizable ingredients and without grains, chicken by-product meal, corn, wheat or soy, and no artificial flavors*, colors* or preservatives*.

Cons

• Expensive compared to other meal complements.
• Some customers reported that the product clumps together weird.
• Not suitable for dogs with special dietary needs.

We have tried this meal complement with our dog and he absolutely loved it. The Nutro So Simple Wet Dog Meal Complement is very easy to use, just mix it in with your dog’s regular food and watch him enjoy the added flavor. The quality of the ingredients is impressive, and we love that it’s made without grains and artificial additives.

The variety pack is also a great option if you want to try different flavors. Our dog enjoyed both the chicken and chicken -amp; duck recipes in bone broth.

Overall, we highly recommend the Nutro So Simple Meal Complement Wet Dog Food for dog owners who want to give their furry friend a healthy and tasty meal complement.

Nature’s Recipe Small Bites Dry Dog Food

If you’re looking for a healthy and affordable dog food option for your small breed, Nature’s Recipe Small Bites Dry Dog Food is worth considering.

Pros

• Made with real chicken as the number one ingredient
• Contains fiber from whole grains to support digestion and immune system health
• No poultry by-products or artificial colors, preservatives or flavors, and no added corn, wheat or soy

Cons

• Strong dog food odor
• May not be suitable for dogs with specific dietary needs
• Some dogs may not enjoy the taste

We’ve been using Nature’s Recipe Small Bites Dry Dog Food for our small breed dog for a few months now and have been pleased with the results. The kibble size is perfect for our dog’s small mouth, and the real chicken as the number one ingredient gives us peace of mind that we’re providing a high-quality protein source for our furry friend.

The added fiber from whole grains like rice and barley has also helped support our dog’s digestion and immune system health. We appreciate that this dog food is made with natural ingredients and doesn’t contain any poultry by-products or artificial colors, preservatives or flavors, and no added corn, wheat or soy.

While the strong dog food odor may be off-putting to some, we don’t mind it too much. However, it’s important to note that this dog food may not be suitable for dogs with specific dietary needs. Additionally, some dogs may not enjoy the taste, so it’s important to monitor your dog’s reaction when introducing this food into their diet.

Overall, we would recommend Nature’s Recipe Small Bites Dry Dog Food to anyone looking for an affordable and healthy dog food option for their small breed dog.

IAMS Small -amp; Toy Breed Adult Dry Dog Food

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly dog food brand that doesn’t compromise on quality, IAMS Small -amp; Toy Breed Adult Dry Dog Food is definitely worth considering.

Pros

• With real, farm-raised chicken as the first ingredient, this dog food provides quality protein for building strong muscles.
• The omega-6 fatty acids in this dog food help to promote healthy skin and coat.
• Antioxidants in this dog food support your small breed dog’s immune system.

Cons

• Some dogs may not enjoy the taste of this dog food.
• This dog food may not be suitable for dogs with certain dietary restrictions.
• The kibble size may be too large for some toy breed dogs.

We have been using IAMS Small -amp; Toy Breed Adult Dry Dog Food for our small breed dog for several months now and have been satisfied with the results. Our dog’s coat looks shinier and healthier, and she seems to have more energy since switching to this dog food. However, we did notice that the kibble size was a bit large for our toy breed dog, so we had to break it up into smaller pieces for her to eat comfortably.

Overall, if you’re looking for an affordable dog food brand that provides quality nutrition for your small breed dog, IAMS Small -amp; Toy Breed Adult Dry Dog Food is definitely worth considering. Just be sure to check with your veterinarian to make sure it’s the right choice for your dog’s specific dietary needs.

Solid Gold Nutrientboost Mighty Mini Small Breed Dog Food

If you’re looking for a high-quality dog food brand that won’t break the bank, Solid Gold Nutrientboost Mighty Mini Small Breed Dog Food is definitely worth considering.

Pros

• The grain and gluten-free formula makes it easy on your dog’s stomach and is perfect for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
• The small kibble size is perfect for small breeds and makes it easy for them to chew.
• The probiotic support formula helps with digestion and immune support.

Cons

• The smell might be a bit strong for some dogs.
• Some dogs may not like the taste.
• It may not be suitable for larger breeds.

