15 Healthiest Dog Foods in 2025: Vet-Recommended Brands
Canine Bible is reader-supported. We receive affiliate commissions via some of our links. Learn more.
Would you feed your child cereal made from meat dust and artificial flavoring every day? That’s exactly what many commercial dog foods amount to: ultra-processed, nutrient-stripped fillers masked as balanced nutrition. But here’s the problem: your dog’s health, energy, and even lifespan hinge on what’s in their bowl. From itchy skin and digestive issues to early-onset disease, poor nutrition silently chips away at their well-being—while bright packaging and buzzwords keep you in the dark. And what if the so-called “vet-approved” or “premium” labels aren’t just misleading—but actively harmful? In this guide, we will reveal the healthiest type of dog food and a list of the healthiest dog food brands for every dietary need.
What Is The Healthiest Dog Food?
Based on the latest research and expert consensus, the healthiest dog food—regardless of format—should prioritize whole, human-grade ingredients, be minimally processed, and deliver highly digestible energy. A balanced blend of essential vitamins, minerals, and amino acids is key to supporting a dog’s long-term well-being. Truly healthy dog food should also be free from artificial additives, fillers, and animal by-products, which can contribute to inflammation, allergies, and poor digestive health. Instead, it should be carefully tailored to your dog’s life stage, breed, activity level, taste preferences, and specific health needs—whether that means managing weight, supporting joint function, or promoting skin and coat health.
Whether you’re choosing dry kibble, fresh-cooked meals, freeze-dried raw, or even a plant-based formula, the healthiest options will always focus on transparency, nutritional integrity, and bioavailable ingredients that support your dog’s vitality from the inside out.
Health and Nutrition Comparison of Different Dog Food Types
The healthiest dog foods typically prioritize high-quality protein sources, minimal processing, and alignment with a dog’s biological needs.
Here’s a nutrition comparison table based on current formulations and veterinary recommendations
| Type | Avg. Protein | Avg. Moisture | Processing | Key Health Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dry (Kibble) | 20–28% | 10–12% | High-heat extrusion | Convenient but lower moisture. Look for whole proteins and no fillers. Higher calorie density. |
| Wet (Canned) | 8–12% | 74–82% | Moderate processing | Higher hydration but often lower protein. Watch for carrageenan/preservatives. |
| Fresh | 32–46% | ~70% | Mild cooking | Human-grade ingredients, easily digestible. Top choice for nutrient density. |
| Freeze-Dried | 30–40% | 5–10% | Raw, freeze-dried | Biologically appropriate with 90% raw animal ingredients. High bioavailability. |
| Dehydrated | 35–40% | 5–8% | Low-heat dehydration | Retains nutrients better than kibble. Requires rehydration before serving. |
| Air-Dried | 35–45% | ~10% | Gentle air drying | Minimally processed, retains nutrients, and mimics raw diets without bacterial risks. |
| Vegan | 28% | 10% | Plant-based processing | Contains complete amino acids from plants. Ethical choice but controversial for carnivores. |
| Raw | 22–32% | ~70% | Uncooked/Flash-frozen | Most bioavailable protein but bacterial risks. Mimics ancestral diets. |
Which Type of Dog Food Is The Healthiest Overall?
🥇 Winner: Fresh dog food: It combines the best of both worlds: the safety and digestibility of cooked food with the high nutritional quality of whole, minimally processed ingredients.
- ✅ High protein (32–46%)
- ✅ Moderate moisture (~70%) supports hydration
- ✅ Gently cooked, preserving nutrients without raw food risks
- ✅ Human-grade ingredients, often made in USDA-certified kitchens
- ✅ Easily digestible, great for dogs with sensitivities
- ✅ Top choice for nutrient density, per the table
🥈 Runner-ups:
- Raw: Most natural and bioavailable, could be in the first place, but requires strict handling due to bacterial risks.
- Air-dried: Closest to raw in nutrition but safer and shelf-stable.
- Freeze-dried: High bioavailability, raw ingredients, but pricier and requires hydration.
🥉 Third place:
- Dehydrated: Homemade style meals that are more nutritious than typical kibble
- Dry kibble: For convenience + budget. However, premium kibbles made with human-grade ingredients and baked can be as good as the runner-ups.
- Vegan: For ethical/environmental reasons, only if AAFCO-compliant.
Before Changing Your Dog’s Diet
Always work with your vet before changing your dog’s diet. Alternatively, 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 lets you confidently choose the right diet and care plan to support optimal digestion and nutrition.
Healthiest Dog Foods
Here is a list of the healthiest dog foods this year.
