Dry dog foods are a good pick for the menu when it comes to your pet’s health and tummy department. We want our furry friends to be healthy and active in their daily activities.
Depending on the age, weight, and activities, the nutritional requirements vary for different dogs. Some pups may have an intolerance towards stuff like grains, and if you are looking for suitable dog food, you need to consider these factors.
Good food should pack all necessary nutrients like proteins, carbohydrates, fats in their appropriate proportions. It should also be complete, which means it should pack all nutrition according to your dog’s age and provide energy without the need for extra supplements.
Dry foods are further divided into limited ingredients and hypoallergenic foods, which are both suited for dogs with sensitive stomachs. However, with so many brands in the market, it can be a daunting task to find the ideal one for pets.
To help you in your quest, our team of experts has spent hours in creating a list of the top 8 best dry dog foods. These have been chosen on the basis of flavor, ingredients, quality, recommended age, and vet recommendations.
1. Our Top Pick – Harringtons Dry Dog Food
Combination of natural ingredients eliminates irritants, boost energy, repair worn out tissues and support digestive system
Harringtons Dry Dog Food offers your pooch the privileged to enjoy nutritious food at all times. This product is Our Top Pick and it is a combination of essential ingredients to keep your dog healthy.
It consists of kelp which a source of vitamins and minerals to contribute to the overall wellbeing of your dog. Furthermore, it is a hypoallergenic food thus it is safe for pets and helps eliminate irritants.
This product is formulated with 100% natural ingredient that goes well for pets with a sensitive stomach. It contains lamb and meat meals which are a great source of protein to boost energy and repair worn out tissues.
Again, the formula consists of rice which serves as the best source of carbohydrate to supply energy. Seaweeds provide vitamins whilst vitamin E and omega 3 to support the body system and maintain healthy joints.
It features a balanced quantity of omega 6 & 3 oils to maintain a healthy coat and make it shine brighter. It contains citrus extracts and essential vitamins to help boost a stronger immune system.
The food features yucca extract to prevent your pooch from passing out stool with an offensive odor. It contains yeast which supports the digestive system and aids healthy digestion.
The food purely consists of natural color and flavor which aroma your pooch cannot resist. It does not have added wheat or fillers and it is a grain-free formula. This food is suitable for all breeds at all stages.
Key Features:
- Omega 3&6 fatty acid for healthy skin and coat
- Citrus extracts to boost the stronger immune system
- Rich in carbohydrates for energy supply
- Free from artificial colors and flavors
- Suitable for all dog breeds
2. Runner Up – Lily’s Kitchen Dry Dog Food
Grain free diet, improves the heart and brain, energy booster, promotes healthy coat and support bone and joints
Lily’s Kitchen Dry Dog Food is a grain-free formula to keep your furry friend healthy and strong. We recommend this as the Runner UP after Our Top Pick. It is a product that does not contain preservatives or filler.
It contains fruit, botanical herbs and vegetables to help maintain your pooch health. The formula provides high quality nutrients to keep your dog active and happy all day long.
Lily’s dry food is formulated with 31% Chicken and 8% Duck which serves as a source of protein. The glucosamine and chondroitin help with stronger bone development and support the joints.
The addition of prebiotics promotes fast and healthy digestion in your pooch. Also, the formula features essential nutrients for complete development and overall well-being.
It features salmon oil which is a good source of omega 3 fatty acids to help maintain a healthy and brighter coat and skin. Salmon oil helps improve the heart and brain function and also promotes strong joints.
The product is vet-approved and has been proven to meet every requirement for your pooch’s healthy development. More so, Vitamin B-packed lentil seeds is a source of energy booster and support.
This food can keep your pooch full and satisfied for a long period. It has natural colour and flavor; hence this naturally produces an aroma that invites your pooch to eat instantly.
Key Features:
- Rich in omega 3 fatty acid for healthy coat and skin
- Dogs remain full for a long time
- Promotes stronger bones and joints
- Improves the heart and brain function
- Features fibers for fast digestion
3. Best Budget – James Wellbeloved Dry Food
Eliminates all forms of allergies, promotes healthy digestion, maintains lasting well-being, and promotes a brighter coat
Pet owners on Best Budget but desire a complete nutrient for their pooch should consider James Wellbeloved Dry Food. Like other dry dog food, this particular one is formulated with natural ingredients.
