beef and rice wet dog food

11 Best Beef Dog Foods in 2024 Reviews & Top Picks

There are different aspects to consider when looking at food for your dog. There is your dogs specific daily nutrition needs to consider, which are all determined by its breed, age, and any ailments it may be suffering from.

When looking at dog foods, its important to create criteria in order to nail down the best pick. Common factors include brand trustworthiness, nutritional label details, and customer reviews. It also helps to take a look at the amount and type of protein, and fat, and whether the meal additives may irritate your dogs stomach.

Common additives include things like corn, soy, wheat, grain, and gluten. Lean beef is not only safe for dogs to eat, but its an excellent source of protein and also provides a number of different vitamins and minerals that the dog needs for optimal health. Lets take a look at the best beef dog foods currently available.

A Glance at Our Top Picks (2024 Update)

The 11 Best Beef Dog Foods

1. The Farmers Dog Fresh Beef Dog Food Best Overall

Our 1st-place best overall pick for dog food goes to The Farmers Dog beef dog food. With food that is so nutritious, fresh, and USDA-approved that pet owners themselves could eat it, Farmers Dog beef dog food towers above the competition. It contains only human-grade beef and vegetables. This food is not only fresh but contains no preservatives or fillers.

The Farmers Dog ships for free in 48 states, and their meals are formulated by veterinary nutritionists. The Beef Dog Food is not your average commercial offering. It is fresh food made with beef and veggies such as lentils, sweet potatoes, bok choy, kale, and broccoli.

All meals are pre-portioned to fit your dogs particular needs. This is decided by your dogs breed, weight, age, and activity level when you sign up for the subscription service. Once you sign up, the food will be delivered to your door, and you can pause or cancel anytime without a problem.

The only drawback we could see to The Farmers Dog Beef dog food is that it takes up quite a bit of space in your freezer and fridge because it has to be stored, then thawed. However, it is well worth it when your dog gobbles the food up every time and begs for more.

If youre a pet owner who enjoys feeding your dog home-cooked, human-grade meals but dont have the time or energy to do it yourself, The Farmers Dog Beef Dog Food is a great substitute, and your dog will love it.

Pros

• Contains human-grade beef and vegetables
• Ships for free in 48 states
• Meals are pre-portioned based on the criteria you give
• Meals are formulated by vet nutritionists

Cons

• Expensive
• Takes up freezer and fridge space

2. Purina Pro Plan High Protein Wet Dog Food Best Value

This high-protein meal is our pick for the best beef dog food for the money due to its affordable price and nutritional profile. This meal is made with real beef and seems to receive excellent feedback from owners as a chosen pick by their pups.

It has a pate texture and is great for dogs who prefer wet food over dry meal options. The recipe is complete with 23 essential vitamins and nutrients and offers dogs a well-balanced source of daily nutrition. The downside is that wet dog food is more perishable than dry dog food, especially once opened.

Pros

• Has 23 essential vitamins
• Comprehensive nutrient profile
• Affordable

Cons

• Perishable
• Limited flavors

3. Hills Science Diet Savory Beef Stew Dog Food

The Adult 7+ Savory Stew by Hills Science is another tasty beef meal thats made with real beef. It includes brown rice and a number of different vegetables that are smothered in a flavorful brown gravy. The recipe contains all the minerals and vitamins needed for mature dogs and is also formulated to help support its digestive system. So, if your dog has issues with regularity or simply loves the taste of beef, this meal is definitely the one to check out. The downside is that its not suitable for pups and is perishable once opened.

Pros

• Contains real beef
• Tasty brown gravy
• Full nutrient profile

Cons

• Not ideal for pups
• Perishable

4. Purina Pro Plan Adult Shredded Beef & Rice Dry Dog Food

This shredded beef and rice meal is another good beef dog food. Its perfect for all dog breeds and is formulated specifically for adult dogs. Its not only tender but it also has a wide spectrum of nutrients and vitamins. For example, its complete with vitamin A, and omega-6 fatty acids to help dogs maintain a healthy coat and skin.

