The Best Dog Foods for Any Dog’s Diet
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Natural Balance 13 oz Ultra Premium Lamb Formula Dog Food -
By Nature Organics Adult Formula Dog Food -
Blue Buffalo Wilderness Grain Free Chicken Dry Dog Food -
Blue Buffalo Blue's Stew Canned Dog Food -
Oven-Baked Tradition Grain Free Dry Dog Food -
Nature's Variety Instinct Grain-Free Rabbit Meal Dry Dog Food -
By Nature Puppy Formula Dog Food -
Solid Gold Dry Puppy Dog Food -
Blue Buffalo Wilderness Grain Free Chicken Dry Dog Food -
Buyer's Guide
Not unlike their human companions, every dog is different and has unique requirements for their diet. This can cause quite the quandary for a dog owner, especially with a plethora of choices lining every pet and grocery store. Whether you prefer your dog to eat holistic, natural or organic; or if your pooch has special needs like allergies or is overweight; we have created a list that will help you make the most educated and appropriate decision for your dog during every stage of life.
For more information on what to look at in selecting the best dog foods in 2022, We have listed below the best dog foods available for you to help you decide what product is best to buy.
Comparing the Best Dog Foods for 2022
Natural Balance 13 oz Ultra Premium Lamb Formula Dog Food - Best Dog Food Overall
Wet foods can be hit or miss with sensitive stomachs, but Dick Van Patten's Natural Balance has the limited ingredient formula down to a science. Using the low fat, high protein Bison as the main ingredient you'll be confident that your pop is getting the nutrition he needs while also being gentle on his sensitive stomach. The L.I.D. formulas never include grains like wheat, rice or corn which are often rough on the belly. Any of the limited ingredient choices are a safe bet, so if your dog doesn't prefer bison, try chicken, duck, lamb or fish.
By Nature Organics Adult Formula Dog Food - Runner Up
By Nature Organics specializes in organic only pet foods, and they have mastered their recipe. Their Adult Dog Formula has a balanced ratio of fat to protein with organic chicken meal as the first ingredient. The use of organic brown rice, whole oats and many chemical free vegetables ensures a balanced nutrition for your dog. Because they only use organic ingredients, consumers can be reassured that every bite is free from hormones, antibiotics and any other additives that can be harmful to a dog's health. The natural recipe is also a treat to even the pickiest palate with hand selected meats, veggies and grains.
Blue Buffalo Wilderness Grain Free Chicken Dry Dog Food - Honorable Mention
Focusing on the natural diet to your canine's ancestors, the wolf Blue Buffalo Wilderness definitely changes the game. Blue Buffalo Wilderness formula made with duck is a unique option that can't be found in most foods on the market. Made with deboned duck, chicken meal and turkey meal plus sweet potatoes, oatmeal, potatoes and blueberries creates a healthy and eclectic mix that will please your pet's palate and nutrition requirements. This particular blend is marketed as an alternative to those that may prefer to feed their dog a raw diet. For something a little different, yet rational, Blue Buffalo is the best bet.
Blue Buffalo Blue's Stew Canned Dog Food - Consider
If you want to cater to you dog's palate while ensuring he's receiving the best possible nutrition then Blue Buffalo's variety of Blue's Stews are a great option. The stews have hearty chunks of meat and are packed with veggies like carrots, peas and potatoes all slathered in gravy. Whether your dog prefers chicken, turkey, beef, lamb or even eggs, there is definitely a recipe that will please you and your canine. With names such as, Hunter's Stew and Irish Lamb Stew, you can feel like you're serving your dog a fine meal each time you crack a can.
Oven-Baked Tradition Grain Free Dry Dog Food - Best Dry Dog Food
Though not a wildly well known option, Over-Baked Tradition prides itself in quality pet foods. The Grain Free formula comes in several flavors including fish, chicken both in large and small bites to fit your dog's preference. The chicken recipe is a favorite of most dogs, and this food contains a high level of protein including chicken, chicken meal, herring meal, and eggs. Other healthy ingredients include fresh spinach, fresh whole blueberries, fresh whole apples, fresh whole carrots, fresh whole sweet potato and pumpkin puree. Though there are no non-natural additives the addition of catechin (green tea extract) helps prevent dental plaque, which every dog could use.
Nature's Variety Instinct Grain-Free Rabbit Meal Dry Dog Food - Best Dry Dog Food
Nature's Variety Instinct line of kibble embraces a dog's natural carnivorous spirit by focusing on meat heavy protein sources while keeping out grain and gluten. There are several flavor options including salmon meal, chicken meal, beef and lamb meal and duck and turkey meal. The rabbit meal recipe is a unique flavor that appeals to a dog's natural prey drive while providing well-rounded nutrition and healthy digestion. The first two ingredients rabbit meal and salmon meal are both lower fat than some other meat options, making this choice ideal for weight management.
By Nature Puppy Formula Dog Food - Best Puppy Food
Solid Gold offers several formulas for puppies based on size, but the Hundchen Flocken Puppy is perfect for all growing dogs. With balanced proteins containing lamb and fish it is an easy to digest formula that will please both dog and owner. What sets Solid Gold apart from other brands is their use of many fruits, vegetables and other healthful additives like B12 and Folic Acid. This unique food provides all the vitamins and minerals that your puppy needs to grow into a healthy, strong adult.
Solid Gold Dry Puppy Dog Food - Best Puppy Food
For the pet owner that takes care to eat only organic foods daily, the perfect puppy food is By Nature Puppy Formula. By Nature's organic pet food products are top-of-the-line and the ingredients are real, wholesome food, no additives or preservatives. The puppy formula contains chicken, lamb, brown rice and oats at the top of the list. Some more unusual, but extremely healthy ingredients are flaxseed, quinoa and sweet potatoes. For an energetic, healthy puppy that eats only the best foods, By Nature is a winner.
