Best Dog Dry Food: 14 Excellent Choices Dog Owners Trust

All dog food has to be ideally healthy. However, dog owners are presented with countless options in the market, and they are as diverse as the dog breeds we know. According to veterinarian Dr. Carol Osbourne, certain dog food may not be particularly right for every dog, so you must carefully consider what they need. 

Some feed their pets with wet canned food and BARF diets, while others resort to the most convenient option, dry dog food. It’s easy to store, loaded with nutrients, and more affordable. 

Save yourself from frustration by looking for the most suitable option for your dog. We have narrowed your choices to just the 14 best dog dry foods trusted by dog owners worldwide. 

A Quick Ranking of Our Best Dog Dry Food

For Small Dog Breeds
  • Meaty chunks in delicious kibbles 
  • Contains 26 nutrients for small breeds
  • Has a resealable bag to maintain freshness
4.7 rating
4.7
4.7 rating
4.7
For Better Appearance
  • Rich in antioxidants
  • Meets the energy level of adult dogs
  • Enhanced with vitamins and minerals
4.7 rating
4.7
4.7 rating
4.7
For Dogs with Allergies
  • Supports healthy digestion
  • Packed with nutrients and superfoods
  • Contains no artificial preservatives, flavors, and colors
4.7 rating
4.7
4.7 rating
4.7
For the Overall Health
  • Supports the immune health system
  • Features omega 3 & 6 fatty acids
  • Contains no chicken by-products and fillers 
4.6 rating
4.6
4.6 rating
4.6
For Less Active Dogs
  • Complete and balanced in nutrition
  • Formulated with antibiotics and antioxidants
  • Made from premium proteins and farmed vegetables
4.5 rating
4.5
4.5 rating
4.5

14 Best Dog Dry Food: Our Top Picks

1. Cesar Small Breed Dry Dog Food – For Small Dog Breeds

Editor’s Rating:  
4.7 rating
Why We Like It: The ultimate choice for small dog breeds
Specs:
  • Weight: 2.7 to 12 lbs
  • Flavor: Filet mignon, chicken, or porterhouse
  • Added benefits: Vitamins, folic acid, and thiamine for a healthy nervous system

The Cesar Small Breed Dry Dog Food is a gourmet option for picky eaters. They’re formulated for dogs like Chihuahuas, Shih Tzus, and other dog breeds of similar size, with added 26 nutrients that cater to their needs to grow holistically. 

Its first ingredient is beef, so every bite explodes with its meaty goodness. Each kibble is tender and chunky, ideal enough for small-mouthed dogs. This also helps in cleaning the teeth and improving gum health. 

To add, each piece is loaded with essential vitamins, minerals, protein, and carbohydrates and fats to sustain the energy level of your furry companion. 

When feeding time is over, you’re guaranteed that Cesar dry dog food will keep its freshness thanks to its resealable zipper. 

Pros
  • Meaty chunks in delicious kibbles 
  • Contains 26 nutrients for small breeds
  • Has a resealable bag to maintain freshness
Cons
  • The flavor may not click with some dogs

2. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Chicken and Brown Rice – For Better Appearance

Editor’s Rating:  
4.7 rating
Why We Like It: Improves dog’s skin and coat over time
Specs:
  • Weight: 5 to 34 lbs
  • Flavor: Chicken & Brown Rice
  • Added benefits: Antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals for a stronger immune system

Dogs that love chicken will find satisfaction in a bowl of Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula as it’s made from real, premium chicken. The high-quality protein added to this recipe helps your dog’s growth and build as well as when it comes to their muscle development. 

Added are whole grains, vegetables, and fruits for a complete and balanced meal. It’s assured that your dog will exhibit the expected energy levels as they get the right amount of carbs from every serving. 

As you transition your buddy to this dry food formula, you’ll also notice a remarkable change in their appearance. Their skin and coat are bound to look even healthier thanks to omega 3 & 6 fatty acids. Antioxidants and other vitamins and minerals also work together to improve the immune health of your four-legged companion.