It also comes fortified with live probiotics and prebiotic fiber for immune health and digestive supportsomething that older dogs may need. If youre looking for a well-balanced beef recipe for your dog, here is one to consider. Purina is a dependable brand and the price for this meal is comparable to other brands dry beef meals.

Pros

• High-protein beef
• Antioxidants and minerals
• Probiotics and prebiotic fiber

Cons

• Can be pricey
• Not for restricted diets

5. Stella & Chewys Perfectly Puppy Patties

Here is a high-protein meal that will give your pup all of the protein that it needs for the day. This formula is made with a number of different minerals and vitamins, including vitamins A, C, and B, all of which can help build up your dogs immune system.

And because puppies can sometimes have sensitive stomachs, the meal is free of antibiotics, hormones, and additives. It also includes chia seeds for healthy skin and coat and green mussels for joint support. The downside is that this food is perishable and more expensive than other options.

Pros

• Immune system support
• High-protein recipe
• Chia seeds and green mussels

Cons

• Meal is freeze-dried
• Perishable
• Expensive

6. Purina Pro Plan Shredded Blend Beef & Rice

Here is another meal thats part of the 7+ Complete Essentials series by Purina. It simply doesnt get any better when it comes to beef-based dry food recipes. This meal plan includes real beef that helps support heart health and the kibble is tender enough for older dogs that may have bite issues.

Its also full of omega fatty acids for mobility and joint health. Not to mention it has prebiotic fibers to support a healthy gut microbe. The downside is that its not for puppies and some dogs may not like the flavor.

Pros

• High-protein meal
• Has glucosamine and EPA
• Contains omega fatty acids
• Supports digestive health

Cons

• Not for pups
• Some dogs may not like the flavor

7. Castor & Pollux PRISTINE Grain-Free Small Breed Canned Dog Food

Some dogs are sensitive to grains. And if this is your dog, this organic beef-based meal may be the perfect fit. Its made with free-range, grass-fed beef and contains no hormones or antibiotics. It also includes organic produce such as peas, carrots, and spinach.

This meal is completely free of artificial preservatives, gluten and wheat, and it contains no corn or soy products. If youre looking for an organic, sustainable meal for a small breed dog, this meal may be worth a try. However, it is perishable and pricey.

Pros

• Contains organic produce
• Great for pups
• Wheat, corn, soy-free

8. Purina Pro Plan Sport High Protein Wet Dog Food

Made with real beef, this satiating meal by Purina seems to be a pup favorite. Beef is first on its list of ingredients, and it also contains chicken, rice, and a few different vegetables. This formula is made to support cognitive development and its perfect for growing puppies.

The recipe also has 23 essential vitamins and minerals to support daily nutrition and its free of flavors, artificial colors, and preservatives. If you have an active puppy or adult dog that loves wet food, be sure to take a closer look at this recipe.

Pros

• Contains real beef
• Good price point
• Has 23 essential vitamins

9. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Wolf Creek Beef Stew Grain-Free

This beef stew recipe by Blue Buffalo is one of its most popular meals. Its great for all breeds and ideal for adult dogs. It can be combined with dry food, or you can use it as a single meal. This wet food meal is free of any gluten, wheat, soy, and artificial flavors. It contains enough protein for daily supplementation and is a wholesome option for healthy dogs and those recovering from illness.

Pros

• Receives great reviews
• Contains fruits & veggies
• Comprehensive nutrient profile

Cons

• Expensive
• Limited flavor options

10. True Acre Foods Grain-Free Beef & Vegetable Dry Dog Food

The beef and veggie dry meal by True Acre makes our list due to its quality ingredients and moderate price point. This meal is made with US-raised beef and includes farm-grown veggies such as carrots and peas. It offers a complete and well-balanced nutritional profile, and the kibble is small enough for puppies.

