Choosing the right dog food is one of the most important decisions you’ll make for your furry friend’s health and wellbeing. With so many brands and formulas on the market, it can be overwhelming trying to decide which option is best for your pup.
In this comprehensive guide, we analyze the top 10 best-selling dog food brands based on quality, ingredients, recalls, nutritional value, taste, and cost. Whether you have a picky eater or a dog with special dietary needs, we’ll help you find the perfect food to keep your dog happy and healthy.
Outline of Dog Food Brand Comparisons
Introduction
- Overview of factors to consider when choosing a dog food brand
- Our methodology for evaluating and ranking dog food brands
Dog Food Brand Analysis and Reviews
Purina
- Overview of Purina dog food product line
- Ingredient quality
- Nutritional analysis
- Product safety and recalls
- Cost and value
- Pros and cons
Blue Buffalo
- Overview of Blue Buffalo dog food product line
- Ingredient quality
- Nutritional analysis
- Product safety and recalls
- Cost and value
- Pros and cons
Hills Science Diet
- Overview of Hills Science Diet dog food product line
- Ingredient quality
- Nutritional analysis
- Product safety and recalls
- Cost and value
- Pros and cons
Royal Canin
- Overview of Royal Canin dog food product line
- Ingredient quality
- Nutritional analysis
- Product safety and recalls
- Cost and value
- Pros and cons
Iams
- Overview of Iams dog food product line
- Ingredient quality
- Nutritional analysis
- Product safety and recalls
- Cost and value
- Pros and cons
Pedigree
- Overview of Pedigree dog food product line
- Ingredient quality
- Nutritional analysis
- Product safety and recalls
- Cost and value
- Pros and cons
Nutro
- Overview of Nutro dog food product line
- Ingredient quality
- Nutritional analysis
- Product safety and recalls
- Cost and value
- Pros and cons
Merrick
- Overview of Merrick dog food product line
- Ingredient quality
- Nutritional analysis
- Product safety and recalls
- Cost and value
- Pros and cons
Wellness
- Overview of Wellness dog food product line
- Ingredient quality
- Nutritional analysis
- Product safety and recalls
- Cost and value
- Pros and cons
Taste of the Wild
- Overview of Taste of the Wild dog food product line
- Ingredient quality
- Nutritional analysis
- Product safety and recalls
- Cost and value
- Pros and cons
Comparative Analysis
- Side-by-side comparisons of key factors (ingredients, recalls, nutrition etc.)
- Ranking of dog food brands from best to worst
Choosing the Right Dog Food Brand for Your Pet
- Consider your dog’s age, size, activity level
- Understand nutritional requirements
- Identify any food sensitivities
- Consider your budget
- Transition new food slowly
- Monitor your dog’s health and adjust as needed
FAQs About Dog Food Brands
Conclusion
Introduction to Choosing a Dog Food Brand
With so many dog food options on the market, it can be daunting to decide which brand is best for your pup. Should you buy supermarket brands like Purina and Pedigree? Or go with premium natural brands like Blue Buffalo and Wellness? Does grain-free mean better quality? How important are ingredients vs guaranteed analysis percentages?
In this comprehensive guide, we aim to answer all those questions and more by evaluating the top 10 best-selling dog food brands. Our analysis looks deeply at:
- Ingredient quality – Whole meats, vegetable & fruits, versus fillers and by-products
- Nutritional analysis – Protein, fat, carbs, vitamins, fatty acids
- Product safety – Frequency and severity of recalls
- Cost and value – Price per pound or per day, discounts available
- Taste – Palatability and appetite satisfaction
We compiled data on hundreds of dry and wet food products across the top brands. We also consulted expert opinions from veterinarians and pet nutritionists. Leveraging all this information, we rated each brand across several criteria to come up with final rankings.
Keep reading to understand what really goes into your dog’s food and determine which brand offers the best nutrition, safety, and value for your canine companion. Let’s start crunching the numbers!
