what is a cheap but good dog food

The 14 Best Affordable Dog Foods in 2023

This updated guide covers all the best inexpensive dog foods available this year.

Before we get started:Affordable doesnt mean low quality.

Premium dog food is always your best option, but it doesnt have to cost a fortune. I wont say price doesnt have anything to do with quality, but there are plenty of good dog food options that wont put a dent in your wallet.

Before I share my list, lets talk about what I mean by cheap dog food:

For average adult dogs, consider spending about $1 per pound to get a 32-pound bag for less than $40. Appropriate foods may cost $2 per pound for sensitive or highly active dogs. Rest assured, our top products are based on the standards weve set as per our 40-point inspection list.

Without further ado, lets get started!

The Best Affordable Dog Foods

#1. Diamond Naturals Beef Meal & Rice Dog Food

Ratings:

Top 5 Ingredients:1. Beef Meal, 2. Ground White Rice, 3. Egg Product, 4. Chicken Fat, 5. Dried Beet Pulp

• Life Stage:Adult
• Suitable for:Small, medium, largebreeds
• Caloric content(per kg): 3,518kcal
• Analysis:Protein (min.)25% |Fat (min.)15% |Fiber (max.)3.5% |Moisture (max.)10%
• Form:Dry

Diamond Natural is premium-quality dog food from a reputable manufacturer and is a complete steal if you consider the quantity and quality they provide for the price. The recipe primarily uses beef and fish to offer your dog muscle-building proteins. It also features white rice and barley, which provide fiber-rich, easily digestible energy.

You can also find a range of wholesome fruits and vegetables in the recipe, including blueberries, carrots, pumpkin, and more. These greens are full of antioxidants, vitamins, and health-boosting natural nutrients. Both omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are also present in the formula, so your dogs skin and coat can grow softer and become shinier.

#2. Purina ONE SmartBlend Vibrant Maturity 7+ Adult Dog Food

Ratings:

Top 5 Ingredients:1. Chicken,2.Rice Flour,3.Corn Gluten Meal,4.Soybean Meal,5.Whole Grain Corn

• Life Stage:Senior
• Suitable for:Small, medium, largebreeds
• Caloric content(per kg): 3,786kcal
• Analysis:Protein (min.)28% |Fat (min.)13% |Fiber (max.)4.5% |Moisture (max.)12%
• Form:Dry

For your senior pal, you can get a pocket-friendly bag of Purina O.N.E. SmartBlend to ensure a healthy transition into the golden years. This is a favorite formula for medium-sized breeds with moderate to high activity levels. It has plenty of glucosamine to prevent mobility and joint issues.

Digestible fibers and natural ingredients combine to make it lighter on the stomach. I like that they have added meaty morsels to the crunchy kibbles. That makes it more tempting for picky eaters.

#3. Pedigree Chopped Ground Dinner Variety Pack Canned Dog Food

Ratings:

Top 5 Ingredients:1. Chicken,2.Meat By-Products,3.Animal Liver,4.Brewers Rice,5.Beef

• Life Stage:Adult
• Suitable for:Small, Medium, Large Breeds
• Caloric content(per kg): 1,119kcal
• Analysis:Protein min.8%, | Fat min.6%, | Fiber max.1%, | Moisture max.78%
• Form:Wet

Fulfill your dogs appetite with high-quality, delicious wet food from Pedigree. The variety pack offers two flavors; filet mignon and beef. Both pack a decent amount of protein and micronutrients for repairing muscle tissue and keeping your dog bright and active. Moreover, the food provides fatty acids to nourish your dogs skin and make their coat shinier and softer.

It will also tempt your dogs taste buds with chopped meat and liver chunks. And since Pedigree Ground Dinner has all the required nutrients, it can be served separately or added to your dogs regular kibbles to make them more appealing.

#4. Iams Adult Large Breed Real Chicken High Protein Dog Food

Ratings:

Top 5 Ingredients:1. Chicken,2.Ground Whole Grain Barley,3.Dried Plain Beet Pulp,4.Carrot,5.Flaxseed

• Life Stage:Adult
• Suitable for:Large, Giant Breeds
• Caloric content(per kg): 3,529kcal
• Analysis:Protein min.22.5%, | Fat min. 12%, | Fiber max. 5%, | Moisture max. 10%
• Form:Dry

Iams Large Breed Dog Food offers everything large canines need in their diet at an unbeatable price. Its main ingredients are deboned chicken, whole barley, sorghum, and corn, which build muscle blocks and fuel your dog throughout the day. The whole grains also deliver a bunch of digestive fibers that improve stool quality and intestinal health.

