Selecting the right dog food brand is one of the most critical decisions a pet owner can make. With shelves brimming with options—from budget-friendly staples to high-end organic blends—it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Yet, your furry companion’s health and vitality hinge on their diet quality. A well-balanced meal tailored to your dog’s unique needs can prevent chronic health issues, enhance their energy levels, and even extend their lifespan.
In this guide, we delve into the world of dog food brands, separating marketing hype from genuine quality. Drawing on expert insights, rigorous standards, and pet owner reviews, we’ll explore the top contenders in the market and what makes them stand out. Whether you’re raising a playful puppy, a senior companion, or a breed with specific dietary needs, this article will help you make an informed choice for your four-legged family member.
Best Dog Food Brands Review
Best Fresh Dog Food Brand
4.9
★★★★★
The Farmer’s Dog
Who It’s For: Ideal for those who want the most optimal nutrition and potential health benefits.
Why we recommended it:The Farmer’s Dog fresh dog food recipes win the spot for the best dog food in the fresh dog food category. This brand uses human-grade ingredients to craft pre-portion recipes delivered directly to your doorstep. Feeding your dog The Farmer’s Dog comes with numerous scientifically-supported health benefits of fresh dog food, including longer lifespans, better digestibility, higher energy levels, and more. Fresh recipes are also ideal for dogs with food allergies, sensitive stomachs, or other dietary concerns because they avoid cheap fillers, additives, and harmful chemicals. Unlike traditional kibble, The Farmer’s Dog is gently cooked from scratch, ensuring all nutritional integrity is retained — this means that your dog will receive the healthiest and most nutritious meal with every serving.
What sets it apart from competitors: The Farmer’s Dog stands out from other dog food brands by taking a personalized approach to nutrition. Many dog food brands offer one-size-fits-all recipes, but The Farmer’s Dog takes the time to create a custom formula for each dog, considering factors like age, health, weight, and activity level to ensure your dog gets the perfect balance of nutrients for their unique needs.
Key Features
Caters to health-specific. Recipes are formulated to address your dog’s health concerns, such as food allergies, tear stains, bad breath, joint issues and more.
Vet-designed. Formulated by board-certified veterinary nutritionists that comply with AAFCO standards.
Excellent sourcing. Ingredients are sourced from reputable food suppliers, local farms, and other human food purveyors that meet USDA standards.
Pros
The level of customization is unmatched
Packaged as daily portions for easy serving
Never use feed-grade ingredients
Cooked in human-grade kitchens
Cons
It’s on the expensive side
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Why we recommended it:The Honest Kitchen is the pioneer brand of human-grade dog food, which was born to help as many pets as possible get on the road to good health. The Honest Kitchen whole food cluster recipes are roasted and dehydrated to preserve nutrients and flavor and maximize nutritional integrity. The Honest Kitchen is a superfood-powered kibble with functional ingredients that support and boost gut, skin and coat, immunity, heart, weight management and more.
What sets it apart from competitors: Their preparation methods and facilities meet safety standards 7x those of feed-grade. Their food is made in a facility that produces human food.
Key Features
Vet recommended. Their human-grade dog food kibble is recommended by Leilani Alvarez, DVM, DACVSMR Director of Integrative & Rehabilitative Medicine, Animal Medical Center, NY, recommends their human-grade dog food kibble.
Digestive health. It contains naturally occurring pre and probiotics to help regulate the dog microbiome.
FDA human-grade. First pet food company to obtain approval from the FDA to use the term “human grade” on its products.
Pros
Made with USDA meat proteins, vegetables, and fruits
Exceeds industry standards
No artificial flavors, preservatives or by-products
Cheaper than fresh dog food
Crunchy texture
Cons
It’s a bit more expensive than traditional kibble. NUTRO Ultra dry dog food is another great alternative if you want a more traditional dry dog food that’s less expensive.
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Best Wet Dog Food Brand
4.5
★★★★★
JustFoodForDogs
Who It’s For: A good choice for those dogs who prefer the rich aroma and taste of wet food or dogs with sensitive teeth or dental issues.
