Best Healthy Dry Dog Foods
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Dog food is much more diverse and complicated than many dog owners realize. Not all dog foods are created equal, and each recipe is unique.
When choosing dog food, dry food is a great option. Dry food has a longer shelf life than wet food, helps keep your dog’s teeth clean, and is generally easier to feed. Plus, there are many different types of food to choose from, so you can customize your dog’s diet according to its unique nutritional needs.
Keep reading to learn more about the dietary needs of dogs and how to choose a healthy dry dog food. You’ll also receive our top picks for the best dry dog food.
Compare Best Healthy Dry Dog Foods
| Best Overall  1. Open Farm Wild-Caught Salmon & Ancient Grains Dry Dog Food | Premium Pick  2. Wellness Complete Health Senior Deboned Chicken & Barley Recipe Dry Dog Food | Best for Small Breeds  4. Merrick Lil' Plates Grain-Free Chicken & Sweet Potato Recipe with Freeze-Dried Raw Bites Dry Dog Food | Best for Large Breeds  5. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Large Breed Adult Fish & Oatmeal Recipe Dry Dog Food | Best Limited Ingredient  7. CANIDAE Grain-Free PURE Limited Ingredient Bison, Lentil & Carrot Recipe Dry Dog Food | Best High-Protein  8. Solid Gold Fit & Fabulous Weight Control Grain-Free Chicken, Sweet Potato & Green Bean Dry Dog Food | Best Affordable  10. Whole Earth Farms Grain-Free Chicken & Turkey Recipe Dry Dog Food | Best for Puppies  11. Castor & Pollux Organix Healthy Grains Organic Puppy Recipe Dry Dog Food | Best GMO Free  12. FARMINA N&D OCEAN CODFISH & ORANGE ANCESTRAL GRAIN ADULT DRY DOG FOOD | |||
| Protein 26% Min | Protein 22% Min | Protein 27% Min | Protein 38% Min | Protein 20% Min | Protein 32% Min | Protein 25% Min | Protein 26% Min | Protein 38% Min | Protein 27% Min | Protein 26% Min | Protein 30% Min |
| Fat 15% Min | Fat 10% Min | Fat 16% Min | Fat 17% Min | Fat 13% Min | Fat 18% Min | Fat 14.5% Min | Fat 9.5% Min | Fat 18% Min | Fat 14% Min | Fat 16% Min | Fat 18% Min |
| Fiber 4.5% Max | Fiber 4.25% Max | Fiber 4% Max | Fiber 3.5% Max | Fiber 6% Max | Fiber 4% Max | Fiber 4% Max | Fiber 10% Max | Fiber 4% Max | Fiber 3.5% Max | Fiber 5% Max | Fiber 2.9% Max |
| Calories 3,745 kcal/kg | Calories 416 kcal/cup | Calories 371 kcal/cup | Calories 412 kcal/cup | Calories 323 kcal/cup | Calories 370 kcal/cup | Calories 462 kcal/cup | Calories 345 kcal/cup | Calories 449 kcal/cup | Calories 348 kcal/cup | Calories 362 kcal/cup | Calories 400 kcal/cup |
Best Healthy Dry Dog Foods Reviewed
A quality dry dog food will feature animal protein as the main ingredient, along with digestible carbohydrates, healthy fats, and beneficial supplements to ensure nutritional balance.
It should also come from a reputable brand that doesn’t use fillers or artificial additives.
Open Farm Wild-Caught Salmon & Ancient Grains Dry Dog Food
Product Info
- Protein: 26% Min
- Fat: 15% Min
- Fiber: 4.5% Max
- Calories: 3,745 kcal/kg
- Wild Pacific salmon as the first ingredient
- Herring and salmon oils for omega fatty acids
- No animal by-products or vaguely named ingredients
- Contains a significant number of plant-based ingredients
- Doesn’t contain the moisture your dog needs
In addition to being loaded with animal-based protein, this Open Farm formula contains herring oil and salmon oil as natural sources for omega fatty acids, though it’s worth noting that the first source of added fat is plant-based (coconut oil).
