The 13 Best Dry Dog Foods in 2023

This updated guide reviews all of the best dry dog foods this year.

Choosing the right diet for your furry friend is one of the most significant decisions you’ll make as a pet parent. It’s more than just filling a bowl with kibble—it’s about providing nutrition that will nourish your dog’s overall well-being.

Whether you’re a seasoned dog owner or have just welcomed a new pup into your home, this article will help you navigate the vast world of dry dog foods. We’ll delve into the key nutrients, the importance of quality ingredients, and the top brands that prioritize your pet’s health.

To aid in your decision, we’ve curated a list of the best dog foods based on a comprehensive 40-point inspection. Let’s discover the perfect bowl of kibble to keep those tails wagging with joy!

The Best Dry Dog Foods – Our Top Picks

The Best Dry Dog Food of 2023 Reviewed

#1. Wellness Complete Health Deboned Chicken & Oatmeal Dog Food

Ratings:

Top Ingredients: 1. Deboned Chicken, 2. Chicken Meal, 3. Oatmeal, 4. Ground Barley, 5. Peas 

• Life Stage: Adult
• Suitable for: Small, medium, and large breeds
• Caloric content (per kg): 3,619 kcal
• Analysis: Protein (min.) 24% | Fat (min.) 12% | Fiber (max.) 4% | Moisture (max.) 10%
• Form: Dry

This recipe is, without a doubt, one of the best dry dog foods on the market right now and most frequently recommended by veterinary and breeders. Prepared with an interesting combination of deboned chicken and whitefish, the formula is a complete and balanced diet for your pooch. 

The special mixture gives your dog the full-body nutritional support they need for health maintenance and activity. The other mix of ingredients is loaded with antioxidants and other high-quality nutrients to support cognitive health and keep the immune system strong. The flavors will keep your dog hooked too! 

Sample buyer review… “My dogs have been eating this for almost 9 years now. I’ve tried other foods but always come back to this formula. Both dogs do well on it, even with the bigger pieces.”

#2. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Puppy Chicken Recipe Dog Food

Ratings:

Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Deboned Chicken, 2. Pea Protein, 3. Chicken Meal, 4. Chicken Fat, 5. Flaxseed

• Life Stage: Puppy
• Suitable for: Small, medium, and large breeds
• Caloric content (per kg): 3,662 kcal
• Analysis: Protein min. 36% | Fat min. 16%, | Fiber max. 5% | Moisture max. 10%
• Form: Dry

Puppies require more nutrients and protein than adult dogs to support their growing bodies. So if there’s one food we recommend for all puppies, it would be Blue Buffalo Wilderness Dog Food. It’s made to replicate the diet of wolves and contains real foods like deboned chicken, peas, fish oil, and sweet potatoes.

Muscle growth is also at its peak during puppyhood, which is why the food has a 36% crude protein content to supply essential amino acids. The recipe also features taurine to promote heart health and reduce the risk of DCM, as well as DHA and ARA to support vision and brain development. Owners of sensitive or allergic breeds can also feed their pups this diet as it’s completely free from grains, wheat, corn, and soy.

#3. Nutro Natural Choice Senior Chicken & Brown Rice Dog Food

Ratings:

Top Ingredients: 1. Chicken, 2. Chicken Meal, 3. Whole Grain Barley, 4. Split Peas, 5. Brewers Rice

• Life Stage: Senior
• Suitable for: Small, medium, and large breeds
• Caloric content (per kg): 3,569 kcal
• Analysis: Protein (min.) 24% | Fat (min.) 12% | Fiber (max.) 4% | Moisture (max.) 10%
• Form: Dry

Help your dog smoothly transition into old age with the human-grade Nutro Natural Choice Senior Dry Dog Food. It’s specifically formulated to keep senior dogs lean and active while preventing a host of health issues. Chicken meat and brown rice are the primary ingredients in the food to support muscle repair and keep your dog full of energy.

