The Best 12 Dog Foods: According to a Veterinarian

What is the Best Food to Feed a Dog?

• Best Overall Dog Food: Open Farm Homestead Dry Dog Food
  Made with natural ingredients, this dog food is catered for both large breed and small breed dogs.
• Best Raw Dog Food: We Feed Raw
  The recipes at We Feed Raw are formulated by a Ph.D. animal nutritionist.
• Most Natural Dog Food: The Honest Kitchen
  Slow-cooked, nutrient-dense, and made with human-grade ingredients this is our top pick as the best food for dogs.
• Best Limited Ingredient Dog Food: JustFoodForDogs Pantry Fresh Lamb & Brown Rice Recipe
  This dog food uses only limited ingredients and covers all your dog‘s dietary requirements.
• Best Adult Dog Food: Raised Right Original Turkey Adult Dog Recipe
  A carefully formulated human-grade dog food formula that is highly beneficial for dogs of all breeds and ages.
• Best Vet-Recommended Dog Food: Ollie Dog Food
  Thanks to its high-quality ingredients and health-boosting features, this recipe comes recommended by veterinarians.
• Best Human-Grade Dog Food: The Farmer’s Dog
  This premium dog recipe is developed by vets and crafted with human-grade real ingredients in USDA-certified kitchens.
• Most Innovative Dog Food: A Pup Above
  Gently cooked recipe using the innovative sous-vide method to deliver exceptional flavor and premium-quality nutrition.
• Best Air-Dried Dog Food: Front of the Pack
  Vet-formulated and air-dried recipe that tackles common health concerns in dogs and revolutionizes canine nutrition.
• Best Dog Food for Gut Health: Purina Pro Plan High-Protein Dog Food with Probiotics
  Enriched with probiotics, this food support gut health and features crunchy kibble mixed with tender meat shreds.
• Best High-Protein Dog food: ORIJEN Dog Original Recipe High-Protein Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
  If you are looking for healthy dog food that has high protein content, this dog food is formulated to cater to their nutritional needs.
• Best Dog Food for Senior Dogs: Purina ONE High Protein Senior Dry Dog Food
  If you have a senior dog, this dog food features kibble that is easier to chew and puts lesser stress on their bones and joints.
• Best Grain-Free Dog Food: Merrick Dry Dog Food Grain-Free Dog Food Recipe
  Some dogs have a sensitive stomach, and this grain-free product ensures that there are no allergic reactions
• Most Innovative Dog Food: Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Adult Dry Dog Food
  Made using an innovative formula, this dog food improves digestive health and reduces the chance of food allergies.

Open Farm Dog Food

• 100% obsessively sourced and cooked to perfection.
• Nutrient-dense dry food with high meat, low-carb, and packed with flavor.
• Wet dog food is made with ethically sourced meat to give dogs the moisture they need.
• High protein freeze dried dog food, made easy to serve.
• Get 20% off your first auto-ship order with code VET20

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How Many Types of Dog Food are There?

There are several varieties of dog foods available on the market today, leaving you spoilt for choice. The most common ones include:

• Dry Dog Food. Dry dog food contains a meat mixture that is pulverized to create dough. This is then cooked and shaped into what we see commonly see as kibble.
• Wet Dog Food. Wet dog food usually contains a meat mass that is accompanied by a hydrating ingredient, like gravy. This is easier to chew and replicates your dog’s natural diet.
• Grain-Free Dog Food. This dog food contains no grains that could otherwise lead to an allergic reaction in some dogs. So if your dog has a sensitive stomach, this is exactly what they need.
• Raw Dog Food. Raw dog food can be of various types. However, there is no cooking process involved in its manufacturing. This is mainly used by dogs who lead an active life or are into sports like racing.
• Freeze-Dried Dog Food. This is a type of dry food that is flash-frozen to preserve its nutritional components. This is often used for weight management.
• Human-Grade Dog Food. This dog food can be both wet and dry. However, it contains ingredients that are human-grade and are used by dogs who lead an active lifestyle.
• High Protein Dog Food. If you have an underweight dog, this dog food will help your furry friend gain beneficial muscle mass. This will give them sustained energy throughout the day.
• Sensitive Stomach Dog Food. If your dog has allergic reactions to most foods or even has a sensitive stomach, these dog foods can come as a welcoming relief.
• Healthy Weight Dog Food. This dog food helps with weight management and needs to be portioned out perfectly to count calories.

