The Best Dry Dog Foods
Pet parents like to ask… “What’s the best dry dog food on the market?”
Unfortunately…
Conflicting advice, deceptive marketing and thousands of dry dog food options can make finding the best brands a challenge.
So… we combined the top picks from our own editors… with those of the many pet food designers, nutritionists and veterinarians we’ve interviewed since launching The Dog Food Advisor… back in 2008.
On this page… we’ll share the best dry dog foods on the market. And we’ll answer the most frequently asked questions we get about finding and feeding quality kibbles.
The Best Dry Dog Foods
August 2020
Here are The Dog Food Advisor’s best dry dog foods for August 2020.
Wellness Complete Health Dry Dog Food
Wellness Complete Health Adult Deboned Chicken and Oatmeal is one of 14 dry recipes included in our review of the Wellness Complete Health product line.
- First 5 ingredients: Deboned chicken, chicken meal, oatmeal, ground barley, peas
- Type: Grain-inclusive (oatmeal, barley, brown rice)
- Other recipes: Senior, puppy, large breed, small breed, whitefish and sweet potato, lamb and barley, turkey and oatmeal and more
- Price: $$
This Wellness Complete Health formula derives the bulk of its meat protein from chicken and chicken meal. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the product contains 27% protein, 13% fat and 52% estimated carbs… creating a fat-to-protein ratio of about 50%.
One of the best grain-inclusive kibbles on the market. Highly recommended.
Sample buyer review… “I have three dogs, all different breeds and sizes. They all love this food; it has caused absolutely no stomach issues… After discussing this with our awesome Veterinarian she recommended Wellness and our Goldendoodle hasn’t had any stomach issues in 5 years. The stomach issues brought us to Wellness, but the quality ingredients kept us loyal.”
Instinct Original Grain-Free Dry
Instinct Original with Real Beef is one of 6 dry recipes included in our review of the Instinct Original product line.
- First 5 ingredients: Beef, chicken meal, white fish meal, peas, chicken fat
- Type: Grain-free
- Other recipes: Small breed, chicken, duck, rabbit, salmon and more
- Price: $$
This Instinct example derives the majority of its animal protein from beef and chicken meal. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 40% protein, 23% fat and 29% estimated carbs… which creates a fat-to-protein ratio of about 57%.
With multiple “flavor” options, Instinct makes an ideal choice for feeding picky eaters. Highly recommended.
Sample buyer review… “Our rescued English Bulldog has been eating this product since she arrived. She has no allergy issues and seems to be doing well with this formula. She is eager to eat. She’s digesting the product well and her flatulence is now non-existent. Happy dog, happy home!”
Nature’s Logic Dry Dog Food
Nature’s Logic Canine Chicken Meal Feast is one of 9 dry recipes included in our review of the Nature’s Logic product line.
- First 5 ingredients: Chicken meal, millet, chicken fat, pumpkin seed, yeast culture
- Type: Grain-inclusive (millet)
- Other recipes: Venison, beef, pork, rabbit, sardine, turkey, lamb, duck and more
- Price: $$
This Nature’s Logic example recipe derives the bulk of its meat protein from chicken meal. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the product contains 40% protein, 17% fat and 36% estimated carbs… yielding a fat-to-protein ratio of about 42%.
Nature’s Logic is one of the few dry brands meeting AAFCO nutrient standards by using live feeding trials. Highly recommended.
Sample buyer review… “I have been feeding this for 3 months now and their skin and coats have cleared up nicely. No more greasy smelly fur babies. Plus no more pills on a daily basis. Yes it’s a little more expensive but I’m saving in vet bills. Trying to find a grain and potato free kibble is nearly impossible but I hit a home run here.”
Taste of the Wild Dry Dog Food
High Prairie is one of 9 dry recipes included in our review of the Taste of the Wild product line.
