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Pet parents like to ask… “What’s the best dry dog food on the market?”
Unfortunately…
Conflicting advice, deceptive marketing and thousands of dry dog food options can make finding the best brands a challenge.
So… we combined the top picks from our own editors… with those of the many pet food designers, nutritionists and veterinarians we’ve interviewed since launching The Dog Food Advisor… back in 2008.
On this page… we’ll share the best dry dog foods on the market. And we’ll answer the most frequently asked questions we get about finding and feeding quality kibbles.
Our Top Picks
Best Dry Dog Food October 2024
Here are The Dog Food Advisor's best dry dog food brands for October 2024.
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1. Open Farm Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
Grass Fed Beef is one of 10 grain-free recipes in our review of the Open Farm product line.
This Open Farm recipe obtains the bulk of its animal protein from beef. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 36% protein, 18% fat and 38% estimated carbs… producing a fat-to-protein ratio of about 48%.
A perfect source of premium nutrition. Recommended.
Read our review of the full Open Farm Grain-Free Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Humanely raised beef, ocean whitefish meal, field peas, sweet potato, beef livers Texture Dry Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 36% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For All dogs and puppies Sample buyer review...
"Lola has had some type of food allergy since she was a puppy and it took so much trial and error until we found Open Farm. She loves the food and is so healthy now with a happy tummy. I love how the food is sourced and the quality ingredients."
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2. Redbarn Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
Redbarn Grain-Free Sky is one of three dry recipes studied in our review of the Redbarn dry product line.
Redbarn Sky derives the bulk of its meat protein from fresh turkey and chicken. Dry matter label analysis reveals a wet recipe containing 31% protein, 17% fat and 44% estimated carbs… with a fat-to-protein ratio of about 10%.
A wholesome grain-free product. Recommended with confidence.
Read our review of the full Redbarn Grain Free Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Turkey, chicken, chicken meal, duck meal, turkey meal Texture Dry Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 31% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For All dogs and puppies Sample buyer review...
"As a pet owner I always want the best for my dogs. I made the best decision in choosing this brand. The combination of ingredients, flavors as well as nutrients. It's the best. My dog loves it. Highly Recommended!!"
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3. A Pup Above Whole Food Cubies
Chicken Pupatouille is one of five dehydrated recipes covered in our review of the A Pup Above product line.
This particular recipes derives the bulk of its meat protein from chicken. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 33% protein, 21% fat and 38% estimated carbs… resulting a fat-to-protein ratio of about 63%.
Read our review of the full A Pup Above Whole Food Cubies Dog Food (Dehydrated) range here
Main Ingredients Chicken, chicken heart, sweet potato, barley, oat Type Grain-inclusive (barley, oat) Protein Percentage 33% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adult dogs Sample buyer review...
"The Cubies make it so easy to feed on the go. We’ve used them for training or when we’re out and about during mealtime, and love that we’re still getting everything we love from the fresh recipe. Kirby gets so excited when the Cubies box comes out! He knows he’s in for something special."
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4. Wellness Complete Health Dry Dog Food
Wellness Complete Health Adult Deboned Chicken and Oatmeal is one of 13 dry recipes included in our review of the Wellness Complete Health product line.
This Wellness Complete Health formula derives the bulk of its meat protein from chicken and chicken meal. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the product contains 27% protein, 13% fat and 52% estimated carbs… creating a fat-to-protein ratio of about 50%.
One of the best grain-inclusive kibbles on the market. Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full Wellness Complete Health Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Deboned chicken, chicken meal, oatmeal, ground barley, peas Texture Dry Type Grain-inclusive Protein Percentage 27% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adult dogs Sample buyer review...
"I have three dogs, all different breeds and sizes. They all love this food; it has caused absolutely no stomach issues... After discussing this with our awesome Veterinarian she recommended Wellness and our Goldendoodle hasn't had any stomach issues in 5 years. The stomach issues brought us to Wellness, but the quality ingredients kept us loyal."
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5. Taste of the Wild Dry Dog Food
High Prairie is one of nine dry recipes included in our review of the Taste of the Wild product line.
This particular recipe derives the majority of its meat protein from fresh buffalo, as well as both chicken and lamb meals. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 36% protein, 20% fat and 36% estimated carbs… producing a fat-to-protein ratio of about 56%.