The Best Dog Foods Reviewed

There are hundreds of dog formulas available on the market. To help owners find the right recipe for their dogs, we have reviewed some of the best dog diets.

Open Farm Homestead Dry Dog Food

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Summary: This dog food uses fresh turkey and chicken recipes manufactured using prime cuts. The meat is raised in high-welfare American farms without the use of additives. Furthermore, the dog food is 100% Certified Humane so you can be sure that you are giving your dog a quality product. This dog food is backed by science and is a top-rated product on platforms such as Amazon and Chewy. It can also be used as training dog treats. It contains protein for strong muscles, prebiotic fiber for digestion, and other essential vitamins and minerals. First-time customers can also get 20% off their first auto-ship order using the code VET20!

Type: Dry dog food

Best for: Adult dogs

Flavor Options: Homestead Turkey & Chicken; Wild-Caught Salmon; Grass-Fed Beef; Pork & Root Vegetables; Catch-Of-The-Season Whitefish; Pasture-Raised Lamb; Venison

Price: $5.99/pound

Ingredient Analysis

• Turkey: Turkey is a protein source that supports muscle development and energy.
• Pumpkin: In addition to providing fiber to the diet, pumpkin also contains several vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
• Carrots: Carrots are an excellent source of beta carotene, fiber, Vitamin K1, potassium, and antioxidants.
• Coconut Oil: This is a great way to add calories to provide energy. It also contains fatty acids that lead to a healthy coat.

Review: This dog food offers premium nutrition without the use of harmful antibiotics, corn, wheat, or soy. It also has a great taste that most dogs love. Customers give this food 4.6 out of 5 stars.

We Feed Raw

Summary: We Feed Raw offers a range of raw dog food made with high-quality nutritional ingredients for a balanced diet. Raw food is an excellent source of protein and fats for your pet and mimics what they would eat in the wild. Their patties contain no preservatives, fillers, artificial colors, or flavors and are sourced from USDA, human-grade meats. Save an additional 25% off your first order with code VETS25.

Type: Raw

Best for: Adult dogs

Flavor Options: Venison, lamb, duck, turkey, beef, and chicken

Price: $37.99-$46.99 per 5lb unit

Ingredient Analysis:

The recipes at We Feed Raw are formulated by a Ph.D. animal nutritionist. Each meal is made of approximately 80% muscle meat, 10% organ meat, 10% finely ground bone + added vitamins and minerals.

Muscle Meat: Choose from 6 different protein sources when picking a We Feed Raw recipe. All are sourced from USDA, human-grade meats and contain no preservatives, fillers, artificial colors, or flavors. Options include venison, lamb, duck, turkey, beef, and chicken.

Organ Meat: Organ meat is included in each patty mix for an extra boost of nutrition. This meat contains a wealth of vitamins and minerals for dogs, promoting a strong immune system for an active lifestyle.

Finely Ground Bone: Edible bone is finely ground into the patty of choice. Turkey necks for the Turkey Patty, beef necks for the Beef, Lamb, and Venison Patties, chicken Patties, use chicken necks, and the Duck Patty, uses duck bones.

Vitamin + Mineral Mix: Flaxseed, Calcium Carbonate, Zinc Sulfate, Sodium Selenite, Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin Supplement, Copper Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, Calcium Pantothenate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin A Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Calcium Iodate, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid.

Review: With an overage rating of 4.9 on Trustpilot, pet parents are raving about We Feed Raw dog food and state that it has “changed their dog’s life.” Customers also say that it even helped with their dog’s coat, making it shiner and softer.

The Honest Kitchen

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Summary: Honest Kitchen believes in the power of good food, and each dog recipe reflects those beliefs. The formulas are made with 100% human-grade and whole food ingredients. They are enriched high in protein, low in carbs, and enriched with healthy superfoods. The brand offers a variety of dog formulas, and each recipe is available in both grain-free and grain-inclusive varieties. Also, unlike similar human-grade foods, this brand’s prices are more affordable. Customers can also get 30% off on their first orders of $30+ using code VETERINARIANS30.

