What are the top 10 healthiest foods for dogs?

It’s important for all owners to find a healthy food for their dog, which is capable of providing their pet with the nutrition necessary to live a long, happy life.

But finding the healthiest dog food for your specific pet isn’t always easy.

Given the myriad options available, it’s very difficult for many owners to even know where to begin. And wading through the hype some manufacturers use complicates matters further.

But don’t worry — we’re here to help!

Below, we’ll explain the things you’ll want to look for when picking the healthiest dog food for your pet, discuss a few of the most important considerations you’ll need to make, and — most importantly — provide you with a few of the best options, so you can instantly narrow down your potential choices.

Let’s jump right in!

• #1 Ollie [Healthiest Overall Dog Food]: Perhaps the best dog food on the market, Ollie is made with fresh, human-grade ingredients, customized for your specific pet, and shipped right to your front door. Learn how to get 50% off your first Ollie order!
• #2 Spot & Tango Unkibble [Healthiest Dry Dog Food]: A more nutritious and palatable alternative to conventional dry food, Unkibble provides most of the benefits of fresh foods, at an owner-friendly price. Plus, you can get 50% off your order when you use code K9OFMINE50 at checkout!
• #3 CANIDAE All Life Stages Canned Food [Healthiest Canned Dog Food]: One of the few healthy wet dog foods that’s made with nutritious grains, this is a great option for dogs who prefer canned foods.
• #4 Blue Buffalo Life Protection [Healthiest Mid-Tier Dog Food]: Perfect for owners who want a healthy dog food yet don’t want to pay for a fresh option, Blue Buffalo provides all the nutrition and taste your dog deserves.
• #5 Diamond Naturals [Healthiest Budget-Friendly Dog Food]: While it can’t compete with some of the more expensive options discussed above, Diamond Naturals provides the nutrition you want at an affordable price.

Keep reading to learn more about the healthiest dog foods, learn more about these recipes, and see some other great options.

While each owner may have his or her own preferences when it comes to choosing a dog food, there are several important factors to take into consideration to ensure that your canine companion is getting the nutrients he needs.

When it comes to dog food, there are three absolute essentials you should always look for when making a choice:

1. The dog food is formulated to meet AAFCO guidelines for your dog’s life stage. These guidelines are designed to ensure your furry friend gets the nutrition he needs.  

2. Your dog food of choice addresses any of your dog’s unique health conditions. Whether your dog has a specific food sensitivity or needs a weight loss dog food to shed a couple of pounds, your dog food of choice should address any of your dog’s specific health ailments. 

3. You select a dog food in collaboration with your veterinarian. No one understands the needs of your furry friend better than you and your veterinarian. Your veterinarian should approve of your choice and provide you with specific serving recommendations based on your dog’s needs. 

Once these criteria are met, you can look for other key indicators of healthy dog food, such as:

• The brand has a canine nutritionist on staff. Brands that have a credentialed veterinary nutritionist on staff are generally more reliable than those that don’t. 
• The dog food manufacturer performs regular safety checks. The most reliable companies perform regular safety inspections to ensure that dog food isn’t contaminated by bacteria, fungi, or other hazardous substances. In-house testing is great, but the best brands obtain third-party certifications for their testing. 
• The dog food is cooked to eliminate pathogens. Raw protein can contain bacteria or other microorganisms that are harmful to dogs and pet parents. Foods that are cooked help eliminate this risk for furry friends. 
• The dog food is made in a western country with ingredients sourced from a western country. Western countries like the United States, Canada, and Australia tend to have more stringent safety and quality-control standards than others, making these locations better sources of dog foods and their ingredients. 
• The dog food brand owns its kitchens. Companies that own their kitchens have much greater control over the quality of their dog food. 
• A whole, nutritious protein is near the top of the ingredients list. While there’s nothing wrong with properly labeled meat meals, the presence of a whole protein at the top of the ingredient list is generally a good overall indicator of the dog food’s quality. 
• The dog food includes helpful supplements. Probiotics, antioxidants, omega-3s, and joint-supporting supplements are all helpful additions (depending on your dog’s needs), and they can help you save money by avoiding the need to buy standalone supplements.
• The dog food utilizes minimally processed whole grains. Unless your dog has a grain sensitivity, whole grains can provide a vital source of calories, vitamins, and minerals for most dogs. Whole grains are more nutritious than processed grains with more fiber and nutrients for Fido. 