Healthiest Overall Dog Food
The Farmer’s Dog
Who It’s For: Offers the healthiest balance of nutrients, ingredient quality, price, customer service, and flavor. Their recipes are perfect for most dogs.
Recipes: Turkey, beef, pork & chicken
Nutrition: AAFCO
Life stage: For all ages
Manufactured: USA
Ingredients: Human-grade
Why we recommended it: The Farmer’s Dog is our pick for the healthiest dog food brand due to its emphasis on fresh, human-grade ingredients, tailored nutrition, and scientifically backed health benefits. Recipes are free from fillers, artificial preservatives, and by-products, which are common in many commercial dog foods and can cause allergies or digestive issues. Superfoods like kale, spinach, and blueberries are included for their antioxidant and vitamin content, supporting immune health and overall vitality. Clinical studies have shown that dogs absorb more nutrients from fresh food compared to processed options.
What sets it apart from competitors: Each meal is pre-portioned based on a dog’s unique needs (age, weight, activity level), making it easier to maintain a healthy weight—a critical factor for longevity. Meals are lightly cooked at low temperatures to preserve nutrients while eliminating harmful pathogens like salmonella and E. coli.
Key Features
Get 50% OFF your first The Farmer’s Dog order with Canine Bible’s link.
Healthiest Dry Dog Food
The Honest Kitchen Clusters
Who It’s For: Dog owners who want to feed the healthiest dry dog food made with human-grade ingredients.
Recipes: Chicken and beef
Nutrition: AAFCO
Life stage: For all ages
Manufactured: USA
Ingredients: Human-grade
Why we recommended it: The Honest Kitchen Whole Food Clusters are widely regarded as the healthiest dry dog food due to their commitment to using human-grade ingredients and a unique preparation process that sets them apart from traditional kibble. They are cold-pressed, slow-roasted, and gently dehydrated instead of being extruded at high temperatures like standard kibble. This innovative process preserves the natural nutrients, aroma, and taste of whole foods while ensuring the food remains shelf-stable. As a result, dogs benefit from better nutrient retention and digestibility compared to heavily processed options.
What sets it apart from competitors: Each recipe includes superfoods like chia seeds, salmon oil, and coconut oil to promote skin and coat health. They also contain taurine and L-carnitine to support heart health. The clusters are available in a grain-free formula and whole-grain formula ensuring that even pets with dietary restrictions can enjoy the benefits of this food.
Key Features
Get 40% OFF your order with code 40CANINEBIBLE — Just use this link to get started.
Healthiest Wet Dog Food
JustFoodForDogs
Who It’s For: Dog owners who want to feed their dogs soft-textured meals and keep them hydrated, especially those in warmer climates.
Recipes: 7+
Nutrition: AAFCO
Life Stage: All ages
Manufactured: USA
Ingredients: Human-grade
Key Features
Healthiest Puppy Dog Food
Raised Right Puppy
Who It’s For: Excellent recipe for growing puppies. It provides the healthiest and most complete nutrition for puppies.
Recipes: Turkey, beef & chicken
Nutrition: AAFCO
Life stage: Puppies
Manufactured: USA
Ingredients: Human-grade
Why we recommended it: Raised Right Puppy Growth recipes feature exceptional quality, nutritional value, and commitment to transparency. These meals are made with human-grade ingredients, including single-source proteins and natural additions such as carrots, cranberries, and cod liver oil. The recipes avoid high-carb fillers like rice, potatoes, or corn and contain less than 2% carbohydrates, making them ideal for supporting healthy growth and energy levels in puppies. With protein levels reaching up to 60% on a dry-matter basis, these meals promote lean muscle development and sustained energy for active puppies. Healthy fats like flaxseed oil further support skin health and shiny coats.
What sets it apart from competitors: The recipe often contains less than 10 total, including real meat as the first ingredient, plus veggies like carrots or cranberries. The limited-ingredient approach is particularly beneficial for puppies with sensitive stomachs or allergies.
Key Features
Healthiest Dog Food for Allergies
Nom Nom
Who It’s For: Dog owners seeking the cleanest formula with limited ingredients to prevent or stop allergies.
Recipes: Turkey, beef, pork & chicken
Nutrition: AAFCO
Life stage: For all ages
Manufactured: USA
Ingredients: Human-grade
Why we recommended it: Nom Nom offers limited-ingredient recipes, which are ideal for dogs with food sensitivities or allergies. Using fewer ingredients, Nom Nom minimizes the likelihood of allergic reactions while providing complete and balanced nutrition. The Turkey Fare and Pork Potluck recipes are specifically designed for dogs with allergies or sensitive stomachs, making them great options for pets needing extra care in their diet. Each recipe is cooked fresh and made with whole food ingredients, offering superior digestibility and reducing the risk of exposure to common allergens.