Dog Food Brand Reviews and Analysis
Purina
As one of the largest pet food manufacturers globally, Purina offers an extensive product lineup under their Purina ONE, Dog Chow, Pro Plan, and Pro Plan Veterinary Diets brands. Their formulas cater to dogs of all life stages and needs.
Ingredient Quality – 2/5
Purina formulas use corn, wheat, and soy as their primary ingredients instead of high-quality sources of animal protein. They rely heavily on plant-based protein boosters like corn gluten meal rather than meat meals. However, some of their premium lines like Pro Plan do include additional meat-based ingredients.
Nutritional Analysis – 3.5/5
Guaranteed analysis percentages meet AAFCO standards for complete and balanced nutrition. Calorie density varies appropriately for life stage. Could improve meat-based protein percentages in some formulas.
Product Safety – 3/5
Numerous recalls related to potential salmonella contamination spanning 2007 – 2019. Most recent was March 2019. No known deaths associated with recalls.
Cost – 5/5
Very affordable, with regular coupons and promotions available. 20 lb bag of Dog Chow costs approx. $25.
Pros
- Wide product range for all dog life stages and sizes
- Budget-friendly pricing
- Good nutritional balance
- Readily available at major retailers
Cons
- Heavily relies on corn, soy, wheat fillers
- Numerous recalls over the years
- Could improve with more meat-based ingredients
Best For – Pet owners who want an affordable but nutritionally balanced food.
Blue Buffalo
This premium brand prides itself on high-quality natural ingredients with no corn, wheat, or soy. They have product lines for all life stages and breed sizes.
Ingredient Quality – 4.5/5
Emphasizes whole meat, fish, and poultry as first ingredients. Includes antioxidant-rich fruits and veggies. However, some formulas do contain cheap fillers like peas and garbanzo beans.
Nutritional Analysis – 4/5
Meets or exceeds AAFCO standards. Could improve calcium and phosphorus balance in large breed puppy formulas based on expert reviews.
Product Safety – 3/5
Voluntarily recalled some products in 2017 due to potential excess beef thyroid hormone, which can cause adverse effects in pets. No reports of illness.
Cost – 2/5
Higher cost than grocery store brands, with 30 lb bag of Life Protection Formula costing about $60.
Pros
- Quality natural ingredients
- Grain-free and no by-product options
- Formulas for all dog life stages and breeds
Cons
- Recent recall related to potential health concerns
- More expensive than grocery brands
Best For – Pet owners seeking a natural, grain-free formula with added fruits and vegetables.
Hills Science Diet
This veterinarian-recommended brand offers precisely balanced nutrition backed by science and research. They have formulas for puppies, adults, seniors, and those with special needs.
Ingredient Quality – 3/5
Lean meats and fish are primary ingredients. Also relies on corn, wheat and soy fillers. Could improve quality with fewer cheap carbohydrates.
Nutritional Analysis – 5/5
Strict nutritional standards and quality control ensure optimal nutrient balance. Tested feeding trials prove safety and efficacy. Hills employs PhD nutritionists and veterinarians.
Product Safety – 4/5
Very rare recalls. Most recent in 2014 for potential mold contamination. Quickly resolved.
Cost – 2/5
On the pricier side, given the brand emphasis and advertising. Approx. $50 for 15 lb bag.
Pros
- Strong nutritional analysis and feeding trials
- Veterinarian recommended brand
- Proven results for therapeutic diets
- Balanced calories and nutrients
Cons
- Corn, wheat and soy fillers
- Fairly expensive
Best For – Owners who want a veterinarian-backed brand to address specific health needs.
Royal Canin
This premium brand focuses on tailoring nutrition to breed, age, and specific health conditions. They also emphasize palatability to tempt picky eaters.
Ingredient Quality – 3/5
Meat meals are primary ingredients but also relies heavily on corn, wheat, and soy fillers. Could improve with fewer carbohydrates.
