Our dogs do so much for us, so it’s only fair that we reward them with the best adult dog food or puppy food to help their development. The options include hypoallergenic, grain-free, non-GMO, dry, wet, freeze-dried, and raw dog food.

For the newbie dog owner, it can be a little daunting! In this article, we’ll discuss our choices for the best dog foods for puppies and adults, and after you examine the reviews, you can look at our buyer’s guide for more advice.

A Glance at Our Top Picks (2024 Update)

The 19 Best Dog Foods

1. The Farmer’s Dog Fresh Dog Food — Best Overall

Our best overall dog food pick is The Farmer’s Dog’s fresh dog food. These fresh, gently cooked recipes were developed by vet nutritionists and customized to your pet’s needs. The food is packed full of nutrients and premium proteins, including turkey, beef, and chicken. Plus, you get it all in a convenient, easy-to-serve subscription that ships right to your door!

We love The Farmer’s Dog because it makes serving your furry friend fresh, nutritionally balanced meals easy and fun. That combination of nutrition and convenience does cost a bit more, but it may keep your dog healthy and happy for longer. Plus, if you’re interested in fresh food but aren’t ready to commit to a full subscription, you can try The Farmer’s Dog’s DIY Nutrient Mix, which helps you keep home-cooked meals balanced and complete.

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2. Blue Buffalo Divine Delights Variety Pack — Budget Buy

Designed with small breeds in mind, the Blue Buffalo Divine Delights Variety Pack comes in ready-made portions and two flavors in gravy: New York strips and filet mignon. It includes 12 cans and is the best dog food for the money. Focused on using natural ingredients, Blue Buffalo doesn’t use corn, wheat, or soy products in either recipe and avoids poultry by-products.

Since it’s formulated for small breeds, the portions are too small for large ones and may not contain the nutrients they need to stay healthy. The pre-portioned trays are also difficult to open, especially for dog owners with arthritis.

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3. Open Farm Dog Food

*Use code PETKEEN20 and save on your first auto-ship order.

Open Farm dog food is another great pick that will suit many dogs and their owners. It focuses on sustainably and humanely sourcing the best ingredients. From the grass-fed beef to the wild-caught salmon, all of the premium proteins are carefully sourced to provide your dog with the best possible nutrition. Plus, you can choose from various types, including dry, wet, freeze-dried raw, fresh, and even bone broth.

We love being able to trace every ingredient in our dogs’ food, and the wide range of formulas is convenient, especially if you’re feeding multiple dogs. On the negative side, Open Farm won’t fit every budget, and you have to pay for shipping on small orders. Overall, this is an excellent dog food company that can keep your pup fully nourished and happy!

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4. The Honest Kitchen Dehydrated Whole Grain Chicken

A unique option on our list, The Honest Kitchen Dehydrated Whole Grain Chicken meal is neither a kibble nor a cooked offering, it’s in a league all its own! Available in six different sizes, this dog food comes in a bag of dehydrated ingredients, and all you have to do is pour warm water and wait three minutes. Although this is an extra prep-step versus more traditional dog foods, all of the meals will feel homemade to your pup (and it’s easy to transport for those living life on the go with Fido).

The Honest Kitchen has a long-standing reputation for offering quality food that you can be confident is good for your pup. Every ingredient is 100% human-grade and easy to understand, while also lacking some unsavory ingredients such as wheat, soy, preservatives, filler, and GMO ingredients. The Honest Kitchen Dehydrated Whole Grain Chicken in particular uses free-range chicken only! There are some additional vitamins and nutrients added into the recipe to offer even more goodness for your dog, so there is certainly a reason that this food comes highly recommended by veterinarians.

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5. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula — Best for Puppies

The Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula is designed to support the growth of your puppy. It uses DHA and ARA to promote healthy brain and eye development, along with high-quality protein and omega fatty acids for muscle growth and healthy skin and fur. Blue Buffalo also contains antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals to boost your puppy’s immune health.

Unlike other kibbles that may be too big for your puppy to manage, this Life Protection formula is packed into “puppy-size” pieces to make it easy to eat. The kibble also helps prevent the build-up of tartar on teeth.

Due to the puppy-age formula, this Blue Buffalo option doesn’t contain the nutrients that adult and senior dogs require.

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6. Nom Nom Freshly Made Dog Food

Nom Nom dog food includes four recipes of freshly made dog food. Each recipe is nutritionally balanced for your dog’s overall well-being and is appropriate for all life stages, which is why we recommend it. Nom Nom is a good choice for dogs suffering from allergies or food sensitivities since the formulas have fewer ingredients. It has a higher-than-average protein-to-fat ratio and lower-than-average carbohydrate levels.

