Choosing the right dog food can be an overwhelming process. With so many brands and formulas on the market, how do you know which one is truly the best for your furry friend?
That’s where dog food advisors come in. These experts provide in-depth analysis on dog food ingredients, quality, recalls, and more. Their detailed reviews cut through the marketing claims and get straight to the facts so you can make an informed decision.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the world of dog food advisors. You’ll learn:
- What dog food advisors do and why they’re valuable
- The top dog food advisor sites and experts
- What criteria and factors advisors evaluate
- Detailed analysis of the leading dog food brands
- How advisors rate specific formulas like grain-free, raw, organic, etc.
- Expert picks for best puppy, senior and specialty dog foods
- Tips for decoding dog food labels and choosing quality ingredients
- Answers to frequently asked questions about dog food advisors
Let’s get started on finding the healthiest diet for your unique pup!
What Are Dog Food Advisors and Why Are They Helpful?
Dog food advisors are experts who provide objective, data-driven analysis on commercial dog food products. They comb through the ingredient lists, guaranteed analysis, company reputation and more to offer unbiased reviews.
The best dog food advisors have a strong background in animal nutrition, veterinary sciences or related fields. They understand canine dietary requirements and study the latest research on pet food quality.
Dog owners should care what advisors have to say because they offer a valuable service:
- Cutting through marketing claims: Dog food packaging can be misleading. Advisors ignore flashy labels to focus on nutrients and ingredients.
- Evaluating quality: They analyze the quality of proteins, carbs, fats, supplements, etc. in each formula.
- Identifying red flags: Advisors call out problematic ingredients like fillers, by-products or artificial preservatives.
- Researching manufacturing: They look into where formulas are made and by whom. This affects quality control.
- Staying current: Advisors stay up to date on new products, formulas, recalls, regulations, research and trends.
- Simplifying comparisons: It’s easier to compare brands when expert reviews use consistent criteria focused on the facts.
Dog owners are incredibly busy. Dog food advisors do the painstaking work of evaluating pet food so you don’t have to. Lean on their expertise to find the right dog food for your budget and pup’s needs.
Leading Dog Food Advisor Websites and Experts
There are a number of dog food review sites and individual experts to check out. Here are some of the top options:
Dog Food Advisor
DogFoodAdvisor.com is one of the most reputable dog food review sites online. It’s run by Mike Sagman, a dentist with no ties to the pet food industry.
Sagman carefully evaluates over 6,000 dry, wet and raw dog food formulas. Each one gets an accuracy score from 1-5 paws. His criteria include:
- Ingredient quality, variety and proportions
- Nutritional adequacy
- Product safety
- Manufacturer reputation
Customers appreciate the detailed analysis and wealth of information on Dog Food Advisor. The site gets over 5 million visits per month!
Dogs Naturally Magazine
DogsNaturallyMagazine.com offers well-researched articles on canine health and nutrition. They review both commercial and fresh dog food options.
Dana Scott is the founder and a leading nutrition editor. Her focus is species-appropriate diets and limited ingredient formulas. Reviews dig into the quality and processing methods of ingredients.
The site also has many tips on homecooked and raw feeding. It’s a great resource for dog owners looking to upgrade their pup’s diet.
All About Dog Food
AllAboutDogFood.co.uk is run by Jane Carter and a team of experts. Carter has a background in the pet industry and veterinary services.
The UK-based site rates dog foods on a scale of 1 to 10. Criteria include quality, value, results and recall history. They also indicate which life stages a formula is best suited for.
Helpful features include ingredient glossaries, brand overviews and frequently asked questions. This makes it a great site for dog food education.
Ruff Dog Food Review
RuffDogFoodReview.com offers thorough analysis from a holistic veterinarian, Dr. Camille Schwartz. She evaluates dog food using four criteria:
- Integrity: Brand reputation and commitment to quality.
- Ingredients: Quality, variety and the processing methods used.
- Nutrition: Whether the formula delivers optimal canine health and vitality.
- Results: Feedback on digestibility, skin and coat condition, energy levels, etc.
