The 21 Best Dog Foods of 2026

Best Dry

Hill's Science Diet

$87 at Amazon $81 at Chewy View on Petflow.com

Hill's Science Diet offers dry and wet dog foods in a wide range of flavors with formulations to meet the nutritional needs of dogs of every shape and size, and at each life stage—puppy, adult, and senior. Hill's Science Diet was the top-ranking brand among the 407 dog parents who participated in our survey, with an overwhelming majority citing their veterinarian's recommendation, the human-grade ingredients, and their dog's overall enjoyment as the top reasons for choosing a food from Hill's Science Diet for their dog. Hill’s Pet Nutrition has been in business for more than 70 years and is a favorite of many veterinarians and nutritionists.

Hill's Science Diet dog foods are made with meat (chicken, turkey, lamb, or beef) or fish (salmon or whitefish) as the first ingredient, along with human-grade ingredients providing essential vitamins and nutrients within each serving. The brand also offers special formulations to address health issues, including weight management, joint discomfort, heart health, and food sensitivities.

In addition to the standard dry and wet options, Hill's Science Diet even offers a completely separate line of smaller kibble versions of their formulas. These "Small Bites" are excellent for puppies and small-breed dogs:

• Puppy Small Bites: Chicken and brown rice recipe supports the developmental needs of puppies
• Adult 7+ Small Bites: Made with chicken meal, barley, and brown rice for dogs over 7 years old
• Adult Healthy Mobility Small Bites—Added glucosamine and chondroitin for healthy joints and increased mobility
• Adult Light Small Bites: Low-calorie chicken formula for less active adult dogs
• Adult Sensitive Stomach and Skin Small Bites: Highly digestible formula has added nutrients to help support skin and gut health
• Perfect Digestion Small Bites: Adult formula with prebiotics, pumpkin, and oats to support healthy digestion
• Adult 7+ Perfect Digestion Small Bites: Senior formula to promote healthy digestion

The high quality and wide range of formulas are why Hill's Science Diet is our favorite dog food. It even comes in a resealable bag.

_{Food Type: Dry, wet | Flavors: Chicken, turkey, lamb, beef, fish, and more | Package Sizes: 5, 15.5, 17, 33, and 35 pounds}

Best Wet

Blue Buffalo BLUE Homestyle Recipe Wet Dog Food

$36 at Amazon $36 at Chewy $3 at Target

Dogs get so excited about canned food. You might offer wet food if your dog is picky or if they have dental problems that make kibble hard to crunch. Blue Buffalo Homestyle Recipe is a good canned choice.

The primary ingredient is always a protein like chicken or beef, followed by beef or chicken broth and liver and vegetables such as peas, sweet potatoes, and carrots. There are no artificial preservatives or flavors and no by-product meal, corn, or wheat. Canned food is usually more expensive than dry food, but this brand is more affordable than many.

Blue Buffalo also offers the Blue Wilderness brand, which has even more flavors, including trout and chicken and salmon and chicken.

_{Food Type: Wet | Flavors: Beef, chicken, lamb, turkey; fish and sweet potato | Package Sizes: 12.5 ounces}

Best for Puppies

Purina Pro Plan Puppy Food

$53 at Amazon View on Chewy

$20

$20 at Petco

Each serving of Purina Pro Plan Puppy Formula gives a developing pup the protein, fat, calcium, omega fatty acids, and phosphorus they need to support their rapid growth and soaring energy levels. The recipes also provide probiotics for digestive health and a wide spectrum of minerals and vitamins.

Purina Pro Plan Puppy Formula is available as wet food in three formulations: Classic, Grain-Free, and High Protein with beef, chicken, and turkey as the main sources of protein. The dry food is categorized by anticipated adult size, with Healthy Puppy for small to medium dogs and Healthy Puppy Large Breed for dogs likely to grow over 50 pounds as adults. The kibble for pups comes in five flavors, with two designed for sensitive stomachs.

More than 50 dog parents in our survey group fill their dog's bowl with a recipe from Purina Pro Plan, crediting their vet's recommendation as the lead determining factor in their choice. On the packaging of Purina Pro Plan Puppy Formula food, you'll find month-to-month serving size guidance, but some recipes include by-product meals, corn gluten meal, and/or pea protein.

