Max, my dog, is the best dog in the entire universe. Whether I’m happy, upset, or lazy, I can always count on him to be there for me. Finding the correct dry food for him has been difficult because he is somewhat selective.
I’ve experimented with numerous kinds and tastes, but none worked for me. Max didn’t appear to love it, but he will eat it. Then, one day, I decided to try a new brand that a buddy had told me about. Although it cost slightly more than the other brands I had tried, I was still ready to try.
Max got a bowl of food when I brought it home. He examined it warily, but his tail started wagging after tasting it. In one sitting, he finished the entire bowl. Finding a dry meal that Max enjoyed eating was a huge relief.
Since then, I’ve been researching the best dry foods for dogs. I’ve talked to pet experts, read reviews, and compare brands. And I’m here to share my findings with you.
In this article, according to pet experts, I’ll tell you about the best dry foods for dogs. I’ll also share some tips on how to choose the right dry food for your dog and how to transition your dog to a new food.
So whether you’re looking for a new dry food for your picky eater or want to ensure you’re feeding your dog the best possible food, this article is for you.
Comparison Table
What is Dry Dog Foods?
Dry dog food, also known as kibble, is a type of commercial dog food made from various ingredients, such as meat, grains, vegetables, and vitamins and minerals. It is then cooked and dried into small, hard pellets.
Dry dog food is the most popular dog food on the market worldwide. It is convenient to store and feed and is typically less expensive than other types of dog food, such as wet food. Dry dog food is also a good source of nutrition for dogs of all ages and breeds.
However, it is important to note that not all dry dog foods are good. Some dry dog foods contain high fillers, such as corn and wheat, which dogs might be unable to digest. Other dry dog foods may contain artificial ingredients, such as colors and flavors, which are unnecessary for dog food.
When choosing a dry dog food for your dog, it is important to select a food made from high-quality ingredients appropriate for your dog’s age, breed, and activity level. You should also avoid dry dog foods with high fillers and artificial ingredients.
In this article, I’ll review the ten best dry foods for your dog that your dog will love.
8 Best Dry Foods for Your Dog
The ten best dry foods for your dog will vary depending on their size, nutritional, and health needs. However, we’ll cover some of the most popular and highly-rated dry dog foods with all these benefits below:
1: Rachael Ray Nutrish Premium Natural Dry Dog Food – Affordable price
I have been feeding my neighbor’s dog buddy the Rachael Ray Nutrish premium Natural Dry dog food for a year, and I am pretty happy with it. Buddy is a 4-year-old German Shepherd. He loves the taste of the food, and his energy levels are also great.
Nutritional benefits
It doesn’t matter what’s the age of your dog and what activities it does. This dry dog food is a perfect option for you. It has all the essential nutrients to stay healthy because it is made of real meat, whole grains, and vegetables. It is rich in protein, which helps dogs in their muscle growth and keep a healthy weight.
Taste and flavor
This dry dog food comes in four flavors: Real Chicken and veggies, Real Beef, peas and brown Rice, Real Turkey, Brown Rice and venison, and Real Salmon and brown Rice. I have tried all four on Buddy, but he likes the Real Chicken & Veggies flavor.
Health Needs
If your dog has allergies, sensitive stomach, weight management issues, or joint health problems, then the Rachael Ray Nutrish Premium Natural Dry Dog Food is a good option. This dry food is good for everyone if you have puppies or senior dogs like Buddy.
Ingredients
The ingredients of the food depend on the flavor. This dry food dog includes chicken, beef, turkey, salmon, brown rice, barley, oats, peas, carrots, and sweet potatoes.
Overall, it’s a very good dry dog food, and my neighbor’s dog buddy likes the taste, so we highly recommend this Rachael Ray Nutrish Premium Natural Dry Dog Food to other Dog owners.
Feeding Instructions
| Dog’s Weight | Dosage |
| Less than 5 pounds | 1/4 cup |
| 5-10 pounds | 1/2 cup |
| 11-20 pounds | 3/4 cup |
| 21-30 pounds | 1 cup |
| 31-40 pounds | 1 1/4 cups |
| 41-50 pounds | 1 1/2 cups |
| 51-60 pounds | 1 3/4 cups |
| 61-70 pounds | 2 cups |
| 71-80 pounds | 2 1/4 cups |
| 81-90 pounds | 2 1/2 cups |
| 91-100 pounds | 2 3/4 cups |
Pros
- Made with real meat.
