15 Best Dog Foods According to Veterinarians

One of the most crucial choices a pet owner can make is what kind of food to feed their dog. A nutritious diet boosts your dog’s immune system, keeps them energetic, and may even help fend off common medical conditions. However, how can you choose the best option for your pet when there are so many available?

Based on the distinct nutritional requirements of various breeds, ages, and health conditions, veterinarians frequently recommend particular dog foods. This post will examine the top 15 dog foods recommended by veterinarians, ranging from dry food to wet food and specialty diets.

This list can assist you in making an informed decision to maintain your dog’s health and happiness, regardless of the age of your dog—puppies, adults, or senior dogs.

Types of Dog Food

Top-notch commercial dog foods are subject to stringent regulations and extensive testing conducted by veterinarians. Let’s examine some scenarios in which pet owners decide to give their animals canned wet food or dry kibble. All the nutrients dogs require to stay healthy are included in these prepared products.

Meat products make up the majority of the diet in pet dog food. Dogs also receive fiber, vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients from "non-meat" sources. The food’s ingredients are listed on the packaging in decreasing weight order. Observe the four crucial ingredients of the food that are listed on the label:

A dog can get a sufficient amount of balanced, complete food from canned moist food or dry cybblet.

Meat, veggies, cereals, and fruits are all ingredients in high-quality dry dog food. Presenting in the shape of varying-sized granules, dry dog food comprises approximately 90% dry matter. These foods have a long shelf life, and animals enjoy the dry granules’ crunchy texture. The process of making dry food involves sterilizing all of the ingredients and changing the starches in the food into a form that is easily digested. The ideal dry food is determined by the breed, life stage, and nutritional requirements of the pet.

The best wet dog food includes high-quality versions of the necessary ingredients for dog digestion. An alternative to dry food is canned wet food. It is believed that moist portions in sauce, stew, or pate are more palatable, flavorful, and "stimulating" for the animal’s digestive tract. A lot of fresh meat, poultry, fish, and other healthful proteins are found in wet food.

Canned food needs to be cooled after being opened. In addition to being slightly more costly, wet food costs also vary depending on the dog’s age, breed, dietary needs, and allergy history. More moisture is found in canned wet food, which is advantageous for dogs with urinary tract issues and animals who don’t drink a lot of water.

Classification of dog food

The created classification system separates them into dry, wet, canned, and frozen categories for quality and safety control.

Furthermore, there are various kinds of animal food based on their safety, nutritional value, and composition. On the packaging, manufacturers specify numerical representations of the ingredients. This aids in selecting the dog’s optimal meal plan. For instance, when an animal consumes food of superior quality, there’s no need to supplement the diet with extra vitamins or minerals. These feeds contain a balanced nutrient complex.

1. Economy class dog food

In fact, this type of food is the cheapest. Its main advantage is its low price and availability in almost any supermarket. The main reason for the availability of economy class food is the use of cheap components. For example, the source of protein in budget food is the components of processed meat and meat by-products in the form of meat meal. The instructions do not always explain which "meat", "poultry" or "cereals" are included in the composition. The composition of economy food looks poorer than more expensive rations. The composition of budget food contains a minimum amount of vitamins, minerals and other useful substances. Many packages of economy class food look bright, attractive and have a long shelf life.

The following are the most popular economy class foods available in Russia: Pedigree, Chappi, Royal Canin, Purina ONE, Nasha Marka, and Trapeza.

2. Premium dog food

Pet owners are fond of the premium dog food category. Compared to economy, the quality is notably higher. Food of the premium class is presented in distinct lines for distinct uses and costs significantly more than food of a more modest budget.

3. Holistic or super-premium

Food in the super-premium class is assumed to have a more accurate and thorough list of ingredients arranged in decreasing order. For instance, they list the components of meat or fish at the start of the recipe along with the kind of raw ingredients and how they were processed. Plant-based ingredients such as fruits, vegetables, cereals, vitamin and mineral complexes, and prebiotics are found in super-premium foods. Super-premium food producers typically highlight the use of plant-based preservatives (rosemary, vitamin E).

The majority of pet owners have come to trust holistic dog food. Holistic pet food is thought to be more well-balanced, healthful, and premium. Holistic foods, also known as holistic foods, are made with premium ingredients and a well-chosen recipe.

• combine different types of complementary components;
• added fresh meat;
• use easily digestible grains;
• include vegetables, berries, fruits;
• add vitamins of natural origin;
• include additives for animal bones;
• the shelf life of holistic foods is shorter.

