Best Budget-Friendly Dog Foods
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What’s the Best Affordable Dog Food?
Looking for the best cheap dog food?
Although the best budget-friendly brands are not always the cheapest…you can still find many 4 and 5-star dog foods selling for as much as 40% below the cost of premium recipes.
These are quality brands offering the best inexpensive dog foods designed to meet the needs of those who love their pets but who also want to avoid foods made with cheap fillers… and plant-based protein boosters.
Are Cheap Dog Foods Safe?
Sure. Lower priced dog foods CAN be safe.
As long as they are made by a company that performs regular safety testing… and then holds the finished food at its facility until test results are confirmed.
However, stay away from products rated 2 stars or lower by the Dog Food Advisor.
Many of these cheap, low-rated recipes contain BHA or other harmful chemical preservatives.
Instead favor brands rated 4 stars or higher… like the super-safe, budget-friendly dog foods listed below. These recipes have been screened by the Dog Food Advisor to be sure they don’t contain any risky additives… commonly found in so many cheap recipes.
Foods made with fillers and plant-based protein boosters are of little nutritional value to your dog. So, look for top-rated brands… selling at budget-friendly prices.
To help you find these money-saving gems… the Dog Food Advisor searched its vast database of more than 5,700 recipes and uncovered the following 4 and 5-star budget-friendly brands we recommend.
Each offers exceptional quality at an affordable price.
Since our research team is always discovering new inexpensive dog foods, be sure to bookmark this page so you can return to find more options for future savings.
Best Budget-Friendly Dog Foods February 2026
Here are The Dog Food Advisor's best budget-friendly dog food brands for February 2026
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Best Budget-Friendly Dog Food
Canidae All Life Stages Real Chicken & Ancient Grains Recipe
Canidae All Life Stages Real Chicken & Ancient Grains Recipe is the best budget-friendly food, suitable for all dogs of all ages, breeds and size, including puppies.
Made with premium ingredients, this recipe is one of eight vet-formulated formulas in the Canidae dry food range. It takes the bulk of its animal protein from chicken and our dry matter label report reveals it contains 27.7% protein, 12% fat and 47% estimated carbs… which produces a fat-to-protein ratio of about 43%.
A classic, budget-friendly option. No cheap fillers. Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full Canidae All Life Stages Dog Food (Dry) range here
Things we like
- More calories and protein per cup than other leading brands
- High quality, wholesome ingredients
- Premium proteins
Main Ingredients Chicken, chicken meal, oatmeal, barley, whole grain sorghum Texture Dry Type Grain-inclusive Protein Percentage 27.7% Best For All adults and puppies Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"I have tried dog food after dog food. I have a 30lb basset with a sensitive tummy, a 50lb pit with skin issues and allergies, and a 7lb chihuahua that eats everything and seems to always be under weight. This food works for the whole gang!"
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Best Affordable Dry Dog Food
Jinx Grain-Free Atlantic Salmon, Sweet Potato & Carrot Recipe
Jinx Grain-Free Atlantic Salmon, Sweet Potato & Carrot Recipe with real salmon as the main ingredient for a high-quality protein that’s easy to digest. It also includes sweet potatoes to support gut health and digestion.
A premium recipe that truly deserves the 5 stars it earned in our review while remaining affordable for pet owners.
Our dry matter label analysis shows the recipe contains 31% protein, 16.3% fat, and 39.3% estimated carbohydrates, resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 53%.
Read our review of the full Jinx Dog Food (Dry) range here
Things we like
- Contains superfoods
- Packed with probiotics
- Premium brand at affordable price
Main Ingredients Salmon, turkey meal, chickpeas, lentils, ground peas Type Grain-Free Protein Percentage 31% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For All Dogs Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"My dog really liked this food! She jumps and down for it. I really want to give my girl the healthiest food I can. For the price, I’m super impressed in the quality. This is a 10/10 and I love the price. "
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Best Affordable Wet Dog Food
American Journey Grain-Free Chicken and Turkey Recipe Premium Loaf
American Journey Grain-Free Chicken and Turkey Recipe is one of 11 recipes included in our review of the American Journey wet product line.