Taste of the Wild provides a top-rated, nutrient-balanced formula at an affordable price. Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full Taste of the Wild Dog Food range here
Main Ingredients Buffalo, lamb meal, chicken meal, sweet potatoes, peas Texture Dry Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 36% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adult dogs Sample buyer review...
"We have had a tough run with our sensitive GSD with diarrhea, itchy butt and ears. After trying multiple types of foods leading to severe enteritis, we gave TOW high prairie a try. Within days, solid poop and no itching! We are so relieved!"
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6. The Pets Table
The Pets Table Chicken and Sweet Potato is one of two recipes included in our review of the The Pets Table (Air-Dried) dry product line.
This recipe derives the bulk of its animal protein from chicken. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 29% protein, 35% fat and 28% estimated carbs… resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 122%.
This product range uses single animal protein and is cooked at lower temperatures to preserve the healthy proteins, vitamins, and antioxidants. It contains no added fillers, preservatives, or artificial flavors.Â
Please note: If your dog is susceptible to weight gain this range would not be an ideal choice due to the high FPR (fat-to-protein ratio).
Read our review of the full The Pets Table Air-Dried Dog Food range here
Main Ingredients Chicken, carrots, sweet potato, coconut oil, sunflower oil Type Air-dried Protein Percentage 29% AAFCO Standards All life stages Best For All dogs Sample buyer review...
"The Pets Table air-dried option makes it affordable and convenient to provide my dogs with the nutrition they need."
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7. Instinct Original Grain-Free Dry
Instinct Original with Real Beef is one of five dry recipes included in our review of the Instinct Original product line.
This Instinct example derives the majority of its animal protein from beef and chicken meal. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 40% protein, 23% fat and 29% estimated carbs… which creates a fat-to-protein ratio of about 57%.
With multiple “flavor” options, Instinct makes an ideal choice for feeding picky eaters. Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full Instinct Dog Food range here
Main Ingredients Beef, chicken meal, white fish meal, peas, chicken fat Texture Dry Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 40% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For All dogs and puppies Sample buyer review...
"Our rescued English Bulldog has been eating this product since she arrived. She has no allergy issues and seems to be doing well with this formula. She is eager to eat. She's digesting the product well and her flatulence is now non-existent. Happy dog, happy home!"
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8. Spot and Tango Unkibble
Chicken and Brown Rice Unkibble is one of three dry recipes included in our review of the Spot and Tango product line.
This particular formula derives the majority of its animal protein from fresh chicken. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 26% protein, 17% fat and 49% estimated carbs… producing a fat-to-protein ratio of about 64%.
The quality of fresh ingredients just dry. Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full Spot and Tango UnKibble Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Chicken, brown rice, sweet potatoes, carrots, apples Texture Dry Type Grain-inclusive Protein Percentage 26% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For All dogs and puppies Sample buyer review...
"I always worry that the regular dry kibble isn’t enough nutrition for Hoagie. This is a good alternative that doesn’t require me feeding him a full meal of raw food (which gives me sticker-shock and I worry if I don’t feed it to him fast enough for it to still be fresh.)"
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9. Jinx Dry Dog Food
Salmon, Brown Rice and Sweet Potato recipe is one of six dry foods included in our review of the Jinx product line.
This Jinx recipe derives the bulk of its animal protein from fresh salmon. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 30% protein, 16% fat and 46% estimated carbs… creating a fat-to-protein ratio of about 52%.
A fully-balanced, grain-inclusive dog food. Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full Jinx Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Salmon, pearled barley, ground peas, turkey meal, brown rice Texture Dry Type Grain-inclusive Protein Percentage 30% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For All dogs and puppies Sample buyer review...
"Finally found a new food we are happy with! My dog loves the salmon flavor and we can’t wait to try the chicken sampler! We especially love how much thought goes into the food and it’s ingredients."
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10. Nature's Logic Dry Dog Food
Nature’s Logic Canine Chicken Meal Feast is one of 11 dry recipes included in our review of the Nature’s Logic product line.
This Nature’s Logic example recipe derives the bulk of its meat protein from chicken meal. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the product contains 40% protein, 17% fat and 36% estimated carbs… yielding a fat-to-protein ratio of about 42%.
Nature’s Logic is one of the few dry brands meeting AAFCO nutrient standards by using live feeding trials. Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full Nature’s Logic Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Chicken meal, millet, chicken fat, pumpkin seed, yeast culture Texture Dry Type Grain-inclusive Protein Percentage 40% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For Adult dogs and puppies Sample buyer review...