- It has vegetables and whole grains.
- It doesn’t have any artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives
- Very affordable dog food option.
- Widely available in stores.
Cons
-
- Contains some low-quality ingredients like corn and wheat.
- Not very nutrient-dense compared to some other premium dog foods.
Made with real meat
2: Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food – Best for senior Dogs
I have fed Hill’s science diet dry dog food to my sister’s dog, Luna. She is a 5-year-old Golden Retriever who loves the taste of this dry dog food. She has a very healthy coat and skin. It is a complete and balanced diet for the dogs of all ages.
Nutritional benefits
It has all the essential nutrients that help them to keep healthy and active. This dry food has some very important minerals that ensure that your dog’s teeth and bones are always strong at every age. It doesn’t matter if your dog wants to build muscles or lean muscle mass. This dry dog food can fulfill your dog’s needs.
Taste and flavors
Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food has various flavors, including chicken, beef, lamb, salmon, and turkey. The flavor and taste of the food will vary depending on the specific ingredients used. For example, chicken-flavored food will typically have a savory, meaty taste, while salmon-flavored food will have a more fishy taste. But the best thing about this food is that most dogs widely like the taste.
Health Needs
If your dog has any digestive issues or teeth or bones issues, this dog food suits him. It has clinically proven antioxidants to help improve the overall health of your immune system.
Overall, it is a very good dry dog food for senior dogs because it has all the minerals that can strengthen the bones of your joints.
Feeding Instructions
| Weight | Dosage |
| 2 pounds | 1/4 to 1/3 cup |
| 5 pounds | 1/2 to 2/3 cup |
| 10 pounds | 3/4 to 1-⅛ cup |
| 15 pounds | 1-1/8 to 1-1/2 cup |
| 20 pounds | 1-1/3 to 1-3/4 cup |
| 25 pounds | 1-2/3 to 2-1/4 cup |
| 30 pounds | 1-3/4 to 2-1/2 cup |
Pros
- Made of high-quality ingredients
- It is most widely recommended dry dog foods by veterinarians
- Meets specific needs of different dogs
- It is clinically proven to improve the immune system health.
Cons
- The price of the food is very high
- It is a grain-enriched food so, might not be good for all dogs.
3: Wellness Complete Health Dry Puppy Food – Best for Brain Development
I have talked to many dog owners who were feeding their dogs the Wellness Complete Health dry puppy food, and they seemed satisfied with this product. After talking to them for several hours, We (me and the dog owners who have used this product) are compiling this review.
Nutritional benefits
It is an important food for the nutrient needs of your dogs because it is enriched with all the needed nutrients, but with that, it has some particular nutrients, DHA and ARA, that are very important for the brain development and eye development of the dogs.
Taste and flavor
According to reviews from puppy owners, their puppies love the taste of Wellness Complete Health Dry Puppy Food. They say that their puppies eat the food with gusto and seem to enjoy all the flavors.
One reviewer said their puppy “goes crazy” for the Chicken, Salmon, and oatmeal flavors. Another reviewer said that their puppy “loves the taste and texture” of the Deboned Turkey, Oatmeal & Salmon Meal flavor. And still, another reviewer said that their puppy “can’t get enough of” the Lamb and oatmeal taste. Overall, the Wellness Complete Health dry food is loved by puppies.
Health needs
If your dog is facing any problem in healthy hip and joint functioning, then this food is Scientifically formulated for the smooth functioning of these joints. It has Glucosamine and chondroitin, which help in mobility and smooth functioning of all the joints.
The Wellness Complete Health Dry Puppy Food is the best option if you have a small breed senior dry food dog. It will nourish and sustain your dog’s wellbeing.
Recipe/ingredients
These products are made in the USA, and brands claim their ingredients are carefully collected globally. It does not contain any poultry by-products, wheat, wheat gluten, corn, soy, artificial colors, or preservatives, which means it is a perfect food for your small breed senior dog.
Feeding instructions
| Weight | Dosage |
| 03 lbs | ⅓ cups |
| 05 lbs | ⅔ cups |
| 10 lbs | 1 cups |
| 15 lbs | 1⅓ cups |
| 20 lbs | 1¾ cups |
| 25 lbs | 2½ cups |
| 30 lbs | 2½ cups |
Pros
- It is scientifically formulated for healthy joints
- Nutrient-enriched food to meet the unique needs of your dogs
- It does not contain corn, wheat, or soy
- Good for digestive health, heart, and skin health
Cons
- The price increased recently
4: Rachael Ray Nutrish Zero Grain Dry Dog Food – Grain-free Formula
Racheal Ray Nutrish Zero is a very delicious dog food many dogs and their owners like. This was a very widely known brand, and as the name says, the food from this brand is enriched in nutrients.