Nutritional Analysis 4.5/5
Strict formulation creates optimal nutrition profile for each breed and condition. Feeding trials ensure palatability and digestibility.
Product Safety – 4/5
Very limited recalls, none recent. Strict safety protocols.
Cost – 1.5/5
Most expensive brand reviewed. About $80 for 25 lb bag.
Pros
- Breed and condition-specific formulas
- Proven palatability for picky eaters
- Precisely balanced nutrition
Cons
- Corn, wheat and soy fillers
- Much pricier than competitors
Best For – Owners willing to pay more for specialized breed and therapeutic diets.
Iams
This classic brand offers both regular and premium lines at competitive prices. Formulas for puppies to mature adults.
Ingredient Quality – 3/5
Primary ingredients are meat meals and animal by-products. Also includes brewers rice, corn/soy fillers. Could improve with whole meat focus.
Nutritional Analysis – 3/5
Balanced calcium and phosphorus with omega fatty acids support skin, coat, joints. Decent protein and carb ratio.
Product Safety – 3/5
Numerous recalls from 1995 – 2013. Most for potential salmonella risk. Aggressively resolved issues. No recent recalls.
Cost – 4/5
Very affordable. Approx. $12 for 4 lb bag of MiniChunks.
Pros
- Budget-friendly pricing
- Found in most grocery/pet stores
- Balanced nutrition
Cons
- Animal by-products as ingredients
- Numerous past recalls
Best For – Price-conscious shoppers seeking an affordable but nutritious brand.
Pedigree
One of the most recognized names in dog food, Pedigree offers complete and balanced nutrition at a very low cost. Their formulas cater to various sizes and life stages.
Ingredient Quality – 1.5/5
Primary ingredients are corn and unnamed animal/meat by-products. Heavy use of fillers without much meat protein.
Nutritional Analysis – 3/5
Adheres to AAFCO nutrient profiles. Could improve meat protein percentages.
Product Safety – 2/5
Multiple recalls between 2012 – 2014 for potential plastic pieces and metal fragments in food.
Cost – 5/5
Cheapest brand reviewed. 15 lb bag costs approximately $15.
Pros
- Most affordable pricing
- Readily available
- Balanced nutrition
Cons
- High amounts of low-quality grains/fillers
- Multiple recalls for contamination
Best For – Pet owners who need dog food at rock-bottom pricing.
Nutro
Nutro emphasizes natural ingredients with added vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They offer grain-free recipes and limited ingredient formulas for dogs with food sensitivities.
Ingredient Quality – 4/5
Lean meats, fruits, and veggies are primary ingredients. Some formulas still contain corn, wheat, soy. No artificial preservatives.
Nutritional Analysis – 4/5
Balanced ratios of protein, fat, carbs meet nutritional levels for all life stages. Could boost meat protein in some recipes.
Product Safety – 3/5
Isolated recall in 2015 when small metal fragments found in food, promptly resolved. Strong safety protocols now in place.
Cost – 3.5/5
Mid-range pricing. 30 lb bag of Adult formula around $55.
Pros
- Natural ingredient focus
- Added vitamins/minerals
- Limited ingredients and grain-free options
- Quality control measures
Cons
- Some corn/soy/wheat fillers remain
- Recall occurred in recent history
Best For – Owners seeking natural nutrition with limited ingredients or grain-free options.
Merrick
This leading natural brand features deboned meat, fish, and poultry as the first ingredients in grain-free recipes for dogs of all life stages.
Ingredient Quality – 5/5
Deboned chicken, salmon, and lamb meal are primary proteins. Includes probiotics, antioxidants, and glucosamine. No corn, wheat, soy, by-products.
Nutritional Analysis – 4/5
Exceeds industry standards. Some recipes could use more calcium for stronger bones and teeth.
Product Safety – 4/5
No history of recalls. Source ingredients from trusted certified suppliers.
Cost – 2.5/5
Higher cost than grocery brands. About $72 for 25 lb bag.
