10 Best Dog Food Brands
January 18, 2009 by admin
Filed under Dog Food Tips, featured
Dogs are starting to live longer and longer. Why? It’s due to the fact that pet owners are becoming more educated on what they feed their pets. In this post we are going to look at the 10 best dog food brands you can buy.
First we must look at what makes a “Best Dog Food Brand”. Dogs are carnivores and need a diet that is based around meat and protein that derives from meat.
The following is a list of Dog Food Brands that I would consider to be the 10 best dog food brands. Your comments are welcome.
Orijen is the best dry food kibble out there!
I own a pet store in jakarta city, indonesia. we sell orijen and acana as well. These are two best brand that i have ever sale. mostly the pet owner agree with good things in the ingredients and happy forthe result.
I like the ingredients in Orijen however in their puppy food the protein level is over 40% which is extremely high, more like a cat food protein level. This is considered by many sources to be dangerous for large breeds expecially, for whom a fast rate of growth is detrimental to the puppy’s development over time.
For erwin manurung, can i order acana from ur store?where is ur petshop location and tlp no?
thanks
Ziwipeak is by far the best dog food.
My little 2 yr. old maltese has been on Natural Balance for two years. Today, I gave her Ilnova and she loved it and she’s picky and spoiled, but she’s my precious baby, Does anyone know about the Natural Balance?
Thanks,
Joyce in Florida
I feed my dogs the store brand. I really dont think theres any value in spending obscene amounts of money on dog food. They really dont care and chow it down
In response to Sondra3,
With high quality grain free foods, you will feed as much as 50% less than woth grain-inclusive foods, so even though the protein content is higher, you are feeding less, so the actual amount of protein that the puppy is consuming is still at a safe level. The biggest thing about feeding grain-free is that you have to be careful not to overfeed, especially with puppies.
Yes Orijen is a excellent food, It’s carb levels are higher than Evo’s by about 5%. All of these ingredients past the first 5 are in minute levels and offer minimal to the diet. Dog food is all about how much good quality meat there is in the food. In response to the person who asked about Natural Balance, in my years in the pet food industry tell me to stay away from foods that do not manufacture their own product. Natural balance was also part of recall a few years back.
Food for thought
S
IMO, Taste of The Wild is the best grain free food, and Wellness Super5Mix is the best food that is not grain free.
But I totally agree- Orijen *is* a great food, as are the rest of your foods listed!!!!
@PALMMER…it’s not about THEM not caring. Moreso, the fact that you don’t.
It is OUR job to care for our dogs properly…since they can’t speak up for themselves. And our job to ensure that they get everything they need.
By that logic I guess you don’t take them to the vet…b/c they don’t like to go, anyhow.
I guess you don’t bathe them…b/c they hate baths.
I suppose you don’t clip their nails or take them to the groomers…b/c they hate being manhandled.
Now, I don’t particularly care what other folks feed their dogs but your rationale was worth a comment or two. To ‘blame it on the dog’ is ridiculous.
To say there’s a no diff between store and premium brand is just idiotic and ignorant. Did those words actually flow from your fingers to the keyboard?
We ALL know that dogs can’t digest corn…that byproducts aren’t exactly good meats…that fillers take away from the nutritional value…that harmful/questionable additives are in these foods.
You’re on this board too, so I assume you’re knowledgeable as well.
…this isn’t about ‘beliefs’.
Keep it real: You simply don’t want to pay the money to give your dogs QUALITY food.
*shrug*
I yanked my 3 pups (a long and short haired Chi…and maltese) off Nutro not too long ago.
They’re on Innova.
I really like the ingredients. They’re doing quite well…
My biggest gripe is that the food is so hard to find. *laugh*
I notice that MOST items that are of a higher quality usually are.
I was shooting for Orijen but that would be another goose chase.
I get my Innova at the pet boutique, for now.
Wish the company would sell their own food instead of relying distributors.
Either that or offer it at Petsmart or Petco…
I just started feeding my small dog the regular Innova. I noticed that the Evo formula is on the list but the regular Innova isn’t. Just wanted to know what others thought of the regular Innova. She seems to love this new food more than anything else she has ever tried.