What sets it apart from competitors: Pet owners can tailor meal plans to exclude specific ingredients their dogs may be allergic to, ensuring a safe and nourishing diet. Healthy fish and coconut oils are included to promote skin health and reduce allergy-related symptoms such as itching or dryness.
Key Features
Get 50% OFF your first Nom Nom order with Canine Bible’s link.
Healthiest Dog Food for Picky Eaters
Spot & Tango
Who It’s For: Dogs picky about texture, flavor, and ingredients in their food. Also, it is excellent for dogs with sensitive stomachs or food allergies.
Recipes: Beef & millet, turkey & quinoa, lamb & brown rice
Nutrition: AAFCO
Life Stage: For all ages
Manufactured: USA
Ingredients: Human-grade, USDA sourced
Why we recommended it: Spot & Tango is great for selective eaters because of its texture and flavor. Many picky dogs reject dry kibble or anything that feels overly processed. Spot & Tango’s soft, moist consistency mimics real home-cooked meals, making it easier and more enjoyable for dogs to eat. The recipes are also free from fillers, preservatives, and artificial additives, which can often cause digestive issues or taste aversions in picky eaters. The recipes are made with real meats paired with vegetables and superfoods like spinach, blueberries, and quinoa.
What sets it apart from competitors: The meals are gently cooked, not heavily processed, which helps retain natural aroma and taste—two key factors in appealing to picky dogs.
Key Features
Healthiest Dog Food for Small Dogs
Ollie Baked Recipes
Who It’s For: Ideal for dog owners seeking a high-quality, human-grade dry food option for small breeds.
Recipes: Chicken
Protein: 23-24%
Fat: 13.5-14%
Fiber: 4%
Ingredients: Human-grade
Key Features
Healthiest Dog Food for Senior Dogs
Just Food For Dogs
Who It’s For: Great for senior dog parents who want to provide optimal nutrition and dietary support for their senior canines.
Recipes: Over 20+ recipes
Nutrition: AAFCO
Life Stage: For all ages
Manufactured: USA
Ingredients: Human-grade
Why we recommended it: JustFoodForDogs (JFFD) offers the healthiest dog food options for senior dogs because it’s specifically formulated to support the changing nutritional needs of aging pups. As dogs age, they often face issues like slower metabolism, joint pain, and reduced kidney or liver function. Their recipe addresses those concerns with a veterinary-developed formula lower in calories but rich in high-quality protein from real, gently cooked meats like chicken or beef—helping maintain lean muscle without overburdening the kidneys. It also contains targeted nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids for joint and brain support, taurine for heart health, and a balanced blend of vitamins and minerals to keep aging bodies functioning well.
What sets it apart from competitors: It’s soft, moist, and made in small batches for optimal nutrient retention.
Key Features
Healthiest Dog Food for Large Breeds
ORIJEN Large Breed Adult
Who It’s For: Dog owners who want to ensure their dog gets optimal nutrition to support joint health, maintain a healthy weight, and prevent large breed-specific issues.
Recipes: Large breed
Protein: 38%
Fat: 13%
Fiber: 6%
Diet: AAFCO | Premium
Why we recommended it: ORIJEN Large Breed Adult is specifically crafted to meet the unique nutritional needs of big dogs—who often require more joint support, controlled growth, and a higher protein-to-fat ratio to maintain lean muscle without excess weight. This formula is packed with 85% animal-based ingredients, including fresh or raw free-run chicken and turkey, wild-caught fish, and cage-free eggs. That high-quality protein supports strong muscles and overall vitality. It’s also grain-free and free from cheap fillers like corn, wheat, or soy.
What sets it apart from competitors: The formula mimics a dog’s ancestral diet by including meat, organs, cartilage, and bone—providing a natural source of essential nutrients like glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health, which is crucial for large breeds.
Key Features
Healthiest Grain-Free Dog Food
Open Farm Grain-Free
Who It’s For: Dog owners seeking the healthiest grain-free dog food options—especially those with pups prone to food sensitivities, allergies, or digestive issues.
