Best Dry Food for Dogs: Top Picks for a Healthy Diet

Dry dog food is a popular choice for pet owners due to its convenience and long shelf life. It is a type of dog food that has had all of its moisture extracted, leaving behind a crunchy, bite-sized kibble. While there are several types of dog food available, dry dog food has become the go-to option for many pet owners.

When it comes to choosing the best dry food for dogs, there are several factors to consider. One of the most important things to keep in mind is the quality of the ingredients. The best dry food for dogs will contain high-quality proteins, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals.

Another critical factor to consider is the age and size of your dog. Different breeds have different nutritional needs, and it’s essential to choose a dry food that is appropriate for your dog’s age and size. Additionally, some dogs may have specific dietary requirements due to allergies or other health concerns.

When choosing the best dry food for your dog, it’s also important to pay attention to the ingredients that are used to make the food. Look for dry food that is free from artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors. It’s also a good idea to choose a dry food that contains natural ingredients like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

After conducting extensive research and testing various brands, we’ve identified the top dry dog food options on the market. In the following sections, we’ll take a closer look at each of these options and what makes them stand out from the rest.

Best Dry Dog Foods

As dog owners, we all want to make sure that our furry friends are getting the best nutrition possible. One of the most important aspects of a dog’s diet is their dry food. With so many options available on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one for your pup. That’s why we’ve done the research and compiled a list of the best dry dog foods that will provide your four-legged companion with the nutrients they need to thrive.

Pawstruck All Natural Air Dried Dog Food w/Real Beef

If you’re looking for a high-quality dog food that is made with all-natural ingredients, then Pawstruck All Natural Air Dried Dog Food w/Real Beef is a great choice.

Pros

• Made with real beef as the #1 ingredient
• Grain-free, gluten-free, and paleo-inspired recipe
• Vet recommended complete nutrition for all life stages

Cons

• Expensive compared to other dog foods on the market
• Some dogs may not like the taste or texture
• Only comes in a small 2.5-ounce trial pack

We recently tried Pawstruck All Natural Air Dried Dog Food w/Real Beef for our furry friend and were impressed with the quality of the product. The first thing we noticed was the strong beef aroma, which was a good sign that it was made with real beef. Our dog seemed to love the taste and texture of the food, and we were pleased to see that it didn’t upset his stomach like some other dog foods have in the past.

One of the things we liked about this dog food was that it is grain-free, gluten-free, and paleo-inspired, which means it is made with high-quality, all-natural ingredients that are easy for our dog to digest. We also appreciated that it is vet recommended and provides complete nutrition for all life stages, so we didn’t have to worry about whether or not our dog was getting all the nutrients he needed.

However, one downside to this dog food is that it is more expensive than some other brands on the market. Additionally, some dogs may not like the taste or texture of the food, so it may not be the best choice for picky eaters. Finally, the fact that it only comes in a small 2.5-ounce trial pack may not be enough for larger dogs or for those who want to buy in bulk.

Overall, we would recommend Pawstruck All Natural Air Dried Dog Food w/Real Beef to anyone looking for a high-quality, all-natural dog food that is made with real beef and provides complete nutrition for all life stages. While it may be more expensive than some other brands on the market, we believe that the quality of the product is worth the price.

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

If you’re looking for a high-quality, human-grade dry food for your furry friend, The Honest Kitchen Whole Food Clusters Whole Grain Chicken -amp; Oat Dry Dog Food is a great option.

Pros

• Made with 100% human-grade ingredients
• Complete -amp; balanced nutrition for adult dogs of all breeds and sizes
• Free of potatoes and legumes

Cons

• Price may be higher compared to other dog foods
• Some dogs may not like the taste or texture
• Not suitable for puppies

We’ve been using The Honest Kitchen for a while now and we’ve been impressed with the quality of their products. The Whole Food Clusters are made with human-grade muscle meat and liver, oats, beneficial fats, and live probiotics. Plus, they’re free of potatoes and legumes, which can be beneficial for dogs with certain dietary needs.

