What Is The Healthiest Dog Food What Should I Feed My Pup
It’s important for all owners to find a healthy dog food for their fur babies that’s capable of providing the nutrition necessary to live a long, happy life.
But finding the healthiest dog food for your specific pet isn’t always easy.
Given the myriad options available, it’s very difficult for many owners to even know where to begin. And wading through the hype some manufacturers use complicates matters further.
But don’t worry — we’re here to help!
We’ll explain the things you’ll want to look for when picking the healthiest dog food for your pet and provide you with a few of the best options, so you can instantly narrow down your potential choices.
Let’s jump right in!
Healthiest Overall Dog Food (Fresh)
Ollie Human-Grade Dog Food
Healthiest Mainstream Dog Food
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Lamb & Rice
Most Affordable Healthy Dog Food
Diamond Naturals All Life Stages Chicken and Rice
Ollie Customized, Human-Grade Dog Food
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Lamb & Rice
Diamond Naturals All Life Stages Chicken and Rice
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Buy on Amazon
Buy on Amazon
The 14 Healthiest Dog Foods: Nutritious Noms for Your Pet!
Now that you know some of the things you’ll want to look for when picking some meals for your mutt, we’ll share some of the healthiest dog foods on the market today. We’ll detail the main features of each, provide you with a sample ingredient list, and lay out the the pros and cons of each choice.
Just remember: The healthiest dog food choice will vary from one dog to the next.
There is no single “healthiest” dog food brand that works well in all cases, as each individual dog has unique needs, which will be best met by different dog foods.
1. Ollie
About: If you’re seeking a high quality dog food that is as good for your dog’s health as it is for his taste buds, you’ll definitely have to consider Ollie.
Ollie’s vet-formulated, human-grade dog foods are well-loved by most dogs and serve as an excellent way to nourish your four-footer. Custom-crafted for your canine and available in several flavors, Ollie’s recipes are exactly what many pooches and pet parents want in a dog food.
Healthiest Overall Food
Ollie Human-Grade Dog Food
Ollie Human-Grade Dog Food
Fresh, human-grade dog food that's uniquely formulated to address your dog's specific needs.
Special Discount: We've cut a deal with Ollie -- new customers can get 50% off!
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Read Our Review
Features:
Minimally processed, human-grade, fresh dog food
Great source of whole protein, antioxidants, and omega-3 fatty acids
Includes fiber-rich vegetables like spinach and carrots
Comes with a leftover container and portion scoop for easy serving
Ollie gives 1% of all revenue to rescues and shelters
Ollie has a special deal for our readers — get 50% off your first order when you use code K9OFMINE at checkout!
Ingredients (Chicken Recipe):
Ingredients List
Chicken, carrots, peas, rice, chicken liver...
Pros
These meals are customized for your specific pet
They feature high-quality, human-grade ingredients
Even picky eaters go crazy for the taste of this dog food
These recipes are backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee
Cons
These recipes are pretty pricey
You’ll have to sign up for a subscription to order this dog food
Think Ollie may be the best pick for your pet? Check out our hands-on review to learn more about these recipes!
2. Nom Nom
About: Whether you have a picky pooch or simply want to give your dog one of the most nutritious dog foods around, Nom Nom recipes are definitely worthy of consideration.
Like many other fresh dog foods, these recipes are made in the USA, but unlike many other pet food brands, Nom Nom uses only US-sourced ingredients in their recipes. This allows many dog moms and dads to rest easy, knowing their pet’s food is one of the safest around.
Healthiest Food Runner Up
Nom Nom
Nom Nom
Premium quality fresh dog food with clean, US-sourced ingredients
Special Discount: Good news -- new customers can get 50% off!
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Read Our Review
Features:
This premium dog food is made in the USA with only US-sourced ingredients
Nom Nom prepares their dog food in small batches for maximum quality
No subscription required to order
These dog foods are prepped in zero-waste facilities
These recipes are formulated for your specific dog and shipped to your front door
Ingredients (Turkey Recipe):
Ingredients List
Ground turkey, brown rice, eggs, carrots, spinach...
