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Choosing the best food for mixed breed dogs involves considering their individual needs, size, age, activity level, and any specific health concerns.
It’s always a good idea to consult with your veterinarian to tailor the diet to your dog’s unique requirements. However, here are some general guidelines for selecting a balanced and nutritious diet for mixed breed dogs.
Dogs, in general, need a diet with adequate protein for muscle maintenance and overall health. Look for a dog food that lists a high-quality source of animal protein (chicken, beef, lamb, fish) as the main ingredient.
Ensure that the dog food provides a balance of essential nutrients, including proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals.
Choose dog foods with whole, natural ingredients. Avoid products with excessive fillers, artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors. Whole grains and vegetables can contribute to a well-rounded diet.
Puppies, adults, and senior dogs have different nutritional needs. Select a dog food formula appropriate for your dog’s life stage.
If your dog has known allergies or sensitivities, choose a dog food that avoids those specific ingredients. Common allergens include wheat, corn, soy, and certain protein sources.
Omega-3 fatty acids, found in ingredients such as fish oil, can promote a healthy coat and skin and support overall well-being.
Be mindful of portion sizes. Adjust the amount of food based on your dog’s weight, activity level, and overall health. Overfeeding can lead to weight issues.
Remember that individual dogs may have different dietary needs, so it’s essential to observe your dog’s response to a particular food and make adjustments as needed. Consulting with your veterinarian will help ensure that your mixed breed dog receives the best possible nutrition based on their unique characteristics and health requirements.
See our recommendations below of the best foods for mixed breed dogs; along with some advice and guidelines to help you decide when choosing the right mixed breed dog for your family pet.
Best Food for Mixed Breed Dogs February 2025
Here are The Dog Food Advisor's best dog food brands for mixed breed dogs for February 2025.
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Best Dog Food For Mixed Breed Dogs
The Farmer's Dog Turkey Recipe
The Farmer’s Dog recipes are all made from clean human-grade proteins, mixed with simple whole foods, and balanced with vitamins and minerals.
This particular formula derives the majority of its protein from turkey, a lean, high-protein meat popular among many dogs. It is one of four recipes reviewed in this fresh product range.
The Farmer’s Dog is an excellent choice for mixed breeds, as it is customized to suit your dog’s age, weight, activity level, and allergies. This turkey recipe includes chickpeas for an added protein boost, along with whole vegetables like carrots, spinach, and broccoli to support digestion and provide vital nutrients.
Dry matter label analysis reveals a fresh recipe containing 33.3% protein, 18.8% fat and 39.9% carbohydrates , with a fat-to-protein ratio of 56%.
Read our review of the full The Farmer’s Dog range here
Things we like
- Human-grade
- Fresh food
- Simple personalized recipes
- Turkey-based protein
Main Ingredients Turkey, chickpeas, carrots, broccoli, spinach Type Fresh Protein Percentage 33.3% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For Puppies, dogs and senior dogs Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at thefarmersdog.com"My dog LOVES the food and I love the convenience and nutritional value. "
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Best Dog Food For Small Mixed Breed Dogs
Ollie Chicken Dish with Carrots
Ollie recipes, made in the U.S. with 100% human-grade, vet-formulated ingredients, are ideal for small-breed mixed dogs. The fresh texture is easy for small mouths, and personalized portions ensure balanced feeding without over- or underfeeding.
Ollie Chicken Dish with Carrots uses chicken as its sole protein source, making it perfect for dogs with allergies or sensitive stomachs. Whole veggies such as peas and carrots support digestion and add essential nutrients.
It is one of five recipes reviewed in this fresh product range. Dry matter label analysis reveals a dry recipe containing 30.8% protein, 11.5% fat and 49.7% carbohydrates , with a fat-to-protein ratio of 38%.
Read our review of the full Ollie Dog Food (Fresh) range here
Things we like
- Human-grade
- Personalized recipes
- No filler or artificial flavors
- Good for allergies
Main Ingredients Chicken, rice, carrots, chicken livers, peas Type Fresh Protein Percentage 30.8% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For Puppies, dogs and senior dogs Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at ollie.com"My dog, Beau, loves Ollie! He's got more energy and has lost some weight! He likes the variety of food instead of the same food everyday! High quality of food."
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Best Dog Food For Large Mixed Breed Dogs
Wellness Core Large Breed Formula
If you have a large mixed-breed dog, Wellness Core is an excellent choice. This grain-free recipe is specifically formulated for bigger dogs, promoting lean body mass, muscle tone, and healthy skin and coat.
