Choosing the right dry food for your canine companion is essential for their overall health and well-being. With a wide array of options available on the market, it can be challenging to determine which one is the best dry food for dogs.

A high-quality dry dog food provides the necessary nutrition, balanced ingredients, and optimal taste to support your dog’s growth, energy levels, and immune system.

In this article, we will explore the characteristics of the best dry food for dogs, including important factors to consider when selecting a brand and some top recommendations.

Read here about dry dog food vs wet dog food.

You can also read about best wet food for dogs.

What Is Dry Dog Food?

Dry dog food, more commonly referred to as “kibble”, has a much lower water content than fresh (also known as wet) dog food. Due to its low water content, it has a much longer shelf life and doesn’t need to be kept in the fridge, making it a far more convenient option for the majority of dog owners. It’s also easier to weigh out, less messy, and arguably more hygienic when compared to wet food.

Are Dry Foods Good for Dogs?

Whilst both wet and dry dog food are able to provide all the nutrients your dog needs, there are a couple of benefits to feeding dry food.

Dry dog food is likely to be a little better for your dog’s dental health compared to wet food, and may help slow down tartar build up [1].

Due to its low water content, dry kibble also packs a powerful calorific punch, meaning that if you have a growing puppy to feed (especially where large breeds are concerned), dry puppy food may be the better option.

Finally, dry food has a significantly longer shelf life than wet food once opened, and doesn’t need to be stored in the fridge, making it a highly convenient option for many dog owners.

Is Dry Dog Food Better than Wet?

On balance, dry dog food is not better than wet dog food. But equally, nor is wet dog food superior to dry! They each offer benefits. You can read more about the best wet dog foods, and the benefits of wet dog food generally, read here.

Best Dry Dog Food for Small Dogs

Vet’s Pick: Hill’s Science Diet Adult Small Paws Dry Dog Food

This small breed specific dry food from Hills is perfect for young, active adult dogs aged 1-6 years, and has been formulated with high quality, natural ingredients which your petite pet will love!

Small Paws provides high-quality proteins, primarily provided by chicken meal; an excellent natural source of glucosamine and chondroitin which can aid in protecting your pet’s joints as they age.

Unlike many dry dog food brands, Hills have not overlooked the importance of fatty acid supplementation, and dog owners can rest assured that Small Paws is enriched with omega-6 fatty acids to nourish your dog’s skin and promote shiny fur…your pup’s coat will be the envy of every pet in the dog park!

This dry kibble additionally contains vitamins C and E, as well as an antioxidant blend for added immune support.

First 5 Ingredients (chicken meal and rice flavor):

Chicken Meal, Brewer’s Rice, Whole Grain Wheat, Soybean Meal, Whole Grain Sorghum.

Price:

Small Paws currently retails at $51.99 USD for a 15.5lb bag on Chewy.com. This equates to a moderately spendy $3.36/lb.

Rating:

9/10; like Mary Poppins, this small dog food is “practically perfect in every way”!

Second Place: Purina Pro Plan Calm & Balanced Adult Small Breed Chicken & Rice Formula Dry Dog Food

Purina brand has been around for a while, racking up considerable street cred amongst vets and veterinary nutritionists. Over the years, Purina has become a dog food brand that we know and trust, with good reason: they consistently deliver A-grade dog food; exactly as your pup deserves!

Many pet parents will be aware that sometimes small dogs can be spicy! Purina’s Calm & Balanced diet provides omega-3 fatty acids at levels that have been optimized to promote calm behavior, as well as supporting brain health and cognitive function.

Like Small Paws, the high quality ingredients of this wet food include chicken meal, which provides a bountiful source of glucosamine and chondroitin to help look after your pint-sized pup’s joints.

In fact, the only downside to this food? The cost. Price alone has pushed Purina Pro Plan off the number one “Best Dry Dog Food for Smallies” spot, into a close second place.

First 5 Ingredients:

Chicken, whole grain corn, poultry by-product meal, rice, corn gluten meal.

Price:

Currently retailing on Amazon.com at around $25 USD for a 5lb bag (equating to a fairly pricey $5/lb).

Rating:

8/10. A great all-rounder, but a couple of points have been lost here in terms of affordability.