Wellness Complete Health Senior Deboned Chicken & Barley Recipe Dry Dog Food
Product Info
- Protein: 22% Min
- Fat: 10% Min
- Fiber: 4.25% Max
- Calories: 416 kcal/cup
- Formulated to maintain lean muscle mass with 22% protein and low fat (10%)
- Made with high-quality animal proteins and digestible whole grains
- Fresh fruits and vegetables plus supplements for nutritional balance
- Some dogs are sensitive to chicken ingredients
- Not a grain-free recipe, some dogs are sensitive
This Wellness Complete Health Senior Recipe Dry Food is a great choice because it is protein-rich with moderate fat content and plenty of fiber for healthy digestion.
This recipe features deboned chicken and chicken meal to provide 22% crude protein with digestible whole grains like oatmeal, barley, and brown rice for carbohydrate support. This recipe also contains a blend of omega fatty acids as well as beneficial supplements like chelated minerals and probiotics.
Nutro Ultra Toy Breed Adult Dry Dog Food
Product Info
- Protein: 27% Min
- Fat: 16% Min
- Fiber: 4% Max
- Calories: 371 kcal/cup
- High protein and fat content for fast metabolisms (27% protein, 16% fat)
- Made with 12 superfood ingredients for nutritional balance
- Small kibble size for tiny mouths, helps prevent plaque and tartar buildup
- Some dogs are sensitive to chicken ingredients
- Not a grain-free recipe, some dogs are sensitive
The high fat content of this recipe doesn’t just provide for your dog’s high energy needs; it also supports its skin and coat. Plus, the kibbles are small enough for tiny mouths to eat with ease.
Merrick Lil' Plates Grain-Free Chicken & Sweet Potato Recipe with Freeze-Dried Raw Bites Dry Dog Food
Product Info
- Protein: 38% Min
- Fat: 17% Min
- Fiber: 3.5% Max
- Calories: 412 kcal/cup
- Protein-rich and high in fat to support the faster metabolism of small breeds
- Plenty of healthy fats for energy and healthy skin and coat
- Smaller kibble size for small breed dogs to eat more easily
- Somewhat expensive compared to other brands
- High protein content may not be good for dogs with kidney problems
This formula is made with both fresh chicken and chicken meal to ensure high levels of protein with healthy fats like chicken fat and flaxseed oil for essential fatty acids. It also contains chelated minerals to ensure optimal nutrient absorption and probiotics for digestion. Plus, it is made in a smaller kibble size for your small-breed dog’s small mouth.
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Large Breed Adult Fish & Oatmeal Recipe Dry Dog Food
Product Info
- Protein: 20% Min
- Fat: 13% Min
- Fiber: 6% Max
- Calories: 323 kcal/cup
- Uniquely formulated for the protein and energy needs of large breed dogs
- Rich in healthy fats for healthy skin and coat plus energy
- Supplemented with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants for nutritional balance
- Not a grain-free recipe (some dogs are sensitive)
- Kibble size could be bigger for larger dogs
This recipe features fish and oatmeal as the main ingredients to provide protein, dietary fiber, and healthy fats for skin and coat support. In addition to high-quality proteins and digestible carbohydrates, this recipe also features Blue Buffalo’s LifeSource Bits which are made with a proprietary blend of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to ensure complete and balanced nutrition.
Taste of the Wild High Prairie Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
Product Info
- Protein: 32% Min
- Fat: 18% Min
- Fiber: 4% Max
- Calories: 370 kcal/cup
- Made with premium animal proteins like roasted bison and roasted venison
- Naturally grain-free with digestible carbohydrates like sweet potatoes and peas
- Fresh fruits and veggies for nutrients plus beneficial supplements for balance
- Some dogs are sensitive to chicken ingredients
- First source of fat is plant-based (canola oil)
This recipe contains 32% protein and 18% fat which makes it a great choice for active breeds and dogs who need to gain weight, but it can also be a good choice for smaller dogs that have high protein and energy requirements. It is supplemented with fresh fruits and veggies as natural sources for key nutrients but still contains vitamin and mineral supplements for balance and probiotics for healthy digestion.
