Look for foods that are appropriately calorie-dense to prevent weight gain and support your pet’s energy levels. Check the calorie content on the food’s label in kilocalories.
Veterinarians and animal specialists recommend looking for foods that feature a variety of protein sources to reduce your pet’s chances of developing sensitivities, says Saker. This food’s deboned turkey and chicken meal are the main protein sources, with carbohydrates from brown rice, oatmeal, barley, and quinoa.
Hill’s Science Diet
Hill’s Science Diet is one of the most popular dog foods available. The brand’s food is formulated by experts, including veterinarians and pet nutritionists. They follow the highest quality standards and use scientific research to create healthy recipes for dogs.
The first ingredient in this kibble is chicken meal, which is a meat concentrate that contains nearly 300% more protein than fresh chicken. The second ingredient is brewer rice, which is the cereal grain byproduct made from the small fragments left behind after milling whole rice. It provides a moderate amount of energy but offers only modest nutritional value to dogs.
The third and fourth ingredients are yellow peas and soybean meal, which provide a moderate source of protein. These legumes may increase the risk of heart disease in some dogs, so it’s best to avoid them if your pet has a history of cardiovascular problems.
Purina Pro Plan
Purina Pro Plan is a popular brand that has a lot of variety. Its products are suited for most dogs and come in formulas for adult dogs, puppies, and breed size-specific options as well as sport dog and senior formulations.
The top ingredient in this food is chicken, followed by rice. Rice is a good grain for dogs as it is easy to digest and has better allergy properties than corn. However, it is not clear what kind of rice is used here as the label does not specify.
The next ingredient is beef fat, which is a meat concentrate that may be made from the remains of higher-quality cuts for people. The food also uses unnamed fish ingredients, which are less nutritious and may contain more omega-6 than omega-3. This food does not state the omega-6:omega-3 ratio, which is an important nutrient balance indicator.
Merrick
This brand has a wide range of recipes that are free from common allergens like corn, wheat, and soy. They also feature whole grains and wholesome ingredients that are easy for your pet to digest.
Most of their formulas have meat or meat meal as the first ingredient but some options are grain-free. Carbohydrate sources include pearled barley, oatmeal, and ground rice. They also have guaranteed levels of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids as well as glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health.
Spragley recommends this recipe from Merrick because it is a grain-free food that is highly palatable. It has a high protein content from deboned chicken and includes complex carbohydrates like sweet potatoes. It also has taurine, glucosamine, and chondroitin to support joint health. It’s also a good choice for dogs with allergies. When you’re looking for pet food and supplies, don’t forget to check for the latest PETstock promo code to get the best deals and discounts.
Canidae
Canidae is an American dog food brand that’s known for its high-quality recipes. The company uses a variety of protein sources and offers dry kibble as well as wet pates and toppers. All of the products are nutritionally dense and free of corn, wheat, and soy.
The company’s patented HealthPLUS Solutions adds probiotics, Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, and antioxidants to the foods. This improves digestion and immunity.
Canidae makes its pet food at a 100,000-square-foot plant in Brownwood, Texas. It’s one of the smallest pet food plants in the country, which lets the company control every step of production. Unlike other pet food brands, Canidae doesn’t rely on a single supplier and has had only one recall since 2012. It also has a large pet hospital and nutrition center to make sure that all its products meet the highest standards.
Royal Canin
Royal Canin prioritizes the nutritional needs of dogs in all of its products. Using expert recommendations from veterinary nutritionists, the brand formulates recipes that are appropriate for a dog’s breed, size, and life stage.
For example, the company’s French Bulldog formula contains a kibble shape that’s easier for short-snout pups to chew, and it helps reduce gas and stool odor with easily digestible proteins. It also uses prebiotics and a fiber blend that promotes healthy digestion.
The manufacturer also uses low-glycemic ingredients to help control blood sugar levels and prevent diabetes, and some recipes use hydrolyzed protein, a pre-processed form of protein that’s less likely to trigger food sensitivities in sensitive pups. And because they use quality, traceable raw ingredients, pet parents can feel good about feeding their furry family members this brand. The company’s recipes also include nutrients that support a dog’s skin health.
