what are the top rated dry dog foods

The Best Dry Dog Foods, According To Holistic Veterinarians

The best dry dog foods are made with a balance of quality ingredients and offer pour-in-the-bowl convenience. While dog food delivery services make raw feeding easier, dry dog foods have their appeal: Theyre less messy, have longer shelf lives and are often easier on the budget than raw recipes (not to mention, many kibbles are available for delivery, too). The challenge? Deciphering nutrition labels can be difficult, plus there are tons of sub-par options to weed out. So we sought the guidance of holistic veterinarians and named sustainable pet food company Open Farm our top choice overall. That said, theres no one-size-fits-all food, so we assembled an expert-approved list for canines of all kinds.

Dr. Tina Aiken, DVM, a New York-based holistic veterinarian, tells us that dogs nutritional needs differ based on a variety of factors including age, size, underlying conditions (e.g., food allergies) and their unique gut microbiome. That said, there are certain factors to keep in mind when searching for quality dry dog foods.

For starters, New York-based integrative vet Dr. Ray Spragley, DVM, CVA, CCRT, says to look for the AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) sticker on the dog food label to ensure that the kibble is nutritionally complete and balanced based on the nonprofit organizations standards. The next (and arguably most important) thing to consider is what specific ingredients doand dontmake up the kibble, followed by how those ingredients are processed. Animal-based protein is the main characteristic to look for. You want to see meats and organs, recommends Dr. Candice Akers, DVM, a holistic veterinarian based in Colorado. She advises steering clear of formulas full of commonly contaminated grains like wheat and soy, as well as those that use legumes as the main protein, if possible.

In addition to avoiding legume-heavy formulas, you also want to make sure there arent any byproducts, artificial coloring or preservatives like BHA in the mix, says Spragley. For instance, he advises looking for suspect ingredients such as animal fatyou do not know where that fat is coming from.

When it comes down to it, you should always consult with your own veterinarian to find the best dry dog food for your pups individual needs. But to give you a place to start, we also asked our experts, as well as the dog parents on our staff, to share the best all-around dry dog food options.

Open Farm Grass-Fed Beef & Ancient Grains (11 Pounds)

Rarely do the words ethically sourced and dog food appear in the same sentence, but Open Farm changes that. The Canadian-based company is committed to sourcing ethical, sustainable and traceable ingredients (including humanely raised meat, fish and poultry), which has two major benefits: It ensures that pups are getting the best nutrition and lessens negative impacts on the environment. Open Farm kibbles are also free of chemicals, artificial preservatives and cheap fillers. Akers also likes the brands easy-to-digest carbohydrates, which she says are ideal for dogs with sensitive stomachs or who are senior. The brand also has grain-free recipes and a wholesomepuppy formulafor new four-legged additions.

What our editors say: Karen Tietjen, senior updates editor for Forbes Vetted, shares, We've been feeding my dog Open Farm for years and we've stuck with this brand because company uses quality, traceable ingredients (and low-quality ingredients is ahugeproblem in the pet food industry). She is nine years old and quite healthy, and while we supplement her diet with real foods, I feel good knowing she's eating nutritious kibbleI always recommend it to friends, too! Overall, I think it's a great option for those who don't have the time or budget to feed their dogs raw."

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Merrick Limited Ingredient Recipe (22 Pounds)

Dr. Nick Horniman, MRCVS, a veterinary surgeon based in the U.K. and the founder of online pet pharmacy My Pets Vet, explains, A lot of pups are allergic or intolerant to poultry such as chicken and turkey. For this reason, he recommends Merricks Grain-Free Salmon and Sweet Potato recipe, adding, It is perfect for dogs with sensitive stomachs. Real deboned salmon tops the natural ingredients list, which is also free from soy, corn, wheat, dairy, eggs and any artificial additives. Plus, its suitable for adult dogs of all sizes, but make sure to consult the feeding chart for the best proportions.

Merrick Classic Healthy Grains Recipe (25 Pounds)

Merricks Healthy Grains Real Beef And Brown Rice Recipe is one of Spragleys top recommendations for healthy kibble, pointing out that its first ingredient is real deboned beef. The grains it contains are high-quality (as opposed to fillers like corn and soy) and include brown rice, barley and oatmeal. He adds, It also contains glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health, as well as omega-3 and -6 fattyacids, which are great for skin health. Plus, if your dog is allergic or picky to certain foods, this one excludes peas, beans, lentils and poultry. My patients tend to find it very palatable, Spragley adds.