The American Association for Feed Control, or AAFCO, does not have a formal definition for the term "holistic," which is used to describe the pet food industry. As a result, there are no consistent rules and guidelines in this field. In this sense, the quality and composition of foods marketed as "holistic" can vary substantially from one another. The owner’s primary focus is on assessing the ingredient list, the quality of the fish and meat, and the ratio of animal protein to other ingredients.

4. Dietary or therapeutic dog food

Dogs on a diet are meant to be less sensitive to certain ingredients in food. The ideal food for every "sensitive" dog is not a single product. It is best to choose special diet or therapeutic foods in consultation with a veterinarian. It could take some time to find the ideal diet.

There are numerous formulas available to assist you in selecting the best food for your pet. The most practical and frequently optimal diet for a sensitive dog is a specially balanced prepared food that is catered to their needs.

5. Hypoallergenic Dog Foods

Allergies are among the many health problems that can affect dogs. These animals require foods with or without specific ingredients due to their unique nutritional needs. In this situation, consulting a veterinarian for advice regarding food is the best course of action.

A dog’s sensitivity or allergy to a particular food type may indicate a long-term illness or immune system problem. A pet’s life may occasionally be in jeopardy due to an allergic reaction that occurs suddenly and manifests itself.

An animal experiencing anaphylactic shock after consuming peanuts is a startling example. Dermatological allergies (itching, swelling) and gastrointestinal tract disorders (acute vomiting, diarrhea) are more "soft" types of allergies. Following the necessary testing, the veterinarian will collaborate to create a feeding schedule that is appropriate for the dog’s body type.

Allergies to specific food ingredients can appear in animals of any breed and nearly any age. Likewise, labradors, golden retrievers, Chinese scarves, German shepherds, and cocker spanels are the breeds most prone to allergies.

How to choose a dog"s food?

It makes sense that the owners are faced with the decision of what food to give their dog. Numerous dog food brands are advertised as the best for your dog and as "healthy food with the best taste" on the shelves of supermarkets and pet stores.

1. It is important to remember that there is no one brand that is best for all dogs. The best dog food will support your pet"s overall health, well-being, and nutritional needs.
2. Dogs need different ranges of nutrients at different stages of their life. The needs of a growing puppy are different from those of an adult dog.
3. Nutrition for young dogs is created according to what is called the "puppy formula". Large breed dogs also have different nutritional needs than a puppy or an adult small breed dog.
4. As a dog ages, its activity level and metabolic rate decrease. A senior dog"s diet should take into account fewer calories needed. For example, if an older dog has lost most of its teeth, for convenience and comfort when eating, your veterinarian will suggest starting to feed it canned wet food.
5. The feeding standards for ready-made food are designed so that the dog gets what it needs every day. The serving size listed on the package should be carefully adjusted to the age and activity level of the animal.

The rising percentage of obese dogs is causing serious concern in the veterinary community. How much a dog should eat should depend on a number of factors, including activity level, season, and illness.

Per the Pet Obesity Association (2018), at least half of all pets are thought to be overweight. Overweight pets are those who weigh more than 15% of their ideal body weight; obese dogs weigh more than 30% of their ideal body weight.

15 Best Dog Foods – Review of 2025

The independent experts who have rated dry dog food below are responsible dog owners and experienced dog breeders.

The top 15 dog food brands are listed below, spanning several food categories. Wholefoods can occasionally have a worse composition than ultra-premium foods. You must trust a reputable manufacturer and carefully read the composition.

1. Savarra (Savarra)

Pet food brand in English. One of the most well-known producers of pet food that is ready to eat is Savarra. A significant amount of meat (turkey, duck, or lamb), vegetables, eggs, and naturally occurring health additives make up ready-made rations. The product contains glucosamine and chondroitin, which are beneficial to dogs’ musculoskeletal systems.

2. Primordial (Primordial)

Italian producer of premium holistic dog food. Primordial cuisine comes in a variety of forms and costs a fair amount. Meat and plant products high in active ingredients and valuable oils form the foundation of nutraceutical food rations. As additives, natural antioxidants, plant extracts, and prebiotics are utilized. Primordial diets are always distinguished by the quality of the products, which are designed "in respect for the natural nutrition" of our four-legged friends.

3. Profine (Profine)

Fine dining from the Czech Republic. Proteins derived from fish and meat make up the foundation of the diet; proteins from plants are not utilized to make rations. Supplemental vitamins and minerals help maintain the balance of profine mixtures.

4. 1st Choice

Dog food from Canada. Commercial pet food is among the products offered by First Choice, making it easy to choose products based on lifestyle and age. The company’s guiding principle is that the dog, its energy requirements, health, age, and other factors should all be taken into consideration when selecting a complete and balanced diet. Prebiotic-rich rations for small, large, and medium breed dogs to control weight are among the new products under the 1st Choice brand. Other products include immune-boosting mixtures for sterilized animals and animals with heightened food sensitivity.

