What is the best dog food in the USA?
There are a few things to think about before choosing which dog food is right for your dog. Age, size, and ingredients in the food.
Age, just like humans puppies will require more nutrients extra and vitamins to aid with growth and usually contain more calories. As the dog matures and gets older they will require different nutrients that will help them with their joints and immune system.
Size, as with puppy food, the smaller the dog, the smaller the kibble, this is also the same for adult dogs.
Ingredients, Do you ever look at the ingredients before buying, or are you swayed by the packaging? A lot of dogs are fed junk food that has little or no nutritional value. Pet food in the US is regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) but there is no requirement that pet food products have pre-market approval by the FDA. But FDA ensures that the ingredients used in pet food are safe and have an appropriate function in the pet food.
Additionally, there is a non-profit organisation called the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), which helps set standards for animal feed and pet foods. They always recommend that you read the label, select food based on your pet’s breed, age and health, and follow the manufacturer’s feeding guidelines.
When looking for dog food, it is crucial that the first ingredient on the ingredient list is meat. Chicken, Beef, Salmon, Lamb, Duck should be searched for by name and not derivatives. It is acceptable to use certain derivatives, but they shouldn't be the main content.
Type, wet or dry? These are the two main types, and obviously, you have raw food which we will not be covered in this review. The choice will be down to personal choice, or even a mixture of the two.
Dry food, which we are coving in this blog, also known as kibble is considered a healthy option and encourages better dental hygiene since dogs have to chew the food more and it helps remove plaque. On the downside, it can be too dry and not appealing to some dogs. We recommend that wet food be added to the meal if this is the case so that it is more appealing.
Wet food. Wet food is more enticing than dry food because of the smell and because it contains a high moisture content. For some dogs that cannot drink enough water, wet food is another option. Additionally, wet food is easier for dogs to chew than dry dog food, but it does not provide the same level of dental hygiene as dry food. For dogs with chewing problems, it’s advisable to feed them with wet dog food. It is possible to mix both dry and wet food for your pet, so they get the best of both worlds.
If you stumbled upon this article from the Best Puppy Food guide, you are probably not surprised to see that some of the brands have crossed over to dry food. The Orijen brand comes out on top in all three breed categories and has a nutritional value of over 90% across all breed sizes.
If you decide to switch to a new food, this could mean changing the brand from your usual dog food or switching from puppy food to adult food, make sure to slowly introduce the new food over a period of 7 to 10 days. Day 1-3 Mix 75% of old food with 25% new food. Days 4-6 50/50%. Day 7-9 75% new food, 25% old food, and 10 days onwards you continue with the new food only.
We cover the review best dog food - USA in four sections, Small, Medium and Large, breeds, and a section on the senior breed. Click the highlighted section below to take you to the required area.
Best Small Breed Dog Food
Orijen is an award-winning pet food manufacturer with a worldwide reputation for trust spanning more than a quarter-century and is part of the ‘Champion Pet Food’ group. The company is based in Canada but produced in the US and produces the Acana brand puppy food, which we ranked number one in our recent Puppy Food review.
ORIJEN Small Breed has been made specifically for the smaller dog breed. The small dog breed dog has certain nutritional needs and requires a Biologically Appropriate diet in order to thrive. It is made of 85% quality poultry and fish ingredients which provides a strong source of essential protein, vitamins, and minerals.
Even though this is dry food, it contains nourishing proteins and nutrients. The kibble has a unique shape that makes it easier for them to eat. This food has balanced nutrition to maintain energy and a healthy weight, but more importantly, it has a great taste and ingredients for peak health.
Suitable for small dog breeds and all life stages fully grown and can be used from weaning right up to old age.
You will find that this is not the cheapest product on the market, but definitely pay for what you get.
Key Ingredients - Turkey, chicken, turkey giblets (liver, heart, gizzard), quail, whole blue whiting, whole mackerel, chicken liver, eggs, dehydrated turkey, dehydrated chicken, dehydrated mackerel, dehydrated chicken liver, dehydrated egg, whole red lentils, whole pinto beans, whole green lentils, chicken fat, whole navy beans, whole chickpeas, lentil fibre, pea starch, natural chicken flavour, pollock oil, chicken heart, New Zealand green mussels, whole cranberries, whole pumpkin, whole butternut squash, collard greens, whole apples, whole pears, dried kelp, zinc proteinate, salt, mixed tocopherols (preservative), thiamine mononitrate, calcium pantothenate, copper proteinate, dried chicory root, turmeric, sarsaparilla root, althea root, rosehips, juniper berries, citric acid (preservative), rosemary extract, dried Lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product, dried Bifidobacterium animalis fermentation product, dried Lactobacillus casei fermentation product.
