Looking for the best dog food to keep your pup healthy, active, and thriving? With so many brands and formulas on the market, it can be tough to know which one truly delivers the right nutrition. In this comprehensive guide to the best dog foods of the year, we’ve reviewed top-rated options based on ingredient quality, life stage suitability, breed-specific needs, and common health concerns. Whether you’re searching for high-protein kibble, grain-free wet food, or fresh human-grade meals, we’ve got the top brands for each dog food category to help you make the best choice for your dog’s health and happiness.
What Is The Best Dog Food?
The best food for a dog is balanced and appropriate for their life stage, health, activity level, and weight (size). This ensures your German Shepherd is healthy, develops appropriately, and can sustain daily activities and bodily functions. When deciding on the best diet for a dog, it’s also essential to consider individual preferences, such as taste, ingredient quality, safety, and food type. Some dogs may thrive on high-quality commercial kibble, while others may do better on a fresh, raw, or balanced home-cooked diet.
The table below can help you pick the best food based on food type and other factors.
Dog Food Type
Best For
Pros
Cons
Dry Kibble
Budget-conscious owners, dogs who need dental crunch
Affordable, convenient, long shelf life, may help clean teeth
Often contains fillers, lower moisture, can be less palatable
Canned/Wet Food
Picky eaters, dogs with dental issues or needing more moisture
Highly palatable, high moisture content
Can be expensive, may cause dental buildup, short shelf life after opening
Fresh Food
Owners wanting high-quality, human-grade meals
Very nutritious, minimally processed, customizable for health issues
Expensive, needs refrigeration
Raw (Commercial)
Dogs with allergies, skin issues, or on natural diets
Biologically appropriate, high protein, great for skin/coat
Risk of bacteria, more costly, needs careful handling
Home-Cooked
Dogs with special dietary needs, owners who want full control
Fully customizable, can be therapeutic
Time-consuming, requires vet guidance to be balanced
Freeze-Dried Raw
Raw feeders needing convenience, frequent travelers
Shelf-stable raw food, lightweight, nutritious
Expensive, needs rehydration
Dehydrated Food
Owners looking for a balance between raw and kibble
Lightweight, better than kibble in nutrients, less processed
Always consult your veterinarian before changing your dog’s diet. You can get personalized nutritional advice from an online registered vet nutritionist through Vetster anytime, anywhere. You can also chat with an online vet and ask them questions about your dog’s nutritional needs. Similarly, an at-home dog gut health test can provide valuable insights by analyzing your dog’s microbiome, helping you determine which nutrients their diet should contain. Additionally, an at-home dog allergy testing kit can help identify which ingredients may not be suitable for your dog. This information enables you to make informed choices about the right diet, type of food, and care plan to support optimal digestion and nutrition.
Best Dog Foods
Here are the best dog foods of this year.
Best Fresh Dog Food
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-portioned 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.
Get 50% OFF your first The Farmer’s Dog order with Canine Bible’s link.
Why we recommended it:The Honest Kitchen is the pioneer brand of human-grade dog food. It wins the title for best dry dog food because it offers human-grade quality and whole-food nutrition, making it far superior to traditional kibble. The Honest Kitchen’s whole food cluster recipes are roasted and dehydrated (without extrusion) to preserve nutrients and flavor, maximizing nutritional integrity. The Honest Kitchen is a superfood-powered kibble featuring functional ingredients that support and boost gut, skin, and coat health, immunity, heart health, 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. This formula is recommended by Leilani Alvarez, DVM, DACVSMR, Director of Integrative and Rehabilitative Medicine at the Animal Medical Center in New York.
Digestive health. It contains naturally occurring prebiotics 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.
Get 40% OFF your order with the code 40CANINE — Use this link to get started.
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 that are fit for human consumption to ensure the highest quality of nutrition. Additionally, they employ a unique cooking process to preserve the nutritional value and taste of the ingredients in Pantry Fresh, making it a nutritious and tasty option for dogs.
What sets it apart from competitors: Besides traditional flavors, they offer specialized wet food to address health-specific issues, including joint, skin, sensitive stomach, renal, appetite loss, metabolism, and liver function problems.
Key Features
Ready-to-serve nutrition. A team of veterinarians and canine specialists formulates 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.
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 dehydrated dog food takes 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.
Get 40% OFF your order with the code 40CANINE — Use this link to get started.
Best Freeze-Dried Dog Food
4.9
★★★★★
Get Joy Freeze-Dried
Who It’s For: Ideal for pet parents who want the convenience of shelf-stable raw feeding without sacrificing quality or nutritional value.
Why we recommended it:Get Joy Freeze-Dried strikes a thoughtful balance between raw nutrition and daily practicality. The food is gently freeze-dried to retain nutrients and natural flavor, while removing moisture to improve shelf life and convenience. The ingredients are sourced and produced in the U.S., with a clear focus on clean proteins and whole foods—no artificial fillers, preservatives, or additives. The brand also offers wellness consultations and gut health testing, which aligns well with its personalized, health-first approach.
