Top Best Dog Foods

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Dogs are an integral part of most families. In a bid to give them the best life, it is essential to feed them the best dog food. How well a dog reacts and develops comes down to what you choose to feed them. Healthy dog foods feature high-quality ingredients and are formulated to give high nutritional benefits. Sadly, not all dog foods are best suited for your furry friend. 

We have reviewed the top 5 dog foods in the market to let you get the best out of your purchase and find the one suited for your pet. Read through for the different types of dog foods to avoid repeating a bad purchase. We have also listed a few factors to consider before buying and answered some popular questions to get you started on your dog food hunt.  

Top Dog Healthy Dog Foods:

  1. Purina ONE SmartBlend Natural Adult Dry Dog Food
Purina ONE SmartBlend Natural Adult Dry Dog Food

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The Purina ONE SmartBlend Natural Adult Dry Dog Food is one of the best products in the market to meet the nutrition target needed for your pet. The food contains minerals, vitamins, and other essential nutrients that are necessary for a unique and healthy dog growth. Plus, it is available in dry and wet forms for all dog breeds and sizes. Purina dog food is rich in protein as its formula includes poultry, real meat, and fish for healthy muscle development. It also does not contain fillers but features natural vitamins and minerals to support sensitive dog systems and promote all-round weight development. The sizing of the food is also such that it is perfect for smaller jaws for convenient and easy chewing. 

The combination of different flavors is another feature that makes the product one of the best in the market. Since you can choose either the crunch kibble, moisture-rich wet food, kibble with a tender, meaty morsel, you can serve your dog varieties. The lamb and rice flavor food is highly digestible thanks to its formulation and provides a balanced diet. It also has a dual-defense antioxidant blend of vitamins A and E plus selenium and minerals zinc for supporting the immune system. The result is a healthy dog with sturdy joints and radiant skin. 

Pros 

  • Considerably-sized 
  • Dry and wet meal options 
  • Rich in protein 
  • Natural vitamins 
  • Balanced weight and texture formula 
  • Soft to chew 

Cons 

  • There are reports that it changes a dog’s odor 
  • Inconsistent chicken content 
Rachael Ray Nutrish Chicken & Veggies Dry Dog Food

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Another food that is recommended for dogs of all breed sizes is the Rachael Ray Nutrish Chicken & Veggies Dry Dog Food. Carefully selected natural ingredients in the dog food provide essential vitamins and minerals. Some of those ingredients include beef, seafood, chicken, and wholesome vegetables. The chicken content of the meal supplies protein and helps to build and sustain a lean muscle mass. They are also easy to digest, and when combined with the other ingredients, promise a healthy diet. Crisp carrot also offers a tasty crunch and is an excellent source of essential vitamins, minerals, and carotenoids for a robust immune system. Peas are another excellent source of dietary fibers for healthy digestion, and brown rice ensures that your pet has sufficient carbohydrate and vitamin B. 

The kibble is small and won’t cause digestive distress. Besides its nutritional value, the product does not contain an offensive smell. The package bag is also large to give you more food with a single purchase. Made in the US, the product is great for sensitive dogs as there are no reports of irritation or rash. Plus, the fact that small dogs and bigger qualifies it for use by every dog. You should also purchase one if you are the type that enjoys giving donations as a portion from your purchase goes to an animal in need foundation.  

Pros 

  • Simple yet healthy ingredients 
  • No artificial flavor 
  • Soft and shiny coat 
  • Easy to chew 
  • Large bags 

Cons 

  • The bag is not resealable 
  • Your dog might gas for the first few days of eating it, but the gas will stop 
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Small Breed Dog Food

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The natural dry dog food for adult dogs by Blue Buffalo is another dog food that provides a nourishing formula for impressive growth. The dog food contains some of the finest natural ingredients and is enhanced with essential vitamins and minerals. Real meat, healthy vegetables and fruits, and wholesome grains are few of the ingredients in the product. For strong support of the immune system, the food contains the brand’s exclusive LifeSource Bits. The protein-rich food does not contain corn, wheat, soy, chicken, and poultry by-product. It also does not contain preservatives and artificial flavors. Instead, it is rich in high-quality protein, fatty acids, and omega 3 and 6. 

The addition of fish oil in the meal comes in handy for giving your pet and healthy skin and shiny skin. Essential vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals also support the immune system, while protein help with muscle development. There are two kibbles in the product; one has a little pebble shape while the other is almost triangle-shaped. The triangular-shaped kibble is larger than adult pinkie fingernail and has the thickness of a nickel. The smaller one, on the other hand, is as small as a pencil eraser. Hence, they are considerably-sized for convenient consumption. 