This dry dog food has omega-3 fatty acids that help to keep your dog’s brand active, and it also has whole grains that help your dog not to lose its energy and stay active all day.
Taste and flavor
Rachael Ray Nutrish Zero Grain Dry Dog Food is a delicious and nutritious food that dogs love. As the first ingredient, real meat provides a savory flavor that dogs crave, while whole grains and vegetables provide essential nutrients. The food is also available in various flavors, including chicken, beef, lamb, salmon, and turkey, so there is a flavor to please every dog.
Health needs
Rachael Ray Nutrish Zero Grain Dry Dog Food is a good choice for dogs with various health needs, including allergies, sensitive stomachs, and weight management. It is also a good choice for active dogs who need a high-energy diet. If your dog is experiencing something we have mentioned, this dog food is a good option for you.
This Rachael Ray Nutrish Zero Grain Dry Dog Food is suitable for all life stages of dogs, so you don’t have to look for some specific option for your dog.
Recipe/ingredients
The first ingredient in this dry food recipe would be poultry, fish, or real meat. The brand does not add fillers or poultry products to its food products. It is 100 safe for your dog because no artificial flavor or preservatives are added to the food.
Feeding instructions
Give your dog 1 can per 15 pounds of body weight per day, depending on their activity level & Be sure to provide your dog with plenty of fresh, clean water every day.
Pros
- Simple, delicious, and natural dog food.
- Great food for senior dogs
- Good for the mind, and body of your dog and keeps them energetic.
- They have a foundation that does goods for pets around the globe.
- It does not have any fillers or preservatives.
Cons
- Some dogs experience gas after eating this food.
- There are some cases of allergic reactions in dogs with some ingredients of the product.
5: ACANA Grain-Free Dry Dog Food – No Artificial Colors/ preservatives
After interviewing many dog owners, we have found out that some dogs like red meat recipes, so to cater to the needs of these types of dogs, the Acana Grain Free dog food is a very good and nutritious option.
Nutritional benefits
This dry dog food has Fresh, or Raw Farm-Raised Beef, Yorkshire Pork, and raw Lamb balanced with a whole pumpkin, collard greens, apples, and pears, which makes this dry dog food not only delicious but also nutritious, so you are killing two birds with one arrow.
Taste and Flavor
ACANA Grain-Free Dry Dog Food Red Meat Recipe has a rich, meaty taste that dogs love. Dogs are naturally drawn to the smell and taste of meat, so ACANA Grain-Free Dry Dog Food Red Meat Recipe is a good choice for picky eaters. The food is also a good choice for active dogs or those with a high energy level.
Health needs
If you want your dog’s healthy skin and shiny coat, then in this food, they will get Omega-3 and Omega-6, which will make the skin and coat of your dog healthy. Dogs with weak immune systems should have this food because it has vitamin E, strengthening your immune system.
ACANA Grain-Free Dry Dog Food is a very good food if your dog is an adult, but for the pups, this is not a very good option, and we won’t recommend it either.
Recipe/Ingredients
The food is made with natural beef, pork, and Lamb and contains no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives. This recipe doesn’t include low-grade ingredients such as soy, corn, wheat, or tapioca. The product is made in the USA, and according to the brand, the high-quality ingredients were imported worldwide.
Feeding Instructions
If you want to know how to feed this food to your dog then we would recommend you to go on the official website of the Acana. They have made a calculator where you have to put the estimated weight of your dog and its activity level and they will automatically give you how much you can feed your dog.
Pros
- Nutritious and delicious dry dog food.
- Will do wonders if your dog has a sensitive stomach.
- It has fiber-rich vegetables and fruit
- USA made product
- Food does not have soy, corn, wheat, or tapioca.
Cons
- It might develop itchy skin in some dogs.
- Some dogs might experience gas having this food.
6: IAMS Adult Healthy Weight Control Dry Dog Food – Best for Dogs to lose weight
IAMS Healthy Weight Management for Adults Grain-based dry dog food is intended especially to support adult dogs in maintaining a healthy weight. Compared to the IAMS Minichunks recipe, it has 17% less fat and is created with actual chicken as the main ingredient. In addition, it has L-carnitine to assist a healthy metabolism and a combination of natural prebiotics and fibers for a healthy digestive system.