Nutro
Nutro uses quality ingredients that are cooked minimally and sourced from trusted farmers. They have a “Feed Clean” philosophy that only uses simple, purposeful ingredients and never adds anything artificial or unnecessary.
Chicken is the main protein source in many of their recipes and is a high-quality item that provides essential nutrients. The brand also uses chicken meal, which is a more concentrated form of meat that is lower in moisture content than raw chicken.
Beef liver and lamb meal are other protein sources in their recipes, and vegetables like carrots and peas provide fiber and nutrients. Sunflower oil is added as a source of Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids. Nutro’s Healthy Weight formulas reduce fat content and calories but still provide the proteins pets need. Pet parents praise this food for helping to manage their dogs’ weight and keep them satisfied. If you’re shopping for Nutro pet food, be sure to check for the latest PET promo code to get the best deals and discounts.
Purina ONE
The brand’s recipes start with natural ingredients and are crafted by nutritionists. They use only wholesome ingredients and no fillers. And their foods are backed by research, says one of our experts.
In this line of dog food, chicken is the first ingredient, but it’s not as high-quality as it sounds because raw chicken contains 73% water and cooks down to a fraction of its original weight. Next comes beef fat, which is a quality ingredient, and then glycerin, which is used as a natural flavor enhancer.
This brand is affordable, and many survey respondents say it suits their pups’ stomachs well. It also has a variety of wet and dry foods, including special small breed formulas with smaller kibble. There are even formulas for health issues, such as weight management and joint health. The only drawback is that it offers fewer flavors than some of the other brands we reviewed.
IAMS
The iams company knows that every pet has unique needs and that they deserve tailored nutrition. Their varied dry foods are designed with different life stages and lifestyles in mind.
They feature high levels of protein and a variety of ingredients that offer benefits like antioxidants, natural prebiotic fibers, vitamins A and E to support eye health, glucosamine to aid joint health, and omega 3 and 6 fatty acids for skin and coat health. They also offer a line of food for senior pets with easy-to-digest carbohydrates and high levels of animal proteins.
In our survey, many pet owners also noted that Iams offers a wide selection of wet and dry dog food for smaller dogs. Their small kibble sizes are easy for them to chew. Plus, this brand is made and owned by the Mars family of companies (of Mars Bar fame). They make some of the best dog foods on the market!
Nutro Junior
Choosing the healthiest dog food for your pup will depend on many factors, including age, breed, lifestyle, health issues, and flavor preferences. However, the best dog foods will provide balanced nutrition and dietary support with high-quality ingredients.
ACANA uses local, fresh ingredients in their formulas and believes that pet food should taste just like the way Mother Nature intended. They use heritage red meats from Appalachian ranching country, free-run poultry and eggs, wild-caught fish, and locally grown vegetables and fruits.
A top choice for many pet owners, this brand features clean, high-quality ingredients without fillers. The company is family-run and manufactures its food in the USA. They have a variety of dry and wet foods available to suit your dog’s dietary needs. This brand is also grain-free and has no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives.
Alpo
The Alpo brand has been around for a long time and is now part of the Purina-Nestle Petcare family. This dog food brand is considered to be a budget-friendly option and can be found in local pet stores. However, a lot of dog owners have negative experiences with this food and do not recommend it.
The first ingredient in Alpo’s dry recipes is ground yellow corn, which is not very healthy for dogs. Also, the products contain unnamed meat by-products, animal fats, and wheat gluten that can be a trigger for allergies. Nevertheless, the food does taste good to dogs and is a decent option for those on a budget. Some Alpo formulas are designed to help with specific health issues like digestive problems and weight management. Other foods are formulated to support dental health. For example, Alpo’s Come and Get It has 23 essential vitamins and minerals.
Conclusion
providing your dog with a healthy and balanced diet is essential for their overall health and well-being. There are many dog food options available, but some stand out as the healthiest choices. From premium brands like Orijen and Blue Buffalo to natural options like Merrick and Wellness, these top 10 healthiest dog foods provide high-quality ingredients and essential nutrients to keep your furry friend healthy and happy. Remember to always consult with your veterinarian before making any significant changes to your dog’s diet.
