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The Best Dog Foods To Keep Your Pup Happy And Healthy
As a dog owner, selecting food for your pet is one of the most important decisions you have to make on a regular basis. After all, the kind you pick is your pup's main source of nutrition, designed to keep them healthy, happy and energized on a daily basis. But these days, there are hundreds of options available, including dry, wet and fresh varieties in every flavor imaginable, so it can be tricky to find the best dog food for your four-legged friend.
Some of our favorite dog foods come from JustFoodForDogs, Purina and Hill's Science Diet.
Illustration: Forbes / Image: Retailers"When choosing which food is best for your pet, there are numerous things to consider," explains Dr. Jennifer Frione, DVM, veterinarian and owner at Lakeside Animal Hospital in Plantation, Florida. For instance, "your pet's age and stage of life," she continues. "Puppies and kittens nutritional requirements vary from that of middle aged or geriatric pets." You also want to make sure your pet's main source of food meets the minimal nutritional requirements established by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). Other factors to keep in mind as you shop include your pet's dietary needs and medical conditions, plus the types of food they like best (pets have preferences, too). If you're unsure about what dog food is the best option for your pet, don't hesitate to consult your veterinarian, who can help steer you in the right direction.
To help take some of the guesswork out of the shopping process, we spoke with trusted vets about some of the most popular, high-quality foods out there. With their tips and recommendations in mind, here are nine of the very best dog foods to keep your pooch healthy and happy.
Type: DryLife stage: AdultCalories: 383 kcal/cupAAFCO approved: Yes
Purina comes highly recommended by many vets, as the brand employs board-certified veterinary nutritionists and does extensive research on its formulas. If you have an adult dog who doesn't have any specific dietary needs, Purina ONE dry dog food is one of the brand's best options.
Suitable for pups of all sizes, Purina ONE's formulas rely on high-quality ingredients that support whole-body health. In the chicken and rice variety, for example, real chicken is the first ingredient, and the kibble is fortified with omega-6 fatty acids, prebiotic fiber, vitamins and four antioxidant sources.
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Type: DryLife stage: AdultCalories: 416 kcal/cupAAFCO approved: Yes
Dog Chow Complete Adult Dog Food is a wallet-friendly option for your pet, costing less than $1 per pound. Like our top pick overall, this dry dog food is also made by Purina, and it's available in beef and chicken flavors. Fortified with 23 vitamins and minerals, plus antioxidants to boost your dog's immune system, this kibble is a complete and balanced source of nutrition for your pet. While it's suitable for adult dogs of all sizes, just keep in mind that it's higher in calories than other top options so you may need to feed your dog a bit less to prevent weight gain.
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Type: FreshLife stage: AdultCalories: Varies by flavorAAFCO approved: Yes
Fresh dog food has become increasingly popular over the past few years and JustFoodForDogs is one of the best brands in the game. The company offers a wide range of food flavors like fish and sweet potato or venison and squash, and each variety is made using gently cooked human-grade ingredients. (If your dog has specific dietary needs or a medical condition, the brand also has a line of prescription foods or they can create a formula tailored to your pet's individual needs.) Each variety come packaged in 18-ounce pouches, and the servings can be stored frozen for up to a year until you're ready to use them.
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Type: WetLife stage: AdultCalories: 329 kcal/canAAFCO approved: Yes
If you prefer to give your dog wet food, which has a higher moisture level and is generally easier to chew than kibble, this formula from Hill's Science Diet is a winning pick. Designed for adult canines between the ages of 1 and 6, the formula—which comes in beef and chicken flavors—has a stew-like consistency that even picky eaters are guaranteed to love. It's made with high-quality lean protein that promotes muscle maintenance and a healthy body weight, plus ingredients like biotin and vitamin E to support your dog's skin and coat health. Since the wet food is easy to digest, it's a great option for dogs with sensitive stomachs, too. Each can is 12.8 ounces and comes in a pack of 12.