Pros
These dog foods are made exclusively with US-sourced ingredients
Most dogs go crazy for the taste of these recipes
These recipes are customized for your specific pet
No subscription is required for ordering
Cons
Dog food is relatively expensive
A few Nom Nom recipes are grain-free
3. A Pup Above
About: Picking a dog food made with US-sourced ingredients is always a good step for ensuring that your dog gets the safest, most nutritious dog food. But what if you want to take things even further? What if you want to know exactly where the ingredients in your dog’s food came from?
Well, A Pup Above has you covered! Each of their dog foods comes with a lot-tracing number, so you can Sherlock Holmes your way to worry-free pet feeding.
Another Healthy Fresh Dog Food
A Pup Above
A Pup Above
Nutritious, fresh dog food that includes lot-tracing information for all ingredients.
Special Discount: Get $50 off with code K950 at checkout!
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Features:
These dog food recipes are minimally processed to preserve their nutritional value
Contains bone broth for flavor and possible bones and GI benefits
Feature human-grade ingredients, such as USDA meat
All dog food recipes were designed by veterinarians
No subscription required
Ingredients (Beef Recipe):
Ingredients List
Beef, beef liver, russet potatoes, tomatoes, beef bone broth,...
Pros
Each bag comes with a tracking system for the ingredients included
No subscription is required
Tasty, nutritious organ meats are included
Cons
The packaging can make serving slightly tricky
We’d prefer if more omega-3-rich ingredients were included
4. The Farmer’s Dog
About: The Farmer’s Dog is a fresh dog food company that delivers high-quality, custom-made dog food for your floof. These recipes are is customized based on your dog’s activity level, age, and a variety of other data points, which are collected via an in-depth online survey when you sign up.
Best of all, this manufacturer employs a number of eco-friendly practices for environmentally conscious owners.
Healthiest Environmentally-Friendly Dog Food
The Farmer’s Dog
The Farmer’s Dog
Nutritious, high-quality, US-made fresh dog food made by a forward-thinking, eco-conscious manufacturer.
Special Discount: With K9 of Mine, you can get 50% off your first order!
Buy Now (Get 50% Off)
Read Our Review
Features:
These foods are prepared in US-based, USDA kitchens
Each food is fortified with the manufacturer’s proprietary nutrient blend
These super-fresh meals are delivered within a few days of being cooked
Foods are packed in biodegradable insulation materials
The individual meals are pre-portioned for convenience
Exclusive deal: get 50% off your first order of The Farmer’s Dog!
Ingredients List
Beef, beef liver, tomatoes, greenpeas, carrots...
Pros
These foods are crafted in conjunction with a very detailed questionnaire
The eco-friendly dog food packaging used is biodegradable
You can compost the insulation materials used or dissolve them in water
Cons
A subscription is required to order these foods
These meals are some of the most expensive ones around
5. Open Farm
About: Are you the kind of pet parent who wants to know EVERYTHING that goes into your dog’s food? Do you also want a food made with non-GMO produce and Humane Certified proteins? Well, Open Farm has you covered.
In addition to simply being delicious, nutritious dog foods, Open Farm’s Fresh Food lineup (as well as all of their other foods) provide owners with a way to see where each and every ingredient originates. This kind of sourcing and ingredient tracing allow you to rest easy knowing that your dog is only getting the healthiest food possible.
Healthiest Food with Top-Notch Ingredient Tracing
Open Farm Homestead Turkey (Fresh)
Open Farm Homestead Turkey (Fresh)
A fresh, gently cooked option that provides the chance for owners to see where each and every ingredient originates.
Use the code “AFF20” to get 20% off your first auto-ship order!