The 14 Healthiest Dog Foods: Nutritious Noms for Your Pet!

Now that you know some of the things you’ll want to look for when picking some meals for your mutt, we’ll share some of the healthiest dog foods on the market today. We’ll detail the main features of each, provide you with a sample ingredient list, and lay out the the pros and cons of each choice.

Just remember: The healthiest dog food choice will vary from one dog to the next.

There is no single “healthiest” dog food brand that works well in all cases, as each individual dog has unique needs, which will be best met by different dog foods.

1. Ollie

About: If you’re seeking a high quality dog food that is as good for your dog’s health as it is for his taste buds, you’ll definitely have to consider Ollie.

Ollie’s vet-formulated, human-grade dog foods are well-loved by most dogs and serve as an excellent way to nourish your four-footer. Custom-crafted for your canine and available in several flavors, Ollie’s recipes are exactly what many pooches and pet parents want in a dog food.

Healthiest Overall Dog Food

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Features:

• Minimally processed, human-grade, fresh dog food
• Great source of whole protein, antioxidants, and omega-3 fatty acids
• Includes fiber-rich vegetables like spinach and carrots
• Comes with a leftover container and portion scoop for easy serving
• Ollie gives 1% of all revenue to rescues and shelters
• Ollie has a special deal for our readers – get 50% off your first order when you use code K9OFMINE at checkout!

Ingredients (Chicken Recipe):

Chicken, carrots, peas, rice, chicken liver...,

potatoes, spinach, dicalcium phosphate, whole dried eggs, fish oil, blueberries, chia seeds, calcium carbonate, iodized salt, cod liver oil, zinc gluconate, rosemary, copper gluconate, choline bitartrate, vitamin E supplement, manganese gluconate, potassium iodide, pyridoxine hydrochloride (vitamin B6), riboflavin (vitamin B2)

Pros

• These meals are customized for your specific pet
• They feature high-quality, human-grade ingredients
• Even picky puppers go crazy for the taste of this dog food
• These recipes are backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee

Cons

• These recipes are pretty pricey
• You’ll have to sign up for a subscription to order this dog food

Think Ollie may be the best pick for your pet? Check out our hands-on review to learn more about these recipes!

2. Nom Nom  

About: Whether you have a picky pooch or simply want to give your dog one of the most nutritious dog foods around, Nom Nom recipes are definitely worthy of consideration.

Like many other fresh dog foods, these recipes are made in the USA, but unlike most other brands, Nom Nom uses only US-sourced ingredients in their recipes. This allows many dog moms and dads to rest easy, knowing their pet’s food is one of the safest around.

Healthiest Food Containing Only US-Sourced Ingredients

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Features:

• This premium dog food is made in the USA with only US-sourced ingredients
• Nom Nom prepares their dog food in small batches for maximum quality
• No subscription required to order
• These dog foods are prepped in zero-waste facilities
• These recipes are formulated for your specific dog and shipped to your front door

Ingredients (Turkey Recipe):

Ground turkey, brown rice, eggs, carrots, spinach...,

dicalcium phosphate, calcium carbonate, citric acid, potassium chloride, salt, water sufficient for processing, fish oil, choline bitartrate, natural flavor, vinegar, iron amino acid chelate, taurine, zinc gluconate, vitamin E supplement, copper gluconate, niacin (vitamin B3), manganese gluconate, vitamin A supplement, thiamine mononitrate (vitamin B1), pyridoxine hydrochloride (vitamin B6), selenium yeast, riboflavin (vitamin B2), cholecalciferol (source of vitamin D3), potassium iodide, folic acid, vitamin B12 supplement.

Pros

• These dog foods are made exclusively with US-sourced ingredients 
• Most dogs go crazy for the taste of these recipes 
• These recipes are customized for your specific pet
• No subscription is required for ordering

Cons

• Dog food is relatively expensive
• A few Nom Nom recipes are grain-free

Want to learn more about Nom Nom’s dog foods? Check out our in-depth, hands-on review of the brand!