Moreover, the food is enriched with glucosamine and chondroitin, which builds cartilage and prevents hip/elbow dysplasia and arthritis in canines. Dogs also become vulnerable to diseases in their senior years, which is why the food contains antioxidants that strengthen immunity. Your dog will also receive loads of fiber from whole grains that will keep their gastrointestinal system operating smoothly.

#4. Wellness CORE Grain-Free Original Deboned Turkey Dog Food

Ratings:

Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Deboned Turkey, 2. Chicken meal, 3. Potatoes, 4. Chicken Liver, 5. Salmon Oil

• Life Stage: Adult
• Suitable for: Small, medium, and large breeds
• Caloric content (per kg): 3,698 kcal
• Analysis: Protein min. 34% | Fat min. 16%, | Fiber max. 4% | Moisture max. 10%
• Form: Dry

The special grain-free formula is a blend of deboned turkey, turkey meal, and chicken meal to give your little darling the much-needed protein boost that dogs need to maintain great health.

The high protein content is one of the main reasons why most dog parents pick this option, especially for growing pups and dog breeds that require an additional punch of protein for growth and maintenance. In addition to the novel protein sources, the recipe is made from wholesome, natural ingredients without any artificial flavors or colors.

#5. Hill’s Science Diet Large Breed Chicken & Barley Dog Food

Ratings:

• Life Stage: Adult
• Suitable for: Large and giant breeds
• Caloric content (per cup): 363 kcal
• Analysis: Protein (min.) 20% | Fat (min.) 11.5% | Fiber (max.) 4.5% | Moisture (max.) 10%
• Form: Dry

Big dogs need different nutrients and more calories than the average canine. Hill’s Science Diet Large Breed Recipe is created especially for such dogs, with support for joint health and enough calories to last a full day. It features chicken meat and whole grains that provide amino acids and fiber to keep your dog muscular and full of energy.

Additionally, the food is fortified with omega fatty acids to make your dog’s coat lustrous and skin healthier. Giant breeds are also prone to arthritis and joint problems, which the food prevents with glucosamine and chondroitin. The food also contains vitamins C and E for immunity strengthening and is free from artificial colors and preservatives.

#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): 3,646 kcal
• Analysis: Protein (min.) 25% | Fat (min.) 14% | Fiber (max.) 4% | Moisture (max.) 10%
• Form: Dry

Iams ProActive Health Adult MiniChunks Dog Food is enriched with essential nutrients, including antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, to support a strong immune system and keep your dog in top shape. The inclusion of omega fatty acids helps promote healthy skin and a shiny coat, ensuring your dog looks and feels their best.

Additionally, the formula contains prebiotics and beet pulp to aid in digestion, promoting a healthy gut for optimal nutrient absorption. The recipe is based on other wholesome ingredients, including grains, fruits, and vegetables, for the additional minerals, vitamins, and acids to guarantee improved skin conditions.

#7. ORIJEN Original Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

Ratings:

Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Chicken, 2. Turkey, 3. Flounder, 4. Whole Mackerel, 5. Chicken Liver

• Life Stage: Adult
• Suitable for: Small, medium, and large breeds
• Caloric content (per kg): 3,940 kcal
• Analysis: Protein min. 38% | Fat min. 18%, | Fiber max. 4% | Moisture max. 12%
• Form: Dry

Made from 85% animal ingredients and featuring tons of calories — Orijen Original Grain-Free Recipe is the best dry dog food for buyers with no budget restrictions. It’s based on the ancestral diet of canines and features whole foods like chicken, turkey, flounder, and mackerel meat, as well as lentils, cranberries, and various fruits and veggies.

Each of these whole foods offers a range of nutrients and tons of protein to boost muscle growth and energy levels. The recipe also contains 473 calories per cup, making it ideal for athletic and underweight dogs. All of these ingredients give the food a meaty and delicious taste, which is further enhanced by a coating of freeze-dried meat.