Buy on Open Farm
Our Review
Features:
Packed with omega-3s and antioxidants
Made with only Certified Humane proteins and non-GMO produce
Eco-friendly packaging can be recycled
Available in 4 different recipes and a puppy formula
Manufactured in the USA
Ingredients (Harvest Turkey Recipe):
Ingredients List
Humanely Raised Turkey, Kale, Carrots, Apples, Butternut Squash,...
Pros
We love that Open Farm only uses Certified Humane meats
The produce included is non-GMO
Eco-friendly packaging can be recycled
Full of antioxidant-rich fruits and veggies
Cons
Like all fresh foods, these are a bit pricey
We’d prefer if the recipe were grain-inclusive
6. Pet Plate
About: Look, we get it — it can sometimes be a bit of a chore to prepare fresh dog food for your four-footer’s dinner. But fortunately, there’s a super-convenient option available for busy pet parents.
Pet Plate offers premium, human-grade dog foods that are shipped in pre-portioned, microwavable containers so that you can serve your canine companion with ease.
Most Convenient Healthy Food
Petplate
Petplate
Veterinary-designed recipes shipped in pre-portioned, microwavable containers for maximum convenience.
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Features:
These vet-designed dog food recipes are made in USDA kitchens
The meals come in pre-portioned containers you can simply heat and serve
Dog food recipes are made with human-grade ingredients in the US-based kitchens
Omega 3-rich recipes help support a healthy coat
Recipes include canine “superfoods,” such as sweet potatoes
Ingredients (Chicken Recipe):
Ingredients List
Chicken, sweet potatoes, broccoli, chicken liver, apples...
Pros
The pre-portioned, microwavable containers are incredibly convenient
You can choose between a topper or full meal plan
Most dogs go nuts for Pet Plate’s recipes
Cons
Disposable containers aren’t exactly environmentally friendly
You can’t order samples or one-off meals (a subscription is required)
7. Spot & Tango UnKibble
About: Looking for a happy medium between a premium (read: expensive) fresh dog food and more affordable mutt meal options? “UnKibble” from Spot & Tango is an innovative product that may be the perfect choice.
Custom-crafted for your pooch and made with the same kind of premium, whole ingredients fresh brands use, this veterinarian-developed kibble-like dog food is raising eyebrows and getting tails wagging. It’s technically a dry dog food, but offers many of the same benefits that a fresh food would.
Best Air-Dried Dog Food
Spot & Tango Unkibble
Spot & Tango Unkibble
Made with human-grade ingredients and gently cooked, this is a tasty and affordable alternative to fresh dog food.
Special Discount: Get 50% off your first order when you use code K9OFMINE50
Buy Now (Get 50% Off)
Features:
Made in the USA with human-grade ingredients
Veterinarian-developed recipes
Choose from 3 protein options (chicken, beef, & cod)
Shipped directly to you from the manufacturer
Gently dried and processed to maximize nutritional value
Get 50% off your first Spot & Tango order when you use code K9OFMINE50
Ingredients (Beef Recipe):
Ingredients List
Beef, Barley, Flax, Carrots, Green beans...
Pros
These meals are more affordable than most fresh frozen dog food options
We love the inclusion of salmon oil and organ meats
You’ll receive a customized scoop for your pooch
Cons
UnKibble can only be purchased through a subscription model
The inconsistent shape of this kibble won’t work well in puzzle feeders
8. Blue Buffalo
About: While some owners need a super-premium food to suit their pet’s unique needs, many dogs will do just fine on a nutritious mainstream option. Blue Buffalo is an excellent example of this type of dog food, as it strikes an excellent balance between affordability and quality.
Made with premium proteins, omega-3-rich ingredients, nutritious produce, and fortified with joint supplements and probiotics for digestive health, this dry dog food checks off almost all the boxes owners want without costing a fortune.
Healthiest Mainstream Dog Food
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Lamb & Rice
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Lamb & Rice
Providing a great combination of quality and nutritional value, this line of food works well for most dogs.