3. A Pup Above

About: Picking a dog food made with US-sourced ingredients is always a good step for ensuring that your dog gets the safest, most nutritious dog food. But what if you want to take things even further? What if you want to know exactly where the ingredients in your dog’s food came from?

Well, A Pup Above has you covered! Each of their dog foods comes with a lot-tracing number, so you can Sherlock Holmes your way to worry-free pet feeding.

Healthiest Food with Lot Tracing for Ingredients

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Features:

• These dog food recipes are minimally processed to preserve their nutritional value
• Contains palate-pleasing ingredients like tomatoes, peas, and carrots
• Feature human-grade ingredients, such as USDA meat
• All dog food recipes were designed by veterinarians 
• No subscription required

Ingredients (Beef Recipe):

Beef, beef liver, tomatoes, green peas, carrots...,

russet potatoes, safflower oil, turmeric, thyme, parsley, minerals [dicalcium phosphate, calcium carbonate, potassium chloride, sodium bicarbonate, magnesium oxide, zinc amino acid chelate, iron amino acid chelate, copper amino acid chelate, manganese amino acid chelate, potassium iodide,sodium selenite], vitamins [vitamin D3 supplement, vitamin E supplement].

Pros

• Each bag comes with a tracking system for the ingredients included 
• No subscription is required
• Tasty, nutritious organ meats are included

Cons

• The packaging can make serving slightly tricky
• We’d prefer if more omega-3-rich ingredients were included 

K9 of Mine readers can get 15% off A Pup Above’s Sampler Packs (great when you’re not sure which recipe your dog will like best) with code K9OFMINE15, or 25% off new meal subscriptions with code K9OFMINE25.

4. Pet Plate

About: Look, we get it — it can sometimes be a bit of a chore to prepare fresh dog food for your four-footer’s dinner. But fortunately, there’s a super-convenient option available for busy pet parents.

Pet Plate offers premium, human-grade dog foods that are shipped in pre-portioned, microwavable containers so that you can serve your canine companion with ease. 

Most Convenient Healthy Dog Food

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Features:

• These vet-designed dog food recipes are made in USDA kitchens
• The meals come in pre-portioned containers you can simply heat and serve
• Dog food recipes are made with human-grade ingredients in the US-based kitchens
• Omega 3-rich recipes help support a healthy coat
• Recipes include canine “superfoods,” such as sweet potatoes  

Ingredients (Chicken Recipe):

Chicken, sweet potatoes, broccoli, chicken liver, apples...,

butternut squash, dicalcium phosphate, salmon oil, calcium carbonate, salt, potassium chloride, parsley, proprietary supplement blend (vitamin E, zinc oxide, ferrous fumarate, copper gluconate, manganese gluconate, potassium iodide, vitamin D3)

Pros

• The pre-portioned, microwavable containers are incredibly convenient
• You can choose between a topper or full meal plan
• Most dogs go nuts for Pet Plate’s recipes

Cons

• Disposable containers aren’t exactly environmentally friendly
• You can’t order samples or one-off meals (a subscription is required)

5. The Farmer’s Dog

About: The Farmer’s Dog is a fresh dog food company that delivers high-quality, custom-made dog food for your floof. These recipes are is customized based on your dog’s activity level, age, and a variety of other data points, which are collected via an in-depth online survey when you sign up.

Best of all, this manufacturer employs a number of eco-friendly practices for environmentally conscious owners.

Healthiest Environmentally Friendly Dog Food

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Features:

• These foods are prepared in US-based, USDA kitchens
• Each food is fortified with the manufacturer’s proprietary nutrient blend
• These super-fresh meals are delivered within a few days of being cooked
• Foods are packed in biodegradable insulation materials
• The individual meals are pre-portioned for convenience
• Exclusive deal: get 50% off your first order of The Farmer’s Dog!

Beef, beef liver, tomatoes, greenpeas, carrots...,

russet potatoes, safflower oil, turmeric, thyme, parsley, minerals [dicalcium phosphate, calcium carbonate, potassium chloride, sodium bicarbonate, magnesium oxide, zinc amino acid chelate, iron amino acid chelate, copper amino acid chelate, manganese amino acid chelate, potassium iodide,sodium selenite], vitamins [vitamin D3 supplement, vitamin E supplement].

