The 33 best dry dog foods in 2023, with advice from veterinarians

All dogs can enjoy dry food, aka kibble. The AAFCO sets nutritional requirements for percentages of protein, fat, vitamins, and minerals in dog food according to two life stages. The first life stage, growth and reproduction, includes puppies and pregnant or nursing dogs. The second life stage, maintenance, applies to adult dogs.

For this category, we considered dry dog foods for maintenance and all life stages. As the name suggests, food for all life stages meets the nutritional requirements for dogs of any age and must have a minimum of 22% protein and 8% fat. Maintenance foods must have at least 18% protein and 5% fat. The foods we selected may have higher price tags, but they're made by well-regarded brands. 

Dry dog foods come in a wide range of prices. These prices depend, in part, on ingredient quality. For example, some pricier dry dog foods may contain whole meat and other premium ingredients, while budget dry dog foods may contain inexpensive meat meal.

That doesn't mean you have to cross budget foods off your list, though. "Dogs can still get optimal nutrition from budget foods, as long as the food brand is reputable and has researched its foods," says Dr. Lindsey Bullen, a board-certified veterinary nutritionist at Friendship Hospital for Animals. Reputable brands tend to be well-established in the pet food industry, and they rigorously test their food to check its safety and quality and ensure it meets AAFCO nutritional standards.

These budget dry dog food picks meet nutritional needs for adult dogs or all life stages.

Small dogs aren't just miniature versions of their larger counterparts, so they need food that's specially designed for their unique bodies. "Small breed dogs generally require more calories per pound than larger dogs, and they may benefit from smaller kibble that is easier to chew," Koehler says. 

Although small dogs need calorie-dense food, it's important to take care not to overfeed your small dog to reduce the risk of obesity. Your vet can offer more guidance on how much to feed your dog each day. Our top picks for this category meet AAFCO standards for complete and balanced nutrition, are made especially for small dogs, and contain healthy extras like probiotics and omega fatty acids.

Large dogs need food made just for them, too. "Special nutritional requirements for large and giant breed dogs, such as lower energy density and an appropriate calcium-to-phosphorus ratio level, are most important in the puppy stage," Koehler says. For large breed puppies who experience rapid growth, these nutritional requirements help protect against developmental orthopedic diseases like hip dysplasia.

Generally, large breed formulas contain glucosamine and chondroitin for joint support, since larger breeds are more likely to develop diseases like osteoarthritis due to their size.  The food also comes in a larger kibble size. Large kibble encourages chewing and slows down eating, which can help keep dogs from swallowing too much air and developing bloat. This life-threatening condition primarily affects large breeds and can happen when dogs gulp down their food too quickly. The top selections for this category are specially formulated for large breed adult dogs.

Some dogs can snatch days-old forbidden snacks from the trash can with no lasting consequences, but not all dogs have a stomach of steel. Food allergies and dietary imbalances are just a few things that may contribute to a sensitive stomach and lead to symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and gas.

If your dog has trouble digesting certain foods, a dog food designed for sensitive stomachs may be worth a try. Koehler says food allergies in dogs can be successfully managed with either prescription novel protein diets or over-the-counter diets. Over-the-counter diets for sensitive stomachs contain a novel protein or are labeled "sensitive skin and stomach."

"Foods for sensitive stomachs are highly digestible," she says. They're typically low in fat to help digestion and high in fiber to help prevent loose stools. They may also contain probiotics to promote a healthy gut. The foods we selected for this category meet AAFCO standards for adult maintenance and are formulated especially for sensitive stomachs.

Both puppy food and all life stages food meet AAFCO standards for growth and reproduction, but puppy food is the best choice for dogs who haven't reached their full growth. "Puppies are growing and need to develop their muscles, bones, and brains. They need higher levels of many nutrients, including protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and several minerals, such as calcium," Bullen says. Puppy food is formulated to contain higher levels of these nutrients.

Puppies can eat either dry or wet food, or a mix of the two. Wet food may help ease the transition from nursing to solid food, but many puppies also do well eating smaller-sized puppy kibble. Our top picks for dry food for puppies are formulated for growing dogs, so they contain healthy extras, such as omega fatty acids, glucosamine, and chondroitin to support growth and development.

