Nourishing Your Furry Friend The Benefits of Choosing Ava Puppy Food

By Isabella Storyclaire

last updated September 16, 2024

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The best dry dog food for your furry friend

Ensuring your furry companion enjoys a diet of dog food that's both wholesome and nourishing is essential to make sure they are happy and healthy, which is why you may want to consider filling their bowl with the best dry dog food.

Dry dog food, commonly known as kibble, stands out as a practical dog food choice choice for many pet owners, offering long-lasting benefits. Some even opt for a combination of both dry and wet dog food to provide their pets with a well-rounded culinary experience, offering the best of both worlds.

Dry dog food is great value-for-money and the crunchy texture makes dinnertime satisfying as well as yummy for your dog. For the owners with busy schedules, you can just scoop and pop the food into their bowl with no added stress. Shake the bag for extra excitement and a waggy tail.

Best dry dog food at a glance:

Best overall dry dog food: Bakers Adult Dry Dog Food Beef and Veg view on ViovetBest tailored dry dog food: Tails.com view on Tails.comBest for older dogs: IAMS Complete Dry Dog Food for Senior 8+ Small and Medium Breeds - view on AmazonBest quality dry dog food UK: James Wellbeloved Superfoods Complete Hypoallergenic Dry Dog Food view on Amazon

Choosing the best dry dog food can help with supporting their immune system, digestive system and in keeping their teeth healthy. From the smallest of pups to the biggest breeds out there, the right dog food really makes a difference in their quality of life. Especially, as some pooches may have allergies and intolerances that may cause them issues if they don't have a specifically tailored diet.

Whatever breed of pooch you have, there's a dry dog food for their needs, and we've found the best that you can serve on its own or mixed with wet dog food, so you dont have to. Your full and happy dog will thank us later.

How we chose and tested the best dry dog food:

Here at Yours, we know how much people's pets mean to them, so a lot of time and care has gone into selecting the best dry food for dogs. A lot of our team are dog owners, so many of the products on this list have been tried and tested by us. We have chosen food based on the preferences of our own pooches, so hopefully your four-legged friends will enjoy them too!

Best dry dog food 2024

tested

Arabella Horspool, Yours Commercial Content Writer

My dogs thoroughly enjoy eating Bakers Small Dog Dry Dog Food and empty their bowls every time (my two Jack Russell's can sometimes be fussy eaters in their older age, so it says a lot for the food).

I have three dogs in total and we get through a lot of food, so I love that this is a multipack!Each piece is hard but small in size and they seem to crunch through it with ease. Although it is classed as a "complete" food, I sprinkle a generous amount into a bowl with some wet food so that they get a variety of textures and flavours.

Tested by our Commercial Content Writer, Arabella Horspool, who has three dogs, two Jack Russell Terriers and a Dachshund.

Pros

Contains vegetables as well as meat
Spinach and spirulina which are full of antioxidants
Source of fibre for good digestion

Cons

Could contain a higher meat percentage

Best dry food for working dogs

tested

Yours Hub Editor, Stephanie Spencer

Brilliant for fussy eaters and working dogs, this Skinner's Field & Trial Muesli for dogs contains a broad selection of ingredients - such as vegetables, wheat biscuits, cooked cereals and beef protein - to create and interesting and balanced meal.

We struggled in the past to find food for our lurcher, hes a really fussy eater and wont eat a lot of the foods weve tried with him. We even gave raw food a go for a while, but its so much more practical to feed dry. This Skinners muesli mix is the only thing that he will happily eat, and hes been on it for around a year now and not turned his nose up at it. This food has lots of different textures and he seems to genuinely enjoy his meals. His poos look healthy, his coat is shiny and he doesnt get super hyper on it, which we were a bit concerned about, as it is a working dog mix and hes a real couch potato! But hes still perfectly happy lounging around so thats good.

Our terrier also loves it, but he will eat anything! We tend to mix this with a little bit of Skinners Field and Trial wet dog food, and its turned out to be a winning combination. Id particularly recommend it to anyone struggling with a fussy eater.

