Dog Food Brands And Types

Every dog owner knows that dogs are more than just pets. They’re our companions, confidants, and members of our families. And we want to give them the best possible care, and food. My problem is that with so many dog food brands on the market, I find myself second guessing my choice of dog food brand every so often.

This is how this blog post came about. I decided to do a deep dive into the world of dog food brands and research what’s out there and which brands are worth trying out.

What You’ll Find on this Page

Types of Dog Food Brands

There are several types of dog food brands available in the market, which can be classified based on the ingredients used and the manufacturing process. Some common types of dog food brands are:

Dry kibble: This type of dog food is the most common and comes in a variety of flavors and formulations. Dry kibble is easy to store and can be kept for a long time.

Wet/Canned food: This type of dog food contains more moisture than dry kibble, making it more palatable for dogs who don’t drink enough water. Wet food is also available in a range of flavors and formulations.

Raw food: Raw food is becoming increasingly popular among dog owners. It consists of raw meat, bones, and vegetables and is meant to mimic a dog’s natural diet.

Freeze-dried food: Freeze-dried food is a type of raw food that has been dried and packaged in a way that makes it easy to store and prepare.

Grain-free food: Some dog food brands are formulated without grains like corn, wheat, and soy, making it suitable for dogs with allergies or sensitivities.

Limited-ingredient food: These dog food brands contain a limited number of ingredients, making it easier to identify potential allergens and sensitivities.

Prescription food: Prescription dog food is formulated to meet the specific nutritional needs of dogs with certain health conditions, such as diabetes, kidney disease, or obesity.

Organic food: Organic dog food brands are made with ingredients that are certified organic, meaning they are grown without the use of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, or genetic modification.

Homemade food: Some dog owners prefer to make their own dog food using ingredients that they have chosen themselves. However, it is important to ensure that the homemade food is nutritionally balanced and meets all of the dog’s dietary requirements.

It is important to note that not all dog food brands are created equal, and it’s crucial to do your research before choosing a dog food for your furry friend. It’s recommended to consult with your veterinarian to determine the best type of food for your dog’s specific needs.

Dog Food Brands List

The popularity of dog food brands can vary depending on many factors. However, here is a list of some popular dog food brands in America, in no particular order:

Blue Buffalo
Purina
Hill’s Science Diet
Royal Canin
Iams
Orijen
Acana
Nutro
Taste of the Wild
Wellness
Merrick
Fromm
Canidae
Nature’s Variety
Rachael Ray Nutrish
Victor
Diamond Naturals
Pedigree
Cesar
Eukanuba
Kibbles ‘n Bits
Beneful
Natural Balance
Instinct
Beyond
Freshpet
Simply Nourish
Whole Earth Farms
Nulo
Zignature
Solid Gold
4health
Nutrisource
Earthborn Holistic
Holistic Select
Tuffy’s
Grandma Lucy’s
Lotus
Primal
Canine Caviar
Honest Kitchen
Nature’s Recipe
American Journey
Dr. Tim’s
AvoDerm
Essence
Petcurean
Annamaet
Dr. Gary’s
Bil-Jac
Nature’s Logic
Evolve
Nature’s Own
Health Extension
Nutro Max
Chicken Soup for the Soul
Wysong
Blackwood
Victor Hero
Pro Plan
Only Natural Pet
Nature’s Select
Ultra
Tender & True
Sojos
Hi-Tek Naturals
Loyall
V-dog
Tiki Dog
I and Love and You
Party Animal
Redbarn
Zuke’s
Castor & Pollux
Hill’s Ideal Balance
Wellness Core
Billy + Margot
Pristine
Fussy Cat
Dave’s
Halo
Weruva
Open Farm
FirstMate
Dr. Pol
Farmina
Pure Vita
Nutra Nuggets
Timberwolf
Nutrience
Eagle Pack
Nutrisca
KLN Family Brands
Cloud Star
Spot Farms
Whole Life Pet
Merrick Backcountry
Natural Ultramix
Zukes Mini Naturals
Pure Balance

Best Dog Food Brands

When it comes to choosing the right dog food for your furry friend, there are a lot of options out there. To help you narrow down your search, we’ve compiled a list of the top 8 dog food brands of 2023 based on expert recommendations and customer reviews.

