Our Top 20 Recommendations for Dog Food
Two of the most common questions we get here at Your Pet Hates You are, “what is in dog food?” and, “is dog food good for dogs?” And the truth is that far too many people just don’t know the answer to either question!
So today we thought we’d dedicate some time (and some serious research) to a bit of dog food analysis. After all, your pet’s diet and nutrition are just as important as your own, right? Eating unhealthy food every day takes it’s toll on a dog in exactly the same way as it does your own body.
Recently, a growing awareness of the poor quality of many dog food brands has caused many loving pet owners to consider making homemade dog food. But is this a healthier path than buying ready made dog food?
The truth is that, as long as you choose an ethical company which uses healthy dog food recipes, your dog is much more likely to get the nutritional value it needs from store-bought dog food than from make your own dog food.
Here at YourPetHatesYou, we want the very best for your dogs as well as our own, so we’ve spent hours researching dog nutrition, essential dog food ingredients, dog food brands, expert opinions and customers’ dog food reviews and put together this helpful chart so that you can compare dry dog food brands and make a well informed decision that’s best for you and for your dog.
We’ve carefully selected twenty products which we would be happy to feed our own dogs and rejected dog food companies with unethical practices or food with poor nutritional value.
While we are recommending these dog food brands, it is important to be aware that your dog may have dietary requirements or allergies which you are not aware of. For example, a dog food type that is recommended by veterinarians and has received thousands of positive independent dog food reviews from buyers may produce stomach upsets or other effects in some dogs. Be prepared to try out more than one food until you get the right fit for your dog.
Okay, that’s enough barking and howling on for now, let’s take a closer look at the quality of dog food brands:
Up-to-date pricing and reviews for Dog Food on the market
SaleBestseller No. 1
PEDIGREE Complete Nutrition Adult Dry Dog Food Grilled Steak & Vegetable Flavor Dog Kibble, 33 lb. Bag
- Contains One (1) 33 Lb. Bag Of Pedigree Complete Nutrition Adult Dry Dog Food Grilled Steak & Vegetable Flavor
- Complete And Balanced Nutrition Provides Optimal Levels Of Omega-6 Fatty Acid To Nourish Skin, And Help Keep Your Dogs Coat Shiny And Healthy
- Pedigree Food For Dogs Features A Delicious Grilled Steak Flavor That Provides Antioxidants, Vitamins, And Minerals To Help Maintain A Healthy Lifestyle
- This Adult Dog Food Features Whole Grains And A Special Fiber Blend To Support Healthy Digestion
- Proudly Made In The Usa With The World’S Finest Ingredients, No High Fructose Corn Syrup, No Artificial Flavors, And No Added Sugar
Bestseller No. 2
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Adult Dog Food – Natural Dry Dog Food for Adult Dogs – Chicken and Brown Rice – 30 lb. Bag
- REAL MEAT FIRST: Blue Buffalo foods always feature real meat as the first ingredient. High-quality protein from real chicken helps your dog build and maintain healthy muscles. Plus they contain wholesome whole grains, garden veggies and fruit.
- FOR ADULT DOGS: BLUE Life Protection Formula adult dog food contains essential proteins and carbohydrates to help meet the energy needs of adult dogs, and features omega 3 & 6 fatty acids to promote a shiny coat and healthy skin.
- WITH LIFESOURCE BITS: This formula contains BLUE’s exclusive LifeSource Bits – a precise blend of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals carefully selected by holistic veterinarians and animal nutritionists, to support immune system health, life stage requirements, and a healthy oxidative balance.
- A NATURAL DOG FOOD: BLUE dry dog food is made with the finest natural ingredients enhanced with vitamins and minerals. BLUE contains NO chicken (or poultry) by-product meals, corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors or preservatives.