Our dog seems to really enjoy the taste of the Chicken -amp; Oat flavor, and we like that it’s complete and balanced nutrition for adult dogs of all breeds and sizes. We also appreciate that it’s minimally processed, with small batches of fresh ingredients mixed together and then gently slow roasted and dehydrated to maintain the nutrients, aroma, and taste of whole foods.

One thing to keep in mind is that this dog food may be more expensive compared to other options on the market. Additionally, some dogs may not like the taste or texture, so it’s important to monitor your dog’s reaction when introducing this new food into their diet. Finally, it’s important to note that this dog food is not suitable for puppies.

Overall, we highly recommend The Honest Kitchen Whole Food Clusters Whole Grain Chicken -amp; Oat Dry Dog Food for adult dogs looking for high-quality, human-grade nutrition.

I and Love and You Naked Essentials Dry Dog Food, Lamb and Bison Recipe

We highly recommend this product for dog owners who want to give their pets a healthy and nutritious meal.

Pros

• The meat is the #1 ingredient, providing dogs with the protein they need for energy and maintaining lean muscle mass.
• The kibble is packed with 30% protein, which is 25% more than BLUE Buffalo Life Protection—Adult.
• Pre and probiotics are added to promote easy digestion and gut health.

Cons

• The price may be higher than other brands.
• Some dogs may not like the taste or texture of the kibble.
• The bag may not last as long as other brands due to the smaller size.

We tried this product with our dog and were impressed with the quality of the ingredients. The lamb and bison recipe is a great alternative to traditional chicken and beef flavors, and our dog seemed to love the taste. We also appreciated that the kibble is grain-free, filler-free, and non-GMO, making it a healthier option for our pet.

One thing to keep in mind is that the bag may not last as long as other brands due to its smaller size. However, we think it’s worth the investment for the high-quality ingredients and added health benefits. Overall, we highly recommend I and Love and You Naked Essentials Dry Dog Food, Lamb and Bison Recipe for dog owners who want to provide their pets with a nutritious and tasty meal.

IAMS Advanced Health Adult Healthy Digestion Dry Dog Food with Real Chicken, 6 lb. Bag Chicken 96 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)

We highly recommend the IAMS Advanced Health Adult Healthy Digestion Dry Dog Food with Real Chicken for your furry friend. This dry dog food is formulated with prebiotics and guaranteed live probiotics to maintain a healthy digestive system. It is made with real farm-raised chicken and is formulated without wheat, artificial flavors, or artificial preservatives.

Pros

• This dry dog food is 100% complete and balanced, containing 0% fillers, and supports whole body health with essential nutrients.
• It is highly digestible and supports regularity and healthy stools with a blend of natural fiber and prebiotics.
• The fiber from beet pulp and prebiotics in this recipe support nutrient absorption.

Cons

• The trace amounts of wheat may be present due to potential cross-contact during manufacturing.
• The kibble size may be too small for larger dogs.
• The price may be higher compared to other brands.

We have used this dry dog food for our own dogs and have seen great results. Our dogs love the taste and their digestive systems have improved. The kibble size is perfect for our small to medium sized dogs, but may be too small for larger breeds. Although the price may be higher compared to other brands, the quality of ingredients and the benefits to our dogs’ health make it worth it.

In summary, if you are looking for a dry dog food that supports healthy digestion and provides essential nutrients for your furry friend, we highly recommend the IAMS Advanced Health Adult Healthy Digestion Dry Dog Food with Real Chicken.

Rachael Ray Nutrish Premium Natural Dry Dog Food

If you’re looking for a natural dry dog food that is both nutritious and delicious, Rachael Ray Nutrish Premium Natural Dry Dog Food might be the perfect choice for you and your furry friend.