I’ve had a puppy (Golden) on Innova Lg Breed puppy…had to get it approved via the breeder…their concern was protein/fat. Better than the Purina crap he was sent home on, yuck!! Am now searching for adult food as he is nearly 1 yr old. I’m torn between EVO and Wellness Core. Orijen and some others preserve with citric acid, a no-no for dogs prone to bloat (I do moisten food slightly). However, he is not a huge “runner”, mostly gets exercise via walks or back yard play at this time. Concerned about huge amts of protein. Any suggestions?
Blue Wilderness is a good dog food i have started on it and noticed a difference instantly i breed bandogge and american bulldogs
All of those are pretty good, but I also think Taste of the Wild should be up there. I love it, my GSD loves it and he’s never looked better which is big because he has huge skin issues.
Kelleh, you are 100% correct, but I don’t know which one you would take out, so I would have to say the top 11. These two (below) get as good as it gets and now they have the roasted formula which I believe is in the top 5 best. They are getting higher in the meat area, which is what you want. They are also priced a lot lower than all the rest, with the exception of California Natural. Sure wish they made a puppy Formula.
TOTW High Prairie Canine Formula
TOTW Wetlands Canine Formula
Although we’ve moved to feeding raw, we fed Taste of the Wild Wetlands for years with great results. Our dogs did best on this kibble, and we’d tried Origen, Evo, and several others. I’d like to see Taste of the Wild included in the list of dog food ratings. I was suprised it didn’t appear at all.
Most people don’t realize that TOTW IS GRAIN FREE and it now has a lot more meat in it. It is quickly becomming one of the three elete dog foods. OK, here is who I would drop in order to add TOTW and in order. And I am gonna start feeding this to my dog and am going to drop California Natural in his diet.
Merrick, I believe it is just a better dog food than this brand, This is
a very good brand.
Innova, But EVO is the second best food on the market.
Why isn’t Califonia Natural incuded with INNOVA same people
make all three.
Solid Gold, Great food but TOTW is better.
California Natural. Good food only has 3 ingredients, lots of grain.
Acana, This is an outstanding food but TOTW has just stepped it up.
Artemis, another great food, but I give TOTW the nod.
HEY ADMIN, you better get on the stick and review TOTW. It really is one of the 3 or 4 best foods on the market today. I really love the rosted parts in this food and my dog goes crazy for it.
I’m soglad I found this page, I have 2 fairl,y young chihuahua’s (a 3 yo girl & a 2 y o boy) and tho I read lables when buying their food, there are so many brands, and all of them have SOMETHING in them that I’ve heard they shouldnt have. So thank you for this list, from the bottom of my little dogs hearts, but I do have one question, where can I get any of these brands and which one do you think would be best for chihuahua’s?
I have been looking at Gentle Giants Canine Cuisine food. They say it is good for all breed, puppies and small breeds..My concern for my 4 month old puppy is that the fat content and protein content may be too low for a puppy..Can you share information about this please?
To bad Taste Of The Wild is made by Diamond Pet Foods….the makers of low grade pet foods.
I’m sure the ingredients in TOTW are fine, but unfortunately it is being handled the same by the same people and same practices of the lower grade foods.
Again, it’s a great food based on ingredients and nutrient breakdown…I just have a problem with any “premium” food being made in these huge pet food factories. The pet food factories are always the ones with the recalls.
Orijen/Acana (Champion Pet Foods own facility)
Merrick/Before Grain/Whole Earth Farms (Merricks own facility)
Evo/Innova/California Natural/Karma (Naturas own facility)
Fromm (Fromm Family’s own facility)
I would take California Naturals off of that list, personally. It has so few ingrediants that it would have to be supplemented for any additional health benefits. Its basically just chicken or lamb and rice. I’m certainly not a vet, but in my own search for the best fit for my pup, I found that fruits, eggs, vegetables, herbs, etc. are so helpful that they at least should be added to a rotational diet, and a formula as simple as this is best when your dog is recovering from some sort of stomach upset. My friend has been feeding his mutt this food for 8 years, and he just developed cancer. I wonder if the lack of antoxidants attributed to it at all…just a thought.
I wonder what everyone’s thought is on Pinnacle? Its not grain free, but uses organic quinoa, potato, and skips any rice. My pup is doing very well on the duck and chicken formulas. I really like Taste of the Wild too, and do use it occasionally, but I am suspicious of the fact that it is so affordable. Not to complain, but you get what you pay for….It gets such good reviews though, its hard to argue that it is great for so many dogs….
