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The Best Dog Foods To Keep Your Pup Happy And Healthy
As a dog owner, selecting food for your pet is one of the most important decisions you have to make on a regular basis. After all, the kind you pick is your pup's main source of nutrition, designed to keep them healthy, happy and energized on a daily basis. But these days, there are hundreds of options available, including dry, wet and fresh varieties in every flavor imaginable, so it can be tricky to find the best dog food for your four-legged friend.
Some of our favorite dog foods come from JustFoodForDogs, Purina and Hill's Science Diet.
Illustration: Forbes / Image: Retailers"When choosing which food is best for your pet, there are numerous things to consider," explains Dr. Jennifer Frione, DVM, veterinarian and owner at Lakeside Animal Hospital in Plantation, Florida. For instance, "your pet's age and stage of life," she continues. "Puppies and kittens nutritional requirements vary from that of middle aged or geriatric pets." You also want to make sure your pet's main source of food meets the minimal nutritional requirements established by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). Other factors to keep in mind as you shop include your pet's dietary needs and medical conditions, plus the types of food they like best (pets have preferences, too). If you're unsure about what dog food is the best option for your pet, don't hesitate to consult your veterinarian, who can help steer you in the right direction.
To help take some of the guesswork out of the shopping process, we spoke with trusted vets about some of the most popular, high-quality foods out there. With their tips and recommendations in mind, here are nine of the very best dog foods to keep your pooch healthy and happy.
Type: DryLife stage: AdultCalories: 383 kcal/cupAAFCO approved: Yes
Purina comes highly recommended by many vets, as the brand employs board-certified veterinary nutritionists and does extensive research on its formulas. If you have an adult dog who doesn't have any specific dietary needs, Purina ONE dry dog food is one of the brand's best options.
Suitable for pups of all sizes, Purina ONE's formulas rely on high-quality ingredients that support whole-body health. In the chicken and rice variety, for example, real chicken is the first ingredient, and the kibble is fortified with omega-6 fatty acids, prebiotic fiber, vitamins and four antioxidant sources.
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Type: DryLife stage: AdultCalories: 416 kcal/cupAAFCO approved: Yes
Dog Chow Complete Adult Dog Food is a wallet-friendly option for your pet, costing less than $1 per pound. Like our top pick overall, this dry dog food is also made by Purina, and it's available in beef and chicken flavors. Fortified with 23 vitamins and minerals, plus antioxidants to boost your dog's immune system, this kibble is a complete and balanced source of nutrition for your pet. While it's suitable for adult dogs of all sizes, just keep in mind that it's higher in calories than other top options so you may need to feed your dog a bit less to prevent weight gain.
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Type: FreshLife stage: AdultCalories: Varies by flavorAAFCO approved: Yes
Fresh dog food has become increasingly popular over the past few years and JustFoodForDogs is one of the best brands in the game. The company offers a wide range of food flavors like fish and sweet potato or venison and squash, and each variety is made using gently cooked human-grade ingredients. (If your dog has specific dietary needs or a medical condition, the brand also has a line of prescription foods or they can create a formula tailored to your pet's individual needs.) Each variety come packaged in 18-ounce pouches, and the servings can be stored frozen for up to a year until you're ready to use them.
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Type: WetLife stage: AdultCalories: 329 kcal/canAAFCO approved: Yes
If you prefer to give your dog wet food, which has a higher moisture level and is generally easier to chew than kibble, this formula from Hill's Science Diet is a winning pick. Designed for adult canines between the ages of 1 and 6, the formula—which comes in beef and chicken flavors—has a stew-like consistency that even picky eaters are guaranteed to love. It's made with high-quality lean protein that promotes muscle maintenance and a healthy body weight, plus ingredients like biotin and vitamin E to support your dog's skin and coat health. Since the wet food is easy to digest, it's a great option for dogs with sensitive stomachs, too. Each can is 12.8 ounces and comes in a pack of 12.
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Type: DryLife stage: PuppiesCalories: 406 kcal/cupAAFCO approved: Yes
Puppies need specific nutrients to support healthy growth, and the Purina Pro Plan Puppy Food is a top choice for young animals under 1 year old. This dry formula is high in protein to help your pooch grow big and strong, and it also contains DHA from fish oil to promote healthy brain and vision development. Additionally, the kibble has live probiotics to support your dog's digestive and immune health.