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Type: DryLife stage: PuppiesCalories: 406 kcal/cupAAFCO approved: Yes
Puppies need specific nutrients to support healthy growth, and the Purina Pro Plan Puppy Food is a top choice for young animals under 1 year old. This dry formula is high in protein to help your pooch grow big and strong, and it also contains DHA from fish oil to promote healthy brain and vision development. Additionally, the kibble has live probiotics to support your dog's digestive and immune health.
To make this kibble more appealing to young pups, it contains regular dry morsels, as well as tender "shredded" pieces that provide a tasty texture for your puppy. Just keep in mind that it might not be the best option for large breed puppies, who require specific protein levels so they don't grow too quickly; instead, consider the Purina Pro Plan Large Breed Dry Puppy Food.
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Type: WetLife stage: SeniorCalories: 376 kcal/canAAFCO approved: Yes
As your pet gets older, their nutritional needs change, which is why senior-friendly foods like Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Canned Food exist. Sold in 12-packs of 13-ounce cans, this wet food is designed to meet the needs of dogs who are at least 7 years old. Not only are the formulas soft enough for elderly dogs to chew, but they're also crafted with high-quality ingredients to ensure appropriate nutrient absorption. For instance, each flavor (like beef and barley) contains a balanced amount of minerals for heart and kidney health, as well as antioxidants for immune health. Overall, Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Canned Food is a top choice to help keep older dogs healthy as they age.
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Type: DryLife stage: AdultCalories: 363 kcal/cupAAFCO approved: Yes
For large breed dogs (pups who weigh 50 pounds or more as adults), Hill's Science Diet Large Breed Dog Food is formulated with their specific nutritional requirements in mind. Available in either chicken and barley or lamb and rice flavors, it's designed to support the energy needs of larger dogs and promote joint health, as big breeds are prone to developing problems like hip dysplasia and arthritis. The food contains high-quality protein to promote lean muscle, as well as omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E to help keep their skin healthy and fur shiny. But the best part? The kibble is large—in other words, the ideal size for big dogs.
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Type: DryLife stage: AdultCalories: 449 kcal/cupAAFCO approved: Yes
If your dog is prone to stomach problems, Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin and Stomach is a veterinarian-recommended option that supports healthy digestion. The salmon and rice formula is easy for dogs to digest, thanks to carbohydrates like rice and oatmeal, and it contains natural prebiotic fiber that helps nourish beneficial intestinal bacteria. As a result, the food often improves stool quality.
This food is also great for dogs with sensitive skin, thanks to its omega-6 fatty acids and vitamin A. These nutrients keep your pet's coat healthy and shiny, and the formula is free of corn, wheat and soy, in case your dog is sensitive to these ingredients.
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Type: FreshLife stage: AdultCalories: Varies by formulaAAFCO approved: Yes
You can save yourself the hassle of trekking to the pet store every month with a dog food delivery service. Our top-recommended brand is Nom Nom Now, which delivers fresh dog food to your doorstep on a recurring basis. The brand helps you build a meal plan based on your pet's individual needs, and they currently offer chicken, beef, turkey and pork recipes, all of which are gently cooked to preserve nutrients.
Nom Nom Now dog food should be kept frozen until you're ready to serve it, and the packs can be stored for up to 6 months. There are several delivery frequencies to choose from, including every week, every two weeks and every four weeks. And if you want to sample the food before committing to a subscription, the brand offers a Variety Pack.
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When selecting a dog food for your pet, you want to look for a nutritional adequacy statement on the packaging. The Association of American Feed Control Officials (also known as the AAFCO) has specific nutritional guidelines that pet food needs to meet, and it's important to choose a product that's labeled as "complete and balanced" for your dog's specific life stage (adult, puppy, etc.). This means that the food provides all the nutrients that your pet needs in the appropriate ratios. If a food is not labeled as complete and balanced, talk to your pet's veterinarian about how you can best meet your dog's nutritional needs.
Food TypeDog food is available in several different forms, the most popular of which include dry food (or kibble), wet/canned food and fresh food. Each of these types has benefits and drawbacks. For instance, dry food is often the most affordable and easy to store, but it contains less moisture and may be hard for some dogs to chew. Wet food contains a high level of moisture and is highly palatable, often appealing to picky eaters, but it doesn't help clean your dog's teeth like dry food.