The main meat ingredient is chicken, a lean and high-protein option, complemented by turkey, fruits, and vegetables for a balanced and nutritious meal. It’s filled with antioxidants, probiotics, vitamins, minerals, glucosamine, chondroitin, and omega fatty acids, making it a well-rounded option for your dog’s overall health.
Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 30% protein, 15.6% fat, and 46.4% carbohydrates, resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of 52%. Crafted into a larger kibble size for easy eating, this recipe is part of the Wellness Core Grain-Free range, one of 12 recipes we reviewed.
Read our review of the full Wellness Core Grain Free Dog Food (Dry) range here
Things we like
- Large kibble size
- Balanced specifically for large breeds
- Includes omega fatty acids
- Chicken-based protein
Main Ingredients Deboned chicken, chicken meal, turkey meal, lentils, peas Texture Dry Protein Percentage 34% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For All adult dogs Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"Our Lab is just over a year and quite large. She was on puppy food and this was a first choice for adult food to maintain her great health, coat, energy, etc. it’s a winner. We don’t have to try anything else, so excited she likes it. Also, delivery literally couldn’t be any faster."
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Best Dry Dog Food For Mixed Breed Dogs
Redbarn Whole Grain Ocean Recipe
This dry formula by Redbarn is a top-rated choice, especially for mixed breeds. It’s packed with omega-3 fatty acids from its high fish content, which can help reduce inflammation, support healthy skin and coat, and protect joints.
The majority of the protein comes from salmon, a nutrient-rich source of B vitamins and high-quality protein. For dogs with allergies to common meats like chicken or beef, this recipe is an excellent alternative. It also includes probiotics for gut health and contains no by-product meals.
It is one of five recipes reviewed in this product range. Dry matter label analysis reveals a fresh recipe containing 30% protein, 15.6% fat and 46.4% carbohydrates, with a fat-to-protein ratio of 52%.
Balanced and nourishing, this recipe is perfect for mixed breeds with diverse needs.
Read our review of the full Redbarn Whole Grain Dog Food (Dry) range here
Things we like
- Human-grade
- Contains probiotics
- No by-product meals
- Natural protein
Main Ingredients Salmon, trout, salmon meal, ocean fish meal, menhaden fish meal Type Dry Protein Percentage 30% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For Puppies, dogs and senior dogs Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at redbarn.com"Just bought the 22lb ocean dog food and my boxer inhaled it. Her old food was really slow on the intake, sometimes not eating at all. So glad we changed to healthier food."
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Best Wet Dog Food For Mixed Breed Dogs
Open Farm Harvest Chicken Rustic Stew
This high-protein wet food from Open Farm is a top wet food for mixed breed dogs. Made with human-raised chicken as the primary protein source, it’s packed with wholesome ingredients and enhanced with bone broth for added flavor and hydration—perfect for picky eaters or dogs needing extra moisture.
Dry matter label analysis reveals a fresh recipe containing 44.4% protein, 27.8% fat and 19.8% carbohydrates , with a fat-to-protein ratio of 63%.
Part of a six-recipe range we reviewed, Open Farm Harvest Chicken Rustic Stew is crafted from 100% human-grade, traceable ingredients, non-GMO fruits and veggies and packaged sustainably using TerraCycle materials.
The wholesome, clean recipe provides balanced nutrients for energy, coat health, and digestion. Additionally, the sustainable packaging reflects a commitment to environmental care, aligning with conscientious pet parents’ values.
Read our review of the full Open Farm Rustic Stews Dog Food range here
Things we like
- Human-grade
- Non-GMO fruits & vegetables
- 100% traceable ingredients
- TerraCycle packaging
Main Ingredients Humanely raised chicken, chicken bone broth, pumpkin, carrots, green beans Type Wet Protein Percentage 44.4% AAFCO Standards Adult maintenance Best For Adult and senior dogs Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at openfarm.com"My dogs loved the Harvest Chicken Rustic Stew! What more can I say? If they are happy and eating healthy then I'm happy! "
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Best Fresh Dog Food For Mixed Breed Dogs
Nom Nom Beef Mash Recipe
Beef Mash is one of four recipes reviewed in Nom Nom’s fresh product range, and we’ve rated it five stars. This formula derives most of its protein from beef, a high-quality source rich in iron, zinc, and B vitamins that support overall health and well-being.
Nom Nom’s personalized approach makes it an excellent choice for mixed-breed dogs, allowing customization based on specific needs including allergies, weight management, and age.
A dry matter analysis reveals 34.8% protein, 17.4% fat, and 39.8% carbohydrates, with a fat-to-protein ratio of 50%.
