One of the most important decisions for any pet parent is finding the best food for their dog. 

It isn’t just the choice between wet and dry – there are a myriad of different options available from raw to fresh, organic to natural, grain-inclusive, grain-free and even vegetarian.

Once you have decided on the type of food that would suit your dog, how do you know which brand is best? 

The Dog Food Advisor was founded to help simplify these choices. 

Since 2008, we have reviewed and rated hundreds of dog foods by studying the ingredients list and estimating the meat content. . . 

But we also know there is a lot more to dog food than what’s printed on the label.

It’s also important to research the brand behind the food.

We consider questions such as: 

• Are the recipes formulated with animal nutritionists and veterinarians? 
• Are the raw materials used in the recipes tested? 
• Does the brand have – and follow – quality control processes? 
• Do they run feeding trials? 

It’s also important to know where the food is manufactured. Many pet food companies do not actually make the foods they sell, so we take in account who the manufacturer is, where the facilities are located and where the ingredients are sourced from.

We also look into a brand’s recall history: How many recalls have they had? And how did they respond when a recall was made? 

Once we have all this information, we then decide which brands will feature on our Best Dog Food lists. 

Best Dry Dog Food Brands

Dry dog food is still one of the most popular forms of dog food, as it is convenient and easy to store. It can also help maintain dental health by reducing plaque and tartar buildup. Dry dog food is often more cost-effective too. But on the negative side, it has lower moisture content than wet food and may contain fillers and low-quality ingredients.

There are hundreds of dry dog food brands available in the U.S. These include large well-known companies such as Purina, Hill’s Science Diet and IAMs to other mid-range brands which get our highest star rating such as Taste of the Wild, Wellness and Blue Buffalo.

Premium and specialty brands have also grown in popularity, offering more niche products to pet parents. Some of our favorite’s include: Open Farm, Redbarn, A Pup Above and The Pets Table.

Read our full list of the Best Dry Dog Foods for 2024

Best Wet Dog Food Brands

Wet dog food tends to have a higher moisture content, which is beneficial for hydration. It is often more palatable for picky eaters and is typically higher in protein and fat. It can be more expensive, however, and if not balanced with dry food can contribute to dental issues over time.

It’s estimated there are between 200 and 300 wet dog food brands in the U.S. offering a wide variety of choice for pet parents. In recent times, there has been a focus on high quality ingredients. Some of the brands we recommend include: Canidae, Merrick and Just Food for Dogs. 

Read our full list of the Best Wet Dog Foods for 2024

Best Raw Dog Food Brands

Raw dog food has grown in popularity in recent years, mainly due to concerns about the quality of commercial pet food. Raw food mimics a wolf’s natural diet. Advocators report many benefits including better digestion (smaller poops) and a shiny coat. This is because raw diets can be well digested by dogs, and as their fat content is often higher than dry food, skin and coat health can be boosted.

When choosing the best raw dog food, it’s important to make sure the ingredients are high quality and made by a reputable brand. Some of the brands we recommend include: We Feed Raw, whose range is formulated by a Ph.D animal nutritionist; Dr Marty, a company founded by Dr Marty Goldstein, a leader in the field of veterinary medicine for more than 45 years and Instinct, a brand which uses animal meat and organs, alongside non-GMO fruits and vegetable in its Raw Boost recipes.

Read our full list of the Best Raw Dog Foods for 2024

Best Fresh Dog Food Brands

Fresh dog food is also on the rise. These recipes are gently cooked at low temperatures to ensure the vitamins and nutrients are locked-in and remain undamaged during the cooking process.

Fresh food brands tend to favor a subscription-based model. Customers answer a few questions about their dog to receive a personalized meal plan, formulated by vets and animal nutritionists, tailored to a dog’s individual needs and preferences. 

The food is delivered direct to the door, where it can be stored in freezers for up to six months or kept in the fridge for around four days.

Brands which get our five-star rating include: The Farmer’s Dog, Ollie and Nom Nom.

Read our full list of the Best Fresh Dog Foods for 2024

Best Dog Food Brands for Puppies

When choosing a food for your puppy, it is more important than ever to do your research and select a food that is complete and balanced and meets AAFCO standards for All Life Stages or Growth. Puppy food, generally speaking, should contain higher levels of protein and fat, as well as omega fatty acids.

The best dog food brands for puppies recommend by the Dog Food Advisor include: Ollie – whose fresh food range is suitable for puppies aged from 12 weeks; Taste of the Wild – which offers a dry formula rich in omega fatty acids and designed specifically for puppies and Orijen which also offers an excellent dry puppy formula packed with protein.

Read our full list of the Best Puppy Foods for 2024

Best Dog Food Brands for Large Dogs

Interestingly, there are two types of large breed dog food, one for adults, another for large breed puppies. It is crucial to choose the right one, because if you don’t your dog could suffer from bone damage later in life. 

Highly rated brands which have created foods designed specifically for large breed dogs include Wellness. The brand’s CORE range has a large breed dry formula which contains the right amount of fat and calories for a dog of this size. 

We also recommend Blue Buffalo, the Wilderness Nature’s Evolutionary range includes a large breed formula with added glucosamine and chondroitin to maintain healthy joints. 

Read our full list of the Best Large Dog Foods for 2024

Best Dog Food Brands for Small Dogs

Small dogs tend to have a higher metabolism than larger breeds, so you should consider dog foods optimized for their smaller physical size. 

Top-rated food brands we recommend include: The Farmer’s Dog, a fresh, human-grade food designed to be as close to home-made food as possible. Raised Right is another brand specializing in fresh food, it has a wide variety of recipes to tempt even the pickiest eaters. If you’re looking for a quality dry food, we rate Merrick, this brand’s Classic range includes a small breed recipe, which includes fiber-rich quinoa to help maintain digestion.  

Read our full list of the Best Dog Foods for Small Dogs 2024