Pros
  • Rich in antioxidants
  • Meets the energy level of adult dogs
  • Enhanced with vitamins and minerals
Cons
  • Not ideal for dogs with sensitive stomachs

3. Castor and Pollux Organix Grain-Free – For Dogs with Allergies

Editor’s Rating:  
4.7 rating
Why We Like It: The best diet for hypersensitive canines
Specs:
  • Weight: 4 to 10 lbs
  • Flavor: Chicken
  • Added benefits: Contains prebiotic fiber for better digestion

Another chicken-flavored option for dogs is the Castor and Pollux Organix formula. There are over 2,000 ratings and dog owners patronizing this dry dog food brand as it’s organic and grain-free, which is ideal for dogs with sensitive stomachs, according to PetMD

Hence, vets will often suggest such a type of recipe and see if your dog that suffers from food allergies will have its symptoms improved. 

On top of this, the chicken ingredient has been raised without hormones and antibiotics. It’s a premium quality choice blended with superfoods like organic flaxseed, blueberries, and sweet potato. 

The price you pay for each bag also ensures that your dog has a diet free from preservatives, chemicals, and fillers. The added prebiotic fiber is also beneficial as this calms the stomach and helps proper digestion. 

Pros
  • Supports healthy digestion
  • Packed with nutrients and superfoods
  • Contains no artificial preservatives, flavors, and colors
Cons
  • Contains a lot of sweet potatoes

4. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Beef and Brown Rice – For the Overall Health

Editor’s Rating:  
4.6 rating
Why We Like It: Everybody’s premium choice when it comes to holistic health
Specs:
  • Weight: 5 to 34 lbs
  • Flavor: Beef & Brown Rice
  • Added benefits: Contains a precise blend of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals for the immune system

Blue Buffalo is a well-trusted brand among myriads of others sold in the market. If your dog isn’t particularly hooked on the chicken flavor, their beef and brown rice recipe might. The high-grade protein comes from superb meat sources with veggies, fruits, and whole grains. 

It’s a top choice for vets, and animal nutritionists as this formula ensures your dog is well taken care of inside and outside. It contains Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids for a vibrant coat and moisturized skin. Also, a precise blend of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants was added for healthy holistic growth.

This natural dog food is free from fillers and other cheap ingredients that only fill the stomach but are undeniably low on nutrition. Your dog deserves only the best, so invest well in the trusted Blue Buffalo Beef and Brown Recipe.

Pros
  • Supports the immune health system
  • Features omega 3 & 6 fatty acids
  • Contains no chicken by-products and fillers 
Cons
  • Not ideal for dogs with sensitive stomachs

5. Canidae All Life Stages Premium Dry Dog Food – For Less Active Dogs

Why We Like It: Complements a dog’s vigor with great, suitable nutrition
Specs:
  • Weight: 5 to 44 lbs
  • Flavor: Chicken, turkey, lamb, and fish
  • Added benefits: Antioxidants and probiotics for overall health

Purina has listed some of the least active dog breeds, such as the Bulldog, Bloodhound, Mastiff, and Pug. If your dog prefers to laze around or sit quietly on your lap, serving them meals that are high in carbs won’t be the best thing to do. 

They need a special formula to help them maintain a healthy weight despite not exuding much enthusiasm in playing in the yard. The Canidae All Life Stages Premium Dry Dog Food is a great choice that can be used for dogs regardless of their size, breed, or age. 

It has less fat and protein but is still rich in essential nutrients like antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. All these work to grant your dog healthy joints, skin, coat, digestion, and immune system.

Everything in each bag is made from premium ingredients, setting a new standard for pet food. 

Pros
  • Complete and balanced in nutrition
  • Formulated with antibiotics and antioxidants
  • Made from premium proteins and farmed vegetables
Cons
  • May contain lots of powdery kibble

6. Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Diet Salmon & Sweet Potato – For Lean Dogs

Why We Like It: Maintains healthy weight for lean dogs
Specs:
  • Weight: 4 to 24 lbs
  • Flavor: Beef, lamb, salmon, sweet potato, venison, and bison
  • Added benefits: Protein and essential fatty acids for lean muscle mass

Does your dog take around 20 minutes to finish their food? Dr. Jerry Klein, the Chief Veterinary Officer of the American Kennel Club, says they might be picky eaters. If you think your dog only salivates to foods with salmon in it, the convenient alternative is the Natural Balance Limited Ingredient. 

You can choose between 4 to 24 lbs per bag, depending on the size of your dog. Since it’s primarily made from fish, you can be confident that it will be rich in omega. Thrown in is another gluten-free sweet potato flavor to keep your dog vigor throughout the day. 

Meanwhile, canola oil deals with healthy skin and coats. The whole recipe is meant to promote not just good health to your dog but as well as a lean muscle mass. It’s an ideal option for Greyhounds, Whippets, Salukis, and other dog breeds of the same physique. 