_{Food Type: Dry, wet | Flavors: Shredded Blend Chicken & Rice, Chicken & Rice, Lamb & Rice, Salmon & Rice, and Lamb & Oatmeal | Package Sizes: 6, 18, and 34 pounds}

Best Fresh

FreshPet Vital Balanced Nutrition Dog Food

View on Chewy

$13

$12 at Petco View on PetSmart

FreshPet's Vital Balanced Nutrition line of dog food consists of lightly cooked recipes made with animal-source proteins, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. The fresh food is always stored in a refrigerator to keep the natural attributes of the ingredients intact. The dog food is suitable for all life stages and breed sizes, and is always free of preservatives, by-product meals, and genetically modified organisms.

FreshPet's quality ingredients received the highest marks among our group of over 400 home testers, tying only with Hill's Science Diet, our best overall choice. Within the Vital line of dog food from FreshPet, there are recipes made with chicken or beef as the lead protein and first ingredient. For dogs with food sensitivities and health conditions, there are recipes formulated for joint health & mobility, digestive health, and grain allergies.

The food is packaged in resealable bags and in sausage-shaped rolls that are easy to slice. The soft texture of the food often appeals to picky eaters and is easier for dogs who are missing a few teeth to consume. Due to the fresh nature of the food, this recommendation is for foods readily purchased in person, but some retailers (like the ones we've listed above) offer shipping and pick-up options.

_{Food Type: Fresh | Flavors: Chicken, beef & lamb, chicken, beef, salmon & egg | Package Sizes: 1, 1.5, and 5 pounds}

Best Kibble Formula

Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Dog Food

$68 at Amazon $65 at Chewy $65 at Target

Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula dog foods are made with animal-source protein—chicken, beef, lamb, or fish—as the primary ingredient. The protein-rich kibble is also made with whole grains, vegetables, and fruit to provide calcium, phosphorus, prebiotics, fiber, antioxidants, and omega-3 and -6 fatty acids.

Among our dog parent panelists, most Blue Buffalo buyers praised the brand for its consistent use of human-grade ingredients and commitment to keeping its dog food free of common allergens, including corn, wheat, and soy. Recipes are optimized for needs specific to size and age, like glucosamine and chondroitin for large breeds to help maintain healthy joints and muscles, and DHA, a nutrient puppies need for healthy brain and eye development.

Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula dog food is readily available for the most part, but some flavors can be more difficult to find.

_{Food Type: Dry | Flavors: Chicken and brown rice; beef and brown rice; fish and brown rice | Package Sizes: 5, 15, 30, and 34 pounds}

Best Budget

Iams Proactive Health Dog Food

$30 at Amazon View on Chewy $48 at Petco

For dog parents looking for budget-friendly dog food that's also readily available at big box stores, supermarkets, and online retailers, Iams Proactive Health dog food is a great option. Iams offers kibble and canned dog food recipes to meet the needs of dogs according to their age (puppies, adults, and seniors), lifestyle, and size (small breed and large breed).

Each serving provides vitamins and nutrients a dog needs, such as fiber, prebiotics, omega-6 fatty acids, glucosamine, and antioxidants to help support digestion, energy, and overall health. All recipes are made with real meat as the first ingredient, along with flaxseed, corn, egg, and soybeans, to name a few.

But many also include meat by-product meals and fillers, which are likely to have ingredients that some dogs are sensitive to. Dogs enjoy the flavors and textures, but their human guardians participating in our testing would like to see more vegetables added to Iams' recipes.

_{Food Type: Dry | Flavors: Chicken and whole grain rice | Package Sizes: 7, 15, 30, and 38.5 pounds}

Another Budget Favorite

Pedigree Complete Nutrition Dog Food

$17 at Amazon $30 at Chewy View on Tractor Supply Co.

Pedigree has a complete line of dog nutrition products, including kibble, canned food, and dental chews. The items are easy to find at grocery stores, big box stores, and online. The food is affordable and comes in a range of sizes, so you can choose depending on the size of your dog and your storage space.

