The Best Dog Food Brands: A Comprehensive Review

Dogs are more than just pets; they are family members who deserve the best nutrition possible. But with so many dog food brands on the market, how do you choose the best one for your furry friend?

In this article, we will review some of the best dog food brands available in 2023, based on their ingredients, quality, variety, and customer feedback. We will also provide some tips on how to select the best dog food for your dog’s specific needs and preferences.

What to Look for in a Dog Food Brand

Before we dive into the reviews of the best dog food brands, let’s go over some of the factors that you should consider when choosing dog food for your pup.

• Ingredients: The ingredients list is the first thing you should look at when evaluating a dog food brand. You want to see high-quality animal proteins as the first ingredients, such as chicken, beef, lamb, fish, or eggs. You also want to avoid low-quality fillers, such as corn, wheat, soy, or by-products. Look for wholesome carbohydrates, such as brown rice, oatmeal, sweet potatoes, or barley. And don’t forget about healthy fats, such as chicken fat, flaxseed oil, or salmon oil. These provide essential fatty acids for your dog’s skin and coat health. You also want to see fruits and vegetables, which provide vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber for your dog’s overall well-being. And finally, look for beneficial supplements, such as probiotics, prebiotics, enzymes, glucosamine, chondroitin, taurine, and omega-3 fatty acids. These can help support your dog’s digestion, immunity, joints, heart, and brain health.
• Quality: The quality of the ingredients is just as important as the quantity. You want to choose a dog food brand that uses human-grade ingredients that are sourced from reputable suppliers. You also want to avoid artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, or additives that can harm your dog’s health. Look for natural preservatives, such as tocopherols (vitamin E) or rosemary extract. You also want to choose a dog food brand that meets or exceeds the nutritional standards set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), which ensures that the food provides complete and balanced nutrition for your dog’s life stage and activity level.
• Variety: Dogs are not one-size-fits-all creatures; they have different needs and preferences depending on their age, size, breed, health condition, and taste buds. That’s why you want to choose a dog food brand that offers a variety of formulas and flavors to suit your dog’s unique profile. For example, puppies need more calories and protein than adult dogs; large breeds need more glucosamine and chondroitin than small breeds; senior dogs need more antioxidants and fiber than younger dogs; and dogs with allergies or sensitivities need more limited ingredient or grain-free options than dogs with normal digestion. You also want to choose a dog food brand that offers different types of food, such as dry kibble, wet canned food, freeze-dried food, or fresh food. These can provide different benefits for your dog’s health and enjoyment.
• Customer Feedback: One of the best ways to gauge the quality and performance of a dog food brand is to read what other customers have to say about it. You can find customer reviews on online platforms such as Amazon, Chewy, or DogFoodAdvisor. You can also ask your veterinarian, your friends, or your local pet store for their recommendations. Customer feedback can help you learn about the pros and cons of a dog food brand, such as its palatability, digestibility, value, and customer service.

The Best Dog Food Brands in 2023

Based on these criteria,
we have selected some of the best dog food brands available in 2023.
Here is a table that summarizes our top picks:

Let’s take a closer look at each of these brands and see what makes them stand out from the crowd.

Farmina N & D Ancestral Low Grain Dry Dog Food

Farmina is a family-owned company that produces high-quality pet food in Italy. Their N & D Ancestral Low Grain line is inspired by the ancestral diet of dogs, which consisted of mostly meat and some low-glycemic carbohydrates. Each formula contains 60% animal ingredients, 20% organic spelt and oats, and 20% fruits, vegetables, vitamins, and minerals. The animal ingredients are fresh and never frozen, and the fruits and vegetables are GMO-free and pesticide-free. The food is also enriched with natural supplements, such as glucosamine, chondroitin, taurine, and omega-3 fatty acids. Farmina N & D Ancestral Low Grain dog food is suitable for all life stages and comes in various flavors, such as chicken, lamb, boar, cod, quail, and pumpkin.

Some of the benefits of Farmina N & D Ancestral Low Grain dog food are:

• High-protein and low-grain content that mimics the natural diet of dogs
• Fresh and natural ingredients that provide optimal nutrition and taste
• Variety of flavors and formulas to suit different preferences and needs
• No artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors

Some of the drawbacks of Farmina N & D Ancestral Low Grain dog food are:

• High price compared to other brands
• Limited availability in some regions
• May not be suitable for dogs with grain allergies or sensitivities

Orijen

Orijen is a Canadian brand that follows the philosophy of biologically appropriate pet food. This means that their formulas are designed to match the evolutionary diet of dogs, which consisted of mostly fresh meat and some fruits, vegetables, and botanicals. Orijen dog food contains 85% animal ingredients, 15% plant ingredients, and 0% grains or gluten. The animal ingredients are fresh or raw, sourced from local farms, ranches, or fisheries. The plant ingredients are fresh or dried, sourced from local orchards or gardens. The food is also supplemented with natural vitamins, minerals, probiotics, enzymes, and antioxidants. Orijen dog food is suitable for all life stages and comes in various flavors, such as original, regional red, six fish, tundra, fit & trim, senior, puppy, and puppy large.