Recipes: 10+
Protein: 30%
Fat: 14%
Fiber: 4.5%
Diet: AAFCO, human-grade
Why we recommended it: Open Farm Grain-Free combines premium, ethically sourced ingredients with a strong focus on transparency and sustainability—while delivering complete and balanced nutrition without using grains. At the core of Open Farm’s formulas is humanely raised meat or sustainably caught fish, such as grass-fed beef, turkey, lamb, or wild-caught salmon. These high-quality proteins are rich in amino acids that support lean muscle, skin, and coat health. The recipes also include nutrient-dense fruits and vegetables like sweet potatoes, pumpkin, spinach, and coconut oil, which provide antioxidants, healthy fats, and fiber for digestive and immune support.
What sets it apart from competitors: Every bag includes a lot of code you can trace back to see where each ingredient was sourced.
Key Features
Healthiest Limited Ingredient Dog Food
ACANA Limited Diet
Who It’s For: Designed to give your dog balanced nutrition with fewer potential triggers.
Recipes: Duck, lamb, or beef
Protein: 31%
Fat: 17%
Fiber: 5%
Diet: AAFCO, premium
Why we recommended it: ACANA Limited Ingredient Diet contains just one animal protein and a small number of carefully selected, whole-food ingredients like pumpkin, butternut squash, and apples. This simplicity helps pet parents identify and avoid allergens, making it ideal for elimination diets or sensitive stomachs. ACANA sources high-quality, regionally trusted ingredients; every formula is made in its kitchen with no outsourced manufacturing.
What sets it apart from competitors: Recipes are protein-rich, supporting lean muscle and overall energy, and contain natural sources of fiber, omega fatty acids, and antioxidants for digestive, skin, and coat health.
Key Features
Healthiest Freeze-Dried Dog Food
Open Farm Freeze-Dried Morsels
Who It’s For: Dog owners who want the benefits of raw feeding without the mess, hassle, or need for freezer space.
Recipes: Large breed
Protein: 38%
Fat: 35%
Fiber: 4.5%
Diet: AAFCO | Premium
Why we recommended it: Open Farm RawMix Front Range Freeze Dried Raw Morsels for Dogs offers the nutritional power of raw feeding in a safe, convenient, and highly digestible format—perfect for pet parents who want to elevate their dog’s diet without the hassle of traditional raw. RawMix Front Range Morsels are made with 100% animal welfare-certified proteins, like grass-fed beef and lamb, along with nutrient-rich organ meats and bone. This “nose-to-tail” approach mimics a natural ancestral diet and provides essential nutrients like calcium, phosphorus, and amino acids that support strong bones, muscles, and immune function.
What sets it apart from competitors: The freeze-drying process preserves the nutritional integrity of raw meat without the use of high heat, synthetic preservatives, or fillers. The result is a meal (or topper) that’s rich in bioavailable nutrients, enzymes, and natural flavor—great for dogs with sensitive stomachs or picky appetites.
Key Features
Healthiest Dehydrated Dog Food
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.
Recipes: Turkey, beef, salmon & chicken
Nutrition: AAFCO
Life stage: Adult and puppy
Manufactured: USA
Ingredients: Human-grade
Why we recommended it: The Honest Kitchen human-grade dehydrated dog food offers whole-food nutrition with minimal processing while being easy to store, serve, and digest. Every ingredient and every batch is made with human-grade ingredients in a human food facility using ingredients you’d recognize from your own kitchen. These include real meats like free-range chicken or ranch-raised beef, plus whole fruits and veggies like carrots, sweet potatoes, and apples. This ensures dogs receive balanced, natural nutrition without fillers, by-products, or artificial additives.
What sets it apart from competitors: The dehydration process gently removes moisture while retaining more nutrients than traditional kibble. Once rehydrated with warm water, it closely resembles a home-cooked meal, making it ideal for picky eaters or dogs with sensitive stomachs.
Key Features
Get 40% OFF your order with code 40CANINEBIBLE — Just use this link to get started.
The Pet’s Table
Who It’s For: Excellent choice for dog parents seeking the most well-rounded, highly nutritious air-dried dog food made with human-grade ingredients.
Get 50% OFF your order with Canine Bible’s link — The discount is applied automatically. Cancel anytime.
The Bottom Line
Your dog trusts you with everything—including what they eat. And now, you’re equipped to return that trust with smarter choices that support a longer, healthier, tail-wagging life. The healthiest dog food isn’t about trends or flashy marketing—it’s about real, whole ingredients, responsible sourcing, and formulas that respect your dog’s biology. Whether you switch to a top-tier raw option, gently cooked meals, or a superior kibble, what matters most is feeding with intention. Because every bowl is a chance to invest in your dog’s vitality. Choose wisely—and watch them thrive.
Sources
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.