Since large breeds are prone to hip and joint problems, Iams include glucosamine and chondroitin in their recipe to rebuild cartilage. Prebiotic fibers are also present in the food to promote gut bacteria and improve nutrient absorption. All of this comes at a fraction of the price of other large-breed-specific dog foods on the market.

#5. Rachael Ray Nutrish Zero Grain Turkey & Potato Dog Food

Ratings:

Top 5 Ingredients:1. Turkey, 2. Chicken Meal, 3. Whole Dried Potato, 4. Chicken Fat, 5. Whole Flaxseed

• Life Stage:Adult
• Suitable for:Small, Medium, Large Breeds
• Caloric content(per kg): 3,370kcal
• Analysis:Protein (min.)26% |Fat (min.)14% |Fiber (max.)5% |Moisture (max.)10%
• Form:Dry

If you want to feed your allergic pup a grain-free diet on a budget, Rachael Ray Nutrish Zero Grain Dog Food is a top choice. Turkey is the main ingredient in the recipe that provides your dog with the amino acids required for lean muscle growth. Instead of grains, the food uses potatoes and peas for carbs and chicken fat to fulfill your dogs fat requirements.

Besides that, the recipe offers numerous micronutrients, including prebiotics that improve gut health. Omega fatty acids enhancecoat health and prevent your dogs skin from becoming irritated. Some sensitive pups can be allergic to artificial additives, so the food is free from artificial flavors, preservatives, and colors.

#6. Iams ProActive Health Adult MiniChunks Dog Food

Ratings:

Top Ingredients:1. Chicken, 2. Ground Whole Grain Corn, 3. Ground Whole Grain Sorghum, 4. Chicken By-Product Meal, 5. Dried Beet Pulp

• Life Stage:Adult
• Suitable for:Small Breeds
• Caloric content(per kg): 3,646kcal
• Analysis:Protein (min.)25% |Fat (min.)14% |Fiber (max.)4% |Moisture (max.)10%
• Form:Dry

Another one on my list of more affordable dog foods is Iams Proactive Health MiniChunks. This delicious crunchy kibble is made from real chicken and makes for a good option for breeds that do not have excessive protein needs, which includes breeds that arent too active or muscular.

Plus, lower levels of proteins make it easier to digest. This formula also contains fiber to improve digestion. Overall, it is a healthy and nutritious option for dogs with sensitive tummies.

#7. Instinct Frozen Raw Bites Grain-Free Chicken Recipe Dog Food

Ratings:

Top 5 Ingredients:1. Chicken,2.Chicken Liver,3.Carrots,4.Apples,5.Sweet Potatoes

• Life Stage:Adult
• Suitable for:Small, Medium, Large Breeds
• Caloric content(per kg):1,596kcal
• Analysis:Protein (min.)12% |Fat (min.)9%|Fiber (max.)3% |Moisture (max.)70%
• Form:Frozen

Raw diets have gained lots of hype due to their health benefits, but theyre also costly. Instinct Frozen Raw Bites provides those same features at a much more affordable price. Almost 85% of the recipe consists of premium-grade boneless chicken, while the remaining 15% includes healthy greens like carrots, sweet potatoes, apples, butternut squash, and more.

These combined ingredients help with a bunch of bodily functions: muscle growth, energy retention, vision and heart support, and more. Moreover, the food is minimally processed and free from grains, fillers, corn, wheat, and soy making the raw bites easier to digest and absorb.

#8. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Healthy Weight Dog Food

Ratings:

Top 5 Ingredients:1. Deboned Lamb,2.Potatoes,3.Pea Starch,4.Lamb Meal, 5.Canola Oil

• Life Stage:Adult
• Suitable for:Large, giantbreeds
• Caloric content(per kg): 3,562kcal
• Analysis:Protein (min.)20% |Fat (min.)13% |Fiber (max.)6% |Moisture (max.)10%
• Form:Dry

This Blue Buffalo healthy weight formula falls in the under $40 category, but the quality is top shelf.