I have 6 mo old pitbull puppy with possible food allergies and need advice on his food. He has been doing really well on Holistic Select chicken/rice, but I needed to switch him to rule out the allergy. Decided to tackle the grain possibility first. Tried TOTW and he had diaharrea and a bit of vomiting, thought it might be too rich for him, even though I introduced about 50/50 with the old food I should have gone slower. He was Parvo puppy so has stomach issues probably when changing food. I’m not sure TOTW is the best option for him which led me to this site! Any suggestions?? I would appreciate it. He will eat anything!!
I got siberian huskys from pups to adult 2yrs what kind of food would be good for them and what do you all think about Earth born brand primitive naturals ?
Orijen made my giant schnauzer break out in bleeding legions across his shoulder and half way down his side. Scared the heck out of me. It cleared up as soon as I changed his food.
RT
Sounds like digestive track damage.
I’d try a product from Acana or California Natural.
Make the switch much slower for him. He’s already been through alot.
TK
EVERY dog food should be supplemented….period!
I supplement my dogs with Longevity and Bug Off Garlic from Springtime
http://www.springtimeinc.com
Wow – all this is really scary! I have had 3 Dobermans/red and fawn – which have that wonderful sensitive skin – at any rate – we also have a Westie – I have been thru Bil Jack ,Science Diet, naturals, Iams – you name it – Presently it has been Iams for 2 years – my dogs are both thriving!!!! I am about to rescue a 6 week old fawn girl Dobie – and you guys have me really scared! Any suggestions???? I really want to find something really wholesome and that also addresses skin health and allergies – so many views on this topic – but one thing for sure – I love my vet – he does recommend SD or Eukenuba – he raised his Great Dane and Dobie on these but ………….. whats a person to do???
Thanks
Kim
My wife and I have raised two collies, two golden retrievers and a german sheperd, all have lived to their age limits. We feed them whatever dog food happens to be on sale along with dog bisquits and kitchen leftovers. Never been to a veterinarian besides getting the standard shots required. These designer foods are for idiot pet owners!
Kim, don’t buy foods based on what your vet recommends!! They are not taught much about nutrition in school,and what is taught is sponsored by the brands that you mentioned!!What you really need to look for when reading pet food labels are Named meat sources IE Chicken-Lamb-Turkey,and so on.Also meat in meal form is better because the water has been removed.I like to have at least 3 meat sources in the first 5 ingredients.Don’t forget dogs are carnivores!!Also you don’t want to see any low grade grains in there like CORN,WHEAT,SOY.I don’t trust companies that don’t manufacture their own products,because they are not there to oversee what exactly is being put in the products.Blue Buffalo had a recall on their canned foods and health bar treats due to tampering by their manufacturer,they added rice bran protein(the stuff that was involved with the last big recall)If they manufactured their own products they could avoid this problem!! And I might actually use their products!! Anyway I just have more faith in companies that manufacture their own products!! Here is a list of companies that manufacture their own products: Champion Foods-Orijen,Ancana.Merrick Pet Care-Before Grain,Whole Earth Farms.Fromm Family-Fromm.Natura-Evo-Innova-Karma-California Natural. All of these companies make exceptional products that I would trust for my dog.Also their probably not that much more expensive than what you are used to paying. I use Before Grain by Merrick,my local pet store carries it and I can get the 25 pound bag for 37 dollars and some change.Their website offers it for like 63 dollars,but I never buy it there.Also they do not distribute to the chain stores-petsmart-petco,if you want to try it you will have to go to an independently owned pet store. I hope this info helps!!
I agree but just for fun I made my own top 10 and believe me it wasn’t easy.
1. Orijen and Red is the KING
2. Evo
3. Horizon Legacy
OK, now it gets harder
4. Acana
5. Instinct,not all their products,could be listed to high.
6. Innova
7. Timberwolf
8. Wellness Core and Core only
9. California Natural
9. Fromm
10.Wildernes and Wilderness only from BB
10.Artemis
10.Merrick but overpriced in my area
And for the price you can’t beat Costco’s Kirkland.
That was really hard because both 9’s are great foods and 10’s were really good and I left off some very good foods, you can’t beat Orijen and Nutra pet (Healthwise & Karma). LOL, I’ll most likely change my mind next week.
Eddie, there is no way that any dog food is worth 9 dollars a pound and thats the cheapest I have found it. That is more than a very good steak besides Orijen Red is better. My GSD dog eats 5-6 cups a food a day he is very active. SO WHAT A 2.2 POUND BAG WOULD LAST HUMMM maybe a week at best.