Flavor and Taste
IAMS Adult Healthy Weight Control Dry Dog Food has a subjective flavor and taste that may differ from dog to dog. Still, a lot of dogs appear to like this food’s flavor. It is created with turkey, natural chicken, and other healthy components. Its flavor is savory and sweet. Many dogs find the kibble enticing since it is easy to chew and crunchy.
Health Needs
If your dog has digestive issues, you must feed him this food because it is a blend of fibers and natural prebiotics that will promote a healthy digestive system. This also has L-carnitine, which supports a healthy metabolism and helps dogs lose and maintain weight.
Recipe/Ingredients
IAMS Adult Healthy Weight Control Dry Dog Food is a low-fat food designed to help adult dogs maintain a healthy weight. In this recipe of food Chicken, Ground Whole Grain Corn, Ground Whole Grain Sorghum, Ground Whole Grain Barley, Chicken By-Product Meal, Dried Plain Beet Pulp, Natural Flavor and Brewers Dried Yeast are used.
| Weight | Dosage |
| 10 lbs | 3/4 c 2/3 c |
| 20 lbs | 1 1/2 c 1 1/4 c |
| 30 lbs | 2 c 1 2/3 c |
| 40 lbs | 2 1/2 c 2 c |
| 50 lbs | 3 c 2 1/3 c |
| 60 lbs | 3 1/3 – 2 2/3 c |
| 70 lbs | 3 3/4 – 3 c |
| 80 lbs | 4 1/4 c 3 1/3 c |
| 90 lbs | 4 1/2 c 3 2/3 c |
| 100 lbs | 5 c 4 c |
Pros
- It is made of 100% high-quality animal protein.
- Best for dogs with weight issues.
- It is widely recommended by the Veterinarians
- It supports a healthy metabolism.
- Nutritious diets that suit every dog’s needs
Cons
- It is a pricey option in dog food.
- Hard to chew
7: ZIWIPeak Air-Dried Dog Food – Best Air-Dried Food
ZIWI Peak Air-Dried Dog Food is a highly-rated dog food known for its high meat content, limited ingredients, and gentle cooking process. The food is made with human-grade meat, seafood, fruits, vegetables, and herbs. It is air-dried at low temperatures to preserve the nutrients and flavor of the ingredients.
Nutritional Benefits
This food is Highly regarded for its high meat content, minimal ingredient list, and gentle cooking method is ZIWIPeak Air-Dried Dog Food. The food is prepared with fruits, vegetables, herbs, and meat and fish of human grade. Low-temperature air drying is used to preserve the flavor and nutrients of the components.
Health needs
ZIWI Peak Air-Dried Dog Food is a limited-ingredient, high protein, grain-free dog food that can meet various health requirements. It is a wise choice for dogs with allergies, sensitivities, digestive problems, and other health issues.
It does not matter if you have a puppy or an adult dog. This dog food is perfect for everyone so you can feed it to all life stages.
Recipe/Ingredients
ZIWIPeak Air-Dried Dog Food is a grain-free, single-protein recipe with 96% free-range meat, organs, and bone, including 3% New Zealand green mussels for natural glucosamine and chondroitin. It is also 7% species-specific tripe for added palatability and digestive benefits.
| Weight | Dosage |
| 2.2 lbs | 0.4 scoops |
| 4.4 lbs | 0.6 scoops |
| 6.6 lbs | 0.8 scoops |
| 8.8 lbs | 1.0 scoops |
| 11 lbs | 1.2 scoops |
| 22 lbs | 2.0 scoops |
| 33 lbs | 2.8 scoops |
| 44 lbs | 3.4 scoops |
| 55 lbs | 4.0 scoops |
| 66 lbs | 4.6 scoops |
| 88 lbs | 6.8 scoops |
| 110 lbs | 8.0 scoops |
| 132 lbs | 9.1 scoops |
Pros
- It provides high-quality protein and nutrients to your dog.
- It is grain-free and low in carbs
- A good option to improve the overall heart and brain health.
- A complete meal of dogs of all life stages
- Support digestion, healthy skin and coat, joint health, reduce inflammation
Cons
- Packaging is not very good.
