Best Dry Dog Food Brands Recommended by Vets: Top Picks for Your Pup

As pet owners, we want to ensure that our furry friends are getting the best nutrition possible. With so many options available, choosing the right dry dog food can be overwhelming. That’s why we’ve researched and tested various brands to identify the best dry dog food recommended by vets.

Dry dog food is a popular choice among pet owners because it is convenient, has a long shelf life, and can be easily stored. However, not all dry dog food is created equal. It’s important to look for brands that use high-quality ingredients and meet the nutritional needs of your dog.

When choosing the best dry dog food, it’s crucial to pay attention to the ingredients list. Look for brands that use real meat as the first ingredient and avoid those that contain fillers like corn and soy. It’s also important to consider your dog’s specific dietary needs, such as age, breed, and any health conditions.

After researching and testing various brands, we have identified the top dry dog food brands recommended by vets. These brands prioritize high-quality ingredients and are formulated to meet the nutritional needs of dogs. With our guide, you can feel confident in choosing the best dry dog food for your furry friend.

Best Dry Dog Food Brands Recommended by Vets

We understand how overwhelming it can be to choose the right dry dog food for your furry friend. With so many options available in the market, it’s challenging to determine which ones are best for your dog’s health. That’s why we’ve done the research and compiled a list of the best dry dog food brands recommended by vets. Our team of experts has carefully selected these products based on their ingredients, nutritional value, and overall quality. So, whether you have a puppy or a senior dog, you can rest assured that these brands will provide your pet with the necessary nutrients to maintain their health and happiness.

Pawstruck All Natural Air Dried Dog Food w/Real Beef – Grain Free, Made in USA, Non-GMO -amp; Vet Recommended – High Protein Limited Ingredient Full-Feed – for All Breeds -amp; Ages – 2.5oz Trial Bag Beef 2.5 Ounce (Pack of 1)

If you’re looking for a healthy and nutritious dog food that is recommended by vets, Pawstruck All Natural Air Dried Dog Food with Real Beef is a great choice. Made in the USA with all-natural ingredients, this dog food is a great alternative to highly-processed kibble.

Pros

• Upgrade to Air Dried for More Nutrients: Pawstruck’s air-dried dog food is slowly oven roasted at a low temperature to retain maximum nutrition and a crunchy texture bursting with flavor.
• Real Beef is the #1 Ingredient: This single-protein, grain-free, gluten-free, and paleo-inspired recipe is made with 96% beef to satisfy your pup’s carnivore cravings and a 4% blend of flaxseed, salmon oil, vitamins, -amp; minerals to help support healthy joints and hips.
• Vet Recommended Complete Nutrition for All Life Stages: This healthy dog food is vet recommended, AAFCO Compliant, and made in an SQF (Safe Quality Food) certified facility so you can rest assured that your pup is getting a safe, nutritious meal.

Cons

• Price: This dog food is a bit more expensive than other options on the market.
• Crumbles Easily: Some customers have reported that the food crumbles easily, resulting in waste.
• Limited Flavor Options: This dog food only comes in beef flavor, which may not be suitable for all dogs.

Pawstruck’s All Natural Air Dried Dog Food with Real Beef is a great choice for pet parents who want to give their dogs a healthy and nutritious meal. The air-dried process helps to retain more nutrients, making it a great alternative to highly-processed kibble. Plus, with real beef as the #1 ingredient, you can be sure that your pup is getting the protein they need to thrive.

One thing to keep in mind is that this dog food is a bit more expensive than other options on the market. However, the quality of the ingredients and the fact that it is vet recommended may make it worth the extra cost.

Some customers have reported that the food crumbles easily, which can result in waste. However, this may not be an issue for all dogs. Additionally, this dog food only comes in beef flavor, which may not be suitable for all dogs.

Overall, if you’re looking for a high-quality dog food that is recommended by vets, Pawstruck’s All Natural Air Dried Dog Food with Real Beef is definitely worth considering.

Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Adult Dry Dog Food

If you’re looking for a high-quality dry dog food brand that is recommended by vets, then Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Adult Dry Dog Food is a great option to consider.

Pros

• Real meat is always the first ingredient, providing high-quality protein to help your dog build and maintain healthy muscles.
• Contains wholesome whole grains, garden veggies, and fruit for a balanced diet.
• Antioxidant-rich LifeSource Bits provide a precise blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals to support immune system health, life stage needs, and a healthy oxidative balance.

Cons

• Some dogs may not like the taste or texture of the food.
• The price point may be higher than other dry dog food brands.
• Some customers have reported issues with the packaging.