- First 5 ingredients: Buffalo, lamb meal, chicken meal, sweet potatoes, peas
- Type: Grain-free
- Other recipes: Puppy, small breed, salmon, venison and more
- Price: $$
High Prairie derives the majority of its meat protein from fresh buffalo, as well as both chicken and lamb meals. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 36% protein, 20% fat and 36% estimated carbs… producing a fat-to-protein ratio of about 56%.
Taste of the Wild provides a top-rated, nutrient-balanced formula at an affordable price. Highly recommended.
Sample buyer review… “We have had a tough run with our sensitive GSD with diarrhea, itchy butt and ears. After trying multiple types of foods leading to severe enteritis, we gave TOW high prairie a try. Within days, solid poop and no itching! We are so relieved!”
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Dry
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Chicken and Rice is one of 23 kibble recipes included in our review of the Blue Buffalo Life Protection product line.
- First 5 ingredients: Deboned chicken, chicken meal, brown rice, barley, oatmeal
- Type: Grain-inclusive (brown rice, barley, oatmeal)
- Other recipes: Puppy, large breed, small breed, senior, lamb, fish and more
- Price: $$
This Life Protection example derives the majority of its animal protein from chicken and chicken meal. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 27% protein, 16% fat and 50% estimated carbs… creating a fat-to-protein ratio of about 58%.
A top-rated, grain-inclusive kibble. One of The Advisor’s most popular recommendations.
Sample buyer review… “My dog is a very picky eater with a sensitive stomach (he is a chocolate heeler) and this food has done wonders for him. He’s finally eating as much as he should without stomach issues and it’s made him almost a brand new dog. I tried a few different foods with him but this seemed to give me the best results…”
Purina Pro Plan Focus Dog Food
Pro Plan Large Breed Adult is one of 18 kibbles featured in our review of the Purina Pro Plan Focus product line.
- First 5 ingredients: Chicken, brewers rice, whole grain wheat, corn gluten meal, whole grain corn
- Type: Grain-inclusive (rice, wheat, corn, barley)
- Other recipes: Puppy, small breed, sensitive skin and stomach, senior, weight management and more
- Price: $$
Focus Large Breed Adult derives the majority of its animal protein from fresh chicken. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 30% protein, 14% fat and 49% estimated carbs… creating a fat-to-protein ratio of about 46%.
Pro Plan is one of the dog food brands most frequently mentioned by breeders and veterinary professionals.
Each recipe has been expertly formulated by a team of board certified veterinary nutritionists.
In addition, the entire Pro Plan product line is designed and manufactured according to rigorous guidelines recommended by the World Small Animal Veterinary Association.
Purina Pro Plan is one of the very best brands you’ll find on this or any list. And it’s easy on the budget, too. Highly recommended.
Actual buyer review… “My black lab loves this food. Her coat is beautiful, her energy is high, and she digests it easily. My vet recommended this food and I couldn’t be happier. I saw a noticeable difference within days of feeding this to her. My dog eats the dry food with a little bit of the PPP wet focus for large breeds. Do not hesitate to feed this to your pups.. it’s a game-changer!”
Canidae Grain-Free Pure Dry Dog Food
Canidae Pure Real Salmon and Sweet Potato is one of 11 dry kibble recipes included in our review of the Canidae Grain-Free Pure product line.
- First 5 ingredients: Salmon, salmon meal, menhaden fish meal, sweet potatoes, peas
- Type: Grain-free
- Other recipes: Puppy, senior, bison, lamb, duck, small breed, large breed, limited ingredient and more
- Price: $$$
This Canidae Grain-Free product derives the majority of its meat protein from fresh salmon, as well as salmon and menhaden fish meals. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 36% protein, 20% fat and 36% estimated carbs… which produces a fat-to-protein ratio of about 56%.
An exceptional, dry recipe, free of corn, wheat or soy. A top recommendation.
Sample buyer review… “After switching dog foods several times due to my girl having a very sensitive stomach we tried this on a recommendation. No more issues and she LOVES the food. What more could you ask for?”