Want to learn more about these foods? We’ve published a full review of The Farmer’s Dog — check it out for the in-depth scoop!

Pros

• These foods are crafted in conjunction with a very detailed questionnaire
• The eco-friendly dog food packaging used is biodegradable
• You can compost the insulation materials used or dissolve them in water

Cons

• A subscription is required to order these foods
• These meals are some of the most expensive ones around

6. Spot & Tango Unkibble

About: Looking for a happy medium between a premium (read: expensive) fresh dog food and more affordable mutt meal options? “Unkibble” from Spot & Tango is an innovative product that may be the perfect choice.

Custom-crafted for your pooch and made with the same kind of premium, whole ingredients fresh brands use, this veterinarian-developed kibble-like dog food is raising eyebrows and getting tails wagging. It’s technically a dry dog food, but offers many of the same benefits that a fresh food would.

Most Palatable “Dry” Dog Food

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Features:

• Made in the USA with human-grade ingredients
• Veterinarian-developed recipes
• Choose from 3 protein options (chicken, beef, & cod)
• Shipped directly to you from the manufacturer 
• Gently dried and processed to maximize nutritional value
• Get 50% off your first Spot & Tango order when you use code K9OFMINE50

Ingredients (Beef Recipe):

Beef, Barley, Flax, Carrots, Green beans...,

Beef liver, Beef heart, Beets, Cranberries, Rosemary, Kelp, Salt, Mixed tocopherols, Cellulose powder, Fish oil, L-tryptophan, Choline chloride, Organic zinc proteinate, Potassium chloride, Rosemary extract, Iron amino acid chelate, Vitamin E supplement, Organic selenium yeast, Calcium carbonate, Beet, Tomato, Broccoli, Carrot, Spinach, Orange, Cherry, Cranberry, Strawberry, Apple, Blueberry, Pumpkin, Riboflavin, Pyridoxine hydrochloride, Folic acid

Pros

• These meals are more affordable than most fresh frozen dog food options 
• We love the inclusion of salmon oil and organ meats
• You’ll receive a customized scoop for your pooch  

Cons

• Unkibble can only be purchased through a subscription model
• The inconsistent shape of this kibble won’t work well in puzzle feeders

7. Blue Buffalo

About: While some owners need a super-premium food to suit their pet’s unique needs, many dogs will do just fine on a nutritious mainstream option. Blue Buffalo is an excellent example of this type of dog food, as it strikes an excellent balance between affordability and quality.

Made with premium proteins, omega-3-rich ingredients, nutritious produce, and fortified with probiotics and joint supplements, this dry dog food checks off almost all the boxes owners want without costing a fortune. 

Features:

• Made in the USA with globally sourced ingredients
• “LifeSource Bits” are a great source of antioxidants and vitamins
• Great source of omega 3s, probiotics and joint-supportive supplements
• Available in a wide array of flavor choices and size-specific offerings
• A whole, lean protein is paired with healthy whole grains

Ingredients (Fish & Brown Rice Recipe): 

Whitefish, Menhaden Fish Meal (Source of Omega 3 Fatty Acids), Brown Rice, Barley, Oatmeal...,

Pea Starch, Peas, Chicken Fat (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Flaxseed (Source of Omega 6 Fatty Acids), Natural Flavor, Chicken Meal, Dried Tomato Pomace, Pea Protein, Dehydrated Alfalfa Meal, Salt, Potassium Chloride, Calcium Carbonate, Potatoes, Dried Chicory Root, Pea Fiber, Alfalfa Nutrient Concentrate, Choline Chloride, Dl-Methionine, Sweet Potatoes, Carrots, Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols, Garlic, Glucosamine Hydrochloride, Zinc Amino Acid Chelate, Zinc Sulfate, Vegetable Juice For Color, Ferrous Sulfate, Vitamin E Supplement, Iron Amino Acid Chelate, Blueberries, Cranberries, Barley Grass, Parsley, Turmeric, Dried Kelp, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Niacin (Vitamin B3), Calcium Pantothenate (Vitamin B5), L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (Source of Vitamin C), L-Lysine, Copper Sulfate, Biotin (Vitamin B7), L-Carnitine, Vitamin A Supplement, Copper Amino Acid Chelate, Manganese Sulfate, Taurine, Manganese Amino Acid Chelate, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Riboflavin (Vitamin B2), Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Calcium Iodate, Dried Yeast, Dried Enterococcus Faecium Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Acidophilus Fermentation Product, Dried Aspergillus Niger Fermentation Extract, Dried Trichoderma Longibrachiatum Fermentation Extract, Dried Bacillus Subtilis Fermentation Extract, Folic Acid (Vitamin B9), Sodium Selenite, Oil of Rosemary.

