To ensure that your dog is healthy, it is important to choose a dry dog food that provides the right amount of protein and nutrients for their specific needs. This will depend on factors such as their age, size, breed, weight, and any health issues they may have. At Pet Supplies Plus, it is easy to find food that fits your dog’s specific profile, as we offer a wide variety of options from top national and private label brands. If you are looking for a dog food that prioritizes overall nutrition, we have a range of dry dog foods that cater to a dog’s complete health requirements. If your dog has specific health needs, our extensive selection of special formula foods is sure to provide the best options for them. These foods are designed to support various aspects of a dog’s health, including muscle tone, hip and joint health, skin and coat condition, vision, bone development, heart health, and more. Additionally, targeted-health dog foods may contain special ingredients like omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and probiotics. As always, it is important to consult with your veterinarian if you have any questions or concerns about your dog’s diet and health.
Dry vs. Wet Dog Food
Choosing between dry or wet food mostly depends on your dog’s preferences. Both options are made from natural, nutritious ingredients such as chicken, beef, turkey, lamb, duck, and fish. Nonetheless, dry dog foods have a greater shelf life and:
- Do double duty as a training treat.
- Come in different textures, flavors, shapes and kibble sizes.
Is This Your Dog?
A puppy: For a growing dog, a puppy formula provides the necessary nutrition in an appropriate kibble size. A senior dog: If your dog is 7 years or older (in human years), you should consider using a specially formulated senior dog food. Small dog breed: When selecting dog food for small breeds, look for options specifically made for them as their faster metabolisms result in higher calorie requirements. Large dog breed: For large breeds, opt for dog food labeled for their specific size as larger dogs have lower calorie requirements due to slower metabolisms. Super picky: If your dog is extremely fussy, you can try adding freeze-dried dog food toppers or wet food to their meals, ensuring that what you add does not exceed 10% of their recommended daily calorie intake. Sensitive stomach: Canines with food allergies may benefit from limited ingredient dog food. Allergic specifically to wheats or grains: Consider grain-free dog food as a suitable option. Super energetic: A high-protein dog food may provide the energy boost your dog needs. Needs more fiber in their diet: To regulate your dog’s digestive system, the right dog food with grains can help. Overweight: Explore our range of weight management dog food options to support a low-fat diet.
FAQs About Dry Dog Food
Dry dog food typically contains protein sources like beef, poultry, or seafood, as well as cereals such as grain or rice for carbohydrates. It also includes fats and oils for vitamins and fruits and vegetables for minerals. To determine the appropriate amount of food for your dog, consult the package instructions, which consider factors like age, size, and breed. Freeze-dried dog food, on the other hand, is a type of raw food that has been dehydrated. You can rehydrate it with water before feeding. The absence of moisture allows for a longer shelf life and eliminates the need for refrigeration.
The Best Food for Your Dog, According to Pet Experts
Your beloved furry companion should be provided with tasty food just as you are. Even though this may not prevent them from pleading for scraps at the table, you can have peace of mind knowing they receive sufficient nourishment to maintain their well-being and contentment.
Pet experts conducted research and vetting on a range of dog food brands in order to assist you in choosing the most suitable food for you and your pet.
Ollie Fresh Dog Food
Ollie fresh dog food offers a tasty choice for a variety of dogs, including puppies, senior dogs, and dogs with sensitive stomachs or allergies. Although it is pricier than traditional dry food kibble, our experts appreciate the convenience of personalizing this dog food for your pet. When completing the initial survey for this pet subscription box, you can provide information about your dog’s breed, weight, and age, as well as answer additional questions about their activity level and any food sensitivities or allergies. This eliminates the need to guess and allows for the ideal formula to be assigned to you. After entering all the details, you can select from three different plans: full fresh plan, a mixed bowl of half fresh and half kibble, or just a half fresh plan.