5. Living force

Food produced by a Russian company. For young and adult dogs of all breeds, the super-premium class "Be Healthy" dry complete food line offers diets that include fish and meat. The nutritional needs of active sports dogs are taken into consideration when creating the special series JJ Sport holistic class.

6. Kennels` Favourite

Super premium dog food produced in the Netherlands. The Netherlands is where the products are produced and packaged. Favorite foods at Kennels are made with basic ingredients and consider the size, age, and lifestyle of the dog, as well as their individual nutritional needs. Every food item is categorized with a clear explanation of the goal and advantages of each diet.

Reviewers who own dogs observe the straightforward selection of appropriate food. The website of the manufacturer highlights that when dogs are fed Kennels~ Favorite, the animals appear to be a few years younger than their actual age.

7. Karmy (Karmi)

A Russian food manufacturer that has its own distinct quality control system in place from the point of composition development to the point of goods purchase. The cuisine is arranged in multiple sections and stands out for being reasonably priced given its excellent quality. Starter: sized and composed to fit puppies up to four months of age. Mini-balanced dry food for tiny dog breeds and expectant mothers. Dogs of medium and large sizes should follow the medium and maxim diets, respectively. Food for animals with specific nutritional requirements, including food for sensitive dogs, dietary rations, and taste preferences, is available in the Special line.

8. Acana (Acana)

Canadian producer of holistic pet food that is already prepared. Canine Acana food is acknowledged as a comprehensive nutrition source since it has a higher percentage of protein (up to 75 percent), raw ingredients, and less carbohydrates than comparable products. The Canadian brand’s products are chosen based on their rich compositions, nutritional value, and delectable tastes. Akan offers a variety of dry and wet food and treats suitable for every stage of a pet’s life.

9. Hill’s (Hill’s)

American company that produces dog food for all stages of growth. The Hill’s brand asserts that the application of scientific advancements in the food production process results in a "better life" for pets. At Hill’s, nutritionists and veterinary nutritionists collaborate to create dry and wet food with a biological basis. Dietary nutrition is given a special place in the diets of dogs with food sensitivity, dermatological issues, liver problems, and kidney problems. Apart from its superior compositions, Hill’s food is renowned for its appetizing flavors and scents that appeal to animals.

10. Canagan (Canagan)

A UK manufacturer of holistic food received a special royal award. Canagan was the first grain-free meal developed in the United Kingdom. It contained vegetables, various plant additives, and chunks of fish or meat. Pets can get a lot of nutrition from these tasty recipes. When putting products together for diets, the focus is on returning to the dog’s "ancestral diet," which emphasizes proteins over carbohydrates in the right proportion.

11. Petdiets (Petdiets)

Producer of super-premium class feeds in the country. The diets are created with the animal’s optimal digestion, glossy coat, strong teeth, allergy-free life, and high energy levels in mind. Before use, every ingredient is shock frozen or steam-cooked. Rice, veggies, and meat are the feed’s primary ingredients. The diets are free of ingredients that can trigger allergies in animals, such as wheat, corn, sugar, soy products, and salt.

12. Grandorf

Food for puppies of any breed from a "holistic" class Belgian manufacturer. Grandorf cuisine primarily consists of rice, dried lamb, and turkey. Krill is an ingredient in some diets that is beneficial to the animal’s fur. The natural composition contains elements necessary to keep the animal’s musculoskeletal system operating properly. Grandorf feeds contain sweet potatoes and dried vegetables as their main sources of carbohydrates. For dogs who are highly allergic, the manufacturer provides immune complex-containing feeds. The low fiber content of ready-made diets is a drawback for this manufacturer.

13. Mera (Mera)

A well-known dog food brand from Europe. Germany is where Mera feeds are made and packaged. Taking into account the animal’s age, activity level, and taste preferences, an appropriate diet is chosen. The products include treats and dry and wet food for adult dogs, puppies, and small breed dogs. The primary grain utilized is rice, which naturally contains hypoallergenic properties. The products include premium and super-premium class feeds designed for allergy-prone animals, a holistic line that features fresh meat and vegetables, and a low-cost line called Essential that consists mostly of cereals.

14. Statera (Statera)

A relatively new domestic brand that is already well-liked. Veterinarian nutritionists create dog food, which is composed of natural ingredients cultivated in Russia. Statera products are distinguished by their reasonably priced pricing and high meat content in the composition. One benefit of Statera food is its abundance of beneficial additives. Crunchy granules are made up of flax seeds, seaweed, fish oil, brewer’s yeast, and antioxidants. The main ingredients of the dish are rice, beets, carrots, corn, dried salmon fillet, and granules made with lamb liver. Jelly and baked minced meat make up wet diets.

