7 Healthiest Dog Food: How to Choose the Right One for Your Dog
Dogs depend on their fur parents in choosing the best, right food on their behalf. However, when it comes to getting the healthiest dog food, should it be wet or dry? Let us dig deeper at each type to pick the best for your best friend.
7 Healthiest Dog Food Brands and Their Products
Below are our best choices of dog food for your pet’s healthy lifestyle:
- Cesar Gourmet Wet Dog Food in Packs (Top Pick – Best Value Gourmet Wet Dog Food)
- Blue Buffalo’s Homestyle Recipe (Chicken Dinner and Garden Vegetables) (Best Chicken-Flavored Wet Dog Food)
- Homestyle Recipe (Blue Buffalo’s Beef Dinner and Garden Vegetables) (Best Beef-Flavored Wet Dog Food)
- Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Chicken and Brown Rice Adult Dog Food (Top Pick – Best and Healthiest Dry Dog Food)
- Iams Minichunks Chicken and Whole Grains Dry Dog Food (Best Budget ProActive Dry Dog Food)
- Blue Buffalo Wilderness Nature’s Evolutionary Diet Adult Dry Dog Food (Best High Protein Dry Dog Food)
- Iams Large Breed Chicken and Whole Grains Adult Dry Dog Food (Best Large Dry Dog Food)
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We will discuss further these food choices later. For now, we need to have an overview of healthy dog food first.
A Healthy Dog Food
Keep your pet healthy with a nutritious and balanced diet. Since good nutrition makes him healthy, you need to make sure that you know how exactly to feed him.
There is no set formula for what you should put in his bowl or how often you need to feed him. This is because each canine differs from the others. Dogs’ nutritional requirements may vary by size, health condition, age, and breed.
Unlike cats, dogs are not carnivores. Yes, the majority of their diet is made up of meat, but domestic canines may also get nutrients from fruits, vegetables, and grains.
Other than being fillers, these non-meat foods can be a good source of important minerals, fiber, and vitamins. The healthy dog foods then are those containing these ingredients which are right for the digestive system of your pooch.
Try to ask your pup’s vet if you are not sure what is the right food to serve him. You may also keep some general guidelines in mind when filling his dish.
Remember to ensure putting food that is right for his life stage (puppy, adult, or nursing, or pregnant). Also, bear in mind that there are foods suitable for all stages in a pup’s life.
Check the food’s package for a statement indicating that it is balanced and complete. A complete food means it comes with the required nutrients. Meanwhile, balanced food means that its nutritional contents are in their correct ratios.
Between dry or wet food, both types contain benefits essential for the health of your pooch. Both are nutritious. While dry foods are said to be better for healthy teeth, wet foods offer more moisture for dogs that do not consume much water.
The Right Amount and the Frequency
Most veterinarians recommend puppies up to 6 months to have three or four meals a day. Six months puppies may eat two times daily.
They can be fed once or twice a day as they reach adulthood, which still depends on how often they exercise. Again, you need to check with your dog’s vet for this.
When it comes to the right amount to put in the bowls, check the serving size guidelines on the label of the package. Vets may also give specific instructions about the appropriate amount for your pet’s breed, activity level, and age. Moreover, they warn you not to overfeed your pooch.
Main Ingredients of a Healthy Dog Food
As a pet parent, you may have your own preference when talking about the significant ingredients for your dog’s diet. Some fur parents may consider meat as the best while others concentrate on finding food without fillers. Well, there are primary ingredients you need to check when you choose healthy dog food.
- Meat – Most semi-decent dog foods contain animal meat as the main ingredient and healthy foods typically have meat as a second ingredient. Note that canines need more meat protein to keep a healthy diet.
- Vegetables – Just like humans, canines need vegetables. Any vegetable will be good except for corn since digesting it is difficult and it serves as a filler.
- Real Meat Choices – Dogs are carnivores which make meat a requirement to satisfy their hunger and their instincts. Check the label and make sure that it states the type of animal meat like chicken, beef, or lamb.
- No Artificial Flavors or Preservatives – Typically, artificial chemicals are put in dog food as preservatives. Consuming these harmful chemicals is unhealthy and become a significant cause of many health problems.
- No Fillers – Fillers have limited nutritional value to dogs although they may fill them up quickly.
Let’s now go to the healthiest dog food brands for your pooch.
7 Healthiest Foods for Dogs
As earlier mentioned, there are two types of dog foods namely wet and dry.
Wet Dog Foods
1. Cesar Gourmet Wet Dog Food in Packs
Feed your furry pal with Cesar Gourmet Wet Dog Food in Packs as it contains the main ingredient of beef or chicken.
The food is great for small and large dog breeds. Its gourmet smell and taste will surely delight even your picky buddy. This treats him with a delectable classic loaf in its sauce texture.
This wet food comes with minerals and vitamins indicating that each tray is already part of a complete and balanced diet. It could be a dry food topper or a meal on its own.
It’s the best food as it closely resembles human food. Also, its trays are convenient to use with its easy to peel freshness seals for a snap meal time.