Why we recommended it:JustFoodForDogs Pantry Fresh is our favorite wet food brand. This food is a convenient and healthy option for dog owners who want to feed their dogs soft-textured meals and keep them hydrated, especially those in warmer climates. Unlike traditional canned wet dog food, JustFoodForDogs uses only ingredients fit for human consumption to ensure the highest quality nutrition. Additionally, they use a unique cooking process to make Pantry Fresh preserve the nutritional value and taste of the ingredients, making it a nutritious and tasty option for dogs.
What sets it apart from competitors: Aside from traditional flavors, they have specialized wet food for targeting health-specific problems, including joint, skin, sensitive stomach, renal, appetite loss, metabolism and liver function.
Key Features
Ready-to-serve nutrition. A team of veterinarians and canine specialists formulate every recipe.
Gently cooked. This process maximizes the nutritional value and promotes a healthy immune system.
Travel friendly. 2-year shelf life and transportable Tetra Pak® packaging make it easy to store and travel with.
Pros
USDA-certified meats
Organ meats
A convenient way for busy people to feed their dogs a fresh diet
A variety pack for picky eaters
Provides the benefits of fresh dog food
Cons
More expensive than traditional wet dog food
Best Dehydrated Dog Food Brand
4.7
★★★★★
The Honest Kitchen
Who It’s For: A great pick for dogs with digestion or chewing problems. The soft and moist texture favors easy digestion and offers optimal flavor. It’s also great for traveling.
Why we recommended it:The Honest Kitchen human-grade dehydrated dog food takes the first place in this category. Instead of boring chunks of kibble or smelly old pâté, this food is made with dehydrated, human-grade ingredients. Add warm water and wait three minutes for a tasty, homemade meal you and your pets will love.
What sets it apart from competitors: Made using real, whole food ingredients, like free-range chicken, that are gently dehydrated to maintain nutrients and taste.
Key Features
Convenient. The packaging and dehydrated nature make it easy to transport and store anywhere, making it ideal for on-the-go dog parents.
100% human-grade standards. Use the same whole food ingredients you’d recognize in your kitchen, and make this recipe in a human food facility.
Pros
Exceeds industry quality standards
Much more affordable than competitors on this list
A wide variety of recipes are available
Grain-inclusive and grain-free options
Cons
Not as fresh as some other human-grade dog foods
Preparation is required before serving, but it’s not bad at all
Re-hydrated leftovers would need to be refrigerated
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Raw Food Brands
4.8
★★★★★
Instinct
Who It’s For: Good for those seeking to provide a more biologically appropriate, natural diet for dogs that offers several health benefits.
Why we recommended it: As more dog parents opt to raw feed their dogs, it’s essential to understand the ins and outs of a raw diet for dogs. If you are in the market for raw dog food for dogs, Instinct Frozen Raw Bites Real Beef Recipe formula is one of our top picks for the best raw dog food delivery brands. This formula is protein-packed with 85% meat and organs and 15% non-GMO fruits, vegetables, vitamins, and minerals to give your dog a complete BARF diet. It’s minimally processed, never cooked, pure, natural nutrition to keep your best friend strong.
What sets it apart from competitors: Raw dog food benefits a shinier coat, healthier skin, cleaner teeth, more energy, and smaller stool. Instinct Raw states that raw dog nutrition can promote strong, lean muscles and energize your pup.
Pros
Helps with allergies and weight management
Ingredients are frozen to maintain the highest nutritional profile
Cold-pressure processing to keep the nutrients and taste intact
Cons
Needs to be kept frozen until it’s your pet’s mealtime
Not as convenient as feeding dry dog food. Open Farm freeze-dried raw dog food is an excellent alternative for a more convenient way to feed raw
It’s slightly more expensive than traditional kibble, but you can buy raw food budget
Best Canned Dog Food Brand
4.6
★★★★★
Pet Plate
Who It’s For: For those who want the convenience of easy storage, serving, and avoiding doing extra dishes. Pet Plate plastic container can easily be sealed back and stored within your fridge or freezer for later, saving you time and trouble.
