The 9 Best Dry Dog Foods of 2023

Amazon hills-science-diet-small-bites — Amazon

Drydog foodcan be a nutritional and convenient way to feed your pup. It comes in many recipes and formulations for puppies, adults, and seniors and it’s often less expensive than other dog foods.

“For many dogs it can provide a fairly complete nutrition package that is easy to purchase and store in the home, easy to administer, doesn’t always require washing their food bowl after every meal, and is often at a lower cost per feeding than many other options,” saysKathy Baker, DVM, of Lucy’s Veterinary Care in Smyrna, Georgia. “Some pet parents who have hectic schedules will use an automated feeder to make sure their pup gets to eat on time, even if they can’t get home to them.”

Our favorite dry dog food is Hill’s Science Diet Small Bites. Hill’s foods are highly recommended by veterinarians, come in many flavors and sizes, and have no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives. But we also have recommendations for puppies, senior dogs, and for other specialized needs.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Hill's Science Diet Small Bites at Chewy

Jump to Review

Best Budget:

Purina ONE Natural Dog Food at Chewy

Jump to Review

Best for Puppies:

Purina Pro Plan High Protein Puppy Food at Chewy

Jump to Review

Best for Senior Dogs:

Purina Pro Plan Bright Mind Adult 7+ at Chewy

Jump to Review

Best for Weight Management:

厂家专业计划成人体重管理狗粮t Chewy

Jump to Review

Best for Small Dogs:

Merrick Healthy Grains Dry Dog Food at Chewy

Jump to Review

Best for Big Dogs:

Royal Canin Large Breed Adult Dry Dog Food at Chewy

Jump to Review

Best for Allergies:

Wellness Simple Limited Ingredient Recipe at Chewy

Jump to Review

Best for Sensitive Stomachs:

Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin Dry Dog Food at Chewy

Jump to Review

In This Article

Our Picks
What to Look For When Buying Dry Dog Food
FAQ
Why Trust The Spruce

Amazon

View On Chewy View On Amazon View On PETCO

What We Like

Comes in many flavors and sizes
No artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives
Vet-recommended

What We Don't Like

Can be more expensive than some brands

Many veterinarians recommend Hill’s Science Diet, which comes in formulas for every pup’s needs. There are recipes for large and small breeds, seniors and puppies, and for health concerns like weight management and oral care.

The small bites recipe has easy-to-eat little kibble pieces for tiny pups or for larger dogs who find them easier to chew. It features chicken as the primary ingredient and, like other Hill’s Science Diet foods, contains no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives. Depending on the recipe, the foods have protein like chicken, lamb meal, or salmon as the first ingredient, along with extras like cracked barley, brown rice, and whole grain oats.

Each recipe comes in various sizes and comes in a strong, resealable pouch to keep it fresh. Hill’s Science Diet foods can sometimes cost more than similar brands. The foods are made in the United States with ingredients sourced from around the world.

Price at time of publish:$44 for 15 pounds

_{Flavors:Chicken and barley, lamb meal and brown rice |Primary Ingredients:Chicken, cracked pearl barley, whole grain wheat |Package Sizes:4.5, 5, 15, 33, 35-pound bags}

Walmart

View On Chewy View On Amazon View On Walmart

What We Like

FIrst ingredient is real meat
Added prebiotics for gut health and digestion
Many formulas and sizes
Affordable prices

What We Don't Like

Not as many vitamins, minerals, and additives as some other foods

There are loads of premium dog foods that carry high price tags, but you don’t have to spend big for good nutrition. Somebudget dog foodscan offer similar benefits at a lower cost. Purina has been a trusted name in pet food for nearly a century and the Pro Plan line, in particular, is popular with veterinarians. But you can get many of the same benefits in the budget Purina One foods.

Real meat is the first ingredient and it’s made without any fillers. There are added vitamins and minerals, as well as prebiotic fiber for better digestion and gut health. Purina ONE is available as chicken and rice, beef and rice, or lamb and rice and there are formulas specifically for puppies, aging dogs, digestive health, weight management, and small and large breeds.