CANIDAE Grain-Free PURE Limited Ingredient Bison, Lentil & Carrot Recipe Dry Dog Food
Product Info
- Protein: 25% Min
- Fat: 14.5% Min
- Fiber: 4% Max
- Calories: 462 kcal/cup
- Made with a limited number of ingredients and novel proteins
- High-quality, digestible carbohydrates like sweet potatoes and peas
- Supplemented with vitamins and minerals for nutritional balance
- First source of fat is plant-based (canola oil)
- Very expensive compared to many brands
This recipe features protein-rich bison as the main ingredient with lamb meal and pork meal for supplemental protein. It is naturally grain-free, made with digestible carbohydrates like sweet potatoes, peas, and lentils. Plus, it is rich in healthy fats, chelated minerals, and probiotics.
Solid Gold Fit & Fabulous Weight Control Grain-Free Chicken, Sweet Potato & Green Bean Dry Dog Food
Product Info
- Protein: 26% Min
- Fat: 9.5% Min
- Fiber: 10% Max
- Calories: 345 kcal/cup
- High protein and fat content for weight gain or active breeds
- Grain-free, digestible carbohydrates and fresh fruits/veggies
- Numerous animal proteins with no by-products
- Some dogs are sensitive to chicken and beef ingredients
- Contains some plant-based protein (potato protein)
It is naturally grain-free, featuring digestible carbohydrates like garbanzo beans and peas with fresh fruits and vegetables as natural sources for key nutrients. It also contains several premium animal proteins and beneficial supplements like chelated minerals and probiotics.
ORIJEN Original Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
Product Info
- Protein: 38% Min
- Fat: 18% Min
- Fiber: 4% Max
- Calories: 449 kcal/cup
- Made with fresh, regional ingredients like free-run poultry and wild-caught fish
- Very high in protein and fat (38% protein and 18% fat)
- Supplemented with vitamins, chelated minerals, and probiotics
- Very expensive compared to most dog food brands
- Some dogs are sensitive to chicken ingredients
This formula features high-quality animal proteins like free-run chicken and turkey plus wild-caught fish for a total of 38% crude protein. It also contains plenty of healthy fats for energy and essential fatty acids for healthy skin and coat.
You’ll also be glad to know that it is low-glycemic and supplemented with vitamins and chelated minerals for optimal nutritional balance with probiotics for healthy digestion.
Whole Earth Farms Grain-Free Chicken & Turkey Recipe Dry Dog Food
Product Info
- Protein: 27% Min
- Fat: 14% Min
- Fiber: 3.5% Max
- Calories: 348 kcal/cup
- Highly affordable but also high in quality
- Made with lean proteins like chicken and turkey
- Grain-free digestible carbohydrates like sweet potatoes and peas
- Some dogs are sensitive to chicken ingredients
This dog food is free from byproducts as well as low-quality fillers like corn, wheat, and soy. It is made in the USA and designed to support balanced nutrition as well as healthy skin and coat. You’ll also love that it contains beneficial supplements like chelated minerals for optimal nutrient absorption as well as probiotics for healthy digestion.
Castor & Pollux Organix Healthy Grains Organic Puppy Recipe Dry Dog Food
Product Info
- Protein: 26% Min
- Fat: 16% Min
- Fiber: 5% Max
- Calories: 362 kcal/cup
- Made in the USA with certified organic ingredients
- Plenty of high-quality animal protein like chicken and chicken meal
- Naturally grain-free with digestible carbohydrates like sweet potatoes and chickpeas
- Very expensive compared to many puppy food brands
- Some puppies are sensitive to chicken ingredients
This recipe features organic chicken and organic chicken meal for a total of 25% crude protein, with nutrient-rich fats like chicken fat and coconut oil. It contains organic fruits and vegetables to provide natural sources for key nutrients with chelated minerals for balance. It also contains probiotics to support your puppy’s health and regular digestion.
What are the Basic Nutritional Needs of Dogs?
All dogs require a blend of protein, fat, and other nutrients in their diet; these nutrients must come from their dog food. Adult dogs need at least 18% crude protein and 5% fat, with no more than 5% fiber in their diet.
For the most part, dog foods that provide more than 18% protein are ideal. Puppies, in particular, need as much protein as they can get, as do active and working breeds.
It is also important to remember that dogs are primarily carnivores, so most of their nutrition should come from animal-based sources. Animal proteins like meat and poultry are complete proteins, containing all the essential amino acids your dog needs.
Plant proteins are typically incomplete and are not as easy for your dog’s body to absorb. Plant-based fats can help balance omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, though chicken fat and salmon oil are typically preferable to canola oil.