The formula is also full of antioxidants and contains natural fibers to support easy digestion. It has a simple formula, omega fatty acids, and protein, and is free of artificial colors and flavors. Also contains no corn, wheat, or grain products.

Pros

• High-protein formula
• Well-balanced meal
• Antioxidants & omega fatty acids
• Free of additives

Cons

• Limited flavor
• Not for restricted diets

11. Rachael Ray Nutrish Real Dry Dog Food

This beef dry dog food by Rachael Ray is a surprise for pet owners and a favorite of their pups. Its a complete nutritional powerhouse and helps support lean muscle mass and healthy cognitive functions. Its made without artificial preservatives, fillers, or gluten and it contains no by-products.

This dry food is a high-protein formula thats perfect for high-energy dogs. The meal is also full of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, and it contains brown rice and peas to supply enough fiber for regularity.

Pros

• Protein & fiber-rich
• Contains Omega fatty acids
• Promotes regularity

Wrapping Up

So that sums up our best beef dog food picks. The Farmers Dog Fresh Beef Dog Food is our number #1 pick for its nutrients and price. Our budget pick is Purina Pro Plan High Protein Pate, Beef & Rice which is a popular wet food high-protein meal that dogs seem to love.

Third, we have Adult 7+ Savory Stew with Beef & Vegetable wet food by Hills Science, which is a high-quality wet food option for all adult breeds.

Featured Image Credit: thefarmersdog.com

Beef and Rice Dog Food Recipe

This complete and balanced high protein beef and rice dog food recipe is a great option for moderately active dogs. This recipe is a great option for someone just starting to home cook for their dog. The entire recipe takes less than 45 minutes to cook from start to finish, including prep time. It also doesnt require any specialized equipment such as a meat-grinder, as we are using pre-ground meat.

Beef and rice dog food recipes are a great option for dogs with food allergies to poultry. And can also be a great choice for picky dogs as many dog prefer red-meat over other protein sources. This recipe is also fairly easy to mix together making it a great option for dogs with tend to pick-out foods that they dont enjoy.

The recipe today is formulated to AAFCO standards and is complete and balanced for adult dogs if all ingredients are prepared as listed and all supplements are included. If any changes are made to the recipe it will no longer be considered balanced and should be considered a treat or addition and be kept to 10% of your dogs overall daily caloric needs.

BEEF AND RICE DOG FOOD RECIPE INGREDIENTS

95% Lean Ground Beef: Lean ground beef is an excellent source of essential amino acids along with many different vitamins and minerals such as vitamin B12, zinc, selenium, iron, vitamin B6, niacin, and phosphorus.

Brown Rice: A great source of healthy fiber, an excellent source of manganese, magnesium, vitamin b6, vitamin b1, selenium, iron, and a good source of certain types of antioxidants such as phenols and flavonoids.

Spinach: Provides many different essential vitamins and minerals such as vitamin K, vitamin A, vitamin C, folate, manganese, magnesium, iron, and vitamin B2. Spinach also contains several antioxidants such as Quercetin and Kaempferol which can help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress.

Zucchini: A great source of antioxidants such as carotenoids (like lutein, zeaxanthin, and beta-carotene), and an excellent source of fiber to support a healthy microbiome.

Walnut Oil: An excellent source of linoleic acid and alpha-Linolenic acid which are essential fatty acids that dogs need in their diet.

Nordic Naturals Omega 3 Pet: A wonderful source of EPA and DHA, along with vitamin E. Nordic naturals fish oil is a purified, third party tested oil that has an excellent EPA to DHA ratio perfect for balancing out the higher omega 6 essential fatty acids found in the chicken and walnut oil.

Supplement (BalanceIT Canine): Without using the supplement this recipe will be deficient in riboflavin, thiamin, vitamin A, calcium, copper, iodine, and vitamin D.