Orijen Dry Dog Food
Orijen Original is one of 8 dry recipes included in our review of the Orijen product line.
- First 5 ingredients: Deboned chicken, deboned turkey, Atlantic flounder, cage-free eggs, whole Atlantic mackerel
- Type: Grain-free
- Other recipes: Puppy, fish, venison, duck, senior and more
- Price: $$
This Orijen product derives the majority of its animal protein from chicken, turkey and fish. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 43% protein, 21% fat and 28% estimated carbs… which produces a fat-to-protein ratio of about 47%.
A meat-rich, dry dog food made by a quality company… known for its superior, biologically appropriate designs. Not cheap… but worthy of serious consideration.
Sample buyer review… “This is the first food my dog will actually eat without me having to add boiled chicken, veggies or anything. The ingredients are all easy to understand and it’s not just a list of words I can’t pronounce. He’s only been eating it for a week now, but I already see a difference in his hair, eye clarity and his energy. Great food!”
Diamond Naturals Dry Kibble
Diamond Naturals Extreme Athlete is one of 13 kibble recipes included in our review of the Diamond Naturals product line.
- First 5 ingredients: Chicken meal, chicken, ground white rice, chicken fat, cracked pearled barley
- Type: Grain-inclusive (ground white rice, cracked pearled barley)
- Other recipes: Large breed, small breed, puppy, senior, lamb, beef and more
- Price: $
This Diamond Naturals formula derives most of its animal protein from chicken meal and fresh chicken. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 36% protein, 28% fat and 29% estimated carbs… which yields a fat-to-protein ratio of about 78%.
Diamond Naturals was recently selected as one of our most affordable dog foods. Highly recommended.
Sample buyer review… “I own competitive English setter females. I’m always looking for the best value per pound in what I feed my dogs. Over the past 25 years I’ve tried many different foods and found that 30/20 or higher works best based upon the condition, looks, stamina, palatability and stool size, consistency and frequency. I’ve fed this food before and found it is very close to, if not better than the Sport/Performance food it competes with!”
Nulo Frontrunner Dry Dog Food
Nulo Frontrunner Dry Dog Food for Adult Dogs – Ancient Grain Inclusive Recipe - All Natural Pet Foods with High Taurine Levels - Animal Protein for Lean Strong Muscles
8 dry kibble recipes included in our review of the Nulo Frontrunner
product line.
- First 5 ingredients: Deboned turkey, turkey meal, salmon meal, chickpeas, chicken fat
- Type: Grain-free
- Other recipes: Salmon, trout, lamb, cod, small breed, large breed, puppy, senior and more
- Price: $$$
This Nulo Freestyle recipe derives the bulk of its meat protein from turkey, as well as turkey and salmon meals. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 37% protein, 20% fat and 35% estimated carbs… which produces a fat-to-protein ratio of about 55%.
A superior, grain-free kibble, offering balanced nutrition… for a wide range of dogs. Recommended with confidence.
Sample buyer review… “My dogs have been on this food for about a year now. After switching around a bit due to food allergies and wanting what was best for the dogs I found Nulo. Their coats have never been shinier and they love love love this food! No more dryness in their coats in the colder winter months just shine healthy coats and happy dogs. There’s a variety of food flavors to choose from and the dogs love them all.”
Nutro Ultra Dry Dog Food
Nutro Ultra Adult is one of 10 dry recipes included in our review of the Nutro Ultra product line.
- First 5 ingredients: Chicken, chicken meal, whole brown rice, brewers rice, rice bran
- Type: Grain-inclusive (whole brown rice, brewers rice, rice bran, whole grain oatmeal)
- Other recipes: Beef, duck, lamb, fish, small breed, large breed, puppy, senior and more
- Price: $$
This Nutro formula derives most of its meat protein from chicken and chicken meal. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 28% protein, 16% fat and 49% estimated carbs… which creates a fat-to-protein ratio of about 56%.