Our analyst has been using Ollie for her picky dog for a year and has had a positive experience. She appreciates the responsive customer service and the convenience of the platform and app for making changes to the delivery date. She also likes that the packaging is compact, taking up minimal space in the freezer. In terms of the food, her Shiba Inu, who is usually very selective, seems to prefer Ollie over her previous kibble. It’s important to note that since the food is fresh, it must be picked up upon delivery and requires ample storage space in the freezer to keep it cool.
Nutro Ultra Adult Large Breed High Protein Dry Dog Food
This high-protein dry dog food combines chicken, lamb, and salmon. One of our pet pro’s dogs has been enjoying this brand of food since they were a puppy and still can’t seem to get enough. The main ingredients consist of chicken and chicken meal, along with glucosamine and chondroitin additives. They aid in maintaining your large pup’s cartilage and promoting healthy joints. Similar to other dry dog foods, Dr. Caos explains that the crunchy texture can contribute to dental health. The act of chewing kibble aids in reducing tartar buildup and maintaining healthier teeth and gums. Additionally, chewing can act abrasively to remove plaque.
In addition to keeping your dog’s teeth healthy, each serving of kibble contains a wide range of animal proteins, grains, seeds, fruits, and vegetables to support their active lifestyle and overall well-being. Furthermore, every cup of this brand’s food contains a minimum of 22% crude protein. The company also provides specific versions of their food for small breeds, weight management, puppies, and senior dogs, as well as wet food options and a limited-ingredient choice for pets with sensitivities.
Merrick Grain-Free Large Breed Dry Dog Food
If your vet suggests it or your dog has shown sensitivities or allergies to grains, it may be beneficial to switch to a grain-free diet for your pet. Dr. Caos emphasizes that each dog is unique and their nutritional needs may differ. While some dogs may do well on grain-free formulas, others may thrive on diets that include grains. As long as your pet’s diet fulfills all nutritional requirements, a grain-free diet, such as Merrick’s, can support optimal health and well-being for your pup.
This chicken-and-sweet potato recipe contains tasty ingredients like chicken, chicken meal, turkey meal, sweet potatoes, and potatoes. It is packed with 30% protein and is best suited for large dogs. Additionally, it includes Omega-6 and Omega-3 fatty acids to promote healthy skin and fur. This recipe is a bit expensive but is especially beneficial for large breeds as it contains glucosamine and chondroitin to support healthy joints and hips. Moreover, you have a wide range of flavor combinations to choose from based on your pet’s preferences.
The Farmer’s Dog Fresh Dog Food
Food subscription boxes are currently popular and this trend extends to options for pets as well. While preparing your Blue Apron meal, you can also provide your pet with a curated dinner from one of these subscription services, and witness their enjoyment. Similar to other fresh-food subscriptions, The Farmer’s Dog is especially beneficial for pets with sensitivities or allergies. The registration process includes a highly detailed survey that assists you in determining the ideal formula for your dog. This survey takes various factors into account, such as their body condition (whether they are underweight, at a healthy weight, overweight, or obese), their activity levels, their food preferences, their current food plan and brand, any health issues (including allergies and sensitivities) they may have, and whether they require a prescribed diet.
After completing all the necessary information, The Farmer’s Dog will give you a suggested plan. However, you also have the choice to create your own plan. We value the fact that you can select from various protein sources such as chicken, beef, turkey, and pork, and choose up to three recipes to add variety to your pet’s meals. It’s important to note that the subscription might cost more than store-bought food and may be less convenient for certain pet owners since you need to ensure you schedule the delivery when you can receive it and allow time for thawing.
Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin and Stomach Dog Food
This dry food is specifically made for sensitive skin and stomachs, providing nourishment for the body, skin, and coat. Dr. Conrad, who highly recommends this brand, considers it to be one of the most nutritionally balanced options available. It should be noted that this food is not suitable for puppies. The inclusion of omega-6 fatty acids maintains the health and shine of the skin and coat, while EPA and DHA, derived from salmon and fish oil, support heart health. Moreover, the food contains natural prebiotic fiber, which aids in cultivating beneficial intestinal bacteria and improving digestive health.