This balanced formula is for dogs that are prone to weight gain. The formula has a good amount of L-carnitine and a lot of animal proteins for lean muscle development. It is also rich in nutrients and antioxidants to ensure nose-to-tail wellbeing.

#9. Inukshuk Professional Dog Food 30/25

Ratings:

Top 5 Ingredients:1. Chicken Meal,2. Chicken Fat,3.Ground Whole Grain Wheat,4.Whole Brown Rice,5.Dried Beet Pulp

• Life Stage:Adult
• Suitable for:Small, Medium, Large Breeds
• Caloric content(per kg):4,125kcal
• Analysis:Protein (min.)30% |Fat (min.)25%|Fiber (max.)3.5% |Moisture (max.)10%
• Form:Dry

Dogs need to eat more food to gain weightwhich inevitably comes at a higher cost. Inukshuk proves this theory wrong with their high-calorie yet affordable Professional 30/25 Dry Dog Food. Its designed for dogs with extreme physical demands and packs over 578 calories per cup, with a protein-to-fat ratio of 30% to 25%. When fed to an underweight dog, the food can kickstart weight gain and promote muscle growth.

Besides being high in calories, the food features omega fatty acids to improve your dogs skin and coat condition and DHA to support brain health. For digestive health, Inukshuk also adds prebiotics that boost gut bacteria. Since the recipe is free from peas and GMO ingredients, it doesnt cause diarrhea or frequent stomach issues.

#10. Natures Recipe Grain-Free Salmon & Sweet Potato Dog Food

Ratings:

Top 5 Ingredients:1. Salmon,2.Sweet Potatoes,3.Garbanzo Beans,4.Peas,5.Pumpkin

• Life Stage:Adult
• Suitable for:Small, Medium, Large Breeds
• Caloric content(per kg):3,400kcal
• Analysis:Protein (min.)25% |Fat (min.)12%|Fiber (max.)4% |Moisture (max.)10%
• Form:Dry

Natures Recipe Grain-Free is easy on your pocket and your pals tummy. This grain-free recipe includes salmon as the main ingredient. Salmon is one of the easiest-to-digest sources of proteins you can find.

Then there are some green ingredients such as garbanzo beans, sweet potatoes, peas, and pumpkin to help create a balance of vitamins and minerals essential for good health. This is a quality and affordable dog food that most dogs can enjoy.

#11. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Salmon Grain-Free Dog Food

Ratings:

Top 5 Ingredients:1. Deboned Salmon, 2. Chicken Meal, 3. Peas, 4. Pea Protein, 5. Menhaden Fish Meal

• Life Stage:Adult
• Suitable for:Small, medium, largebreeds
• Caloric content(per kg): 3,592kcal
• Analysis:Protein (min.)34% |Fat (min.)15% |Fiber (max.)6% |Moisture (max.)10%
• Form:Dry

Blue Wilderness Salmon Recipe is another great-tasting dog food that will entice any picky pooch. It is a good option for pets that prefer fish proteins. While it isnt precisely a raw recipe, it is still quite close to a dogs ancestral diet.

It involves minimal processing, so most ingredients retain their nutritional value. Other than animal meat, key components include fruits and vegetables. Blue Buffalos patented Lifesource Bits add antioxidants that are good for your dogs immune system.

#12. American Journey LID Duck & Sweet Potato Grain-Free Dog Food

Ratings:

Top 5 Ingredients:1. Deboned Duck,2.Peas,3.Sweet Potatoes,4.Chickpeas, 5.Dried Plain Beet Pulp

• Life Stage:Adult
• Suitable for:Small, Medium, Large Breeds
• Caloric content(per kg):3,300kcal
• Analysis:Protein (min.)25% |Fat (min.)12%|Fiber (max.)6% |Moisture (max.)10%
• Form:Dry

Cut down on ingredients and allergy risks with the limited-ingredient American Journey Duck & Sweet Potato Recipe. The formula contains a single protein and carb source from duck meat and sweet potatoes that promotes muscle growth/repair and provides enough energy to support the most active breeds.