1. Purina Pro Plan

Purina Pro Plan is a trusted brand that offers a variety of high-quality dog food options for dogs of all ages and sizes. Their formulas are made with real meat as the first ingredient and are designed to meet your dog’s specific nutritional needs.

2. Royal Canin

Royal Canin is another popular brand that offers breed-specific formulas tailored to your dog’s unique needs. Their dry dog food is made with high-quality ingredients and is designed to promote digestive health, healthy skin and coat, and overall well-being.

3. Blue Buffalo

Blue Buffalo is known for their natural, grain-free dog food options that are made with real meat, fruits, and vegetables. They offer a variety of formulas for dogs with different dietary needs, including weight management and sensitive stomachs.

4. Hill’s Science Diet

Hill’s Science Diet is a veterinarian-recommended brand that offers a range of dry and wet dog food options for dogs at every life stage. Their formulas are made with high-quality protein sources and other essential nutrients to support your dog’s overall health.

5. Taste of the Wild

Taste of the Wild offers grain-free dog food options that are inspired by the diets of wild canines. Their formulas include real meat as well as fruits, vegetables, and other natural ingredients to provide balanced nutrition for your pup.

6. Wellness

Wellness is another natural pet food brand that offers a variety of grain-free options for dogs with different dietary needs. Their dry dog food formulas are made with high-quality protein sources like chicken and lamb as well as antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables.

7. Pedigree

Pedigree is an affordable option that still provides balanced nutrition for your pup. Their dry dog food formulas include real meat as well as whole grains and vegetables to support your dog’s overall health.

8. Orijen

Orijen is a premium pet food brand that offers biologically appropriate diets for dogs based on their evolutionary history as carnivores. Their dry dog food formulas include up to 90% meat from fresh or raw sources along with nutrient-rich fruits, vegetables, and botanicals.

Healthy Dog Food Brands

When choosing a healthy dog food brand, there are several factors to consider, such as dog food that lists a high-quality source of protein, which means having chicken, beef, or fish, as the first ingredient.

Other ingredients and signs to look out for are:

Whole grains and vegetables: The best dog food brands will include whole grains and vegetables in their recipes to provide your pup with essential vitamins and minerals.
Avoid dog foods that contain fillers like corn, wheat, and soy, which can be difficult for dogs to digest and may cause allergies.
No artificial preservatives or colors: Choose dog food brands that use natural preservatives like vitamin E instead of artificial preservatives like BHA and BHT.

Here are 10 healthy dog food brands according to experts:

Orijen – This brand uses fresh, high-quality ingredients including whole meats, organs and bones to create biologically appropriate diets for dogs.

Acana – Made by the same company as Orijen, Acana also uses high-quality ingredients and features a variety of protein sources to meet the nutritional needs of different dogs.

Canidae – This brand offers a range of grain-free options featuring real meat as the first ingredient and no artificial preservatives or fillers.

Wellness – With a focus on natural ingredients and no artificial preservatives or colors, Wellness offers a range of options for different life stages and dietary needs.

Blue Buffalo – Known for their use of high-quality proteins such as real chicken and fish, Blue Buffalo also includes wholesome fruits and vegetables in their formulas.

Taste of the Wild – Featuring unique protein sources like bison and wild boar, Taste of the Wild’s grain-free formulas are designed to mimic a dog’s natural diet in the wild.

Merrick – This brand focuses on using all-natural ingredients with no by-products or fillers, and includes a variety of protein sources such as beef, lamb, duck and salmon.

Nulo – Nulo’s formulas use animal-based proteins like turkey, salmon and lamb along with low-glycemic carbs like chickpeas to provide balanced nutrition for dogs.

Fromm – A family-owned company that has been making pet food since 1904, Fromm uses high-quality ingredients including fresh meats and whole grains in their formulas.

Stella & Chewy’s – Using raw, freeze-dried meats along with organic fruits and vegetables, Stella & Chewy’s provides a nutrient-rich diet that is both convenient and healthy for dogs.