Third Place: Royal Canin Small Adult Formula Dry Dog Food

Are you the proud owner of a small breed adult dog aged 10 months to 8 years, and weighing up to 22lb? If so, Royal Canin’s adult dry dog food could be right for you!

Coming in at a very respectable third place (out of literally hundreds of dry dog food brands), this crunchy and aromatic dry kibble has been designed with your small dog’s size in mind at all times. Royal Canin have ensured that the size, shape, and texture of their kibble is perfect for little mouths and equally little jaws.

This pet food is also particularly tasty. If you share your home with a petite pooch, you’re no doubt aware of how fussy these little firecrackers can be!

So, finding that one food that your small dog is actually excited to eat can be a massive relief. Just a little disclaimer: I’ve not tested this dog food personally, but I certainly have four-legged friends who have!

Finally, a note on corn: many of you will have noticed that this is the first ingredient in Royal Canin’s dry kibble. Contrary to popular belief, corn is very well digested by both dogs and cats.

What’s more, corn provides protein, energy, and fiber, including starches that are beneficial to your dog’s colonic health, and natural carotenoids which have the potential to bolster the immune system [2]…That’s anything but corny.

First 5 Ingredients:

Corn, Chicken By-Product Meal, Brewers Rice, Brown Rice, Corn Gluten Meal.

Price:

A quick detour to Chewy.com suggests that our “Best Dry Dog Food” runner up is currently retailing for $59.99 USD per 14lb bag, equating to $4.29/lb.

Rating:

7/10. An excellent dog food, but let down by price, especially given that corn is cheap and widely available.

Best Dry Dog Food for Large Dogs

Vet’s Pick: Eukanuba Adult Large Breed Dry Dog Food

Large and giant breed dogs have very specific dietary needs, and Eukanuba shows an exemplary awareness of this fact in the formulation of their Large Breed Dry Dog Food.

This high quality dry kibble goes above and beyond to support a healthy musculoskeletal system and an active lifestyle, providing glucosamine, chondroitin, DHA, and a welcome dose of vitamin E.

Eukanuba has also designed the shape of this kibble to help reduce tartar build up, because a little extra dental defense for your canine companion can never be a bad thing.

First 5 Ingredients:

Chicken, Corn Meal, Ground Whole Grain Sorghum, Chicken By-Product Meal, Ground Whole Grain Barley.

Price: At the time of writing, you can purchase a 30lb bag for $79.29 USD on Amazon.com (which works out at a cost effective $2.60/lb).

Rating: 10/10; couldn’t find a fault!

Second Place: Hill’s Science Diet Large Breed Dry Dog Food – Lamb Meal & Rice Recipe

Hills are cropping up again in our discussion of dry dog food brands! Honestly, is there anything they can’t do? This option is suitable for large breeds aged 1-5 years, and giant breeds aged 1-4 years old.

Providing natural sources of glucosamine and chondroitin as well as high quality animal proteins, Hill’s Science Diet promotes the development of lean muscle mass to keep your pet as fit as a farmer’s dog! It’s also enriched with omega-6 fatty acids and vitamin E to keep your pup’s skin and coat in optimal condition.

First 5 Ingredients:

Lamb Meal, Brewers Rice, Whole Grain Wheat, Whole Grain Sorghum, Cracked Pearled Barley.

Price:

$79.99 USD for a 33lb bag on Amazon.com, as it currently stands. This equates to a very reasonable $2.42/lb.

Rating:

9/10; if your dog’s age and size fit the bill, this just might be the best food for your pet.

Third Place: Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Natural Large Breed Adult Dry Dog Food Plus Wholesome Grains

Formulated exclusively for large breeds, this dry dog food incorporates fresh, de-boned chicken and a protein-rich blueprint enriched with wholesome grains: oatmeal, barley, and brown rice, all excellent sources of complex carbohydrates to fuel your big dog’s active lifestyle.

Blue Buffalo’s Wholesome Grains food is a fantastic option for pet owners hunting for a kibble that is as natural as possible, whilst still providing a completely balanced diet. Oh, and Blue Buffalo’s Wholesome Grains dog food contains absolutely no artificial colors or preservatives. Winner, winner, chicken dinner!