We’ve been using Solid Gold Nutrientboost Mighty Mini Small Breed Dog Food for a few months now, and we’re really impressed with it. Our little dog has a sensitive stomach, but this formula has been easy on her digestive system. The small kibble size is perfect for her tiny mouth, and she seems to really enjoy the taste.

One thing to note is that the smell is a bit strong, but our dog doesn’t seem to mind. However, if your dog is particularly sensitive to smells, this might be a concern.

Overall, if you’re looking for a high-quality dog food brand that won’t break the bank, Solid Gold Nutrientboost Mighty Mini Small Breed Dog Food is definitely worth considering.

Nature’s Recipe Dry Dog Food, Grain Free Salmon, Sweet Potato -amp; Pumpkin Recipe, 24 lb. Bag Dry Food Salmon, Sweet Potato -amp; Pumpkin 24 Pound (Pack of 1)

We highly recommend Nature’s Recipe Grain Free Salmon, Sweet Potato -amp; Pumpkin Recipe dog food for pet owners who want to provide their dogs with a healthy, nutritious, and affordable meal.

Pros

• Real salmon is the number one ingredient, making it a quality protein source that helps maintain optimal muscle strength.
• Made with nutrient-dense carbohydrate sources like sweet potato and pumpkin instead of added corn or wheat, which helps support healthy digestion and immune system health.
• Contains added vitamins, minerals, and nutrients for the maintenance of adult dogs.

Cons

• Some customers reported that the food looked and smelled different than previous purchases.
• A few customers mentioned that their dogs didn’t like the taste.
• One customer reported that the food caused their dog’s stomach upset.

Nature’s Recipe Grain Free Salmon, Sweet Potato -amp; Pumpkin Recipe is a delicious, nutritious dog kibble formulated to help support your dog’s needs. The brand has been creating purposeful recipes for over 40 years. We found that this dog food is an excellent source of protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals. It’s also grain-free, which makes it a great option for dogs with food sensitivities.

The salmon, sweet potato, and pumpkin recipe is perfect for dogs that love a good taste and are looking for a healthy meal. The added vitamins, minerals, and nutrients make it a great choice for adult dogs that require a balanced diet. We also appreciate that the brand uses natural ingredients and avoids artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors.

Overall, Nature’s Recipe Grain Free Salmon, Sweet Potato -amp; Pumpkin Recipe is an excellent option for pet owners looking for a healthy and affordable dog food. We highly recommend it to anyone looking to give their furry friend a nutritious and delicious meal.

WAG Salmon and Brown Rice Dog Food

We highly recommend the WAG Salmon and Brown Rice Dog Food for those looking for a cheap yet high-quality dog food option.

Pros

• The number one ingredient is sustainably raised American salmon, making it a great source of protein for your furry friend.
• It contains no by-product meal, corn, wheat, soy, artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives, making it a healthier option for your dog.
• It is vet formulated with help from veterinarians and pet nutritionists, ensuring that your dog is getting the nutrients they need.

Cons

• Some dogs may not like the taste of salmon, which could make it difficult to switch to this food.
• The bag is quite large, which may be difficult to store for those with limited space.
• The price may be slightly higher than other cheap dog food brands.

We were impressed with the WAG Salmon and Brown Rice Dog Food. Our dogs loved the taste and had no issues transitioning to this food. We also appreciated that it contained no artificial ingredients or fillers, making it a healthier option for our furry friends. The added calcium and phosphorus helped support their bone and tooth health, while the added antioxidants and DHA supported their immune system and brain function. Overall, we highly recommend this product to anyone looking for a high-quality, affordable dog food option.

Pedigree Complete Nutrition Adult Dry Dog Food Roasted Chicken, Rice -amp; Vegetable Flavor Dog Kibble, 30 lb. Bag

If you’re looking for an affordable dog food brand that provides complete and balanced nutrition for your furry friend, Pedigree Complete Nutrition Adult Dry Dog Food is a great option. With roasted chicken, rice, and vegetable flavor, this dry kibble is irresistible to dogs.

