Top 8 Expert-Recommended Dog Food Brands for Your Pup

As cherished members of the family (and sometimes even the primary beneficiaries of their owners' estates), dogs deserve only the best food. However, choosing the healthiest options for your dog can be overwhelming due to the wide array of products available on the market.

Charli Burbidge, MRCVS, zoologist, and co-founder and nutritionist at Petz in the UK, warns that many grocery store dog foods contain undesirable ingredients, such as butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), a preservative used to extend shelf life. Although BHT is considered safe for human consumption by the FDA, it has been linked to cancer in animals and is banned in countries like Australia, Japan, and Sweden, according to Wag.

As a responsible pet parent, it's crucial to do thorough research before introducing new food to your dog. The most important factor to consider when choosing dog food is that it contains high-quality ingredients that contribute to a balanced diet. Proteins and fats like chicken or salmon, rich in essential omega-3 fatty acids, are great options. Carbohydrates such as brown rice provide fiber, and vegetables like carrots and apples are safe for dogs to eat. Though often thought of as carnivores, dogs are actually omnivores.

A great way to ensure you're making informed choices as a pet owner is by checking reliable organizations like the FDA, which provides updates on things like food recalls, or the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), which sets guidelines for pet-food safety and helps identify appropriate ingredients for your pet. Many well-known dog food brands meet AAFCO standards, but to discover the top options, we consulted six veterinarians to get their recommendations. (As always, be sure to consult with your vet before making any dietary changes for your pet.)

1. Hungry Bark

For pet owners looking for a dog food brand that delivers directly to their door, Dr. Georgina Ushi Phillips, DVM, and author at NotaBully.org, suggests Hungry Bark. 'They use high-quality meat sources and superfoods in their products,' Phillips told Mytour. 'It’s an excellent choice if it fits your budget.' Four-pound bags of their dry dog food cost between $20 and $23, while the 12-pound bags are priced around $45.

2. Nutro Natural Choice

Burbidge recommends Nutro Natural Choice for its variety of options suitable for dogs of all sizes and ages, from puppies to senior dogs. 'Their food is formulated with both chicken and fish, providing a complete protein,' Burbidge writes. As stated by the Cleveland Clinic, complete proteins, such as eggs, edamame, or fish, contain all nine essential amino acids. These are considered the 'building blocks' of proteins because they form chains of polypeptides, which neither humans nor dogs can produce on their own. The brand also includes other natural protein sources like lamb and venison.

3. Purina Pro Plan

Both Burbidge and Dr. Jamie Richardson, BVetMed, USDA-accredited veterinarian and medical chief of staff at Small Door Veterinary in New York City, endorse Purina, particularly the Pro Plan variety. Burbidge values its use of high-quality proteins, especially in the fish formula. 'Fish is an excellent protein choice because it's rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for all dog breeds,' Burbidge explains. She also appreciates that it is free from additives like butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), a preservative similar to BHT, which is known to be carcinogenic to humans and has been linked to tumors in laboratory dogs, according to Wag.

Richardson also suggests the Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets HA Hydrolyzed Vegetarian Formula dry dog food as a suitable alternative to the Royal Canin brand. Dr. Stacy Choczynski Johnson, DVM, a veterinarian with Pumpkin Pet Insurance, shares that hydrolyzed food, prescribed by veterinarians, is ideal for dogs with food allergies and digestive problems since its ingredients are broken down to a molecular level, making it easier for dogs to digest without causing allergic reactions. 'It’s broken down to be so small that the immune system does not react to the allergen,' says Johnson. (There’s even a similar version for human babies, called Nutramigen, which Johnson used with her own daughter.)

4. Wellness Complete Health

Another excellent choice? Wellness’s Complete Health food. Richardson points out that this brand emphasizes stringent quality control and works with a dedicated team of nutritionists to develop new dog food formulas and evaluate existing ones to ensure they meet AAFCO standards. Additionally, Richardson notes that this food can aid in digestion and support a healthy coat, skin, and energy levels for dogs.

5. Hill’s Pet Nutrition

Johnson considers Hill’s Pet Nutrition, also known as Science Diet, an excellent choice, and Phillips and Richardson are in agreement. If you're concerned about how the food is stored and handled, Johnson suggests this brand is a reliable option: 'The factory equipment is reported to be thoroughly cleaned to prevent cross-contamination of food allergens.' The brand also operates a 180-acre Pet Nutrition Center, where they care for 900 cats and dogs, and they study the food these animals consume to ensure it is high-quality, easy to chew, and provides the correct nutrients throughout each stage of their lives.

6. Royal Canin

Four of our experts recommend Royal Canin, praising it for its premium ingredients and high quality; many of them even feed it to their own pets. The brand offers a range of foods to support dogs at every stage of life, from puppies to adult dogs. There are also formulas tailored to specific breeds, some of which may require a prescription from your veterinarian. Richardson particularly endorses the brand’s vegetarian option, as it provides sufficient vitamin B12 and protein for dogs without relying on meat sources. Since dogs are omnivores, a vegetarian diet is more feasible for them than for cats (which are carnivores) and could also have environmental benefits. However, dogs on vegetarian diets may miss out on vital nutrients, so it’s essential to consult your veterinarian before making this choice. 'There are a few safe, healthy vegetables for dogs, but it can be challenging to provide enough protein, and Vitamin B12 deficiencies are common in pets on these diets,' says Richardson. Phillips also recommends Royal Canin for puppies due to its breed-specific diets designed for growing dogs.

7. Orijen

Dr. Joanna Cook, DVM, from Alii Animal Hospital in Hawaii, recommends Orijen dog food, particularly the version with grains. While many dog foods are becoming 'grain-free,' Phillips believes grains can be a healthy part of a dog's diet when used in moderation. 'But when grains are the main ingredient instead of animal-based proteins, that’s when the problem starts,' Phillips cautions. When feeding puppies, Cook likes to mix this food with Brutus bone broth: 'Not only does it soften the food, making it easier for their delicate little teeth to chew, but Brutus broth also provides vital nutrients like glucosamine and chondroitin, which are essential for growing puppies to maintain their joint and gut health.'

8. Nature’s Logic

Dr. Tom Cameron, DVM, a contributor at Nature’s Logic, recommends this brand because it is the only pet food company in the U.S. and Canada that meets both AAFCO and FDA daily nutritional standards, using only whole foods and avoiding partial food ingredients such as corn gluten or egg products. 'Nature’s Logic doesn’t use synthetic vitamins, isolated minerals, or legumes,' Cameron writes. With the growing trend of grain-free dog food options, some brands include legumes like peas, lentils, and beans, which are fine in moderation but may pose risks like heart disease when used as primary ingredients. Cameron advises ensuring that your dog food contains 'human-grade' ingredients, meaning if you wouldn’t eat it, don’t feed it to your pet.

This story was updated with additional information from Nature's Logic.