Best Dry Dog Foods: The Perfect Nutrition Source For Your Pup
We all know the struggle and complex decision-making when it comes to feeding your dogs. As a dog owner, you are always concerned about adding the right blend of nutritious ingredients and vitamin sources to your pet’s diet. But that is easier said than done. With a whole array of ingredients choices, quality standards, varying nutritional value, and caloric differences, there are so many factors that require your attention. And if you do not know what you are looking for, picking up premium dry dog food can become an extremely strenuous process, real fast.
Therefore, we have gathered the finest dry dog food options for your canine pet from all over the internet. We have also included a comprehensive buying guide that delves deeper into the dietary goodness that your pooch needs and how you can pick the right dry dog food without endlessly scrolling through the online resources.
Detailing the Best Dry Food for Dogs in 2021
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula
– Top Pick
The supremely high-quality Blue Buffalo life protection formula is a perfect nutritious blend for your adult dog. With the right combination of antioxidants, vitamin-rich natural ingredients, and real meat as a significant component, this dry dog food has everything that you can imagine for a canine buddy. The nutrient-filled formula will ensure that pet stays in the prime of its health and maintain a shiny coat and skin. The wholesome formula also includes grains, fruits, vegetables, and fish oil to promote an active immune system and robust muscles.
- Two-part feed system with nutritious kibbles and supplementing antioxidant bits
- Contains a variety of flavors with chicken, lamb, and fish source
- Comes in three different sizes
- Suitable for all life stages
Purina One SmartBlend Dry Dog Food
– Runner Up
During the adult phase in your pet’s life, along with a shiny coat, healthy skin, and thriving energy, you also want the nutrition source to promote healthy and strong joints. The Purina One SmartBlend is the best dry dog food for your grown-up pet’s needs. Because this easy-to-digest formula contains an essential natural component called glucosamine, which provides strength and support to your pet’s joints and bones. Plus, your canine buddy will enjoy the meaty and crunchy texture of this chicken and rice blend. This high-quality food formulation utilizes real meat with a combination of specialized minerals, antioxidants, and vitamins to maintain the canine’s gut health and defense mechanism.
- Promises to improve the pets’ condition within 28 days of usage
- Offers six packaging sizes from small to bulk
- Rich protein source
- Includes real meat morsels
Pedigree Adult Dry Dog Food
– Honorable Mention
Almost every dry dog food variant includes a selective range of minerals, vitamins, and antioxidant sources & Pedigree dry food does that too. But what makes this particular brand of dry dog food unique is that it does not contain any artificial flavorings, extra sugar, or corn syrup. Your tail-wagging companion will respond positively to this tasty food treat, as it includes a wholesome blend of flavor roasted chicken, veggies, and rice flavoring. This dog food option is an excellent protein and grain source for your pet, and it is pretty affordable as well.
- Includes zinc which contributes to the shiny coat and healthy skin
- Includes roasted chicken and vegetable flavor
- Comp0letely balanced diet source
- Promotes a healthy gut and digestive system
Rachael Ray Nutrish Dry Dog Food
– Also Consider
As a parent to a fur creature, we know that you want the best of everything for your pet. Therefore, celebrity chef Rachel Ray’s extremely nutritious and delicious dry dog food formula is just what you should serve to your canine friend. The Rachel Ray nutrish dry good food is the best formula when it comes to improving your pup’s gut health. With healthy and ethically sourced ingredients such as farm-bred chickens, wholesome veggies, and fat, this is the best dry dog food that you can buy without a second thought. Plus, the inclusion of brown rice and peas ensures healthy weight gain and lean muscle buildup.
- Includes high-quality ingredients
- Free of wheat grain and other fillers
- Also includes healthy carbohydrates
- Comes in 4 different packaging sizes
Suppose your pet is allergic or sensitive to grains in their diet. In that case, Nature Recipe dry dog food formula is the perfect vegetarian substitute to fulfill the minerals and vitamin requirement. If you want a filler-free nutrition option for your dog, then get this grain-free formula right now. It includes a blend of sweet potato and pumpkins with a rich protein source to supply ample energy and strength to your pet dogs. This dry food for your dog does not contain any additives, poultry by-products, or artificial flavorings. It is a wholesome blend of natural ingredients that helps sustain your pet’s growth in the best way possible.
- Includes three different flavors, i.e., lamb, chicken & salmon
- Free of any grains such as wheat, corn, or soy products
- Includes real protein source only
- Available in 3 different sizes
Buyer's Guide: Finding Great Dry Dog Food
As a dog parent, the biggest and constant worry you have to face is properly feeding your pet. There is a whole set of decision making involved which begs your attention, such as,
- Is the food safe for the dog?
- Is it nutritious enough?
- What ingredients are good and what are not-so-good?
And this is just the tip of the iceberg! We know there are many more traps and pitfalls ready to suck you in when you buy wet or dry food for your dog. But fret not! We have put together a condensed yet comprehensive guide to help you pick the right dry food for your canine pup.