What makes these brands healthy is their focus on using high-quality ingredients without fillers or artificial additives. Many of these brands also include novel protein sources or grain-free options to cater to dogs with specific dietary needs or sensitivities.

By providing balanced nutrition from wholesome ingredients, these brands can help support your dog’s overall health and wellbeing.

Wet Dog Food Brands

Wet dog food usually comes in a can or pouch (in fact many people ask for canned dog food instead of wet dog food). It typically contains higher amounts of moisture than dry dog food, which can help keep your dog hydrated and support their overall health. Canned dog food can also be a good option for dogs who have difficulty chewing or swallowing.

If you’re looking for wet dog food brands, there are quite a few good options you can go for. It’s important to look for high-quality ingredients that provide balanced nutrition for your furry friend.

Look for brands that use real meat as the first ingredient and avoid those with fillers like corn or wheat. It’s also a good idea to choose a brand that is appropriate for your dog’s age and size.

With this in mind, here are ten top-rated brands for wet dog food that can be a great choice for your pup.

Purina Pro Plan: This brand offers a variety of wet dog food options that are made with high-quality protein sources like real chicken or beef. They also include nutrient-rich vegetables and grains to provide balanced nutrition for your pup.

Blue Buffalo: Blue Buffalo’s wet dog food recipes feature real meat as the first ingredient, along with wholesome fruits and vegetables for added nutrition. Their formulas are also free from artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors.

Wellness CORE: This brand is known for its grain-free wet dog food options that are packed with high-quality protein sources like turkey and duck. They also include healthy ingredients like sweet potatoes and spinach to support your dog’s overall health.

Merrick: Merrick’s wet dog food recipes feature real deboned meat as the first ingredient, along with whole foods like sweet potatoes and carrots for added nutrition. Their formulas are also free from artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors.

Hill’s Science Diet: Hill’s Science Diet offers a variety of wet dog food options that are designed to meet the specific nutritional needs of dogs at different life stages. They use high-quality protein sources like chicken or lamb in their recipes to support muscle maintenance.

Royal Canin: This brand offers a range of breed-specific wet dog food options that are tailored to meet the unique nutritional needs of different breeds. Their formulas also include essential nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids to support healthy skin and coat.

Taste of the Wild: Taste of the Wild’s wet dog food recipes feature real roasted meats as the first ingredient, along with nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables for added nutrition. Their formulas are also grain-free and free from artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors.

Nutro Ultra: Nutro Ultra’s wet dog food options feature high-quality protein sources like real chicken or salmon, along with antioxidant-rich superfoods like spinach and blueberries for added nutrition.

Nature’s Variety Instinct: This brand offers a variety of grain-free wet dog food options that feature high-quality protein sources like cage-free chicken or grass-fed lamb. They also include nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables like apples and carrots to support overall health.

Canidae: Canidae’s wet dog food recipes feature high-quality proteins like salmon or lamb as the first ingredient, along with wholesome ingredients like sweet potatoes for added nutrition without any fillers or artificial preservatives.

Dry Dog Food Brand

When choosing a dry dog food brand, you should look for gigh-quality protein sources such as chicken, beef, salmon or lamb. These proteins provide essential amino acids that support muscle growth and maintenance.

Also, dry dog food should contain whole grains and vegetables like brown rice, sweet potatoes, peas and carrots which provide fiber, vitamins and minerals.

As always try and stay away from dry dog food that contains artificial additives as they can cause allergic reactions in some dogs and are not necessary for a balanced diet.

Some brands also offer size-specific formulas designed to meet the unique nutritional needs of different size breeds. We’lll go over the top rated dog food brands for small and large dogs further below.

Similarly, some brands offer breed-specific formulas designed to meet the unique nutritional needs of different breeds.

Furthermore, just like humans have different nutritional requirements at different stages of life, dogs also have specific nutritional needs depending on their age. So always keep that in mind and consult with your veterinarian, especially if you just got a puppy and you are still an inexperienced dog owner.

These factors will help you choose a dry dog food brand that is ideal for your pet. That said, here’s a list of some top rated dry dog food brands that are highly recommended by experts and pet owners alike.