Pros

• Made with real chicken as the number one ingredient
• Contains Nutrish’s Whole Health Blend which helps support a healthy mind, body, and energy level
• A portion of the proceeds from the sale of this product will be donated to The Rachael Ray Foundation, which helps animals in need

Cons

• Some customers have reported that the price has increased recently
• Some dogs may not enjoy the taste or texture of this food
• May not be suitable for dogs with certain dietary restrictions or allergies

We recently tried Rachael Ray Nutrish Premium Natural Dry Dog Food with our own furry friend, and we were impressed with the quality of the ingredients and the overall taste and texture of the food. Our dog seemed to enjoy it and had no digestive issues after eating it.

One of the things we appreciated about this product is that it is made with real chicken as the number one ingredient, which is important for providing your dog with the protein they need to maintain a healthy body. Additionally, the inclusion of Nutrish’s Whole Health Blend, which contains vitamins, minerals, and taurine, helps support your dog’s overall health and wellbeing.

Another great feature of this product is that a portion of the proceeds from the sale of this product will be donated to The Rachael Ray Foundation, which helps animals in need. This is a great way to support a good cause while also providing your dog with a nutritious and delicious meal.

While there are some potential downsides to this product, such as the recent price increase and the possibility that some dogs may not enjoy the taste or texture, we believe that Rachael Ray Nutrish Premium Natural Dry Dog Food is a solid choice for pet owners who are looking for a high-quality, natural dry dog food.

Rachael Ray Nutrish Limited Ingredient Lamb Meal -amp; Brown Rice Recipe, Dry Dog Food, 14 Pound Bag (Packaging Design May Vary)

If you’re looking for a limited ingredient dog food that is both nutritious and tasty, Rachael Ray Nutrish Limited Ingredient Lamb Meal -amp; Brown Rice Recipe dry dog food is a great option.

Pros

• Made with only six simple ingredients plus added vitamins, minerals, taurine, and other nutrients
• No corn, wheat, soy, or gluten, making it a good option for dogs with food sensitivities
• Lamb meal is the number one ingredient, ensuring that your dog gets the protein they need

Cons

• Some dogs may not like the taste of lamb
• May not be suitable for dogs with allergies to lamb
• More expensive than some other dog food options

We recently tried Rachael Ray Nutrish Limited Ingredient Lamb Meal -amp; Brown Rice Recipe dry dog food and were impressed with the quality of the ingredients. Our dog, who has a sensitive stomach, had no issues with this food and seemed to enjoy the taste.

One of the things we appreciate about this dog food is that it contains only six simple ingredients, making it a good option for dogs with food sensitivities. Additionally, there are no fillers or artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives.

Lamb meal is the number one ingredient in this dog food, which is a good source of protein for dogs. However, some dogs may not like the taste of lamb, so it’s important to take that into consideration before purchasing.

Overall, we would recommend Rachael Ray Nutrish Limited Ingredient Lamb Meal -amp; Brown Rice Recipe dry dog food to anyone looking for a high-quality, limited ingredient dog food that is both nutritious and tasty.

A Better | Salmon Dry Dog Food | Raw You Can See | High Protein Kibble Freeze Dried Raw Dog Food Salmon 4 Pound (Pack of 1)

If you’re looking for a dog food that’s packed with high-quality ingredients and nutrients, A Better | Salmon Dry Dog Food is an excellent choice.

Pros

• The freeze-dried raw pieces are a great addition to the kibble and boost the nutritional value of the food.
• The kibble is formulated by a Ph.D. in Animal Nutrition and is AAFCO approved.
• The high protein content helps dogs develop strong muscles and immune systems.

Cons

• The salmon chunks are few and far between.
• The kibble has a strong smell that may be off-putting to some.
• The price point is a bit higher than some other dog foods on the market.

We’ve been using A Better | Salmon Dry Dog Food for a few months now and have been impressed with the results. Our dog’s coat is shinier and healthier, and he seems to have more energy throughout the day. The freeze-dried raw pieces are a great addition to the kibble and add a nice crunch to the food. We also appreciate that the kibble is formulated by a Ph.D. in Animal Nutrition and is AAFCO approved, which gives us peace of mind that we’re feeding our dog a healthy and nutritious diet.