Pedigree Complete Nutrition dry dog food comes in two flavors: chicken, rice, and vegetable and grilled steak and vegetable. The vegetables include dried beet pulp and dried carrots. The first ingredient, however, is ground corn. There are no artificial flavors, high fructose corn syrup, or sugar.

_{Food Type: Dry, canned | Flavors: Chicken, rice, and vegetable; steak and vegetable | Package Sizes: 3.5, 16, 18, and 30 pounds}

Best for Small Dogs

Hill's Science Diet Small & Mini Dry Dog Food

$61 at Amazon $58 at Chewy

$63

$61 at Petco

Hill's Science Diet Adult Mini & Small Dry Dog Food is designed and packaged to make the mealtime experience more enjoyable for adult dogs weighing 2 to 30 pounds. The canned food comes in smaller containers—5.8-ounce cans with a pull tab and 3.5-ounce trays with a foil lid, and each piece of kibble is smaller than the typical size. Since little dogs eat smaller portions, the bags of food are also smaller, 4.5 or 15.5 pounds, to prevent the kibble from getting stale.

The foods are made with chicken, lamb, or beef as the primary ingredient, and without artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives. All of the recipes for mini and small dogs were developed in the United States by veterinarians and scientists to provide the optimal mix of protein, fats, and carbs that adult dogs of this size require. There are also formulas for dental care, sensitive stomachs & skin, weight management, and mobility support.

_{Food Type: Wet, dry | Flavors: Chicken meal and rice, lamb meal and brown rice | Package Sizes: 3.5 and 5.8 ounces, 4.5 and 15.5 pounds}

Best for Big Dogs

Royal Canin Large Breed Adult Dry Dog Food

$30 at Amazon $100 at Chewy View on Petco

For over 50 years, Royal Canin has been a global leader in advocating for and implementing science-led nutrition for pet food, and within our 400-plus member panel of dog parents, many attributed their dog's continued health to a steady diet of Royal Canin dog food suited to their specific size, age, and needs. Our big-pawed pals tend to put a lot of stress on their hearts and joints, so giving them food formulated to support their needs with taurine, glucosamine, chondroitin, and omega fatty acids (EPA and DHA) enhances their overall well-being.

Royal Canin offers protein-rich kibble for large dogs (56 to 100 pounds) and giant dogs that weigh over 100 pounds. The brand also has formulas designed to meet the specific needs shared among large purebred dogs, including golden retrievers, boxers, and German shepherds.

The nutritionally balanced food from Royal Canin provides fiber along with antioxidants for immunity. It's made with chicken by-product meal as the first ingredient, but according to Royal Canin, the poultry meal used is made from nutrient-rich parts of a chicken that are typically less expensive and that you probably wouldn't consider adding to your grocery list—like internal organs. The use of animal-sourced by-product meals by Royal Canin also helps reduce food waste, but some pet parents prefer to avoid this ingredient.

In addition to large dogs, Royal Canin has formulas and variations for dogs of all ages, sizes, and to address specific health issues, like sensitive skin & coat and digestive ailments.

_{Food Type: Dry | Flavors: Chicken | Package Sizes: 6, 30, and 35 pounds}

Best Organic

Tender & True Organic Dry Dog Food

$27 at Amazon $28 at Chewy

Tender and True makes all sorts of dog food, from canned to freeze-dried to treats. The company has made organic pet foods for a decade, including several organic recipes featuring USDA-certified organic chicken and humanely raised turkey. There are no artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors, and the first ingredient for every recipe is chicken or turkey.

Tender and True also has two specific organic recipes for small-breed dogs with tiny kibble chunks. All of the company’s organic foods feature poultry that is raised humanely and without antibiotics. Other ingredients include organic dried peas and organic chickpeas. Although the food comes in three sizes, it can be difficult to find the larger bags.

_{Food Type: Dry | Flavors: Chicken, chicken and liver, turkey and liver, turkey and oats | Package Sizes: 4, 11, and 20 pounds}

Best Freeze-Dried

Vital Essentials Freeze-Dried Nibs Dog Food

$37 at Amazon View on Chewy View on Baxterboo.com

Each recipe of Vital Essentials Freeze-Dried Raw Entree Nibs Dog Food is made with a single source animal protein—chicken, beef, rabbit, duck, or turkey—that is slowly frozen from raw over 48 hours to preserve the nutritional value of the meat. With naturally occurring vitamins and minerals in each protein-rich serving, the food is suitable for dogs of all sizes. The food pieces with the Entree line come in two sizes, Nibs or Mini Nibs, that can be served as is or rehydrated with water.