#8. Taste of the Wild High Prairie Grain-Free Dog Food

Ratings:

Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Buffalo, 2. Lamb Meal, 3. Chicken Meal, 4. Sweet Potatoes, 5. Peas

• Life Stage: Adult
• Suitable for: Small, medium, and large breeds
• Caloric content (per kg): 3,719 kcal
• Analysis: Protein min. 32% | Fat min. 18%, | Fiber max. 4% | Moisture max. 10%
• Form: Dry

Rich in essential omega acids, your pooch’s going to love the variety of protein-packed ingredients this recipe has for them.

The top animal-based protein is extracted from venison, bison, boar, lamb, salmon, and wildfowl. But it doesn’t end here. This particular recipe is my personal favorite for the excellent nutrient profile that it boasts, which I feel is ideal for different dog breeds.

#9. Go! Solutions Carnivore Grain-Free Chicken, Turkey + Duck Dog Food

Ratings:

Top 5 Ingredients:  1. Chicken Meal, 2. Turkey Meal, 3. Salmon Meal, 4. De-Boned Chicken, 5. De-Boned Turkey

• Life Stage: Adult
• Suitable for: Small, medium, and large breeds
• Caloric content (per kg): 3,951 kcal
• Analysis: Protein min. 32% | Fat min. 16%, | Fiber max. 3% | Moisture max. 10%
• Form: Dry

The grain and gluten-free formula is an excellent example of a premium quality meal for your dog and is, therefore, one of the best dry dog foods you can give your little one.

Suitable for all breed types, the multi-protein, rich formula is crafted from grain-free chicken, turkey, trout, salmon, and duck to offer complete and balanced nutrition for your pooch’s optimal health.

#10. Nutro Ultra Adult Weight Management Chicken, Lamb & Salmon Dog Food

Ratings:

Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Chicken, 2. Chicken Meal, 3. Whole Grain 4. Brown Rice, 5. Whole Grain Sorghum

• Life Stage: Adult
• Suitable for: Small, medium, and large breeds
• Caloric content (per kg): 3,346 kcal
• Analysis: Protein min. 26% | Fat min. 9%, | Fiber max. 12% | Moisture max. 4%
• Form: Dry

Achieve a healthier, more active dog with Nutro Ultra Adult Weight Management. This diet promotes weight loss, improves joint health, and boosts lifespan. Its lower calorie content kickstarts fat metabolization, resulting in a leaner, slimmer pup.

Made from non-GMO ingredients like chicken, brown rice, and beet pulp, it’s gentle on the stomach and supports muscle growth and high energy levels. Free from artificial additives and fillers, it’s a nutritious choice for a happier, healthier dog.

#11. Natural Balance LID Grain-Free Salmon & Sweet Potato Dog Food

Ratings:

Top Ingredients: 1. Salmon, 2. Menhaden Fish Meal, 3. Sweet Potatoes, 4. Tapioca Starch, 5. Canola Oil

• Life Stage: Adult
• Suitable for: Small, medium, and large breeds
• Caloric content (per kg): 3,450 kcal
• Analysis: Protein (min.) 24% | Fat (min.) 10% | Fiber (max.) 4.5% | Moisture (max.) 10%
• Form: Dry

Put an end to itchy skin and ear infections with the allergen-free Natural Balance LID Salmon & Sweet Potato Dog Food. It’s made from a single protein, namely salmon, which promotes muscle nourishment and repair. For carbs, the food uses sweet potatoes and tapioca due to their excellent digestibility and fiber content.

Since the food contains such few ingredients, it’s perfect for dogs with all kinds of food allergies. You will find zero grains, dairy, red meat, poultry, corn, wheat, or soy in the recipe, most of which trigger allergic reactions in dogs. The diet is still fully balanced and with nutrients to strengthen immunity and make your dog’s coat healthy and full.