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Features:
Made in the USA with globally sourced ingredients
“LifeSource Bits” are a great source of antioxidants and vitamins
Great source of omega 3s, probiotics and joint-supportive supplements
Available in a wide array of flavor choices and size-specific offerings
A whole, lean protein is paired with healthy whole grains
Ingredients (Fish & Brown Rice Recipe):
Ingredients List
Whitefish, Menhaden Fish Meal (Source of Omega 3 Fatty Acids), Brown Rice, Barley, Oatmeal...
Pros
Blue Buffalo offers a wide range of kibble types to accommodate just about every dog
For such an impressive ingredient list, these dry dog foods are very affordable
This dog food seems to regularly improve coat condition
Cons
Picky pups may pick around the LifeSource Bits
These dry dog foods are very popular, which occasionally causes inventory issues
9. Merrick Grain-Free Food
About: While most doggos digest cooked grains without issue, a handful of four-footers need a grain-free dog food option. In these cases, you’ll want to consider this grain-free kibble from Merrick.
One of the premier grain-free dog food options on the market, this US-made dog food is packed with protein, fortified with probiotics, and made with natural antioxidant sources to support your canine companion.
Healthiest Grain-Free Kibble
Merrick Texas Beef + Sweet Potato
Merrick Texas Beef + Sweet Potato
A nutritious, tasty, and protein-packed option that works great for dogs who need to avoid grains.
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Features:
This dry dog food is packed with protein, boasting at more than 60% meat composition
These dry dog foods are formulated with several antioxidant-rich “superfoods”
Made without grains, soy, or gluten
These recipes are made in US-based, company owned facilities
Probiotics are included to help support gut health and proper digestion
Ingredients (Beef and Lamb Recipe):
Ingredients List
Deboned Beef, Lamb Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Peas, Potatoes...
Pros
This is one of the most protein-packed dry dog food options on the market
This dog food features tons of antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids
Includes probiotics and fiber-rich foods to promote problem-free digestion
Cons
Grain-free dog foods are only appropriate for dogs with grain intolerances
Multi-protein dog foods are not ideal for pups with food allergies
10. Nature’s Logic Sardine Meal Feast
About: Looking for something a little different for your doggo? This dry kibble from Nature’s Logic has a unique recipe that helps distinguish it from many of the other options on the market.
Featuring omega-3-rich sardines as the primary protein and a litany of “superfoods” to provide vitamins and antioxidants, this dry dog food even contains rarely used wholesome ingredients, such as almonds, apricots, and artichokes. And for extra pet-parent appeal, this dog food is fortified with eight different probiotic strains to support gut health.
Healthy Food with the Most Innovative Ingredient List
Nature'S Logic Canine Chicken Meal Feast, 4.4Lb
Nature'S Logic Canine Chicken Meal Feast, 4.4Lb
Featuring a nutritious combination of unusual ingredients, this dry dog food is great for pet parents looking for something different.
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Features:
Sardine meal serves as a unique, nutritious, and eco-friendly protein
The dry dog food recipe is fortified with probiotics for digestive support
Includes fiber-rich vegetables like spinach, pumpkin seeds, and broccoli
Contains no chicken protein
Provides a unique taste for tempting picky palates
Ingredients (Sardine Recipe):
Ingredients List
Sardine Meal, Millet, Chicken Fat (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols), Pumpkin Seed, Yeast Culture,...
Pros
Sardine meal is a great protein for dogs with food allergies
This dry dog food is packed with protein and omega-3 fatty acids
Sardines are an eco-friendly protein
Cons
This food is notably more expensive than most dry dog foods
No whole protein appears on the ingredient list
11. Taste of the Wild High Prairie
About: Chicken, beef, and pork are certainly popular proteins for pooches, but some pets and their parents demand something a little more exotic. If this sounds like you or your doggo, you may want to consider Taste of the Wild.
Made with water buffalo, lamb, roasted bison, and venison, this tasty dry dog food is a great option for picky puppers, as well as those who simply need a protein-packed diet to fuel their four-footed adventures.