Available in a wide range of flavor and recipe options. One of our top value picks.
Sample buyer review… “I have 5 dogs…ranging in different sizes and breeds. This is the ONE food I can get them all to eat without having to buy a bunch of different brands or formulas. Thank you Nutro!”
Go! Carnivore Dry Dog Food
Go! Carnivore Chicken, Turkey and Duck Adult is one of 5 kibble recipes included in our review of the Go! Carnivore product line.
- First 5 ingredients: Chicken meal, turkey meal, salmon meal, de-boned chicken, de-boned turkey
- Type: Grain-free
- Other recipes: Salmon, turkey, duck, cod, puppy and more
- Price: $$
This Go! Carnivore formula derives the majority of its animal protein from chicken, turkey and salmon meals, as well both chicken and turkey. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 38% protein, 18% fat and 36% estimated carbs… resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 47%.
Free of GMO (genetically modified) ingredients and loaded with meat. A rare find. Highly recommended.
Sample buyer review… “I’ve gone through about 5 or 6 different brands of kibble to find a food that my dog likes and also does well on. I’m absolutely ecstatic to say that Go! Fit + Trim is that food. Great stool, gorgeous coat, clean teeth, boundless energy, you name it. I’m incredibly impressed and so is my best girl. We found our forever food!”
Eagle Pack Dry Dog Food
Eagle Pack Power Adult is one of 7 dry kibble recipes included in our review of the Eagle Pack product line.
- First 5 ingredients: Chicken meal, pork meal, ground brown rice, peas, chicken fat
- Type: Grain-inclusive (ground brown rice, dehulled barley)
- Other recipes: Puppy, small breed, large and giant breed, lamb, pork and more
- Price: $
This Eagle Pack recipe derives the bulk of its meat protein from chicken and pork meals. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 33% protein, 21% fat and 38% estimated carbs… yielding a fat-to-protein ratio of about 63%.
A superior kibble at an affordable price. Made by the same trusted company that also produces Wellness. Exceptional value. Highly recommended.
Sample buyer review… “She seems to be shedding much less on Eagle Pack, and her coat condition is much better than it was. She has always been prone to itches and allergies, and she is no longer scratching herself all the time and gnawing the hair off of her paws. I’m happy that this is a food that agrees with her. I wonder why I hadn’t heard of Eagle Pack earlier, as I feel that it is a great food at a much more affordable price than other popular “high-quality” brands.”
Wellness Core Dry Dog Food
Wellness Core Original is one of 12 dry recipes included in our review of the Wellness Core product line.
- First 5 ingredients: Deboned turkey, turkey meal, chicken meal, peas, potatoes
- Type: Grain-free
- Other recipes: Puppy, large breed, small breed, duck, rabbit, whitefish, senior and more
- Price: $$
This Wellness Core formula derives the bulk of its animal protein from fresh turkey, as well as turkey and chicken meals. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 38% protein, 18% fat and 36% estimated carbs… producing a fat-to-protein ratio of about 47%.
Core has appeared on our Best Grain-Free Dog Foods list for more than 10 years. Enthusiastically recommended.
Sample buyer review… “After recently reading an article on health risks for pea proteins in canine foods we decided (after research) that Core was a very good option. Our Bella LOVES IT and it was an easy transition from her old food with no disruption to her digestive system at all which is so common. We are very happy with this brand. It costs a little more than others but our Bella is worth it !!!”
Whole Earth Farms Dry Dog Food
Whole Earth Farms Adult recipe is one of 2 kibble recipes included in our review of the Whole Earth Farms product line.
- First 5 ingredients: Chicken meal, turkey meal, brown rice, oatmeal, barley
- Type: Grain-inclusive (brown rice, oatmeal, barley)
- Other recipes: Small breed, turkey, salmon, pork, beef, puppy and more
- Price: $
This Whole Earth Farms product derives the bulk of its meat protein from chicken and turkey meals. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 29% protein, 16% fat and 47% estimated carbs… which results in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 54%.