Taste of the Wild High Prairie Puppy Formula Grain-Free Dry Dog Food – This brand is known for its high-quality protein sources and grain-free formula, making it ideal for dogs with food sensitivities.

Purina ONE Natural True Instinct With Real Turkey & Venison Adult Dry Dog Food – This brand contains real meat as its first ingredient and is formulated to support healthy digestion and immune system.

Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Adult Dry Dog Food – This brand offers a balanced diet with real meat, fruits, and vegetables to promote overall health and well-being.

Wellness Complete Health Natural Dry Dog Food – This brand is made with premium ingredients such as deboned chicken, oatmeal, and salmon oil to provide optimal nutrition for your furry friend.

Canidae All Life Stages Dry Dog Food – This brand is formulated to meet the nutritional needs of dogs at all life stages, from puppies to seniors.

Orijen Original Grain-Free Dry Dog Food – This brand contains high-quality protein sources such as free-run chicken and turkey, wild-caught fish, and cage-free eggs to support muscle growth and maintenance.

Royal Canin Size Health Nutrition Miniature Schnauzer Adult Dry Dog Food – This breed-specific formula is designed to meet the unique nutritional needs of miniature schnauzers, including their sensitive skin and digestive system.

Nutro Wholesome Essentials Adult Dry Dog Food – This brand uses non-GMO ingredients such as farm-raised chicken and brown rice to provide balanced nutrition for adult dogs.

Hill’s Science Diet Adult Large Breed Chicken & Barley Recipe Dry Dog Food – This brand offers a tailored blend of nutrients specifically designed for large breed dogs to support joint health and mobility.

Diamond Naturals Skin & Coat Real Meat Recipe Premium Dry Dog Food – This brand contains superfoods such as kale, chia seeds, pumpkin, blueberries, and coconut oil to promote healthy skin and coat.

Fresh Dog Food Brands

When choosing fresh dog food brands, check that they have high-quality protein sources like real meat or fish, and also fresh vegetables and fruits. It’s best to avoid fresh dog food brands that have a lot of artificial additives as they can cause allergic reactions in some dogs and are not necessary for a balanced diet.

Some fresh dog food brands use human-grade ingredients in their formulas which ensures high quality and safety standards.

A reliable fresh dog food supplier should be able to offer customizable meal plans based on your dog’s individual nutritional needs.These companies deliver the dog food right to your door within days of being prepared so it maintains its freshness.

Here are a few brands that provide fresh dog food direct to your home.

The Farmer’s Dog: This company offers customized meal plans based on your dog’s age, weight, breed, and activity level. They use human-grade ingredients and deliver fresh meals right to your door. Their meals are cooked in USDA-regulated kitchens

Nom Nom: Nom Nom creates personalized meal plans based on your dog’s unique nutritional needs and delivers fresh meals made with restaurant-quality ingredients straight to your door.

Pet Plate: Pet Plate offers customized meal plans based on your dog’s age, weight, breed, and activity level. Their meals are made with human-grade ingredients and delivered fresh to your door.

Ollie: Ollie creates personalized meal plans for dogs of all ages and sizes using human-grade ingredients. They also offer a free consultation with a veterinary nutritionist to ensure that your dog is getting the proper nutrition.

JustFoodForDogs: JustFoodForDogs offers customized meal plans tailored to your dog’s specific needs such as weight management or allergies. They use USDA-certified meats and deliver fresh meals right to your door.

Freshpet: Freshpet offers a variety of fresh pet food options including refrigerated rolls, bites, and stews made with high-quality proteins like chicken, beef, or salmon.

Spot & Tango: Spot & Tango creates personalized meal plans based on your dog’s unique nutritional needs using locally sourced whole foods like spinach, carrots, apples, turkey liver or lamb.

Darwin’s Natural Pet Products: Darwin’s formulates custom raw diets for each individual pet by taking into account their breed mix, age, weight, activity level etc., resulting in quality meals designed specifically for them.

Hungry Bark: Hungry Bark provides customizable kibble recipes made with high-quality protein sources like chicken or lamb blended with wholesome fruits and vegetables such as sweet potato or pumpkin.