Healthiest Exotic Protein Dog Food
Taste of the Wild High Prairie
Taste of the Wild High Prairie
A combination of high-quality meats make this kibble a grain-free, protein-rich powerhouse.
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Features:
Made with several novel and tasty protein sources
Contains canine “superfoods,” such as blueberries and raspberries
Fortified with probiotics to support digestion
This recipe is suitable for dogs of all ages and sizes (including large breeds)
Ocean fish meal included to provide omega-3 fatty acids
Ingredients (High Prairie Recipe):
Ingredients List
Water Buffalo, Lamb Meal, Chicken Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Peas...
Pros
This kibble features unusual protein sources like water buffalo, bison, and venison
This dry dog food recipe is full of antioxidant-rich produce
This recipe is suitable for all life stages and breed sizes
Cons
Multiple protein sources can cause problems for dogs with allergies
This dog food appears to cause excessive gas in some cases
12. CANIDAE All Life Stages
About: Picking the healthiest dog food for a single four-footer is tricky enough; selecting one that’ll keep an entire pack of pooches happy is even more challenging.
But fortunately, there are solutions — like this all-life-stages kibble from CANIDAE. A multi-protein dry dog food designed to nourish small, large, young, and old dogs alike, this is a tasty and nutritious option that’ll work well for most multi-pet families.
Healthiest Food for Multi-Dog Families
Canidae Premium Dog Food
Canidae Premium Dog Food
Formulated for dogs of all life stages and sizes, this kibble makes it easy to offer your whole pack a healthy dog food.
Buy on Amazon
Features:
Made with poultry-based proteins to please your dog’s palate
This kibble features tons of omega 3s to combat inflammation and support joint health
Includes probiotics to promote problem-free digestion
Suitable for all ages and breeds
This dry dog food recipe contains no corn, wheat, or soy
Ingredients (Multi-protein Recipe):
Ingredients List
Chicken Meal, Turkey Meal, Brown Rice, Peas, Oatmeal...
Pros
This flexible dog food is perfect for multi pet households
Despite being affordable, most dogs loved the taste of this food
The included probiotics help promote proper digestion
Cons
The multiple protein sources can be problematic for dogs with allergies
We’d prefer if this dry dog food included whole proteins
13. Diamond Naturals
About: Many owners have budgetary limitations that prevent them from selecting some of the most expensive dog food options on the market. But just because you aren’t rolling in dough doesn’t mean you have to settle for a substandard dog food — there are super-healthy options available at budget-friendly prices.
This food from Diamond Naturals is an excellent example. Made with premium, whole proteins, nutritious carbs and produce, and fortified with joint supplements, this dry dog food is almost as awesome as some other options that cost twice as much.
Most Affordable Healthy Dog Food
Diamond Naturals All Life Stages Chicken and Rice
Diamond Naturals All Life Stages Chicken and Rice
An affordable, dry food with whole chicken and stomach-soothing probiotics.
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Features:
Features whole chicken and chicken meal to provide suitable protein content
Includes joint-supportive supplements like chondroitin and glucosamine
Made in the USA by a family-owned company
This dry dog food recipe incorporates plenty of omega-3s to support coat health
No corn, wheat, or artificial flavors
Recipe is packed with probiotics to support digestion
Ingredients (Beef Recipe):
Ingredients List
Chicken, Chicken Meal, Whole Grain Brown Rice, Cracked Pearled Barley, White Rice...
Pros
This is nutritious dog food that won’t break the bank
This dog food includes joint supporting supplements
Probiotics and fiber-rich ingredients are included to promote problem-free digestion
Cons
This dog food is frequently out of stock (likely due to its popularity)
This dry dog food seems slightly less appealing to four-footers than some more expensive recipes
Check out our review of the most affordable dog foods for more budget-friendly options!
14. CANIDAE Wet Food
About: While fresh dog foods tend to appeal to owners who don’t mind spending quite a bit on healthy dog foods and kibbles are often the top choice for those on tighter budgets, canned and wet dog foods provide a nice middle ground.