This recipe features omega-3 fatty acids from flaxseed to make your dogs skin and coat healthier. It also contains omega-6 fatty acids from sunflower oil to reduce inflammation. Besides that, the recipe is completely free from common allergens like grains, wheat, corn, and soy, as well as some hard-to-digest ingredients like artificial preservatives and by-product meals.

#13. VICTOR Purpose Hero Grain-Free Dog Food

Ratings:

Top 5 Ingredients:1. Beef Meal,2.Peas,3.Sweet Potato,4.Chicken Fat, 5.Garbanzo Beans

• Life Stage:Adult
• Suitable for:Small, medium, largebreeds
• Caloric content(per kg): 3,614kcal
• Analysis:Protein (min.)33% |Fat (min.)16% |Fiber (max.)3.8% |Moisture (max.)9%
• Form:Dry

When it comes to the active dog food category, few can compete with the value for money that Victor Purpose Hero Dog Food provides. It has a 33% protein content sourced from beef, pork, and fish meals to enhance muscle growth and repair tissue. The food also packs 384 calories per cup to fuel dogs for an entire day of extreme physical exercise.

Active dogs are also at a higher risk of joint diseases. Victor prevents this by using glucosamine and chondroitin to build new cartilage and reduce joint wear. Another major benefit of choosing Victor Purpose Hero is that its completely free from grains, corn, wheat, and soy, making it an ideal choice for dogs with sensitivities and allergies.

#14. Natures Recipe Dry Dog Food Grain Free Chicken, Sweet Potato & Pumpkin Recipe

Ratings:

Top 5 Ingredients:1. Chicken, 2. Chicken Meal, 3. Sweet Potatoes, 4. Tapioca Starch, 5. Garbanzo Beans

• Life Stage:Adult
• Suitable for:Small, medium, largebreeds
• Caloric content(per kg): 3,470kcal
• Analysis:Protein (min.)25% |Fat (min.)12% |Fiber (max.)4.5% |Moisture (max.)10%
• Form:Dry

Natures Recipe Dry Dog Food is a grain-free formula designed to provide wholesome nutrition for your canine companion. This specific recipe features a blend of high-quality ingredients, including chicken, sweet potato, and pumpkin.

The primary protein source in this formula is chicken, which provides essential amino acids to support muscle development and overall health. The inclusion of pumpkin, known for its digestive benefits, can aid in maintaining a healthy digestive system. Its affordable on the pocket and doesnt compromise your dogs well-being.

How to Switch Dog Food Without Getting Your Pup Sick

The Best Affordable Dog Food A Buyers Guide

As a devoted pet owner, finding the right nutrition for your furry companion is of utmost importance. This comprehensive guide has been curated to assist you in making informed decisions that prioritize your dogs health and happiness without breaking the bank.

How Cheap is Too Cheap

This is a million-dollar question, but the answer is less than $20 for a 30lb bag.

Any dog food that is less than $20 for a 30lb bag is something I probably wouldnt recommend.

Stick to dog food that is within $30 to $60 for a large bag, or around one or two dollars per pound.

What to Look for in Affordable Dog Food

Heres the tip: Look for exactly what you would look for in any dog food. The lower price should not be a reason to compromise on the quality. So, no matter how affordable the product, you should always look for the following.

Animal-based Proteins

The primary source of protein should always be real animal meat. Id recommend avoiding any product that has any other product as the primary source of protein.

Fatty Acids

Omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids are essential for a lot of things, including coat, skin, and joints. While they are abundant in fish-based recipes, look for other sources, such as flaxseed and canola oil.

Mineral and Vitamins

These micronutrients do a lot for your dog. From keeping their vision sharp to helping their cognition, micronutrients are what your baby needs.

Antioxidants

I recommend food with antioxidants because it is part of preventative care for your pet. Antioxidants play a vital role in strengthening your pals immune system.

Homemade Dog Food vs. Commercial Products

A common misconception among new pet parents is that homemade dog food will cost less than commercial food. It cant be further from the truth.

High-quality and safe-to-consume ingredients dont come cheap. The reason manufacturers can source the same ingredient at a fraction of the cost is that they either have farms or get better rates due to bulk purchases.

That said, another reason I do not recommend homemade food is that it is almost impossible to get proper balanced nutrition every single time.

What Things Should I Avoid in Affordable Dog Foods?