Type - Wheat free.
Suitable For - Small dog breeds and all life stages
As mentioned in the previous review on Orijen, Acana is part of the ‘Champion Pet Food’ group, so no surprise this is up there with the top recommendations.
Acana Adult Light & Fit Recipe is an ideal follow-on if you have been using this brand as a puppy as part of our top recommended review on Best Dry Puppy Food. Acana has opted to use a 60/40 balance. 60% is quality animal ingredients like fresh chicken and turkey balanced with 40% fresh vegetables & fruit like whole pumpkin, collard greens, apples, and pears.
It is suitable for all dog breeds and it contains no added grain ingredients, soy, corn, wheat or tapioca. Proudly made in the United States.
ACANA Light & Fit Recipe is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for Adult Maintenance.
Key Ingredients - Deboned chicken, deboned turkey, chicken meal, turkey meal, whole red lentils, whole green peas, lentil fibre, whole yellow peas, flounder, chicken broth, dehydrated pumpkin, whole green lentils, whole pinto beans, whole chickpeas, herring meal, fish oil, natural chicken flavour, dehydrated egg, chicken liver, pea starch, chicken fat, chicken heart, dried kelp, vitamin E supplement, mixed tocopherols (preservative), zinc proteinate, whole pumpkin, collard greens, whole apples, whole pears, calcium pantothenate, riboflavin, folic acid, freeze-dried chicken liver, freeze-dried turkey liver, dried chicory root, turmeric, sarsaparilla, althea root, rose hips, juniper berries, citric acid (preservative), rosemary extract, dried Lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product, dried Bifidobacterium animalis fermentation product, dried Lactobacillus casei fermentation product.
Type - Wheat free.
Suitable For - All dog breeds and all life stages
Wellness Core Small Breed is made in the USA with debonded turkey, chicken, salmon oil and fruits and vegetables to help support your dog's optimal health, featuring smaller kibble size for small breed dogs and fortified with antioxidants, probiotics, vitamins and minerals, including fish and flax omega blend for healthy skin and coat and glucosamine and chondroitin help maintain bone and joint health. It also contains fibre and probiotics for good digestive health.
The size of the kibble is small to suit the smaller breed and is suitable for all dog breeds
Wellness CORE Small Breed is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for maintenance.
Key Ingredients - Deboned Turkey, Turkey Meal, Chicken Meal, Lentils, Peas, Dried Ground Potatoes, Chicken Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Tomato Pomace, Ground Flaxseed, Natural Chicken Flavor, Salmon Oil, Taurine, Choline Chloride, Vitamin E Supplement, Spinach, Broccoli, Carrots, Parsley, Apples, Blueberries, Kale, Spearmint, Zinc Proteinate, Mixed Tocopherols added to preserve freshness, Zinc Sulfate, Calcium Carbonate, Niacin, Iron Proteinate, Ferrous Sulfate, Vitamin A Supplement, Copper Sulfate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Manganese Sulfate, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Sodium Selenite, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin, Biotin, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Chicory Root Extract, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Calcium Iodate, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid, Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Dried Lactobacillus plantarum Fermentation Product, Dried Enterococcus faecium Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus casei Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus acidophilus Fermentation Product, Rosemary Extract, Green Tea Extract, Spearmint Extract.
Type - Grain free, and no meat by-products.
Suitable For - Small dog breeds and all life stages
Best Medium Breed Dog Food
It is important for medium-breed dogs to eat a balanced diet that includes protein, fat, and carbohydrates in the right proportions. Dog nutrition is important for ensuring their activity, coat, and digestive health while also maintaining their activity levels.
When choosing dog food for your medium-breed dog, there are several factors to consider. Water, protein, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals are the six essential nutrients every dog needs.
We found that Orijen came out top in the medium dog size category. This may be a brand you haven't heard of, but they are an award-winning pet food manufacturer with a worldwide reputation of trust dating back over 25 years and is part of the 'Champion Pet Food' brand. This company is based in Canada but produced in the USA, they also produce the Acana brand, which we recently rated as the best dry puppy food.
Orijen Adult Six Fish dog food is made from 85% premium natural ingratiates which include f.resh mackerel, hake, flounder, herring, monkfish and acadian redfish combined with rich, nourishing protein sources, fresh regional ingredients are supplied either fresh or raw, in their most natural and nourishing form. Orijen Six Fish nourishes dogs of all life stages according to their evolutionary and biological needs.
Even fussy eaters will enjoy this delicious dish and you will see an improvement in their coat condition.