This formula derives most of its animal protein from chicken and turkey. Our dry matter label evaluation reveals the recipe contains 41% protein, 27% fat and 24% estimated carbs… which yields a fat-to-protein ratio of about 67%.
A great price for a solid wet option. Contains no cheap fillers. Makes a nice “topper” to enhance the flavor of any kibble. Easy to recommend.
Read our review of the full American Journey Grain-Free Dog Food (Canned) range here
Things we like
- Highly palatable
- No fillers
- Balanced levels of omega-3 and 6 fatty acids
Main Ingredients Chicken, chicken broth, turkey, chicken liver, potatoes Texture Wet Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 41% Best For Adults and small/medium breed puppies Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"I am a label reader and I found good, common ingredients in the food. I use the food as a topper for their dry kibble. My four rescues: 3 terrier mixes, and 1 Labrador Retriever, readily eat this food. Coats are shiny, no allergic reactions, no bloating or stomach upsets and they are thriving."
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Best Affordable Dog Food for Large Breeds
Diamond Naturals Large Breed Adult Chicken & Rice Formula
Diamond Naturals Large Breed Adult Chicken & Rice Formula is one of 13 recipes included in our review of the Diamond Naturals dry product line.
This particular recipe includes natural sources of chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine to protect your large breed dog’s knees and joints. It obtains the majority of its meat protein from chicken and our dry matter label report reveals the recipe contains 25.6% protein, 14.4% fat and 52% estimated carbs… which creates a fat-to-protein ratio of about 57%.
A complete and balanced maintenance formula at budget-friendly price.
Read our review of the full Diamond Naturals Dog Food (Dry) range here
Things we like
- Enhanced with superfoods and probiotics
- Glucosamine and chondroitin for joints
- Made without corn, wheat, artificial flavors or colors
Main Ingredients Chicken, chicken meal, whole grain brown rice, cracked pearled barley, ground white rice Texture Dry Type Grain-inclusive Protein Percentage 25.6% Best For All large breed adult dogs Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"With a lab we all know how hard it can be to choose the best food. Luckily for us- Diamond naturals large breed has my Oakley girl covered. It has joint support, coat support, and clean bowl approved! She’s eats it like it’s the best thing on earth aside from cheese and jerky! I love how it’s affordable but still has high quality ingredients that I know, love, and trust. Five stars for sure from me and 5 stars from Oakley too!"
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Best Affordable Dog Food for Small Breeds
Eukanuba Small Bites
Eukanuba Small Bites is one of 14 recipes included in our review of the Eukanuba dry product line.
This recipe gets most of its meat protein from chicken. Our dry matter label report reveals the recipe contains 28.8% protein, 18.5% fat and 40.7% estimated carbs… producing a fat-to-protein ratio of about 64%.
Crunchy-textured, s-shaped kibble, ideal for small pups. Recommended.
Read our review of the full Eukanuba Dog Food (Dry) range here
Things we like
- Glucosamine, and chondroitin sulfate
- Contains sodium hexametaphosphate to support dental health
- High-quality chicken is the first ingredient
Main Ingredients Chicken, chicken by-product meal, corn, wheat, chicken fat Texture Dry Type Grain-inclusive Protein Percentage 28.8% Best For Small and extra small breed adults Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"My Golden Retriever is very sensitive. I’m so glad I found this one right away. It’s great food, made in the USA, has healthy grains, and a great price. I think this brand is underrated because people don’t know about it!"
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Best Affordable Food for Puppies
Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream Puppy
Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream Puppy is one of nine recipes included in our review of the Taste of the Wild dry product line.
This smoke-flavored salmon dry puppy food is crafted with real fish as the number one ingredient and is high in protein to help support bones, joints and lean, strong muscles in puppies and nursing or pregnant mothers.