The product effectively eliminates all forms of allergies that the ingredient might cause in your pooch. It is a perfect choice for dogs having difficulty in digestion and those suffering from skin irritation.
This dry formula is made of brown rice which is highly digestible and serves as a source of carbohydrate to give energy. Turkey meat is another main ingredient to supply protein and features other essential mineral for growth.
The linseed provides fatty acid which enhances good health and promotes a brighter coat. It also features seaweed and Alfalfa to serve as vitamins and anti-oxidant to maintain and enhance lasting well-being.
The product includes yucca extract to aid digestion and prevent stool with an offensive odor. The yucca and chicory also add to the beneficial intestinal bacteria and absorb necessary nutrients from the food.
It is a hypoallergenic dog food which is free from beef, wheat, dairy products, and pork. Hence it is a perfect recommendation for a pooch with a sensitive stomach. It is available in different sizes of the pack for a small and big dog. The dry food is suitable for all breeds.
Key Features:
- Features linseed for glossy skin and coat
- Contains yucca extract for easy digestion
- It is completely hypoallergenic for sensitive stomach
- Comes in different size of packs
- No unhealthy additives
4. Best Large Dry Dog Food – Solimo
Solimo is selected as the Best Large Dry Dog Food for your pooch. It has a good aroma that makes food time irresistible for your pooch. The product is a perfect choice with balanced nutrition for medium and large breeds to enjoy.
Solimo is made of cereals which serve as carbohydrates to supply adequate energy for daily activities. Meat and other animal derivatives are the main source of essential protein to help muscle condition.
The product features vitamin D to promote strong bones and joints. It contains biotin and zinc to enhance healthy skin and coat.
It contains natural prebiotics to support pooches with sensitive digestion and improve the immune system. The formula does not contain artificial colors, it is artificial flavor free and has no added preservatives. It is allergies free and ideal for dogs with a sensitive stomach.
In addition, the product is formulated by a pet nutritionist expert and proved by the veterinarian. It contains a tasty ingredient with high protein benefits.
Key Features:
- Contains natural prebiotics to aid digestion
- Features vitamin D to promote stronger bones
- Artificial color and preservative free
- Supports healthy skin and coat
- Suitable for medium and large breeds
5. Best Adult Dry Dog Food – Beta Dog Food 14kg
Your dog deserves food with special taste and high nutritional value to make them wax stronger. Beta Dog Food 14kg is recommended as the Best Dry Food for Adult Dogs to keep them healthy and active.
This product has the entire balanced diet which is ideal for all adult dogs and also to support their health. It contains enough prebiotic and fiber to improve the digestion rate in adult pooches.
This formula is made with essential natural ingredients which features chicken as the number one main ingredient. Also, it is a source of protein to help improve stronger muscles.
It contains vitamin B to help with the constant supply of energy to give your old pooch stamina throughout the day activities. The kibbles are in dual size and shape to help chewing and good dental health.
It contains omega 3 & 6 fatty acids to improve healthy and glossy skin and coat. Adult dogs have weaker bones as they age daily thus; this product has the essential vitamins to support bones and joints.
In addition, this dry food is formulated without artificial flavor and colors. It is preservatives free.
Key Features:
- Prebiotics to aid digestive track
- Dual shape and size kibbles
- Does not contain artificial color or preservatives
- Vitamin B for constant energy supply
- Omega 3 & 6 fatty acid for healthy skin and coat
6. Best Grain Free Dry Dog Food – Pooch and Mutt 10kg
Feeding your pooch with the best is the simple formula for overall wellbeing. Pooch and Mutt 10kg is selected as the Best Grain-Free Dry Food that provides your pet with essential nutrients. This product is best for a pooch that exhibits fear and anxiousness.
It is packed with essential ingredients that enhance calmness and make your pet feel relaxed. This formula is vet recommended and free for all dogs.
Pooch and Mutt is formulated with 100% natural ingredients. It contains 45% turkey which is a source of protein for body development. Sweet potato and brewer yeast which are rich in anti-stress properties is added to enhance calmness.
The formulation features vitamin B which serves as fiber to aid digestion. Moreover, yucca extracts prevent your pooch’s stool from having much offensive odor. This formula is completely grain free and free from artificial colors and flavors.
The chamomile in the food is a traditional relaxing aid that puts your pooch to rest after consumption. The product has omega 3 & 6 fatty acid. This improves the skin and makes the coat glow brighter.
