9 Best Dog Foods 2025, Tested and Reviewed
Dogs need animal protein—even if you’re a vegetarian, your dog can not be. But grains, fruits, and vegetables are all perfectly okay to be in your dog’s food along with the meat, poultry, or fish that is their main sustenance.
✔️ Trust the vet: “Your veterinarian knows your dog’s specific needs and can provide valuable guidance on selecting the right dog food,” Dr. Caos says. “They can consider factors like age, breed, size, activity level, and any health conditions to recommend an appropriate diet.”
✔️ Your dog will have opinions: You can lead a dog to a premium kibble, but you can’t necessarily make it eat. You may need to try a few flavors to find what they love, so consider buying a small bag when you’re trying a new dog food.
✔️ Find a formula that fits them: While puppy food may be formulated to support their growth, senior dog food is created to help their joints, bones, and skin as they get older. The American Kennel Club notes that large dogs can be more prone to musculoskeletal problems than their small breed counterparts, so you’ll want to ensure that you’re purchasing dog food specifically for large breeds if you’ve got one, since it has a different balance of nutrients. Smaller dogs, meanwhile, benefit from food that features smaller kibble pieces, which are easier for them to eat.
✔️ Check the ingredient list: “High-quality ingredients [should be] the primary components of the dog food,” Dr. Caos says. “The first few ingredients should ideally be named animal protein sources, such as chicken, beef, or fish. Avoid foods that list vague terms like ‘meat meal’ as the main protein source.”
Your vet can also advise you on any foods or substances to avoid with your dog. For instance, most dogs don’t need grain-free dog food, but some dogs do benefit from it. “If your dog has specific dietary restrictions or allergies, choose a food that accommodates those needs,” Dr. Caos says. The FDA studied grain-free dog food to see if there was a link between it and canine heart disease; the study was inconclusive. A more recent study from the University of Missouri found no link between grain-free diets and the development of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). But to be safe, don’t put your pet on a grain-free diet until you’ve received clearance from the veterinarian.
✔️ Get expert-formulated recipes: To ensure your pet is getting the healthiest (and tastiest) chow, you’ll want to look for brands that use board-certified nutritionists to formulate the diet. This means they’ll test for nutrient content and adequacy, and assess the food for contaminants. Most major brands do this.
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