Editors Pick

Stella & Chewy's Stella's Super Beef Dinner Patties (25-Ounce Bag)

Both Aiken and Akers say that freeze-dried raw foods, which are much less processed than kibbles, can be very beneficial to a dogs diet. One of Akers favorites is Stella & Chewy's Super Beef Dinner Patties. This recipe includes multiple organ meats such as the liver, kidney, heart, tripe and bone. These are important nutrient-dense ingredients full of vitaminA, magnesium and the whole B-vitamin complex, she says. Plus, Akers says this pick is suitable for pups with food sensitivities: The brand is also great at separating proteins. This means they don't mix chicken livers into their beef recipes and vice versa, she explains. Further, two Forbes dog parents say their pups go nuts for the stuff.

What our editors say: Brinda Ayers, Forbes Vetteds executive managing editor and mom to a boxer mix, shares, I like to mix up our dog's dinner from time to time with the Stella & Chewy Super BeefDinner Patties. I take about half of a patty and crumble it up over George's kibble and he goes absolutely wild. The first five ingredients of these medallions are pure beef meat and organs, then assorted produce like pumpkin, broccoli, beets and blueberries, so I know George is getting a full slate of nutrition without any weird stuff. Ayers also offers a helpful pro tip if youre traveling with your pup: The pucks, which are very lightweight, can be crumbled up to use as higher-value treats in between meals.

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Stella & Chewy's Raw-Coated Grain-Free Kibble (21 Pounds)

Combining the convenience of kibble with the taste of raw freeze-dried meat, Dr. Akers shares that Stella & Chewys Raw Coated Kibble is one she recommends for her four-legged patients. This high-protein formula is packed with beef, pork, lamb, bison, venison and goat. Whats more, the brand only uses responsibly sourced ingredients and never adds harmful chemicals, hormones, antibiotics or anything artificial. The brand offers this kibble in both grain-inclusive and grain- and legume-free varieties, like this Red Meat Recipe. Akers adds, however, that you shouldnt transition to this pick immediately if your dog is used to a diet of corn- or rice-heavy kibble. I have heard some instances of certain batches of food that had palatability issues. Pet parents may have a harder time transitioning from junk food directly to more healthy food, she explains.

Nulo Freestyle Puppy Grain-Free Recipe (6 Pounds)

Horniman recommends Nulos puppy formula, which includes at least 80% animal-based protein from real salmon or turkey. The formula includes fruits and vegetables such as carrots, blueberries and apples, which can make a huge difference when it comes to supporting your puppys growth and development, he says. The formula also contains several key fatty acids that help support the development of your puppys brain and eyes. In addition to being grain-free, the Freestyle Puppy formula is also free from poultry and egg in case your pup has sensitivities or allergies.

Open Farm Grain-Free Senior Dry Dog Food (22 Pounds)

For senior dogs, I look for a kibble that is a bit easier to digest. Older dogs don't make as many digestive enzymes as younger dogs, Akers shares. One brand that fits her criteria is Open Farm, whose formulas (like this grain-free one formulated especially for seniors) contains easy-to-digest carbohydrates balanced with a variety of animal proteins.Its also full of two types of fatty acids that help with senior dogs mobility and joint health, as well as several vitamins that support digestion.

Orijen Small Breed Grain-Free Dry Dog Food (10 Pounds)

Akers offers Orijen brand as an example of high-quality kibble and specifically points to the small breed formula for pint-sized companions. To understand why, one only has to look at the ingredient list: Here we see: lots of whole-prey animal proteins, dehydrated (not rendered) muscle meats, lots of nutrient-dense organ meats, a few whole legumes, superfoods, antioxidants and herbs, Akers explains. Plus, the formula, which contains a high percentage of animal-based protein (85%), is designed to both support the high-energy needs of small dogs as well as help them maintain a healthy weight, according to the brand.

Why Trust Forbes Vetted

Forbes Vetted staff have spent years conducting lengthy research, interviewing experts and testing dozens of pet products to find the best onesincluding the ones that help make sure our dogs are living healthy and happy lives. Our canine-related articles include the best dog beds, best dog crates and the best large breed puppy foods.