Price at time of publish:$54 for 40 pounds

_{Flavors:Chicken and rice, beef and rice, lamb and rice, and others |Primary Ingredients:Chicken, rice flour, corn gluten meal (chicken and rice recipe) |Package Sizes:4, 8, 16.5, 31.1, and 40-pound bags}

Amazon

View On Chewy View On Amazon View On Walmart

What We Like

Chicken is the first ingredient
No artificial colors or flavors
Many recipes

What We Don't Like

Easy to confuse for other Purina formulas—formerly called Purina Focus

Another Purina on the list, but that’s because these formulas have had so much research and veterinarians often recommend them. Purina Pro Plan is a notch above the company’s more basic puppy food. It features meat, poultry, or salmon as the primary ingredient along with supplements that help a growing puppy. That includes DHA for brain and vision development, omega-6 fatty acids for skin and coat, and probiotics for digestive health.

The recipe has no artificial flavors or colors and there are special puppy recipes for small or large breeds, as well as health needs like sensitive skin and stomach.

Price at time of publish:$51 for 18 pounds

_{Flavors:Chicken, beef, lamb, salmon |Primary Ingredients:Chicken, rice, poultry by-product meal|Package Sizes:6, 18, and 34-pound bags}

Amazon

View On Chewy View On Chewy View On Amazon

What We Like

First ingredient is chicken
Contains supplements for joint, digestive, mental, and immune health
Recipes for adult, large, and small breeds

What We Don't Like

Only available in one flavor

As dogs age, they can face health issues including weight gain or weight loss, arthritis, and heart, liver, or joint disease.Switching to a diet particularlyformulated for senior dogscan help ease some of those changes. Not all dogs need to change diets—particularly if they are already on a formula targeting another health issue—so be sure to ask your vet before making the change.

Purina Pro Plan Bright Mind features chicken and poultry by-product meal as the primary protein. It’s packed with all sorts of supplements that target senior health including glucosamine for better mobility, antioxidants for the immune system, omega-6 fatty acids for coat and skin, and probiotics for healthy digestion. It also has fish oil, B vitamins, and arginine for mental sharpness. It’s available in adult, large, and small breed kibble recipes. There's also a canned version.

Price at time of publish:$60 for 16 pounds

_{Flavors:Chicken and rice |Primary Ingredients:Chicken, poultry byproduct meal, rice |Package Sizes:5, 16, and 30-pound bags}

Walmart

View On Chewy View On Amazon View On Walmart

What We Like

Often recommended by veterinarians
No artificial colors or flavors
Also available in small- and large-breed formulas
Comes in two versions: just kibble and with shredded bits

What We Don’t Like

Only one flavor available

More than half of all pet dogs in the U.S. are overweight or obese, reports the nonprofit Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, increasing the risk of health problems like arthritis, heart disease, cancer, and diabetes.Increasing activity is important to help control weight, and that is often combined withweight loss dog foods— more correctly known as weight management foods.

Weight management foods don’t just have fewer calories; this recipe has 15 percent less fat than similar Pro Plan adult foods. The ratio of protein to fat helps keep muscle mass while your dog loses weight and additional fiber helps your pup feel fuller. Chicken is the first ingredient and there are no artificial colors or flavors. The formula also includes omega-6 fatty acids and vitamin A for a healthy coat, and probiotics for digestion.

Purina Pro Plan Adult Weight Management food comes only in chicken flavor, but there’s a kibble-only version and a formula with tender, shredded bits, which seem to win over pickier eaters.

Price at time of publish:$52 for 18 pounds

_{Flavors:Chicken and rice, shredded blend chicken and rice |Primary Ingredients:Chicken, rice, whole grain corn, poultry by-product meal |Package Sizes:6, 18, 34-pound bags}

Petco

View On Chewy View On Amazon View On Walmart

What We Like

Small kibble
No preservatives or fillers
Added chondroitin, glucosamine, and omega fatty acids

What We Don’t Like

Just one flavor

Regular-sized kibble can be challenging for the tiniest of pups. Merrick Healthy Grains Small Breed food features much smaller chunks that are easier to eat. The recipe features deboned chicken as the primary ingredient, the food also includes turkey and chicken meal and brown rice and barley. It has added chondroitin and glucosamine for joint health and omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for a healthy skin and coat, according to the brand.

While some people avoid dog food with grains, Merrick uses ancient whole grains like barley and quinoa to aid with digestion and gut health. There are no preservatives, fillers, corn, or soy and you’ll recognize familiar ingredients like apples and carrots. The food comes in only one flavor, featuring chicken as the protein.