To make this kibble more appealing to young pups, it contains regular dry morsels, as well as tender "shredded" pieces that provide a tasty texture for your puppy. Just keep in mind that it might not be the best option for large breed puppies, who require specific protein levels so they don't grow too quickly; instead, consider the Purina Pro Plan Large Breed Dry Puppy Food.
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Type: WetLife stage: SeniorCalories: 376 kcal/canAAFCO approved: Yes
As your pet gets older, their nutritional needs change, which is why senior-friendly foods like Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Canned Food exist. Sold in 12-packs of 13-ounce cans, this wet food is designed to meet the needs of dogs who are at least 7 years old. Not only are the formulas soft enough for elderly dogs to chew, but they're also crafted with high-quality ingredients to ensure appropriate nutrient absorption. For instance, each flavor (like beef and barley) contains a balanced amount of minerals for heart and kidney health, as well as antioxidants for immune health. Overall, Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Canned Food is a top choice to help keep older dogs healthy as they age.
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Type: DryLife stage: AdultCalories: 363 kcal/cupAAFCO approved: Yes
For large breed dogs (pups who weigh 50 pounds or more as adults), Hill's Science Diet Large Breed Dog Food is formulated with their specific nutritional requirements in mind. Available in either chicken and barley or lamb and rice flavors, it's designed to support the energy needs of larger dogs and promote joint health, as big breeds are prone to developing problems like hip dysplasia and arthritis. The food contains high-quality protein to promote lean muscle, as well as omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E to help keep their skin healthy and fur shiny. But the best part? The kibble is large—in other words, the ideal size for big dogs.
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Type: DryLife stage: AdultCalories: 449 kcal/cupAAFCO approved: Yes
If your dog is prone to stomach problems, Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin and Stomach is a veterinarian-recommended option that supports healthy digestion. The salmon and rice formula is easy for dogs to digest, thanks to carbohydrates like rice and oatmeal, and it contains natural prebiotic fiber that helps nourish beneficial intestinal bacteria. As a result, the food often improves stool quality.
This food is also great for dogs with sensitive skin, thanks to its omega-6 fatty acids and vitamin A. These nutrients keep your pet's coat healthy and shiny, and the formula is free of corn, wheat and soy, in case your dog is sensitive to these ingredients.
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Type: FreshLife stage: AdultCalories: Varies by formulaAAFCO approved: Yes
You can save yourself the hassle of trekking to the pet store every month with a dog food delivery service. Our top-recommended brand is Nom Nom Now, which delivers fresh dog food to your doorstep on a recurring basis. The brand helps you build a meal plan based on your pet's individual needs, and they currently offer chicken, beef, turkey and pork recipes, all of which are gently cooked to preserve nutrients.
Nom Nom Now dog food should be kept frozen until you're ready to serve it, and the packs can be stored for up to 6 months. There are several delivery frequencies to choose from, including every week, every two weeks and every four weeks. And if you want to sample the food before committing to a subscription, the brand offers a Variety Pack.
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When selecting a dog food for your pet, you want to look for a nutritional adequacy statement on the packaging. The Association of American Feed Control Officials (also known as the AAFCO) has specific nutritional guidelines that pet food needs to meet, and it's important to choose a product that's labeled as "complete and balanced" for your dog's specific life stage (adult, puppy, etc.). This means that the food provides all the nutrients that your pet needs in the appropriate ratios. If a food is not labeled as complete and balanced, talk to your pet's veterinarian about how you can best meet your dog's nutritional needs.
Food TypeDog food is available in several different forms, the most popular of which include dry food (or kibble), wet/canned food and fresh food. Each of these types has benefits and drawbacks. For instance, dry food is often the most affordable and easy to store, but it contains less moisture and may be hard for some dogs to chew. Wet food contains a high level of moisture and is highly palatable, often appealing to picky eaters, but it doesn't help clean your dog's teeth like dry food.
If you're not sure what type of food might work best for your pet, your veterinarian can offer personalized advice. "Talk to your vet about what type of formulation best fits your pet's needs," recommends Dr. Frione. "For example, pets with severe periodontal disease will benefit more from a canned/wet food, as kibble may be too hard for them to comfortably eat."