#12. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Adult Dog Food

Ratings:

Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Deboned Chicken, 2. Chicken Meal, 3. Brown Rice, 4. Barley, 5. Oatmeal

• Life Stage: Adult
• Suitable for: Small, medium, and large breeds
• Caloric content (per kg): 3,618 kcal
• Analysis: Protein min. 24% | Fat min. 14%, | Fiber max. 5% | Moisture max. 10%
• Form: Dry

Blue Buffalo’s recipe is a personal favorite, boasting a blend of meat-based protein, antioxidant-rich whole grains, and healthy fats. This formula is undoubtedly one of the healthiest dog foods, featuring an impressive nutrient profile with a well-balanced ratio of protein and fat.

Your furry companion is sure to enjoy the benefits of this nourishing and delicious diet.

#13. Purina Pro Plan Shredded Blend Chicken & Rice Dog Food

Ratings:

Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Chicken, 2. Rice, 3. Whole Grain Wheat, 4. Soybean Meal, 5. Beef Fat

• Life Stage: Adult
• Suitable for: Small, medium, and large breeds
• Caloric content (per kg): 4,038 kcal
• Analysis: Protein (min.) 26% | Fat (min.) 16% | Fiber (max.) 3% | Moisture (max.) 12%
• Form: Dry

Just like athletes need a custom diet, active breeds also require special dog food that can fuel their daily adventures. Purina Pro Plan Shredded Blend Dog Food is built exactly for that purpose, with boosted calories and an incredible meaty taste to support the most energetic dogs out there. The primary ingredients in the food are chicken meat and rice, both of which are necessary for muscle maintenance and energy to perform various activities.

Active dogs also burn through calories quickly, which is why the food features 387 calories per cup sourced from whole grains. It’s also fortified with probiotics that promote gut health and enhance nutrient absorption. Omega-6 fatty acids and vitamin A are also added to keep your dog’s coat shiny and soft. Apart from regular kibbles, the food also contains shredded chicken meat to enhance flavor and entice your dog for every meal.

How to Switch Dog Food Without Getting Your Pup Sick

Best Dry Dog Food – A Buyer’s Guide

A few important considerations will help you make an informed decision. This buyer’s guide has all the information you’re looking for.

What To Look For In The Best Dog Food

You are pretty much clear on that part now, but let’s dig into this deeper:

Complete Nutrition

Your dog’s daily diet should be loaded with ingredients that provide all of the essential nutrients they need. Pay special attention to protein, fat, and fiber. To compare, check the nutritional adequacy standards set by AAFCO and match the label to see if the dog food you are picking meets or exceeds the standard.

Whole or Specified Meat Meal

For high-quality protein sources and amino acids, it is important to have meat, bone meals, meat meals, and specified meat by-products as your primary ingredients.

Avoid Low-Quality Fillers and Grains

If you don’t mind feeding grains to your dog, make sure they are whole grain options only. Avoid anything that’s processed or includes gluten. Barley and rice are comparatively better than wheat and corn.

Stick to Natural Preservatives Only

Having strict rules about preservatives can assure a healthier and longer life for your dog. The best kind of dog food is that with either no preservatives at all or only natural sources of preservatives such as ascorbate (vitamin C) or tocopherols (vitamin E). Avoid foods that mention BHA, BHT, and ethoxyquin.

Picking the best healthy dog food can be challenging due to the variety available. Consider your dog’s breed, age, size, and dietary needs. Look for high-quality ingredients and trusted brands for their well-being. Happy hunting for the perfect food.

While the debate of what exactly you should be feeding your dog will remain a constant, I will try to highlight the most important factors to help you choose a diet that is complete, nutritionally balanced, and perfect according to your dog’s requirements.

Understanding your dog’s breed, life stage, and digestive system is essential before choosing the right dry dog food. Each dog has unique nutritional requirements based on these factors, and tailoring their diet accordingly ensures they receive the best possible nourishment.

By taking this step, you can make informed decisions and provide your furry companion with a diet that supports their overall health and well-being. Happy and healthy eating awaits your four-legged friend!