"I have been feeding this for 3 months now and their skin and coats have cleared up nicely. No more greasy smelly fur babies. Plus no more pills on a daily basis. Yes it's a little more expensive but I'm saving in vet bills. Trying to find a grain and potato free kibble is nearly impossible but I hit a home run here."
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11. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Dry
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Chicken and Rice is one of 20 kibble recipes included in our review of the Blue Buffalo Life Protection product line.
This Life Protection recipe derives the majority of its animal protein from chicken and chicken meal. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 27% protein, 16% fat and 50% estimated carbs… creating a fat-to-protein ratio of about 58%.
A top-rated, grain-inclusive kibble. One of The Advisor’s most popular recommendations.
Read our review of the full Blue Buffalo Life Protection Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Deboned chicken, chicken meal, brown rice, barley, oatmeal Texture Dry Type Grain-inclusive Protein Percentage 27% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adult dogs Sample buyer review...
"My dog is a very picky eater with a sensitive stomach (he is a chocolate heeler) and this food has done wonders for him. He's finally eating as much as he should without stomach issues and it's made him almost a brand new dog. I tried a few different foods with him but this seemed to give me the best results..."
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12. Canidae Pure Grain Free Dry Dog Food
Canidae Pure Real Salmon and Sweet Potato is one of 11 dry kibble recipes included in our review of the Canidae Grain-Free Pure product line.
This product derives the majority of its meat protein from fresh salmon, as well as salmon meal and menhaden fish meal. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 36% protein, 20% fat and 36% estimated carbs… which produces a fat-to-protein ratio of about 56%.
An exceptional, dry recipe, free of corn, wheat or soy. A top recommendation.
Read our review of the full Canidae Pure Grain Free Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Salmon, salmon meal, menhaden fish meal, sweet potatoes, peas Texture Dry Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 36% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adult dogs Sample buyer review...
"After switching dog foods several times due to my girl having a very sensitive stomach we tried this on a recommendation. No more issues and she LOVES the food. What more could you ask for?"
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13. Orijen Dry Dog Food
Orijen Original is one of nine dry recipes included in our review of the Orijen product line.
This Orijen product derives the majority of its animal protein from chicken, turkey and fish. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 43% protein, 21% fat and 28% estimated carbs… which produces a fat-to-protein ratio of about 47%.
A meat-rich, dry dog food made by a quality company… known for its superior, biologically appropriate designs. Not cheap… but worthy of serious consideration.
Read our review of the full Orijen Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Deboned chicken, deboned turkey, Atlantic flounder, cage-free eggs, whole Atlantic mackerel Texture Dry Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 43% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For All dogs and puppies Sample buyer review...
"Since I rescued Pewee (a jack a bee) I've been trying to find a dog food he would eat. He refused to eat every dry or wet food I found. So I had a friend who had a similar problem with her dog, gave me some Orijen to try since her picky eater loved it from day one. I tried it and he loved it as soon as I put it in his bowl. He ate every bite. I ordered a bag and it was here in two days, it was fresh and had a great smell. As soon as I put it in his bowl he eats every piece and wants more! Since he's been on it his coat looks much better, he has more energy and go's to bathroom on a regular basis. I can't say enough about this food. Thank you Orijen!!"
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14. Nulo Freestyle Dry Dog Food
Nulo Freestyle Adult Turkey and Sweet Potato is one of nine dry kibble recipes included in our review of the Nulo Freestyle product line.
This recipe derives the bulk of its meat protein from turkey, as well as turkey and salmon meals. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 37% protein, 20% fat and 35% estimated carbs… which produces a fat-to-protein ratio of about 55%.
A superior, grain-free kibble, offering balanced nutrition… for a wide range of dogs. Recommended with confidence.
Read our review of the full Nulo FreeStyle Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Deboned turkey, turkey meal, salmon meal, chickpeas, chicken fat Texture Dry Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 37% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For All dogs and puppies Sample buyer review...
"My dogs have been on this food for about a year now. After switching around a bit due to food allergies and wanting what was best for the dogs I found Nulo. Their coats have never been shinier and they love love love this food! No more dryness in their coats in the colder winter months just shine healthy coats and happy dogs. There's a variety of food flavors to choose from and the dogs love them all."
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15. Go! Carnivore Dry Dog Food
Go! Carnivore Chicken, Turkey and Duck Adult is one of five kibble recipes included in our review of the Go! Carnivore product line.