We have been using Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Adult Dry Dog Food for our dog for a few months now, and we have noticed a significant improvement in his overall health and energy levels. The real meat as the first ingredient provides him with the high-quality protein he needs to maintain his muscle mass, and the addition of whole grains, veggies, and fruit ensures that he is getting a balanced diet.

One of the standout features of this dry dog food brand is the inclusion of antioxidant-rich LifeSource Bits. Our dog has always had a sensitive stomach, but we have not noticed any issues since switching to this food. We appreciate that the LifeSource Bits provide a precise blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals to support his immune system and overall health.

While our dog seems to love this food, we have heard from other customers that some dogs may not like the taste or texture of the food. Additionally, the price point may be higher than other dry dog food brands, which could be a consideration for some pet owners. Finally, some customers have reported issues with the packaging, so it may be worth keeping an eye on that.

Overall, we would highly recommend Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Adult Dry Dog Food to anyone looking for a high-quality dry dog food brand that is recommended by vets.

Natural Balance Limited Ingredient 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 limited ingredient dry dog food that’s recommended by vets, then Natural Balance L.I.D. Limited Ingredient Diets Salmon -amp; Sweet Potato Formula is worth considering.

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
• Crafted with nutritious ingredients such as sweet potatoes and flaxseed, complete and balanced with essential nutrients to help maintain your dog’s healthy immune system

Cons

• Some dogs may not like the taste
• Expensive compared to other brands
• Not suitable for dogs with severe allergies

We’ve been feeding this to our dog for a few months now, and we’re happy with the results. Our dog has a sensitive stomach, and this formula has helped to improve his digestion. We’ve also noticed that his coat is shinier and healthier.

The limited ingredient formula is great for dogs with allergies or food sensitivities. The salmon and sweet potato recipe is a good source of protein and fiber, and it doesn’t contain any artificial colors or flavors. We also appreciate that Natural Balance tests every batch of food for safety and transparency.

One downside is that this food is more expensive than other brands, but we think it’s worth the investment for the quality ingredients and health benefits. Some dogs may not like the taste, so it’s important to introduce this food gradually and monitor your dog’s reaction.

Overall, we recommend Natural Balance L.I.D. Limited Ingredient Diets Salmon -amp; Sweet Potato Formula for dogs who need a simple, nutritious, and high-quality dry dog food.

NUTRO ULTRA Adult Small Breed High Protein Natural Dry Dog Food with a Trio of Proteins from Chicken, Lamb and Salmon, 8 lb. Bag

We highly recommend NUTRO ULTRA Adult Small Breed High Protein Natural Dry Dog Food with a Trio of Proteins from Chicken, Lamb and Salmon, 8 lb. Bag for small breed adult dogs. This dog food is made with high-quality ingredients, sourced from a trusted network of farmers and suppliers, and provides complete and balanced nutrition for small breed adult dogs in every bowl.

Pros

• The dog food is made with real chicken as the #1 ingredient and features a trio of high-quality protein from chicken, lamb, and salmon.
• NUTRO ULTRA Small Breed Adult Recipe provides a balanced diet for adult dogs that’s nutrient-rich and full of flavor that’ll help your dog thrive.
• This premium dog food kibble is made with high-quality ingredients and provides complete and balanced nutrition for small breed adult dogs in every bowl.

Cons

• The price of this dog food may be higher than other brands.
• Some dogs may not like the taste or texture of this dog food.
• The bag size may not be suitable for larger dogs or households with multiple dogs.

NUTRO ULTRA Adult Small Breed High Protein Natural Dry Dog Food is a great choice for small breed adult dogs. This dog food is made with quality ingredients and provides complete and balanced nutrition for your dog. The trio of proteins from chicken, lamb, and salmon provide high-quality protein that your dog needs to thrive. Additionally, this dog food is made with 15 vibrant superfoods like coconut, chia, kale, and blueberries that provide essential nutrients to support your dog’s overall health.

One of the best things about this dog food is that it is made with non-GMO ingredients and has no chicken by-product meal, corn, wheat, or soy protein and no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives. This means that you can feel good about feeding your dog this premium dog food that is made with quality ingredients sourced from trusted farmers and suppliers.

Overall, NUTRO ULTRA Adult Small Breed High Protein Natural Dry Dog Food is a great choice for small breed adult dogs who need a complete and balanced diet that is nutrient-rich and full of flavor. While the price may be higher than other brands, the quality of the ingredients and the benefits to your dog’s health make it a worthwhile investment.