Type: Dehydrated dog food

Best for: Puppies and adult dogs

Flavor Options: Chicken; Turkey; Beef; Fish

Price: $7.49/pound

Ingredient Analysis

• Real Meat: In all recipes, the first ingredient is real meat (chicken, beef, salmon, turkey, duck), thus offering a healthy protein intake.
• Quinoa: Quinoa is a superfood that provides dogs with healthy carbs as well as a good amount of plant-based protein.
• Pumpkin: This is another superfood. Pumpkin provides dietary fiber, thus promoting digestion and overall gut health.
• Coconut: Rich in omega fatty acids, coconut promotes healthy skin and coat. It also gives the food a unique flavor.
• Carrots: Carrots add dietary fiber to the recipe. They are also rich in antioxidants and vitamin A.

Review: Dog owners that have tried this food say they will never switch it for another brand. They are happy with the effects of the food on their dogs. The dogs are also in love with this food. Some customers even describe it as the best food they have ever purchased.

JustFoodForDogs Pantry Fresh Lamb & Brown Rice Recipe

Summary: JustFoodForDogs is the number 1 vet-recommended fresh food brand for dogs. It uses 100% human-grade ingredients and no preservatives. Plus, the recipes are cooked fresh and ready to serve. The Lamb and Brown Rice Recipe is ideal for active adult dogs and suits even picky eaters.

Type: Fresh Cooked Dog Food

Best for: Active Adult Dogs

Flavor Options: Chicken & White Rice; Tukey & Whole Wheat Macaroni; Beef & Russet Potato

Price: $8.45/12.5oz

Ingredient Analysis

• Lamb Heart: Nutrient-dense food rich in iron and B-complex vitamins.
• Long-Grain Brown Rice: Excellent source of fiber, B-complex vitamins, and magnesium.
• Cauliflower: Cruciferous veggie that provides antioxidants, vitamin C, vitamin K, folate, and manganese.
• Carrots: Low-calorie food, rich in prebiotics, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.
• Spinach: Fiber-packed leafy green that boosts health via high vitamin and mineral content.

Review: Customers describe this JustFoodForDogs recipe as life-changing. They say their dogs love the food, and it has helped them with various health issues.

Raised Right Original Turkey Adult Dog Recipe

Summary: Raised Right Original Turkey Adult Dog Recipe is a carefully formulated human-grade dog food formula that is highly beneficial for pooches of all breeds and ages. This recipe, along with other Raised Right formulas, has no traces of preservatives and high-carb fillers like potatoes, rice, parsnips, or barley. It also only has one type of animal protein. Every Raised Right menu is only lightly cooked in a kitchen appropriate for that purpose and has met the parameters necessary for food meant for human consumption. Moreover, their low-temp cooking meets the USDA pathogen kill step while maintaining high levels of moisture and nutritional integrity.

Type: Wet dog food

Best for: Dogs of all life stages

Flavor Options: Original Turkey, Original Beef, Original Pork, Original Chicken, Turkey & Pumpkin Paté, Beef & Pumpkin Paté, Pork & Pumpkin Paté, Chicken & Pumpkin Paté

Price: $10.99 per bag

Ingredient Analysis:

• Turkey Thigh, Turkey Heart, & Turkey Liver: Turkey is high in real protein and rich in selenium, zinc, phosphorus, and iron.
• Carrots: Carrots are rich in beta-carotene and are a fair source of Vitamin C, Niacin, and Vitamin B6.
• Blueberries: Blueberries are a great source of fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K, manganese, and potassium.
• Organic Spearmint: Organic spearmint is rich in antioxidants and other healthy plant substances that may support hormone balance, regulate blood sugar, and improve digestion for your dogs.
• Cod Liver Oil: Cod liver oil contains vitamin A, an essential nutrient for immune system function, and omega-3 fatty acids, which help reduce inflammation in your dog’s body.
• Eggshell Powder: Eggshell Powder is high in calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium
• Flaxseed Oil: Flaxseed oil is rich in both omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.
• Organic Dried Kelp: Together with folate, vitamin B12, and vitamin B6, organic dried kelp also contains vitamins K, A, C, and E. It also provides moderate levels of thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, and pantothenic acid.

Review: Many pet owners are well-pleased with Raised Right’s Grain-Free Original Turkey dog food recipe. They reported that it is one of the best formulas they’ve ever given to their dogs, and they were amazed by the product’s high-quality ingredients. To quote one happy customer, “My dog absolutely loves every meal in the variety pack, and actually ended up needing a little less than the recommended amount.”

