Uncovering the Top Dry Dog Food Options for Supporting Weight Loss
The Best Dog Food For Weight Loss
You mightve noticed that your dogs gained a bit of weight recently, and youre starting to get concerned.
Is it time to put your dog on a diet, and if so, whats the best dog food for weight loss?
The good news is that switching to a diet dog food is most likely only necessary if your dogs obese. We spoke to three vets, who explained how you can tell if your dog is obese and why its important to curb those unhealthy habits that cause your pup to gain weight.
Benefits of a weight-loss dog food
The biggest benefit of a dog food specifically geared toward weight loss is that itll be lower in calories, which will likely help obese dogs shed pounds.
However, low-fat foods, [which are also low in caloric density], may not necessarily help your dog lose weight, Dr. Corinne Wigfall, a vet with SpiritDog Training, told The Dodo.
You need to look at overall calorie requirements for your dog per day (ask a veterinarian!) and then work out how many grams or ounces that equates to in food in total, Dr. Wigfall continued. Even though your dogs overweight, his breed may still need more calories than a diet dog food can offer him.
In fact, you may not necessarily need to purchase specialty weight-loss food at all. Before switching to low-fat dog food, I recommend using an adult dog formula but ensuring to measure the appropriate amount of food at each meal and limiting treats to less than 10 percent of the daily caloric need, veterinarian Dr. Michelle Burch from Paramount Pet Health told The Dodo.
But again, consult your veterinarian to get a more tailored opinion.
How to find the best diet dog food
The best dog food for weight loss is one thats low in calories. Changing to a lower-calorie food may help, Dr. Zach Marteney, a veterinarian and medical director at Meadowlands Veterinary Hospital in New Jersey, told The Dodo.
Low-calorie choices may be available over the counter, but there are other dog food formulas made specifically for weight loss thatll require a prescription from your veterinarian.
There are even prescription foods for weight loss that are helpful, Dr. Marteney said. I've used one for my dog in the past with great results.
Its important to pay attention to which foods come widely recommended by vets because thatll help keep your pup healthy on his weight loss journey.
There are many great brands of pet food available, but in general I prefer larger brands as they tend to have higher-quality ingredients with more consistent formulation, and their quality control is much better than smaller brands, Dr. Marteney said.
Dr. Marteney loves brands like:
- Purina Pro Plan (which is what Dr. Marteney feeds his own dog)
- Hills Science Diet
- Royal Canin
- Blue Buffalo
I recommend discussing with your veterinarian the best dog food choice for your pet when choosing a low-fat diet to ensure all nutritional needs are met, Dr. Burch said.
Best dog food for weight loss
We rounded up some great weight-loss dog foods that are low in calories and from brands recommended by vets because of their high-quality ingredients and control standards. Just make sure you always talk to your vet before switching up your pups diet.
How to choose the right dog food
Choosing the right dog food can be a bit of trial and error because it means weeding out any possible sensitivities your pup might have.
You may find that if you give him a chicken-based diet, he gets itchy or develops ear infections, or if you feed him beef, he develops diarrhea, Dr. Marteney said. You may have to try three or four diets before you find one that he can eat long term.
As far as grain-free diets, you should steer clear of them unless your dog is truly sensitive or allergic to grains.
I recommend against grain-free diets for nearly all dogs whole grains bring a lot to the table in terms of nutrition, and a specific type of heart disease called dilated cardiomyopathy has been associated with grain-free diets, Dr. Marteney said.
And once you find a dog food that works, stick to it.
It's best to use the cruise-control method of feeding, Dr. Marteney said. Find a food that works and just keep using it.
How much food do I feed my dog?
When trying to figure out how much food to feed your dog, its going to depend on two things: your individual pup and the specific food youre feeding him.
On the back of the bag or can there will be a chart that tells you how much to feed based on body weight, Dr. Marteney said. This is a good place to start, but I think about it the same way I think about a 2,000 calorie recommendation on human food packaging: If I'm eating that much and I'm gaining too much weight, I need to cut back a little, and if I'm getting too thin, I probably need to increase my calorie intake.
Consulting your vet on the amount of food you should be giving your dog, no matter if its diet dog food or regular food, will ensure youre helping your dogs weight loss rather than hindering it.
Other ways to help your overweight dog
If your dogs either obese or slightly overweight, there are many different things you can do to get him back down to a healthy (and more comfortable) size besides feeding a weight-loss dog food.