Price at time of publish:$48 for 12 pounds

_{Flavors:Chicken |Primary Ingredients:Deboned chicken, chicken meal, brown rice |Package Sizes:4, 12-pound bags}

Amazon

View On Chewy View On Amazon View On PETCO

What We Like

Large-size kibble
Formulated for bone and joint health
Contains EPA and DHA for skin and coat
Have similar formulas for large-breed puppies and senior dogs

What We Don't Like

Higher priced that some similar products

Large dogs have specific health needs, particularly bone and joint health because they put so much stress on their bodies when racing through life as a big pup. This large-breed dog food from Royal Canin is formulated with nutrition specifically made for large dogs 15 months to 5 years old that weigh between 56 and 100 pounds. When they’re younger or older, you can feed Royal Canin Large Breed formulas for puppies and seniors.

The recipe is fortified with omega fatty acids like EPA and DHA for a healthy skin and coat and includes plenty of fiber for easier digestibility. The kibble pieces are larger than most, specifically designed for big mouths with a satisfying crunch and attractive chicken flavor.

Price at time of publish:$29 for 6 pounds

_{Flavors:Chicken |Primary Ingredients:Chicken by-product meal, brewers rice, wheat, brown rice, chicken fat |Package Sizes:6, 30-pound bags}

Amazon

View On Chewy View On Amazon View On Walmart

What We Like

For dogs with food allergies or sensitive stomachs
Good for pups with chicken or beef allergies
Contains fiber and probiotics for easier digestion
No by-products or artificial colors, preservatives, or flavors

What We Don't Like

May not be appropriate for dogs with grain allergies

From itchy skin to incessant bouts of diarrhea, allergies can trigger all sorts of issues in a dog. Dogs might be allergic to specific ingredients like chicken or certain grains, so a limited-ingredientdog food for allergiesmay help. Talk to your vet to see if a diet change might help.

This Wellness recipe has a single protein, plus added fiber and probiotics for easier digestion. It has protein from duck, lamb, turkey, or salmon instead of the more common chicken and beef. It’s made with additional simple ingredients such as oatmeal, peas, and ground rice. Wellness Simple Limited Ingredient Recipe contains no meat by-products, dairy, corn, soy, eggs, or artificial preservatives. However, the oatmeal and ground rice may be an issue if your dog has a grain allergy.

Price at time of publish:$76 for 26 pounds

_{Flavors:Duck and oatmeal, lamb and oatmeal, turkey and potato, salmon and potato |Primary Ingredients:Duck, oatmeal, peas, ground rice (Duck and oatmeal recipe)|Package Sizes:26-pound bag}

Amazon

View On Chewy View On Amazon View On Walmart

What We Like

Chicken is first ingredient
Contains prebiotic fiber from beet pulp
Available without a prescription
Canned versions too

What We Don't Like

Dry food only available in chicken flavor

If your dog often has loose stools, gas, or diarrhea, you might want to talk to your vet about adog food for sensitive stomachs. A diet switch to a food with more digestible ingredients could help your pup’s symptoms. Hill’s Science Diet Sensitive Stomach and Skin is highly recommended by vets and, unlike some special diets, is available without a prescription. It’s formulated for dogs with gastro issues, as well as problems with skin health.

The recipe features chicken as the first ingredient and includes prebiotic fiber made from beet pulp to help with digestion. It contains omega-6 fatty acids and vitamin E to help keep your dog’s skin and coat healthy.The sensitive line comes in various formulas for small and large breeds and seniors, and there are canned versions in chicken and vegetable, turkey and rice, and salmon and vegetable.

Price at time of publish:$53 for 15 pounds

_{Flavors:Chicken and barley |Primary Ingredients:Chicken, chicken meal, yellow peas, cracked pearled barley, brown rice |Package Sizes:4, 15, 30-pound bags}

Final Verdict

Our favorite dry dog food isHill’s Science Diet Small Bites. Hill’s foods are highly recommended by veterinarians, come in many flavors and sizes, and have no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives. If you are feeding a puppy, considerPurina Pro Plan High-Protein Puppy Food. It features meat, poultry, or salmon as the first ingredient and has added nutrients to benefit a growing puppy.

AAFCO Nutritional Adequacy

Be sure any food you choose has anAAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) statementthat indicates the food is nutritionally complete and balanced. These foods have undergone laboratory testing and have had feeding trials to make sure they offer complete and balanced nutrition for the life stage of the dog.