What NOT to Feed Your Pooch

Never compromise on quality – always look for options with premium poultry, meat, or fish as their foundation ingredient. Prioritizing dog food with a high-quality animal protein source as the first ingredient is vital, unless there are kidney issues to consider.

When narrowing down your list of best dry dog foods, it’s essential to stay away from:

Artificial Additives, Preservatives, Colors, and Flavoring

Avoid anything that has the word ‘artificial’ on it. These things compromise the quality of dog food and are also detrimental to your canine’s health.

Additives and artificial ingredients can also trigger allergies and sensitivities in some dogs. Low-quality grain-based diets usually have a list of these artificial ingredients and should be avoided completely.

Unnecessary Fillers

While whole grains make great ingredients in dog foods, refined grains are nothing but low-quality fillers that your pooch’s tummy isn’t going to appreciate.

To stick to the best doggie food option, avoid anything that includes unnecessary fillers and look for options with more meat-based formulations, vegetables, fruits, whole grains, healthy oils, and seeds.

Dog Food Standard Nutrition

First things first, you should always ensure that your canine companion’s nutritional needs are perfectly fulfilled by the blend you choose for them. By considering the factors mentioned earlier, you can determine the specific nutritional requirements of your dog.

Dogs require different ranges of nutrients in varying quantities over different life stages. What you must feed your puppy will be distinctive from what your adult canine needs. Similarly, your super-active working dog will have a different nutrient profile requirement, and you need to be very specific about what you feed your senior dog.

The best part is that you get a handful of options where the formula is suitable for ‘all life stages’ and different breeds. This is particularly a great benefit for parents of several different kinds of dogs.

Other Things to Consider

Now that you have the primary information in hand, focus on your dog’s current health. The dietary requirement of a super active dog is different from a dog dealing with obesity.

For instance, if your dog is allergic to certain ingredients, you should definitely read the label in detail to steer clear of any option that includes common allergens. Similarly, if your dog is overweight, you should opt for food with fewer calories and choose lesser calorie-dense proteins to control weight.

Here are a few more things you need to consider:

Identifying Ingredients

Choose a reliable pet food manufacturer with clear labels listing real meat and specified meat by-products. Identifiable ingredients ensure your dog’s safety and health. Don’t overlook this crucial factor.

Check for ‘Balanced and Complete’Label

This label simplifies your search for the best dry dog food. “Complete and balanced nutrition” means it has all your dog needs for optimal health – protein, carbs, fats, minerals, and vitamins. The badge shows it meets AAFCO standards, and passed feeding trials, ensuring top quality.

If the nutrient profile of a certain brand is higher than the set standard by AAFCO, it is considered even better. So make sure you cross-check for this label.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the key nutrients to look for in dry dog food?

The essential nutrients for dogs include proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals. The AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) provides guidelines for these nutrients.

2. How can I tell if a brand of dry dog food is high quality?

Look for dog food brands that have undergone feeding trials, meet AAFCO standards, and have a statement of nutritional adequacy. Also, the first ingredient should be a specific type of meat, not a meat by-product or grain.

3. How much dry food should I feed my dog?

The amount depends on your dog’s age, size, breed, and activity level. Check the feeding guidelines on the dog food package and consult with your vet to determine the appropriate amount.

4. How often should I feed my dog dry food?

Most adult dogs should be fed once or twice a day, while puppies may require more frequent feedings. Always follow your vet’s advice on feeding frequency.

5. Can dry dog food go bad?

Yes, dry dog food can go bad, especially if it’s not stored properly. Keep it in a cool, dry place and use it before the expiration date.

6. Is grain-free dry dog food better for my dog?

Not necessarily. Grain-free diets are essential for dogs with specific allergies, but most dogs benefit from the nutrients found in grains. Consult your vet before switching your dog to a grain-free diet.