Some of the benefits of Orijen dog food are:

• High meat content that provides rich protein and fat for your dog’s health
• Fresh regional ingredients that are traceable and sustainable
• Low-glycemic carbohydrates that support stable blood sugar levels
• No artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors

Some of the drawbacks of Orijen dog food are:

• High price compared to other brands
• High-calorie content that may not be suitable for less active or overweight dogs
• May cause digestive issues for some dogs due to the high protein content

Purina Pro Plan

Purina Pro Plan is one of the most popular dog food brands in the world. It is backed by a team of nutritionists and veterinarians who research and develop formulas for different life stages, sizes, and special needs of dogs. Purina Pro Plan dog food contains real meat as the first ingredient, along with wholesome grains, probiotics, and omega fatty acids. The food is also formulated to meet or exceed the AAFCO nutritional standards for dogs. Purina Pro Plan dog food offers a wide range of options for dry and wet food, such as Savor, Focus, Sport, Bright Mind, and Veterinary Diets.

Some of the benefits of Purina Pro Plan dog food are:

• Wide range of formulas for all life stages, sizes, and special needs of dogs
• Real meat is the first ingredient that provides high-quality protein for your dog’s muscles
• Probiotics that support your dog’s digestive health
• Omega fatty acids that support your dog’s skin and coat health

Some of the drawbacks of Purina Pro Plan dog food are:

• Some formulas contain corn, wheat, soy, or by-products that may not be suitable for dogs with grain allergies or sensitivities High price compared to other brands May cause digestive issues for some dogs due to the high fiber content

Royal Canin

Royal Canin is a French brand that specializes in breed-specific and veterinary-prescribed dog food. Their formulas are based on scientific research and precise nutrition, tailored to the unique needs and characteristics of different breeds and health conditions. Royal Canin dog food contains digestible proteins, such as chicken by-product meal, pork meal, or fish meal, as well as grains, such as brewers rice, corn, or wheat. The food is also fortified with antioxidants, such as vitamins E and C, lutein, and taurine, to support your dog’s immune system. Royal Canin dog food is suitable for various life stages and comes in various flavors, such as chicken, lamb, beef, or pork. Royal Canin also offers a range of veterinary diets for dogs with specific health issues, such as urinary tract infections, kidney disease, food allergies, or obesity.

Some of the benefits of Royal Canin dog food are:

• Breed-specific and veterinary-prescribed formulas that provide precise nutrition for your dog’s needs
• Digestible proteins that support your dog’s muscle health
• Antioxidants that support your dog’s immune health
• Variety of flavors and formulas to suit different preferences and needs

Some of the drawbacks of Royal Canin dog food are:

• Some formulas contain by-products, grains, or gluten, which may not be suitable for dogs with allergies or sensitivities
• High price compared to other brands
• Limited availability in some regions

Hill’s Science Diet

Hill’s Science Diet is an American brand that produces science-based dog food for all life stages and health conditions. Their formulas are developed by veterinarians and nutritionists who use natural ingredients and clinically proven benefits to support your dog’s well-being. Hill’s Science Diet dog food contains real meat, such as chicken, lamb, or beef, as well as wholesome grains, such as barley, oatmeal, or brown rice. The food is also enriched with natural supplements, such as glucosamine, chondroitin, L-carnitine, and omega-3 fatty acids. Hill’s Science Diet dog food offers a wide range of options for dry and wet food, such as Adult, Puppy, Senior, Small Paws, Perfect Weight, Sensitive Stomach & Skin, and Oral Care.

Some of the benefits of Hill’s Science Diet dog food are:

• Science-based formulas for all life stages and health conditions with natural ingredients and clinically proven benefits
• Real meat is the first ingredient that provides high-quality protein for your dog’s muscles
• Natural supplements that support your dog’s joint, weight, skin, coat, and oral health
• No artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors

Some of the drawbacks of Hill’s Science Diet dog food are:

• Some formulas contain corn, wheat, soy, or gluten, which may not be suitable for dogs with allergies or sensitivities
• High price compared to other brands
• May cause digestive issues for some dogs due to the high fiber content

The Honest Kitchen

The Honest Kitchen is a California-based brand that produces dehydrated and wet dog food using human-grade ingredients. Their formulas are made with minimally processed ingredients that are gently dehydrated to preserve their nutrients and flavor. The Honest Kitchen dog food contains real meat, such as chicken, turkey, beef, or fish, as well as fruits and vegetables, such as carrots, apples, spinach, or cranberries. The food is also supplemented with vitamins, minerals, probiotics, and antioxidants. The Honest Kitchen dog food is suitable for all life stages and comes in various flavors, such as chicken & quinoa, turkey & parsnip, beef & barley, or fish & coconut. The Honest Kitchen also offers a range of wet food cups for dogs who prefer a moist texture.