15. GO!

Premium holistic food from Canada, which "supports the dog from the inside so that it is visible from the outside". Dry and wet diets are distributed according to the stages of the animal"s life, by types of food and in accordance with the special requirements of the pet. The basis of the diet is meat (lamb, turkey, pork, chicken) and fish (trout, salmon, cod and herring). Various types of food are presented – with and without grains, with a high protein content, without legumes, with a low carbohydrate content. For sensitive digestion of dogs, there are special types of mixtures in the food. GO food! does not contain GMOs and hormones.

The best food for puppies

Puppies consume more crude protein and fat in their diet than do adults. This is because puppies’ active development during their first year of life results in higher energy requirements. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is mentioned on the packaging of puppy food. The brain, heart, and visual organs all benefit from this fatty acid’s development.

Puppies of large breeds should have less calcium and phosphorus in their diet. Due to their slower rate of maturation, large breed dogs require this for healthy bone development.

The best feed for dogs of small breeds

Puppies of small breeds have distinct characteristics of their own, including a very high metabolic indicator. A small puppy needs to consistently consume an adequate amount of calories. If not, animals may experience hypoglycemia, which can cause weakness, convulsions, and lethargy.

Because of their small stomachs and rapid metabolisms, small dogs require more calories. As a result, most goods meant for small breeds have higher calorie content. It is noted that due to the fact that small dogs chew food longer, they use nutrients as much as possible even from a small amount of food.

A small dog has a lengthy lifespan. If the animal is fed enough antioxidants in its diet to guard against the effects of free radicals, its quality of life will increase.

The best feed for dogs of medium breeds

Any food intended for medium-sized dogs must completely meet their physiological requirements for essential nutrients in order to preserve their health and well-being.

Your dog’s health depends on the food you choose for them, and vets can advise you on the best options based on your pet’s needs, nutritional value, and ingredients. This article features 15 of the best dog foods available, recommended by veterinarians, that support general health and balanced nutrition. The foods range from dry kibble to wet formulas that are appropriate for various breeds and sizes.

The best food for large breed dogs

Selecting the proper food for large breed dogs is one of the many extra responsibilities that come with owning a large dog. For many owners, a dependable and practical option is a ready-made diet that is balanced and contains the entire spectrum of nutrients, minerals, and vitamins. Large pet ready-made food has a balanced nutritional profile with easily digested proteins, carbs, vitamins, fiber, and other ingredients.

Puppy breeds larger than small grow longer. A unique diet is required to prevent certain health risks, including osteochondrosis, elbow and hip dysplasia, arthritis, and dysplasia.

To lower the risk of orthopedic issues, large adult dogs may require a diet with a carefully balanced calcium to phosphorus ratio.

Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate are commonly included in diets intended for large senior dogs in order to support joint health. Like small dogs, large dogs require a diet rich in antioxidants.

Dog Food Brand	Key Features
Hill"s Science Diet	Formulated for different life stages, supports healthy digestion
Royal Canin	Tailored to specific breeds, promotes skin and coat health
Purina Pro Plan	Rich in protein, supports immune health and muscle development
Blue Buffalo	Uses natural ingredients, includes antioxidants and vitamins
Wellness Core	Grain-free, high in protein, helps with weight management
Merrick Grain-Free	Uses whole foods, no artificial preservatives, supports joint health
Taste of the Wild	Grain-free, includes novel proteins like venison and bison
Orijen	High protein, uses fresh regional ingredients, mimics natural diet
Nutro Ultra	Uses non-GMO ingredients, promotes coat and skin health
Canidae Pure	Limited ingredients, good for dogs with food sensitivities
Instinct Raw Boost	Combines kibble and freeze-dried raw bites for higher protein intake
Nutrish by Rachael Ray	Natural ingredients, no fillers or artificial flavors
Acana	Biologically appropriate diet, includes fresh ingredients
Solid Gold	Holistic nutrition, includes probiotics for digestion
Natural Balance	Limited ingredient formulas, ideal for dogs with allergies

It’s critical for your dog’s general health and wellbeing to select the proper food. With so many options, it’s critical to rely on reliable guidance, such as veterinarian recommendations, to make sure your pet is receiving the nourishment they require.

The foods on this list are some of the greatest options for a variety of dogs, regardless of whether you’re looking to satisfy particular dietary requirements or are just searching for premium ingredients. These foods, which range from high-protein to grain-free varieties, support a shiny coat and a healthy digestive system.

In the end, each dog is different, so it’s critical to take into account their particular preferences and medical needs. You can be sure that your dog is headed toward a happier and healthier life by choosing one of these options that have been recommended by veterinarians.

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