And TK, Eric is OH SO CORRECT you should “always” add vittys and suppliments.
I was checking out the ingredient list for the Wellness Core reduced fat, it looks good except for the pea protein and the tomato pomace .What I was wondering is it says it is made and manufactured by Old Mother Hubbard.But Blue Buffalo says it’s manufactured by the B B company and it is not !! It is manufactured by ANI American Nutrition Incorporated,they also manufacture low grade foods and got busted for tampering with B B formula.Anyway does anyone know who really manufactures Wellness Core??
All Wellness Core is made by American Nutrition in Ogden, Utah.
and honestly….if someone is considering Core, you can buy Acana for the same price, if not a little cheaper (considering Acana is a 29.7# bag compared to Cores 26# bag) with absolutely no controversial ingredients.
If people really buy into the “safe” protein feeding that Wellness tries to promote with Core, than Acana certainly fits the bill.
Eric where did you find this “All Wellness Core is made by American Nutrition in Ogden, Utah.” Pretty crappy company if it’s the same one that makes Atta Boy!!!
It is in fact the same company that makes Atta Boy.
I used to feed Wellness and was interested in feeding Core. I called the company and asked where it was made and the answer I received on the phone and through email was American Nutrition and was told they make it exclusively.
Don’t take my word for it though. Give ‘em a ring or drop them an email.
Diamond makes most of their other food in South Carolina and California, and they now own Eagle Pack which is made in Indiana.
Eric is actually correct, you can find this information in the 2010 copy of the Whole Dog Journal as Well.
Eric, Thanks for the info!! You are very helpful!! I do not use any food that’s not manufactured by it’s own company.
Dear Greg and Michelle – I agree with you both but heres the thing – I was a vet tech years back for 5 years – thats my point – I have tried mostly all of these and some – no matter how good or exspensive – because I have no problem with spending whatever it takes for my babies-brought on problems-stomach issues-loose stools-vomiting- or they just plain hated it! – I HAVE been thru most you have mentioned – like I said – I know it won’t bode well with most – but the Iams HAS really done well for my very large 142lbs(yes really and he is NOT fat – all muscle and in great health at 2 years) fawn dobie and my smaller Westie – however I do really want to address skin issues with the dobie and ofcourse he is the love of my life – I looked last night in Pet smart – they do carry Innova and others you mentioned – does any one know one for good coat/skin? Part of me agrees – again – probably not a popular opinion – with Greg who stated that the old fashioned way – chicken,turkey etc – combined with a dog food that works for you – can be just fine – but I do want to get something better because the Iams is not good with his skin – dry and flakey – we do rub him down with vitamin E liquid.Problem is – after all the exspensive foods -and I am lucky enough to have a vet that does keep up and knows EVERY food no to man content – we keep coming back to the Iams Large Breed. My concern is rescuing this 5-6 week old this coming week – ofcourse she will go immediately to the vets – but I am always open minded for some help – THANKS TO EVERYONE FOR THE OPINION AND HELP!!!!!! KIM NICKS
Girl I can’t believe your post, liams is one of the 10 worst foods made today.
1.Corn Meal..This is really bad for your dog
2.Chicken By-Product Meal…Terrible
3.Chicken….Great
4.Ground Whole Grain Sorghum….Another just awful ingredient.
5.Ground Whole Grain Barley..Low quality grain
Now look at what I feed, Orijen Red
1.Deboned Wild Boar… Great
2.Deboned Lamb…. Great
3.Lamb Meal…. Great
4.Russet Potato….Good
5.Deboned Pork…..gREAT
Kim N-
I have a Doberman Pinscher as well, and you are right about most of the holistic niche` marketed foods doesn’t agree well on their stomach. Common problems are dry skin & diarrhea/loose stool. Many naturalist and holistics feeders might not agree, but a blend I’ve found that works pretty well with my dog and my other Dobie owners use this as well is the Pro Plan Sensitive Skin & Stomach formula. It might work for your dog it might not, but it’s one of the feeds I occasionally rotate into my Dobie’s diet and it works well for him. You have to send me pics of that dog of yours I’ve never saw a 142lb Dobie, mine is only 80lbs or so and very lean muscle built.