For this article, we tapped three holistic veterinarians and one veterinary surgeon to help us find the healthiest and highest-quality dry dog food options: Dr. Tina Aiken, DVM, Dr. Candice Akers, DVM, Dr. Nick Horniman, MRCVS, and Dr. Ray Spragley, DVM. We also quizzed Forbes employees who are also proud pup parents for their pets favorite dry chow (the favorites they called out include Stella & Chewys Super Beef Patties and Open Farms recipes).

Lastly, we regularly refresh this story to make sure were still recommending the best dry dog foods on the market. In our most recent August 2023 update, all the products were re-evaluated for quality and many were changed based on new advice from our experts.

The best dry dog food for every life stage, according to veterinarians

When choosing between wet and drydog food, you and your pups personal preferences play a big role. Both dry andwet foodcan be good nutritional choices for your dog, but each comes with pros and cons, saysDr. Dottie Laflamme, an independent animal nutrition consultant. Thebest dry dog foodis convenient, cost effective and can even benefitoral health. But keep in mind that canned food provides significantly more moisture than dry food, so consult your veterinarian if your dog has any conditions that might benefit from a moisture-rich diet.

While ingredient lists are informative, the quality of your dogs kibble is primarily determined by four factors, according to Laflamme: palatability, a complete and balanced recipe, affordability and whether the food meets your veterinarians approval based on your dogs nutritional needs.

To help narrow down thebest dry dog foods, we spoke with veterinarians about how to identify a complete and balanced recipe for your dogs diet. We also rounded up their recommendations for the best dry dog food to consider.

SKIP AHEAD Best dry dog food to consider this year | How to shop for the best dry dog food

How we picked the best dry dog food

While comparing dry food for dogs offered on the market today, our experts recommend keeping the following factors in mind:

• Breed size: To ensure your dog gets the nutrients they need, its important to purchase the appropriate food for their life stage and breed size, which can be categorized into three stages: growth, all life stages and adult maintenance.
• AAFCO statement: If your dogs dry food is labeled with a statement saying it meets the Association of Animal Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) recommendations through formulation or food-trial testing, it means that it contains all the necessary nutrients for your dogs life stage and ensures a complete and balanced diet, says Dr. Anna Kaufman, a veterinarian at Bond Vet, which has locations across the United States.
• Nutritional guidance: A recipe created with the guidance of a board-certified veterinary nutritionist is more likely to provide the appropriate nutrients for your dogs age and breed size rather than relying on marketing tactics. Key ingredients to look for include an animal protein source, whole grains or high-quality carbohydrates, fruits and vegetables and healthy fats, says Dr. Nicole Savageau, a veterinarian with The Vets, which offers mobile vet visits across the United States.

Price: Dry dog food tends to be more cost-effective compared to wet dog food, primarily due to factors such as production costs, packaging, and shelf life, says Savageau. If budget is a concern, dry dog food can be a more economical choice. Given this, we considered a range of quality options at various price points.

Best dry dog food to consider this year

The following highly rated dry food share two important considerations: They meet or exceed the nutritional recommendations set by AAFCO and are formulated with the oversight of a board-certified veterinary nutritionist. These factors ensure that your dog is getting the right nutrients for their age and breed size. However, you should always check with your dogs veterinarian first about your dogs specific dietary needs in conjunction with age to get an expert read on any dietary needs or restrictions.

Best overall dry dog food for adult small breeds: Royal Canin

Royal Canin is a favorite among our experts for the brands peer-reviewed research, owned facilities and well-regarded reputation among pet parents and veterinarians. Both Select updates editor Mili Godio and manager of editorial operations Shari Uyehara are fans of Royal Canin, too. Uyehara says her pup Loki, a 1-year-old cavalier King Charles spaniel, has been eating this dry food since he was just a few months old after her breeder recommended it. Royal Canin increases palatability by sourcing ingredients that dogs crave, like chicken and chicken fat, according to the brand.

Best dry dog food for weight management: Purina

The feeding instructions on the back of the kibble bag are merely a guide your veterinarian is the best resource for determining the appropriate number of calories your dog should eat, says Laflamme. Between veterinarian visits, you should monitor your dogs body condition using the nine-point scale based on observation and physical touch, she says. You can do this by standing above your dog, putting your thumbs over the backbone and fingers over the ribs. Gently move your hands from front to back. If you can easily count and feel your dogs ribs, they are likely a healthy weight.