Specific Features:
- Contains main ingredients of chicken by-products, animal liver, beef by-products, and meat by-products
- Rich in calcium, copper, and zinc
- Has vitamins B1, E, D3, and A
- Contains protein, fat, and fiber
Pros
- Healthy wet dog food
- Served in convenient trays with freshness trays
- Fortified with minerals and vitamins
- Keeps dogs healthy no matter their size and breed
- Available in various packs
Cons
- It may not be enough for some dog breeds as some dogs may require food containing other nutrients
2. Blue Buffalo’s Homestyle Recipe (Chicken Dinner and Garden Vegetables)
Give your pooch a tasty meal of chicken delight with Blue Buffalo’s Homestyle Recipe (Chicken Dinner and Garden Vegetables).
This wet food is made from natural ingredients including garden veggies and fruits, chicken chunks, minerals, and vitamins. It contains wholesome ingredients without wheat, preservatives, corn, artificial flavors, soy, or by-product meals.
The formula supports lean muscle mass and the other nutritional requirements for your pup. This proves that a good dog food recipe does not need to be always complicated.
It can always be prepared at home as it contains fresh ingredients with the same care at home. The very perk you may receive is the perfect balance with this can.
Also, many fur parents love the addition of biotin in this recipe as it seems perfect for the thick-coated canines. It can be mixed with any dry food or feed alone as an entrée.
Specific Features:
- Made from top ingredients (chicken liver, sweet potatoes, chicken broth, peas, carrots)
- Rich in nutrition
- A special treat
- Contains vitamins and minerals and other natural ingredients
Pros
- Nutritious and tasty food for adult dogs
- No by-product meals, artificial flavors or preservatives, soy, wheat, corn
- Keeps your buddy energetic and active
Cons
- May not be a good choice for puppies as this food is specially developed for adult dogs
3. Blue Buffalo’s Homestyle Recipe (Beef Dinner and Garden Vegetables)
Serve your best friend with a flavorful beef meal Blue Buffalo’s Homestyle Recipe (Beef Dinner and Garden Vegetables). This simple wet dog formula is perfect for dogs with a preference for beef.
It is abundant in healthy beef proteins and essential nutrients. These ingredients are complemented with the significant nutrients for the pooch’s diet.
The simple recipe comes from vegetables such as carrots and sweet potatoes with a dose of carbohydrates. Its cranberry content as well as its other ingredients helps boost his metabolism and immune system.
It also comes with minerals and vitamins to support his lean muscle mass along with the other nutritional needs.
It is a healthy pate-style dog food as it does not have corn, preservatives, soy, wheat, by-product meals, or artificial flavors.
Specific Features:
- Available in 12 packs, each can weigh 12.5 ounce
- Comes in flavorful beef meat
- Contains natural and wholesome ingredients
- Has vitamins and minerals
Dry Dog Foods
Pros
- Boosts immune system
- Nutritious and tasty beef food for adult dogs
- Supports pooch’s lean muscle
- No by-product meals, artificial flavors or preservatives, soy, wheat, corn
- Keeps your buddy energetic and active
Cons
- May not be a delight for adult dogs that do not favor beef
4. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Chicken and Brown Rice Adult Dog Food
Make sure that your pup consumes food that is rich in nutrients that his body requires with Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Chicken and Brown Rice Adult Dog Food.
This high-quality food product is great for an adult dog’s optimal health making it the healthiest dog food. It comes with natural ingredients and is packed with nutrients that protect health in various ways.
This formula is loaded with protein sourced from lamb meat, which is great in maintaining toned and healthy muscles.
The carbohydrate and fat contents will give him the energy to stay active for hours. Omega 3 and 6 are abundant in this food making his coat look better and healthier.
Meanwhile, it has antioxidants for the improvement of his immune system function and glucosamine for the health of his joints.
Specific Features:
- Specifically made for adult canines
- The main ingredient is lamb meat
- Contains fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
- Does not contain preservatives or artificial flavors
- Comes with added nutrients
- No soy, wheat, corn, and chicken by-products
- Has life source bits
Pros
- May not be the best choice for puppies as this food is specially developed for adult dogs
Cons
- May not be the best choice for puppies as this food is specially developed for adult dogs
5. Iams Minichunks Chicken and Whole Grains Dry Dog Food
Checkout Iams Minichunks Chicken and Whole Grains Dry Dog Food if you are among the fur parents who do not shy away from corn-containing formula.
This is a chicken and whole grains recipe that features real chicken as its key ingredient. It contains healthy and nutritious foods such as fruits and vegetables.
This healthy dry dog meal is delicious and very satisfying with its natural ingredients including dried eggs, tomatoes, apples, flaxseed, chicken fat, whole grain sorghum, and spinach. Such substances make your pup energetic, happy, and healthy.
Also, it has a balanced ratio of fat and protein making it suitable for moderately active canines.
The formula promotes vitality and health at every stage of your dog’s life. It is great for muscle development, healthy coat and skin promotion, and general health and well-being.
Moreover, it has L-Carnitine and other supplements which maintain a healthy metabolism and burn excess fat. Also, it is free from wheat, soy, and artificial preservatives.