If you're not sure what type of food might work best for your pet, your veterinarian can offer personalized advice. "Talk to your vet about what type of formulation best fits your pet's needs," recommends Dr. Frione. "For example, pets with severe periodontal disease will benefit more from a canned/wet food, as kibble may be too hard for them to comfortably eat."
IngredientsYou may also want to look at the ingredients in your dog's food; experts recommend selecting a product with high-quality protein as one of the main ingredients. "Some things to look for are what is the main type of protein and is protein one of the higher ingredients on the list, since dogs need protein as the main component of their diet," recommends Dr. Zac Pilossoph, DVM, a consulting veterinarian at Healthy Paws Pet Insurance.
Some common protein sources for dog food include chicken, beef, turkey and fish. If your dog is a picky eater, you may need to try a few different options to find which protein they like best.
Dietary NeedsYou also want to consider your pet's dietary needs when selecting a food. "Certain medical conditions such as allergies, diabetes or urinary issues may require a special diet," Dr. Frione notes. In these instances, you want to work with your pet's veterinarian to select a food that will keep them healthy; they may even recommend a prescription diet.
CostDon't forget to take cost into account while selecting a dog food. Dry and canned dog foods tend to be the most affordable, especially if you have a larger animal or multiple pets. Specialty varieties, such as fresh food, can get expensive fast, so it's important to figure out how much you can comfortably afford within your budget.
What Is The Best Dog Food, According To Vets?There are hundreds of dog foods out there today, and there's no one-size-fits-all option that works for every dog. Different animals have varying nutritional needs based on their age, breed and medical status, and just like people, dogs have preferences in terms of flavors and textures.
To find the best dog food for your pet, veterinarians generally recommend selecting a product from several trusted brands. "When recommending a food, I generally stick to the big four: Hill's Science Diet, Royal Canin, Purina Pro Plan, and Eukanuba," says Dr. Frione. These brands are known for creating high-quality dog foods with the help of veterinary nutritionists, and they do in-depth research into the best formulas and ingredients to support pet health.
What Is The Number One Healthiest Dog Food?Again, there's no one dog food that's healthiest for every pet. "Each dog has its own list of elements that need to be taken into account to choose the right type of dog food," explains Dr. Pilossoph. However, he does note that there are benefits to selecting a fresh, whole food diet for your dog. "Over the last few years, there have been several reputable and trustworthy fresh whole food dog food companies to come out and put together a very high-quality list of dog foods," he explains. "I look for those that are predominantly protein-based—80% or more—are human-grade, and that use minimal synthetic vitamins and nutrients."
If you're interested in feeding a fresh diet to your pet, brands like JustFoodForDogs and Nom Nom Now are worthwhile options to consider.
What Dog Foods Do Vets Not Recommend?While raw dog food has become popular in recent years, many veterinarians recommend against feeding raw diets. The American Veterinary Medical Association advises against it, as well. Because it's not cooked in any way, raw dog food can contain bacteria such as Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes, which can be harmful to both you and your pet. In one study by the FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine, 196 samples of commercially available raw pet food were analyzed and 15 were positive for Salmonella and 32 were positive for L. Monocytogenes. If you have questions about feeding your dog a raw diet, don't hesitate to consult your vet first.
What Is The Best Dog Food Or Puppy Food? These Are The Top Four Recommended By Experts.
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8 Best Dog Food Brands To Consider For A Healthy And Balanced Diet In 2023
Being a pet parent comes with its share of responsibilities, including providing the right dog bed, giving them toys and feeding your dog a nutritious diet. But with so many different types of dog foods out there, finding the right one for your pet can be overwhelming. Experts told us the right food can not only lead to better absorption and digestion but also give your dog distinct health advantages.
"Commercially processed canned or kibble foods are formulated to meet dogs' nutritional needs for proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals — they're convenient, consistent and readily available, and they undergo a process of quality control and inspection that is meant to catch any contaminants or pathogens before they affect pets or people," explained Dr. Lori Teller, a board-certified veterinarian and president of the American Veterinary Medical Association.