If you and your veterinarian determine your dog is overweight, your veterinarian may suggest a reduction in calories or a weight management diet, such as this Purina ONE Weight Control formula. Its the recipe Laflamme feeds her own dogs and is part of Purinas budget line. However, if pet owners want to add probiotics and more natural ingredients to their dogs diet, a slightly pricier alternative is available from Purina, Purina Pro Plan Weight Management. While it may cost a bit more, Selects associate updates editor Zoe Malin says her 100-pound yellow lab, Chance, is both healthy and happy eating this formula.

Best budget-friendly dry dog food: IAMS

When it comes to kibble, there is often a wide range of options available to pet parents at varying price points. For those on a budget, certain dry dog foods may include byproducts that help keep the cost down. Byproducts are ingredients that are not typically used for human consumption, says Stockman. Its not because the ingredients arent nutritious, but it might include meat that isnt visually appealing or internal organs that arent culturally accepted as a food source. Byproducts are a great source of vitamins and minerals for dogs, and from a sustainability standpoint, using byproducts also helps to reduce food waste, says Stockman.

IAMS recipe offerings are diverse, and IAMS Adult Minichunks is a standout choice due to its high-quality protein sources, such as lamb, chicken and whole-grain barley. The recipe also contains a blend of fibers and prebiotics to promote a healthy digestive system, according to the brand.

Best dry dog food for large-breed puppies: Wellness

When allowed to overeat, large-breed puppies tend to grow too quickly, and their bones might not be able to keep up, says Laflamme. This puts them at risk of developing orthopedic or skeletal issues. One of the best ways to prevent this is by keeping your puppy lean, limiting the amount of food theyre allowed to have and feeding them a diet specifically formulated for growing large breed puppies, she says.

Large-breed formulas that meet AAFCOs nutritional adequacy recommendations have all the protein and minerals your puppy needs, but with fewer calories. This Wellness formula has just 367 calories per cup, which includes protein from deboned chicken and chicken meal, as well as energy-rich carbohydrates like brown rice and oats, according to the brand. The formula also has glucosamine, which helps maintain joint health and is particularly beneficial for large-breed dogs, according to Wellness.

Best dry dog food for adult large breeds: Merrick

Most large-breed dogs are no longer considered puppies when they reach about two years of age. However, this can vary depending on the individual dog and when they stop growing. During this period, Laflamme recommends two options for transitioning your dog to a formula suitable for adult dogs: either switch to an all life stages food that provides nutrients for both puppies and adults, or consider an adult formula thats not suitable for a growing puppy.

This adult formula from Merrick is made in small batches in Merricks Hereford, Texas kitchen. Its packed with omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids, which means its specially formulated with glucosamine and chondroitin to support healthy hips and joints, according to the brand. It also contains L-Carnitine, a supplement that helps to keep your gentle giant lean, according to Merrick.

Best dry dog food for small-breed puppies: Hill's

Puppies require more calories per pound of body weight than adult dogs to fuel their growth and active lifestyles. AAFCO recommends that puppy food include 22% protein and 8% fat, and other important vitamins and nutrients for growth.

According to both Laflamme and Kaufman, Hills is a trustworthy brand that delivers quality pet food to pet parents and their pups, and Hills Science Diets dry dog food for puppies is no exception. Its packed with the nutrients your puppy needs for a healthy start to life, like calcium and phosphorus to help build strong bones and teeth, and the omega fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) to support healthy brain and eye development. The formula contains antioxidants and vitamins E and C to support your puppys developing immune system, according to the brand.

Best dry dog food for sensitive stomachs: Instinct

Many pet food diets are touted as grain-free, meaning they dont contain common carbohydrate grains, like wheat, rice and barley. But unless your pup has a gluten intolerance, grain-free diets arent known to provide additional benefits when compared to other complete and balanced foods, according to our experts. Unlike their gray wolf ancestors, theres evidence that domestic dogs are perfectly able to digest carbohydrates, says Dr. Jonathan Stockman, assistant professor of clinical veterinary sciences at Long Island University College of Veterinary Medicine.

A novel protein or limited-ingredient diet may relieve your dogs symptoms if they have a food intolerance or a true food allergy. This option from Instinct uses rabbit as its protein source and leaves out any ingredients that include corn, wheat and soy, according to the brand. Additionally, probiotics and omega-3 and -6 fatty acids soothe the digestive tract, skin and any lingering inflammation.

How to shop for the best dry dog food

Theres a lot to consider when buying the best food for your dog, and most come down to you and your dogs personal preferences, as well as your dogs life stage and breed size, experts told us.