Ollie Dog Food

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Summary: Ollie Dog Food is a brand that works with a veterinary nutritionist to formulate its recipes. This makes them balanced and complete in terms of nutrition. Additionally, these recipes are human-grade and abide by the AAFCO standards. The ingredients are sourced carefully and are cooked together at low temperatures in small batches. To makes things better, the food is hand-packed to maintain quality. Their protein is usually real beef (or other real flavors) and is high quality. It can be used as both adult and puppy food.

Type: Fresh dog food

Best for: Adult dogs and puppies

Flavor Options: Beef; Chicken; Turkey; Lamb

Price: $1.57/meal

Ingredient Analysis

• Beef: Beef is a protein source that supports muscle development and energy.
• Peas: Peas contain protein, vitamins, fiber, and potassium. Additionally, it also improves your dog’s GI health.
• Sweet Potatoes: This is an excellent source of potassium, B vitamins, beta carotene, phytochemicals, and carotenoids.
• Carrots: Carrots are an excellent source of beta carotene, fiber, Vitamin K1, potassium, and antioxidants.

Review: According to several dog owners, Ollie’s fresh food leads to shinier coats, fewer allergies, improved energy, and better overall health in their dogs.

The Farmer’s Dog

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Summary: The Farmer’s Dog brand offers human-grade meat and vegetable recipes for dogs. They are made fresh with carefully selected ingredients in USDA-approved kitchens for maximum nutrition and safety. There are four different recipes, and each is packed with protein and essential nutrients. The subscription plan offers a 2-week trial pack that comes with multiple recipes so your dog can choose its favorite one. Also, it is possible to pause or even cancel the subscription plan at any time.

Type: Fresh dog food

Best for: Dogs of all life stages

Flavor Options: Chicken; Beef; Turkey; Bull

Price: N/A

Ingredient Analysis

• Real Meat: The first ingredient in each recipe is real meat (chicken, beef, turkey, or bull). This ensures proper amino acid and protein intake for dogs of different life stages.
• Healthy Veggies: Each recipe also features organic and carefully selected, health-boosting vegetables.

Review: Dog owners are satisfied with this food and say their dogs love the fresh recipes. They are also happy the food is conveniently shipped to their doors and straightforward to serve.

A Pup Above

Summary: The Pup Above dog recipes are made using human-grade ingredients in USDA-certified facilities that manufacture human foods. They use single animal protein sources mixed with non-GMO fruits, veggies, and superfoods to ensure premium quality nutrition for dogs of all breeds, ages, and sizes. The recipes are rich in fatty acids, antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and collagen, thus promoting overall health. A Pup Above offers four recipes and discounts for subscription plans.

Type: Fresh and Dry Whole Food Cubies

Best for: Dogs of all life stages

Flavor Options: Turkey Pawella; Texas Beef Stew; Chicka Chicka Bow Wow; Porky’s Luau

Price: Starting at $1.36/meal

Exclusive Offer: $50 OFF your 1st order of $100+ plus FREE Shipping with code ONEVET50.

Ingredient Analysis

• Real Meat: Each recipe contains real meat (turkey, chicken, beef, and pork) as the first ingredient, thus ensuring a healthy amino acid profile.
• Tomatoes: Tomatoes are an excellent source of lycopene. Lycopene is a potent antioxidant that boosts the immune system.
• Turmeric: Turmeric is a superfood for dogs. It has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory features.

Review: Pet owners are raving about this dog food. They say it is delicious, and their dogs are thriving on it. They are particularly happy with the brand’s transparency and the carefully selected ingredients and superfoods.

Front of the Pack

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Summary: Front of the Pack is vet-formulated dog food that is air-dried to preserve most of the nutrients and ensure premium quality feeding. The recipes are made with carefully selected and organic ingredients and feature wholesome and health-boosting foods, including fresh fruits and veggies. The food is simple to use and store. Plus, the brand offers a variety of flavors and discounts for subscriptions.

Type: Air-dried dog food

Best for: Dogs of all life stages

Flavor Options: Chicken

Price: $14.7/pound

Ingredient Analysis

• Organic Cage-Free Chicken: Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein, and since it is organic, it is free from hormones and harmful chemicals.
• Organic Sweet Potato: Sweet potatoes add easily digestible and healthy carbohydrates to the recipe. They are considered a superfood for dogs.
• Antarctic Krill: Rich in omega fatty acids, this ingredient supports immunity, and skin & coat health.
• Organic Whole Eggs: Eggs are an additional source of protein. They are also rich in fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals.