When it comes to dogs, the definition of "senior" can vary based on breed size. Large breeds are considered seniors at ages 8 to 9, while small breeds are considered seniors at ages 8 to 11, according to American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). "Senior dogs can do well on an adult maintenance diet, unless they have age-related medical conditions that require dietary changes," Bullen says. For example, senior dogs with chronic kidney disease need lower levels of phosphorus, sodium, and sometimes potassium in their diet, according to Bullen.

Senior dog foods have fewer calories, but they contain more high-quality protein to maintain muscle mass. They also contain more omega-3 fatty acids to support brain health. Our top choices for dry senior dog foods are high in protein and contain healthy extras like glucosamine and chondroitin to support joint health.  

Grain-free dog foods contain non-grain carbohydrates like peas and lentils. Despite their increasing popularity and heavy marketing, grain-free foods are rarely a necessity. "Most food allergies in dogs are because of a protein source, such as beef or chicken," Koehler says.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) continues to investigate a potential connection between grain-free foods and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs. Experts have yet to find a conclusive link, though some believe the legumes, particularly peas, in many grain-free dog foods may play a part. So, if you're considering switching your dog to a grain-free diet, it's a good idea to talk to your vet first. 

The top selections for this category contain non-grain carbohydrates and meet AAFCO standards for complete and balanced nutrition. They also contain healthy extras like omega fatty acids.

Fat is good for the body, whether that body is dog or human. However, excess dietary fat leads to health problems, like overweight and obesity, which affects over 50% of dogs in the United States, according to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention. According to Bullen, dogs at risk of pancreatitis, as well as those who are slightly overweight, may benefit from a low-fat diet. Dogs who are morbidly obese may benefit from a low-fat diet tailored for weight loss, Bullen says.

According to Bullen, low-fat dry dog foods have less than 13% fat, but some dogs may need an ultra-low-fat diet with less than 10% to 11% fat, depending on their health status. Our top choices for low-fat dry foods contain less than 13% fat and have healthy extras like glucosamine and chondroitin.

While there's no strict definition of the term "limited ingredient," limited-ingredient dog foods do, as a general rule, contain fewer ingredients than regular dog foods. They also typically contain a novel protein since animal proteins are a common source of food allergies in dogs. Examples of novel proteins include lamb, duck, venison, and kangaroo. 

Dogs with food-responsive atopic dermatitis, inflammatory bowel disease, or food sensitivities can benefit from limited-ingredient foods, according to Bullen. "These diseases can range from mild to severe, so check with your veterinarian before switching to this type of food," Bullen says. Our top picks for this category have a limited list of ingredients and contain novel proteins.

Fiber in dog food comes in two forms: soluble and insoluble. "Soluble fiber, such as psyllium husk, absorbs water in the digestive tract and becomes gel-like. Insoluble fiber, such as cellulose, draws water into the digestive tract," Bullen says. Depending on a dog's digestive health, they may need one type of fiber over another. Water absorbed in the digestive tract can make stool more formed, which can help with diarrhea. On the other hand, dogs with constipation may benefit more from insoluble fiber, since more water in the digestive tract can make stool bulkier and help it pass more easily. 

Fiber content in dry dog foods is listed as crude fiber, which is a fibrous residue remaining after a food's chemical processing. Dry dog foods typically contain between 1 and 10% fiber, with fiber percentages between 6% and 10% generally considered "high fiber." However, different nutritionists may have slightly different ranges for fiber content, according to Bullen.

Vets may recommend a high-fiber diet for dogs with mild constipation and diabetes, as well as dogs who are overweight. Just keep in mind that too much fiber can cause digestive problems, so it's best to check with your vet before switching your dog to a high-fiber food. Our top choices for this category contain at least 6% fiber and have healthy extras, like omega fatty acids and probiotics.