- Contains one (1) 30 lb. Bag of BLUE Life Protection Formula Adult Dry Dog Food, Chicken and Brown Rice
Bestseller No. 3
Purina ONE Natural Dry Dog Food, SmartBlend Chicken & Rice Formula - 31.1 lb. Bag
- Real Chicken Is The #1 Ingredient; Calorie Content (fed): 3993 kcal/kg, 383 kcal/cup
- Dual Defense Antioxidant Blend To Help Support A Strong Immune System
- Natural Sources Of Glucosamine Help To Support Healthy Joints
- Protein Rich, Tender, Meaty Morsels And Crunchy Kibble For A Taste Dogs Love
- 31.1 Bag Purina One Smart blend Natural Chicken & Rice Formula Adult Dry Dog Food
Bestseller No. 4
Taste of the Wild High Protein Real Meat Recipe Premium Dry Dog Food with Roasted Bison and Roasted Venison
- Taste of the Wild High Prairie with ROASTED BISON & VENISON REAL MEAT is #1 ingredient optimal amino acid profile & protein rich for LEAN STRONG MUSCLES
- High protein ingredients with added vitamins & minerals fruits and vegetables as SUPERFOODS for hard-working ANTIOXIDANTS fatty acid blend for SKIN & COAT
- Ingredients from TRUSTED, SUSTAINABLE sources around the world; made without grain, corn, wheat, filler; NO ARTIFICIAL flavors, colors, or preservatives added
- Nutrient rich and HIGHLY DIGESTIBLE with species-specific PROPRIETARY PROBIOTICS that survive and thrive in the GI tract
- MADE in the USA FAMILY OWNED & run food made with the most scientifically advanced food safety protocols We'd appreciate your CALL 800 342 4808
Bestseller No. 5
IAMS PROACTIVE HEALTH Adult Minichunks Small Kibble High Protein Dry Dog Food with Real Chicken, 30 lb. Bag
- Contains one (1) 30 lb. bag of IAMS Proactive health Adult Minichunks Dry Dog Food Chicken
- 1st ingredient is real, farm-raised chicken, and features smaller kibble size
- Promotes healthy digestion with a tailored blend of wholesome fibers and prebiotics
- Builds strong muscles with quality protein sourced from real chicken
- Supports a strong immune system with antioxidants
Bestseller No. 6
Diamond Naturals Dry Food for Adult Dog, Beef and Rice Formula, 40 Pound Bag (074198608331)
- HIGH quality PROTEIN made with real PASTURE RAISED beef, tailored for adult dogs to thrive; optimal amino acid profile for LEAN, STRONG MUSCLES
- Premium ingredients with added vitamins & minerals; fruits and vegetables as SUPERFOODS for hard-working ANTIOXIDANTS; fatty acid blend for SKIN & COAT
- Nutrient rich and HIGHLY DIGESTIBLE with PROPRIETARY PROBIOTICS that survive and thrive in the GI tract; at guaranteed levels
- FAMILY OWNED & run, MADE in the USA choosing ingredients from TRUSTED, SUSTAINABLE sources around the world; Call with questions 800 442 0402
- NO corn, wheat, filler; NO ARTIFICIAL flavors, colors, or preservatives; Made with the most scientifically advanced food safety protocols
Bestseller No. 7
Diamond Skin & Coat Real Meat Recipe Dry Dog Food with Wild Caught Salmon 30lb
- HIGH quality PROTEIN made with Wild Caught Salmon and ZERO Grains, designed for all life stages, optimal amino acid profile for LEAN, STRONG MUSCLES
- Premium ingredients with added vitamins & minerals; SUPERFOODS for hard-working ANTIOXIDANTS; fatty acids for SKIN & COAT; Essential HYPOALLERGENIC ingredients
- Nutrient rich and HIGHLY DIGESTIBLE with PROPRIETARY, species specific, PROBIOTICS that survive and thrive in the GI tract; at guaranteed levels
- FAMILY OWNED & run, MADE in the USA choosing ingredients from TRUSTED, SUSTAINABLE sources around the world; Call with questions 800 442 0402
- NO corn, wheat, filler; NO ARTIFICIAL flavors, colors, or preservatives added; Made with scientifically advanced food safety protocols
Bestseller No. 8
Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Stomach Dry Dog Food, FOCUS Sensitive Skin & Stomach Salmon & Rice Formula - 30 lb. Bag
- One (1) 30 lb. Bag - Purina Pro Plan High Protein, Sensitive Skin & Stomach Dry Dog Food, Salmon & Rice Formula
- Real salmon is the #1 ingredient
- Prebiotic fiber promotes digestive health to support your dog's total well-being
- Contains no corn, wheat or soy
- FOCUS Sensitive Skin & Stomach Salmon & Rice Formula has a new look and product name coming soon. May receive either bag during the transition
Bestseller No. 9
Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein, Natural Adult Dry Dog Food, Chicken 24-lb
- PACKED WITH REAL CHICKEN: A recipe made to satisfy your dog’s natural love for meat, this high protein dog food features real chicken to help build and maintain lean muscle mass.