Meat is the number-one source of protein, and it is free from filler ingredients and only provides the nutritious ingredients that your dog needs. Nom Nom food must be stored in the refrigerator or freezer to prevent spoilage. While this can be an adjustment for owners who have never fed fresh food to their dogs, we feel that it’s worth it based on its nutritional value.

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7. Taste of the Wild High Prairie Dog Food

With omega fatty acids and 32% protein, the Taste of the Wild High Prairie Dog Food supports your dog’s bones, muscles, and joints. The roasted bison and venison flavors use real meat to encourage your canine’s appetite.

To ensure that the recipe is as healthy as possible, the formula contains prebiotics, probiotics, and antioxidants from real fruit and vegetables. It also doesn’t use ingredients that your dog might react to, like grain, gluten, corn, and wheat products. While Taste of the Wild is packed with nutrition for your best friend, it’s an expensive formula that might not suit all budgets.

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8. American Journey Salmon & Sweet Potato Recipe

Made with real salmon, sweet potato, fruits, and vegetables, the American Journey Salmon & Sweet Potato Recipe is grain-free and suitable for dogs with sensitive stomachs. The high protein content, amino acids, omega oils, and antioxidants promote lean muscles, skin, coat health, and strong immune and digestive systems.

Each of the three bag sizes (4, 12, or 24 pounds) also contains DHA, which helps the development of the brain and eyes in younger dogs. With its focus on real ingredients, American Journey is one of the more expensive dog foods on the market. Some owners have also reported that their dogs suffered from stomach issues after eating it.

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9. Purina Pro Plan Salmon & Rice Formula

For dogs with sensitive stomachs, the Purina Pro Plan Salmon & Rice Formula is easy to digest and avoids ingredients known to cause allergic reactions in some dogs, like corn, wheat, and soy. Using a careful blend of omega fatty acids, prebiotics, and probiotics, Purina Pro Plan supports your dog’s skin, coat, immune, and digestive health. The recipe is made with real salmon to utilize the natural omega-3 and -6 oils.

Although the 30-pound bag size will last a long time and is suitable for multi-dog households, some fussy canines may grow tired of the salmon and rice flavor and eventually refuse to eat it.

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10. American Journey Variety Pack Canned Dog Food

American Journey Variety Pack Canned Dog Food is sold in packs of 12, 12.5-ounce cans. The flavors include an equal selection of chicken or beef stew, both of which contain plenty of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and omega fatty acids to support your dog’s overall health.

Formulated with simple recipes that don’t contain corn, wheat, soy, by-products, or grain, this high-protein food is gentle on sensitive stomachs and doesn’t exacerbate allergies. Some owners have mentioned that the cans that they ordered arrived dented. A few fussy canines may dislike the taste of this American Journey wet food and refuse to eat it.

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11. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Adult Dry Food

Puppies who enjoy the puppy-oriented version of Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Dry Food will likely enjoy the adult version when they grow up. Blue Buffalo promotes bone and dental health while supporting your dog’s joints by including high-quality protein and glucosamine. The antioxidants also ensure that your favorite canine’s immune system stays strong.

To help your dog maintain a healthy diet, Purina Pro Plan doesn’t use corn, wheat, soy, or poultry by-products. It’s also available in five bag sizes (3, 6, 15, 24, and 30 pounds). Despite sharing a name with the puppy formula, this recipe is only suitable for adult dogs and doesn’t contain the nutrients needed for puppies. The larger bags are also expensive, and the kibble crumbles easily.

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12. Purina ONE SmartBlend Chicken & Rice Formula

Since it’s available in four sizes, the Purina ONE SmartBlend Chicken & Rice Formula is suitable for single- or multi-dog homes. The recipe uses real chicken and is easy to digest to ensure that your dog receives the nutrition they need to remain healthy. Omega fatty acids, vitamins A and E, and glucosamine keep your canine’s skin, coat, immune system, heart, and joints in top shape.

Some owners have complained about the strong “off” smell of this product, and others mentioned that they received a torn bag. A few fussy dogs may also refuse to eat this SmartBlend option, particularly if they get bored with the flavor when you use the larger bags.

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13. Rachael Ray Nutrish Real Beef, Pea, & Brown Rice Recipe

The Rachael Ray Nutrish Real Beef, Pea, & Brown Rice Recipe helps boost your dog’s energy levels with a tasty mix of real meat and vegetables. Omega fatty acids support your four-legged friend’s skin and coat health, while the fiber and protein content promotes organ, muscle, and digestive health.

Sold in 6-, 14-, 28-, or 40-pound bags, Rachael Ray is suitable for canines trying out new food or multi-dog households. Some owners have complained about the greasiness of this kibble, and the bag has been known to break during the shipping process.

Rachael Ray Nutrish also includes peas in the recipe. Peas are currently under investigation by the FDA for a potential link to dilated cardiomyopathy in dogs (a heart condition), although studies are still ongoing.