IngredientsYou may also want to look at the ingredients in your dog's food; experts recommend selecting a product with high-quality protein as one of the main ingredients. "Some things to look for are what is the main type of protein and is protein one of the higher ingredients on the list, since dogs need protein as the main component of their diet," recommends Dr. Zac Pilossoph, DVM, a consulting veterinarian at Healthy Paws Pet Insurance.
Some common protein sources for dog food include chicken, beef, turkey and fish. If your dog is a picky eater, you may need to try a few different options to find which protein they like best.
Dietary NeedsYou also want to consider your pet's dietary needs when selecting a food. "Certain medical conditions such as allergies, diabetes or urinary issues may require a special diet," Dr. Frione notes. In these instances, you want to work with your pet's veterinarian to select a food that will keep them healthy; they may even recommend a prescription diet.
CostDon't forget to take cost into account while selecting a dog food. Dry and canned dog foods tend to be the most affordable, especially if you have a larger animal or multiple pets. Specialty varieties, such as fresh food, can get expensive fast, so it's important to figure out how much you can comfortably afford within your budget.
What Is The Best Dog Food, According To Vets?There are hundreds of dog foods out there today, and there's no one-size-fits-all option that works for every dog. Different animals have varying nutritional needs based on their age, breed and medical status, and just like people, dogs have preferences in terms of flavors and textures.
To find the best dog food for your pet, veterinarians generally recommend selecting a product from several trusted brands. "When recommending a food, I generally stick to the big four: Hill's Science Diet, Royal Canin, Purina Pro Plan, and Eukanuba," says Dr. Frione. These brands are known for creating high-quality dog foods with the help of veterinary nutritionists, and they do in-depth research into the best formulas and ingredients to support pet health.
What Is The Number One Healthiest Dog Food?Again, there's no one dog food that's healthiest for every pet. "Each dog has its own list of elements that need to be taken into account to choose the right type of dog food," explains Dr. Pilossoph. However, he does note that there are benefits to selecting a fresh, whole food diet for your dog. "Over the last few years, there have been several reputable and trustworthy fresh whole food dog food companies to come out and put together a very high-quality list of dog foods," he explains. "I look for those that are predominantly protein-based—80% or more—are human-grade, and that use minimal synthetic vitamins and nutrients."
If you're interested in feeding a fresh diet to your pet, brands like JustFoodForDogs and Nom Nom Now are worthwhile options to consider.
What Dog Foods Do Vets Not Recommend?While raw dog food has become popular in recent years, many veterinarians recommend against feeding raw diets. The American Veterinary Medical Association advises against it, as well. Because it's not cooked in any way, raw dog food can contain bacteria such as Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes, which can be harmful to both you and your pet. In one study by the FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine, 196 samples of commercially available raw pet food were analyzed and 15 were positive for Salmonella and 32 were positive for L. Monocytogenes. If you have questions about feeding your dog a raw diet, don't hesitate to consult your vet first.
Dog Named Magic Gets Adopted After Recovering From Gunshot Wound
Eight months ago, Melanie Gilzene of Louisville, Kentucky, had to say goodbye to her dog Macho.
But the 50-year-old teacher has since welcomed a new furry friend into her home, a development Gilzene describes as a serendipitous turn of events.
"I lost my dog in January and I was just starting to think about getting another dog when he magically appeared online. And so I was like, 'Oh, my gosh, I want this dog,'" Gilzene told "Good Morning America."
Magic suffered a gunshot wound but has since recovered.
Courtesy Kentucky Humane Society
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Gilzene had noticed Magic, a German shepherd mix, on the Kentucky Humane Society's website and Facebook page and was quickly drawn to the young pup.
"I do know that Louisville Metro Animal Services was called. You know, there was a dog in the street that had been shot in the head," Gilzene explained of what she learned about Magic's past.
MORE: Dog ready for adoption after surviving being shot
Gilzene said Magic has made himself at home since day 1.
Courtesy Melanie Gilzene
After Louisville Metro Animal Services took in Magic, a Kentucky Humane Society staffer fostered him until Gilzene reached out to the nonprofit to inquire about their foster-to-adopt program.
"I always have a heart for animals and this one particularly, he just deserves a great life and I know that I can give him that so I rushed to call them quickly to get this foster thing going," she said.