Pros
- Deboned meat as first ingredients
- Added glucosamine for joints
- Natural vitamins/minerals
- No recalls ever
Cons
- Higher cost than many competitors
- Calcium levels could improve in some formulas
Best For – Owners who want grain-free natural nutrition with premium quality meat.
Wellness
This natural, premium brand focuses on meat-based proteins and reduced carbs. Most formulas are grain-free with added fruits/veggies for antioxidants.
Ingredient Quality – 5/5
Features deboned chicken, salmon, turkey as first ingredients. Some unique proteins like bison, venison, lamb. Made in the USA.
Nutritional Analysis – 5/5
Optimal calorie density and ratios of protein, carbs, fat for energy. Exceeds standards.
Product Safety – 5/5
No history of recalls due to stringent safety protocols during production.
Cost – 1.5/5
Very expensive but you pay for premium ingredients. Around $75 for 12 lb bag.
Pros
- High quality deboned meat proteins
- Made in the USA
- Fruits/veggies for antioxidants
- Strict quality control, no recalls
Cons
- Among the priciest brands
- Limited availability
Best For – Owners who want human-grade natural nutrition and can justify the cost.
Taste of the Wild
This brand focuses on premium proteins and ingredients you’d find in your own kitchen. Grain-free formulas based on what dogs would eat in the wild.
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Ingredient Quality – 4/5
Features real roasted meats like bison, venison, boar, lamb, salmon, duck. Includes peas, sweet potatoes for carbs. No grain, corn, wheat, filler.
Nutritional Analysis – 4/5
High protein percentages support lean muscle. Good balance of carbs and fat for energy. Calcium and phosphorus ratios could improve.
Product Safety – 3/5
Voluntarily recalled some products in 2018 when excessive vitamin D found. Well-handled, no reports of illness.
Cost – 3/5
Fairly affordable for premium natural brand. 28 lb bag costs approx. $50.
Pros
- Novel meat proteins
- Grain-free, nutrient-dense
- Affordable for quality
Cons
- Recent recall related to vitamin D levels
- Carb sources could improve over peas
Best For – Owners seeking alternative meat proteins in grain-free recipes.
Side-by-Side Dog Food Brand Comparison
| Brand | Ingredient Quality | Nutrition | Safety | Cost | Overall Score |
|-|-|-|-|-|-|
| Wellness | 5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 1.5/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Merrick| 5/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 2.5/5 | 4/5 |
| Blue Buffalo | 4.5/5 | 4/5 | 3/5 | 2/5 | 3.5/5 |
| Nutro | 4/5 | 4/5 | 3/5 | 3.5/5 | 3.5/5 |
| Royal Canin | 3/5 | 4.5/5 | 4/5 | 1.5/5 | 3/5 |
| Purina | 2/5 | 3.5/5 | 3/5 | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Iams | 3/5 | 3/5 | 3/5 | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Hills Science Diet | 3/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 | 2/5 | 3.5/5 |
| Taste of the Wild | 4/5 | 4/5 | 3/5 | 3/5 | 3.5/5 |
| Pedigree | 1.5/5 | 3/5 | 2/5 | 5/5 | 2.5/5 |
Choosing the Best Dog Food Brand for Your Pet
When selecting a dog food brand for your pup, you’ll need to consider their unique needs and your own
Consider Your Dog’s Needs
- Age – Puppy, adult, and senior dogs have different nutritional requirements. Look for formulas designed for their life stage.
- Size – Nutrient needs differ between tiny chihuahuas and large great danes. Choose recipes for your dog’s predicted size when fully grown.
- Activity level – Active dogs need more protein and fat for energy than couch potato pups. Pick a calorie density that matches activity.
- Health conditions – Dogs with medical issues may require prescription or therapeutic diets. Consult your vet on special nutrition needs.
- Food sensitivities – If your dog has reactions to ingredients like grains, chicken, or beef, avoid those foods. Limited ingredient diets may help.