SKIP AHEAD How to determine the best food for your dogWet versus dry foodIs a grain-free formula better for dogs?Are raw food diets and supplements necessary?
As the number of dog-owning households grows in the U.S., it comes as no surprise that Americans are spending more on their furry friends' diet. According to a recent survey by the American Pet Products Association, people spent upwards of $50 billion on food and treats for their pets in 2021 (up from $38 billion in 2020), with dog owners spending an average of $287 on food annually. Major pet supply retailers, like Chewy and Petco, have also seen a higher demand for premium dog food in the past year despite inflation concerns causing decreased spending on other essentials, like leashes and toys.
To help you in your search, we consulted veterinarians and animal nutrition experts on what to keep in mind when shopping for the best dog food. Below are some highly rated options based on their guidance.
In line with our experts' advice, all of the following highly rated dog foods — including dry kibble and canned wet food — meet or exceed the Association of Animal Feed Controls Officials (AAFCO) nutritional standards. They also come from brands that have a team of veterinary nutritionists on staff to regulate the use of high-quality ingredients, and each brand provides a feed guide on its packaging to help you determine the appropriate portions for your dog's weight and size. All of the brands also offer high-calorie options for puppies and easily digestible kibble sizes for various sized dogs.
Royal Canin Size Health Nutrition Small Adult Formula Dog Dry FoodRoyal Canin offers some of the most diverse dog food options on the market — the brand makes both dry and wet food for a variety of dog sizes, breeds and dietary restrictions, including food sensitivities and gastrointestinal issues. I feed my 4-year-old Havachon, Bella, Royal Canin's small-breed kibble — formulated for small dogs from 10 months old to 8 years that weigh 9 pounds to 22 pounds — after it was recommended by my veterinarian. Select's manager of editorial operations Shari Uyehara says she also feeds her dog Loki, a 1-year-old cavalier King Charles spaniel, the same formula after it was recommended by Loki's breeder. I've noticed that Bella prefers this brand over others, which she would often leave half-eaten. Royal Canin also offers its dry food formula for medium and large breeds, as well as a puppy formula.
$51.99
$59.99
Amazon
$59.99
Chewy
$51.99
$66.99
Petco
The Farmer's Dog Subscription Dog FoodThere are several subscription home-delivery services for dog food, which regularly send bags of fresh food directly to your door. Dr. Judy Morgan, a veterinarian who specializes in integrative care, recommended The Farmer's Dog, which she calls "TV dinners for dogs" due to their palatability. Select's social editor Sadhana Daruvuri feeds The Farmer's Dog to her 1-year-old Maltipoo, Bandit, and he loves it. "I knew friends who tried it, and their dogs were all big fans, so I did a trial with Bandit and it was obvious he liked it way more than his kibble," she says. If you're on a budget and have a large dog, this might not be a cost-effective option for you, but it may be more beneficial for owners of smaller dogs, Morgan says.
Hill's Science Diet Puppy Small Bites Dry Dog FoodHill's Science Diet's dog food for puppies is designed for dogs up to 1 year old and is packaged in a small, easy-to-digest kibble, according to the brand. The formula contains natural DHA from fish oil that works to support healthy brain and eye development, as well as a vitamin E and vitamin C blend that helps support a healthy immune system in puppies, Hill's Science Diet says. The food comes in a 4.5- or 15.5-pound bag, and the brand also offers a canned puppy formula, which our experts say can be great to mix into your dog's kibble.
$42.99
Petco
$40.99
Blain's Farm and Feet
Purina Pro Plan Adult Large Dry Dog FoodPurina says it employs several veterinary nutritionists to help determine healthy formulations and ingredients. The brand's highly rated Pro Plan dog food is geared toward dogs of different sizes and in all stages of life, including large-breed adults and puppies, according to Purina. The Purina Pro Plan formula contains natural prebiotic fiber for digestive health, and omega-6 fatty acids and vitamin A for skin and coat health, according to the brand. Select's associate updates editor Zoe Malin says her large 100-pound yellow lab Chance eats the weight-management dry kibble from the brand, which Purina says contains a more optimized protein-to-fat ratio, since he's 9 years old and less active now.