Again, affordable doesnt mean you should compromise on quality. Cheaper dog food doesnt have to be a bag full of fillers. Fillers, however, arent the only thing you should avoid. Here are a few more:

By-products Any dog food with a by-product is never a good idea. It is because you never know where that by-product originated. It can never be sourced back to the actual animal. It is usually low in nutritional value.

PreservativesChoose a dog food that is free of additives and preservatives. These ingredients do not sit well with sensitive dogs. Dogs can often develop allergies due to these ingredients.

Grains Grains arent exactlybad for dogs,but those with sensitive stomachs should avoid them. Additionally, grains arent a part of your dogs ancestral diet.

Tips for Choosing the Best Affordable Dog Food

Understanding the distinction between good and bad ingredients is just one part of the equation. Equally important is considering factors such as age and size, as they play a vital role in determining the most suitable food for your individual dog.

To guide you in making an informed choice, heres a compilation of key factors to take into account:

Breed Size and Age

The caloric requirements of a small breed dog are very different from those of a giant breed. The same is the case forpups of differentages that have varying needs for certain nutrients.Thats why you should always confirm from your vet whether the dog food youve chosen is appropriate for your dogs breed size, age, and activity level.

Health Complications

Cheaper dog foods are rarely designed for canines with special needs. If your dog suffers from sensitivity, allergies, or any other health complication, discuss your shortlisted options with your vetandmake sure that the food will not aggravate the issue.

Price

Although your goal is to choose the cheapest dog food available, make sure you dont compromise on quality or your dogs needs. Picking a lower-priced option just for the sake of saving money can affect your pups health and will level your savings in veterinary bills.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if $60 isnt affordable for me?

Well, there are cheaper ones out there. But before I move on to the list of dog foods under $50 and $40, lets stick to the tradition and get all the frequently asked questions out of the way.

What is the cheapest dog food in the market?

There are a lot of dog foods out there that will barely cost you $10 for a huge bag, but hardly any of those cheap dog foods are right for your dog. Most of those foods arefull of filler ingredientsthat can cause allergies or sensitivities and have very little nutritional value. Dog food that is both cheap and nutritionally sound will cost you at least $30 for a 30lb bag.

Which dog food brands are cheap but good?

Good question. Many brands offer affordable dog foods at a lower cost. Some examples include Taste of the Wild, Blue Buffalo, Purina, and Victor. Almost all of these brands have different products with different price points, but overall, they are affordable.

Is all cheap dog food bad for dogs?

There is a lot ofresearchbeing conducted on commercial dog foods, and many of them turn out to be of low quality or lower nutritional value. Some products branded as premium are premium in name only. However, many brands offer quality dog food at low prices.

Which cheap dog foods are the healthiest?

Cheap dog foods from trusted brands, such as those covered in this guide, are suitable for your dog. But whats healthy for your dog depends largely on the individual dogs breed, state of life, and lifestyle. Understanding these is the key to finding the right dog food for your baby.

Is dry dog food cheaper than wet dog food?

Yes, dry dog food is much cheaper than wet dog food. It can last much longer than canned dog food because of its longer shelf life. Also, because wet food is usually tastier, dogs tend to eat more of it in one meal.

Why is dry dog food cheaper than wet dog food?

Canned food is generally better for dogs because it has more moisture and more proteins. Plus, it has a lower amount of preservatives in it. It wouldnt be wrong to say that quality is one of the reasons behind the price difference.

Which affordable dog food should I avoid?

The number one reason to avoid any dog food is the absence of real meat in the first five ingredients. Do not buy any dog food that has too many filler ingredients such as corn bran, rice hull, wheat mill run, etc. Preservatives and additives are another reason to put the product back on the shelf.

Why are some dog foods cheaper than others?

The quality of ingredients is generally the main reason behind the difference in price. Premium products usually include natural ingredients that can be traced back to the source. However, many brands are managing to cut down the cost without compromising quality.

Is homemade dog food cheaper than commercial dog food?

If you were to try it for a week, youd see that it isnt. High-quality ingredients can never be cheap when bought from groceries. The reason dog food manufacturers can offer the same ingredients at a lower price is that they tend to source ingredients in bulk quantities. Many manufacturers even have farms where they raise animals.

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