If your dog has a food allergy or sensitivity, this might be a suitable option for them, as all of the recipes are free of gluten, grains, and by-product meals. The raw dog food is also free of artificial preservatives, fillers, and coloring. Entree Nibs and Mini Nibs are packaged in 5.5-, 14-, and 25-ounce bags, and once opened, the food should be consumed within 30 days.

Vital Essentials manufactures all of its pet foods, treats, and meal toppers in the United States.

_{Food Type: Freeze-dried | Flavors: Chicken, beef, turkey, duck, rabbit | Package Sizes: 5.5, 14, and 25 ounces}

Another Great Freeze-Dried Option

Open Farm Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food

$38 at Amazon View on Openfarmpet.com View on Petfood.express

Open Farm Freeze Dried Raw Dog Food consists of humanely raised meats and wild-caught salmon mixed with organic ingredients such as blueberries, carrots, and squash. The company stresses the importance of natural, responsibly sourced whole ingredients and includes no artificial flavors, additives, or preservatives.

These chunks can be fed as is right out of the pouch, or they can be hydrated with a little water. They can be a standalone meal or work as a tasty topper to make regular kibble more exciting. Open Farm also makes chicken, turkey, and beef bone broth with human-grade ingredients that can be poured over food to make it enticing.

_{Food Type: Freeze-dried | Flavors: Beef, turkey, lamb, chicken, pork, surf & turf | Package Sizes: 3.5, 13.5, 22, and 31.5 ounces}

Best Premium

Farmina N&D

$45 at Amazon $100 at Chewy View on Petswarehouse.com

Open a bag of Farmina N&D dog food, and it smells a little like a farmer’s market. The recipes are full of whole ingredients such as blueberries, pomegranate, and pumpkin.

There are many different protein choices, from chicken and lamb to venison, quail, and herring. These give a range of options if your dog has food allergies or is just a picky eater.

The food has no artificial preservatives or GMOs. The recipes all feature a protein as the primary ingredient, but are also packed with loads of fruits and vegetables, including spinach, apples, and carrots. The food can be difficult to find and is more costly than some, but it is on par with many premium brands.

_{Food Type: Dry, canned | Flavors: Lamb & blueberry, chicken & pomegranate, lamb, herring, venison, quail, and others | Package Sizes: 5.5, 15.4, and 26.4 pounds}

Best for Weight Management

Purina Pro Plan Adult Weight Management Dog Food

$78 at Amazon $21 at Chewy

$99

$78 at Walmart

Weight management dog foods are for overweight or less-active dogs. This recipe has 15 percent less fat than similar adult Pro Plan formulas. It comes in traditional kibble or a blend with shredded bits, but is only available with chicken as the main protein. There are no artificial colors or flavors. Pro Plan also has weight-management formulas targeted to small and large breeds.

Purina Pro Plan's Weight Management Formula line of dog food is commonly recommended by veterinarians for dogs of all shapes and sizes that need to shed extra weight in order to maintain optimal health. Plus, dogs seem to enjoy the flavor, and hundreds of real dog parents we surveyed have experienced beneficial results from the brand.

The Weight Management formula is available in Chicken & Rice, a standard kibble, or Shredded Blend Chicken & Rice, incorporating both crunchy kibble and chewy pieces. Both recipes are made with real chicken as the first ingredient, along with rice, whole grain wheat, barley, and eggs. There is also a wet food option, but it only comes in one flavor, Turkey & Rice Entree, made with real turkey, liver, and chicken.

Each serving has a guaranteed protein-to-fat ratio that has been carefully measured to help a dog maintain muscle mass while losing weight, and prebiotic fiber to help a dog feel full and support their digestive system. The food also provides EHA and DHA omega-6 fatty acids and Vitamin A, which benefit your dog's coat. On each package of Purina Pro Plan Weight Management Formula dog food, you'll find straightforward feeding instructions, with serving size determined by your dog's weight, with guidance for weight maintenance as well as weight loss.

