Introduction
Our furry friend’s health is very important for the peace of our household. One of the best ways to keep them healthy is to support their healthy diet. There are many different types of dogs and dog foods. Some have different meat flavors and are rich in protein. Some others contain vegetables or different types of grains. It is hard to trust a brand and choose a product since there are many varieties.
In this article, we have compared the 8 best dog foods. They have some distinctive differences, but they are all produced with the best ingredients for the health of our dear friends. If you are not happy with your dog’s food and are looking for a new one, this article will be very useful. Let’s take a look at the 8 best dog foods to find the most suitable one for your dog.
| Product | Suitable for all breeds | Flavors |
| IAMS Adult Minichunks Small Kibble High Protein Dry Dog Food | Yes | Chicken & whole grains |
| Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food | No | Chicken & rice |
| PEDIGREE DENTASTIX Large Dog Dental Treats | No | Chicken |
| Taste of the Wild with Ancient Grains, Ancient Prairie Canine Recipe | Yes | Roasted meat with ancient grains |
| Amazon Brand – Wag Dry Dog Food | Yes | Australian lamb meat |
| PEDIGREE Puppy Growth & Protection Dry Dog Food | Yes | Chicken & vegetables |
| Royal Canin Small Breed Adult Dry Dog Food | No | Chicken & vegetables |
| Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Senior Small Breed Dry Dog Food | No | Chicken & brown rice |
1- IAMS Adult Minichunks Small Kibble High Protein Dry Dog Food
Its first ingredient is farm-raised chicken. Strengthens muscles with high protein. The grains in it both facilitate digestion and support the immune system by providing high fiber and antioxidants. It supports your dog’s healthy weight gain.
| Pros | Cons |
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- Quality ingredients: Made of farm-raised chicken and whole grains.
- Supports health: Good for muscle maintenance, digestion, and the immune system.
IAMS Adult Minichunks Small Kibble High Protein Dry Dog Food Review
It is a dry food with quality chicken meat content. However, there are no flavor options other than chicken. It contains different ingredients and offers balanced nutrition besides the meat content. This food is for adult dogs only. However, there are also puppy foods of the same brand. This dog food is preferred by most people as it is very affordable.
Even picky eaters like its taste. It does not smell bad at all. In general, it contributes to your dog’s muscle maintenance with high protein content. Whole grains inside the food support the immune system. Its ingredients are also easy to digest. It does not contain any artificial substance. Overall, it is a good product for adult dogs.
This is dry food. If your dog likes wet food, it is sold in addition to dry food. But it will be an extra cost for you. There is also one thing you should be careful about. In particular, unoriginal products can be sold on the Internet. Since these consist of unhealthy ingredients, they can cause great harm to your dog. We recommend that you buy from a seller you trust.
2- Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food
Suitable for small breed adult dogs aged 1-6 years up to 25 pounds. It has chicken and rice flavor. It consists of high-quality proteins and easy-to-digest ingredients. Also, it contains Omega 6 fatty acids, and vitamin E. Supports the dog’s immune system.
| Pros | Cons |
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- Small bites: Specially designed for adults of smaller breeds
- Easy digestion: It has ingredients that will facilitate the digestion of small breeds.
Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food Review
It is small in size as it is produced for small breeds. This makes it easier for small dogs to chew. In addition, its contents are suitable for easy digestion of small dogs. However, its small size may cause it to spill out of the bowl more easily. You have to make an extra effort to keep your home clean.
Omega 6 and vitamin E in it make your dog’s hair and skin healthier. It supports the immune system of small dogs and contributes to their health. It consists of natural ingredients and high-quality proteins. It strengthens the muscles. It contains chicken, wheat, rice, and many more ingredients. There are also different meat options other than chicken.
It is a food that picky eaters will also love. If you have a larger breed along with a small breed, you may need another packet of food for a larger breed. Large dogs can eat it too, but they might not enjoy it since this one is more suitable for small breeds. Buying two different foods may cause you an extra cost. You may want to buy suitable food for both breeds.
3- PEDIGREE Puppy Growth & Protection Dry Dog Food
This dog food with chicken and vegetable flavors contributes to the brain development of puppies. It can be preferred for both the mental and physical development of puppies from 6 weeks to 18 months. It can be used for puppies of all breeds.
| Pros | Cons |
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- Different flavors: Chicken & vegetable and beef & vegetable options are available.
- Nutritional values: Its ingredients support muscle, teeth, bone, and brain development.
PEDIGREE DENTASTIX Large Dog Dental Treats Review
Among the 8 best dog foods we selected, it is the only food specially made for puppies. For this reason, it has content that will contribute to the development of puppies. It both helps brain development and strengthens bones and teeth. It provides nutritional value for puppies from 6 weeks to 18 months. It is also an adequate food source for puppies of all breeds.
It contributes to puppies’ muscle development. It may be an extra expense as it is specially produced for puppies. Especially if you have another dog, it may be difficult for you to afford separate puppy food. However, the needs of adult dogs and puppies are not the same, so it supports the healthiest growth of your precious little furry friends.