First 5 Ingredients:

Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Dried Chicken, Oatmeal, Barley.

Price:

$73.99 USD for a 24lb on Amazon.com, as it currently stands. This works out at a respectable $3.08/lb.

Rating:

8/10. A really good pet food, but a little more costly than Eukanuba and Hills without offering obvious additional benefits. Yes, the ingredients are a little “posher”, but at the end of the day the nutritional value is pretty much the same.

Best Dog Foods for Sensitive Stomachs

Before we dive into our “Best Dry Dog Food” top three, let’s briefly pause and take a look at the difference between hypoallergenic, anallergenic, and hydrolyzed dog foods. Believe me, the rest of this section will make a whole lot more sense if you don’t skip this part!

Food intolerances and allergies are pretty common causes of stomach upsets in adult dogs. Usually, animal proteins are to blame; the three most common culprits are beef, dairy products, and chicken [3].

When it comes to sensitive stomachs, it’s best to choose a kibble that is anallergenic. These foods are a step up from the more commonly known hypoallergenic foods.

Simplifying things just a little, you can think of hypoallergenic foods as being less likely than normal dog food to cause a reaction, whereas anallergenic foods are incredibly unlikely to cause a reaction.

Unfortunately, anallergenic foods are very pricey, far beyond what many pet parents can reasonably afford on an ongoing basis; after all, these dietary restrictions need to be continued for the rest of your dog’s life!

Finally, a quick word on hydrolyzed proteins. You’ll notice that some sensitive stomach dog foods contain “hydrolyzed” protein sources. This means that the original protein (for example, pork meal) has been broken down into such small pieces that your dog’s immune system is no longer able to recognize the protein as foreign.

Hydrolyzed diets work similarly to anallergenic diets, but may come with a lower price tag (hurray!)

Vet’s Pick: SquarePet Hydrolyzed Protein Skin and Digestive Support Dry Dog Food

This vet-formulated diet offers a great cut-price alternative to expensive prescription hydrolyzed diets. SquarePet’s dry dog food is one of the best options for food-sensitive dogs on a budget.

Of course, SquarePet hasn’t skipped on the bonus features: alongside hydrolyzed pork protein, this diet provides omega-3 and 6 fatty acids, providing essential skin and coat support. SquarePet’s philosophy highlights natural nutrition, so you won’t find any chemical preservatives, fillers, or other nasties in this USA-made dry dog food.

First 5 Ingredients:

Hydrolyzed Pork, Brown Rice, White Rice, Sunflower Oil (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Pork Fat (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols).

Price:

Sells on Amazon at the time of writing for $89.99 USD per 22lbs (i.e., $4.09/lb), which is very cost effective for a hydrolyzed diet! Weight for weight, this dry food is about a third cheaper than Royal Canin’s Anallergenic.

Rating:

9/10; a fantastic all rounder for sensitive stomachs, at a bargain price.

Second Place: Royal Canin Anallergenic Dry Dog Food

In my opinion, Royal Canin Anallergenic is the best kibble available for dogs suffering from skin or digestive issues due to food allergies or intolerances, but sadly it’s also the least affordable option.

Effectively touted as a miracle product by the veterinary community when it first launched, this food uses hydrolyzed feathers – yes, feathers – as a protein source. Your dog’s reactive tummy and skin won’t even notice Royal Canin Anallergenic. Prepare for much nicer poops and a whole lot less itch!

The downside? As we touched upon already, anallergenic diets are super costly, and Royal Canin’s formula is no exception. This pet food price tag is one of the heftiest you’ll come across, period.

First 5 Ingredients:

Maize starch, feather hydrolysate with low molecular weight (source of L amino acids and oligopeptides), copra oil, soya oil, and minerals.

Price:

Retails online for around $190 USD for 30lb (which equals a hefty $6.30/lb).

Rating:

8.5/10. Incredibly effective, but it comes at a cost.

Third Place: Jiminy’s Good Grub Hypoallergenic Dry Dog Food

The fact that Jiminy’s Good Grub is crafted with creepies crawlies may initially put off some dog owners, but I promise you this food is no gimmick!

Insects are an excellent source of high quality protein, and any eco-conscious pet parent will be overjoyed to discover that this dog food uses far less water than meat-based dog foods, and creates almost no greenhouse gasses.