When shopping for dry dog food, considering these criteria can help you choose a brand that meets your dog's needs: 

•  AAFCO nutritional adequacy statement: This statement ensures that the food provides complete and balanced nutrition for a dog's life stage. Always look for this label when choosing food for your dog. 
• Guaranteed analysis: The guaranteed analysis lists the minimum and maximum percentages of key nutrients — protein, fat, fiber — along with percentages of vitamins and minerals. The exact percentages are usually not listed on a dry matter basis, but you can get this information by calling the food's manufacturer.
•  Ingredients list: "Ingredients are listed from most to least, according to weight," Bullen says. In dry dog foods, whole meat typically appears first because of its heaviness from water weight. Meat meals, which don't contain water, often fall further down the list. Meat byproducts may also appear in the ingredients. These are processed to remove harmful pathogens. "Every single ingredient should have a nutritive function," Bullen says.
• Healthy extras: Healthy extras refer to ingredients that promote specific aspects of a dog's health. For example, glucosamine and chondroitin support joint health, while probiotics promote healthy digestion. "Prebiotics, which are often fibers like chicory fiber, can promote a healthy gut microbiome," Koehler says.
• Calorie content: Excess calories contribute to obesity, so the calorie content of the food matters. "Calorie content varies a lot in dry dog food, so work with your veterinarian to determine how many calories your dog should eat each day," Koehler says. You can also use this calorie calculator to get a rough estimate of your dog's daily caloric needs. Calorie content is listed as kcals (kilocalories)/cup on dog food labels.
• Feeding trials: Feeding trials show that a pet food company has gone the extra mile to test their food. Any food that has undergone additional testing will have a statement like this on its label: "Animal feeding tests using AAFCO procedures substantiate that [product] provides complete and balanced nutrition for [life stage]."
• Expert formulations: The WSAVA Global Nutrition Guidelines recommend selecting pet food from a brand that has a dedicated nutrition expert on staff. Our experts agree that dog food brands should employ a full-time board-certified veterinary nutritionist and perhaps a PhD-level animal nutritionist. The food brands in this guide all employ dog nutrition experts to formulate their foods. 
• Next-level ingredients: Next-level ingredients, like cage-free chicken and wild-caught fish, may sound appealing. However, Bullen says these ingredients aren't nutritionally necessary, and they don't automatically improve the quality of the food. Whether you choose to feed your dog a food with these ingredients comes down to personal preference.

To select foods for this guide, we spoke with a board-certified veterinary nutritionist and a small animal veterinarian in private practice. Although they chose not to provide specific product recommendations, they both prefer brands that employ a full-time board-certified veterinary nutritionist.

Dr. Rhiannon Koehler is a small animal veterinarian at the Greater Humane Society of Kansas City. She is also a freelance medical writer and owner of Evergreen Medical Writing, where she specializes in writing about veterinary medicine for pet owners and veterinary professionals.

Dr. Lindsey E Bullen is a board-certified veterinary nutritionist at Friendship Hospital for Animals in Washington, D.C. After graduating from veterinary school at North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine, she remained at the veterinary school and completed a medical and surgery internship, followed by a residency in small animal nutrition and fellowship in clinical nutrition. Her clinical areas of interest include acute and chronic kidney disease and weight loss.

We also referred to the nutritional standards set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) and the World Small Animal Veterinary Association.

Do vets recommend kibble?

"For healthy dogs, kibble is a good, affordable option for a well-balanced diet," Koehler says, but she reminds pet owners that every dog is different. Some dogs may do better on dry food, while others may thrive on wet food. Consider your dog's food preferences and overall health, along with your budget, when deciding between kibble and wet food.

What dry dog food is most recommended by veterinarians?

Veterinarians consider factors like a dog's size, age, and health status when making food recommendations, so there's no single dry dog food that most veterinarians recommend. Bullen also considers several other factors, including a brand's investment in quality control and how the brand manages food recalls. Our experts both prefer reputable food brands that employ a full-time board-certified veterinary nutritionist. 

What dry foods are good for dogs?

Dry foods that contain high-quality ingredients and meet AAFCO's standards for complete and balanced nutrition are good for dogs. With so many dry dog foods on the market, it's best to work with your veterinarian to select a dry food that meets your dog's unique nutritional needs.  

Is it OK for dogs to only eat dry food?

Yes, dogs can get their nutritional needs met through dry food alone. That said, certain health conditions may affect your dog's ability to eat hard kibble. For example, dogs with dental disease or tooth loss may benefit from the softness of wet food, though you may also choose to soften kibble with water before feeding your dog.

Is dry food the best for dogs?

Dry food has a number of benefits for dogs, and it also costs less than wet food. But it's not necessarily the best for all dogs. "Overall, the best food for a dog is what they will eat and what will support optimal metabolism and a good quality of life," Bullen says.