Pros

• Blue Buffalo offers a wide range of kibble types to accommodate just about every dog
• For such an impressive ingredient list, these dry dog foods are very affordable 
• This dog food seems to regularly improve coat condition

Cons

• Picky pups may pick around the LifeSource Bits
• These dry dog foods are very popular, which occasionally causes inventory issues

8. Merrick Grain-Free Food

About: While most doggos digest cooked grains without issue, a handful of four-footers need a grain-free dog food option. In these cases, you’ll want to consider this grain-free kibble from Merrick.

One of the premier grain-free dog food options on the market, this US-made dog food is packed with protein, fortified with probiotics, and made with natural antioxidant sources to support your canine companion.  

Features:

• This dry dog food is packed with protein, boasting at more than 60% meat composition
• These dry dog foods are formulated with several antioxidant-rich “superfoods”
• Made without grains, soy, or gluten
• These recipes are made in US-based, company owned facilities
• Probiotics are included to help support gut health and proper digestion

Ingredients (Beef and Lamb Recipe):

Deboned Beef, Lamb Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Peas, Potatoes...,

Potato Protein, Natural Flavor, Pea Protein, Pork Fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols), Flaxseed Oil, Apples, Salmon Oil, Deboned Salmon, Blueberries, Organic Alfalfa, Salt, Minerals (Zinc Amino Acid Complex, Zinc Sulfate, Iron Amino Acid Complex, Manganese Amino Acid Complex, Copper Amino Acid Complex, Potassium Iodide, Cobalt Amino Acid Complex, Sodium Selenite), Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Niacin, Riboflavin Supplement, Biotin, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Folic Acid, Thiamine Mononitrate), Choline Chloride, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Dried Lactobacillus plantarum Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus casei Fermentation Product, Dried Enterococcus faecium Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus acidophilus Fermentation Product, Rosemary Extract.

Pros

• This is one of the most protein-packed dry dog food options on the market
• This dog food features tons of antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids
• Includes probiotics and fiber-rich foods to promote problem-free digestion

Cons

• Grain-free dog foods are only appropriate for dogs with grain intolerances
• Multi-protein dog foods are not ideal for pups with food allergies

9. Nature’s Logic Sardine Meal Feast

About: Looking for something a little different for your doggo? This kibble from Nature’s Logic has a unique recipe that helps distinguish it from many of the other options on the market.

Featuring omega-3-rich sardines as the primary protein and a litany of “superfoods” to provide vitamins and antioxidants, this dry dog food even contains rarely used ingredients, such as almonds, apricots, and artichokes. And for extra pet-parent appeal, this dog food is fortified with eight different probiotic strains to support gut health.

Features:

• Sardine meal serves as a unique, nutritious, and eco-friendly protein 
• The dry dog food recipe is fortified with probiotics for digestive support
• Includes fiber-rich vegetables like spinach, pumpkin seeds, and broccoli
• Contains no chicken protein
• Provides a unique taste for tempting picky palates

Ingredients (Sardine Recipe): 

Sardine Meal, Millet, Chicken Fat (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols), Pumpkin Seed, Yeast Culture,...,

Alfalfa Nutrient Concentrate, Montmorillonite Clay, Dried Kelp, Spray Dried Porcine Plasma, Dried Tomato, Almonds, Dried Chicory Root, Dried Carrot, Dried Apple, Dried Pumpkin, Dried Apricot, Dried Blueberry, Dried Spinach, Dried Broccoli, Dried Cranberry, Parsley, Dried Artichoke, Rosemary, Dried Mushroom, Dried Lactobacillus Acidophilus Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Casei Fermentation Product, Dried Bifidobacterium Bifidium Fermentation Product, Dried Enterococcus Faecium Fermentation Product, Dried Bacillus Coagulans Fermentation Product, Dried Pineapple Extract, Dried Aspergillus Niger Fermentation Extract, Dried Aspergillus Oryzae Fermentation Extract, Dried Trichoderma Longibrachiatum Fermentation Extract.