The Kentucky Humane Society said they were honored to welcome Magic and help support him in his journey to a new and loving home.
Melanie Gilzene said her one-year-old dog Magic loves to play with his squeaky ball toy.
Courtesy Melanie Gilzene
"Right when Magic came to our doors at the Kentucky Humane Society (KHS), he openly trusted us to be a part of his journey. The entire Louisville community and KHS staff rallied behind him to help him recover medically and emotionally. It's an honor that we get the chance to save lives of animals like Magic. We can learn so much from animals as they are so resilient, forgiving and loving," Kentucky Humane Society President and CEO Alisa Gray said in a statement.
Gilzene officially adopted 1-year-old Magic on Aug. 10 after fostering the blonde-brown and black canine for three weeks.
"Pretty much after the first day, we knew we were gonna keep Magic," the mom of two said. "He's just a sweetheart. He's so loving and he's full of energy."
Melanie Gilzene adopted Magic, a German shepherd mix, on Aug.10, 2023 from the Kentucky Humane Society.
Courtesy Melanie Gilzene
Gilzene said Magic has "fit right into" her home and despite his past trauma, he has had a smooth recovery and hasn't shown any lingering effects.
"He's had no problems and he has adjusted 100%," Gilzene said. "I think he is like, meant to be my dog. So I feel really, really happy about it."
MORE: Dog and family reunited at a pet adoption event
Today, Gilzene said Magic seems to have boundless energy and loves to play with his beloved ball.
"He's actually helped me be more active because sometimes I would be like, 'I don't feel like doing this today.' But he just keeps me motivated. He always wants to play and he needs exercise so that is motivating me to do the same," Gilzene said.
The teacher said she hopes Magic's story will inspire others to think about helping animals in need in their local communities.
"There's so many dogs or cats, any type of animal that you prefer to have, that just need a good loving home. If you're willing and able to have an animal in your home, they will bless you twofold. They're just wonderful companions," Gilzene said, adding that people can also consider donating much-needed items or making financial contributions to animal rescues and shelters too.
Cats & Dogs Gone Wild! See The Hilarious Winners Of The 2023 Comedy Pet Photography Awards
The fourth annual competition brought out the best of house pet photography
Michel Zoghzoghi
'A Life Changing Event,' winner of the 2023 Comedy Pet Photography AwardsPhotographers Paul Joynson-Hicks and Tom Sullam's annual Comedy Pet Photography Awards celebrate the positive role pets have in people's lives — and the hilarious moments captured in their day-to-day antics. "To be able to laugh out loud with these lovable creatures is the reason this competition exists," said Sullam.
Above is the 2023 winner, Michel Zoghzoghi's photo "A Life Changing Event." Zoghzoghi, of Lebanon, grabbed this snap of his rescue kittens Alex and Max — whom he calls "a lethally cute duo" — showcasing their shy and playful personalities (we'll let you guess who is who).
Read on to see more honorable mentions from the competition.
'The First Happy Walk'Photographer Darya Zelentsova captured "tiny, happy" ferret Boudicca enjoying her first outdoor walk in the U.S. At just 2 months old.
'Zorro Reborn'Nothing to see here! German photographer Karl Goldhamer took this picture of a masked black pup.
'The Three Greys'"Karin and her two dogs in Germany," Klaus-Peter Selzer said of this shot. "Don't they all look almost the same?"
'Victory'As Japan-based shutterbug Kazutoshi Ono joked, "Perfect landing pose, right?"
'Barking'Brtish photographer Chris Porsz caught a border collie mid-air at a dog park in New York City.
'Is It a Seal or a Dog?'Monyque Macedo Dos Santos
Monyque Macedo Dos Santos found dog Louis in his favorite hiding place at home in Brazil — the sofa!
'The Big Boss'"Big Boss is the boss around here," wrote photographer Kenichi Morinaga of Japan. "He is gentle."
'Keep Your Eye on the Ball'Bumble's eye was on the ball in British photog Gill Woodcock's snap.
'When Digging Gets Serious'Digging holes on the beach in the U.K., Shadow flipped upside down for photographer Sophie Boynton.
'Football Free Kick'Morinaga (he had two celebrated pics!) thought this image captured the "pressure of football and waiting for [a] free kick."
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