Key Ingredients - Whole Atlantic mackerel, whole Atlantic herring, monkfish, acadian redfish, flounder, whole silver hake, mackerel meal, herring meal, blue whiting meal, sunflower oil, whole red lentils, whole pinto beans, cod meal, pollock meal, safflower oil, whole green peas, whole green lentils, whole navy beans, lentil fibre, natural cod flavour, whole chickpeas, pollock oil, freeze-dried cod liver, whole pumpkin, whole butternut squash, mixed tocopherols (preservative), kale, spinach, mustard greens, collard greens, turnip greens, whole carrots, whole apples, whole pears, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, dried kelp, zinc proteinate, D-calcium pantothenate, copper proteinate, chicory root, turmeric, sarsaparilla root, althea root, rosehips, juniper berries.
Type - Wheat free.
Suitable For - All dog sizes and breeds.
Taste of the Wild High Prairie Grain-Free Dry Dog Food, you can provide your dog with the balanced diet nature intended. It is made from real meat as its top ingredient and is rich in protein (32%), promoting bones, joints, and lean muscles, using only quality ingredients from trusted domestic and international suppliers. This family-owned brand is made in the USA.
The grain-free recipe contains buffalo and bison proteins, plus peas and sweet potatoes that provide your active dog with highly digestible energy. Natural antioxidants from fruits and vegetables are also included, along with dried chicory root to help maintain a healthy digestive system, immune system, and overall health.
Key Ingredients - 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,
Type - Grain-Free, Gluten Free, High-Protein
Suitable For - All dog sizes and breeds.
GO! SOLUTIONS with limited ingredients: SENSITIVITIES recipes are formulated to support dogs with food allergies and sensitivities. Each recipe contains only one premium-quality animal protein as well as a few other ingredients as possible, which support dogs with food allergies.
The #1 ingredient is cage-free, deboned duck, and fibre from dried chicory root helps soothe sensitive stomachs. It contains no artificial preservatives or byproduct meals.
Natural, sustainable and rich in omega-3 fatty acids, marine microalgae oil is formulated with ASC + MSC-certified marine microalgae oil to support skin, coat and brain health.
With the same base ingredient, you can easily switch between different recipes.
Key Ingredients - De-Boned Duck, Duck Meal, Peas, Lentils, Tapioca, Pea Flour, Canola Oil (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols), Chickpeas, Natural Flavor, Coconut Oil (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols), Monocalcium Phosphate, Salt, Calcium Carbonate, Potassium Chloride, Dried Chicory Root, Choline Chloride, Marine Microalgae Oil, Vitamins (Vitamin A Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (A Source Of Vitamin C), Thiamine Mononitrate, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Beta-Carotene, Folic Acid, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement.), Minerals (Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Zinc Oxide, Manganese Proteinate, Copper Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Calcium Iodate, Manganous Oxide, Selenium Yeast.), Taurine, Dried Rosemary.
Type - Free from corn, wheat and soy.
Suitable For - Complete and balanced for dogs of all ages
Best Large Breed Dog Food
A balanced diet consisting of protein, fat, and carbohydrates is important for all dog breeds, especially large-breed dogs. A dog's nutrition is essential to ensuring their activity levels, coat, digestion, and digestive health.
It is important to consider several factors when choosing dog food for your large-breed dog. The six essential nutrients every dog needs are water, protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals.
Dogs with large breeds can benefit from large breed formulas. Large and giant dogs like Labradors and Great Danes have health issues that can be managed by feeding them the right food.
The size of these dogs makes it obvious that they require large kibble in order to chew properly.
#1 Orijen Adult Orginal Whole Prey Dog Food
It is not surprising that ORIJEN has also ranked first for the large dog breed, just as it has for the other two sizes.
Your canine companion will benefit from the superior nutrition provided by ORIJEN Original Grain-Free Dry Dog Food. Dogs are ancestral carnivores, so they thrive on diets that contain various types of whole animal ingredients.
Wild-caught fish, free-range chickens and turkeys, and cage-free eggs. Fresh or raw poultry and fish are the first 5 ingredients, providing a strong source of essential protein, vitamins, and minerals. In Orijen Adult Original Whole Prey Dog Food, you will find these ingredients as well as many others.
Quality is assured and is made in the USA.