- Too Expensive
8: Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Puppy Starter Kit – Best for Puppies
The Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Puppy Starter Kit is popular among pet parents for its high-quality ingredients and balanced nutrition. It contains real meat as the first ingredient, along with whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. The food is also free of artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives.
Taste and Flavor
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula, Natural Puppy Starter, has a delicious chicken and brown rice flavor that puppies love. It is made with real meat and whole grains and is free of artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives.
Health needs
Like all other dog foods, this is also a very good option if your dog faces any digestive issues Furthermore, It also has DHA that supports your dog’s muscle eye and cognitive development. Overall, it’s good for a healthy and active life for your dog.
Recipe/Ingredients
If you have brought the puppy to your home and don’t know what to feed him, this Blue Buffalo is the best option. It will fulfill all the needs of your pups. You won’t find chicken or poultry by-product meals, NO corn, wheat, or soy, and NO artificial flavors or preservatives in this food recipe. It is a 100 % high-quality puppy made with real chicken.
| Weight | Dosage |
| 15 lbs | 1/2 to 1 cup |
| 16 to 25 lbs | 1 to 1-1/2 cups |
| 26 to 40 lbs | 1-1/2 to 2-1/4 cups |
| 41 to 60 lbs | 2-1/4 to 3 cups |
| 61 to 80 lbs | 3 to 3-3/4 cups |
| 81 to 100 lbs | 3-3/4 to 4-1/2 cups |
| Over 100 lbs | 4-1/2 cups + 1/2 cup for each additional 20 lbs. |
Pros
- Made of high-quality natural ingredients
- Nutrient-rich food made especially for puppies in mind.
- Free from all artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives.
- A grain-free, gluten-free, and soy-free dog food.
Cons
- It can be expensive
- Some puppies might face digestive issues.
How can I improve my dog’s Nutrition?
These are specific tips to improve your dog’s Nutrition and overall health. We have collected these affected tips after interviewing many dog owners, and below, we’ll share them with you:
Feed your dog a high-quality, balanced diet.
This means a diet that provides your dog’s nutrients in the appropriate amounts. You can give your dog commercial or homemade food. AAFCO-certified commercial dog food should contain real meat, entire grains, fruits, and vegetables. You can also talk to your vet or canine nutritionist before cooking for your dog to ensure a balanced diet.
Add fresh foods to your dog’s diet.
Providing your dog with fresh foods like fruits, veggies, and yogurt is an excellent approach to improving its nutritional intake moreover, You can also offer your dog fresh foods as a snack or include them in their daily meal.
Supplement your dog’s diet with essential fatty acids.
Essential fatty acids like omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are important for your dog’s health so, you have to give your dog fish, flaxseed, or coconut oil to get more important fatty acids.
Avoid feeding your dog processed foods and table scraps.
Unhealthy fats, sugar, and salt are commonly found in processed foods and table leftovers Obesity, diabetes, and pancreatitis are just some of the issues that might arise from giving your dog a diet high in processed foods and table scraps.
What is the #1 healthiest dry dog food?
Finally, Rachael Ray Nutrish Premium Natural Dry Dog Food is great for pups and adults. It contains premium meat, whole grains, fruits, and veggies. It has no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives. Rachael Ray Nutrish Premium Natural Dry Dog Food is comprehensive and balanced to help your dog live long and healthy. Rachael Ray Nutrish Premium Natural Dry Dog Food is the best dry dog food for puppies and adults.
FAQ
Are raw food diets and supplements necessary?
Raw food diets and supplements are not required for dogs; however, some evidence suggests they can be helpful for certain canines.
What are the Benefits of Dry Dog Food?
Dry dog food is indeed a smart choice. It’s not only convenient and budget-friendly but also nutritionally sound. Moreover, it promotes good dental health.
How Much Dry Dog Food to Feed?
Dry food should make up between 2 and 3 percent of your dog’s daily ration, depending on their body weight: however, you should consult your vet before feeding your pet.
Can I add water to dry dog food?
Yes, you can add water to dry dog food. It can help soften the food and make it more palatable, and it can also help increase your dog’s water intake.
Can dogs eat dry dog food every day?
The answer is yes; dogs can consume dry dog food daily. Selecting a high-quality diet for your dog involves considering factors like age, size, and breed. It’s crucial to find a diet that not only suits their specific needs but also, importantly, supports their overall well-being
Is it OK to feed a dog dry food only?
Yes, it is OK to feed a dog dry food only, as long as it is high-quality, AAFCO-certified.