Specific Features:
- Contains proactive health mini chunks in kibble size
- Farm-raised chicken as its first ingredient
- Comes with a blend of prebiotics and wholesome fibers
- Has natural ingredients and antioxidants
- Veterinarian recommended
Pros
- Promotes a healthy digestion
- Builds strong muscles
- Boosts immune system
- Affordable
- No artificial preservatives
Cons
- Its grain-content may be too much for sensitive dogs
- Has added color
6. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Nature’s Evolutionary Diet Adult Dry Dog Food
Watch your pup enjoy and get satisfaction from his meal with Blue Buffalo Wilderness Nature’s Evolutionary Diet Adult Dry Dog Food.
The formula serves as a great choice for its very low-fat content that offers more concentrated nutrients.
It is packed with chicken that is rich in protein, which satisfies his being a natural meat lover. This helps maintain and develop his lean muscle mass.
This grain-free dog formula contains healthy carbohydrates sourced from peas and sweet potatoes, fueling his active lifestyle.
It has Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids that help support coat and skin health. Its life source bits contain a precise blend of antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins. This supports life stage requirements, healthy oxidative balance, and immune system health.
It formulates your dog’s well-being and health featuring the finest natural ingredients strengthened with minerals and vitamins. However, it does not have poultry or chicken by-product meals, soy, preservatives, artificial flavors, wheat, or corn.
Specific Features:
- Contains real chicken
- Has natural products
- Has life source bits
- Balance blend of antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins
- Grain-free dog formula
- High in protein content
Pros
- Builds and maintains mass for lean muscles
- Makes dogs active
- Enhances and supports the immune system
- Promotes oxidative balance
- High in protein
- Delicious dog food
Cons
- This can make your pup fat when fed too much so veterinarians suggest asking the proper amount for your pooch
7. Iams Large Breed Chicken and Whole Grains Adult Dry Dog Food
Support the well-being and health of your canine with Iams Large Breed Chicken and Whole Grains Adult Dry Dog Food.
This is a proactive health recipe with chicken as its key ingredient along with nutritious foods like vegetables, fruits, and whole grains.
Large-size adult dogs prefer this food with its well-balanced fat, carbohydrates, and protein, making it a great source of energy.
The formula has sorghum, whole corn, beet pulp, tomatoes, blueberries, spinach, carrots, dried eggs, and barley. It’s available in the form of kibble with natural minerals, antioxidants, and vitamins.
It is fortified with significant supplements as well as L-carnitine as well as chondroitin and glucosamine. Its low protein-content can be detrimental or beneficial to your pooch’s health issues and lifestyle.
Specific Features:
- Contains animal-based protein, which is its key ingredient
- Has a beneficial supplement
- Specially formulated for dogs in large breeds
- Has lean protein with premium quality
- Comes with chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine
- Good blend of prebiotics and fiber
Pros
- Maintains a healthy digestive system and immune system
- Promotes strong muscles
- Maintains healthy joints and muscles
- Budget-friendly
- No artificial preservatives
Cons
- Its protein is too low for some dogs
The best dog food brands are already provided and the next thing you need to focus on is to buy one that will keep your pet healthy.
Factors in Choosing the Healthiest Food for Dogs
How do you exactly choose the most nutritious dog food for your furry pal? Consider the following:
Age of Your Pooch
Know the age of your pet when you feed him with his right nutrition. Remember that he will pass life stages from being a puppy to being an adult, and then a senior pooch. This is significant as he needs a certain calorie count and protein amount for proper growth. His diet should go with exercise for balanced nutrition according to his age group.
Read the Label
Always read the label of every dog food since there are various health standards required in every stage of his life. Check its ingredients for health benefits, types, effects, and preferences.
Consider Breed Size
Pick the appropriate dog food for him based on his size. Determine if he is a small-, medium-, or large-breed to ensure that you are giving him a nutrient-dense meal. Keep note that high-quality food has fiber, minerals, vitamins, proteins, and carbs.
Check Food Allergies
Be careful when selecting a suitable dog food if he has thin coat quality, skin redness, or sensitivity. Conduct an allergy test so you will know if a certain dog food can cause allergy to your pal.
Determine the Feeding Time
It is also significant to choose the right food based on how often you feed them. This is important as some dogs may have certain dietary, nutritional needs. It would also be a good idea to consult your dog’s veterinarian first before getting any food for him in the market.
Bottom Line
Treat your dog right with the right amount of nutrients that he deserves. Feed him right with the healthiest dog food that is right for his age, size, breed, and everything that is for him only. A healthy pooch will always be a happy bud!
Our Top Picks
We bet you already have a choice from the list presented above. Here are our best foods that are good for your dog’s health. Cesar Gourmet Wet Dog Food in Packs is the healthiest wet dog food since no dog, big or small, will likely to ignore its delight.
Meanwhile, we selected Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Chicken and Brown Rice Adult Dog Food as the healthiest dry dog food since many fur parents favor it for their pets for its nutritious content.
What dog food do you think is best for your furry pal? It doesn’t matter if it is wet or dry so long as it keeps him as healthy as he should be. Make sure you pick the healthiest dog food from the list above.
Featured Image Source: Chris Benson on Unsplash