Bella & Duke: Bella & Duke is a UK-based company that delivers frozen raw meals right to your door which contain high-quality proteins like chicken or beef mixed with organic vegetables like kale or chard.

Freeze Dried Dog Food Brands

When choosing freeze-dried dog food brands, look for brands that use high-quality, whole food ingredients such as meat, fruits, and vegetables, and make sure the brand you choose provides a balanced and complete diet for your dog’s specific needs.

It’s also important to consider brands that use safe and reliable manufacturing processes to ensure the quality of their products.

Keep in mind that freeze-dried dog food can be more expensive than traditional kibble, so consider your budget when choosing a brand.

Research the brand’s reputation and read reviews from other pet owners to ensure you’re choosing a reputable and trustworthy brand.

It’s important to note that not all dogs may do well on a solely freeze dried diet so consult with your veterinarian before making any significant changes to your dog’s diet.

That said, here are some of the most popular brands that offer freeze dried dog food.

Primal Pet Foods: This brand offers a variety of freeze-dried formulas made with high-quality proteins like beef, chicken, and salmon.

Stella & Chewy’s: This brand offers a wide range of freeze-dried options, including raw coated kibble and meal mixers that can be added to your dog’s regular food.

Honest Kitchen: This brand offers human-grade, minimally processed freeze-dried dog food made with whole food ingredients like cage-free turkey and organic oats.

Open Farm: This brand offers ethically sourced freeze-dried dog food made with antibiotic-free meats and sustainable produce.

Orijen: In addition to their dry kibble options, this brand also offers freeze-dried formulas made with fresh regional ingredients.

Northwest Naturals: This brand offers single-ingredient freeze-dried treats as well as complete and balanced meals for dogs.

Nulo Freestyle Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food: This grain-free formula is made with 80% meat and organs and 20% fruits and vegetables for a balanced diet.

Vital Essentials Freeze-Dried Dog Food: This brand uses only USDA-inspected animal protein in their formulas, which are free from grains, gluten, artificial preservatives, colors or flavors.

Ziwi Peak Air-Dried Dog Food: Made in New Zealand from free-range meats and wild-caught seafoods along with nutrient-rich superfoods such as green-lipped mussels, this air-dried formulation is convenient to feed on the go while still providing complete nutrition for your canine companion.

K9 Natural Freeze-Dried Dog Food: This New Zealand-based company uses wholefood ingredients like grass-fed beef and free-range chicken to create a nutrient-packed meal that is easy to prepare by simply adding water before serving.

Raw Dog Food Brands

A good raw dog food brand should offer a variety of proteins to choose from, including beef, chicken, lamb, fish, and more. Morse importantly it’s important to look for a brand that follows strict safety standards for handling and processing raw meat to minimize the risk of contamination.

The best brands are transparent and provide detailed information about their sourcing practices and manufacturing processes on their website or packaging.

Some dogs may have trouble digesting certain proteins or ingredients in raw dog food. It’s best to consult with your vet before making any significant changes to your dog’s diet.

Here are 10 of the top raw dog food brands on the market, as recommended by experts and dog lovers alike.

Aunt Jeni’s Home Made Dog Food – This brand offers a variety of raw frozen dog food recipes that are made with high-quality ingredients and no fillers.

BARF World – BARF World’s raw frozen dog food is made with muscle meat, organ meat, and raw bones to mimic your dog’s natural diet.

Bixbi Rawbble – Bixbi Rawbble offers freeze-dried raw dog food that is easy to prepare and packed with nutrients.

Bravo – Bravo’s raw frozen dog food is made with antibiotic-free meats and organic vegetables for a balanced diet.

Smallbatch – Smallbatch offers a line of frozen raw dog food that is made in small batches to ensure quality and freshness.

Darwin’s – Darwin’s offers customizable raw dog food meals that are tailored to your dog’s specific needs.

Raw Paws – Raw Paws’ raw frozen dog food is made with human-grade ingredients and no preservatives or additives.

Answers – Answers’ fermented raw dog food is designed to support your pet’s digestive health and immune system.

