The right dog food provides complete nutrition and dietary support, sure, but it also has to be a food your dog will love.
“There are numerous aspects to consider when evaluating dog foods,” explains Dr. Jennifer Frione, DVM, owner of Lakeside Animal Hospital. “Factors to look at include the pet food label, ingredients and guaranteed analysis, the pet’s age and the pet’s medical state or conditions.”
Purina Pro Plan
More than 80 different types of dog food are available from Purina Pro Plan, and Dr. Frione frequently suggests them to her patients. Purina Pro Plan formulas include food nutritionally tailored for adult dogs, puppies of various sizes, elderly dogs, and specific diet support for overweight dogs, sensitive stomachs, and more. These alternatives are available in addition to wet and dry options.
Additionally to upholding the nutritional requirements established by the Association of American Feed Control Officials, Purina Pro Plan dog food complies with FDA regulations (AAFCO). The company creates 99% of its pet products in American factories owned by Purina and uses ingredients that are sourced ethically.
Pedigree
Although it’s a widespread assumption that more expensive dog food is always better, there are several budget dog food brands, including Pedigree, that provide nutritious options for your pet. More than 60 different varieties of wet and dry dog food are offered under this brand, which is owned by Mars Pet. Puppies and adult dogs can both use Pedigree food, and some formulations are available for dogs who have particular requirements such high protein and weight loss.
“The label should include the phrase ‘complete and balanced.’ Usually, this is in reference to a particular life stage of the pet. Complete and balanced pet foods have either met nutrient profiles established by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) or passed a feeding trial using AAFCO procedures.”–Dr. Joanne Intile DVM, MS, DACVIM, Assistant Clinical Professor of Medical Oncology, North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine
Royal Canin
Due to its portability and shelf stability, dry dog food is a preferred option for many pet owners. Royal Canin, which provides more than 80 dry recipes, is one of the top dry dog food companies. Royal Canin offers a distinctive line of breed-specific diets, each of which is adapted to that dog breed’s characteristics and common issues, in addition to dry food for adults, puppies, and senior dogs. Even the shape of the kibble is chosen in accordance with the breed’s jaw structure and biting style.
Hill’s Science Diet
Dr. Frione also recommends Hill’s Science Diet, which is particularly well-liked by dog owners who prefer to feed their pets wet food. This company features a renowned range of prescription diets for dogs with particular medical issues, as well as an extensive selection of wet dog foods, including formulations for pups, adults, and seniors. (Veterinarian approval is required to acquire Hill’s Prescription Diet products.)
Purina One
All of the aforementioned companies provide top-notch puppy chow, but Purina One is also a popular option for puppies. Purina One is a science-based diet that provides excellent nutrition for developing dogs, much like Purina Pro Plan does. You can often buy these items at reputable retail and supermarket stores—not just specialty pet stores—and this brand offers three puppy-specific diets, including a conventional dry food, large breed puppy dry food, and a wet food choice.
Purina One formulas, like those for the company’s other products, are developed by a team of nutritionists, vets, and scientists and offer growing puppies balanced and complete nutrition. The recipe complies with AAFCO requirements and excludes filler components.
