Being a pet parent comes with its fair share of responsibilities, including feeding them a nutritious diet. From managing weight to building robust immune systems, there are numerous health benefits to giving your dog the right food, according to experts (balanced, of course, around their favorite dog treats).
“Commercially processed canned or kibble foods are formulated to meet dogs’ nutritional needs for proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals — they’re convenient, consistent and readily available, and they undergo a process of quality control and inspection that is meant to catch any contaminants or pathogens before they affect pets or people,” says Dr. Lori Teller, a board-certified veterinarian and immediate past president of the American Veterinary Medical Association.
I have written about all things dogs — and specifically dog food — for over three years. To help you search, I consulted veterinarians and animal nutrition experts on what to consider when shopping for the best dog food. Below, I compiled expert-recommended dog food brands to consider and options NBC Select staffers feed their own pets.
When choosing the right food for your dog, my experts recommend considering the following factors:
AAFCO nutrition standards: Ensure the dog food meets AAFCO nutrition standards, which you can determine by looking at the nutritional adequacy statement on the label that will note the food is “complete and balanced.” All of the dog foods I list — including dry kibble and canned wet food — meet or exceed the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) nutritional standards.
Ingredients and palatability: All of the following dog foods come from brands with a team of veterinary nutritionists on staff to regulate the use of high-quality ingredients (more on specific ingredients and formulas below). The ingredient list on the packaging displays all ingredients from highest to least amount by weight, which means the first three listed are the most crucial to consider, according to AAFCO. Nutritional value and proportions: Make sure brands provide a feeding guide on its packaging to help you determine the appropriate portions for your dog’s weight and size.
Your dog’s size, weight, and life stage: For example, you should feed your puppy food that’s specifically labeled for puppies until they reach their adult body weight. Some dog foods are labeled by size, like small, medium, and large breeds, which means the size of the kibble is easier for them to ingest. Some brands like Royal Canin also have breed-specific formulas, which can help address common needs and concerns for certain dog breeds. All of the following brands offer high-calorie options for puppies and easily digestible kibble sizes for dogs of various sizes.
Below, I compiled the best dog foods to consider that are in line with experts’ guidance. I also listed options that NBC Select staffers feed their own dogs.
Best overall dog food: Royal Canin Small Breed Adult Dry Dog Food
What we like: Crunchy texture, multiple kibble sizes, resealable bag
Something to note: Nothing to note at this time
Royal Canin has some of the most diverse dog food options on the market — the brand makes both dry and wet dog food for various dog sizes, breeds, and dietary restrictions, including food sensitivities and gastrointestinal issues. I feed my 6-year-old Havanese and bichon frise mix, Bella, Royal Canin’s small-breed dry dog food after my veterinarian recommended it. The small-breed kibble is made for small dogs 10 months to 8 years old that weigh between nine and 22 pounds.
Shari Uyehara, former NBC Select manager of editorial operations, also feeds her dog Loki, a 2-year-old cavalier King Charles spaniel, the same formula after it was recommended by Loki’s breeder. I’ve noticed that Bella prefers this brand over others, which she would often leave half-eaten. Royal Canin also has dry food formula for extra-small, medium, large breeds, and giant breeds, as well as a puppy formula.
Food type: Dry | Texture: Crunchy kibble | Calorie content: 359 kcal per cup (small breed formula) | Main ingredients: Corn, chicken by-product meal, brewers rice, brown rice
Royal Canin’s dog food is commonly recommended by veterinarians. Loki, a 2-year-old cavalier King Charles spaniel, eats his Royal Canin kibble from a slow feeder to prevent him from eating too fast.
Best dry dog food for sensitive stomachs: Purina Pro Plan Adult Sensitive Skin & Stomach Dry Dog Food
What we like: Easy to digest, novel proteins, no wheat, soy, or corn
Something to note: May take time to adjust, kibble is all the same size
Some dogs are sensitive to certain food ingredients, which can cause excessive itching, loose stools, occasional vomiting, and other symptoms. Investing in a dog food formulated for dogs with sensitive stomachs and skin can help minimize these issues. This option from Purina does not have corn, wheat, or soy, so it’s easier to digest for dogs with an intolerance to these ingredients. However, these types of ingredients should only be avoided if your dog has an intolerance because they are full of healthy vitamins, minerals, and carbohydrates, experts say. To help your dog maintain a complete and balanced diet, the formula has high-protein salmon (novel proteins like salmon that aren’t common in a dog’s diet help with sensitive stomach issues, according to experts), probiotics and prebiotic fiber for digestive and immune health, and omega-6 fatty acids to help support a healthy skin and coat, according to the brand.
Food type: Dry | Texture: Crunchy kibble | Calorie content: 407 kcal per cup | Main ingredients: Salmon, barley, rice, oatmeal, canola meal, fish meal
Best dog food for puppies: Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Small Bites Dry Dog Food
What we like: Small-sized kibble, supports overall puppy health, easy to digest
Something to note: Nothing to note at this time
Hill’s Science Diet’s puppy food is made for dogs up to 1 year old and comes in small, easy-to-digest kibble, according to the brand. The formula has natural omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil that work to support healthy brain and eye development, as well