DIET COMPOSITION

PERCENT CALORIE BASIS:

• Protein: 47%
• Fat: 28%
• Carbohydrate: 24%
• Moisture: 73%
• Calories: 961

BEEF AND RICE HOMEMADE DOG FOOD RECIPE

• 383g 95% lean ground beef, pan-broiled
• 106g Brown Rice, long-grain, cooked
• 45g Spinach, cooked boiled
• 90g Zucchini, cooked boiled
• tsp Walnut Oil
• tsp Nordic Naturals Omega 3 Pet
• 4 tsp BalanceIT Canine

HOW MUCH TO FEED

The amount that you feed your dog will be based on their individual metabolism and lifestyle needs. Calories needed can range up to 50% high or lower than the average amount and still be considered normal.

Overweight or obese dogs trying to lose weight should be fed to their ideal weight if your dog needs to lose weight please discuss your dogs individual caloric needs with your veterinarian.

The below chart is the average calories needed for a dog of a particular weight. If you are using this recipe as a treat the portion should be kept in the treat category. If feeding as a complete and balanced meal, you can either re-calculate the recipe using BalanceIT or feed according to your dogs caloric needs (average suggested amounts within the food category).

BEEF AND RICE DOG FOOD RECIPE COOKING INSTRUCTIONS

If you have a rice-cooker this recipe is going to be VERY simple to do. The recipe calls for about 1 cup of cooked brown rice. So start with about cup of dry rice, with 1 cup of water, and follow the directions on your rice cooker for perfect rice!

For this recipe you will need about 1 lb of 95% lean ground beef to start as it will loose water while cooking . Place the ground beef in a nonstick pan (I prefer cast iron), and cook until lightly browned. DO NOT ADD OIL while cooking. We do not want to add any extra fat to the recipe.

In a separate stainless steel pan add 1 cup of water and boil. Chop up about 180g of Zucchini (about 1 large), and add it to the boiling water. Cover and allow to soften for about 3 minutes, then drain and set aside to cool. In the same pan add a 1/2 of water and boil. Then add in spinach mix until softened, then drain and cool.

ALL INGREDIENTS SHOULD BE MEASURED AFTER COOKING.

Depending on your dogs size you can add everything into a food processor prior to feeding. Another option is you can chop all elements into bite-sized pieces and mix together.

Allow everything to cool prior to feeding or adding any additional supplements. I highly recommend if you are batch-cooking meals for your dogs to portion all ingredients EXCEPT oils and supplements into containers. Then add supplements and oils the day-of feeding. This will keep everything fresh, and allow you to reheat the food if needed prior to serving. However if you find it easier to have everything mixed in that should be okay. Do not reheat any food items after supplements or oils are added.

The food should be fine in the fridge for about 3 days, and in the freezer for about 30 days. If you plan to make even larger batches I would highly recommend a deep-freezer and vacuum sealable bags. As otherwise the food may start to loose nutritional value and get freezer burn.

NEED HELP CUSTOMIZING TO YOUR PET?

Are you having problems customizing this recipe to your own dogs nutritional needs? Unsure of if this dog food recipe is a good fit for you dog? Or maybe you would prefer a recipe using less supplementation? As a home cooker of over 5 years who has helped hundreds of pet parents transition to fresh food, Id be more than happy to help you answer your canine nutrition questions, set up a meal plan for your dog, or even just talk about the logistics of feeding fresh food. Feel free to reach out with questions, or schedule a nutritional consultation today.

About the Author: Nikki is a Registered Veterinary Technician (Veterinary Nurse) and Dog Mom with over a decade of experience with dogs and cats. Since graduation from college (BS Biology, Dip. Animal Nutrition, AS Animal Science) she has adopted two mixed breed dogs Ranger and Ash, and has focused her time learning about pet food and nutrition.

Nikki shares information on a range of pet nutrition topics: from how to create a homemade complete and balanced dog and cat food recipes, to how to choose a pet food. Nikki strives to give dog and cat parents the information they need in order to make the best nutrition decisions for their pet!

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