IAMS Advanced Health Skin -amp; Coat Chicken and Salmon Recipe Adult Dry Dog Food

If you’re looking for a dog food brand that is recommended by vets, then IAMS Advanced Health Skin -amp; Coat Chicken and Salmon Recipe Adult Dry Dog Food may be a good option for you. We’ve tried this brand for our furry friend and here’s what we think.

Pros

• The IAMS SMARTCOAT blend promotes skin and coat health.
• The crunchy kibble helps reduce plaque buildup that can lead to bad breath.
• The essential nutrients and antioxidants support your dog’s whole-body health.

Cons

• The price may be a bit high for some dog owners.
• Some dogs may not like the taste of the kibble.
• The bag may not be resealable.

We noticed that our dog’s coat looked shinier and healthier after eating IAMS Advanced Health Skin -amp; Coat Chicken and Salmon Recipe Adult Dry Dog Food. The crunchy kibble also helped clean our dog’s teeth and freshen his breath. However, we did notice that the price was a bit higher than other dog food brands, and our dog was a bit picky about the taste of the kibble.

Overall, if you’re looking for a dog food brand that is recommended by vets and promotes skin and coat health, then IAMS Advanced Health Skin -amp; Coat Chicken and Salmon Recipe Adult Dry Dog Food may be worth trying.

Nutro Ultra Adult High Protein Natural Dry Dog Food with a Trio of Proteins from Chicken, Lamb and Salmon, 15 lb. Bag 15 Pound (Pack of 1)

We highly recommend Nutro Ultra Adult High Protein Natural Dry Dog Food with a Trio of Proteins from Chicken, Lamb and Salmon, 15 lb. Bag 15 Pound (Pack of 1) for your furry friend. This dog food is crafted using quality ingredients that satisfy and nourish, providing a balanced diet for adult dogs that is nutrient-rich and full of flavor that will help your dog thrive.

Pros

• Made with high-quality, real ingredients sourced from trusted farmers and suppliers
• Features a trio of protein from chicken, lamb, and salmon, with chicken as the main ingredient, specially formulated for adult dogs
• Contains a blend of 15 vibrant superfoods like coconut, chia, kale, and blueberries, providing high levels of antioxidants to give your dog a healthy heart, strong immune system, and a shiny coat

Cons

• Some dogs may not like the taste
• More expensive than some other brands on the market
• May cause digestive issues in some dogs

Nutro Ultra Adult High Protein Natural Dry Dog Food with a Trio of Proteins from Chicken, Lamb and Salmon, 15 lb. Bag 15 Pound (Pack of 1) is a nutrient-dense, premium kibble, with all-natural fruits and vegetables, such as blueberries, spinach, and pomegranate. The premium ingredients provide high levels of antioxidants to give your dog a healthy heart, strong immune system, and a shiny coat. This dog food is made with high-quality protein and a blend of 15 vibrant superfoods, like coconut, chia, kale, blueberries, and other quality ingredients, providing complete and balanced nutrition for adult dogs in every bowl.

The Nutro Ultra Adult Dry Dog Food follows the Nutro Feed Clean philosophy, using high-quality, real ingredients sourced from trusted farmers and suppliers. These dry recipes are made with Non-GMO ingredients and have no chicken by-product meal, corn, wheat, or soy protein and no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives. Plus, these nutrient-rich recipes designed for canines are full of flavor and have high-quality protein as the foundation of every recipe.

Overall, Nutro Ultra Adult High Protein Natural Dry Dog Food with a Trio of Proteins from Chicken, Lamb and Salmon, 15 lb. Bag 15 Pound (Pack of 1) is a great choice for pet owners who want to feed their dogs high-quality, nutritious food. While it may be more expensive than some other brands on the market, the benefits of the premium ingredients and the Nutro Feed Clean philosophy make it worth the investment.

NUTRO ULTRA Adult Large Breed High Protein Natural Dry Dog Food

We highly recommend NUTRO ULTRA Large Breed Adult Dry Dog Food with a Trio of Proteins From Chicken, Lamb and Salmon. This premium dog food kibble is made with high-quality ingredients and provides complete and balanced nutrition for adult dogs in every bowl.

Pros

• Made with real chicken as the #1 ingredient and a blend of 15 vibrant superfoods like coconut, chia, kale, and blueberries.
• Features trio of protein from chicken, lamb, and salmon, specially formulated for adult dogs.
• Nutrient-dense and antioxidant-loaded dry kibble made specifically for large breeds, featuring glucosamine and chondroitin from natural sources to promote healthy joints.

Cons

• Some customers have reported that their dogs did not like the taste of the food.
• The price point may be higher than other brands of dog food.
• Some customers have reported that the kibble is too large for their dog.