Key Features:
- Contains cranberry for healthy urinary tract
- Supports bones and joints
- Grain free formula
- Help relax and calm anxious dog
- Artificial flavor and color free
7. Best Complete Dry Dog Food – Wagg Sensitive 15kg
Wagg Sensitive is the Complete Dry Dog Food. It consists of every essential ingredient needed to keep your pooch active. This has a special recipe to ensure your dog experience overall well-being.
It has sufficient carbohydrates to supply enough stamina and strength for your furry friend to wax stronger. This formula is made from chicken and vegetable which serves as a special blend of ingredients to promote overall health.
It consists of yucca extract to support healthy joints and bone. The vitamins and special plant-derived antioxidants build a stronger immune system in your pooch.
The combination of omega-3 oils and zinc helps maintain the skin and keep it glossy. The product contains vitamin C, D3, and calcium to promote healthy gums and bones. It also features essential minerals that keep the teeth strong.
It consists of prebiotic to help increase the number of healthy bacteria in the stomach. The food has no added sugar; it is artificial color-free and artificial flavor-free.
Key Features:
- Contains prebiotics for a healthy digestive system
- Promote healthy teeth and bone
- Omega 3 oils for healthy skin and coat
- No artificial color or flavor
- It has no added sugar
8. Best Natural Dry Dog Food – Barking Heads Food
Barking Heads Food is recommended as the Best Natural Dry Food. This product is approved by a vet; it has the complete vitamin and minerals to help regulate your pooch’s body system.
It has no fillers, no artificial addition of flavor and colors. Every ingredient is naturally selected to nourish and support your dog. Baring Heads made with 100% natural chicken, it is highly digestible and supplies sufficient protein to build and support.
It contains blended garden herbs and vegetable serves as quality fiber to promote intestinal health and to aid digestion. The vegetable combination helps boost a stronger immune system and total well-being.
This formula has prebiotics and probiotics to help speed up the number of healthy bacteria in your pooch’s gut. The addition of omega 3 & 6 and other animal fats is to give energy, healthy joints, and promote healthy skin and coat.
Furthermore, the formula consists of carbohydrates which are slowly released after consumption to keep your pooch active and full for long.
Key Features:
- Contains essential body regulator
- Free from artificial flavor, color and preservatives
- Boosts stronger immune system
- Aids healthy digestion
- Improves joints, skin and coat
Things to Consider Before Choosing Best Dry Dog Foods
To find the best formula for your pooch’s proper nutrition, you need to know about the labels, signs, and used ingredients. We made a list of all the things you need to consider before getting that nutrition-packed dog meal.
Ingredients
Ideally, you want to find a food brand that packs all important nutrients to give your furry pooch a healthy diet. Start by checking for the presence of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, and other essentials like minerals and vitamins.
Next, check for the right portions. Younger puppies need more calories in their diet, and older canines need more protein content in their food. Depending on the category your pet falls in, choose either one.
On average, a good food should have around 20% protein, 70% carbohydrates, around 15% fat, and a very small number of essential vitamins and minerals.
The next thing is to look for stuff that shouldn’t be in the food. Protein can be gained from many sources, even unhealthy ones like cartilage and other animal by-products.
Some brands mention that these are meat-flavored, but that doesn’t mean they contain meat. You can find duck or chicken meat as the meat meal. If your canine prefers beef, get that.
Flavor
The flavor is also important, and just like quality nutrition, you want to choose a food that features a rich, natural flavor. Look out for artificial flavors, as these aren’t always healthy. You can find many yummy flavors like lamb rice, chicken, beef, or even sweet kibble.
Hypoallergenic vs. Limited Ingredient Foods
When looking through the types of dog food, you’ll see that these are the two main types that show up. The term “Limited ingredients” means fewer ingredients have been used while avoiding potential allergens and some grains.
These are usually suitable if your pet has a mild intolerance towards grains or some types of meat. If, however, your canine has a sensitive stomach and allergies, consider getting hypoallergenic foods. These are carefully formulated without any allergens and only include quality ingredients.
Natural
When it comes to dog food, being natural means, the ingredients have been obtained and grown under natural and hygienic conditions. You should be able to easily identify all ingredients with ease. Also, in the case of dry foods, make sure these have been dried under natural, non-chemical conditions.
Additives
These are mostly avoided in all dog foods, but some additives are necessary when it comes to complete nutrition. These include Yucca extract, prebiotics, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins.