There aren’t as many super-healthy canned options on the market, there’s one — Canidae’s All Life Stages Canned Food — we think stands head-and-shoulders above the crowd. Like many other wet dog foods, this one features nutritious chicken and a taste dogs love, but the thing that makes it really stick out is the inclusion of grains — a rarity among canned dog foods.
Healthiest Canned Dog Food
Canidae All Life Stages
Canidae All Life Stages
High-quality protein and hearty grains combine in a pup-pleasing pate-style food.
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Features:
Includes 3 tasty chicken-based ingredients: chicken, chicken broth, and chicken liver
It’s suitable for all life stages and all breed sizes
It’s made in the USA
Contains salmon oil to supply omega-3 fatty acids
Includes antioxidant-rich cranberries to boost immune function
Ingredients (Chicken & Rice):
Ingredients List
Chicken, Chicken Broth, Chicken Liver, Dried Egg Product, Brown Rice...
Pros
Most pups love the taste of this dog food
This is one of the few grain-inclusive wet foods on the market
The wet dog food is suitable for all life stages
Cons
Canned dog food leftovers can be challenging to store
This recipe lacks probiotics and joint supplements
15. Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Diet
About: Dog food allergies may not be as common as many pet parents think, but they are a real obstacle for many four-footed families. But just because your dog has an allergy to one or more proteins doesn’t mean you need to skimp on the nutritional content of your pet’s food.
In fact, there’s a supremely healthy dog food option for just these kinds of pups: Natural Balance LID (Limited Ingredient Diet). Made with a relatively short list of ingredients and a novel protein, this dry dog food will keep your allergic floof healthy and itch-free.
Healthiest Food for Dogs with Food Allergies
Natural Balance LID with Healthy Grains
Natural Balance LID with Healthy Grains
A nutritious, grain-inclusive dog food designed to nourish your pet without triggering his food allergies.
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Features:
A whole protein and meat meal derived from the same protein top the ingredient list
Features healthy grains, which may reduce the risk of DCM
This LID recipe skips any ingredients that may trigger your pet’s allergies
Available with your choice of several proteins (including novel options)
Formulated with added taurine to promote heart health
Ingredients List
Duck, Duck Meal, Brown Rice, Brewers Rice, Rice Bran...
Pros
Dogs seem to love the taste of this LID formula
Unlike many other LID recipes, this dog food is grain-inclusive
Natural Balance employs eco-friendly packaging processes
Cons
This dry food doesn’t include joint supplements or probiotics
No produce appears in the ingredient list (but that’s by design)
Key Features of Healthy Dog Foods: Ingredients & Other Considerations
healthy dog food ingredients
While each owner may have his or her own preferences when it comes to choosing a dog food, there are several important factors to take into consideration to ensure that your canine companion is getting the nutrients he needs.
When it comes to dog food, there are three absolute essentials you should always look for when making a choice:
1. The dog food is formulated to meet AAFCO guidelines for your dog’s life stage. In other words, you should generally avoid feeding adult dogs puppy foods and vice versa. These guidelines are designed to ensure your furry friend gets the nutrition he needs.
2. Your dog food of choice addresses any of your dog’s unique health conditions. Whether your dog has a specific food sensitivity or needs a weight loss dog food to shed a couple of pounds, your dog food of choice should address any of your dog’s specific health ailments.
3. You select a dog food in collaboration with your veterinarian. No one understands the needs of your furry friend better than you and your veterinarian. Your veterinarian should approve of your choice and provide you with specific serving recommendations based on your dog’s needs.
healthy dog food
Once these criteria are met, you can look for other key indicators of healthy dog food, such as:
The brand has a canine nutritionist on staff. Brands that have a credentialed veterinary nutritionist on staff are generally more reliable than those that don’t.
The dog food manufacturer performs regular safety checks. The most reliable companies perform regular safety inspections to ensure that dog food isn’t contaminated by bacteria, fungi, or other hazardous substances. In-house testing is great, but the best brands obtain third-party certifications for their testing.