Review: Customers are in love with this food and explain how excited their dogs are for mealtime. Some dog owners mention their dogs’ digestive issues resolved after switching to this brand. However, they are some complaints about the food pieces being too large for toy breed dogs.

Purina Pro Plan High-Protein Dog Food with Probiotics

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Summary: Made with real chicken as the first ingredient, this high-protein dog food is an excellent choice for active adult dogs. It is formulated with live probiotics, thus supporting gut health and a strong immune system. The recipe is also rich in omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E, which are vital for skin & coat health. The formula comes in the form of mixed crunchy kibble with tender meat shreds for maximum enjoyment during mealtime.

Type: Crunchy kibble + Tender meat shreds

Best for: Adult dogs

Flavor Options: Chicken & Rice

Price: $3.16/pound

Ingredient Analysis

• Chicken: Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein and promotes a healthy weight.
• Rice: Adds healthy and easily digestible carbohydrates. Plus, rice supports gut health and gives dogs energy.
• Meat Meals: These are somewhat controversial ingredients. However, in this case, they are named, and they serve as excellent sources of glucosamine (vital for joint health).

Review: With an overall rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars, this dog food is a winner among pet owners. Customers say their dogs love eating the foods because of the unique texture. They also mention an increase in energy levels after switching to this formula.

ORIJEN Dog Original Recipe High-Protein Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

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Summary: This dog food offers a high-protein diet for your dog. Additionally, it is free from grains making it safe for dogs with sensitive stomachs or allergy issues. It helps build your dog’s muscles and gives them the sustained energy to stay active all day. This dog food also contains vitamin E and omega-6 fatty acids to promote your dog’s skin and coat health. It can be used as a primary food source or as dog treats.

Type: Dry dog food

Best for: Adult dogs

Flavor Options: Regional Red; Original; Six Fish; Tundra; Fit & Trim

Price: $4.6/pound

Ingredient Analysis

• Chicken: Chicken is a protein source that supports muscle development and energy.
• Dehydrated Eggs: Eggs are a great source of protein that supports muscle development and energy.
• Kale: This is a leafy vegetable that is rich in iron and improves your dog’s overall health.
• Pumpkin: Pumpkin contains vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that are beneficial for your dog’s health.

Review: This product does not contain gluten, potato, or tapioca. 85% of the meal is from a traceable animal source. The overall Amazon rating of this food is 4.7 out of 5 stars.

Purina ONE High Protein Senior Dry Dog Food

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Summary: This dry senior dog food offers complete and balanced nutrition in every serving you give your dog. It is a great way to add beneficial nutrients to your dog’s diet. It contains real chicken, the number one ingredient leading to a high-protein diet. It does not contain fillers, implying that every ingredient has a purpose. Additionally, it also helps promote mental sharpness in older dogs. It contains glucosamine which provides support to your dog’s joints.

Type: Dry dog food

Best for: Senior dogs

Flavor Options: Chicken

Price: $1.41/pound

Ingredient Analysis

• Chicken: Chicken is a protein source that supports muscle development and energy.
• Rice Flour: Rice flour is an excellent source of carbohydrates, protein, and nutritional fibers.
• Corn Gluten Meal: This is used to add flavor to your dog’s meals. It contains several beneficial nutrients that improve your dog’s overall health.
• Chicken By-Product Meal: This adds a great poultry flavor to your dog’s meal in addition to increasing the protein content.

Review: This dog food has a delicious combination of protein-rich meaty morsels and crunchy dog food kibble. However, the texture might not suit some dogs. Pet owners give this food 4.7 out of 5 stars.

Merrick Dry Dog Food Grain-Free Dog Food Recipe

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Summary: Merrick Dry Dog Food Real Texas Beef & Sweet Potato offers a grain-free dog food recipe that has been formulated with whole foods. It contains deboned beef as the first ingredient and provides high-quality protein, which builds your dog’s muscles. Not only does this increase your dog’s energy levels, but it also helps to keep them in a good mood. 65% of every serving is protein and fat ingredients, while the remaining 35% are fresh produce, fiber, vitamins, minerals, and other natural ingredients.