What sets it apart from competitors: Get Joy integrates personalized health services with its food delivery. Most freeze-dried brands stop at the product; Get Joy pairs it with vet-backed nutrition plans and wellness tools, including at-home gut health kits and 1-on-1 consultations. This adds an extra layer of value for owners who want tailored support, particularly when managing chronic health issues such as digestive problems or food sensitivities.
Best Raw Dog Food
4.9
★★★★★
We Feed Raw
Who It’s For: Dog owners who want the highest-quality raw meats and ingredients packed in perfectly balanced raw meals for optimal nutrition.
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, We Feed Raw formula is our top pick for the best raw dog food delivery brands. This formula is protein-packed, comprising 80% meat and organs and 20% non-GMO fruits, vegetables, vitamins, and minerals, to provide your dog with 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: You can pick between a personalized plan or buying the box. The personalized plan might be the better choice if you want convenience and a long-term solution. Buying the box is an excellent option if you prefer flexibility and want to try the meals first.
Key Features
Human-grade meats: USDA meats sourced from free-range cattle and poultry that are humanely raised without antibiotics, steroids, or added hormones.
HPP (High-Pressure Processing): This all-natural technology utilizes high water pressure to eliminate food-borne pathogens, including Listeria, E. coli, and Salmonella. Because this process uses pressure rather than heat, the nutritional value of the food remains unaffected.
Pre-portioned meals. Meals are portioned to your dog’s daily needs for easy serving and to reduce food waste.
Get 25% OFF your order with the code CB25. Use Canine Bible’s link to get started.
Best Air-Dried Dog Food
4.9
★★★★★
The Pet’s Table
Who It’s For: Excellent choice for dog parents seeking the most well-rounded, highly nutritious air-dried dog food delivery service.
Why we recommended it: The Pet’s Table Air-Dried Dog Food stands out in its minimal ingredients, whole-food recipes made from real meat as the first ingredient, such as beef, chicken, or turkey, along with nutrient-rich vegetables like sweet potatoes and carrots. These ingredients are selected for their digestibility, flavor, and nutritional value, providing protein for muscle maintenance, fiber for digestion, and vitamins to support immunity and skin health. The air-drying process uses low heat to remove moisture while retaining more natural nutrients compared to traditional kibble. This means your dog gets a more nutrient-dense, flavorful, and fresher alternative without refrigeration or complicated prep.
What sets it apart from competitors: Jerky-like texture is also highly palatable, especially for picky eaters or dogs with dental sensitivity.
Get 50% OFF your order with Canine Bible’s link — The discount is applied automatically. Cancel anytime.
Best Canned Dog Food
4.6
★★★★★
Pet Plate
Who It’s For: Ideal for dog owners who prefer the convenience of easy storage, serving, and avoiding doing extra dishes.
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 can also be used 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 be easily sealed 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
Get 61% off your PetPlate order. Just use this link to get started!
Best Grain-Free Dog Food
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 the best grain-free kibble for your dog. We chose it because it skips the grain, corn, soy, and wheat in favor of science-backed superfoods like non-GMO pumpkin, carrots, leafy greens, and coconut oil, providing a balanced and complete diet that supports dogs’ nutritional needs with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.
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 ethically sourced and humanely raised meats are used.
Why we recommended it:Wild Earth Dog Food stands out as the best vegan natural dog foodbecause it provides a balanced, nutrient-rich, and cruelty-free recipe using plant-based, sustainable ingredients without compromising protein quality or essential nutrients. Wild Earth is vet-developed and formulated to meet AAFCO standards, ensuring it provides all the essential nutrients dogs need to thrive.
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.
Pros
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
It is a bit pricey, but it offers discounts with a subscription
Get 50% OFF your first order. Just use this link to get this offer.
Why we recommended it:Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Hydrolyzed Protein is the best hypoallergenic dog formula to 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 utilizes hydrolyzed soy protein, a non-animal protein. Hydrolyzed protein is produced through a process known as hydrolysis, which breaks down proteins into smaller fragments that are less likely to be recognized by the immune system, thereby preventing allergic reactions.
Key Features
Limited ingredients. Its limited ingredients also make it great for those with allergies. They use a single source of carbohydrates.
Supports GI health. Contains a unique blend of fibers and prebiotics.
Best Dog Food 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 puppies’ optimal growth and development, including prebiotic fiber such as pumpkin and chicory root, which supports healthy digestion. Additionally, it contains calcium iodate as a source of energy production, promoting 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 is essential for maintaining 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.
Other Best Dog Foods
Best dog food topper.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.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 to gain weight. With 484 calories per cup, Purina Pro Plan Performance is designed to help your dog build lean muscle mass.
Best dog food 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 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. What we love most about this company is that 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 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.”
The Bottom Line
Feeding your dog the right food is one of the most important decisions you can make as a pet parent. With the right balance of protein, fats, vitamins, and minerals, the best dog food supports your pup’s energy, digestion, skin, coat, and overall health. Whether you go with high-quality kibble, fresh food delivery, or a raw diet, the key is choosing a formula that matches your dog’s unique lifestyle and nutritional needs. Use this guide as your starting point, and don’t hesitate to consult your vet for tailored advice. Your dog deserves the best—and it all starts with their bowl.
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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.