Made with fresh, nutrient-packed ingredients and gently cooked to retain their nutritional value, Nom Nom recipes come highly recommended for their quality and customizability.
Read our review of the full Nom Nom Dog Food (Fresh) range here
Things we like
- Human-grade
- Fresh food
- Personalized recipes
- Vet-developed
Main Ingredients Ground beef, russet potatoes, eggs, carrots, peas Type Fresh Protein Percentage 34.8% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For Puppies, dogs and senior dogs Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"Tula gets so excited when it's mealtime. She no longer has skin issues, her coat looks wonderful and her stools are the best they've ever been. I can't imagine ever feeding her anything but Nom Nom! "
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Best Raw Dog Food For Mixed Breed Dogs
We Feed Raw Turkey Patty Recipe
This recipe contains an exceptionally high protein content, with turkey as the sole meat source. Turkey is a lean, nutrient-rich protein that’s gentle on the stomach, making it ideal for dogs with sensitivities.
We Feed Raw recipes are tailored to meet the unique needs of mixed breeds, offering customization based on specific dietary requirements. Made with real, recognizable ingredients like USDA-certified, human-grade meats, these recipes contain no fillers, preservatives, artificial colors, or flavors.
Dry matter label analysis shows 49.2% protein, 25.4% fat, and 17.4% carbohydrates, with a fat-to-protein ratio of 52%.
Part of a six-recipe range we reviewed, We Feed Raw delivers high-quality, human-grade raw diets that are highly palatable for dogs.
Read our review of the full We Feed Raw Dog Food (Raw Frozen) range here
Things we like
- Human-grade
- High-quality raw diet
- Personalized recipes
- No filler, artificial colors or preservatives
Main Ingredients Turkey tails, turkey gizzards, turkey wings, turkey liver, WFR vitamin + mineral mix Type Raw Protein Percentage 49.2% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For Puppies, dogs and senior dogs Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at wefeedraw.com"I can't express just how happy it makes me to see Journey CHOW DOWN at meal time. I no longer worry if she's getting enough to eat or if she's getting the nutrients she needs. It makes my heart so happy to see her enjoying what she's eating"
More Top Picks
To view more top dog foods by category… click the link below that best meets your personal feeding needs.
How to choose the best food for your mixed breed dog?
Mixed breed dogs come from a combination of different breeds which will obviously impact their size, characteristics and temperament.
When choosing a mixed breed dog for your family it is important to consider the following:
- Size: Consider the size of the dog and how well it fits into your living space and lifestyle. Mixed breed dogs can vary widely in size, even within the same litter.
- Energy Level: Assess the energy level of the dog and whether it matches your activity level. Some mixed breeds may be more active, while others are more laid-back.
- Temperament: Spend time with the dog to gauge its temperament. While there can be general breed tendencies, individual personalities can vary. Look for a dog whose temperament aligns with your preferences and lifestyle.
- Lifestyle Compatibility: Consider your daily routine and how well a dog would fit into your lifestyle. Some dogs require more exercise and mental stimulation, while others may be content with a more relaxed routine.
- Grooming Needs: Different mixed breeds can have various coat types, which can affect grooming requirements. Consider how much time and effort you are willing to dedicate to grooming.
- Health Considerations: Research the common health issues of the parent breeds. While mixed breed dogs can have hybrid vigor, it’s essential to be aware of potential health concerns and provide appropriate veterinary care.
- Training and Socialization: Evaluate the dog’s training and socialization needs. Some breeds may be more trainable or require more socialization to adapt well to different environments and situations.
- Age: Decide if you want a puppy, an adult dog, or a senior dog. Puppies require more time and effort for training and socialization, while older dogs may already have established behaviors.
- Adoption vs. Breeder: Consider adopting from a shelter or rescue organization. Many mixed breed dogs are in need of loving homes. If you choose to go through a breeder, ensure they are reputable and prioritize the health and well-being of the dogs.
- Family Dynamics: If you have a family, consider how the new dog will fit into the dynamics. Some breeds are known to be good with children, while others may be better suited for a single person or a couple.
- Allergies: If allergies are a concern, spend time with the dog to see if anyone in your household reacts adversely. Keep in mind that individual reactions can vary.
- Financial Commitment: Consider the financial responsibilities of dog ownership, including food, veterinary care, grooming, and other supplies.
Remember that each dog is an individual, and while breed characteristics can provide some guidance, the dog’s unique personality and experiences will shape its behavior. Take the time to get to know the dog, ask questions about its background, and consider how well it aligns with your expectations and lifestyle before making a decision.
Final word
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