$71.98
$89.98
Amazon
$71.98
$74.99
Petco
$71.98
$74.99
Chewy
Just Food For Dogs Fish & Sweet PotatoJust Food For Dogs is designed to be high in protein and low in calorie count, so it can be beneficial for dogs who may be overweight or don't get regular exercise, according to the brand. It offers a variety of meal options that are made up of locally sourced produce and only one source of protein for a limited ingredients diet.
This sweet potato and fish option provides a balanced diet for dogs with sensitive stomachs or those in need of a novel protein due to allergies, Just Food For Dogs says. The brand offers two types of food: Fresh Frozen, which has no preservatives and can be thawed and served, and Pantry Fresh, which is shelf-stable for up to two years and doesn't require refrigeration, according to the brand.
$72.03
Amazon
$72.03
Chewy
$72.03
Just Food For Dogs
Purina Pro Plan Adult Sensitive Skin & Stomach Dry Dog FoodSome dogs are sensitive to certain food ingredients, which can cause excessive itching, loose stools, occasional vomiting and other symptoms. Investing in a dog food formulated for dogs with sensitive stomachs and skin can help minimize these issues. This option from Purina is crafted without corn, wheat or soy to make it more easily digestible for dogs with an intolerance to these ingredients. However, experts told us these types of ingredients should only be avoided if your dog has an intolerance, as they are full of healthy vitamins, minerals and carbohydrates. To help your dog maintain a complete and balanced diet, the brand says the formula contains high-protein salmon, probiotics and prebiotic fiber for digestive and immune health and omega-6 fatty acids to help support a healthy skin and coat.
$71.98
$89.98
Amazon
$71.98
Walmart
$71.98
$74.99
Chewy
Merrick Grain Free Real Salmon & Sweet Potato Dry Dog FoodFormer Select editor Morgan Greenwald gives Merrick's salmon and sweet potato kibble to her 1-year-old pit bull mix, Suzie, since she can't tolerate some other types of protein. "She gobbles it down and she does great with it — she has a sensitive tummy and her vet said we should avoid chicken and turkey, so I stick to salmon," Greenwald says, adding that she likes the sweet potato in the formula "because it's good for dogs' digestion."
The experts we spoke to agree: Studies show that proteins like beef and chicken are among the most reported causes of allergies in dogs, so it's important to look out for common signs of allergies — like excessive itching and vomiting — to figure out what works best for them, says Dr. Joe Wakshlag, professor of clinical nutrition and sports medicine and rehabilitation at Cornell College of Veterinary Medicine. However, most dogs don't usually experience these types of allergies, so you don't need to avoid chicken and turkey unless you think your dog may have an allergy or intolerance.
$77.98
Amazon
$77.98
Chewy
$77.98
$77.99
Petco
Royal Canin Adult Gastrointestinal Canned Dog FoodIf you prefer to incorporate canned food into your dog's meals, Royal Canin offers a variety of wet food options tested by veterinary nutritionists that can help you provide them with a little more diversity at dinnertime. Though it's on the pricier side, this low-fat option can be good for adult dogs with gastrointestinal issues or digestive sensitivities, according to the brand. The formula contains prebiotics to help maintain good bacteria in the gut, a blend of dietary fibers that can promote healthy digestion and omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil to help soothe the GI tract, according to Royal Canin.
The two biggest factors that determine whether your dog's food is good for their health is whether it's nutritionally complete and balanced and whether you're giving your dog the right proportions based on their size and weight. "Overall, when selecting your pet's food, it is important to consider the information on the label and information beyond the label," says Dr. Megan Shepherd, a board-certified veterinary nutritionist and owner of Veterinary Clinical Nutrition, PLLC.