7. What is the difference between ‘meal’ and ‘by-product’ in dry dog food ingredients?

‘Meal’ refers to a concentrated source of animal protein that’s been rendered (cooked down), while ‘by-product’ is what’s left of a slaughtered animal after the edible parts have been used, such as organs and bones. While ‘meal’ is typically considered higher quality, some ‘by-products’ can provide valuable nutrients.

8. How can I transition my dog to a new brand or type of dry food?

It’s best to transition gradually over a week or so, mixing increasing amounts of the new food with the old, to prevent digestive upset.

9. Is it okay to mix wet and dry dog food?

Yes, many dogs enjoy the combination of wet and dry food. It can also help increase the overall hydration of your dog.

10. Why does my dog seem to prefer one brand of dry food over another?

Dogs have individual preferences, just like humans. These can be based on the taste, texture, or smell of the food. If your dog consistently refuses a certain brand or type of food, it may not be appealing to them.

11. How to store dry dog food?

Fortunately, it doesn’t require a lot of effort to store dry dog food. The best way to prolong the freshness of dry food is to keep it in its original packing and remove only what you’re feeding your dog. You can also use airtight containers to store the kibble.

12. Is dry dog food better compared to wet food?

There are definite benefits associated with dry dog food. These options are not only nutritionally balanced for your dog but also easier to serve and store. The food has less odor and is less likely to go bad if left in the bowl for too long. On the other hand, wet food options are also beneficial for dogs, especially for dogs who need to increase water consumption, but dry food indeed has more benefits.

13. What’s a ‘balanced food’ for dogs?

A ‘balanced’ diet refers to the optimum nutrient profile associated with a food blend. If a brand claims to be both complete and optimally balanced for your pooch, it guarantees to provide all essential nutrients that are closest to the natural canine’s diet.

14. What does ‘wholesome’ dog food mean?

A diet is considered wholesome if it contains unprocessed, real, bioavailable, and nutrient-rich ingredients. The ingredients are also USDA-inspected and approved.

15. Does the size of the kibble matter?

You will find dry dog food in an array of kibble sizes. And picking the right size matters because younger and small-breed dogs may find it difficult to eat larger pieces of food. There’s a risk of choking if you give your smaller dogs large kibbles to eat. Larger dogs, on the other hand, can comfortably eat kibbles of all sizes.

16. Can dry dog food go bad in the heat?

While dry dog food stays fresh for longer as compared to other options, exposing it to heat, humidity, and air can speed up the degradation process. It is best to store dry dog food in a cool, dry place.

17. What’s the role of moisture in dry dog food?

The moisture content can have a significant effect on the overall percentage of other ingredients in a dry dog formula, including protein, carbs, and fats. Being aware of the moisture content will help you determine the nutrient composition of the food.

18. Why is it important to check the fiber content in dry dog food?

Fiber is a crucial component of a dog’s diet, and it is important to ensure a certain amount of fiber in their daily meal. The presence of fiber improves stool, promotes weight maintenance or weight loss, improves colon health, and helps with digestion issues. It adds to the overall health benefits to your dog.

19. How important is fat in a dog’s diet?

All dogs require a certain amount of fat in their diets to maintain health and strength. In fact, a dog’s fat requirement is much more than humans, and since dogs do not suffer from the hardening of arteries or atherosclerosis, the fat content doesn’t pose threats to your dog’s health. They need fat to gain the energy they require to run and play.

20. Do I need to feed my dog a varied diet?

While variety can have some advantages, especially for picky eaters, there’s no solid evidence to support how a variety in the diet can be healthier. However, if your dog likes transitioning between different flavors and recipes, you can introduce varieties.

Choosing Only the Best

Don’t miss the shortlisted list to ease your decision-making process for the best dry dog food. Ultimately, as a pet parent, the choice is yours. Be responsible for what you feed your furry companion, and decide wisely. Use the shared information in this article to make the best decision for your beloved dog’s well-being. Their health and happiness depend on you!