One downside to the food is that the salmon chunks are few and far between, which may disappoint some pet owners who are looking for a more substantial amount of meat in their dog’s food. Additionally, the kibble has a strong smell that may be off-putting to some. Finally, the price point is a bit higher than some other dog foods on the market, which may be a consideration for budget-conscious pet owners.

Overall, we would definitely recommend A Better | Salmon Dry Dog Food to other pet owners looking for a high-quality dog food that’s packed with healthy ingredients and nutrients.

Alaskan Gold Wild Salmon SUPER3 Dry Dog Food

We highly recommend Alaskan Gold Wild Salmon SUPER3 Dry Dog Food for those looking for a nutrient-dense, grain-free, and all-natural option for their furry friends.

Pros

• The recipe is crafted with high-quality proteins, fruits, veggies, healthy fats, and probiotics/prebiotics for strong immune support, optimal digestion, and healthy skin/coat.
• Wild-caught salmon is the #1, and ONLY animal ingredient in this unique recipe, making it an ideal option for dogs with allergies and sensitive stomachs.
• Pet owners report noticeable improvements in their pet’s coat, including a softer and shinier appearance, as well as relief from allergies, digestive issues, skin problems, and best of all more solid and less frequent poops.

Cons

• The food is a little more expensive than other brands, but the high-quality ingredients make it worth the price.
• Some dogs may not like the taste of salmon, but most dogs love it.
• The bag is only 3 pounds, which may not last long for larger dogs or for those who have multiple dogs.

We have been using Alaskan Gold Wild Salmon SUPER3 Dry Dog Food for several months now, and we have noticed a significant improvement in our dog’s overall health and well-being. The kibble is a blend of high-protein, grain-free salmon kibble, freeze-dried raw salmon, and salmon oil, enhanced with ocean supergreens for unbeatable nutrition. We appreciate that the recipe is free of cheap fillers like chicken, whitefish, grain, potato, corn, wheat, soy, by-product meal, and artificial colors or preservatives.

Our dog has a sensitive stomach, and this food has been a lifesaver for us. The whole body health formula nourishes our dog’s overall health, and the high-quality proteins, fruits, veggies, healthy fats, and probiotics/prebiotics have helped with his digestion and immune support. The wild-caught salmon is sustainably caught in the pristine waters of the North Pacific and is a top source of Omega-3 Fatty Acids (EPA/DHA), Astaxanthin, and Collagen, promoting joint and muscle health, brain function, and heart health.

Overall, we highly recommend Alaskan Gold Wild Salmon SUPER3 Dry Dog Food for those looking for a high-quality, nutrient-dense, and all-natural option for their furry friends.

Nature’s Recipe Mature Dry Dog Food, Lamb -amp; Rice Recipe, 4 Pound Bag

If you’re looking for a nutritious and affordable dry food for your senior dog, Nature’s Recipe Mature Lamb -amp; Brown Rice Recipe is worth considering.

Pros

• The number one ingredient is real lamb, which is a quality protein source that helps maintain optimal muscle strength.
• The fiber from whole grains like barley and brown rice helps support digestion and immune system health.
• This natural dog food contains added vitamins, minerals, and nutrients, and does not contain poultry by-products or artificial colors, preservatives, or flavors, and no added corn, wheat, or soy.

Cons

• Some dogs may not like the taste of lamb.
• The kibble size may be too small for larger breeds.
• The bag size is only 4 pounds, which may not be enough for larger dogs or for those who eat more.

We recently tried Nature’s Recipe Mature Lamb -amp; Brown Rice Recipe for our senior dog and were pleased with the results. Our dog seemed to enjoy the taste and had no digestive issues. We also appreciated that the ingredients were natural and did not contain any artificial additives. The added vitamins and minerals helped support our dog’s overall health, and we noticed an improvement in her coat and skin health after a few weeks of use.

Overall, we would recommend Nature’s Recipe Mature Lamb -amp; Brown Rice Recipe for senior dogs who need a nutritious and affordable dry food option. However, if your dog has specific dietary needs or preferences, it’s always best to consult with your veterinarian before making any changes to their diet.