Stella & Chewy’s – Stella & Chewy’s offers freeze-dried and frozen raw dog food options that are convenient and nutritious.

The Honest Kitchen – The Honest Kitchen’s dehydrated raw dog food is made with whole foods and no by-products or fillers for a healthy meal option.

Grain Free Dog Food Brands

Grain-free dog food is a type of dog food that does not contain any grains such as wheat, corn, or soy. Instead, it may use alternative sources of carbohydrates such as sweet potatoes, peas, or lentils.

When choosing the right brand for your pet, look for grain-free dog foods that are labeled as “complete and balanced” by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). This ensures that they meet all of your pet’s essential nutritional needs.

Look for grain-free dog food brands that use complex carbohydrate sources such as sweet potatoes or legumes. Avoid brands that use simple carbohydrates like sugar or corn syrup, and that use meat by-products or low-quality protein sources.

Some brands that offer grain-free dog food also add nutrients such as vitamins and minerals that are important to support your pet’s overall health.

Keep in mind your pet’s individual needs when selecting a grain-free dog food brand. For example, if your dog has allergies or sensitivities to certain ingredients, look for brands with limited ingredient formulas.

It’s important to note that not all dogs necessarily need a grain-free diet and there is no scientific evidence supporting the idea that grain-free diets are inherently better than diets containing grains for most dogs.

Here are some grain free dog food brands that are leading the way with their products.

Blue Buffalo Freedom Grain-Free: This brand uses high-quality protein sources like chicken, turkey, and fish to provide dogs with essential nutrients.

Merrick Grain-Free: Made with real meat as the first ingredient, this brand offers a variety of flavors and is free from artificial preservatives.

Taste of the Wild Grain-Free: This brand features unique protein sources like bison and wild boar, along with fruits and vegetables for added nutrition.

Wellness CORE Grain-Free: With a focus on whole foods and quality ingredients, this brand offers a balanced diet for dogs of all ages.

Canidae Grain-Free PURE: This limited-ingredient brand is great for dogs with food sensitivities, and includes options like salmon, lamb, and duck.

Instinct Original Grain-Free: Made with cage-free poultry or grass-fed meat, this brand is high in protein and free from grains, potatoes, and soy.

Nutro Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free: Another great option for dogs with allergies or sensitivities, this brand uses only one source of animal protein per recipe.

Nulo Freestyle Grain-Free: This high-protein brand includes probiotics for digestive health and is made without any artificial colors or flavors.

Earthborn Holistic Primitive Natural Grain-Free: Featuring nutrient-rich ingredients like sweet potatoes and blueberries, this brand provides a balanced diet for active dogs.

Zignature Grain-Free: With unique protein sources like kangaroo and guinea fowl, this limited-ingredient brand is perfect for dogs with sensitive stomachs or allergies.

Holistic Dog Food Brands

Holistic dog food is a type of dog food that focuses on providing your pet with a complete and balanced diet using high-quality ingredients. Rather than using fillers or artificial additives, holistic dog foods often include whole foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

The idea behind holistic dog food is to provide your pet with a diet that supports their overall health and wellness, rather than just their basic nutritional needs. This means that holistic dog foods may include additional supplements like probiotics or antioxidants to support immune function and digestive health.

Many holistic dog food brands also focus on using sustainably sourced ingredients and avoiding common allergens or irritants like corn, wheat, or soy. While there is no formal definition for “holistic” in terms of pet food, it generally refers to a more natural approach to feeding your furry friend.

It’s important to note that not all holistic dog foods are created equal, so it’s always best to do your research and consult with your veterinarian before making any significant changes to your pet’s diet.

That said, here are some highly recommended holistic dog food brands.

Holistic Select: This brand uses whole grains, premium proteins, and nutrient-rich superfoods to support digestive health and overall wellness.

Earthborn Holistic: Their recipes contain high-quality protein sources like chicken and fish, along with fruits and vegetables for added nutrition.

Solid Gold: They use a blend of superfoods like pumpkin, blueberries, and broccoli to support immune system health.

Wellness CORE: This brand offers grain-free options that are rich in protein and free from artificial preservatives.

Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula: Their recipes include real meat as the first ingredient and are free from poultry by-product meals.

Canidae All Life Stages: This brand offers a variety of recipes for dogs at all life stages, including puppies and seniors.

Orijen: They use fresh ingredients like free-run chicken and wild-caught fish to create biologically appropriate diets for dogs.

Nature’s Variety Instinct: Their recipes are made with raw ingredients to provide optimal nutrition for dogs.

Merrick Grain-Free: This brand offers grain-free options that are rich in protein and free from artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.

Taste of the Wild: They offer grain-free options that mimic the diet of wild canines with high-quality proteins like bison, elk, and wild boar.

a dog comparing vegan food against normal dog food brands

Vegan Dog Food Brands

Vegan dog food should not contain any animal products, including meat, dairy, and eggs. Instead, vegan dog food brands use plant-based ingredients like legumes, vegetables, grains, and fruits.

When choosing vegan dog food keep in mind that since dogs are primarily carnivorous animals, it’s essential to ensure that the vegan dog food you choose contains high-quality protein sources such as soybeans or peas.

Puppies and active dogs require more calories than senior or less active dogs. Make sure the vegan dog food you select is appropriate for your pet’s age and activity level.

It’s also important to note that while some dogs thrive on a vegan diet, others may not tolerate it well. Always consult with your veterinarian before making any significant changes to your pet’s diet.

Here’s a list of 10 vegan dog food brands that are worth considering for your furry friend’s diet.

Wild Earth: This brand offers high-quality vegan dog food made from clean protein sources such as yeast and fungi. It is also free from common allergens like soy, wheat, and corn.

V-Dog: V-Dog is a 100% vegan brand that provides dogs with essential nutrients without any animal products. Their kibble is made from plant-based proteins like peas and lentils.

Halo Holistic Garden of Vegan Recipe: This brand offers a complete and balanced vegan diet for dogs of all ages and sizes. Their recipe includes nutrient-rich ingredients like chickpeas, sweet potatoes, and peas.

Petaluma: Petaluma’s vegan dog food is made from organic ingredients like quinoa, pumpkin, and kale to provide dogs with optimal nutrition.

Bramble: Bramble’s vegan dog food is formulated to meet the nutritional needs of dogs while being gentle on their digestive system. It contains wholesome ingredients like oats, barley, and flaxseed.

Amì: Amì’s vegan dog food is made in Italy using only plant-based ingredients like corn, rice, and potato protein to provide dogs with the necessary nutrients they need.

Benevo: Benevo’s vegan dog food is free from GMOs and artificial preservatives while providing dogs with essential vitamins and minerals through plant-based sources like potato protein.

Natural Balance (Vegetarian Formula): Natural Balance offers a vegetarian formula that provides dogs with essential nutrients without any animal products or by-products.

Wysong Vegan Dry Dog and Cat Food: Wysong’s vegan dry dog food contains natural ingredients like brown rice, oat groats, and flaxseed to provide dogs with optimal nutrition without any animal products.

The Pack: The Pack’s vegan dog food is made from high-quality plant-based proteins like pea protein isolate to provide dogs with essential amino acids needed for growth and maintenance.

Dog Food Brands For Small Dogs

When choosing a dog food brand for small dogs, look for foods that are high in protein with moderate levels of fat and carbohydrates. Small dogs may have difficulty chewing and swallowing large kibble, so look for brands that offer smaller pieces or soft textures that are easier to eat.

Here’s a list of 10 dog food brands that cater for small dogs.

Royal Canin: This brand offers a range of breed-specific formulas that cater to the specific nutritional needs of small dogs.

Hill’s Science Diet: Their small and toy breed line offers high-quality protein sources and antioxidants to support optimal health.

Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula: This formula is made with real chicken or lamb as the first ingredient and contains no chicken by-product meals, corn, wheat, or soy.

Wellness Complete Health Small Breed: This brand uses high-quality protein sources like turkey and salmon to support muscle development in small dogs.

Purina Pro Plan Small Breed: The kibble size is designed specifically for small mouths, and it contains high-quality protein from real chicken or beef.