In addition to in-depth brand and formula reviews, the site has many informative articles on canine nutrition.
Petsumer Report
PetsumerReport.com uses a 100-point grading scale to rate dog foods based on:
- Ingredients (30 points)
- Guaranteed analysis (15 points)
- Product labeling (15 points)
- Company reputation and quality control (20 points)
- Feeding trials and reviews (20 points)
The site was created by nutritionist Dave Ratner to help pet owners cut through marketing claims. All formulas get an objective quality score along with detailed analysis.
Key Dog Food Criteria and Factors Evaluated by Advisors
Dog food advisors use a range of criteria and factors when reviewing formulas. Here are some of the key things they evaluate:
Ingredient Quality
Ingredients are one of the most important factors advisors analyze. Higher quality proteins, fats, carbs and micronutrients result in better nutrition. Things they look for include:
- Meat sources: Whole meats vs. meals and by-products. Quality of processing methods.
- Carb sources: Whole grains and starchy veggies vs. refined grains or fillers.
- Fruits/veggies: Nutrient and antioxidant density. Fresh vs. remnants.
- Supplements: Natural vs. synthetic source. Quality and bioavailability.
- Restricted ingredients: Avoidance of corn, wheat, soy, by-products, artificial preservatives etc.
Advisors favor meat-based formulas with whole food ingredients from trusted suppliers.
Nutritional Adequacy
The guaranteed analysis details the minimum percentages of key nutrients. Advisors make sure formulas meet AAFCO standards for complete and balanced nutrition. Ideally, they exceed minimums as well.
Product Safety
Advisors research where and how formulas are manufactured for quality control and safety. They also report on any recalls due to contamination.
Feeding Trials
The best companies perform feeding trials to ensure dogs thrive on the formula long-term. Advisors give higher ratings to proven formulas.
Company Reputation
Reputable brands with full-time nutrition experts and ethical manufacturing score well with advisors. Newer brands get extra scrutiny until they’ve established a track record.
Customer Reviews
While advisors emphasize objective analysis, they also summarize customer feedback on palatability, digestibility, tear staining, itching and other signs of good (or poor) nutrition.
By evaluating these key factors, dog food advisors provide in-depth insights you can trust to make the best choice for your pup.
Detailed Analysis of the Top 5 Dry Dog Food Brands
The five top-selling dry dog food brands in the U.S. are Purina, Pedigree, Blue Buffalo, Hill’s Science Diet, and Royal Canin. Here is a detailed analysis of what critics and advisors have to say about each brand:
1. Purina
- Rating: 2-3 stars
- Quality: Varies widely. Pro Plan focuses on advanced nutrition while lower lines like Dog Chow use more fillers and artificial preservatives.
- Ingredients: Corn, wheat and soy-based formulas along with by-product meals and artificial colors/flavors. But some lines like Pro Plan use higher quality ingredients.
- Safety: Numerous recalls across various lines over the years.
- Reviews: Lower rating lines get poor reviews for quality and digestibility. But Pro Plan gets 4-5 star reviews for improving health.
- Cost: Wide range from $20-60+ per 30 lbs.
- Feeding Trials: Yes, on some Pro Plan formulas.
- Manufacturing: Made in company-owned U.S plants or by contracted manufacturers. Varies by line.
- Bottom Line: Quality varies tremendously across this massive brand’s many product lines. Do your homework.
2. Pedigree
- Rating: 1-2 stars
- Quality: Lowest of the major brands. Lots of corn, by-products, artificial colors and fillers.
- Ingredients: Meat by-product meal, ground corn, animal fat, corn gluten meal. Cheap grain-heavy formulas.
- Safety: Numerous recalls for contamination.
- Reviews: 2-3 star average. Dogs seem to like it but many report digestive issues.
- Cost: $15-25 per 33 lbs. Very budget-friendly.
- Feeding Trials: Unknown.
- Manufacturing: Owned by Mars, made in U.S. facilities.
- Bottom Line: Affordable but questionable quality. Stick to their higher-end foods for better nutrition.
3. Blue Buffalo
- Rating: 4-5 stars
- Quality: High quality diet with “life source bits” and cold formed proteins.