Reviewed by Stephanie Spencer, the Hub Editor at Yours.co.uk who has two dogs, a terrier and a lurcher.

Pros

Variety of sizes, shapes colours, tastes and textures
Nutroionally complete
No preservatives

tested

Rosie Floyd, Yours Commercial Content Writer

Royal Canin make great dry food for dogs and this specific formula is mini and therefore perfect for small dogs to crunch through and chew. I love that it contains Omega 3 to keep their fur looking its best.

My Yorkshire Terrier Jack Russell cross, Gina, is notoriously fussy with her food, but she's been on the Royal Canin Mini Adult kibble for just over a year now, and she's not turned her nose up to it yet. As she's entering her senior years, her teeth just aren't as strong as they used to be, so she needs a food that she can still easily crunch up. The adapted kibble size for the Royal Canin Mini Adult food is just the right size for her, and she can easily break it down with her teeth.

The recipe contains L-Carnitine, which helps your pooch maintain a healthy metabolism, and Omega 3 to keep their coat looking shiny and glossy. I have definitely noticed a difference in Gina's coat condition since switching her from cheaper dog foods that I've fed her before. Her coat always has a lovely sheen to it, and it feels like the overall colour is brighter too.

Rosie Floyd, a Commercial Content Writer at Yours.co.uk reviewed this dry dog food. She has three dogs including Gina, who tested this product.

Pros

Omega 3 and L-Carnitine
Small and easy to break down
Available in a variety of bag sizes

Best tailored dry dog food

tested

Jade Moscrop, Yours.co.uk

If your canine companion can be a bit picky about their food or you believe they can benefit from a personalised food plan, tails.com offers an ideal solution. This tailored meal package ensures you receive exclusive recipes conveniently delivered to your doorstep, precisely formulated based on the information you provide about your pet. Whether your dog has specific health concerns or dietary requirements, you can request customised recipes to address their individual needs.

As Frankie is food driven, he'll eat almost anything, but it's clear that tails.com is on another level for him. Alaskan Malamutes are a vocal breed, so when theyreallylove something, you'll know about it. Dinner time has now become an almighty song and dance - he leaps around the room, barking and howling at us until we're done dishing up and he can dig in, wolfing it down in just a few minutes. He's never been this vocal about any previous food brands, so I know he loves it."

This was reviewed by Jade Moscrop, a Lifestyle Commercial Content Editor at Bauer Media who has an Alaskan Malamute named Frankie.Read our full Tails.com review to find out more.

Pros

Vet-approved and careful monitoring for your dog
Tweak subscription at any time
Save money compared to a supermarket

Cons

Average price varies depending on size and breed of your dog

Best dry food for puppies

tested

Robyn Cann, Features & Reviews Editor at Yours.co.uk

Arden Grange is the dry dog food that the breeder who sold us our Labrador Retriever recommended. Ive kept our puppy on this brand because it offers a well-balanced, all-natural diet for growing dogs and I was impressed with the Arden Grange website which includes handy information about the nutritional needs of dogs, tips for sensitive tummies and when to progress onto adult kibble.It caters to different sized dog breeds which apparently require different levels of calories and fat, and our dog has remained a healthy, happy weight by following the feeding guidelines. Ive also noticed our dogs stools are a good consistency and dont smell too bad which is not to be underestimated as a benefit! I think well continue to use Arden Grange into adulthood as weve been happy with it to date. Its a British company, which isnt the main reason for sticking with it, but its a nice thought that were supporting local.

Reviewed by Robyn Cann, dog owner and Features & Reviews Editor at Yours.co.uk.

Pros

Contains prebiotics which help them to digest food and absorb vitamins and minerals
Joint supplements and Omega 3 and 6 to keep their joints, skin and coat healthy

Cons

Not suitable for dogs over 18 months of age

tested

Amazon

Just because your four-legged friend is "getting on", it doesn't mean that they need to be on a soft-food diet (unless otherwise told by your vet), so why not add some texture to their meals with this crunchy IAMS Complete Dry Dog Food for seniors? It's made using fresh chicken, nutrients and animal proteins to look after their joints and heart.