Some of the benefits of The Honest Kitchen dog food are:

• Human-grade ingredients that provide optimal nutrition and taste for your dog
• Minimally processed ingredients that retain their natural goodness and flavor
• Dehydrated ingredients that are easy to store and prepare
• Variety of flavors and formulas to suit different preferences and needs

Some of the drawbacks of The Honest Kitchen dog food are:

• High price compared to other brands
• Requires rehydration before feeding
• May not be suitable for dogs with grain allergies or sensitivities

Bil-Jac

Bil-Jac is an Ohio-based brand that produces fresh chicken-based dog food using slow-cooked processing. Their formulas are made with fresh chicken or chicken organs that are gently cooked to preserve their protein quality and flavor. Bil-Jac dog food contains chicken as the first and main ingredient, as well as grains, such as corn meal, oatmeal, or barley. The food is also fortified with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Bil-Jac dog food is suitable for various life stages and comes in various flavors, such as chicken & oatmeal, chicken & sweet potato, or chicken & rice. Bil-Jac also offers a range of wet food pouches for dogs who prefer a moist texture.

Some of the benefits of Bil-Jac dog food are:

• Fresh chicken is the first and main ingredient that provides high-quality protein and fat for your dog’s health
• Slow-cooked processing that preserves the protein quality and flavor of the chicken
• No fillers or gluten that can cause allergies or sensitivities
• Variety of flavors and formulas to suit different preferences and needs

Some of the drawbacks of Bil-Jac dog food are:

• Some formulas contain corn meal, which may not be suitable for dogs with grain allergies or sensitivities
• High-fat content that may not be suitable for less active or overweight dogs
• Limited availability in some regions

Merrick

Merrick is a Texas-based brand that produces grain-free and grain-inclusive dog food using real meat and wholesome fruits and vegetables. Their formulas are made with deboned meat, such as chicken, beef, lamb, or salmon, as well as fruits and vegetables, such as peas, potatoes, apples, or blueberries. The food is also enhanced with natural supplements, such as glucosamine, chondroitin, omega-3 fatty acids, and probiotics. Merrick dog food is suitable for all life stages and comes in various flavors, such as chicken & sweet potato, beef & barley, lamb & brown rice, or salmon & sweet potato. Merrick also offers a range of wet food cans for dogs who prefer a moist texture.

Some of the benefits of Merrick dog food are:

• Grain-free and grain-inclusive options to suit different dietary needs and preferences
• Real meat is the first ingredient that provides high-quality protein for your dog’s muscles
• Wholesome fruits and vegetables that provide vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber for your dog’s overall well-being
• Natural supplements that support your dog’s joint, skin, coat, and digestive health

Some of the drawbacks of Merrick dog food are:

• High price compared to other brands
• High-calorie content that may not be suitable for less active or overweight dogs
• May cause digestive issues for some dogs due to the high protein content

How to Choose the Best Dog Food Brand for Your Dog

As you can see, there are many factors to consider when choosing a dog food brand for your dog. The best dog food brand for your dog may not be the best one for another dog, as each dog has different needs and preferences. Therefore, it is important to consult your veterinarian before switching your dog’s food, especially if your dog has any health issues or special dietary requirements. Your veterinarian can help you determine the best type, amount, and frequency of feeding for your dog, as well as recommend some suitable brands based on your dog’s profile.

Here are some general tips on how to choose the best dog food brand for your dog:

• Start with the ingredients list and look for high-quality animal proteins, wholesome carbohydrates, healthy fats, fruits and vegetables, and beneficial supplements. Avoid low-quality fillers, by-products, artificial additives, or allergens.
• Check the quality of the ingredients and make sure they are human-grade, fresh or minimally processed, and sourced from reputable suppliers. Look for natural preservatives and avoid artificial ones.
• Check the variety of formulas and flavors and choose one that matches your dog’s life stage, size, breed, health condition, and taste buds. Look for different types of food, such as dry kibble, wet canned food, freeze-dried food, or fresh food. These can provide different benefits for your dog’s health and enjoyment.
• Check the customer feedback and read what other customers have to say about the brand. Look for positive reviews that mention palatability, digestibility, value, and customer service. Avoid negative reviews that mention health issues, quality issues, or poor service.
• Check the price and compare it with other brands that offer similar quality and variety. Look for discounts or coupons that can help you save money. Remember that price is not always an indicator of quality; sometimes you can find great deals on high-quality brands.

Conclusion

Choosing a dog food brand for your dog can be a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. With some research and guidance from your veterinarian, you can find a brand that meets your dog’s nutritional needs and preferences. We hope this article has helped you learn more about some of the best dog food brands available in 2023 and how to choose the best one for your furry friend.🐶