- Ingredients: Deboned chicken, chicken meal, oatmeal, peas, potatoes, chicken fat. Emphasizes whole meats.
- Safety: Voluntary recalls of some lines due to excess vitamin D.
- Reviews: 4-5 star average for improving digestion, skin, energy, etc. Some dogs don’t care for taste.
- Cost: $50-70 per 30 lbs.
- Feeding Trials: Yes.
- Manufacturing: Own manufacturing in the U.S.
- Bottom Line: High rated for ingredient quality but high price tag.
4. Hill’s Science Diet
- Rating: 3-5 stars
- Quality: Clinical nutrition backed by research. Higher quality in prescription lines.
- Ingredients: Chicken, whole grain wheat, beef fat, corn and soybean meal. Good meat sources.
- Safety: Very rare recalls. Strong quality control.
- Reviews: 3-5 star average. Vets recommend but some dogs don’t love the taste.
- Cost: $25-70 per 29-44 lbs. Rx formulas cost more.
- Feeding Trials: Yes, clinical trials done.
- Manufacturing: Owned and manufactured in the U.S.
- Bottom Line: Strong clinical research behind formulas but quality varies. Check labels.
5. Royal Canin
- Rating: 3-5 stars
- Quality: Their veterinary diets are exceptionally formulated for health conditions. General line is decent quality.
- Ingredients: Brewer’s rice, chicken fat, corn, wheat gluten. Moderate inclusion of grains and plant proteins.
- Safety: Very rare recalls.
- Reviews: Most formulas have 4-5 star reviews for helping with skin, urinary, weight loss and other issues. Some report GI upsets.
- Cost: $25-90+ per 29-44 lbs.
- Feeding Trials: Yes, especially for Rx formulas.
- Manufacturing: Owned by Mars, made in company plants worldwide.
- Bottom Line: Excellent prescription diets but pricier general line has mixed reviews.
This analysis shows that even within major brands, there is significant variability when you compare ingredients, manufacturing and real-life reviews. Do your homework before choosing a formula.
Advisor Ratings for Types of Dog Food
Dog food advisors also provide helpful analysis on the pros, cons, and quality differences within various categories and types of dog food.
Dry Kibble
- Pros: Convenient, budget-friendly, promotes dental health.
- Cons: Can have high carbohydrate content, less natural moisture. Lower palatability.
- Quality Notes: Varies based on formula. Grain-inclusive kibbles are more affordable but have lower meat content. Look for high animal protein.
Wet Food
- Pros: Higher moisture content. Dogs tend to find it more palatable.
- Cons: Potential for higher calorie content. More expensive. Messier to serve.
- Quality Notes: Choose formulas with named meats, avoid artificial gums/thickeners. Look for cans without BPA lining.
Dehydrated Raw
- Pros: Retains more nutrients than kibble. Grain-free. Convenient to serve.
- Cons: Expensive compared to kibble. Needs to be rehydrated.
- Quality Notes: Ensure high animal ingredient content. Avoid vitamin/mineral excesses.
Frozen and Freeze-Dried Raw
- Pros: Mimics a species-appropriate raw diet. No processing or preservatives.
- Cons: Very expensive. Not balanced – needs dietary supplements. Requires lots of handling.
- Quality Notes: Look for USDA-inspected ingredients. Brands with food safety certifications.
Homemade Cooked
- Pros: Total control over ingredients. Can customize. No additives.
- Cons: Time consuming prep. Difficult to create balanced recipes. High cost.
- Quality Notes: Work with a vet nutritionist and choose human-grade ingredients. Supplement to meet all nutritional needs.
While convenience foods like kibble can certainly be healthy, advisors generally recommend limited ingredient, minimally processed diets as optimal. But your budget and lifestyle factor in too.
Dog Food Advisor Picks for All Life Stages
Dog food advisors spend hours analyzing formulas to highlight those that make the nutritional grade for pets of all life stages. Here are some expert picks in various categories.
Puppy Food
- Purina Pro Plan Puppy Chicken & Rice Formula: Chicken is the first ingredient. Contains DHA for brain development. Veterinary recommended.
- Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Chicken Meal & Barley Recipe: Real chicken is the #1 ingredient. Formulated for immune and digestive support. Has natural sources of glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health.
- Royal Canin Puppy Dry Dog Food: Tailored for puppies under 1 year old. Contains amino acids, glucosamine, antioxidants and other key nutrients for development.
Adult Dog Food
- American Journey Salmon & Sweet Potato Recipe: Features deboned salmon and chicken meal as top ingredients. Grain-free. Made in the USA.
- Annamaet Grain-Free Lean Low Fat Formula: Lean bison and herring supply quality protein. Nutrient dense base ingredients. Excellent digestibility.
- Go! Sensitive Skin Salmon Recipe: Limited ingredient, salmon and potato formula. Good for dogs with allergies or sensitive stomachs.
Senior Dog Food
- Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food, Senior 11+ for Senior Dogs: Clinically proven antioxidant benefits. Uses quality chicken protein and prebiotic fiber. Vet recommended.
- Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Senior Chicken Recipe: Features glucosamine, chondroitin, and antioxidants. L-Carnitine helps maintain lean muscle. Impressive ingredients like kelp, blueberries and spinach.
- Diamond Naturals Senior Real Meat Recipe: Quality lamb meal and rice formula. Enhanced with probiotics, superfoods and antioxidants. Budget friendly. Made in the USA.
Large Breed Dog Food
- Purina ONE SmartBlend Large Breed Formula: Formulated with glucosamine and EPA for big dogs’ joint health. Real chicken is the #1 ingredient. Omega fatty acids nourish skin and coat.
- Holistic Select Large & Giant Breed Puppy Health: Supports frame development with optimal protein, calcium and phosphorus levels. Contains prebiotics, probiotics, digestive enzymes and natural joint supplements.
- Merrick Grain Free Large Breed Recipe: Features deboned chicken, chicken meal and sweet potato. Fortified with glucosamine and chondroitin.
Small Breed Dog Food
- Wellness Small Breed Complete Health: Deboned turkey, oatmeal and salmon meal. Fortified with taurine, prebiotics, antioxidants and glucosamine.
- Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Small Breed Adult Chicken & Oatmeal: Made with deboned chicken, chicken meal, oatmeal and barley. Contains omega 3 & 6 fatty acids to nurture skin and coat.
- Eukanuba Small Breed Formula: Chicken is the first ingredient. Formulated with natural fiber and prebiotics for small breed digestive health. Vet recommended.
These expert picks take the guesswork out of choosing a quality food to match your dog’s unique needs.
Decoding Dog Food Labels
Reading dog food labels is an important skill advisors recommend pet owners learn. Follow this guide to understand the key terms and details to look for.
Check the AAFCO Nutritional Statement
This confirms the formula
- Animal feeding tests using AAFCO procedures
- Formulated to meet AAFCO nutrient profiles
Formulas only listed as “for intermittent or supplemental feeding” are incomplete.
Review the Ingredient List
Ingredients must be listed in order of weight. The first 5-7 ingredients make up the majority of the food.
- Whole meats, fish and eggs are best. Avoid by-products.
- Whole grains and veggies are ideal. Avoid artificial colors or preservatives.
- Look for recognizable nutrients like DHA, glucosamine, taurine based on your dog’s needs.
Check the Guaranteed Analysis
This shows minimum percentages of key nutrients. Make sure values meet AAFCO recommendations for your dog’s life stage. Higher percentages are ideal.
- Protein – Adult dogs need at least 18%
- Fat – At least 5% for adult maintenance
- Fiber – 2.5-4.5% is a good range
- Moisture – 10% or more is best
Confirm Manufacturer Information
Reputable brands clearly list their name, address, phone number and manufacturing details. This transparency is important.
Consider Calorie Content
Make sure calorie density matches your dog’s energy needs, especially if they need to lose or gain weight. Highly active dogs need more calories per cup.
Reading dog food labels takes some work, but doing so pays off in choosing quality nutrition tailored to your pup. Consult advisor sites as you evaluate brands.