• Ensure your dogs food meets AAFCO standards. AAFCO is a non-profit group that establishes nutritional guidelines for pet food based on life stages. Although AAFCO doesnt approve or regulate pet food formulas, pet food companies that include an AAFCO nutritional adequacy statement conduct thorough testing to ensure their food meets AAFCO nutritional standards for safety and quality.
• Consider your dogs life stage. Dry dog food is typically labeled as growth, which is specifically formulated for growing puppies or all life stages, which means it meets the minimum AAFCO nutritional requirements for both puppies and adult dogs. Food for puppies must include a minimum of 22% protein and 8% fat, in addition to other important vitamins and nutrients, like DHA, calcium and phosphorus, according to our experts. Adult dogs, on the other hand, require food formulated for maintenance, or they can eat food labeled as all life stages. Maintenance dry food must include a minimum of 18% protein and 5% fat.
• Make sure its made for your dogs breed size. Our experts suggested feeding according to breed size to meet the unique growth patterns and health needs of small- and large-breed puppies and adult dogs.
• Ensure the brand consults veterinary nutritionists. A recipe developed with the guidance of a board-certified veterinary nutritionist ensures the recipe has been formulated with the necessary nutrients for your dogs age and breed size.
• Keep in mind, price doesnt always equal quality. You should consider a range of quality options across various price points that meet AAFCO standards and are suitable for your dogs breed, size and life stage.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best dry dog food vets recommend?

The best dry dog food is the one that is palatable to your dog and meets AAFCO's nutritional guidelines for their life stage, according to our experts. It should also be affordable and approved by your veterinarian based on your dog's nutritional needs. Meat doesnt need to be the primary ingredient in food, as dogs are omnivorous and can get the necessary amino acids from plant-based sources, says Laflamme. Unless your dog has an allergy or intolerance, grain-free dry food isnt necessary, veterinarians told us.

Is dry food best for dogs?

Both complete and balanced wet and dry dog food formulas can be nutritious choices for your dog, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Dry food is a convenient and cost-effective option for pets, and certain dental diets approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council can also promote oral health. This higher moisture content in wet food can help keep dogs hydrated, especially if they don't drink enough water on their own , says Savageau . You should also consult with your veterinarian if your dog has any conditions such as renal disease that can benefit from a moisture-rich diet.

Is dry food healthy for puppies?

If labeled with the AAFCO statement for puppies (growth) or all life stages, dry dog food is a healthy option for your puppy. The AAFCO statement means that the recipe meets or exceeds the associations recommended nutritional requirements for growth, which include an appropriate balance of protein (minimum 22%), fat (minimum 8%) and vital vitamins and minerals, such as DHA and calcium. It's crucial to choose a recipe based on your dog's breed, as large- and small-breed puppies have distinct growth patterns and, as a result, differing calorie needs, according to Laflamme.

What is the best way to store dry dog food?

The best way to store dry dog food is in an airtight container that is kept in a cool dry space, says Kaufman. All dog food bags should be placed in this container and properly sealed once opened. Make sure you wash this container regularly. A good rule of thumb is to wash it every time you finish a bag of food.

Meet our experts

At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.

• Dr. Dottie Laflamme is a veterinarian and an independent consultant of animal nutrition. She formerly worked for Purinas Research and Development team until her retirement in 2015.
• Dr. Jonathan Stockmanis a veterinarian and an assistant professor of clinical veterinary sciences at Long Island University College of Veterinary Medicine. He is also a veterinary consultant for Petco but does not receive financial compensation to recommend any brands.
• Dr. Nicole Savageau is a veterinarian with The Vets in Austin, Texas.
• Dr. Anna Kaufman is a veterinarian at Bond Vet, which has locations across the United States.

Why trust NBC Select?

Janelle Leeson is a Portland-based freelance writer who holds a bachelor of science degree in biology. Her approach to pet-care writing and reporting is rooted in scientific principles that consider a pets biological need for play, proper nutrition and environmental enrichment.For this piece, Janelle interviewed two experts who specialize in veterinary nutrition. She also researched dozens of dry dog foods on the market that met criteria based on our experts insights. She included dry dog foods recommended by experts, along with those that are highly rated and meet expert shopping guidance.

Bethany Heitman is a contributor at NBC Select and a journalist who regularly covers topics like beauty, home and lifestyle

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