On the label, the nutrition adequacy — or the AAFCO statement — indicates the species and life stage the food is formulated for and how it's substantiated, either by formulation or feeding tests. But what isn't on the label can be equally as important. The Global Nutrition Guidelines set by the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) recommend investigating the brand to determine the people involved in the product's formulation and manufacturing and whether the company routinely analyzes its finished products for nutrient content, pathogens and other items that don't belong in dog food.
"Do they have veterinarians on staff or, more specifically, do they have veterinary nutritionists who are board-certified in that field? Brands that provide the best diets also invest in research," says Dr. Brian Roberts, a board-certified veterinarian and regional medical director in the Mid-Atlantic region with VCA Animal Hospitals.
Below, we break down some key considerations experts suggest when shopping for high-quality dog food.
Meeting AAFCO nutrition standardsOur experts all agreed that any good dog food will meet the AAFCO nutrition standards. "You can determine if a pet food meets your pet's nutritional needs by looking at the nutritional adequacy statement on the label — if this statement includes the phrase 'complete and balanced,' then the product is intended to be fed as a pet's sole diet and should be nutritionally balanced," Roberts says.
"We have the AAFCO to make sure that everything you feed [your dog] is a form of dog food that's nutritionally complete," Wakshlag says. You should be able to find the statement — which the FDA considers one of the most important aspects of a dog or cat food label — on the back label (in small font).
While AAFCO has feed control officials that develop standards, definitions and policies for the sale and distribution of pet food, among other animal feeds, the voluntary membership association doesn't regulate, test, approve or certify pet food, so there's no such thing as an "AAFCO approved" brand or product.
Ingredients and palatabilityFinding the best food for your dog is much less about the specific ingredients than you may think. Dr. Richard Hill, a board-certified veterinary nutritionist and associate professor at the University of Florida Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, told us dog owners should focus on the nutrients their companion is getting from those ingredients instead.
However, the ingredient list can give you an idea of what nutrients your dog can get from their meal. The AAFCO states that an ingredient list is required to display all ingredients from highest amount to least amount by weight, which means the first three listed are the most critical — this will help you determine if the formula is vegetable-based with things like corn and rice or meat-based with chicken, fish or lamb, experts told us.
AAFCO has developed several safety standards for ingredients used in pet food, and the association goes into depth about common pet food labels.
"Some say natural ingredients like whole chicken are better than something processed like chicken meal; however, both are from the same source — chicken meal is just dehydrated chicken," Roberts says.
There are some ingredients that you should avoid, though — the main one that's commonly seen in commercial pet food is garlic powder. Garlic is a palatant, which means it's designed to make the food taste better, according to Shepherd — however, it can be dangerous. "While the amount of garlic in pet food and treats may be below the level that could cause anemia, garlic still causes red blood cell oxidation — I recommend avoiding products that contain garlic powder," she says.
Nutritional value and proportionsTo make sure you're giving your dog the appropriate nutrients and proportions, Shepherd recommended first checking the food's energy density — which is shown as kcal (calories) per cup, can or ounce, similar to the nutritional facts on human foods — and its feeding guidelines. Once that's determined, you can keep an eye on your pet's weight with the Body Condition Score, which is a visual scale that evaluates the amount of fat on key parts of the dog's body (a 4 or 5 score is ideal).
Unfortunately, the No. 1 nutritional disease in dogs is obesity and, in some breeds, this can take as much as two years off their lifespan, according to Hill. A lot of obesity problems in dogs come down to the owner's inability to understand their dog's calorie intake. "We just pay attention to what's on the side of the bag and those recommendations are pretty much for the normal, active dog — a lot of dogs just aren't normal and active," Wakshlag says. "That's one thing to consider that'll help your dog live longer: It's not necessarily about what you're feeding them, it's how much you're feeding them," Hill notes.
Your dog's size, weight and life stageGenerally, your dog's food should match their life stage. For example, you should feed your puppy food that has the puppy label until they reach their adult body weight — small breeds can switch to adult food at seven to nine months, while bigger breeds typically switch at 12 to 14 months, according to the American Kennel Club.