Why we recommended it:PetPlate is our favorite human-grade canned dog food due to its versatile plastic container. Pet Plate meals come in pre-portioned, easy-to-serve microwavable plastic containers, which you can use as a bowl if needed. PetPlate appeared on the popular TV show Shark Tank in 2016; since then, they’ve become one of the most popular human-grade fresh dog food brands.
What sets it apart from competitors: PetPlate is designed to be highly convenient to store and use. The food container can easily be sealed back and stored with the remaining food in your fridge or freezer for later use.
Key Features
Personalization. Each meal plan is customized to suit your dog’s size and age.
Long storage. It can be stored in your freezer for up to one year
Pros
Crafted in a human-grade kitchen
Novel protein recipes
Flexible subscriptions
Super tasty
Cons
Slightly lower protein content than other, comparable foods
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Best Grain-Free Dog Food Brand
4.7
★★★★★
Open Farm
Who It’s For: Ideal for dogs with grain allergies or sensitivities.
Why we recommended it:Open Farm’s grain-free dry dog food is your best dog grain-free kibble. We picked it because they skip the grain, corn, soy, and wheat in favor of science-backed superfoods like non-GMO pumpkin, carrot, leafy greens, and coconut oil for a balanced and complete diet that provide antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals to support dog’s nutritional needs.
What sets it apart from competitors: It’s made responsibly from ethically sourced and sustainable ingredients free from antibiotics, hormones, and artificial preservatives, making it one of the most sustainable dog food brands.
Key Features
100% traceable ingredients. Instantly trace the origin of every ingredient through the QR code on the bag.
Premium ingredients. Locally sourced non-GMO fruits and veggies.
Ethically sourced protein. Only uses ethically sourced and humanely raised meats.
Pros
No rendered poultry or meat meals
Meats from audited higher welfare farms
High in protein
Local carbon footprint per bag
Cons
It can be more expensive than other brands on the market
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Why we recommended it:Wild Earth vegan dog food can help remove tear stains, as seen in the V-Dog food case above. Vegan dog food contains monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for the health of the digestive tract. Furthermore, plant-based dog food is generally more easily digested by dogs’ digestive systems than regular kibble, vital in lessening toxin secretion.
What sets it apart from competitors: It uses only clean, sustainable, and tasty plant proteins that offer more protein by weight than traditional dog foods. It’s boosted with superfood ingredients, including chickpeas, sweet potato, spinach, pumpkin, oats, and more. It’s a clean, nutrient-rich, and all-cruelty-free recipe.
Pros
Balanced recipe
Has the same essential nutrients found in diets with meat as the primary protein source
High-quality brown rice, oatmeal, and highly digestible potatoes
Balanced omega fatty acids help support healthy skin and a shiny coat
No artificial flavors or colors
Highly digestible, energizing, and rejuvenating
Backed by science
Cons
One flavor is available. We wish they had more options for picky eaters
A bit pricey but offers discounts with a subscription
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Why we recommended it:Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Hydrolyzed Protein is the best hypoallergenic dog formula you feed an allergic dog. This vet-exclusive prescription formula helps dogs with itching, hair loss, skin allergies and digestive upset. It’s also highly digestible and supports gastrointestinal and dermatological health.
What sets it apart from competitors: This formula uses hydrolyzed soy protein (non-animal protein). Hydrolyzed protein is made by a process known as hybridization, which breaks down proteins to a size less likely to be recognized by the immune system, effectively stopping allergic reactions.
Key Features
Limited ingredients. Its limited ingredients also make it great against allergies. They use one single source of carbohydrates.
Supports GI health. Contains a special blend of fibers and prebiotics.
Pros
Specially designed for canines with food intolerances or allergies
Helps to reduce skin and GI reactions caused by proteins
Support healthy skin and help reduce inflammation
Cons
A bit expensive
Requires vet authorization. While we recommend Royal Canine Veterinary for the best results, unfortunately, it requires a prescription. If you can’t wait to visit your vet or don’t have the budget to afford it, ACANA Lamb & Pumpkin Limited Ingredient Diet can also help with allergies and does not require a prescription.