- HEALTHY INGREDIENTS: BLUE Wilderness grain free dog food, made with healthy carbohydrates, including sweet potatoes and peas, helps fuel your adult dog’s active lifestyle. It also contains omega 3 & 6 fatty acids to support skin and coat health
- WITH LIFESOURCE BITS: This formula contains BLUE’s exclusive LifeSource Bits – a precise blend of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals to support immune system health, life stage requirements, and a healthy oxidative balance
- NATURAL DOG FOOD: BLUE dry dog food features the finest natural ingredients enhanced with vitamins and minerals. It never contains chicken (or poultry) by-product meals, corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors or preservatives
- Contains one (1) 24-lb bag of BLUE Wilderness High Protein, Natural Adult Dry Dog Food, Chicken
SaleBestseller No. 10
Rachael Ray Nutrish Premium Natural Dry Dog Food, Real Chicken & Veggies Recipe, 28 Lb
- Contains (1) 28 Pound Bag of Dry Dog Food
- U.S. farm-raised chicken is the #1 ingredient
- No poultry by-product meal, filler, wheat, or wheat gluten ingredients
- Natural dog food with added vitamins & minerals
- Safely USA cooked with the world's best ingredients
Bestseller No. 11
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Large Breed Dog Food – Natural Dry Dog Food for Adult Dogs – Chicken and Brown Rice – 30 lb. Bag
- REAL MEAT FIRST: Blue Buffalo foods always feature real meat as the first ingredient. High-quality protein from real chicken helps your dog build and maintain healthy muscles. Plus they contain wholesome whole grains, garden veggies and fruit.
- LARGE BREED DOG FOOD: Specially formulated for the wellness of adult large breed dogs, BLUE Life Protection Formula Large Breed dry dog food contains glucosamine and chondroitin to help support joint health and overall mobility of bigger dogs.
- WITH LIFESOURCE BITS: This formula contains BLUE’s exclusive LifeSource Bits – a precise blend of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals carefully selected by holistic veterinarians and animal nutritionists, to support immune system health, life stage requirements, and a healthy oxidative balance.
- A NATURAL DOG FOOD: BLUE Life Protection Formula Large Breed Dog Food is made with the finest natural ingredients enhanced with vitamins and minerals. BLUE contains NO chicken (or poultry) by-product meals, corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors or preservatives.
- Contains one (1) 30 lb. Bag of BLUE Life Protection Formula Large Breed Adult Dry Dog Food, Chicken and Brown Rice
Bestseller No. 12
CESAR Soft Wet Dog Food Classic Loaf in Sauce Poultry Variety Pack, (24) 3.5 Oz. Easy Peel Trays with Real Chicken, Turkey or Duck
- Contains (1) 24 count case of 3.5 ounce trays of Cesar wet dog food poultry variety pack: (6) duck recipe, (6) grilled chicken flavor, (6) oven roasted, chicken flavor, (6) Turkey recipe
- Crafted without grains and with US Chicken, US Turkey or Duck as the #1 ingredient
- Cesar Wet Dog Food is complete and balanced and fortified with vitamins and minerals to help dogs of all sizes, especially small breeds, stay healthy
- Made in the USA with the world's finest ingredients, Cesar makes a great meal on its own or as a dog food topper mixed with dry food
- This gourmet dog food is served in convenient trays with easy, peel-away freshness seals. Store - room temperature
Bestseller No. 13
PEDIGREE Adult Complete Nutrition Roasted Chicken, Rice & Vegetable Flavor Dry Dog Food 33 Pounds
- Contains (1) 33 pounds bag of Pedigree complete nutrition adult dry dog food roasted chicken & vegetable flavor
- Complete and balanced nutrition provides optimal levels of omega-6 fatty acid to nourish skin, and help keep your dogs coat shiny and healthy
- Pedigree food for dogs features a delicious chicken flavor that provides antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals to help maintain a healthy lifestyle
- This adult dog food features whole grains and a special fiber blend to support healthy digestion
- Proudly made in the USA with the world’s finest ingredients, no high fructose corn syrup, no artificial flavors, and no added sugar
SaleBestseller No. 14
Hill's Science Diet Dry Dog Food, Adult, Sensitive Stomach & Skin, Chicken Recipe, 30 Lb Bag
- This adult dry dog food promotes digestive health while nourishing skin
- A source of prebiotic fiber to support a balanced gut microbiome in your grown dog
- This dog food is formulated to be highly digestible for optimal nutrient absorption & easier stool pick-up