Here are a few ways to help your pup drop his extra pounds:
- Increase his daily exercise. Ideally [with] daily walks, Dr. Wigfall said. Hydrotherapy may also be helpful for very obese dogs with joint issues or older dogs.
- Increase play and use of toys inside.
- Nix treats. Use their daily kibble portion as a treat for good behavior, Dr. Wigfall said. Your dog cannot tell the difference and will still get the same chemical release from the reward of a biscuit of their regular food as they do from a store-bought treat.
- Dont feed him human food. Human food contains significantly more calories than pet food, so even a small portion of food can equal many calories, Dr. Wigfall said.
- Feed your dog based on his target weight, and reduce that target weight slowly so as not to underfeed him. This means you should set an achievable target weight first (5 or 10 pounds less than his actual weight), and then adjust the target as he continues to drop pounds.
- Ask your vet about joining a weight-loss program if they offer one. These involve monthly weight checks, diet plans and exercise goals, Dr. Wigfall said. They are usually free to attend, and often there is a lot of competition to find the biggest loser.
Keeping your dog at a healthy weight will ensure he lives a long and happy life with you, and with plenty of playtime, exercise and healthy food, those extra pounds will disappear in no time.
The best dry dog food of 2024
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Choosing to feed your pup the best dry dog food or wet food typically comes down to personal preference and your dog's needs. There are many high-quality, healthy dog foods, but kibble is generally more affordable than canned food, easy to store, and simple to serve.
For this guide, we asked veterinarians for their insights into dog nutrition, and then based our recommendations on their advice. If you're wondering how to choose the best dry dog food brand and recipe for your pet, we have options for every type of dog, from puppies to large breeds. Wellness Complete Health Lamb and Barley Recipe is one of our top picks for adult dogs, with healthy extras to support brain and joint health. For senior dogs, Purina Pro Plan Bright Mind Adult 7+ Chicken and Rice Formula is a great option packed with beneficial ingredients for aging joints and cognitive health in older dogs.
All of our picks meet the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) nutritional standards and the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) Global Nutrition Guidelines. It's important to check with your vet before changing your dog's diet. Wet food may be more appropriate than kibble if your dog has specific health issues. For example, dogs with severe dental disease or very few teeth may struggle with dry food, and kibble may not be a good choice for dogs with conditions like chronic kidney disease since they need a high-moisture diet, says Dr. Rhiannon Koehler, a veterinarian for the Humane Society of Greater Kansas City.
Best overall
The AAFCO sets nutritional standards for protein, fat, vitamins, and minerals percentages in dog food according to two life stages. The first life stage, growth and reproduction, includes puppies and pregnant or nursing dogs. The second life stage, maintenance, applies to adult dogs.
For this category, we considered the best dog foodfor maintenance and all life stages. Food for all life stages meets the nutritional requirements for dogs of any age and must have a minimum of 22% protein and 8% fat. Maintenance foods must have at least 18% protein and 5% fat. Our best dry dog food picks may have higher price tags, but well-regarded brands with in-house nutrition experts make them.
Lamb and lamb meal are the main protein sources, and carbohydrates include oatmeal, ground barley, and ground brown rice. Healthy extras like menhaden fish meal provide omega fatty acids, while glucosamine and chondroitin support joint health. This food is appropriate for moderately active, normal-weight dogs with 24% protein, 12% fat, and 4% fiber. Each cup contains 417 kcal.
Beef and pork meal lead the ingredients list, and there are a variety of carbohydrates, including brown rice, barley, oatmeal, quinoa, carrots, and apples. Health extras include omega fatty acids (salmon), glucosamine, and chondroitin. With 26% protein, 15% fat, and 3.5% fiber, this is a good option for moderately active, normal-weight dogs. Each cup contains 386 kcal.
At the top of the list are chicken meal, chicken fat, millet, and eggs. Carbohydrates include pumpkin seeds, kelp, almonds, carrots, apples, blueberries, and cranberries. There are healthy extras like probiotics and digestive enzymes. We recommend this food for active, normal-weight dogs with a breakdown of 36% protein, 15% fat, and 5% fiber. This food has undergone feeding trials and each cup contains 418 kcal.