• See Also: Rachael Ray Dog Food Review

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14. Iams Adult MiniChunks High Protein Dog Food

While Iams Adult MiniChunks High Protein Dog Food can be given to dogs of all sizes, the kibble is designed to be easy to eat for small breeds. The five bag sizes give you plenty of options for single or multi-dog homes or just to try out a new brand.

Protein from real chicken, antioxidants, fibers, and prebiotics all support the health of your canine’s digestive and immune systems. While the kibble is designed with small breeds in mind, some owners have said that it’s still too big for their dogs. There are also reports of it causing upset stomachs and allergic reactions due to the recipe not being hypoallergenic.

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15. Cesar Classic Loaf in Sauce Beef Recipe

Beef, filet mignon, grilled chicken, and porterhouse steak are all included in the Cesar Classic Loaf in Sauce Beef Recipe variety pack. With 24 ready-made portions, there is plenty of selection to keep fussy dogs satisfied. The trays are sealed for freshness and are easy to open, and the grain-free portions can be used as food toppers for kibble or as meals on their own.

Since it’s formulated for adult dogs, Cesar lacks the nutrients puppies need to support their growth. The portions might also be too small for large breeds. Some owners have complained about the foul smell of this dog food.

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16. Nature’s Recipe Salmon, Sweet Potato & Pumpkin Recipe

Nature’s Recipe Salmon, Sweet Potato & Pumpkin Recipe supports your best friend’s digestion and immune health with real salmon and fiber-rich pumpkin. The salmon content ensures that your dog receives a healthy dose of omega oils to keep their joints lubricated and their skin and coat healthy. No poultry by-products, corn, wheat, or soy are used in this grain-free formula.

Some owners found the strong fishy smell unpleasant, and the kibble can crumble easily, especially during shipping. Despite the three bag sizes (4, 12, and 24 pounds), Nature’s Recipe is one of the more expensive options. Some dogs refuse to eat salmon-flavored food.

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17. Blue Buffalo Homestyle Recipe

The Blue Buffalo Homestyle Recipe is sold in a pack of 12 cans. It is formulated for adult dogs and supports your canine’s immune, skin, and coat health with a careful mix of beef, antioxidants, and omega fatty acids. Blue Buffalo avoids common allergens and doesn’t use poultry by-products, all to ensure that your dog’s diet is healthy, nutritional, and balanced.

This 12-pack option is long-lasting but might not be suitable for fussy dogs that get bored easily due to the single flavor. Despite the lack of other allergens, the Homestyle Recipe contains peas, which some dogs can be allergic to. The formula also doesn’t contain the right nutrition for puppies.

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18. Merrick Backcountry Freeze-Dried Big Game Recipe

Since it’s high in protein and omega fatty acids, Merrick Backcountry Freeze-Dried Big Game Recipe is easy to digest for sensitive stomachs and supports fur and skin health. Made with real lamb, wild boar, and venison, this grain-, wheat-, corn-, and soy-free recipe doesn’t exacerbate allergies.

Although the bags are sold in 4- and 40-pound sizes, Merrick Backcountry is one of the more expensive brands The raw nature of this freeze-dried food means it can carry more harmful bacteria, and the kibble can crumble easily.

Merrick Backcountry is suitable for all breed sizes, but some older dogs with fewer teeth or toy breeds may find the pieces difficult to eat.

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19. Annamaet 25% Medium & Large Breed Dog Food

The Annamaet 25% Medium & Large Breed Dog Food is formulated with big dogs in mind. With non-GMO ingredients and no corn, wheat, or soy, the recipe is allergen-free and human-grade. The high protein content, prebiotics, probiotics, and omega fatty acids benefit your dog by boosting their muscles, digestive system, skin, and fur health.

Unlike many other dry foods, this Annamaet recipe isn’t designed for small breeds, and the pieces may be too big for them to manage comfortably. It’s also incredibly expensive, and the bags are not resealable to maintain freshness.

Buyer’s Guide: Finding the Best Dog Food

There are many things to consider before deciding which dog food to purchase for your beloved best friend. The pet food market is a bit of a jungle, to say the least. There are many brands and plenty of conflicting information about what is truly healthy.

Since your dog’s health and nutrition are at the top of your list, we’ve included some characteristics to consider before making your choice.

Does Your Dog Need a Special Type of Food?

First and foremost, you need to consider your dog’s needs, and that goes for each dog you own. Some dogs suffer from food allergies or sensitivities, which require a diet that does not contain the allergens that bother them. For those with certain health conditions, some dietary modifications may be needed.

For most healthy dogs, you will have a wider variety of foods to choose from and won’t be required to filter out as many options. If you have a dog with health issues, you will need to weed out the foods that don’t fit the criteria. Always check with your veterinarian regarding your dog’s health, dietary needs, and any conditions they have.