In addition to chicken and vegetable flavor, there is also a flavor with beef. There is no added sugar or unhealthy additions. It contains different types of grains and fatty acids, as well as protein and vegetables. It can mold easily if you don’t store it in a dry and cool place. You should be careful about this.
4- PEDIGREE DENTASTIX Large Dog Dental Treats
It is a dental treat stick suitable for large dog breeds. It keeps dogs’ teeth healthy and prevents tartar formation. Its shape is specially designed for gum line cleaning. This treat stick does not contain added sugar. There are 7 pieces of treats in a pack.
| Pros | Cons |
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- Different flavors: Beef and mint flavors are available in addition to chicken
- Oral care: Cleans dogs’ teeth, prevents tartar and bad breath
PEDIGREE DENTASTIX Large Dog Dental Treats Review
It is a little different from our other best dog foods. It is a treat, not dog food, that can be used regularly. It has 7 pieces of treats inside a pack. However, you can divide these into pieces and give your dog a smaller piece. In this way, you can use a pack for a longer period. You can save money. Treats do not have to be that big anyway.
It is a special treat. It keeps dogs’ teeth clean and prevents bad breath. It contains chicken, but there are also other flavors. You can choose according to your dog’s taste. It is a very healthy snack option since it does not contain added sugar. Some people think it smells bad, but apparently, its scent is pretty attractive for dogs.
It is suitable for dogs above 40 lbs, so small breeds and puppies should not consume this. You should buy different treats for smaller dogs. Since it has a sticky structure, you should keep a bowl of water ready for your dog. It takes almost 10 minutes to finish a whole stick. However, some people think it is too soft for a treat.
5- Amazon Brand – Wag Dry Dog Food
It contains Australian lamb meat. In addition to meat, vegetables inside it provide vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. But no added grains are available inside it. All dog breeds can consume it safely.
| Pros | Cons |
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- Quality meat: Contains Australian lamb meat with a high amount of protein.
- Flavor options: Beef, salmon, turkey, and chicken options are also available beside the lamb.
Amazon Brand – Wag Dry Dog Food Review
It contains a high amount of protein. It can be too much and can be uncomfortable for the dog. In addition, it does not contain added grain. This means that there are no extra grains. Usually, vets do not recommend grain-free foods, but this one contains at least a small amount of grain. However, you should definitely consult your vet and make sure that the grain it has is sufficient.
Other than that, many people found the price of the product high. Since it contains high-quality Australian lamb meat and is an imported food, its price may be higher than others. By the way, there are also foods of the same brand with different meat options. You can choose the one that suits your dog’s taste.
Vegetables in it provide vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Suitable for all dog breeds. Even dogs with sensitive stomachs can consume it comfortably. If you want to switch to this food while using another one, you should not change it all at once. You should gradually switch to the new food by combining the old food with this food. So your dog gets used to the new food more easily.
6- Taste of the Wild with Ancient Grains, Ancient Prairie Canine Recipe
It contains fiber, protein-rich ancient grains, and different vitamins and antioxidants. Roasted bison and venison meet your dog’s protein needs. It provides vitamin E to support the immune system and omega 6 and omega 3 to protect skin health.
| Pros | Cons |
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- Nutritive value: Contains ancient grains with high fiber as well as meats with high protein.
- Contribute to health: Contributes to the immune system, skin, and fur health.
Taste of the Wild with Ancient Grains, Ancient Prairie Canine Recipe Review
It contains all the necessary nutrition for a dog. The same brand also has grain-free options for adult dogs and puppies. However, vets mostly recommend foods with a mixture of grain and meat. So this one with ancient grains such as millet, quinoa, and chia will be a better choice. These grains are combined with roasted bison and venison meats that dogs will enjoy.
Suitable for dogs of all ages. However, this food contains 32% protein which is beyond the dogs’ needs. Less protein with a certain amount of carbs will suffice for dogs. This much protein may cause digestion problems, even for adult dogs. It will not be the best choice for puppies. Also, some users mentioned that their dogs suffer from constant gas after eating this food.
Omega 3 and 6 in it make both the fur and skin of dogs healthier. In addition, vitamin E and antioxidants contribute to your dog’s health. Especially with its rich grain content, it will be a good alternative for people who want to replace grain-free food. According to the users, most dogs love this food, but some dogs do not like it very much and refuse to eat it.
7- Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Senior Small Breed Dry Dog Food
This product contains chicken, grains, vegetables, and fruits. It provides small bites as it is suitable for small breeds. While the glucosamine and chondroitin in the food keep your dog energetic, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals also support the immune system.
| Pros | Cons |
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- Real meat content: It has chicken as the first ingredient
- Small bites: Produced especially for small breeds
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Senior Small Breed Dry Dog Food Review
This food has real meat as the first ingredient. It also has grains, fruits, and vegetables inside to meet all the nutritional elements your dog needs. Thanks to the different vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants provided by its ingredients, it contributes to your dog’s health. It improves the immune system, and your dog can maintain energy throughout the day. Additionally, glucosamine and chondroitin strengthen your dog’s joints.