Key Ingredients - Chicken, Turkey, Flounder, Whole Mackerel, Chicken Liver, Turkey Giblets (Liver, Heart, Gizzard), Whole Herring, Eggs, Dehydrated Chicken, Dehydrated Turkey, Dehydrated Chicken Liver, Dehydrated Egg, Dehydrated Mackerel, Whole Red Lentils, Whole Pinto Beans, Chicken Fat, Whole Green Lentils, Whole Navy Beans, Whole Chickpeas, Lentil Fiber, Natural Chicken Flavor, Whole Peas, Pollock Oil, Pea Starch, Chicken Heart, Whole Pumpkin, Whole Butternut Squash, Collard Greens, Whole Apples, Whole Pears, Whole Cranberries, Dried Kelp, Salt, Zinc Proteinate, Mixed Tocopherols (Preservative), Vitamin E Supplement, Freeze-Dried Chicken, Freeze-Dried Turkey, Thiamine Mononitrate, Calcium Pantothenate, Copper Proteinate, Dried Chicory Root, Turmeric, Sarsaparilla Root, Althea Root, Rosehips, Juniper Berries
Type - Wheat free.
Suitable For - All dog sizes and breeds, from weaning to old age
We ranked Acana in our top 3 for the large breed, just as we did for the small breed. Acana recipes are formulated to meet the needs of each breed, and this one is suitable for large and giant breed dogs over 1 year of age and weighing over 55 lbs/25 kilos. Compared to the smaller recipes of this brand, the kibble is much larger.
As with the other breed sizes, Acana has opted to use a 60/40 balance. 60% of the ingredients are fresh free-run poultry, balanced with 40% fruits, vegetables, and botanicals. A great source of nutrition, animal protein, and calcium, it is packed with all the nutrition and Grain-Free and High-Protein for all your adult dog needs to live their best life.
Made in the USA with the world’s finest ingredients.
Key Ingredients - Deboned Chicken, Deboned Turkey, Chicken Meal, Whole Red Lentils, Whole Pinto Beans, Whole Green Peas, Chicken Liver, Chicken Fat, Catfish Meal, Whole Chickpeas, Whole Green Lentils, Whole Yellow Peas, Lentil Fiber, Turkey Giblets (Liver, Heart, Gizzard), Eggs, Fish Oil, Natural Chicken Flavor, Chicken Heart, Pea Starch, Salt, Dried Kelp, Whole Pumpkin, Mixed Tocopherols (Preservative), Zinc Proteinate, Calcium Pantothenate, Collard Greens, Whole Apples, Whole Pears, Vitamin A Acetate, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin E Supplement, Riboflavin, Folic Acid, Freeze-Dried Chicken Liver, Freeze-Dried Turkey Liver, Copper Proteinate, Dried Chicory Root, Turmeric, Sarsaparilla, Althea Root, Rose Hips, Juniper Berries, Citric Acid (Preservative), Rosemary Extract
Type - Grain-free food made without added corn, soy, wheat or tapioca
Suitable For - All large breeds over 55lbs from 12 months to old age.
Wellness CORE Natural Large Breed Dog Food is formulated with chicken, turkey, fruits and vegetables and fortified with antioxidants, probiotics, vitamins, minerals, glucosamine, chondroitin, and omega fatty acids. In addition to promoting lean body mass, muscle tone and a healthy coat and skin, it is crafted into a larger kibble size for ease of eating.
With premium proteins and nutrient-rich superfoods, this dry dog food is formulated using advanced natural nutrition. With no meat by-products, fillers, grain, corn, soy, wheat, wheat gluten or artificial preservatives, colours or flavours, it promotes whole body health.
Guaranteed levels of omega fatty acids with ingredients such as flaxseed and salmon oil to support healthy skin and coat.
Quality is assured and is made in the USA.
Key Ingredients - Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal (source of Glucosamine), Turkey Meal (source of Chondroitin Sulfate), Lentils, Peas, Dried Ground Potatoes, Tomato Pomace, Ground Flaxseed, Pea Fiber, Chicken Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Natural Chicken Flavor, Potassium Chloride, Taurine, Vitamin E Supplement, Spinach, Broccoli, Carrots, Parsley, Apples, Blueberries, Kale, Choline Chloride, L-Carnitine, Zinc Proteinate, Mixed Tocopherols added to preserve freshness, Zinc Sulfate, Calcium Carbonate, Niacin, Iron Proteinate, Ferrous Sulfate, Vitamin A Supplement, Copper Sulfate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Manganese Sulfate, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Sodium Selenite, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin, Biotin, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Chicory Root Extract, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Calcium Iodate, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid.
Type - Grain-Free, No Corn No Wheat No Soy, Gluten Free
Suitable For - All large breeds
Now you have found your choice of food, why not store it in a container and keep it dry. This plastic storage container will hold up to 35lb of dry kibble and has a scoop to help you dispense your food.
Updated 31/07/2023
Commentaires