A quality yet affordable, grain-inclusive kibble made by Merrick. Highly recommended.
Sample buyer review… “I recently switched to this food due to the recent controversy over ‘Grain Free’. This was the only affordable food I found with quality ingredients listed. My dogs love it and it will be the only food I fees from now on.”
Holistic Select Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
Holistic Select Adult and Puppy Health is one of 11 kibble recipes included in our review of the Holistic Select Grain-Free product line.
- First 5 ingredients: Salmon, anchovy and sardine meal, potatoes, peas, menhaden fish meal
- Type: Grain-free
- Other recipes: Puppy, small breed, large breed, senior, salmon, turkey, lamb and more
- Price: $$
This Holistic Select formula derives most of its meat protein from fresh salmon, as well as anchovy and sardine meal. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 32% protein, 16% fat and 44% estimated carbs… producing a fat-to-protein ratio of about 48%.
An exceptional grain-free dog food offering numerous recipe and flavor options. Highly recommended.
Sample buyer review… “This food was a suggestion by my vet for our small pup who is having food allergy problems. He had lost a strip of hair straight down his back and was also having bowel problems. This new food has already gotten his bowels in great working order and his hair is growing back on his back.”
Dr. Tim’s Dry Dog Food
Dr. Tim’s Pursuit Active Dog Formula is one of 8 dry kibble recipes included in our review of the Dr. Tim’s product line.
- First 5 ingredients: Chicken meal, brown rice, chicken fat, whole oat groats, dried beet pulp
- Type: Grain-inclusive (brown rice, oat groats)
- Other recipes: Active formula for sporting dogs, salmon, pork, chicken and more)
- Price: $$
This Dr. Tim’s product derives the bulk of its animal protein from chicken meal. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 33% protein, 22% fat and 36% estimated carbs… creating a fat-to-protein ratio of about 67%.
One of the best-kept secrets in the dry kibble market. And it’s one of our top picks, especially for sporting dogs. Highly recommended.
Sample buyer review… “From the moment the box arrived, it was a hit with my Australian Kelpie/Heeler blend. He has done extremely well on this food and it has eliminated his gas/hard stool issues entirely. Though the price is higher than most, the quality is well worth it in order to promote a healthy lifestyle for my boy.”
Iams Proactive Health Dry Dog Food
Iams Lamb and Rice Adult formula is one of 15 dry recipes included in our review of the Iams Proactive Health product line.
- First 5 ingredients: Lamb, chicken by-product meal, brewers rice, ground whole grain barley, ground whole grain corn
- Type: Grain-inclusive (rice, barley, sorghum)
- Other recipes: Large breed, small breed, puppy, chicken, turkey, senior weight management and more
- Price: $
Iams Lamb and Rice derives a large portion of its animal protein from fresh lamb. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 28% protein, 16% fat and 49% estimated carbs… which creates a fat-to-protein ratio of about 56%.
An affordable, “classic” design offering multiple recipe options. A top selection popular with veterinarians and professional breeders. Highly recommended.
Sample buyer review… “My bulldog has terrible allergies and colitis, and even with taking allergy medication, so many foods worsened her problems. Even grain free limited ingredient dog foods did not help. This red bag lamb and rice iams formula is one of the very few foods she can eat and once I changed her to this food, along with her continued apoquel, her skin allergies are getting better and her hair is growing back, with no colitis flare ups. ”
Victor Classic Dry Dog Food
Victor Hi-Pro Plus is one of 4 kibble recipes included in our review of the Victor Classic product line.
- First 5 ingredients: Beef meal, grain sorghum, chicken fat, pork meal, chicken meal
- Type: Grain-inclusive (grain sorghum, whole grain millet)
- Other recipes: Chicken, puppy, active sporting dog formula and more
- Price: $
Victor Hi-Pro Plus derives the bulk of its meat protein from beef meal. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 33% protein, 22% fat and 37% estimated carbs… which creates a fat-to-protein ratio of about 67%.