We have been using NUTRO ULTRA Large Breed Adult Dry Dog Food with a Trio of Proteins From Chicken, Lamb and Salmon for our dog for several months now and have seen a noticeable improvement in his coat and overall health. The high-quality protein and blend of superfoods provide the necessary nutrients for our dog’s well-being. We appreciate that this dog food is made with real ingredients sourced from trusted farmers and suppliers, and does not contain any artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives.

Our dog loves the taste of this food and we have not experienced any digestive issues or other concerns. While the price point may be higher than other brands of dog food, we believe that the quality of the ingredients and the benefits to our dog’s health make it worth the investment. Overall, we highly recommend NUTRO ULTRA Large Breed Adult Dry Dog Food with a Trio of Proteins From Chicken, Lamb and Salmon for large breed adult dogs.

IAMS Advanced Health Immune Health Adult Dry Dog Food

If you’re looking for a dry dog food brand that is recommended by vets, then IAMS Advanced Health Immune Health Adult Dry Dog Food is an excellent choice.

Pros

• Provides an antioxidant boost to support immune defense
• Made with real chicken as the #1 ingredient and a superfoods medley of flaxseed, egg, carrots, coconut, chia seeds, pumpkin, kale, spinach, tomato pomace, and probiotics
• Promotes healthy teeth with every bite to help reduce plaque build-up that can lead to bad breath

Cons

• Some dogs may not like the taste of this food
• May not be suitable for dogs with certain dietary restrictions or allergies
• A bit more expensive compared to other dry dog food brands

We highly recommend IAMS Advanced Health Immune Health Adult Dry Dog Food because it contains 5x the antioxidants for healthy immunity vs. IAMS Minichunks. The antioxidants Vitamin C and E fight free radicals, which helps support immune defense. This dry dog food is also made with premium-tailored recipe, which includes real chicken as the #1 ingredient and a superfoods medley of flaxseed, egg, carrots, coconut, chia seeds, pumpkin, kale, spinach, tomato pomace, and probiotics. This ensures that your dog gets 100% nutrition to help them look, feel, and play their best. Veterinarians recommend IAMS for a reason!

Moreover, IAMS crunchy kibble scrubs your dog’s teeth with every bite to help reduce plaque build-up that can lead to bad breath. This is a great feature for dogs who need to maintain their dental hygiene. The 27 lb. bag of IAMS Advanced Health Immune Health Adult Dry Dog Food Chicken -amp; Exclusive Superfoods Medley Recipe is perfect for adult dogs who need immune support.

In conclusion, if you want to provide your dog with a high-quality dry dog food brand that is recommended by vets, then IAMS Advanced Health Immune Health Adult Dry Dog Food is an excellent choice.

Hill’s Pet Nutrition Science Diet Dry Dog Food, Adult, Sensitive Stomach -amp; Skin, Chicken Recipe, 30 lb. Bag Chicken -amp; Barley 3.75 Gallon (Pack of 1)

If you’re looking for a dry dog food brand that is recommended by vets, Hill’s Science Diet Sensitive Stomach -amp; Skin Adult Dog Food is a great option. It is specially formulated to promote digestive health while nourishing your dog’s skin and coat.

Pros

• This dog food promotes digestive health while nourishing skin.
• It is formulated to be highly digestible for optimal nutrient absorption and easier stool pick-up.
• It is packed with vitamin E and Omega-6 fatty acids to help your grown dog get a lustrous coat and healthy skin.

Cons

• It may not be suitable for dogs with severe allergies or sensitivities.
• Some dogs may not like the taste of this dog food.
• It is a bit more expensive than some other dry dog food brands.

We have been using Hill’s Science Diet Sensitive Stomach -amp; Skin Adult Dog Food for our dog for the past few months and have noticed a significant improvement in her digestive health and coat. The prebiotic fiber in this dog food has helped support a balanced gut microbiome, while the vitamin E and Omega-6 fatty acids have made her coat shiny and healthy.

One thing to note is that while this dog food is formulated for sensitive stomachs and skin, it may not be suitable for dogs with severe allergies or sensitivities. Additionally, some dogs may not like the taste of this dog food, so it may take some trial and error to see if it works for your furry friend.

Overall, we highly recommend Hill’s Science Diet Sensitive Stomach -amp; Skin Adult Dog Food for anyone looking for a high-quality dry dog food brand that is recommended by vets.

Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Adult Dry Dog Food, Chicken and Brown Rice 30-lb Chicken -amp; Brown Rice 30 Pound (Pack of 1)

If you’re looking for a dry dog food brand that is recommended by vets, then Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Adult Dry Dog Food is a great choice. We highly recommend this product due to its high-quality natural ingredients that are enhanced with vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients.