Jiminy’s Good Grub – made in the USA – is hypoallergenic, and will be a great fit for many dogs with a sensitive stomach. Whilst hypoallergenic diets are not quite as failsafe as hydrolyzed or anallergenic diets, they are certainly more cost-effective and will often do the job.

Of course, with any hypoallergenic diet trial, you’ll need to stick to one single food for at least 8-12 weeks before deciding whether or not it is working for your dog.

Overall, I’m absolutely buzzing about this fly-based food, and your pet will be too!

First 5 Ingredients:

Dried Black Soldier Fly Larvae, Oats, Potato Protein, Dried Sweet Potatoes, Sunflower Oil.

Price:

Retailing right now on Amazon.com for $16.95 USD per 3.5lb bag (that’s $4.84/lb; reasonably cheap for a hypoallergenic dog food).

Rating:

8/10; great for your pet, your purse, and for the planet.

What About Freeze Dried Dog Foods?

Whilst researching dog food options, you may have come across freeze dried dog foods. These foods contain raw ingredients that have undergone a process to remove moisture, resulting in raw dog food with low water content. This extends the shelf life of the food, whilst maintaining nutritional value.

Cooking is a crucial step in terms of eliminating harmful bacteria, and many pet owners will already be aware that feeding raw meat is unsafe for our pets, as well as for those who come into contact with the raw-fed dog (or their poop).

The freeze drying process is likely to reduce bacterial contamination, but not eliminate it [4]. So, freeze dried food is definitely a preferable option to feeding raw dog food, but from a veterinary and public health point of view, it isn’t as safe as feeding cooked dog food.

What About Grain Free Dog Food?

When it comes to grain free foods, it’s highly likely that the popularity of these diets is significantly overblown when compared to the actual number of dogs in need of such dietary restrictions. Wheat allergies are actually only believed to affect around 1 in 10,000 dogs [5]!

Grain free kibble should ideally be avoided, unless there is a medical reason why your dog needs this kind of diet. Recent evidence even suggests a possible link between grain free diets (especially those which are high in pulses, such as peas) and the development of dilated cardiomyopathy in dogs, a serious condition which can result in eventual heart failure [6].

My advice? It may be best to steer clear for now, until we know a bit more about the long term effects of grain free foods. If you do need to opt for a no-grain diet, pick one that isn’t too heavy on the pulses.

Final Words on Dry Food for Dogs

Selecting the best dry food for your dog is crucial for ensuring their optimal health. When evaluating dry dog food options, it is important to consider factors such as nutritional content, quality ingredients, and taste preferences. High-quality dry dog food provides a balanced and complete diet that supports your dog’s growth, energy levels, and immune system.

Additionally, dry food offers convenience, long shelf life, and dental benefits by promoting chewing and reducing plaque buildup. Some of the top dry dog food brands in the market include Royal Canin, Hill’s Science Diet, Blue Buffalo, and Purina, which offer a range of options catering to different breeds, sizes, and dietary requirements.

Ultimately, the best dry food for your dog will depend on their specific needs and preferences, and consulting with your veterinarian can help you make an informed decision.

Reference List:

[1] Gawor et al. Influence of Diet on Oral Health in Cats and Dogs. The Journal of Nutrition. (2006)

[2] Alvarenga, I.C., Dainton, A.N. and Aldrich, C.G. A Review: Nutrition and Process Attributes of Corn in Pet Foods. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition. (2021)

[3] Mueller, R.S., Olivry, T. and Prelaud, P. Critically Appraised Topic on Adverse Food Reactions of Companion Animals (2): Common Food Allergen Sources in Dogs and Cats. BMC Veterinary Research. (2016)

[4] Kananub, S., Pinniam, N., Phothitheerabut, S. and Krajanglikit, P. Contamination Factors Associated with Surviving Bacteria in Thai Commercial Raw Pet Foods. Vet World. (2020)

[5] Beynen, A.C. Gluten Proteins for Dogs. Research Gate. (2020).

[6] U.S. Food and Drug Administration. FDA Investigation into Potential Link between Certain Diets and Canine Dilated Cardiomyopathy. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2022)