_{Food Type: Dry | Flavors: Chicken and rice | Package Sizes: 6, 18, and 34 pounds}

Best Dental Care

Hill's Science Diet Adult Oral Care Dry Dog Food

$24 at Amazon View on Chewy View on PetSmart

Do you brush your dog’s teeth and get regular dental cleanings with your vet? There are several ways you can keep your dog’s teeth healthy, including dental chews and dental care dog foods like this one. Hill’s Science Diet Oral Care has textured pieces of kibble that scrub your dog’s teeth while they chew. The goal is to lessen plaque and tartar buildup and promote fresh breath.

This oral care food meets the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) standards for effectiveness, which means it has been demonstrated to slow or reduce the buildup of plaque and tartar. Hill's Science Adult Oral Care dry dog food is available in a chicken, brown rice, and barley recipe and contains no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.

_{Food Type: Dry| Flavors: Chicken, brown rice, and barley | Package Sizes: 4 and 28.5 pounds}

Best for Food Sensitivities

Blue Buffalo Basics Salmon and Potato Recipe

$45 at Amazon View on Chewy $45 at Target

For dogs with food sensitivities, Basics by Blue Buffalo is a full line of limited-ingredient dry and wet dog foods, all made with a single animal protein source and never made with by-product meals. The recipes are also free of corn, wheat, soy, dairy, and eggs, making it easier to avoid the allergens that cause your dog discomfort.

Blue Buffalo Basics offers six dry food recipes for adult dogs: salmon & potato, turkey & potato, grain-free duck & potato, grain-free lamb & potato, grain-free turkey & potato, and grain-free salmon & potato. There are variations for small breeds, large breeds, seniors, and puppies, along with wet food recipes packaged in 3.5-ounce trays and 12.5-ounce cans—all made without chicken. Each serving of this nutritionally balanced dog food provides antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals to bolster your dog's overall health..

For more severe food allergies, consider a prescription dog food in consultation with your veterinarian.

_{Food Type: Dry | Flavors: Salmon & potato, turkey & potato, grain -ree duck & potato, grain-free lamb & potato, grain-free turkey & potato, and grain-free salmon & potato | Package Sizes: 11 and 24 pounds}

Best for Seniors

Fromm Mature Senior Dry Dog Food

$38 at Amazon View on Gofromm.com View on Petflow.com

Fromm Classic Mature Adult Dog Food is formulated to meet the changing needs of dogs as they get older by supporting and fortifying mobility, immunity, and energy. As dogs age, their activity levels tend to dip, so this food helps prevent unintended weight gain—a common issue among dogs as they age, which can lead to secondary health issues.

To provide complete and balanced nutrition in each serving, the easy-to-digest recipe for seniors is made with chicken. brown rice, barley, fruits, and vegetables, which will give your dog a dose of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. The crunchy kibble also includes Fromm's proprietary blend of prebiotics and probiotics to help keep your dog's digestive system and metabolism functioning properly.

Fromm received top marks among the 400-plus dog parents we polled, with many noting the brand's reliable use of human-grade ingredients, along with their dog's enjoyment of the food, as the main reasons for choosing a dog food from Fromm.

Fromm is a family-owned business that has been making pet food for decades from its two fully owned and operated facilities in the United States. The food, primarily sold by specialty shops and online retailers, is usually more expensive than other options that made our list.

_{Food Type: Dry | Flavors: Chicken | Package Sizes: 15 and 30 pounds}

Best Subscription

The Farmer’s Dog Fresh Dog Food

View on Thefarmersdog.com

The Farmer's Dog Food offers a custom diet designed specifically for your dog’s age, weight, breed, and health condition. There are four recipes (chicken, beef, pork, and turkey), all lightly cooked, made with USDA-certified human-grade ingredients, and always free of by-product meals and artificial preservatives.

To place an order, the Farmer's Dog asks dog guardians to fill out a short questionnaire about each dog they plan to feed. You then choose to have four or six weeks' worth of frozen dog food—all made with animal-source protein, vegetables, legumes, starches, and healthy fats (such as fish oil and sunflower seeds)—delivered to the address of your choice.