The What’s and Why’s of Dry Dog Food
Dry dog food, also known as kibbles, is a pre-packaged, processed food option, including various ingredients and preservatives. This type of food source is easily available in online marketplaces and grocery stores as it has a more extended shelf.
Apart from the dry food options for dogs, there are many other food options as well. It includes wet food, canned goods, semi-moist food, home-cooked recipes, and raw ingredients. However, dog owners are always confused regarding which dog food type is suitable for their pets. Well, the easy answer is that every dog food type has its own perks and advantage, and it also totally depends on what your pet likes and enjoys.
The Perks of Dry Dog Food
First and foremost, dry food for your canine is quite convenient to use. Yes, it has a low moisture content compared to wet dog food, but it promotes overall good dental hygiene among your pets. This formula includes a wholesome range of nutrients to improve your breed’s health and appearance. Additionally, it improves gut health and stool consistency in your dogs. If you are a busy individual and preparing palatable meals is not possible, then get dry food options for your pets.
Factors to Keep in Mind
Your dog’s age matters
Dry dog food is not a one-size, fits-all formula. You must consider your dog’s age and growth phase when selecting the dry food options. The nutrient requirement continues to change throughout the dog’s life span. And you should consistently improve and change the nutritional formula to match your pet’s needs. For instance, your adult dog requires a high dose of vitamins, minerals, and lean proteins to build muscle strength and a healthy appearance without becoming too obese.
The ingredients that make a balanced diet
Like humans, dogs also require a balanced diet to develop and grow without any deficiencies and health-related issues. Therefore, you should choose a product that contains high-quality ingredients to benefit your pet’s health. A well-balanced dry food for your fur pet should include at least 40-60% protein source.
An essential ingredient in a dry dog food formula is a protein source. Dogs can adjust to various protein sources such as beef, fish, lamb, and chicken. Additionally, the perfect dry food for your dog should also contain a complex mix of various food groups like carbs, vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals. Finally, ingredients such as fruit and vegetable extracts, fatty acids, and micronutrients also help the pet sustain their energy, improve vision, maintain glamorous skin and a luscious coat.
Consider the quality standards
Always make sure to invest in quality products when buying dry dog food for your pets. Ensure that the product contains no harmful ingredients and by-products that compromise your pet’s life. Similarly, avoid buying extremely cheap dry food products for your pup because they might contain only cereal grains, poultry waste, and animal-based powders.
Providing premium quality dry food to your dog requires a specific budget and investment. Of course, the best ingredients result in better dog health, but it also becomes a bit pricier. Therefore, do not expect good nutrients from awfully cheap products. Instead, scour the resources for affordable and reputable brands, but do not compromise on the quality standards for your dog food.
Consider the manufacture and expiration dates
Whenever you are buying a dry food product, always remember to check the manufacturing and expiry date. You do not want your dog to consume a product that has been sitting on the shelves for ages. Since the food ingredients have a shelf of their own, a product with close expiration might go through physical and chemical changes developing molds and bacterias. Therefore, always get the freshest and top-quality food package for your pet’s safety.
Deciphering the labels
The dog owner must understand and decipher what the labels on the dog’s dry food products mean. The order of ingredients on a label is extremely important for the pet owner. The ingredient that is mentioned on top of the content list has a higher percentage. For instance, if the product advertises that it contains real meat sources, which is mentioned fourth or fifth on the list, then it is simply a marketing gimmick. So the major ingredients, such as protein, are the ones that should be in the highest order, followed by the necessary mineral, vitamin sources, flavoring, additives, and preservatives. The ingredients at the lowest order contain a minimum concentration of up to 1% only.
Essential Tips to Remember When Buying Dog Food
- Always Research and experiment! Just because your neighbor’s pet loves a particular dry dog food brand does not mean that dog will appreciate it too. Research and explore various nutritious options to find the perfect food solution that your canine friend likes and appreciates.
- Always consider your pet’s age and developmental milestone when zeroing in on a nutrition source or a brand.
- Remember that the nutritional requirement varies for each dog breed.
- If you are testing out dry dog food brands for your pup, do not buy in bulk. Instead, start with small food packs first to ensure that your dog appreciates them.
People Also Asked
A: Yes, since the moisture content in dry dog food is comparatively less, your pet will require additional water content to maintain proper hydration levels.
A: Grains are not bad as long as your pet is not allergic to them. Many dry food formulations contain some grain fillers to improve the texture, and it does have any negative impact on a dog’s health.
A: Twice is sufficient for a dog to sustain its health and all bodily functions at an optimum. However, the feeding frequency depends on the dog owners and the condition & requirements of their pets. You can either fill your pet’s bowl twice a day or schedule their feeding time according to breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
A: Yes, it is necessary to give your pet an age-appropriate diet. When your dog is in the adult phase, they require ingredients that do not promote obesity. Instead, their diet should include low caloric with rich ingredients to strengthen their joints and consistent growth.