Best budget
Dry dog foods come in a wide range of prices. These prices depend, in part, on ingredient quality. For example, some pricier dry dog foods may contain whole meat and other premium ingredients, while budget kibble may contain inexpensive meat meals.
That doesn't mean you must cross budget foods off your list. "Dogs can still get optimal nutrition from budget foods, as long as the food brand is reputable and has researched its foods," says Dr. Lindsey Bullen, a veterinary nutritionist at Friendship Hospital for Animals. Reputable brands tend to be well-established in the pet food industry, and they rigorously test their food to check its safety and quality and ensure it meets the AAFCO nutritional standards.
Our budget picks for the best dry dog foodmeet the nutritional needs of adult dogs or all life stages.
Beef and chicken meal are the first two protein sources in this dry dog food. Other standout ingredients include brown rice, pea protein, and brewers rice. Menhaden fish oil provides omega fatty acids. With 26% protein, 14% fat, and 4% fiber, we recommend this food for moderately active, normal-weight dogs. One cup contains 352 kcal.
The main protein sources in this recipe are deboned chicken and chicken meal. Standout carbohydrates include brown rice, barley, oatmeal, peas, sweet potatoes, carrots, and cranberries. Healthy extras include omega fatty acids and glucosamine. We recommend it for moderately active, normal-weight dogs, with 24% protein, 14% fat, and 5% fiber. One cup is 378 kcal.
Chicken and chicken meal lead the list of ingredients. Other ingredients include pearled barley, peas, oat groats, brown rice, and dried beet pulp. It also contains fish oil for omega fatty acids. Its nutrition breakdown of 24% protein, 14% fat, and 5% fiber is ideal for normal, active-weight dogs. One cup contains 370 kcal.
Best for small dogs
Small dogs aren't just miniature versions of their larger counterparts, so they need food specially formulated for their unique bodies. "Small breed dogs generally require more calories per pound than larger dogs, and they may benefit from smaller kibble that is easier to chew," says Koehler.
Although small dogs need calorie-dense food, it's important not to overfeed your small dog to reduce the risk of obesity. Your vet can offer more guidance on how much to feed your dog each day. Our top picks for the best dog food for small dogs meet the AAFCO standards for complete and balanced nutrition, are made especially for small dogs, and contain healthy extras like probiotics and omega fatty acids.
Lamb leads the ingredients for this food, along with healthy carbohydrates consisting of whole spelt and whole oats. Extras include herring and herring oil for omega fatty acids and glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health. With 28% protein, 18% fat, and 2.9% fiber, this food is ideal for high-energy small breed dogs. Each cup contains 462 kcal.
Deboned chicken and chicken and salmon meal are the main protein sources. Carbohydrates include oatmeal, ground brown rice, and barley. Healthy extras like flaxseed and salmon oil provide omega fatty acids and glucosamine and chondroitin support joint health. With 28% protein, 16% fat, 4% fiber, and 408 kcal per cup, we recommend this food for moderately active small breed dogs.
Deboned turkey and turkey and salmon meal are the top ingredients in this food, plus standout carbohydrates, including chickpeas, sweet potato, and yellow peas. Healthy extras include omega fatty acids and probiotics. With 27% protein, 16% fat, and 4.5% fiber, this food is ideal for small active dogs with high energy. Each cup contains 432 kcal.
Best for large dogs
Large dogs need food made just for them, too. "Special nutritional requirements for large and giant breed dogs, such as lower energy density and an appropriate calcium-to-phosphorus ratio level, are most important in the puppy stage," says Koehler. For large breed puppies who experience rapid growth, these nutritional requirements help protect against developmental orthopedic diseases like hip dysplasia.
Generally, large breed formulas contain glucosamine and chondroitin for joint support since larger breeds are more likely to develop diseases like osteoarthritis due to their size. The food also comes in a larger kibble size. Large kibble encourages chewing and slows down eating, which can help keep dogs from swallowing too much air and developing bloat. This life-threatening condition primarily affects large breeds and can happen when dogs gulp down their food too quickly. Our best dry dog food picks are specially formulated for large breed adult dogs.
Deboned chicken and chicken meal are the main protein sources in this large breed dog food. Standout carbohydrates include ground brown rice, barley, peas, and oats. Glucosamine, chondroitin, omega fatty acids, and probiotics are healthy extras. With 26% protein, 12% fat, 5% fiber, and 340 kcal per cup, this food is ideal for moderately active large breed dogs.