Pros

• Sardine meal is a great protein for dogs with food allergies
• This dry dog food is packed with protein and omega-3 fatty acids
• Sardines are an eco-friendly protein

Cons

• This food is notably more expensive than most dry dog foods 
• No whole protein appears on the ingredient list

10. Taste of the Wild High Prairie

About: Chicken, beef, and pork are certainly popular proteins for pooches, but some pets and their parents demand something a little more exotic. If this sounds like you or your doggo, you may want to consider Taste of the Wild.

Made with water buffalo, lamb, roasted bison, and venison, this tasty dry dog food is a great option for picky puppers, as well as those who simply need a protein-packed diet to fuel their four-footed adventures.

Features:

• Made with several novel and tasty protein sources
• Contains canine “superfoods,” such as blueberries and raspberries
• Fortified with probiotics to support digestion
• This recipe is suitable for dogs of all ages and sizes (including large breeds) 
• Ocean fish meal included to provide omega-3 fatty acids

Ingredients (High Prairie Recipe): 

Water Buffalo, Lamb Meal, Chicken Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Peas...,

Potatoes, Chicken Fat (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols), Egg Product, Roasted Bison, Roasted Venison, Beef, Natural Flavor, Tomato Pomace, Potato Protein, Pea Protein, Ocean Fish Meal, Salt, Choline Chloride, Taurine, Dried Chicory Root, Tomatoes, Blueberries, Raspberries, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Dried Lactobacillus Plantarum Fermentation Product, Dried Bacillus Subtilis Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Acidophilus Fermentation Product, Dried Enterococcus Faecium Fermentation Product, Dried Bifidobacterium Animalis Fermentation Product, Vitamin E Supplement, Iron Proteinate, Zinc Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Potassium Iodide, Thiamine Mononitrate, Manganese Proteinate, Ascorbic Acid, Vitamin A Supplement, Biotin, Niacin, Calcium Pantothenate, Sodium Selenite, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Riboflavin, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid.

Pros

• This kibble features unusual protein sources like water buffalo, bison, and venison
• This dry dog food recipe is full of antioxidant-rich produce
• This recipe is suitable for all life stages and breed sizes

Cons

• Multiple protein sources can cause problems for dogs with allergies
• This dog food appears to cause excessive gas in some cases

11. CANIDAE All Life Stages

About: Picking the healthiest dog food for a single four-footer is tricky enough; selecting one that’ll keep an entire pack of pooches happy is even more challenging.

But fortunately, there are solutions — like this all-life-stages kibble from CANIDAE. A multi-protein dry dog food designed to nourish small, large, young, and old dogs alike, this is a tasty and nutritious option that’ll work well for most multi-pet families.

Healthiest Dog Food for Multi-Dog Families

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Features:

• Made with poultry-based proteins to please your dog’s palate
• This kibble features tons of omega 3s to combat inflammation
• Includes probiotics to promote problem-free digestion
• Suitable for all ages and breeds 
• This dry dog food recipe contains no corn, wheat, or soy

Ingredients (Multi-protein Recipe): 

Chicken Meal, Turkey Meal, Brown Rice, Peas, Oatmeal...,

Barley, Whole Grain Sorghum, Lentils, Suncured Alfalfa Meal, Chicken Fat, Flaxseed, White Rice, Lamb Meal, Salmon Oil, Natural Flavor, Salt, Threonine, Potassium Chloride, Taurine, Choline Chloride, Mixed Tocopherols (A Preservative), Tryptophan, Zinc Sulfate, Dl-Methionine, Vitamin E Supplement, Ferrous Sulfate, Niacin, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate, Calcium Pantothenate, Manganese Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Vitamin A Supplement, Sodium Selenite, Riboflavin Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Zinc Proteinate, Dried Lactobacillus Acidophilus Fermentation Product, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Ethylenediamine Dihydroiodide, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid, Dried Lactobacillus Casei Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Plantarum Fermentation Product.