As it’s free from grain, wheat, and soy, allergic canines will find comfort in every bowl of goodness from Natural Balance.

Pros
  • Rich in omega fatty acids
  • Ideal for dogs with food allergies
  • Helps promote lean muscle mass
Cons
  • More expensive compared to other brands

7. Victor Hi-Pro Plus Dry Dog Food – For Active Dogs

Why We Like It: The top booster food for dogs that are wild in energy
Specs:
  • Weight: 5 to 50 lbs
  • Flavor: Beef
  • Added benefits: Premium nutrition to encourage healthy activity level

Whether your dog is simply energetic or a constant participant in agility sports, its food has to be able to keep up with its energy requirements. The Victor Hi-Pro Plus Dry Dog Food is specifically formulated to reach that goal and satisfy certain dog owners’ demands. 

It’s nutrient-dense and has a multi-meat formula, ensuring your canine gets premium daily nutrition. This is recommended for adults, seniors, as well as pregnant or lactating dogs. 

Some great nutrition in a bag of Victor Hi-Pro Plus is prebiotics, probiotics, selenium yeast, and mineral complexes. All these are meant for superior digestibility and immune system function.

Pros
  • Improves digestion
  • Promotes a healthy immune system
  • Perfect for active or sporty dog breeds
Cons
  • Not ideal for picky eaters

8. Diamond Naturals Dry Food for Adult Dog – For an Improved Immune System

Why We Like It: Keeps your canine from sickness and illnesses
Specs:
  • Weight: 6 to 40 lbs
  • Flavor: Beef
  • Added benefits: Contains omega-6 and 3 fatty acids for a healthier appearance

Diamond Naturals is also an in-demand product, particularly in the USA. Bag sizes range from 6 to 40 lbs, so go for whatever amount is needed that can last for a certain period. 

The K9 Strain probiotics are generally included in this formula. It’s a good bacteria that help digestion and the immune system, aiding dogs in their active lifestyles. Superfoods are also blended in. Some of them are kale, chia seeds, pumpkin, and blueberries. 

While many dog food products have been recalled over recent years, Diamond Naturals have remained consistent in quality. The select ingredients have undergone rigorous quality control processes, with your dog’s health as a top priority. 

Pros
  • Contains beneficial superfoods
  • Has K9 Strain probiotics for good digestion
  • Made from premium and carefully selected ingredients
Cons
  • The bag is not resealable

9. Taste of the Wild High Prairie Canine Grain-Free Recipe – For Strong Joints and Bones

Why We Like It: Exactly what dogs need for their joint health
Specs:
  • Weight: 5 to 28 lbs
  • Flavor: Roasted bison and venison
  • Added benefits: Omega fatty acids for healthy skin and coat

It’s truly mouthwatering for adult dogs and puppies if their food has real meat flavor. The Taste of the Wild High Prairie Canine Grain-Free Recipe is made from roasted bison and venison, ideal for canines that want to reconnect with their nature in terms of food and diet. 

It contains about 32% protein from high-grade meat sources and is responsible for strong joints and bones and lean, strong muscles. 

It’s not also behind when it comes to providing dogs the nutrition that they need. This recipe has everything your pooch needs, from vitamins down to minerals. They are taken from natural sources like fruits and select superfoods. 

Omega fatty acids are also dropped in for improved skin and coat. To ensure your dog doesn’t get sick, this is an excellent choice, more so that it also has prebiotics, probiotics, and antioxidants. 

Pros
  • Rich in protein
  • Complete and balance in nutrition
  • Helps promote skin and coat quality
Cons
  • More expensive than other brands

10. Rachael Ray Nutrish Dish Dry Dog Food – For Dogs With Digestive Problems

Why We Like It: Takes care of allergic dogs better than most food brands
Specs:
  • Weight: 3.75 to 23 lbs
  • Flavor: Beef & brown rice
  • Added benefits: Contains minerals and dietary fibers for healthy digestion

Rachael Ray Nutrish Dish Dry Dog Food isn’t something new in the market. It’s rated over 6,000 times and has become Amazon’s choice for dog food. What makes this outstanding is its usage of nothing but the best ingredients with no poultry by-products, fillers, artificial flavors, preservatives, and coloring. 