It attributes the bulk of its meat protein to salmon and ocean fish meal. Our dry matter label study reveals the recipe contains 30% protein, 17% fat and 45% estimated carbs… creating a fat-to-protein ratio of about 56%.
A quality, low-cost product line with lots of recipe options. Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full Taste of the Wild Dog Food range here
Things we like
- Crafted with vitamins and minerals from superfoods
- Pro-and pre-biotics
- Family-owned brand
Main Ingredients Salmon, ocean fish meal, sweet potatoes, peas, pea flour Texture Dry Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 30% Best For Puppies and lactating female dogs Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"Our puppy loves this food. I love how soft her coat feels now. "
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Best Affordable Food for Senior Dogs
Nutro Ultra Senior, The Superfood Plate with a Trio of Proteins from Chicken, Lamb and Salmon
Nutro Ultra Senior is one of nine recipes included in our review of the Nutro Ultra dry product line.
This specific formula gains most of its meat protein content from chicken and chicken meal. Our dry matter label study reveals the recipe contains 28% protein, 14% fat and 49% estimated carbs… resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 50%.
A classic design at an affordable price. Contains no cheap agricultural by-products. Enthusiastically recommended.
Read our review of the full Nutro Ultra Dog Food (Dry) range here
Things we like
- Contains 14 superfoods
- Tailored protein and fat levels
- Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids
Main Ingredients Chicken, chicken meal, whole grain sorghum, whole grain barley, whole grain oats Texture Dry Type Grain-inclusive Protein Percentage 29% Best For Adult dogs Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"I have a 16 1/2-year-old Brittany spaniel. She is still doing well I believe this food has helped with her longevity."
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Best Affordable Grain-Inclusive Dog Food
Eagle Pack Original Chicken Meal & Pork Meal
Eagle Pack Original is one of four recipes included in our review of the Eagle Pack dry product line.
This recipe takes the majority of its animal protein portion from chicken meal. Our dry matter label study reveals the recipe contains 29.9% protein, 16.3% fat and 41.5% estimated carbs… resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 55%.
A budget-friendly range that uses a variety of grains to balance the nutritional profile. Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full Eagle Pack Dog Food (Dry) range here
Things we like
- Contains probiotics
- High-quality proteins
- No artificial colors, preservatives or flavors
Main Ingredients Chicken meal, pork meal, ground brown rice, dehulled barley, oatmeal Texture Dry Type Grain-inclusive Protein Percentage 29.9% Best For Adult dogs Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"Eagle Pack Original Chicken Meal & Pork Meal Formula Dry Dog Food agrees very well with my two labs (both gun dogs). They absolutely devour it and have lots of energy and stamina."
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Best Affordable Grain-Free Dog Food
Nature's Recipe Chicken, Sweet Potato and Pumpkin Recipe
Nature’s Recipe Chicken, Sweet Potato, and Pumpkin Recipe is one of six grain-free dry recipes included in our review of the Nature’s Recipe product line.
This recipe derives the bulk of its meat protein from fresh chicken and chicken meal. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 28% protein, 13% fat and 51% estimated carbs… resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 48%.
A grain-free, inexpensive brand made by a trusted manufacturer. Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full Nature’s Recipe Grain-Free Dog Food (Dry) range here
Things we like
- Fiber-rich to support digestive and immune health
- Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids
- Antioxidants, zinc and vitamin E
Main Ingredients Chicken, chicken meal, sweet potatoes, tapioca starch, canola meal Texture Dry Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 28% Best For Adult dogs Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"Our Golden, Faith, has been on Nature's Recipe for several years. She was 6 in December and has had zero issues or problems with the food."
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Best Affordable Dog Food for Picky-Eater
Taste Of The Wild Ancient Wetlands with Roasted Fowl
Taste Of The Wild Ancient Wetlands with Roasted Fowl is one of four recipes included in our review of the Taste of the Wild Ancient Grains dry product line.