I and Love and You Baked and Saucy Dry Dog Food

If you’re looking for a high-quality dry food for your dog, I and Love and You Baked and Saucy Dry Dog Food is a great option. Made with real beef and sweet potato, this grain-free food is coated in savory bone broth, making it a delicious and nutritious meal for your furry friend.

Pros

• Serve Wet or Dry – Whether you want to serve it dry or add a splash of water to create a savory bone broth gravy, this food is versatile and delicious.
• Meat is #1 Ingredient – With beef as the main ingredient, you can be sure your dog is getting plenty of protein to help build muscle and boost energy.
• Non-GMO Protein -amp; Produce – This food is made with natural, whole ingredients, with no corn, wheat, rice, soy, or oats in sight.

Cons

• Price – This food is a bit more expensive than some other options on the market.
• May Not Be Suitable for All Dogs – While this food is suitable for all life stages, some dogs may have allergies or sensitivities to certain ingredients.
• Some Dogs May Not Like the Gravy Coating – While most dogs love the gravy coating on this food, some may not be as enthusiastic about it.

Overall, we highly recommend I and Love and You Baked and Saucy Dry Dog Food for pet owners looking for a high-quality, nutritious, and delicious dry food for their furry friend. With real beef and sweet potato, and no fillers or artificial ingredients, this food is sure to be a hit with your pup.

Buying Guide

When it comes to choosing the best dry food for your dog, there are a few important factors to consider. Here are some features to look for when selecting a high-quality dry food:

Ingredients

The ingredients list is a crucial aspect to consider when choosing a dry dog food. Look for products that have a high percentage of protein, ideally from a named animal source, such as chicken or beef. Avoid foods that contain fillers, by-products, or artificial preservatives, as these can be harmful to your dog’s health.

Nutritional Value

It’s important to choose a dry dog food that provides your pet with all the necessary nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids. Look for products that have been formulated to meet the nutritional needs of your dog’s life stage, such as puppy, adult, or senior.

Quality

Choose a dry dog food that has been made by a reputable manufacturer and has undergone rigorous quality control testing. Look for products that have been certified by organizations such as the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO).

Price

While price should not be the only factor to consider when choosing a dry dog food, it’s important to find a product that fits within your budget. Keep in mind that higher-priced products may not always be of higher quality, so be sure to evaluate the product based on its ingredients, nutritional value, and quality.

Using these factors as a guide, you can choose a high-quality dry dog food that will provide your pet with the nutrition they need to thrive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which dry dog food is considered the healthiest?

There are several dry dog foods that are considered healthy for dogs. However, it is important to choose a dog food that meets your dog’s specific nutritional needs. We recommend consulting with your veterinarian to determine the best dry dog food for your dog.

What are the top vet-recommended dry dog foods?

The top vet-recommended dry dog foods include Royal Canin, Hill’s Science Diet, and Purina Pro Plan. These brands are known for their high-quality ingredients and balanced nutrition.

Which dry dog food brands should I avoid?

There are several dry dog food brands that have been linked to health problems in dogs. These include brands that use fillers, artificial preservatives, and meat by-products. We recommend avoiding brands that do not disclose their ingredients or have a history of recalls.

What is the best dry dog food for large breed dogs?

Large breed dogs have different nutritional needs than smaller dogs. They require a dog food that is high in protein and low in fat. We recommend choosing a dog food that is specifically formulated for large breed dogs, such as Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula or Nutro Large Breed Adult.

What is the best dry dog food for small breed dogs?

Small breed dogs have higher metabolisms than larger dogs and require a dog food that is high in protein and fat. We recommend choosing a dog food that is specifically formulated for small breed dogs, such as Wellness Small Breed Complete Health or Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Small Breed.

Why is Purina Pro Plan often recommended by veterinarians?

Purina Pro Plan is often recommended by veterinarians because it is a high-quality dog food that is formulated to meet the nutritional needs of dogs. It contains real meat as the first ingredient and is free from artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives. Additionally, Purina Pro Plan has a wide range of formulas to meet the specific needs of different dogs.