When you look at the list of ingredients, you will notice that this choice primarily utilizes salmon and fish-meal animal proteins. It also contains a range of vitamins and minerals such as vitamin-E and vitamin-A supplements as well as choline chloride. These elements help to maintain the health of the pup’s liver and ensure that their skin, coat, bones, and joints function properly. Additionally, it is free of poultry, which may be favored by selective pups.
Hill’s Science Diet Small Breed Dry Dog Food
Hill’s Science Diet has designed small breed dog food to meet the needs of your petite canine. It contains Omega-6 and Vitamin E, which promote a glossy coat and healthy skin. This carefully formulated blend is ideal for maintaining the well-being and contentment of small dogs aged 1 to 6. The primary protein source is chicken meal, complemented by rice, whole grain wheat, soybean, barley, and corn to provide a balanced and nutritious diet.
This mix is perfect for small and mini breeds because it has extra-small kibble for tiny jaws and easy-to-digest ingredients. It also includes high-quality protein to maintain your pup’s energy levels throughout the day. Additionally, Dr. Conrad specifically recommends Hill’s Science Diet as one of the dog food brands with a “nutritionally balanced” formula suitable for various dog types. However, it’s important to note that not all dogs may enjoy the taste of chicken.
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Puppy Formula
Taking a step-by-step approach, it is crucial to consider formulas specifically designed for the life stage of your new puppy when searching for the appropriate fuel. Dr. Caos explains that puppy food is specially formulated to aid in growth and development. Blue Buffalo offers an option with smaller-sized kibble pieces, which are better suited for your puppy’s mouth. Furthermore, this formula is tailored to support muscle and bone development, as well as enhance cognitive development, as stated by the brand.
The protein-packed food is suitable for both large and small breed puppies and contains delicious ingredients such as chicken, chicken meal, rice, oatmeal, and barley. However, it is not recommended for dogs with grain sensitivities. It is available in several variations, including chicken-and-brown rice and lamb-and-oatmeal for the regular version, as well as options tailored for small and large breeds. Additionally, it is fortified with extra vitamins, minerals, and nutrients, such as Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, to support the development, immune system health, and dental hygiene of your puppy.
Wellness Wellness Lamb & Beef Stew Canned Dog Food
Wellness offers a canned dog food that will surely make your pup excited. It comes in a case with twelve 12.5-ounce cans of lamb and beef stew with brown rice and apples. According to Dr. Caos, there are a few reasons why you might choose this wet dog food over dry kibble. It is easier for dogs with dental issues or those that don’t drink enough water to eat because it has a high moisture content of 75 to 85%. Additionally, pets may find it more appealing due to its softer texture, stronger smell, and richer flavors. However, this wet food is more expensive than dry food, and it is also more difficult to store, transport, and clean up.
The primary protein in this product comes from lamb and beef. Additionally, it contains various vitamins and supplements that support your pet’s immune system, digestion, and bone strength.
Nulo Freestyle Senior Grain-Free Dog Food
Older pups want tasty food too, and likely need some additional vitamins and minerals to keep their health in tip-top shape. Nulo Freestyle is one great brand than offers a grain-free option for your dog that’s getting up there in age. “Adult and senior formulas cater to different activity levels and aging needs,” Dr. Caos says.
This mix is also egg- and chicken protein-free, which can sometimes be a preference for certain dogs
that aren’t fans of the flavor of chicken-based proteins, according to the brand. Nulo’s dog food provides 30% crude protein so even though you pup is aging, they’ll still get enough protein in their diet. It contains Vitamins C and E to promote immune health as well as Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids to improve their skin and coat. One thing to note is that this is the most expensive one on our list at about $3.34 per pound.