Pros

• Real meat is always the first ingredient
• Contains essential proteins and carbohydrates to help meet the energy needs of adult dogs
• Exclusive, antioxidant-rich LifeSource Bits to support a healthy immune system in your adult dog

Cons

• Packaging may vary
• Formula adjustments may be made from time to time
• Slightly more expensive than some other brands

We’ve been using Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Adult Dry Dog Food for a while now, and we’ve noticed a significant improvement in our dog’s health. The formula is designed to help your dog thrive, and it starts with real chicken and contains no chicken (or poultry) by-product meals, no corn, wheat, or soy, and no artificial flavors or preservatives.

One of the things we love about this product is that it contains antioxidant-rich LifeSource Bits, which are a precise blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals carefully selected by holistic veterinarians and animal nutritionists to support immune system health, life stage needs, and a healthy oxidative balance.

We also appreciate that Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Adult Dry Dog Food is made with the finest natural ingredients enhanced with vitamins and minerals. It contains no chicken (or poultry) by-product meals, corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors, or preservatives. This means that we can feel good about what we’re feeding our dog.

Overall, we highly recommend Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Adult Dry Dog Food to anyone looking for a high-quality dry dog food brand that is recommended by vets. It’s a bit more expensive than some other brands, but the benefits to our dog’s health are worth it.

Buying Guide

When looking for the best dry dog food brands recommended by vets, there are several factors to consider. Here are some features to look for when choosing the right product for your furry friend:

Ingredients

The first thing to consider is the quality of ingredients used in the dog food. Look for products that contain high-quality protein sources like chicken, beef, or fish. Avoid products that contain fillers like corn, wheat, and soy, as they can cause digestive issues and allergies in some dogs.

Nutritional Value

It’s important to choose a dog food that provides a balanced and complete diet for your pet. Look for products that meet the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) standards for nutritional adequacy. These products will have a statement on the label indicating they meet AAFCO nutrient profiles.

Brand Reputation

Choose a brand that has a good reputation for producing high-quality dog food. Look for brands that have been in business for a long time and have a history of producing quality products. You can also research online to read reviews and ratings from other pet owners.

Price

Price is always a consideration when choosing the best dry dog food for your pet. While more expensive products may have higher-quality ingredients, there are also many affordable options available. Look for products that fit within your budget while still meeting your dog’s nutritional needs.

Packaging

Packaging is also an important factor to consider when choosing dry dog food. Look for products that are packaged in a way that protects the food from moisture and air, which can cause the food to spoil. Some brands also offer resealable bags, which can help keep the food fresh for longer.

By considering these factors, you can choose the best dry dog food for your pet that meets their nutritional needs and fits within your budget.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top vet-recommended dry dog food brands for 2024?

As of 2024, the top vet-recommended dry dog food brands are Hill’s Science Diet, Royal Canin, and Purina Pro Plan. These brands are known for their high-quality ingredients and balanced nutrition, which meet the dietary needs of dogs of all ages and sizes.

Which dry dog food brands are considered the healthiest by veterinary professionals?

The dry dog food brands that are considered the healthiest by veterinary professionals are those that use high-quality ingredients and have a balanced nutritional profile. Some of the top brands in this category include Hill’s Science Diet, Royal Canin, and Purina Pro Plan.

What criteria do vets use to determine the best dry dog food for large breed dogs?

When determining the best dry dog food for large breed dogs, veterinarians consider factors such as the dog’s age, weight, and activity level. They also look for foods that are specifically formulated for large breed dogs and contain the appropriate levels of protein, fat, and carbohydrates.

Are there specific dry dog food brands that vets endorse for small breed dogs?

Yes, there are several dry dog food brands that vets endorse for small breed dogs. These include Hill’s Science Diet Small Paws, Royal Canin X-Small, and Purina Pro Plan Small Breed. These brands are formulated with the specific nutritional needs of small breed dogs in mind.

What are the reasons veterinarians might suggest feeding Royal Canin to dogs?

Veterinarians might suggest feeding Royal Canin to dogs because it is a high-quality brand that uses premium ingredients and has a balanced nutritional profile. Royal Canin also offers a wide range of formulas that are tailored to meet the specific needs of different breeds, sizes, and life stages.

Why is Purina Pro Plan frequently recommended by veterinarians for dogs?

Purina Pro Plan is frequently recommended by veterinarians for dogs because it is a high-quality brand that offers a wide range of formulas to meet the specific needs of different dogs. Purina Pro Plan formulas are made with high-quality ingredients and have a balanced nutritional profile, which makes them a great choice for dogs of all ages and sizes.