Nutro Ultra Small Breed: This brand uses whole-food ingredients like blueberries and spinach to provide antioxidants and other essential nutrients for overall health.

Merrick Lil’ Plates Grain-Free Small Breed Recipe: Made with deboned chicken as the first ingredient, this brand is grain-free and contains probiotics for digestive health.

IAMS Proactive Health Small & Toy Breed Adult Dry Dog Food: This formula contains no fillers, artificial preservatives, or colors and is designed specifically for the needs of small breeds.

Eukanuba Small Breed Adult Dry Dog Food: This brand uses animal-based proteins like chicken, lamb, or fish to promote lean muscle mass in smaller dogs.

Taste of the Wild Appalachian Valley Small Breed Recipe: Made with venison as the first ingredient, this grain-free formula provides highly digestible protein for optimal nutrition in small breeds.

All of these brands offer high-quality ingredients tailored specifically to meet the unique nutritional needs of small dogs. They also have smaller kibble sizes that are more manageable for tiny mouths while still providing all the necessary nutrients for optimal health.

Dog Food Brands For Large Dogs

When choosing a dog food brand for larger dogs, look for foods that are lower in fat and protein but higher in fiber and complex carbohydrates.

Large breed dogs are more prone to joint issues like hip dysplasia, so look for brands that include ingredients like glucosamine and chondroitin to support joint health.

As expected, the large breed of dogs also require more calories than smaller breeds. Having said this, it’s important not to overfeed them. Choose a food with moderate calorie density to prevent obesity.

Here’s a list of some of the best dog food brands for large dogs.

Wellness Core Grain-Free Large Breed Dog Food – This brand is ideal for large dogs because it contains high-quality protein and fiber to support muscle growth and digestion.

Blue Buffalo Wilderness Large Breed – This brand is perfect for large breed dogs because it contains real chicken and other high-quality proteins that support muscle growth and development.

Ollie Fresh – This brand is great for large breed dogs because it offers customized meal plans based on your dog’s specific needs and preferences.

Now Fresh Grain-Free Large Breed Adult – This brand is ideal for large dogs because it contains high-quality protein sources like turkey, salmon, and duck that support muscle growth and development.

Merrick Backcountry Raw – This brand is perfect for large breed dogs because it contains raw meat and other high-quality ingredients that support overall health and wellness.

Victor Purpose Nutra Pro Dog Food – This brand is great for large breed dogs because it contains real chicken, which is a great source of protein that supports muscle growth and development.

Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula for Large-Breed Puppies – This brand is ideal for large-breed puppies because it contains the right balance of nutrients to support healthy growth and development.

Open Farm’s Homestead Turkey & Chicken Grain- Free Recipe – This brand is perfect for active large-breed dogs because it contains high-quality protein sources that support muscle growth and recovery after exercise.

Purina Pro Plan Focus Adult Large Breed Formula Dry Dog Food – This brand is great for adult large breed dogs because it contains high-quality protein sources like real chicken that support muscle maintenance and overall health.

Rachel Ray Nutrish Just 6 Natural Dry Dog Food – This budget-friendly option is ideal for large breed dogs who need a simple yet nutritious diet that supports their overall health and wellness.

WSAVA Recommended Dog Food Brands

The World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) provides recommendations for pet owners and veterinary professionals, and they have created guidelines for selecting dog food brands that meet specific criteria.

According to WSAVA, the following are some of the dog food brands that meet their nutritional guidelines:

Acana
Annamaet
Blue Buffalo
Canidae
Eukanuba
Farmina
Fromm
Hill’s Science Diet
Merrick
Nature’s Logic
NutriSource
Nutro
Open Farm
Orijen
Primal
Purina Pro Plan
Royal Canin
Taste of the Wild
Victor
Wellness

These brands have met WSAVA’s criteria for nutritional adequacy, quality control measures, and appropriate labeling of pet foods.

For more in-depth brand reviews check out our Branding section.

Information Sources:

We are not veterinarians and neither do we consider ourselves as experts in dog food, however we have done extensive research in compiling these lists of dog food brands. If you would like to know more details, here is a list of sources from where we got our researched information.

Dog Food Brands and Types