Best Dog Food Brand For Puppies
4.7
★★★★★
Open Farm
Who It’s For: Ideal for puppies who need all the nutrients for proper development.
Why we recommended it: The Gently Cooked Open Farm puppy recipe is the best dog food for puppies. This puppy-specific formula provides the necessary nutrients for the optimal growth and development of puppies, including prebiotic fiber like pumpkin and chicory root, supports healthy digestion and calcium iodate as a source of energy production, and also promotes muscular and cognitive development in puppies.
What sets it apart from competitors: This formula is designed specifically for puppies and has a purposeful blend of three proteins to help prevent allergies. It also has added collagen for healthy joint development.
Key Features
Human-grade meats. High-quality meats are raised without antibiotics or added hormones.
Superfoods. Boosted with chia seeds, kale, flaxseed and other wholesome ingredients.
Who It’s For: Owners of senior dogs who want a formula with the appropriate nutrients to support their pets in their older years and promote healthy aging.
Why we recommended it: We chose JustFoodForDogs Senior dog food as the best senior dog food because of its high protein and fat content, designed to meet the needs of senior dog breeds. The formula supports lean muscle mass and optimal fat metabolism, which are essential for the vitality of aging dogs.
What sets it apart from competitors: JustFoodForDogs is made with only the highest quality fresh ingredients and is free from preservatives, artificial colors, and flavors.
Key Features
Human-grade meats. No rendered poultry or meat meals.
Bones and joint support. It incorporates type II collagen to aid with cartilage wear and tear as your pet ages.
Pros
85% quality animal ingredients.
Great feedback from senior dog parent
Certified humane for animal welfare.
Cons
A bit expensive.
Other Best Dog Foods Brands
Best food topper brand.Portland Pet Food Company Human offers a fantastic variety of tasty fresh dog food flavors you can add as a topper to your dog’s kibble meals.
Best health-specific custom diet food brand.JustFoodForDogs makes creating a custom recipe for your fur baby easy. They work with your veterinarian to create a custom recipe if your dog has a medical need for a restricted diet.
Bestdog food brand to gain weight. With 484 calories per cup, Purina Pro Plan Performance is ideal for helping your dog gain lean muscle mass.
Best dog food brand for small dogs.Ollie’s bake recipes are our pick for this category. The kibble size is ideal for the small mouths of small breeds.
Best bulk human-grade dog food. Even though Evermore is not as popular as The Farmer’s Dog, NomNomNow, Pet Plate, and Ollie, it delivers high-quality, lightly cooked dog food. We love the most about this company because you can buy their food in bulk and save money. You can opt for the 16 or 32-case option. Each case comes with 1lb of food. They also offer a subscription option.
Best holistic human-grade dog food. Chi Dog takes a unique approach to feeding dogs fresh food—its food is based on the Eastern Medicine principle “Food Is Medicine.”
Best dog food brand for large dogs.The Pets Table has a great recipe designed for large dogs, and their low pricing is ideal because larger dogs tend to eat more and cost more.
The Bottom Line
Choosing the right dog food brand for your furry friend depends on their unique needs, life stage, and preferences. The best dog food brands prioritize high-quality ingredients, balanced nutrition, and safety standards, ensuring your pup gets the nourishment they deserve. Whether you’re looking for premium kibble, grain-free options, or fresh, human-grade meals, there’s a brand out there that’s perfect for your dog. Always consult with your veterinarian when switching diets or addressing specific health concerns to ensure the best fit for your pet’s overall well-being. Your dog’s health and happiness start with the food you put in their bowl—choose wisely!
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Sources
Canine Bible uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process and product review methodology to learn more about how we fact-check, test products, and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Canine Bible authorship represents the unified voice of our entire editorial team and our in-house veterinarians rather than a single author. Each article, blog post, and review published under the Canine Bible name undergoes a rigorous review process, involving all team members to guarantee accuracy and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. This collaborative effort is an integral part of our editorial process and aligns with our four pillars of content creation. This approach ensures our content is backed by expert knowledge and factual information, offering our readers reliable, actionable, and trustworthy content.
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