"Puppy food is appropriate for adult dogs only if the adult dog will not become overweight on a higher calorie food," Shepherd says. When it comes to the later stages of your dog's life, if your senior dog is healthy and eating a nutritionally balanced diet, there is no need to change their food, according to Tufts University Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine.
You'll often see certain dog foods labeled for small, medium and large breeds — these labels mostly deal with the size of the kibble and whether it's easy for them to ingest. Some brands like Royal Canin offer breed-specific formulas, which can help certain breeds' needs. "Manufacturers that follow nutritional science have developed diets with ingredient content for specific classes of breeds who are predisposed to certain problems. Many large and giant breeds can develop joint problems in life — some of which are linked to certain ingredients — and diets labeled 'giant breed' take this into consideration," Roberts says.
Wakshlag suggested being mindful of whether the formulas are actually beneficial or just marketing tactics, noting that you should double-check the ingredients list and nutritional content to make sure the food is actually serving its purpose for your breed.
The main difference between dry food and canned dog food is its water content. "Kibble is 10% water, [while] canned food is upwards of 70% water," Roberts says. If both products have the same ingredients and only the water content differs, he noted it's okay to mix the wet food with your dog's dry kibble, especially if they often get picky about their food or need an extra boost of hydration. You can also add fresh dog-safe vegetables and fruits to their meals (or as treats) to add nutritional value without adding the calories (as long as they're still getting their normal kibble), Wakshlag says.
Dry food is also more economical and typically much more stable if it's stored in its original container in a dry location compared to wet food, which perishes at room temperature after opening, according to Shepherd. (For food safety purposes, Hill recommended storing your dog's kibble in a cool, dry environment to prevent it from going bad and completely cleaning out the bag or reusable container before putting new kibble on top.)
Shepherd added that a sole wet food diet can be helpful for dogs who can no longer chew kibble due to dental disease or dogs who may benefit from a higher moisture diet due to health conditions, like chronic recurrent urinary issues.
A grain-free formula is made without wheat, barley, rye and corn, and it's commonly fed to dogs with a gluten intolerance. However, a grain-free diet isn't better for your dog — and feeding grain-free kibble to your dog can sometimes prevent them from getting their appropriate daily nutritional intake.
"Although often seen in humans, actual cases of true gluten intolerance in dogs and cats are quite rare," says Roberts, adding that the aforementioned ingredients aren't just filler ingredients. "Carbohydrates — and corn especially — provide calories, extra fiber for better digestion, important vitamins and minerals and antioxidants," he says. Hill echoed the importance of carbs in your dog's diet: "There's no reason why animals shouldn't consume a reasonable amount of carbohydrates — [they're] okay in moderation." Plus, grain-free foods will usually use other sources of carbohydrates in place of grain — including potatoes and legumes — so the formula will very rarely be low in carbs despite the brand's marketing, Hill explained.
Research has found an association between some grain-free diets and dilated cardiomyopathy in some dogs, but the cause for the association is still under investigation by the FDA. "We don't know if there are ingredients to avoid or if it is due to an overall quality control issue," Shepherd says. Wakshlag notes that it may not be the grain-free foods that are causing these issues, but rather the dogs themselves may be predisposed.
Typical dog food, whether it's basic dry kibble or a combination of kibble with wet food, is specifically designed to meet your dog's nutritional needs. Some dog owners will feed their dogs a raw food diet — which can be homemade, freeze-dried and dehydrated — and this typically consists of everything from raw meat and eggs to dog-safe fruits and vegetables. But our experts advised against it: "The AVMA discourages feeding dogs any animal-source protein that has not first been subjected to a process to eliminate pathogens because of the risk of illness to cats and dogs as well as humans," Teller says.
Raw meat-based diets can also produce a higher risk of microbial pathogens, antibiotic resistance genes and other anti-nutritional factors, according to Shepherd. This also goes for freeze-dried meat products that typically get mixed in with kibble as "boosters" — "they should be considered raw as freeze-drying does not eliminate pathogens," Shepherd says. And if your pet is eating a complete and balanced commercially available pet food, supplements are not recommended unless specifically prescribed by your veterinarian, Teller noted.
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