An affordable, all life stages kibble… recently added to our budget-friendly dog foods list. Highly recommended.
Sample buyer review… “I have 5 active dogs of all different ages. It’s been a struggle to find a quality, decently priced food that kept a good weight on all of them and didn’t mess with their allergies. They’ve been on this food since April and it’s been amazing! No bad reactions when switching to Victor, no allergies, and they are all a good weight. Highly recommend.”
Annamaet Dry Dog Food
Annamaet Ultra is one of 7 kibble recipes included in our review of the Annamaet product line.
- First 5 ingredients: Chicken meal, brown rice, chicken fat, whole dry eggs, herring meal
- Type: Grain-inclusive (Brown rice, millet)
- Other recipes: Puppies, salmon, small breed, senior, weight loss and more
- Price: $$
This Annamaet kibble derives most of its meat protein from chicken meal. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 36% protein, 22% fat and 34% estimated carbs… which produces a fat-to-protein ratio of about 63%.
Especially popular with sporting dog professionals. Enthusiastically recommended.
Sample buyer review… “I only started feeding this food a few months ago after extensive research and I couldn’t be happier with the results. Beautiful long thick coats, firm small bowel movements, and great accessible energy. I run a boarding business and all my clients who have tried Annamaet have all been very happy with it. As kibble goes, this is one of the very best options on the market.”
Natural Balance Synergy Dry Dog Food
Natural Balance Synergy is the sole recipe included in our review of the Natural Balance Synergy dry product line.
- First 5 ingredients: Chicken, chicken meal, brown rice, chicken fat, dried beet pulp
- Type: Grain-inclusive (brown rice, barley, oat groats and hulls)
Synergy derives most of its animal protein from chicken and chicken meal. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 31% protein, 18% fat and 43% estimated carbs… resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 57%.
Sample buyer review… “The change I have seen in my dog has astounded me. She has taken off quite a few pounds and has a ton more energy. She and her buddy love the flavor!”
Natural Balance Synergy is a complete and balanced recipe ideal for adult dogs. Readily recommended.
How much dry food should I feed my dog?
Since it’s impossible to predict the exact serving size that’s “perfect” for each dog when feeding a specific brand of food…
It’s best to start with the amount of kibble suggested by the feeding instructions on the bag… like this example:
Then, over time…
Adjust that serving size up or down… to keep your dog at ideal weight.
What’s the safest way to switch my dog to a new dry food?
It’s best to transition to a new dry dog food gradually.
Start by mixing about 25% “new” and 75% old food together. Then, slowly increase that amount to a full 100%… over the next 7 days… like this:
Don’t rush the process. Take your time to lower the risk of stomach upset.
What risky ingredients should I avoid when buying dry dog food?
Here are 8 of the most controversial ingredients found in many popular dry dog foods… and the health danger to which each may be linked:
To be sure you never unknowingly feed YOUR dog a dry kibble that contains any of these high-risk ingredients… be sure to favor recipes rated 4 stars or higher by The Dog Food Advisor.
When should I switch my dog to senior dog food?
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association…1
“…small dogs are generally considered senior at 7 years of age. Larger breed dogs tend to have shorter life spans… and are often considered senior when they are 5 to 6 years of age.”
If your dog is healthy and eating a quality, balanced diet, you may not need to switch your pet to a senior food.
However…
Since some older dogs can benefit from a diet designed for seniors, you may wish to visit. The Dog Food Advisor’s Top 10 Senior Dog Foods page… to see a list of our most recommend
A Final Word
The Dog Food Advisor is privately owned. We do not accept money, gifts, samples or other incentives in exchange for special consideration in preparing our reviews.
However, we do receive a referral fee from online retailers (like Chewy or Amazon) when readers click over to their website from ours. This policy helps support the operation of our blog and keeps access to all our content free to the public.