Apparently, it’s not very tasty for all dogs. Some dog owners have mentioned that their dogs do not like this food very much. Still, there’s no way to tell if your dog will like it without trying it. But since it is an expensive product, the risk of wasting your money may be worrying. Still, if you are thinking of changing your dog’s current food, you may want to try this one.
If you are planning to switch from another food to this one, you must mix it with the other food to facilitate the transition process. Overall it is a good food to keep your dog healthy. The fact that it’s not grain-free is also a plus. Foods containing meat & grain are generally the most recommended. This food is very rich in nutrition at this point.
8- Royal Canin Small Breed Adult Dry Dog Food
It is a chicken & vegetables flavored dog food for small breeds between 9-22 lbs. Its kibbles have a small structure to make chewing easier for small dogs. The fatty acids such as EPA and DHA in the food contribute to the health of the skin and fur.
| Pros | Cons |
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- Easy chewing: Consists of small kibbles for small breeds.
- Fatty acids: Strengthens the skin and fur of the dogs.
Royal Canin Small Breed Adult Dry Dog Food Review
It is special dog food for small breeds. Small dogs can chew this food more easily with their small jaws. The content of the food allows dogs to maintain their weight and give them the energy they require with all the necessary nutritional elements. Transitioning from puppy food to this is not easy. You have to give your dog some time to get used to it.
It contains fatty acids such as EPA and DHA. These fats support the health of dogs and strengthen their skin and fur. However, some dog owners think that the amount of oil in it is too much for their dogs. There are also comments about the food smelling bad. Still, most dogs enjoy it. So it means food smells delicious to them.
Some small dog breeds can suffer from digestive problems. According to some people, this food is not very good for their dogs’ digestion. Not all dogs have this kind of problem though, so if you like its ingredients, you may give it a shot. However, you should know that it also causes excessive gas formation in dogs.
Questions About 8 Best Dog Foods
Which of the 8 best dog foods we have selected are suitable for all dog breeds?
IAMS, Taste of the Wild, and Wag are foods that all breeds can consume. However, there are special dog foods for small dog breeds to eat more easily. Among the dog foods that we selected, Hill’s Science Diet, Royal Canin, and Blue Buffalo are the ones that are suitable for small breeds. However, foods suitable for all breeds will be more affordable for those with different breeds of dogs.
In addition, Pedigree has both treats and puppy food. Puppy food is suitable for all breeds. The treat is not suitable for puppies and should not be eaten by dogs under 40 lbs. For this reason, we cannot say that it is suitable for all breeds. You can choose the most suitable food for your dog among all these different foods.
What are the flavors of these products?
The 8 best dog foods we selected have different flavors. Most of them have chicken flavors with grains or vegetables. Apart from that, Taste of the Wild has roasted meat & ancient grains flavor. Wag is flavored with Australian lamb meat. We selected the chicken-flavored products of most brands, but they also have different flavors, such as beef or turkey. You can also buy one of these.
Are these products grain-free?
None of the 8 best dog foods we chose is grain-free, but Wag does not contain added grains. For this reason, the amount of grain may be lower than the others. Apart from that, there are no grains in Pedigree’s dentastix, but it is not so important because it is actually a treat, not a daily food. In general, grain-free foods are not highly recommended by veterinarians. The foods that we have chosen are very rich in grain.
Why is it necessary to buy Puppy food?
Puppies have different needs than adult dogs. Puppy foods support healthy growth. Its ingredients improve the bone, tooth, and muscle development of little ones. Also, since these foods are smaller in size, they can be consumed more easily by puppies. For this reason, special food for puppies is necessary. Among the 8 best dog foods we chose, Pedigree Puppy Growth & Protection is suitable for puppies.
How do different ingredients contribute to the health of dogs?
Dog foods should contain different vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to support your dog’s health. For example, it is known that vitamin E is good for the immune system. This makes the dog more resistant to diseases. In addition, fatty acids strengthen and protect the skin and fur. Protein content also helps the maintenance of the muscles.
Final Verdict
IAMS was our favorite among the 8 best dog foods we selected for you. This dog food contains high-quality chicken meat and grains to meet your dog’s protein, mineral, and vitamin needs. It is affordable and suitable for all breeds. It does not smell bad, and dogs eat this food with pleasure. It also supports your dog’s health.
Apart from this, if you have a small breed dog, you can choose a food that will be more suitable for your dog’s size. For example, Hill’s Science Diet, Royal Canin, and Blue Buffalo are special foods for small breeds. These will allow your dog’s small jaw to chew more easily, as well as provide the energy needed for small breeds.
You can choose Taste of the Wild or Wag for food with higher protein content. Pedigree Dentastix, which protects your dog’s dental health, will be a good treat for your dog. In this article, we reviewed and compared the 8 best dog foods. If you are in search of different food for your dear friend, you can choose one of these products.