My two senior Jack Russell Terriers are 14 years and the absolutely love IAMS Complete Dry Dog Food. Since they've gotten older they have become slightly picky with their food, but they always eat this. I mix in a handful of the IAMS with some wet food and mix it together before serving it to them; each piece is small in size and they find it easy to crunch.

Our Commercial Content Writer, Arabella Horspool wrote this review. She has three dogs, including two senior Jack Russells who tried the IAMS Complete Dry Dog Food.

Pros

82 percent animal protein
Wheat free, with no fillers added
Bag is resealable and recyclable

Best quality dry dog food UK

Discover a nourishing blend of natural ingredients in James Wellbeloved Adult Superfoods, which is formulated for dogs aged 1 to 7 years old. Made with turkey, kale and quinoa, many owners have said that their fussy dogs are drawn to this food and lap it up.

It's hypoallergenic, enriched with omega 3 and 6 oils, and features prebiotics to support radiant skin, a lustrous coat, and a thriving digestive system. Plus, you can rest easy knowing that it contains no artificial colours, flavours, or preservatives.

While it isn't the cheapest option, customers like that the food is a high quality, with one saying, "I was conscious that my dog's foods were too heavily cereal based and didn't have enough meat derivative. This ticks the boxes and she never turns her nose up at it.".

Pros

Doesn't smell as pungent as other dry foods
Superfood blend for added fibre, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants
No added artificial colours, flavours or preservatives

Cons

Not the cheapest option but it is a large 1.5kg bag

Best dry food for dachshunds

tested

Amazon

Specially formulated for sausage dogs, this Royal Canin Dog Food Dachshund Puppy Dry Mix consists of little pieces that are easy to digest and minimise stool odour. It will support the development of their joints as it contains glucosamine, chondroitin, EPA and DHA.

When taking home our dachshund puppy for the first time, we were recommended this specific Royal Canin Dachshund Puppy Dry Mix and the little fella could not get enough of it! He enjoyed this food for his first few months with us (along with a small amount of goat milk), before we expanded his palate with other foods.

Arabella Horspool, a Commercial Content Writer at Yours.co.uk who has a Dachshund puppy, reviewed the Royal Canin Dog Food Dachshund Puppy Dry Mix and said.

Pros

For bone and joint support
Formulated to support their immune system
Easy to digest

Cons

Not a complete meal for adult dogs

Best grain-free dry dog food

Pooch + Mutt

Pooch & Mutt has earned a reputation for making top-tier grain-free and hypoallergenic dog food. The PRIMAL line of dry dog food is no exception, aiming to mirror the ancestral diet of dogs so they can deliver maximum nutritional value from naturally sourced ingredients found in the wild.

This high-quality formula boasts an impressive 80 percent meat content, featuring a delectable mix of lamb, ostrich, chicken, and salmon, along with an abundance of wholesome vegetables and superfoods such as turmeric.

Pooch and Mutt Primal High Meat Dog Food is especially beneficial for active and working dogs, providing them with the nourishment they need to thrive. Users commented on its "great ingredients and high meat contentall the right things for your dog."

Pros

Hypoallergenic
Anti-inflammatory
Available in small and regular kibble sizes

Cons

Best to change dogs over to this gradually because of the high meat content otherwise it could cause an upset stomach

Best dry dog food for sensitive stomachs

Amazon

Wagg Complete Wheat Free is a tasty dry food option as its infused with flavours of chicken and rice, making it a good option to complement your dogs wet tins, pouches or trays. As the formulation is wheat-free, its gentle on sensitive stomachs so its one to consider if your pooch has any wheat allergies or intolerances.

Although a few reviewers aren't keen on the smell, they do say that it's worth it for the food is nutritious and has appeared to clear up some of their pets' allergy symptoms and digestive issues. It contains added Vitamin E, which plays a crucial role in building up your dog's immune system. Plus, it's completely free from artificial flavours and colourings.