The kibbles are of a variety. You can see real ingredients such as field peas, crisp apples, real chicken cuts, and coin-cut carrots. Your doggo will have a different experience and burst of flavors in every kibble. 

Of course, this natural dog food has vitamins and minerals, too. The dietary fiber promotes healthy digestion, while other components help your dog’s overall health and growth. It’s a great buy, especially if you want more value. 

Pros
  • Real ingredients found in kibbles
  • Free from preservatives and chemicals
  • Has dietary fibers for an improved digestion
Cons
  • Not for picky eaters

11. Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein – For Dogs with Healthy Weights

Why We Like It: Keeps your dog’s mass at a healthy range effortlessly
Specs:
  • Weight: 4.5 to 24 lbs
  • Flavor: Chicken
  • Added benefits: Rich in antioxidants for overall health

The Blue Buffalo recipe is a well-recommended option by vets and nutritionists. The select ingredients are carefully considered according to the health advantages they may provide to dogs that need them. 

The formula is packed with real chicken for their protein requirements so that they can grow well in build with a healthy and lean mass.

There are no excess calories added, so dog owners who are meticulous about their dog’s weight can trust that their furry companion will stay healthy. With its price, you’re set to receive real ingredients only with no meat by-products and fillers like corn and soy. 

This is ideal for medium breeds and dogs who need joint support.

Pros
  • Supports hips and joints
  • Promotes a healthy, lean mass
  • Made from top-grade ingredients
Cons
  • A little expensive compared to other brands

12. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Natural Puppy Dry Dog Food – For Puppies

Why We Like It: Complete and balanced formula fit for a growing puppy
Specs:
  • Weight: 4 to 24 lbs
  • Flavor: Red meat, chicken-free
  • Added benefits: Contains DHA and ARA for cognitive development and retinal health

Blue Buffalo also has a formula specially made for puppies. The VCA says that proper nutrition is crucial for growing puppies as this can directly impact their physique and immune system. 

Pups in this critical stage can benefit greatly from the puppy dry dog food formula made by Blue Buffalo. It has red meat to satiate the wild side of any raucous or mischievous wild-ish puppy while aiding them in their proper development. 

They also receive certain amounts of vitamins, nutrients, and minerals, which are essential for their cognitive abilities. Everything about this formula is vet-approved, so don’t hesitate to feed this to your maturing puppy. 

Pros
  • Promotes proper development
  • Complete and balanced in nutrition
  • Improves a puppy’s cognitive status
Cons
  • Not for picky eaters

13. Health Extension Little Bites Dry Dog Food – For Toy Dog Breeds

Why We Like It: The recipe tiny dogs would certainly love
Specs:
  • Weight: 1 to 30 lbs
  • Flavor: Chicken
  • Added benefits: Grain and gluten-free for sensitive puppies

Teacup, miniature, and toy dogs undoubtedly require a certain dog food formula based on their growth and size. The Health Extension Little Bites Dry Dog Food specializes in these groups of dogs, and their kibbles are extra tiny in size, so it won’t be hard work for dogs like Toy Poodles to chew on their food. 

This chicken and brown rice recipe is high quality and recommended for all life stages. It’s a tasty and holistically healthy meal free from unwanted components like artificial preservatives and fillers. 

Each bowl is an incredible source of fiber, prebiotics, and probiotics for digestion and omega fatty acids for their delicate skin and coat. 

Pros
  • Ideal for tiny dogs
  • Free from fillers and preservatives
  • Small kibbles and easy to chew on
Cons
  • Kibbles can be very small

14. Wellness Core Rawrev Natural Grain Free Small Breed – For Allergic Small Dog Breeds

Why We Like It: Formulated only for small breeds with stomach issues
Specs:
  • Weight: 4 to 20 lbs
  • Flavor: Turkey
  • Added benefits: Has a high concentration of protein for healthy muscle mass

This turkey formula from Wellness Core is another great choice for another distinct yet salivating flavor that dogs will love. Each bag contains 100% free-dried turkey that’s loaded with optimal protein levels and calorie content for active small-breed dogs. 

It’s certainly rich in antioxidants, vitamins, omega fatty acids, taurine, glucosamine, and other essential nutrients fit for any small-bodied pooches. 

Its grain-free quality makes it even more ideal and appetizing for dogs with food allergies.

Pros
  • Has optimal protein levels
  • Packed with vitamins and antioxidants
  • Ideal for dogs that have food allergies
Cons
  • Raw bits to kibble ratio can be inconsistent