Kim N, You said your Doberman has skin issues,this can be caused by CORN which I think is the first ingredient in Iams.It is a known allergen.You really want to avoid corn,wheat,soy at all costs!!Your dog might be allergic to something else in their too,it’s really hard to say.You said that you tried some of the higher quality foods,did you transition slowly?? Your dog may have a damaged digestive tract and require an extra slow transition.Also you should feed twice a day -it is easier on their tummies and also aids in digestion!! You should also supplement with a good quality vitamin-mineral supplement.I think one made from whole foods is best,because theirs no synthetic vitamins in there. Also you could try fish oil capsules-for the itchy skin,I have had success with these.You can use the ones for people.It’s good for their skin-coat,and heart!!Also I would recommend a Holistic Vet they know a million times more than a regular vet!! I hope this info helps!! Michelle
Hey Jess that last comment was hilarious
(Not Really). But I actually use a combination of dry dog foods, and Pro Plan is one that I rotate into my dogs diet and he does well on it, especially when training for French Ring sport. Does your dog have any titles or does he do anything special other than eat California Natural & Orijen (which the dog can’t read the label anyway). Jess why are you always so negative about my comments? Yah Purina does make some feed that personally I don’t choose to feed my dog, but they also make a blend that works for my dog (Pro Plan Sensitive Skin & Stomach). I mean you use Taste of the Wild, while this particular formula is okay, Diamond (the manufacturer of Taste of the Wild) also makes some pretty crappy formulas as well. So what’s your point? Again, Jess if you are the dog food expert you claim to be, then I challenge you to show your degree or any certification for that matter, I can show you my certifation for the courses I’ve taken on K9 nutrition? Would you like to email or fax me I can do the same and we can post the information here on the website and let the people know who’s all talk and who walks the walk?
Here ya go, a link to a one and two star foods by the best review site in the world as far as I am concerned. Really, I could care less about your so called certifications and if you wanna feed Purnia, go for it. I’ll give ya a little clue on how old I am and what I’ve seen and done. I have had 4 GSD’s live there complete lives out back to back in my care and 2 twice. I have breed 8 litters of GSD’s. So I have most likely have had a dog as an adult,longer than you been alive. Thats enough clues on how old I am. Don’t get me wrong, I am not mad nor am I putting you down. Just keep in mind I will jump all over those who go to bat for 1 or 2 star food. Dude, I have seen what bad foods have done to dogs and it isn’t pretty. Good luck with your dogs and get a shutterfly account so I can see these dogs. You can also put up all certifications there.
http://www.dogfoodanalysis.com/dog_food_reviews/showcat.php/cat/6/page/15
http://www.dogfoodanalysis.com/dog_food_reviews/showcat.php/cat/7/page/16
What does everyone feel about “Blue”??????? Thanks – Kim
Antonio – if you want to see Dax at 142- please send an email address or a way to get a picture!!!!!!!!!! He is VERY healthy – just very big! Also – I know what every one is saying – but what do you do when something has been working? I do feed vegies and chicken that I make myself – but would love a great food – What does everyone think of Blue or Wilderness for large breeds??
Thanks again – even to those who are slamming my decisions!
Kim
Kim- u can email me at alfisher3@yahoo.com it’s my personal email account. Also you might want to try http://www.Dobermantalk.com as it’s a prodominent Dobie talk type forum and it has some good info on issues that you are experiencing. I’ve heard good and bad things about Blue, I personally had mixed results when I tried it. My dog would have some solid stools then a day of loose stools, and also the gas problem was horrible, so for my boy it didn’t work, but that doesn’t mean it won’t work for you big boy. Honestly Kim, I’ve tried a lot of dog food ,and even had the luxury of visiting a manufacturing facility, and despite what a lot of people say (YES, most dry dog foods are made the same) thru the process of extrusion, and during this process a large content of the nutrition is lost therefore MOST brands spray a coating of vitamins and minerals to the kibble after this process, there are a few brands that don’t use this method but the majority does. I would say find something that is working well for your dog and that’s the right food for him. Personally I rotate about every 2.5 – 3mths on about 3-4 different brands, but I do this to give my dog a variety on protein as different meats offer different amino acids, plus it gives the dog variety and helps prevent burnout (unwilling to eat dry kibble w/o topping).
And also rotating the feed helps prevent allergens to certain proteins & carb sources which is common when a animal eats a single source diet for it’s entire life.