This dry formula is highly palatable and will tempt even the fussiest of eaters. It obtains most of its animal protein from duck. Our dry matter label report reveals the recipe contains 36.4% protein, 20.7% fat and 31.7% estimated carbs… which yields a fat-to-protein ratio of about 56%.
A budget-friendly dry food option that is high in protein from several animal sources. It is nutrient-dense and a great option for picky eaters. Confidently recommended.
Read our review of the full Taste of the Wild Ancient Grains Dog Food (Dry) range here
Things we like
- Highly digestible proteins
- Ancient grains naturally high in fiber and rich in protein
- USDA-approved
Main Ingredients Duck, duck meal, chicken meal, grain sorghum, millet Texture Dry Type Grain-inclusive Protein Percentage 36.4% Best For All adults and puppies Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"This is the only food I’ve found for my very picky, sensitive tummy chihuahua mix! He absolutely loves it. I use it as treats for him too."
How we review dog foods
We read the label.
This may sound simple, but there are thousands of dog foods on the market, and the label is the only source of reliable, standardized and government-regulated data available on every one of them. This includes the AAFCO nutrient profile, the Guaranteed Analysis and the ingredients.
We use our algorithm.
We take the data and enter it into our unique algorithm to produce a different set of figures, including the Dry Matter Analysis (the nutrient levels after water has been removed). This algorithm gives us a base score range on our five-star rating system.
We refine the score.
We take into account other factors, such as the quality of ingredients and the nature of the first few ingredients on the list (and therefore the most prevalent in the food), and narrow the score. The key ingredients are explained in-depth in the review.
Our expert nutritionist takes over.
At this point, our expert pet nutritionist, Laura Ward, goes through the review to check and approve it. She has the authority to make small discretionary changes to the star-rating based on her judgment of a food. We now have our final star-rating.
What other information do we include for dog parents?
Each dog food review includes sample consumer reviews and links to other reviews. It also includes the brand’s recall history. Our Best Dog Food pages also include consumer reviews.
Why we don’t just feed foods to our dogs.
Despite what other dog food review sites claim, simply giving a food to a dog and seeing if they eat it is completely unscientific and has little value as a review method. If you give a kid candy, they’ll happily eat it, but it doesn’t mean it’s good for them. And no one food suits every dog.
It’s also dangerous for dogs. We rate every dog food, good and bad. Why would we deliberately feed a dog bad dog food?
That said, we understand that personal experience of a food is important to dog parents and include consumer reviews on our pages.
What about lab-testing dog food?
Lab-testing dog food can provide useful, in-depth information, but as mentioned, there are thousands of dog foods on the market. We’d love to test them all, but there isn’t a facility in the country that could. Therefore, it’s impossible to have a fair universal rating system using lab tests.
It’s worth noting that dog food brands carry out their own testing. This ensures compliance with AAFCO and FDA pet food standards, as well as checking for pathogens.
Why you should trust our dog food reviews
Dog Food Advisor has been impartially reviewing dog food since 2008. We are the most trusted dog food review site in the United States, with a 4.9-star TrustPilot rating.
Here's why:
We do not accept money, gifts, samples or any other incentives in exchange for special consideration in writing our reviews.
We rate every dog food in the same way, using the only information we believe is equally available for all foods, reliable and therefore fair: what’s on the label. It’s the only way for any review site to rate every dog food on the market.
We focus on ingredients, nutrient profiles and recipes. We look at the ingredients used, including their quality, and review the nutritional analysis and macronutrient balance. We take into account any controversial or harmful ingredients.
Every review is expertly checked and approved by our highly qualified in-house animal nutritionist, Laura Ward.
We report all dog food and dog treat recalls through our Dog Food Recall Alert service, no matter the brand.
For more information, read our How We Rate Dog Food and Disclaimer and Disclosure pages.
More Top Picks
To view more top dog foods by category… click the link below that best meets your personal feeding needs.
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.