What to Look for in the Best Healthy Dry Dog Food
- Quality Ingredients. The ingredients’ quality determines the product’s quality, so look for whole-food ingredients and a lack of artificial additives and by-products.
- Animal Protein. High-quality, animal-based protein should be the first ingredient in any good dry dog food. Things like meat, poultry, and fish are good options.
- Healthy Fats. Fat provides a highly concentrated source of energy for your dog as well as essential fatty acids for brain development and healthy skin and coat. These fats should come from animal-based sources as much as possible.
- Digestible Carbohydrates. Dogs don’t have specific requirements for carbohydrates, but whole grains and other digestible carbs are a valuable source of energy, essential nutrients, and fiber.
- Beneficial Supplements. In addition to protein, carbohydrates, and fat, your dog needs a blend of vitamins and minerals. Helpful supplements like vitamins and chelated minerals ensure nutritional balance in high-quality dog food.
How Do You Choose the Best Healthy Dry Dog Food?
Dry dog food should be based on high-quality ingredients, with a focus on protein, fat, carbohydrates, and synthetic vitamins and minerals. Protein is the most essential nutrient for dogs, and a recipe should include quality animal proteins like meat, poultry, or fish. Plant-based proteins are less biologically valuable and should be used as a supplement.
Fats are a concentrated source of calories and essential fatty acids for healthy skin and coat, as well as brain development. Digestible options like whole grains, starchy vegetables, and legumes are essential for energy, dietary fiber, and essential nutrients. A recipe should contain no more than 5% crude fiber to avoid digestive issues.
Synthetic vitamins and minerals may also be included, with chelated minerals being the best for optimal absorption. Prebiotics and probiotics can also be beneficial for healthy digestion and nutrient absorption.
How Much and How Often Should You Feed Your Dog?
Feeding your dog depends on its type and age. Puppy dogs need frequent meals to sustain growth, while senior dogs need reduced calories to prevent weight gain.
Adult dogs should be fed two or three meals daily, determined by size. Small breeds need three meals a day, while larger dogs need only two.
Feeding amounts are determined by age and size. Feeding recommendations are based on the dog’s age and body weight, so weigh your dog. Keep an eye on your dog’s weight and condition to avoid excessive weight gain or loss. Consult your veterinarian for a healthy weight.
What About Food Allergies and Sensitivities?
Food allergies are much more common in dogs than people realize. While a dog can be allergic to any ingredient, the most common culprits are corn, wheat, soy, dairy, eggs, chicken, and beef.
Food allergies become more common as dogs age, and certain breeds have a higher risk for allergies than others. Some breeds most highly prone to allergies include retrievers, Cocker Spaniels, German Shepherds, Dachshunds, Terriers, and Collies.
When choosing a dry dog food for food allergies and sensitivities, the fewer the ingredients, the better. Limited Ingredient Diets (LIDs) use a few main ingredients to reduce the risk of triggering food allergies, and they are also generally easy to digest.
Grain-free recipes are a good choice for dogs with sensitive stomachs, as long as the carbohydrates they use are highly digestible. Make sure that any grain-free recipe you choose still lists a high-quality protein as the first ingredient to meet your dog’s basic nutritional needs.
Final Thoughts
The best dry dog food should cater to your dog’s specific nutritional needs. Start by choosing a recipe based on your dog’s size and age, and then choose a high-quality recipe with high-quality ingredients. Different brands offer different flavors, so take time to choose the best option.
Edward Casanave
how come Farmina or Victor not on the list ?
David
Hi Edward, Thank you for your commnet Both Farmina and Victor are solid dog food brands and we'll keep them in mind the next time we update the article :)
David
Hi Edward, Those are really good brands, we'll keep them in mind for the bext time we update the article
Irene
My dog has struvites and she eatsRoyal canin so hidrolized dog food ,my question is :is this okay to give to her? ,she is12 pound,5year old. Thank you
Kate Barrington
Good question, Irene! I'm not sure which Royal Canin recipe you're referring to, but generally speaking we don't recommend this brand. Their foods tend to be carbohydrate-based and use a lot of fillers like corn, wheat, and soy. If you're looking for a prescription diet, Blue Buffalo has a urinary support formula. Otherwise, you might talk to your vet about fresh dog food - it is higher in protein but also higher in moisture which may benefit your dog's urinary health.