Blue Buffalo Wilderness Grain Free Chicken Dry Dog Food - Honorable Mention
Focusing on the natural diet to your canine's ancestors, the wolf Blue Buffalo Wilderness definitely changes the game. Blue Buffalo Wilderness formula made with duck is a unique option that can't be found in most foods on the market. Made with deboned duck, chicken meal and turkey meal plus sweet potatoes, oatmeal, potatoes and blueberries creates a healthy and eclectic mix that will please your pet's palate and nutrition requirements. This particular blend is marketed as an alternative to those that may prefer to feed their dog a raw diet. For something a little different, yet rational, Blue Buffalo is the best bet.
Buyer's Guide
First, we eat, and then we do everything else. That is how important food is in our life. Without it, we cannot survive.
The same for our beautiful pooches.
Your dog happily wagging its tail is one of the best things ever, and one way to achieve that is by feeding them healthy good food to keep it going. Have you ever had that feeling of wasting good money on trashy food?
Sucks right?
Well, you would not want that for your dog either which is why this buying guide is what you need in order to pick out the best food for your dog. However, there are thousands of different dog foods out there and the options can get overwhelming.
Having trouble with making a choice? No worries. We got you covered!
Our aim with this guide is to help you in navigating the dog food landscape so you can make the best choice that will make both you and your dog happy!
Why is Getting the Right Dog Food Important?
We and our dogs are what we eat. Your pup eats well and it lives well; it eats bad, and it lives badly.
For your dog to grow and live well, a healthy diet should not be compromised. With a proper diet, your dog would live longer and also develop a stronger immune system which reduces their chances of falling sick.
Getting the best of the best is important for both you and your dog because a happy dog makes a happy dog parent!
What Factors Should I Consider When Buying Dog Food?
There are many factors that can influence the choice of food for your dog. These will range from your dog’s breed to its size, and many others. It is relevant for you to pick something that is tailored towards your dog’s needs. These are factors you should consider in getting the best dog food:
Life Stages
This is the first step in making a choice when it comes to food for your dog. The life stage they are in determines the balance in fiber, carbohydrate, fat, and protein they need.
For puppies, they need the correct ratio of fat to protein and essential vitamins so that they can have steady growth and develop muscles.
Adults dogs aged (1-6) years also need a proper protein to fat ratio in order to ensure the right nutrients and maintain muscle mass. Their foods should be highly digestible and also contain omega 3 fatty acids which can be gotten from ingredients like chicken, fish, and flaxseed that can help with conditions like renal disease and arthritis.
Active or performance dogs need the extra boost from food that contains antioxidants, fat, and protein. Dogs older than six years need more fiber in place of protein and fat because of their low activity levels. A dose of Glucosamine is also recommended.
Your Dog’s Breed and Size
Another factor to consider is the breed of your dog. Is it a Rottweiler? An American Eskimo? Or a Chihuahua? Your dog breed should be put into consideration when picking the best dog food.
Different dogs need different diets based on their breed in order to stay healthy. Make sure the ingredients are suitable for your dog’s breed.
The size of your dog also matters.
Small dogs require more calories per pound while large dogs require special diets in order to avoid health risks. Smaller breeds of dogs can digest food faster and require more meals that are rich in all types of nutrients.
Larger breeds on the other hand require heavier meals and more protein.
Ingredients
When shopping for dog food, you need to understand what should be in there and what should not. Always check the label of the product before purchasing for the ingredients it contains.
Go for products that use natural preservatives and avoid synthetic or artificial additives where possible.
Meat and its by-products are the essence of dog food but make sure to choose the correct type of meat. And even though dogs love meat, they also need the other nutrients that come with grains, vegetables, and fruits.
These are known as fillers but are also a source of essential nutrients.
Should I buy Wet or Dry Dog Food?
One decision to make is the choice between wet and dry food. There are certain points to note when it comes to this as each food has its cons and pros.
Dry Dog Food
Dry dog food is the most popular dog food because it is cheaper, easier to store and measure. It is good for your dog’s teeth and contains more vitamins and minerals. It also lasts longer but may contain preservatives which you need to be mindful of.
It is the least appealing and does not require refrigeration after opening.
Wet Dog Food
These are for dogs that require a lot of fat in their diet, wet food contains lots of protein and lasts longer when they remain unopened.
Wet food is generally more appealing to dogs and also more palatable. Compared to dry food, it is messier and has a high protein content which can lead to weight gain in your dog. It is more expensive but healthier, also an excellent source of hydration but can cause dental problems.
It is advisable not to stick to strictly dry or wet food but rather, shuffle them since they both have their advantages.
Sensitivity and Allergies
You have to put into consideration how a particular food affects your dog. You should observe how they react to certain foods as pups may be allergic to certain food.
It is recommended you discuss with your veterinarian what food your dog’s system agrees with.
Personal Preferences
At the end of the day, everything boils down to you and your dog’s personal preferences; what you think is best for your dog and what your dog likes.
The ultimate goal is for the food to meet your dog’s nutritional needs and to be happy and healthy.
FAQs
Q: How can I be sure the vitamin and mineral content of a food is safe?
A: You are never too sure about the food content except if you test each and every batch that’s because other ingredients contain minerals before a dog food manufacturer actually adds vitamins and mineral supplements to the recipe.
Q: How often should dog foods be switched?
A: There is no fixed feeding plan that works better than others. It all depends on you so do what works for you.
Q: How much should I feed my dog?
A: Each dog food contains a different number of calories per serving, so follow the feeding instructions on each package.