Pros

• Provides complete and balanced nutrition with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals
• Enriched with omega-6 fatty acids to help nourish your dog’s skin and promote a healthy coat
• Crunchy kibble helps clean teeth and support healthy digestion

Cons

• Some dogs may not like the taste or texture of the kibble
• Contains corn, wheat, and soy, which may not be suitable for dogs with allergies or sensitivities
• May not be as high quality as more expensive dog food brands

We’ve found that Pedigree Complete Nutrition Adult Dry Dog Food is a great option for pet owners on a budget who want to provide their dogs with a healthy and balanced diet. The kibble is crunchy and helps clean teeth, which can be a bonus for dogs who need help maintaining their dental health.

However, it’s important to note that this dog food does contain corn, wheat, and soy, which may not be suitable for dogs with allergies or sensitivities. Additionally, some dogs may not like the taste or texture of the kibble, so it’s important to monitor your pet’s reaction to the food.

Overall, we recommend Pedigree Complete Nutrition Adult Dry Dog Food for pet owners who want to provide their dogs with a nutritious diet without breaking the bank.

Buying Guide

When it comes to choosing the best dog food brands on a budget, there are a few key features to look for to ensure that your furry friend is getting the nutrition they need without breaking the bank.

Firstly, it’s important to check the ingredients list. Look for high-quality protein sources like chicken, beef, or fish as the first ingredient. Avoid products that list grains or fillers as the primary ingredient, as these provide little nutritional value for your dog.

Next, consider the nutritional content of the food. Look for products that contain a balance of protein, fat, and carbohydrates, as well as essential vitamins and minerals. It’s also important to choose a food that is appropriate for your dog’s age, size, and activity level.

When comparing prices, keep in mind that cheaper options may not always be the best value. Look for products that offer a good balance of quality and affordability, rather than simply choosing the cheapest option available.

To help you make an informed decision, we’ve compiled a table comparing some of the most popular budget-friendly dog food brands on the market. Keep in mind that this is just a starting point, and you should always do your own research and consult with your veterinarian before making any changes to your dog’s diet.

By taking the time to carefully evaluate your options and choose a high-quality, affordable dog food brand, you can ensure that your furry friend is getting the nutrition they need to live a happy, healthy life.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best budget-friendly dog food options for large breeds?

Large breed dogs require a balanced diet that is rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals. Some of the best budget-friendly dog food options for large breeds include Purina ONE SmartBlend Natural Large Breed Formula, Blue Buffalo Life Protection Large Breed Dog Food, and Hill’s Science Diet Large Breed Dry Dog Food. These brands offer high-quality ingredients and are available at an affordable price.

How can I ensure I’m buying healthy yet affordable dog food?

When buying dog food, it’s important to read the label carefully and look for high-quality ingredients. Avoid dog food that contains fillers such as corn, wheat, and soy, as these ingredients provide little nutritional value. Look for dog food that contains real meat as the first ingredient and is free from artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors. It’s also a good idea to consult with your veterinarian to ensure that the dog food you choose meets your dog’s specific nutritional needs.

What are some recommended dog food brands that veterinarians approve of?

Some of the dog food brands that veterinarians approve of include Royal Canin, Hill’s Science Diet, Purina Pro Plan, and Blue Buffalo. These brands offer high-quality ingredients and are formulated to meet the specific nutritional needs of dogs. It’s important to note that every dog is different, so it’s always a good idea to consult with your veterinarian before making any changes to your dog’s diet.

Which dog food brands offer the best value for money without compromising on nutrition?

Some of the dog food brands that offer the best value for money without compromising on nutrition include Diamond Naturals, Taste of the Wild, and Nutro. These brands offer high-quality ingredients and are available at an affordable price. They also offer a variety of options for dogs of different ages, sizes, and activity levels.

What affordable dog food options are well-suited for small breed dogs?

Small breed dogs have unique nutritional needs, and it’s important to choose a dog food that is specifically formulated for their needs. Some of the affordable dog food options that are well-suited for small breed dogs include Blue Buffalo Life Protection Small Breed Dog Food, Hill’s Science Diet Small -amp; Toy Breed Dry Dog Food, and Purina ONE SmartBlend Small Breed Formula.

Where can I find cost-effective dog food that is also favored by pet owners on forums like Reddit?

There are many cost-effective dog food options that are favored by pet owners on forums like Reddit. Some of the best places to find affordable dog food include Amazon, Chewy, and Walmart. You can also look for coupons and discounts to save money on your dog food purchases. When choosing a dog food brand, it’s important to read reviews and do your research to ensure that you’re choosing a high-quality product.