Pros 

  • Safe for allergic dogs 
  • Lots of protein 
  • Made in the USA 
  • Grain-free 
  • Supports soft and shiny coat 

Cons 

  • The bag is not recyclable 
  • Most dogs don’t like the little dark brown pieces and leave them untouched 
Natural Balance LID Limited Ingredient Diets Dry Dog Food

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Treat your dog to the delicious taste of the Natural Balance LID Limited Ingredient Diets Dry Dog Food. The natural fiber content in the food ensures healthy digestion of food to prevent indigestion. For regular use, the meal is a combination of dry and wet food to give your dog all the necessary nutrients. Thanks to its multiple texture option, you can always mix things up to avoid a boring routine. True to its name, the product contains natural ingredients for healthy skin, stronger muscle, and improved health. It is also great for pets with allergies, as all the three flavors provided by natural balance are allergy-free.  

Another advantage of the product is that it is manufactured in the United States. A stamp on the quality of the product and of the ingredients used. It is also a grain-free recipe that does not contain artificial flavors and colors. If, however, you are not satisfied with the product, there is a money-back guarantee on purchase. 

Pros 

  • No fillers or preservatives 
  • Essential minerals and vitamins 
  • Limited carbohydrate 
  • Tested for contaminants 
  • Promotes healthy digestion 

Cons 

  • The fish content gives it a strong smell 
  • There are reports that it made droppings soft and greasy 
Amazon Brand - Wag Dry Dog Food

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The Amazon Brand – Wag Dry Dog Food contains lentils, peas, and other nutritious vegetables for adequate minerals and vitamins. It also contains antioxidants, phytonutrients, flaxseed, and salmon oil. The combination of all of these ingredients supplies omega 3-fatty acid. The dog food does not contain corn, grain, wheat, or artificial flavors to prevent an allergic reaction. 

The food is a real fish food as salmon is the chief ingredient in the meal. As a result, it provides sufficient protein for your pet to thrive on. Thanks to formulation by veterinarians, the absence of grain is filled with an optimal blend of fat and protein. Each serving of the meal contains 35% protein to keep your dog looking healthy and strong. All of the ingredients used are blended in the United States for batch quality control. It is recommended that you allow 7-10 days or 10-14 days (for sensitive dog) gradual transitioning to prevent stomach upset. 

Pros 

  • High-quality ingredients 
  • Good-sized kibble
  • Kibble won’t break in water 
  • Shiny coat 
  • Solid-shaped poop 

Cons 

  • Low shelf life 
  • The kibbles are small it could choke a large dog if he inhales it 
Lucy Pet Formulas for Life - Sensitive Stomach & Skin Dry Dog Food

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Coming in the last place, but still very much among the best products in the market, is the Lucy Pet Formulas for Life – Sensitive Stomach & Skin Dry Dog Food. The product helps sensitive stomachs, digestive health, gut health, and is formulated for all dog breeds at different life stages. This is thanks to its grain-free formula that is wheat, soy, and gluten-free. It also does not contain coloring, flavors, and artificial preservatives. The product is an excellent source of protein to help with healthy muscle development and natural immunity. Not just this, it supports body functions and gives the skin and coat a radiant shine.

Each kibble in the dog food contains a blend of natural ingredients that won’t irritate your dog. It contains prebiotic fibers for improved gut health and is Taurine-fortified for heart and vision development. It is also rich in balanced amino acid and antioxidants for muscle tone and immune function. You should also know that part of your purchase money goes to the Lucy Pet Foundation for helping animals.

Pros

  • Made in Southern California, USA
  • Resealable velcro closure
  • No preservatives
  • Improves skin and coat appearance
  • Works for all dog breeds
  • Flattened pieces make for a fuller bowl

Cons

Doesn’t smell great for humans

Types of dog foods 

Besides choosing a brand, there are different types of dog foods to choose from. Let us give you an overview of the popular types and benefits to make your purchase worth it. 

Dry Dog Food

Dry dog food or kibble is the most popular type of dog food. It is made with a combination of various raw ingredients and either blending, grinding, or cooking them into a single product. The homogenous product is then shredded into little bite-sized kibbles. As such, the quality of the food depends on the quality of the ingredients used and the making process. However, dry foods are considerably priced and have a longer shelf life compared to other food types. Plus, it is also convenient for dogs to feed on and is great for dental health. Chewing on the food helps to scrape tartar and plaque from the teeth. Not just this, dry meal offers enough varieties to choose from, and specific ingredients options are available. 