- Packed with vitamin E & Omega-6 fatty acids to help your grown dog get a lustrous coat and healthy skin
- Made in the USA with global ingredients you can trust
Bestseller No. 15
Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream Canine Grain-Free Recipe with Smoked Salmon Adult Dry Dog Food, Vitamins and Antioxidants 28lb
- Taste of the Wild ancient stream; with smoked salmon; real fish is the #1 ingredient; high quality and protein rich for LEAN, STRONG MUSCLES
- A combination of ancient, whole grains like Grain sorghum, millet, quinoa and chia seed which are naturally higher in protein
- Formulated to AAFCO and FDA requirements and considering the latest research, by a team with expertise AND experience in veterinary medicine, pet food nutrition, Formulation, Food science and food production
- Ingredients from TRUSTED, SUSTAINABLE sources around the world; made with no corn, wheat, filler; NO ARTIFICIAL flavors, colors, preservatives added
- Nutrient rich and HIGHLY digestible food with high levels of proprietary PROBIOTICS specific for the species and guaranteed, to survive and thrive in the GI tract for Overall health and wellbeing
SaleBestseller No. 16
Purina Moist & Meaty Wet Dog Food, Steak Flavor - 36 ct. Pouch
- One (1) 216-Ounce Box Of Purina Moist & Meaty Steak Flavor Dog Food
- 100% Complete & Balanced Nutrition For Adult Dogs
- Serve Up The Smiles With Tender, Meaty Pieces Made With Real Meat
- Enjoy Convenience And No Mess With Individual Stay Fresh Pouches In Every Box
- Can Be Used As A Meal, Snack Or A Topper
SaleBestseller No. 17
Rachael Ray Nutrish Premium Natural Dry Dog Food, Real Beef, Pea, & Brown Rice Recipe, 6 Pounds
- Contains (1) 6 Pound Bag of Dry Cat Food
- U.S. farm-raised beef is the #1 ingredient
- Natural prebiotics help support healthy digestion
- No artificial flavors or artificial preservatives
- No poultry by-product meal, filler, wheat, or wheat gluten ingredients
SaleBestseller No. 18
PEDIGREE Choice Cuts in Gravy Adult Soft Wet Meaty Dog Food Variety Pack, (24) 3.5 Oz. Pouches
- Contains (24) 3.5 ounce pouches of Pedigree choice cuts in gravy adult dog wet food: (6) filet mignon flavor, (6) grilled chicken flavor, (6) chicken casserole, and (6) beef noodle & vegetable flavor
- Made with real chicken or beef in gravy for an irresistible taste dogs will love
- Pedigree choice cuts adult wet dog food is 100% complete & balanced
- Mix Pedigree wet dog food into their kibble for added flavor
- Pedigree Choice Cuts in gravy dog food is made in the USA with the World's Finest Ingredients.
Bestseller No. 19
Amazon Brand - Wag Dry Dog Food Salmon & Lentil Recipe (30 lb. Bag)
- Real American salmon is the #1 ingredient to give your pup a delicious blend
- Nutritious vegetables like lentils and peas provide vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and phytonutrients; salmon oil and flaxseed provide omega-3 fatty acids, including long-chain DHA.
- Contains no added grain, corn, or wheat; no added artificial colors, flavors, or chemical preservatives
- Made in California, USA at a family-owned facility with trusted, high quality sources from around the world
- Our recipes are formulated with the help of veterinarians for the optimal blend of protein and fat, without adding any grains.
Bestseller No. 20
IAMS PROACTIVE HEALTH Adult High Protein Large Breed Dry Dog Food with Real Chicken, 30 lb. Bag
- Contains one (1) 30 pound Bag of IAMS Proactive Health Adult Large Breed Dry Dog Food Chicken
- Veterinarians recommend IAMS; we’ve got your dog’s diet down to a science
- Our 1st ingredient is real chicken
- Specially formulated for your Large breed dog to maintain Healthy bones and Joints
- Includes glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate used to treat osteoarthritis
Summary: Making Dog Food vs. Buying Dog Food
While there are some very good healthy homemade dog food recipes available, it can be hard to know whether you are giving your dog a complete and nutritious diet when you make home made dog food. It can also work out to be incredibly expensive and time consuming!
You’re far better off to buy food from trusted dog food manufacturers who have scientifically developed recipes, high quality nutritious ingredients and ethical practices. And, of course, a quality dog food brand should show that they understand dogs and have dogs’ best interests at heart! (Not just lining their own pockets!).
We hope that this dog food ingredients comparison has been useful for you and that you find the very best food for your “best friend”.