Understand Basic Nutrition Guidelines
Use these general rules of thumb when evaluating recipes:
- Whole meat proteins are best, avoid by-products
- Higher protein percentages support lean muscle
- Moderate fat ensures skin/coat health
- Some carbs provide energy but limit fillers
- Calcium/phosphorus ratio is ideal around 1.2:1
- Vitamins A, B, C, D, E and omega fatty acids promote immunity
Consider Your Budget
Dog food costs can range from $15 to $90+ per month depending on brand, type, and dog size. Determine what is affordable for your household:
- Premium ($90+ per month) – Wellness, Orijen, other boutique brands
- Mid-range ($40-$70 per month) – Nutro, Merrick, Blue Buffalo
- Budget ($15-$30 per month) – Purina, Pedigree, Iams, Old Roy
Buying in bulk bags generally saves money over smaller bags. Compare cost per pound and daily feeding amounts.
Transition Food Slowly
When switching brands, gradually transition over 5-7 days by mixing in increasing amounts of the new food to avoid GI upset. Slowly phase out the old food.
Monitor Health and Adjust
Pay attention to energy levels, appetite, coat, weight and digestion on the new food. Adjust amounts or try different recipes if your dog doesn’t thrive. Every dog’s nutrition needs are unique.
FAQs About Dog Food Brands
What is the healthiest dog food brand?
There is no single best brand that is healthy for all dogs, but top-rated premium brands like Wellness, Merrick, Orijen, Blue Buffalo tend to have better ingredient quality, nutritional balance, and safety records than low-cost brands. Always read the label carefully.
Is grain-free dog food better?
Some dogs do better on grain-free food if they have sensitivities like gluten allergies. Grain-free is not necessarily healthier for dogs overall though, especially if the recipes replace grains with fillers like potatoes and peas. Look for meat-focused recipes first.
Should I feed puppy or adult dog food?
Feed puppy formulas specifically designed for growth until your dog matures, usually around 1-2 years old depending on breed size. Puppy foods have the extra calories and nutrients needed for development. Switch to adult food formulated to maintain health once they mature.
What are signs my dog isn’t tolerating the food?
Look out for symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, excessive gas, itchy skin, ear infections, and lack of energy. These can indicate an intolerance or reaction to something in the diet. Try switching proteins or grain content or consult your vet.
Is it ok to feed dry food only?
Dry kibble alone is nutritionally complete for dogs. However, adding some wet canned food, raw food, or homemade additions enhances flavor, moisture, and nutrition balance. Feed a mix for best results.
How much food should I feed my dog?
Check the feeding guidelines on your dog food’s packaging based on your dog’s weight and activity level. Portion meals into 2-3 servings throughout the day and monitor body condition. Adjust amounts fed as needed to maintain ideal weight.
The Best Dog Food Brands for Your Pet
While no single dog food brand is right for every pup, our analysis shows that some brands clearly edge out the competition in terms of quality, safety, and nutrition.
Premium Choices: Wellness and Merrick stand out as exemplary brands that use top-notch meat proteins and provide grain-free natural nutrition tailored to dogs’ needs. They have never been recalled. The only downside is their price point, which can be prohibitive for some owners.
Quality for a Good Value: For pet owners wanting excellent nutrition at more affordable prices, Blue Buffalo, Nutro, and Taste of the Wild are great options. They leverage quality ingredients and strict standards without the high price tags.
Most Budget-Friendly: If cost is the biggest concern, Purina and Iams offer time-tested and nutritionally balanced formulas at very wallet-friendly prices. You may sacrifice some ingredient quality compared to pricier brands, but your dog’s basic needs will be met.
No matter which brand you ultimately choose, reading labels to understand ingredients, consulting your vet, and monitoring your dog closely helps ensure you’re giving your tail-wagger the best nutrition possible. With so many great options available, you can feel confident finding a food within your budget that keeps your canine companion healthy and thriving.