This food features deboned chicken and chicken meal as its main protein sources, along with carbohydrates like brown rice, oatmeal, barley, and quinoa. Healthy extras include salmon oil and glucosamine and chondroitin. With 25% protein, 14% fat, and 3.5% fiber, this food is ideal for active large breed dogs. Each cup contains 377 kcal.
Deboned lamb and chicken meal are the main protein sources in this food. Carbohydrates include whole grain brown rice, split peas, and whole grain sorghum. Healthy extras include glucosamine, chondroitin, and omega fatty acids. With 20% protein, 12% fat, and 3.5% fiber, this food is ideal for moderately active large breed dogs. Each cup contains 318 kcal.
Best for puppies
Both puppy and all life stages food meet the AAFCO standards for growth and reproduction, but puppy food is the best choice for dogs who haven't reached their full growth. "Puppies are growing and need to develop their muscles, bones, and brains," says Bullen. "They need higher levels of many nutrients, including protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and several minerals, such as calcium." Puppy food is formulated to contain higher levels of these nutrients.
Puppies can eat either dry or wet food or a combination. Wet food may help ease the transition from nursing to solid food, but many puppies also do well eating smaller-sized puppy kibble. Our recommendations for the best puppy foods are formulated for growing dogs, so they contain healthy extras, such as omega fatty acids, glucosamine, and chondroitin, to support growth and development.
Deboned turkey, chicken meal, and salmon meal are the main proteins in this food that has undergone feeding trials. The list of carbohydrates includes oatmeal, barley, brown rice, carrots, spinach, sweet potatoes, blueberries, and apples. This puppy food also contains probiotics and omega fatty acids from salmon meal, menhaden fish meal, and salmon oil. The nutritional breakdown is 28% protein, 19% fat, 4.25% fiber, and 489 kcal per cup.
Chicken is the main protein source in this food for large breed puppies. Standout carbohydrates include rice, corn gluten meal, whole grain corn, and whole grain wheat. Healthy extras consist of omega fatty acids from fish oil plus glucosamine. The food contains 30% protein, 18% fat, 4.75% fiber, and 430 kcal per cup.
Chicken and chicken meal are the main protein sources in this recipe. Carbohydrates include brown rice, barley, oatmeal, apples, and carrots, and there are healthy extras including omega fatty acids, glucosamine, and chondroitin. It consists of 28% protein, 16% fat, 3.5% fiber, and 406 kcal per cup.
Best for senior dogs
The definition of "senior" can vary based on breed size. Large breeds are considered seniors at ages 8 to 9, while small breeds are considered seniors at ages 8 to 11, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association. "Senior dogs can do well on an adult maintenance diet, unless they have age-related medical conditions that require dietary changes," says Bullen. For example, senior dogs with chronic kidney disease need lower levels of phosphorus, sodium, and sometimes potassium in their diet.
Senior dog foods have fewer calories but contain more high-quality protein to maintain muscle mass. They also contain more omega-3 fatty acids to support brain health. Our top choices for the best senior dog food are protein-rich and contain healthy extras like glucosamine and chondroitin to support joint health.
Chicken and poultry byproduct meals are the main protein sources in this food thats undergone feeding trials. It includes rice, corn, wheat, barley, omega fatty acids, and glucosamine. With 29% protein, 14% fat, 3% fiber, and 423 kcal per cup, we recommend it for active normal-weight dogs.
This food counts chicken, chicken meal, and turkey meal as its main protein sources. Carbohydrates include brown rice, oatmeal, barley, quinoa, apples, and carrots. Omega fatty acids from salmon oil, glucosamine, and chondroitin are healthy extras. We recommend it for moderately active normal-weight dogs. It contains 27% protein, 15% fat, 3.5% fiber, and 381 kcal per cup.
This senior dog foods main protein source is deboned lamb. Standout carbohydrates consist of rice bran, whole grain barley, and whole grain brown rice. Healthy extras like omega fatty acids from fish oil and glucosamine and chondroitin from chicken meal round out the list. With 27% protein, 12% fat, and 4% fiber and 307 kcal per cup, we recommend it for moderately active, normal-weight dogs.
Best for sensitive stomachs
Some dogs can snatch days-old forbidden snacks from the trash can with no lasting consequences, but not all dogs have a stomach of steel. Food allergies and dietary imbalances are just a few things that may contribute to a sensitive stomach and lead to symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and gas.