While required in very small amounts, these additives can improve your pet’s overall health and support joint health, stronger immunity, and healthier fur.
Complete vs. Complementary Foods
One of the labels on most pet foods mentions whether the food is complete or complementary. If a package mentions “complementary,” it means the pet meal isn’t completely packed with all required nutrition and only contains some of it.
Such foods are usually best used as treats and are given alongside the regular meal. Complete meals, on the other hand, do not require extra supplements to back them up. It is recommended to go with complete meals for a better, supplement-free diet.
Vet Recommended
Consulting the vet is a great way of finding suitable dry food for dogs. Many trusted brands offer carefully picked formulas suited for canines of different ages and weights.
Your Pooch’s Age and Health
Your canine’s age and overall health is an important concern when looking for the proper food. Puppies need more calories and energy to support their growth and activity. Older canines need more protein for improved health.
Make sure that the dry food you’re getting is intended for your pet’s age. The next thing is the dog’s health and activity level. For superactive dogs, the meals should contain the extra energy they need for running around the house.
While most dogs can digest grains, if your pooch has an allergy to grains, consider getting grain-free foods. For dogs with sensitive stomachs, it is recommended to get easily digestible foods. Some of these may even feature already broken-down protein to make digestion easier and quicker.
Nursing dogs require extra calories and energy, and if your canine is one of them, you’ll need to provide this extra nutrition. Last but not least, if your pet leaves sneaky stink bombs, consider getting pet food with Yucca extracts.
Expiry Dates and Storage
This is another important factor you need to take into account. Expiry dates for different types of foods vary. How long a food package will last also depends on the amount of your pet’s daily meal portions.
Usually, some brands come in a resealable bag and can be stored for up to 18 months. If the package doesn’t offer this feature, make sure to store it in a sealable box. This is necessary because exposure to moisture and air can contaminate the food.
Avoid Recalls
Before making the final purchase, make sure you buy from a trustworthy dog food brand. Sometimes a specific ingredient can have slow but harmful effects that aren’t evident in earlier stages.
To avoid that, choose a company that has not had a recall in the past. You can find many brands that use proper quality control and have been approved by the FDA.
Conclusion
Dry dog foods are an excellent option for a daily healthy pet meal. These are less prone to spoilage and come in many tasty flavors that pooches love.
To provide your pet with a complete, healthy meal, you need to find a suitable dry food that contains proteins, fats, carbs, and other essentials like minerals and vitamins.
While looking for quality ingredients, you also need to avoid unhealthy additives with fillers and artificial flavors. Ideally, good dog food is one with quality ingredients and essentials to boost your pet’s immune system and health.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is dry dog food?
Just like the name suggests, these foods come in the form of dry kibble or pellets and are dried using natural methods. Due to the lack of moisture, these are less prone to spoilage and tend to last longer. Dry dog foods come in various flavors and are suitable for pets of all ages.
How effective are dry food for dogs?
When picked correctly, dry dog food can be an excellent healthy meal for your pooch. These are designed to suit the daily requirements of your pet and ensure a healthy stomach and strong immune system.
Is dry food safe for dogs?
Yes. These are made specifically by keeping the canines’ needs in mind. However, with so many brands in the market, it is important to avoid fillers and allergens. Overall, these foods are safe for pets of all ages.
How long can dry dog food be stored?
This is usually mentioned on the food packaging, and you should store it accordingly. Most can be stored for up to 18 months. How you store the food can also affect the storage life; therefore, it is recommended to keep it moisture-free, preferably in an air-tight container or a resealable bag.
How much do I feed my dog dry foods?
This quantity depends on your pet’s weight, age, and activity level. Mostly this is mentioned on the food package, and you can follow these measurements. If your pet needs to gain more weight or is overweight, consult a veterinarian for a proper diet plan.
Can dry dog food cause itchy skin?
Yes. These may cause itching, which is the result of a reaction, and usually, this is only possible if the dry food contains an allergen. To avoid these, you can consider choosing either a limited ingredient or hypoallergenic diet.
How much fat should be in dry dog food?
Fats are an essential part of a diet and are required for your pet’s normal health and functioning. Ideally, the dry food should have around 10 to 15% fat with omega 6 and omega 3 fatty acids. The fat requirement also depends on your pet’s age and weight. If you are unsure, consider consulting a vet.