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Decide Your Preferred Food Type

You have several food types to choose from, all of which have pros and cons.

Dry Kibble

Dry food is a popular choice among most dog owners and is the most readily available option in grocery stores and local pet food stores. It stores well and is the most cost-friendly option, but it is higher in carbohydrates and lower in moisture. Some brands contain bits of freeze-dried food or tender bites to add flavor and make it more palatable.

Wet or Canned Food

These varieties have an even longer shelf life than kibble and contain much more moisture for hydration. They are much more palatable and contain fewer carbohydrates than dry food, but they are also more expensive, messy, and create more trash. Many owners feed wet food as a topper for dry kibble to offset the cost.

Fresh Food

You also have fresh food diets that can purchased locally or obtained through subscription services, depending on the brand you choose. Fresh food diets are the healthiest choice since they contain fewer preservatives and are typically made from top-quality ingredients. Fresh food is also highly palatable and is full of moisture and needed nutrients.

It is undoubtedly the most expensive choice of the three and can become quite costly when feeding larger or multiple dogs. Fresh food can also be used as a topper to kibble to provide health benefits while remaining friendly to the budget.

Choose an Appropriate Food

Every dog needs to be fed food appropriate to their age, size, and overall activity level. What is appropriate for one dog may not be appropriate for another. Puppies, adults, and seniors have different nutritional needs, so be sure to get food that works for your dog’s life stage. Some brands are suitable for all life stages, while others are crafted specifically for different stages of life.

Active dogs that expend a lot of energy will have more nutritional requirements than couch potatoes. Size also plays a factor when determining the right food. If you have a large dog, it’s best to look for food formulated to fit their needs. The same goes for small dogs, which need a smaller kibble that is easier to chew.

Check the Ingredients

The ingredient list may not be able to tell you the overall quality of the ingredients, but it does provide a list of everything included in the food, which will help you make a more informed decision. This is especially important for dogs with special dietary needs or allergies, as you want to avoid potential allergens in the formula.

It’s good to look for foods that offer real meat as the first ingredient to ensure pure animal protein is at the top of the list. It is essential to avoid foods that are full of fillers, artificial colors, preservatives or flavors, heavy amounts of by-products, or any other harmful ingredients. A licensed veterinarian will be able to give you information on what types of ingredients to avoid and what to look for before you make your purchase.

Read the Food’s Label

The dog food label contains all the information you need to determine what you need to know about a particular food. Labels can be difficult to read, time-consuming, and even misleading, according to the Merck Veterinary Manual.

Dog food labels are required by the United States Food and Drug Administration, or FDA, to tell you eight key pieces of information regarding your dog’s food. Individual states may have some more precise label requirements as well. The eight key pieces of information disclosed by the FDA include:

Feeding Guidelines

A few years ago, the FDA started investigating grain-free formulas and their potential link to Canine Dilated Cardiomyopathy. 16 dog food brands have been named in the investigation, but none have been recalled, as the investigation is still ongoing. If you have concerns regarding this information, contact your veterinarian to discuss whether a grain-free diet is even necessary for your dog.

Consider the Cost

You will be buying dog food throughout your dog’s life, so you must ensure your budget is prepared for the extra expense before bringing home a new four-legged family member. It is important not to skimp on quality for a more budget-friendly food, as most low-cost foods are packed full of unnecessary ingredients. This could ultimately lead to nutritional deficiencies or other health concerns, which can end up being very costly in the long run.

There are plenty of wallet-friendly brands that produce high-quality formulas, and it’ll be easier to recognize this once you are familiar with ingredient lists and reading the labels. As a general rule, the higher the quality of the diet, the more expensive it will be. Be sure to find something that works for you financially and your pup’s overall health and nutritional needs.

Talk to Your Veterinarian

Getting advice from your veterinarian is highly recommended when it comes to your dog’s nutrition. It’s a good idea to check with them before making any dietary changes or transitioning to a new food. Your veterinarian is familiar with your dog’s health and will be able to guide you on what you need to look for in terms of dog food.

Conclusion

Overall, the best adult dog food is The Farmer’s Dog fresh food. It’s packed with high-quality nutrients to keep your dog happy and healthy for years. A more affordable option is the Blue Buffalo Divine Delights Variety Pack, which includes a range of flavors to stop fussy dogs from getting bored.

Whether you’re a new dog owner or a seasoned expert, knowing which dog food your dog will enjoy the most is a challenge. Hopefully, these reviews will help you choose your dog’s next favorite brand.

You may also want to read:

• Best Dog Foods for Weimaraners – Reviews & Top Picks
• 8 Best Dog Health & Activity Trackers  – Reviews & Top Picks

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Featured Image Credit: Pixel-Shot, Shutterstock