If your dog has trouble digesting certain foods, a food designed for sensitive stomachs may be worth a try. Koehler says food allergies can be successfully managed with either prescription novel protein diets or over-the-counter diets. Over-the-counter diets for sensitive stomachs contain a novel protein or are labeled "sensitive skin and stomach."
"Foods for sensitive stomachs are highly digestible," she says. They're typically low in fat to help digestion and high in fiber to help prevent loose stools. They may also contain probiotics to promote a healthy gut. The best dry dog food picks below meet the AAFCO standards for adult maintenance and are formulated especially for sensitive stomachs.
The first few ingredients in this food are highly digestible ingredients like salmon, rice, barley, canola meal, and oatmeal. Sunflower oil and fish oil provide omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids, while added probiotics help support immune and digestive health. This food contains 26% protein, 16% fat, and 4% fiber, with 449 kcal/cup.
This food's first ingredient is whitefish. Menhaden fish meal, the next ingredient, provides glucosamine. The third ingredient, herring meal, is a good source of chondroitin. Other top ingredients include brown rice, barley, beet pulp, flaxseed, pumpkin, and brewers dried yeast. It also has added probiotics to promote healthy digestion. The food contains 30% protein, 12% fat, and 4% fiber, with 394 kcal per cup.
Chicken, chicken meal, yellow peas, and cracked pearl barley are the top ingredients in this food, which is designed for easy digestion. Other standout ingredients include brown rice, brewers rice, and dried beet pulp, a prebiotic fiber that may help soothe your dog's stomach. The food contains 25% protein, 16.8% fat, and 1.4% fiber, with 394 kcal per cup.
Best grain-free
Grain-free dog foods contain non-grain carbohydrates like peas and lentils. Despite their increasing popularity and heavy marketing, grain-free foods are rarely necessary. "Most food allergies in dogs are because of a protein source, such as beef or chicken," says Koehler.
The Food and Drug Administration continues to investigate a potential connection between grain-free foods and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs. Experts have yet to find a conclusive link, though some believe the legumes, particularly peas, in many grain-free dog foods may play a part. If you're considering switching your dog to a grain-free diet, it's a good idea to talk to your vet first.
Our top selections contain non-grain carbohydrates and meet the AAFCO standards for complete and balanced nutrition. They also contain healthy extras like omega fatty acids.
Deboned duck, chicken meal, and turkey meal are the main protein sources in this grain-free food. Carbohydrates include sweet potatoes, potatoes, and peas. Healthy extras consist of omega fatty acids from whitefish meal and glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health. With 34% protein, 17% fat, and 3.5% fiber and 389 kcal per cup, this food is suitable for moderately active, normal-weight dogs.
This grain-free foods main protein sources are deboned turkey, turkey meal, and salmon meal. Healthy carbohydrates include chickpeas, sweet potato, and yellow peas. Its nutritional breakdown is 33% protein, 18% fat, and 4% fiber. With 441 kcal per cup, we recommend it for active, normal-weight dogs.
Best low fat
Fat is good for the body, whether that body is dog or human. However, excess dietary fat leads to health problems, likeoverweight and obesity, which affects over 50% of dogs in the United States, according to theAssociation for Pet Obesity Prevention. Bullen says dogs at risk of pancreatitis and those who are slightly overweight may benefit from a low-fat diet, and dogs who are morbidly obese may benefit from a low-fat diet tailored for weight loss.
According to Bullen, low-fat dry dog foods have less than 13% fat, but some dogs may need an ultra-low-fat diet with less than 10% to 11% fat, depending on their health status. Our low-fat choices for the best dry dog foods contain less than 13% fat and have healthy extras like glucosamine and chondroitin. For more excellent options, check out our guide to the best dog food for weight loss.
Chicken and chicken meal are the main protein sources in this low-fat weight-management food, and standout carbohydrates include whole grain brown rice, sorghum, barley, and oats. Health extras consist of glucosamine and chondroitin. With 26% protein, 9% fat, 4% fiber, and 325 kcal per cup, this food is ideal for overweight dogs needing to lose weight.
This low-fat food has deboned chicken and chicken meal as its top ingredients, followed by carbohydrates like oatmeal, ground brown rice, and ground barley. Healthy extras include glucosamine and chondroitin. With 24% protein, 10% fat, and 4% fiber, this food is recommended for maintaining a healthy weight in active dogs. Each cup contains 405 kcal.