This Go! Carnivore formula derives the majority of its animal protein from chicken, turkey and salmon meals, as well fresh chicken and turkey. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 38% protein, 18% fat and 36% estimated carbs… resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 47%.
Free of GMO (genetically modified) ingredients and loaded with meat. A rare find. Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full Go! Solutions Carnivore Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Chicken meal, turkey meal, salmon meal, de-boned chicken, de-boned turkey Texture Dry Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 38% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adult dogs Sample buyer review...
"I've gone through about 5 or 6 different brands of kibble to find a food that my dog likes and also does well on. I'm absolutely ecstatic to say that Go! Fit + Trim is that food. Great stool, gorgeous coat, clean teeth, boundless energy, you name it. I'm incredibly impressed and so is my best girl. We found our forever food!"
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16. Wellness Core Dry Dog Food
Wellness Core Original is one of 12 dry grain-free recipes included in our review of the Wellness Core product line.
This formula derives the bulk of its animal protein from fresh turkey, as well as turkey and chicken meals. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 38% protein, 18% fat and 36% estimated carbs… producing a fat-to-protein ratio of about 47%.
Core has appeared on our Best Grain-Free Dog Foods list for more than 10 years. Enthusiastically recommended.
Read our review of the full Wellness Core Grain Free Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Deboned turkey, turkey meal, chicken meal, peas, potatoes Texture Dry Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 38% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adult dogs Sample buyer review...
"After recently reading an article on health risks for pea proteins in canine foods we decided (after research) that Core was a very good option. Our Bella LOVES IT and it was an easy transition from her old food with no disruption to her digestive system at all which is so common. We are very happy with this brand. It costs a little more than others but our Bella is worth it !!!"
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17. Holistic Select Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
Holistic Select Adult and Puppy Health is one of five kibble recipes included in our review of the Holistic Select Grain-Free product line.
This formula derives most of its meat protein from fresh salmon, as well as anchovy and sardine meal. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 32% protein, 16% fat and 44% estimated carbs… producing a fat-to-protein ratio of about 48%.
An exceptional grain-free dog food offering numerous recipe and flavor options. Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full Holistic Select Grain Free Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Salmon, anchovy and sardine meal, potatoes, peas, menhaden fish meal Texture Dry Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 32% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adult dogs Sample buyer review...
"This food was a suggestion by my vet for our small pup who is having food allergy problems. He had lost a strip of hair straight down his back and was also having bowel problems. This new food has already gotten his bowels in great working order and his hair is growing back on his back."
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18. Dr. Tim's Dry Dog Food
Dr. Tim’s Pursuit Active Dog Formula is one of nine dry kibble recipes included in our review of the Dr. Tim’s product line.
This Dr. Tim’s product derives the bulk of its animal protein from chicken meal. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 33% protein, 22% fat and 36% estimated carbs… creating a fat-to-protein ratio of about 67%.
One of the best-kept secrets in the dry kibble market. And it’s one of our top picks, especially for sporting dogs. Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full Dr. Tim’s Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Chicken meal, brown rice, chicken fat, whole oat groats, dried beet pulp Texture Dry Type Grain-inclusive Protein Percentage 33% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For All dogs and puppies Sample buyer review...
"From the moment the box arrived, it was a hit with my Australian Kelpie/Heeler blend. He has done extremely well on this food and it has eliminated his gas/hard stool issues entirely. Though the price is higher than most, the quality is well worth it in order to promote a healthy lifestyle for my boy."
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19. Iams Proactive Health Dry Dog Food
Iams Lamb & Rice Mini Chunks formula is one of 13 dry recipes included in our review of the Iams Proactive Health product line.
This recipe derives a large portion of its animal protein from fresh lamb. Our dry matter label analysis reveals it contains 28% protein, 16% fat and 49% estimated carbs… which creates a fat-to-protein ratio of about 56%.
An affordable, “classic” design offering multiple recipe options. A top selection popular with veterinarians and professional breeders. Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full Iams Proactive Health Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Lamb, chicken by-product meal, brewers rice, ground whole grain barley, ground whole grain corn Texture Dry Type Grain-inclusive Protein Percentage 28% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adult dogs Sample buyer review...
"My bulldog has terrible allergies and colitis, and even with taking allergy medication, so many foods worsened her problems. Even grain free limited ingredient dog foods did not help. This red bag lamb and rice iams formula is one of the very few foods she can eat and once I changed her to this food, along with her continued apoquel, her skin allergies are getting better and her hair is growing back, with no colitis flare ups."