Wet Food

Unlike dry food, wet foods have higher moisture content and come in cans. It also has a higher level of fat, protein, and improved flavor. However, the caloric concentration in the meal is more. One thing to watch out for in wet food is the ingredients used to bind or thicken the ingredients and artificial flavors. You should also watch out for preservatives and artificial flavors. Wet foods don’t have a long shelf life; hence, don’t last past five days if you refrigerate it. For the best result, we recommend that you combine wet and dry food or purchase a product that combines the two types. 

Prescription Food

Like the name, these are foods that are designed to attend to specific dietary needs based on health problems. A veterinarian’s office is a likely place where this type of food is sold. Since the formulation of the meal is such that it allows it to attend to specific dietary needs, it is more expensive, unlike the other types. The quality is also lower and has a high concentration of fillers. 

Dehydrated Food

The difference between dry food and a dehydrated one is the process used. You make a dehydrated dog food by removing moisture from raw ingredients instead of cooking them. As a result, the food has to be rehydrated before you feed it to your dog. It also has higher original nutrients and does not include preservatives. However, it is too costly. 

Human-grade food

This refers to food whose ingredients are safe for human consumption. Not just the ingredients, it must be produced in an approved human food facility. The two conditions must be satisfied before tagging the product as human-grade food. 

Freeze-dried Food

This type of food is either raw or cooked, and it features high-quality kibbles. The kibbles are either sprayed with freeze-dried raw bits or coatings and are high in nutritional value. 

Frozen and fresh Food

The last food type on our list consist of fresh food that you can either cook or serve raw. This type of food has high nutritional integrity, and the quality of the ingredients is equally high. They are also expensive; however, they aid nutrient digestion and absorption. 

Factors to Consider Before Choosing Dog Food 

The Ingredients

The foremost factor to consider buying dog food is the ingredients used. The guiding principle is to purchase the food type that is tolerable by your pet. Artificial ingredients like coloring sweeteners, and preservatives, for example, should be avoided. You should also check for the sources of by-products, protein, and fat content in the food. Help yourself by buying a product with clearly identifiable ingredients that answers the what and the where questions. 

The Age of Your Dog

Not all dog foods are fit for dogs of all ages and conditions. First of all, you need to understand the nutritional demand of your pet to know the type of food to feed it. Since the demands changes with aging, you should consult with a vet to know what food will affect their health and the ones that won’t. The sizing of the meal also relates directly to the age of your dog. Large-sized kibbles, for example, is not the best option for a small dog. Likewise, feeding a small-sized kibble to a large dog could cause chocking as it could lodge in the nostril during sniffing. Hence, you should check the age and medical condition of your pet before purchasing the food. 

Nutrients

 A blend of formula and ingredients offer varieties for dogs to choose from. Although it is still subject to factors like age and medical condition, you should check for foods with high nutritional benefits. Look for foods that strengthen the joints and muscle, improve the shine of the coat, and promote healthy brain development. You should also pay attention to the texture of the food as it determines the ease of chewing. 

Frequently asked questions (FAQs) 

  • Is wet or dry food better for my dog? 

There are few factors to consider before choosing either of the food types. First, you should try out both foods and observe to see which your dog prefers. For average comparison, dry foods are better than wet foods. This is because they help to maintain dental hygiene and are easier to store since they have a longer shelf life. However, you should let your dog determines which food type is better. 

  • Can I mix dry and wet food for my dog? 

Absolutely, yes, you can. Mixing dry and wet food makes the food tastier and helps with the sense of smell. It also lets you try out different tastes and texture. However, we recommend that you consult with your vet before you implement this plan. 

  • How long should I leave dry food out for my dog? 

You can let your dog have the satisfaction of keeping the food company for as long as she is willing to eat. However, one disadvantage of this approach is that the dog soon becomes too familiar with the food and loses interest. Hence, you should cut back on how much food you feed your dog. A considerably-sized meal should last for an hour; then, you can add more into the bowl. Feeding your dog on demand is the best approach. 

  • How long will a dry food stay fresh? 

The best way to know is to look for the best before or best by date on the product label. The farther the best before date, the longer the food will last. 

Conclusion 

You won’t go wrong with your purchase when you understand the difference between good food and a bad one. We hope you find our review of the top 5 dog food helpful. The best dog food is such that your pet will eat conveniently and won’t affect the normal function of the body. More than this, it must be one that you can afford without breaking the bank. 

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