Each order for each dog arrives in a separate cardboard box with frozen packs of food. The packs are made from BPA-free plastic that is non-toxic, and each pack should be kept frozen until ready to consume.

You can either leave a pack in your refrigerator for it to thaw or put it in a pot of boiling water to serve to your dog more immediately. For smaller dogs, one pack may hold four meals, and for larger dogs, you may feed a pack (or two) at each meal.

The ingredient list for each recipe is straightforward, and each serving provides vitamins, antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and nutrients. Plus, each order can be customized (you can even choose to add treats), so you can tailor it to your dog's needs as they grow, pause when you are traveling, and easily change the address for delivery if they are staying with a sitter.

_{Food Type: Fresh frozen | Flavors: Chicken, beef, pork, turkey | Package Sizes: Portions depend on dog’s weight and nutrition needs}

Best Probiotics

Fromm Family Pet Food

$32 at Amazon View on Petflow.com View on Petsuppliesplus.com

Fromm offers wet and dry dog foods formulated with its proprietary blend of prebiotics and probiotics to keep the digestive system and metabolism functioning properly. And Fromm, a family-owned business based in Wisconsin, received high scores for reliable use of quality ingredients and overall satisfaction.

The brand offers a variety of pet food recipes for all life stages (puppies, adults, and seniors), all of which are made with ingredients—including meat, fish, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables—sourced from fully vetted farms and manufactured in Fromm-owned facilities. All recipes are always free of fillers, such as artificial flavors, corn syrup, and white flour, which provide no nutritional value but are commonly added to dog food to cut costs.

Fromm's facilities are regularly inspected by outside agencies, including the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS). Plus, every product Fromm's sells has a unique batch code, which allows the company to trace each product through processing and formulation, including each ingredient's supplier.

_{Food Type: Dry, canned | Flavors: Beef, chicken, salmon, and more | Package Sizes: 5, 15, and 30 pounds}

Best for Skin Issues

Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin & Stomach Dry Dog Food

$78 at Amazon $78 at Chewy View on Petsupermarket.com

Some dogs have sensitivities to certain ingredients, and that can have an impact on their skin or cause stomach upset. Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin and Stomach features three different flavors: salmon and rice, lamb and oatmeal, and turkey and oatmeal. One of the proteins is the main ingredient, and oatmeal is easy to digest, so it doesn’t hurt the immune system.

Rich in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids, the recipes are designed to be gentle on the digestive system and have no artificial colors, flavors, or poultry by-product meal. Pet owners say it’s particularly tasty, and even picky eaters can find a flavor they love.

_{Food Type: Dry | Flavors: Salmon and rice, lamb and oatmeal, turkey and oatmeal | Package Sizes: 4, 16, and 24 pounds}

Best Air-Dried

Ziwi Peak Air-Dried Original Series

$30 at Amazon View on Chewy View on Ziwipets.com

Ziwi Peak Air-Dried Dog Food is a top-rated pick among pet parents on Amazon, with over 6,000 shoppers giving it a five-star rating for its high-quality, protein-rich recipes, so we think it's worth recommending if you are looking for an air-dried option. Like the brand's line of wet dog food, one of our favorite natural dog foods, the air-dried kibble is made from ethically sourced meat and seafood, which make up 96 percent of the recipe. Plus, a variety of organ meats contribute to its nutrient density.

The air-dried dog food is available in six flavors: beef, chicken, lamb, venison, tripe & lamb, and mackerel & lamb. Each recipe is free of grains, potatoes, and legumes. That said, the grain-free formula may not be suitable for all dogs.

Since this dog food is comparatively more expensive than many other brands, some pet parents opt to use it more often as a meal topper or a high-value treat to get better value out of a single bag. If you do choose to full feed, it's a good idea to use a slow feeder or puzzle bowl. Also, some reviewers have noted an inconsistency in texture, with some pieces being extremely dry and in need of rehydration.

_{Food Type: Air-dried | Flavors: Beef, chicken, lamb, venison, tripe & lamb, mackerel & lamb | Package Sizes: 3.5 ounces; 1, 2.2, 5.5, and 8.8 pounds}