Pros

Made with sensitive dogs in mind
Added Vitamin E to support your dog's immune system
All natural with no added wheat

Cons

Only available in one size bag and you might not have room to store 12kg of food

Best vet-recommended dry dog food

AVA dry dog food is a reliable option that comes with the Veterinary Approval stamp, making it an excellent choice for those seeking to provide their canine companion with high-quality, natural nutrition.

With its hypoallergenic white fish recipe and specialised formulations for sensitive stomachs, this AVA Optimum Health Sensitive Skin and Stomach Dog Food is not only easily digestible but also delivers comprehensive well-being support, including promoting a luscious coat and aiding in brain development. Tailored to suit adult dogs aged one to seven years, the kibble size and shape are designed with the needs of pets in that age range in mind.

Reviewers found that it has helped with their pooches digestive health, with one saying, "Finally kibbles which suit to my miniature dachshund. We tried few different brands and she always ended up with digestive issues, a lot of grass eating and painful tummy. But not anymore since she is on AVA sensitive stomach. She was also very fussy but she really likes this one.".

Pros

Vet-approved
Hypoallergenic white fish recipe
Contains a rich source of Omega 3 and 6 to support skin and coat condition, as well as heart and kidney health

Cons

Not designed for dogs under one year or over seven years

Best natural dry dog food

Pets at Home

Harringtons Complete Natural Dry Adult Dog Food offers a comprehensive and well-rounded meal for your furry friend. Meticulously crafted to ensure wholesome nutrition, this formula is free from artificial colours, flavours, dairy and soya, with no added wheat.

Several customers have said that they were recommended to switch to Harringtons by their vet and noticed that their dog seemed healthier and had better bowel movements, with one saying, "it also keeps her 'solid' unlike some other dried food".

Instead, it's packed with quality meat ingredients, vegetables, vitamins, and minerals in every bite to keep your dog in the best of health and spirits. The turkey flavour not only provides a rich source of protein but also features a delectable gravy surrounding the kibble, making it a truly lip-smacking and satisfying meal for your pooch.

Pros

Full of vitamins and prebiotics
Gravy inside and outside the kibble
Helps maintain healthy digestion

Cons

Needs to be stored in an airtight container once opened to seal in freshness

FAQs

Is wet or dry food better for dogs?

Both wet and dry food can provide balanced nutrition, but it ultimately depends on your dog's specific needs, preferences, and any health considerations. Wet food can be beneficial for hydration, while dry food is more convenient to store and can promote dental health.

It's best to consult with your vet to find the best option for your dog.

What are the benefits of dry dog food?

There are many benefits to feeding your pooch a diet of dry dog food. Firstly, it's a convenient choice for dogs that love to graze rather than eat their food all at once, as it can be left out for more extended periods without spoiling. Dry food is also highly cost-effective, thanks to its bigger pack sizes and longer shelf life, making it a practical choice for pet owners.

The best dry dog food is also available in different kibble sizes so you can find biscuit that is tailored to the size of your dog, whether they're small or large. Additionally, specially formulated dry food can effectively reduce plaque build-up and gingivitis, contributing to better oral health for your canine companion.

Can I only feed my dog dry dog food?

Yes, you can feed your dog a diet consisting solely of dry dog food. The best dry dog foods these days are enriched with high-quality ingredients and an improved nutrient profile to make sure your pooch has everything they need to grow up healthy and strong.

How much dry food should I feed my dog?

The amount of dry food to feed your dog depends on a number of factors, including size/weight, activity levels, metabolism and health. Generally, you can find feeding guidelines on the packaging, which is based on your dog's weight, so it's a good idea to start with the recommended amount and adjust it as required, based on their preference and needs and your vet's guidance.

Arabella Horspoolis a Commercial Content Writer for Yours at Bauer Media. She's a bookworm who enjoys cooking and spending time with her many pets.