Type: Dry dog food

Best for: Adult dogs

Flavor Options: Beef & Bison, Chicken, Duck, Lamb; Texas Beef; Salmon

Price: $3.36/pound

Ingredient Analysis

• Deboned Beef: This is a great source of protein that helps build your dog’s muscles. It also provides them with the energy to play all day.
• Lamb Meal: This is an additional protein source that helps build muscles in your dog’s body.
• Salmon Meal: While this is a great source of protein, it also contains fatty acids that help reduce inflammation in your dog’s body.
• Sweet Potatoes: These are sources of antioxidants that help support the immune system. It also contains potassium, B vitamins, beta carotene, phytochemicals, and carotenoids.

Review: This product contains glucosamine and chondroitin for dogs to help maintain healthy hips and joints. The overall Amazon rating for this recipe is 4.7 out of 5 stars.

Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Adult Dry Dog Food

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Summary: This dog food always uses real meat as its first ingredient. In this case, the protein source is chicken which helps build your dog’s muscles. The product also contains wholesome whole grains, garden veggies, and fruit. The product also offers essential carbohydrates to meet the energy demands of adult dogs. It is also formulated with omega 3 and 6 fatty acids. This gives your dog a healthy and shiny coat.

Type: Dry dog food

Best for: Adult dogs

Flavor Options: Chicken & Brown Rice; Lamb & Brown Rice; Beef & Brown Rice; Fish & Brown Rice

Price: $2.4/pound

Ingredient Analysis

• Chicken Meal: Chicken meal is an extremely rich source of protein, that provides pets with energy and nutrients. It also helps in easier digestion.
• Brown Rice: This provides pets with essential B vitamins and minerals and high-quality complex carbohydrates for energy and fiber.
• Barley: This is an excellent source of soluble fiber, carbohydrates, and B vitamins.
• Oatmeal: Oatmeal is a wholesome, high-quality grain rich in B vitamins that gives pets the energy they need.

Review: This dog food promotes healthy skin in most dogs. It also contains no harmful ingredients such as fillers and preservatives. Dog owners give this formula 4.7 out of 5 stars.

PETLIBRO Granary Camera Monitoring Feeder

• Easy-to-clean, food-grade stainless steel bowl
• Smart app control and 1080P HD Camera
• Built-in advanced microphone and speaker 
• Motion detection, smart notifications, and indicators
• Use the code Vets15 for 15% off

Get 15% Off PetlibroCheck Price on Chewy

How do I Choose the Right Dog Food?

If you are in the market to hunt for the right dog food brand, it could very overwhelming for most pet parents. There are a few pointers that one needs to keep in mind before opting for a dog food brand:

• Ingredients. It is one of the most important aspects of any dog food. Every dog has a different body and therefore, there could be some ingredients that could end up being harmful. Before you opt for a brand, just ensure you read the food label to understand the constituent ingredients. You can also consult a vet to get a better idea.
• Type. There are several types of dog foods available. From the basic wet and dry to prescription diets and limited ingredient diets. If your dog is a picky eater, it is best to understand the type of food your dog will prefer.
• Cost. Dog food should not lead to a hole in one’s pockets. Since you will be buying the food for your dog’s entire life, it is best to go for an option that is affordable but does not compromise on quality.
• Shelf Life. If your dog food expires within a short time duration, you might want to reconsider your choice of brand. It is best if the shelf life of the food is long as it can help keep it fresh.
• Nutritional Benefits. If your dog food offers dietary benefits that other brands don‘t, you are probably on the right track. You might also want to look for foods catering to special health conditions if your dog has any.

How do I Read a Dog Food Label?

There are a few things one has to keep in mind before reading a food label:

• Protein Source. It is best to figure out if the protein in your dog’s food comes from a known source. If the first ingredient in your dog’s food is either chicken, lamb, beef (etc.) as a whole, then the brand can be trusted. Be wary of ingredients that mention meat by-products as they could lead to health problems in some dogs.
• Additional Ingredients. These include vegetables, fruits, and grains. While these ingredients are crucial to balance your dog’s meal, sometimes there can be allergic reactions that might cause health complications.
• Preservative. Your dog’s food should not contain any artificial preservative that could cause health problems in some dogs. These are usually added to increase the shelf life of the product. If you see dog food with an unusually long shelf life, you might want to look up the preservative the brand is using.