Best limited ingredient
While there's no strict definition of the term "limited ingredient," limited ingredient dog foods generally contain fewer ingredients than regular dog foods. They also typically contain a novel protein since animal proteins are a common source of food allergies in dogs. Examples of novel proteins include lamb, duck, venison, and kangaroo.
Dogs with food-responsive atopic dermatitis, inflammatory bowel disease, or food sensitivities can benefit from limited ingredient foods. "These diseases can range from mild to severe, so check with your veterinarian before switching to this type of food," says Bullen. Our top picks have a limited list of ingredients and contain novel proteins.
Potato is the top ingredient in this food, with chicken meal as an added protein source. Carbohydrates include brown rice, brewers rice, and rice bran. Healthy extras include omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. This food contains 23% protein, 12% fat, and 4.5% fiber, with 322 kcal per cup.
This limited-ingredient food has duck as the top ingredient and novel protein. Other ingredients include oatmeal, peas, ground rice, and ground flaxseed. It also has prebiotics and probiotics as healthy extras. The food contains 25.6% protein, 13% fat, and 4.2% fiber, with 450 kcal per cup.
Deboned salmon and salmon are this food's main protein sources and first ingredients. Other top ingredients include the highly digestible carbohydrate brown rice, along with oatmeal, barley, and sweet potatoes. Extras include glucosamine and chondroitin to support joint health. This food contains 21% protein, 14% fat, and 4.5% fiber, with 384 kcal per cup.
Best high fiber
Fiber in dog food comes in two forms: soluble and insoluble. "Soluble fiber, such as psyllium husk, absorbs water in the digestive tract and becomes gel-like," says Bullen. "Insoluble fiber, such as cellulose, draws water into the digestive tract." Depending on a dog's digestive health, they may need one type of fiber over another. Water absorbed in the digestive tract can make stool more formed, which can help with diarrhea. On the other hand, dogs with constipation may benefit more from insoluble fiber since more water in the digestive tract can make stool bulkier and help it pass more easily.
The fiber content in dry dog foods is listed as crude fiber, a fibrous residue that remains after a food's chemical processing. Dry dog foods typically contain between 1% and 10% fiber, with fiber percentages between 6% and 10% generally considered "high fiber." However, Bullen says different nutritionists may have slightly different ranges for fiber content.
Vets may recommend a high-fiber diet for dogs with mild constipation and diabetes and dogs who are overweight. Just keep in mind that too much fiber can cause digestive problems, so it's best to check with your vet before switching your dog to a high-fiber food. Our recommendations for the best dry dog foods contain at least 6% fiber and have healthy extras, like omega fatty acids and probiotics.
Chicken and chicken meal appear at the top of the ingredients list. Standout carbohydrates include rice bran, split peas, whole grain brown rice, and whole grain barley. With 27% protein, 9% fat, and 10% fiber, we recommend this food for dogs that need help with weight loss and weight maintenance. Each cup contains 231 kcal.
Deboned chicken and chicken meal top the ingredient list of this food, along with brown rice, oatmeal, and quinoa. Healthy extras include vitamin E, L-carnitine, omega fatty acids, glucosamine, and chondroitin. With 26% protein, 9% fat, and 10% fiber, this food is ideal for moderately active dogs with constipation or that need help maintaining a healthy weight. Each cup contains 385 kcal.
Deboned chicken is at the top of this foods ingredient list, along with barley, brown rice, and pea fiber. Healthy extras include probiotics and l-carnitine, an amino acid that can help promote weight loss. With 23% protein, 11% fat, and 8% fiber, this food is ideal for dogs that need to lose weight. Each cup contains 326 kcal.
What to look for in dry dog food
When shopping for the best dry dog food, the following criteria can help you choose a brand and recipe that meets your dog's needs.
- AAFCO nutritional adequacy statement: This statement ensures the food provides complete and balanced nutrition for a dog's life stage. Always look for this label when choosing food for your dog.
- Guaranteed analysis: The guaranteed analysis lists the minimum and maximum percentages of key nutrients protein, fat, fiber along with percentages of vitamins and minerals. The exact percentages are usually not listed on a dry matter basis, but you can get this information by calling the food's manufacturer.