Pros

• This flexible dog food is perfect for multi pet households
• Despite being affordable, most dogs loved the taste of this food
• The included probiotics help promote proper digestion

Cons

• The multiple protein sources can be problematic for dogs with allergies
• We’d prefer if this dry dog food included whole proteins

12. Diamond Naturals

About: Many owners have budgetary limitations that prevent them from selecting some of the most expensive dog food options on the market. But just because you aren’t rolling in dough doesn’t mean you have to settle for a substandard dog food — there are super-healthy options available at budget-friendly prices.

This food from Diamond Naturals is an excellent example. Made with premium, whole proteins, nutritious carbs and produce, and fortified with joint supplements, this dry dog food is almost as awesome as some other options that cost twice as much.

Features:

• Features whole chicken and chicken meal to provide suitable protein content
• Includes joint-supportive supplements like chondroitin and glucosamine 
• Made in the USA by a family-owned company 
• This dry dog food recipe incorporates plenty of omega-3s to support a healthy coat
• No corn, wheat, or artificial flavors 
• Recipe is packed with probiotics to support digestion 

Ingredients (Beef Recipe):

Chicken, Chicken Meal, Whole Grain Brown Rice, Cracked Pearled Barley, White Rice...,

Dried Yeast, Chicken Fat (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols), Egg Product, Grain Sorghum, Dried Beet Pulp, Natural Flavor, Flaxseed, Salmon Oil (Source Of DHA), Potassium Chloride, Salt, Dl-Methionine, Choline Chloride, Dried Chicory Root, Kale, Chia Seed, Pumpkin, Blueberries, Oranges, Quinoa, Dried Kelp, Coconut, Spinach, Carrots, Papaya, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Dried Lactobacillus Plantarum Fermentation Product, Dried Bacillus Subtilis Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Acidophilus Fermentation Product, Dried Enterococcus Faecium Fermentation Product, Dried Bifidobacterium Animalis Fermentation Product, Vitamin E Supplement, Beta Carotene, Iron Proteinate, Zinc Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Potassium Iodide, Thiamine Mononitrate, Manganese Proteinate, Ascorbic Acid, Vitamin A Supplement, Biotin, Niacin, Calcium Pantothenate, Sodium Selenite, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Riboflavin, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid. Contains A Source Of Live (Viable), Naturally Occurring Microorganisms. The Facility In Which This Food Is Made Also Makes Food That May Contain Other Ingredients.

Pros

• This is nutritious dog food that won’t break the bank
• This dog food includes joint supporting supplements
• Probiotics and fiber-rich ingredients are included to promote problem-free digestion

Cons

• This dog food is frequently out of stock (likely due to its popularity)
• This dry dog food seems slightly less appealing to four-footers than some more expensive recipes

13. CANIDAE Wet Food

About: While fresh dog foods tend to appeal to owners who don’t mind spending quite a bit on healthy dog foods and kibbles are often the top choice for those on tighter budgets, canned and wet dog foods provide a nice middle ground.

There aren’t as many super-healthy canned options on the market, there’s one — Canidae’s All Life Stages Canned Food — we think stands head-and-shoulders above the crowd. Like many other wet dog foods, this one features nutritious chicken and a taste dogs love, but the thing that makes it really stick out is the inclusion of grains — a rarity among canned dog foods.