The dog food is cooked to eliminate pathogens. Raw protein can contain bacteria or other microorganisms that are harmful to dogs and pet parents. Foods that are cooked help eliminate this risk for furry friends.
The dog food is made in a western country with ingredients sourced from a western country. Western countries like the United States, Canada, and Australia tend to have more stringent safety and quality-control standards than others, making these locations better sources of dog foods and their ingredients.
The dog food brand owns its kitchens. Companies that own their kitchens have much greater control over the quality of their dog food.
A whole, nutritious protein is near the top of the ingredients list. While there’s nothing wrong with properly labeled meat meals (such as salmon meal or beef meal), the presence of a whole protein at the top of the ingredient list is generally a good overall indicator of the dog food’s quality.
The dog food includes helpful supplements. Probiotics, antioxidants, omega-3s, and joint-supporting supplements are all helpful additions (depending on your dog’s needs), and they can help you save money by avoiding the need to buy standalone supplements.
The dog food utilizes minimally processed whole grains. Unless your dog has a grain sensitivity, whole grains can provide a vital source of calories, vitamins, and minerals for most dogs. The best whole grains for dogs are more nutritious than processed grains with more fiber and nutrients for Fido.
Should I Worry About Grains, DCM, and Taurine Deficiency?
grains for dogs
New research has recently come out alerting owners to the startling increase in dogs with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM).
There is a lot of confusion and misunderstanding around this increase in DCM. Some veterinarians believe that BEG diets (which stands for boutique, exotic, and grain-free recipes) are causing the issue. Some suspect that the ingredients being used to replace grains in grain-free diets (such as lentils, chickpeas, and potatoes) are problematic.
The truth is that no one knows for sure what is causing the increase in DCM cases.
Researchers have yet to discover what is at the root cause, and while different people have various theories, there is no definitive answer.
Rather than any specific ingredients being at fault, it could be the interactions of the ingredients, the heat treatment, or the food processing.
Generally, as has always been true, you’ll want to aim to feed your dog high-quality, animal-based proteins, and avoid dog foods which rely on plant-source proteins as their primary protein sources.
Many dogs eat BEG diets and are fine. But not all.
Ultimately, you’ll want to speak to your vet about any concerns, as they’ll be up to date on any new research breakthroughs. Talking to your vet about your dog’s diet is doubly important for breeds known to be at higher risk for DCM (including Doberman pinschers, boxers, Irish wolfhounds, Great Danes, and others).
It’s also worth noting that most dogs currently being diagnosed with DCM do not exhibit low taurine levels. Many owners have advocated for adding taurine supplements to their dogs’ diet, but in many cases taurine levels are irrelevant.
FAQ About the Healthiest Dog Food
questions about healthy dog food
What is the healthiest dog food?
There are many varieties of healthy dog food on the market, but we’d choose Ollie as our top pick for the healthiest dog food. They offer fresh, human-grade, vet-engineered dog food that’s minimally processed, made with high-quality ingredients, and super easy to digest. They have several great meat-based recipes featuring whole proteins, omega-3 fatty acids, and fiber-packed vegetables.
What is the healthiest dog food brand?
Ollie, The Farmer’s Dog, Merrick, Nature’s Logic, and Canidae are some of the healthiest and most reputable dog food brands.
What is the healthiest wet dog food?
We consider CANIDAE All Life Stages Canned Food one of the healthiest canned dog food options, as it contains hearty grains, unlike many other canned foods.
What is the healthiest dry dog food?
Spot and Tango’s UnKibble is arguably the healthiest dry food, as it’s actually fresh food with real fresh meat that’s been gently dried at super low temperatures to lock in as much nutrition and vitamins as possible.
What is the healthiest food for dogs with sensitive stomachs?
It depends on your dog’s system — all dogs are individuals with varying tolerances for different ingredients. That said, limited-ingredient diets (such as the Natural Balance Recipe discussed above) are often a great starting point for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
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