- Ingredients list: "Ingredients are listed from most to least, according to weight," Bullen says. Whole meat typically appears first in dry dog foods because of its heaviness from water weight. Meat meals, which don't contain water, often fall further down the list. Meat byproducts may also appear in the ingredients. These are processed to remove harmful pathogens. "Every single ingredient should have a nutritive function," Bullen says.
- Healthy extras: Healthy extras refer to ingredients that promote specific aspects of a dog's health. For example, glucosamine and chondroitin support joint health, while probiotics promote healthy digestion. "Prebiotics, which are often fibers like chicory fiber, can promote a healthy gut microbiome," Koehler says.
- Calorie content: Excess calories contribute to obesity, so the calorie content of the food matters. "Calorie content varies a lot in dry dog food, so work with your veterinarian to determine how many calories your dog should eat each day," says Koehler. You can also use this calorie calculator from the Pet Nutrition Alliance to estimate your dog's daily caloric needs. Calorie content is listed as kcal (kilocalories)/cup on dog food labels.
- Feeding trials: Feeding trials show that a pet food company has gone the extra mile to test their food. Any food that has undergone additional testing will have a statement like this on its label: "Animal feeding tests using AAFCO procedures substantiate that [product] provides complete and balanced nutrition for [life stage]."
- Expert formulations: The WSAVA Global Nutrition Guidelines recommend selecting pet food from a brand that has a dedicated nutrition expert on staff. Our experts agree that dog food brands should employ a full-time board-certified veterinary nutritionist and perhaps a doctorate-level animal nutritionist. The brands in this guide employ dog nutrition experts to formulate their foods.
- Next-level ingredients: Next-level ingredients, like cage-free chicken and wild-caught fish, may sound appealing. However, Bullen says these ingredients aren't nutritionally necessary, and they don't automatically improve the quality of the food. Whether you feed your dog food with these ingredients depends on personal preference.
How we selected the best dry dog foods
To select foods for this guide, we spoke with a board-certified veterinary nutritionist and a small animal veterinarian in private practice. Although they chose not to provide specific product recommendations, they prefer brands that employ a full-time board-certified veterinary nutritionist.
Dr. Rhiannon Koehler is a small animal veterinarian at the Greater Humane Society of Kansas City. She is also a freelance medical writer and owner of Evergreen Medical Writing, where she specializes in writing about veterinary medicine for pet owners and veterinary professionals.
Dr. Lindsey Bullen is a board-certified veterinary nutritionist at Friendship Hospital for Animals in Washington, DC. After graduating from veterinary school at North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine, she remained at the veterinary school, where she completed a medical and surgery internship, followed by a residency in small animal nutrition and fellowship in clinical nutrition. Her clinical areas of interest include acute and chronic kidney disease and weight loss.
We also referred to the nutritional standards set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) and the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA).
Dry dog food FAQs
Do vets recommend kibble?
"For healthy dogs, kibble is a good, affordable option for a well-balanced diet," Koehler says, but she reminds pet owners that every dog is different. Some dogs do better on dry food, while others thrive on wet food. Consider your dog's food preferences and overall health, along with your budget, when deciding between kibble and wet food.
What dry dog food is most recommended by veterinarians?
Veterinarians consider factors like a dog's size, age, and health status when making food recommendations, so there's no single dry dog food that most veterinarians recommend. Bullen also considers several other factors, including a brand's investment in quality control and how the brand manages food recalls. Our experts prefer reputable food brands that employ a full-time board-certified veterinary nutritionist.
What dry foods are good for dogs?
Dry foods that contain high-quality ingredients and meet AAFCO's standards for complete and balanced nutrition are suitable for dogs. With so many dry dog foods on the market, it's best to work with your veterinarian to select a dry food that meets your dog's unique nutritional needs.
Is it OK for dogs to only eat dry food?
Yes, dogs can get their nutritional needs met through dry food alone. However, certain health conditions may affect your dog's ability to eat hard kibble. For example, dogs with dental disease or tooth loss may benefit from the softness of wet food, though you may also choose to soften kibble with water before feeding your dog.
Is dry food the best for dogs?
Dry food has several benefits for dogs and also costs less than wet food. But it's not necessarily the best for all dogs. "Overall, the best food for a dog is what they will eat and what will support optimal metabolism and a good quality of life," Bullen says.