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20. Annamaet Dry Dog Food
Annamaet Ultra is one of 10 dry recipes included in our review of the Annamaet product line.
This Annamaet kibble derives most of its meat protein from chicken meal. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 36% protein, 22% fat and 34% estimated carbs… which produces a fat-to-protein ratio of about 63%.
Especially popular with sporting dog professionals. Enthusiastically recommended.
Read our review of the full Annamaet Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Chicken meal, brown rice, chicken fat, whole dry eggs, herring meal Texture Dry Type Grain-inclusive Protein Percentage 36% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For Adult dogs and puppies Sample buyer review...
"I only started feeding this food a few months ago after extensive research and I couldn't be happier with the results. Beautiful long thick coats, firm small bowel movements, and great accessible energy. I run a boarding business and all my clients who have tried Annamaet have all been very happy with it. As kibble goes, this is one of the very best options on the market."
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21. Merrick Classic Healthy Grains Dry
Real Beef and Brown Rice is one of 15 recipes included in our review of the Merrick Classic dry product line.
This formula derives the bulk of its animal protein from fresh deboned beef and pork meal. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 29% protein, 17% fat and 46% estimated carbs… resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 58%.
A fully balanced recipe, which contains zinc amino acid complex and four other chelated minerals — superior nutritional supplements typically found in higher quality dog foods. Reasonably priced. Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full Merrick Classic Healthy Grains Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Deboned beef, pork meal, brown rice, barley, oatmeal Texture Dry Type Grain-inclusive Protein Percentage 29% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adult dogs Sample buyer review...
"After adopting animals that had been dropped off at my property I thought it was easy to buy cheap dogfood to keep them all nourished. Bad deal! I was contributing to poor health and obesity. I switched over to Merrick and within weeks noticed a change in weight and energy in all my pets."
More Top Picks
To view more top dog foods by category… click the link below that best meets your personal feeding needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much dry food should I feed my dog?
Since it’s impossible to predict the exact serving size that’s “perfect” for each dog when feeding a specific brand of food…
It’s best to start with the amount of kibble suggested by the feeding instructions on the bag… like this example:
Then, over time…
Adjust that serving size up or down… to keep your dog at ideal weight.
What's the safest way to switch my dog to a new dry food?
It’s best to transition to a new dry dog food gradually.
Start by mixing about 25% “new” and 75% old food together. Then, slowly increase that amount to a full 100%… over the next 7 days… like this:
Transition Schedule | Old Food | New Food |
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Days 1 and 2 | 75% | 25% |
Days 3 and 4 | 50% | 50% |
Days 5 and 6 | 25% | 75% |
Day 7 | 0% | 100% |
Don’t rush the process. Take your time to lower the risk of stomach upset.
What risky ingredients should I avoid when buying dry dog food?
Here are 8 of the most controversial ingredients found in many popular dry dog foods… and the health danger to which each may be linked:
Ingredient | Type | Linked To |
---|---|---|
BHA | Preservative | Cancer |
BHT | Preservative | Cancer |
TBHQ | Preservative | Cancer |
Ethoxyquin | Preservative | Liver pigmentation |
Menadione | Synthetic vitamin | Hemolytic anemia |
Artificial dyes | Colorant | Cancer |
Propylene glycol | Moisturizer | Heinz body anemia |
Generic “meat” | Unknown source | Food allergies |
To be sure you never unknowingly feed YOUR dog a dry kibble that contains any of these high-risk ingredients… be sure to favor recipes rated 4 stars or higher by The Dog Food Advisor.
When should I switch my dog to senior dog food?
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association…1
“…small dogs are generally considered senior at 7 years of age. Larger breed dogs tend to have shorter life spans… and are often considered senior when they are 5 to 6 years of age.”
If your dog is healthy and eating a quality, balanced diet, you may not need to switch your pet to a senior food.
However…
Since some older dogs can benefit from a diet designed for seniors, you may wish to visit The Dog Food Advisor’s Top 10 Senior Dog Foods page… to see a list of our most recommended brands.
Final word
The Dog Food Advisor does not accept money, gifts, samples or other incentives in exchange for special consideration in preparing our reviews.
However, we do receive a referral fee from online retailers (like Chewy or Amazon) and from sellers of perishable pet food when readers click over to their websites from ours. This helps cover the cost of operation of our free blog. Thanks for your support.
For more information, please visit our Disclaimer and Disclosure page.