Tips for Picking High Quality Dog Food Ingredients
When comparing dog foods, the ingredient list provides crucial insights. Advisors recommend prioritizing these high quality nutritional sources:
Quality Protein Sources
Look for whole meat, fish and eggs listed first. Whole meats contain up to 300% more protein than by-product meals. Ideal options include:
- Chicken
- Beef
- Lamb
- Salmon
- Turkey
- Duck
- Bison
- Venison
- Pheasant Meat meals can be OK if from a named source like chicken meal or lamb meal. Avoid generic meat/bone/by-product meals.
Complex Carbs and Wholesome Grains
Whole grains like oats, barley, rice and quinoa offer nutritional perks compared to refined grains. Veggies and legumes are also healthy:
- Oatmeal
- Brown or white rice
- Barley
- Millet
- Sweet potatoes
- Peas
- Carrots
- Legumes
Some dogs do better on grain-free diets, but whole grains are fine for most.
Beneficial Fat Sources
Fat provides energy and supports skin, coat, brain and hormone health. Prioritize omega fats from fish and plants:
- Salmon oil
- Flaxseed
- Fish meals
- Canola oil
- Sunflower oil
- Chicken fat
Avoid generic animal fats and oils. Limit saturated fats.
Natural Vitamin/Mineral Sources
Look for food-based sources of key nutrients like:
- Carrots – Vitamin A
- Fish – Vitamin D
- Organ meats – Iron
- Squash – Vitamin K
- Seaweed – Iodine
Synthetic supplements are less bioavailable. Whole food sources are ideal.
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Check labels for ingredients matching your dog’s unique nutritional needs and avoid artificial additives. Getting savvy about components of dog food empowers you to make the healthiest choice.
Answers to the Most Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Food Advisors
Choosing the right dog food is a big decision. These expert answers to common questions can guide you.
How do I know a dog food advisor is credible?
Look for advisors with academic credentials in animal health and nutrition. They should specialize in dogs, not human food. Transparency about their background and process is a good sign. Established sites with a long history of reviews have proven their legitimacy over time.
Do advisors favor certain dog food brands?
The best advisors are unbiased in their approach. They shouldn’t accept money from pet food companies or base reviews only on advertising claims. Advisors with high integrity apply objective criteria evenly across brands.
How often are dog food ratings and formula reviews updated?
Quality advisor sites refresh their ratings and reviews continuously as new products are released. Expect to see timely updates when a formula changes or gets recalled as well. Old, outdated reviews are a red flag the site is not staying current.
Should I consult more than one advisor site?
Every advisor has their own approach, but overlap in assessments is reassuring. Comparing perspectives from dedicated advisors using clear criteria gives you a well-rounded analysis. Take the average of their ratings.
What are signs of a poor quality dog food brand?
Red flags include opaque sourcing, frequent recalls, anonymous meat ingredients, formulas not tested through feeding trials, high filler content, and heavy use of artificial preservatives, colors and flavors.
If my dog likes a food, but advisors give it low ratings, should I switch?
Consider transitioning gradually or incorporating some higher quality ingredients into their meals over time. Monitor energy, stool quality, skin and coat to see if their health improves on a better rated formula.
How often should I rotate my dog’s food?
Unless your dog has allergies requiring a consistent formula, rotating between 2-3 quality foods can help prevent intolerances. Switch proteins especially. Rotate gradually every 4-6 months.
Consulting knowledgeable dog food advisors removes the uncertainty around which diet best meets your pup’s needs. Their insights lead the way to higher quality nutrition.
The Final Word
Choosing the right dog food is challenging, but trusted advisors simplify the process through objective analysis. Their expertise allows you to see past marketing claims and find truly healthy formulas.
While cost and convenience are considerations, prioritize quality ingredients aligned to your dog’s life stage and health status. Consulting advisors’ ratings across brands, product lines and formulas takes the guesswork out of deciding.
Armed with the insights in this guide, you can provide your furry friend with optimal nutrition for a long and happy life. From puppyhood through the senior years, let dog food advisors’ detailed reviews lead you to food as healthy and wholesome as your dog.