Features:

• Includes 3 tasty chicken-based ingredients: chicken, chicken broth, and chicken liver
• It’s suitable for all life stages and all breed sizes
• It’s made in the USA
• Contains salmon oil to supply omega-3 fatty acids
• Includes antioxidant-rich cranberries to boost immune function 

Ingredients (Chicken & Rice):

Chicken, Chicken Broth, Chicken Liver, Dried Egg Product, Brown Rice...,

Pearled Barley, Potassium Chloride, Salt, Salmon Oil (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Sunflower Oil, Sodium Tripolyphosphate, Agar-agar, Choline Chloride, Canola Oil, Dried Kelp, Dried Cranberries, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Vitamin E Supplement, Zinc Sulfate, Niacin Supplement, Ferrous Sulfate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Zinc Proteinate, Manganese Sulfate, Vitamin A Supplement, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate, Iron Proteinate, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Copper Sulfate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Manganese Proteinate, Potassium Iodide, Riboflavin Supplement, Copper Proteinate, Folic Acid, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Cobalt Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Rosemary Extract.

Pros

• Most pups love the taste of this dog food
• This is one of the few grain-inclusive wet foods on the market
• The wet dog food is suitable for all life stages

Cons

• Canned dog food leftovers can be challenging to store
• This recipe lacks probiotics and joint supplements

14. Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Diet

About: Dog food allergies may not be as common as many pet parents think, but they are a real obstacle for many four-footed families. But just because your dog has an allergy to one or more proteins doesn’t mean you need to skimp on the nutritional content of your pet’s food.

In fact, there’s a supremely healthy dog food option for just these kinds of pups: Natural Balance LID (Limited Ingredient Diet). Made with a relatively short list of ingredients and a novel protein, this dry dog food will keep your allergic floof healthy and itch-free.

Healthiest Food for Dogs with Food Allergies

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Features:

• A whole protein and meat meal derived from the same protein top the ingredient list
• Features healthy grains, which may reduce the risk of DCM
• This LID recipe skips any ingredients that may trigger your pet’s allergies
• Available with your choice of several proteins (including novel options)
• Formulated with added taurine to promote heart health

Duck, Duck Meal, Brown Rice, Brewers Rice, Rice Bran...,

Sunflower Oil (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Flaxseed, Brewers Dried Yeast, Natural Flavor, Potassium Chloride, Salt, Calcium Carbonate, Choline Chloride, Dl-methionine, Taurine, Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin Supplement, D-calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Folic Acid, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement), Minerals (Zinc Proteinate, Zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Iron Proteinate, Copper Sulfate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Sulfate, Manganese Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Calcium Iodate), Citric Acid (Used As A Preservative), Lactic Acid, Rosemary Extract, Green Tea Extract, Spearmint Extract.

Pros

• Dogs seem to love the taste of this LID formula
• Unlike many other LID recipes, this dog food is grain-inclusive
• Natural Balance employs eco-friendly packaging processes

Cons

• This dry dog food doesn’t include joint supplements or probiotics
• No produce appears in the ingredient list

Should I Worry About Grains, DCM, and Taurine Deficiency?

New research has recently come out alerting owners to the startling increase in dogs with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM).

There is a lot of confusion and misunderstanding around this increase in DCM. Some veterinarians believe that BEG diets (which stands for boutique, exotic, and grain-free recipes) are causing the issue. Some suspect that the ingredients being used to replace grains in grain-free diets (such as lentils, chickpeas, and potatoes) are problematic.

The truth is that no one knows for sure what is causing the increase in DCM cases. 

Researchers have yet to discover what is at the root cause, and while different people have various theories, there is no definitive answer.

Rather than any specific ingredients being at fault, it could be the interactions of the ingredients, the heat treatment, or the food processing.

Generally, as has always been true, you’ll want to aim to feed your dog high-quality, animal-based proteins, and avoid dog foods which rely on plant-source proteins as their primary protein sources.

Many dogs eat BEG diets and are fine. But not all.

Ultimately, you’ll want to speak to your vet about any concerns, as they’ll be up to date on any new research breakthroughs. Talking to your vet about your dog’s diet is doubly important for breeds known to be at higher risk for DCM (including Doberman pinschers, boxers, Irish wolfhounds, Great Danes, and others).

It’s also worth noting that most dogs currently being diagnosed with DCM do not exhibit low taurine levels. Many owners have advocated for adding taurine supplements to their dogs’ diet, but in many cases taurine levels are irrelevant.

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Those are our top picks for the healthiest dog food. Do you have any favorites from this list? What is the healthiest dog food in your opinion? Share your thoughts in the comments!