Selecting the right dry food is crucial to your dog’s health — you don’t want to pick just any product off the shelf without doing some research. Every dog has unique dietary needs, which means what might be a fantastic dry food option for one dog could be the opposite for another.
This can make choosing a quality dry dog food an overwhelming task, but it can become even more overwhelming once you see all of the options available.
There’s no need to panic, though. Understanding what makes a great dry dog food just takes a bit of research. Take a look at this guide for help.
What to Look For in Dry Dog Food
Your search for the best dry food for your dog will be a lot easier if you know what to look for and what to avoid. Keep an eye out for the following qualities, and you’ll be well on your way to finding the food that meets your dog’s needs.
Clearly Labeled Animal Protein
Dogs need protein and yet many of the dry food options available don’t have enough. You want your dog’s dry food to list a named animal protein at the very top of the ingredient list. It should specifically list the names of the types of meat, like chicken, salmon, lamb, or beef. If it simply lists “meat,” then it’s best to skip that product.
Some brands like dry Pedigree dog food and Cesar dry dog food use animal by-products and the ambiguous “meat” label, which means these products do not offer the nutritional value your dog needs — avoid these ingredients.
Fresh Ingredients
Like humans, dogs eat more than just meat, so you want to get them a dry food that accommodates that. Look for a dry food that includes fresh veggies, grains, fruits, and animal protein. Avoiding processed stuff means more nutrients and better food for your furry friend.
No Additives and Artificial Ingredients
Some dry food companies add sweeteners to make poor-quality food more desirable to your pup. These foods often include many artificial ingredients to make things cheaper. Make sure to pass on those. Artificial preservatives can be used, too, and you’ll want to avoid those by making sure no product you choose has a best-by date that’s more than a year in the future.
Best in Class: Dry Dog Food Brands
To help narrow your search, consider the following brands based on your dog’s particular needs.
Best Overall Dry Dog Food
If you have an adult dog without any special dietary needs, take a look at some of these brands:
You’ll find that these options check every one of the boxes we listed in the section above. They all come in a variety of flavors as well, and some of them (like the dry Purina dog food and Blue Buffalo Life Protection) come in a range of recipes designed for different dietary needs, like puppies and dogs with sensitive stomachs.
Best Dry Dog Food for Small Dogs
Small pups have different dietary needs, which is why you should consider these options specifically designed for small dogs:
On top of checking all of the best dry dog food boxes, these options meet your small dog’s high energy needs, reduce their calorie intake, and are sized to accommodate smaller mouths.
Best Dry Dog Food for Puppies
Your puppy’s dietary needs are a little different than they’re going to be when they’re adults. That’s why they need specially formulated dry food like the following brands:
Adult food can pack weight onto your pup too fast, and that can lead to serious health issues throughout their lives. Make sure you stick with a puppy recipe until they’re old enough for adult dog food.
Best Dry Dog Food for Senior Dogs
Your dog will need extra care in their golden years, and that includes a specially formulated diet. Get them the nutrition they need with the help of the following brands:
Your pup may have trouble chewing their food as they get older. If that’s the case for your dog, you may want to consider a soft dry dog food to help them chew more easily.
Best Dry Dog Food for Skin Allergies
When your dog has skin allergies, it can mean seeking specially formulated foods to help them avoid reactions. The following brands can help:
It’s always wise to consult your vet about your dog’s skin allergies so you can best choose a diet suited to their particular needs.
Best Dry Food for Sensitive Stomach
A sensitive stomach can make choosing dry food a tricky subject. However, the following brands should help your dog enjoy their food on a sensitive stomach:
- Wholesomes Sensitive Skin & Stomach
- Blue Buffalo Basics Skin & Stomach Care
Again, you’ll want to speak with your vet in order to ensure that your pet’s stomach issues are getting the attention they need. From there, you can seek out the best dry food for them.
Support Your Dog’s Health With the Right Dry Food
Being picky when it comes to your dog’s diet is okay — and encouraged! Make sure that your dog gets all the right vitamins and minerals and avoid artificial ingredients, by-products, preservatives, and more. Follow this guide, and you should be able to do just that. For more information that might relate to your pet’s specific dietary needs, consult your vet to get a recommendation.