Nutrition and Ingredients

“The ingredients should start ideally with a meat source and sound like things you recognize as food,” Doctor Kathy Baker told The Spruce Pets. “The bottom section of the ingredient list will include many vitamins and minerals and those names may not sound familiar to many, but are very important to your pet.”

没有需要担心的术语“餐”either, since it just means that a product has been crushed into small pieces. “So chicken meal is a perfectly fine ingredient. It just means chicken that has been ground up,” says Baker. However, by-product meal can be a little trickier. “Here in the U.S., chicken hearts, livers, and gizzards are considered by-products, but are perfectly great sources of protein. However other less digestible portions of animal also fall into the by-product category, so that can be a little harder to know what is actually in the food.”

Sometimes prescription diets have ingredient lists that don’t sound familiar or start with a grain. “But the manufacturers—Hill’s, Purina, Royal Canin to name a few—of those veterinary/prescription diets have done an immense amount of research and testing to create a diet to help with very specific medical problems and I believe in them wholeheartedly,” says Baker. “That doesn’t mean an individual pet may not have a sensitivity to one of these diets, but they are very important weapons in your veterinarian’s tool box to help manage certain medical problems.”

Life Stage

It’s important that you feed food that is appropriate for your dog’s life stage. Most foods will either say growth (puppy), adult, senior, or all life stages. Puppies typically eat growth food for the first year of their lives. Dogs can switch to senior foods depending on their health and activity level. Small dogs are typically considered senior by age seven, while older dogs might be considered senior by age five or six because they have shorter lives.

Portioning Guidance

Start by asking your veterinarian if they have thoughts about how much to feed, particularly if your dog doesn’t have an ideal body condition. “For most dogs I will use the feeding guide on the packaging as a loose jumping off point,” says Baker. But she points out that for feeding trials, research dogs are typically not spayed or neutered. “Many of our household pets are spayed/neutered and they usually need 20 to 30 percent fewer calories than their intact counterparts. In general, most dogs need a little less than the feeding guide recommends unless they are working/athletic dogs.”

FAQ

How long does dry dog food last?

Every package of dry dog food should have a “best by” or expiration date. If the package is unopened and kept in a climate-controlled environment, it should last that long, which is typically about 12 to 18 months from the date it was manufactured.

“Once the package is opened I recommend consuming kibble within 2 months as long as it is kept climate controlled,” says Baker. “If kibble is exposed to high temperatures, the fat in the kibble can spoil, so bags of dog food need to be climate controlled. Extreme cold may change the texture a bit, but doesn’t damage the food.”

If a bag of dry kibble is open for a long time, the flavor can change. “Some animals definitely act like my children saying the chips are stale,” says Baker.
Can dry food be mixed with wet dog food?

Absolutely, says Baker, who has one dog who has to be really hungry to eat just dry dog food. “Many pet owners like the convenience and cost of kibble, but our pets prefer the taste of wet, so mixing some wet with some kibble either mixed in or as a topper can make everyone happy.”

Many dogs order to have some wet food in their diet because it can be tastier and smell better than just kibble. “I think about it like eating a protein bar for every meal of my life,” says Baker. “I would really miss all the other flavors and textures.”

Dogs with some health concerns like kidney disease or diabetes can benefit from higher moisture or lower carbohydrates by eating at least some of their diet from wet food.
Is wet dog food better than dry?

Your dog might say yes, because canned food is so tasty.

“在某些情况下可以比kibb湿le to minimize certain preservative ingredients, provide extra moisture, also provide a food that is easier to consume for pets with dental disease or esophageal or gastric disease,” says Baker. “It can also be better for pets who are ill and may need something a little more tempting to entice them to eat or pets who have nasal disease affecting their sense of smell.”

When researching the best dry dog foods, we consulted all the dog food roundups on Spruce Pets. We considered recommendations from veterinarians, trainers, owners, and rescue workers and considered features such as ingredients, flavors, cost, and package sizes.

This article was researched and written byMary Jo DiLonardowho has covered animals and pets for several decades. Mary Jo has fostered more than 60 dogs and puppies. She is always searching for the healthiest and most effective products to use with them such asbest dog food for older dogsandbest dog bowls.

The Best Dog Food For Every Doggie Diet