15 Best Dog Foods in 2024 – Reviews & Top Picks

As we step into 2024, the quest for the perfect dog food becomes more nuanced and informed than ever before. Pet parents are increasingly prioritizing not just the nutritional value of what their furry companions eat but also the quality of ingredients, sourcing practices, and the adaptability of diets to meet specific health needs. With an abundance of choices on the market, ranging from fresh and raw options to traditional kibbles enhanced with real meat and organic ingredients, selecting the right food can be a daunting yet crucial decision for the well-being of our dogs. This guide aims to shed light on the 15 best dog foods in 2024, carefully selected based on their nutritional content, ingredient quality, customer satisfaction, and veterinary recommendations. Whether you’re leaning towards a grain-free diet, considering a raw or fresh food option, or looking for the best dry food that money can buy, this comprehensive review will help you navigate your options and make an informed choice for your canine companion.

Top 5 Dog Foods Overview

Rating	Image	Product	Details	Link
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐		The Farmer’s Dog Fresh Food	Customized fresh food plans, human-grade ingredients	VISIT AND CHECK PRICE
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐		Ollie Pet Food	Personalized fresh meals, high-quality meats and vegetables	VISIT AND CHECK PRICE
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐		Orijen Original Dry Dog Food	Biologically appropriate, high-protein content, fresh and raw ingredients	VISIT AND CHECK PRICE
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐		Nom Nom Dog Food	Fresh, pre-portioned meals formulated by veterinary nutritionists	VISIT AND CHECK PRICE
⭐⭐⭐⭐½		Stella & Chewy’s Freeze-Dried Raw Dinner Patties	Convenient raw diet, rich in protein and nutrients	VISIT AND CHECK PRICE

No 1 – The Farmer’s Dog Fresh Food

Detailed Description

The Farmer’s Dog offers a revolutionary approach to pet nutrition, providing fresh, ready-to-serve meals that are formulated to meet the specific nutritional needs of your dog. Made with human-grade ingredients in USDA kitchens, each meal is prepared shortly before shipping to ensure maximum freshness. The recipes are developed by veterinarians and cater to all life stages, from puppies to seniors, making it a versatile choice for pet parents.

This service stands out by personalizing meal plans based on your dog’s profile, including age, breed, weight, and activity level, ensuring that every meal is as beneficial as it is delicious. The Farmer’s Dog takes the guesswork out of feeding your dog a balanced and nourishing diet, promoting overall health, energy levels, and a shiny coat.

No 2 – Ollie Pet Food

Detailed Description

Ollie Pet Food elevates the standard for pet nutrition by offering tailor-made meals that cater to the specific needs and allergies of your dog. Crafted in the USA, Ollie’s fresh meals are designed by veterinary nutritionists to ensure they meet the highest standards of quality and nutritional value. With a commitment to transparency, they use only human-grade ingredients, sourcing meat, fruits, and veggies from trusted farms and suppliers.

The customization process involves creating a detailed profile for your dog, allowing Ollie to tailor their recipes to suit your pet’s unique requirements, including age, breed, activity level, and any food sensitivities. This personalization ensures that your dog receives a well-balanced diet, supporting everything from digestive health to coat shine.

Ollie’s subscription service delivers freshly made meals directly to your door, conveniently portioned and ready to serve. This not only simplifies mealtime but also guarantees that your dog is eating a fresh, high-quality diet every day.

Table: Flavors and Ingredients

No 3 – Orijen Original Dry Dog Food

Detailed Description

Orijen Original Dry Dog Food is celebrated for its “WholePrey” approach, mirroring the natural diet dogs would encounter in the wild. Crafted in Canada and the USA, Orijen’s philosophy centers on a diet rich in meat, organs, and cartilage, with 85% of the formula coming from animal products. This provides a high-protein, grain-free diet that supports strong muscles and promotes peak health.

The inclusion of fresh and raw animal ingredients, sourced from trusted farmers, ranchers, and fishermen, ensures that each bite is packed with nutrients. Orijen’s commitment to quality is evident in their selection of free-run chicken and turkey, wild-caught fish, and nest-laid eggs, making it a top choice for pet parents seeking a natural and nutrient-dense diet for their dogs.

Besides the high meat content, Orijen dog food also incorporates fruits, vegetables, and botanicals, providing a comprehensive spectrum of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support digestion, vitality, and a healthy immune system. This grain-free formula is especially suited for dogs with grain sensitivities or those who thrive on a protein-rich diet.

No 4 – Nom Nom Dog Food

Detailed Description

Nom Nom Dog Food sets itself apart by offering freshly made, pre-portioned meals that are formulated by board-certified veterinary nutritionists. Made in the USA, this service prioritizes not just the quality of ingredients but also the science behind optimal canine nutrition. Each meal plan is customized based on your dog’s specific dietary needs, activity level, age, and any health issues, ensuring a personalized approach to feeding.

Using only the highest quality, restaurant-grade ingredients, Nom Nom prepares meals in their own kitchens, with strict quality control to ensure safety and nutritional integrity. The dog food’s recipes are simple, transparent, and designed to provide complete and balanced nutrition, supporting everything from digestion and energy levels to skin and coat health.

The convenience of having pre-portioned, ready-to-serve meals cannot be overstated, making mealtime hassle-free while guaranteeing that your dog is getting precisely what they need nutritionally. Nom Nom’s commitment to improving the overall health and happiness of dogs is evident in their meticulous preparation and delivery of meals directly to your door.

No 5 – Stella & Chewy’s Freeze-Dried Raw Dinner Patties

Detailed Description

Stella & Chewy’s dog food Freeze-Dried Raw Dinner Patties offer an accessible entry point into the world of raw feeding, providing all the benefits of raw nutrition without the usual prep or storage hassles. Made in the USA, these patties are formulated to mirror a dog’s ancestral diet, featuring 95% meat, organs, and bone, and supplemented with organic fruits and vegetables to ensure a balanced and complete nutritional profile.

The process of freeze-drying locks in the flavor and nutrients, making these patties a convenient and appealing option for dogs of all ages and sizes. This diet promotes vibrant health, supporting optimal digestion, a healthy coat and skin, robust immune system, and improved dental health. Stella & Chewy’s commitment to quality is evident in their sourcing of grass-fed, cage-free, and wild-caught proteins without added hormones or antibiotics.

This grain-free, high-protein dog food diet is especially suitable for dogs with grain allergies or those that require a higher protein intake. The easy-to-serve patties simplify the raw feeding process, making it a practical choice for busy pet parents interested in providing the benefits of raw food.

No 6 – Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula

Detailed Description

Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula dog food stands out in the market for its commitment to catering to the nutritional needs of dogs at all life stages, from puppy to senior. Manufactured in the USA, this dry kibble formula is designed with high-quality proteins and a precise blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, supporting overall health and wellness.

A key feature of Blue Buffalo is their LifeSource Bits—a precise blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals meticulously selected by veterinarians and animal nutritionists to support immune system health, life stage requirements, and a healthy oxidative balance. This formula is made with the finest natural ingredients, including real meat as the first ingredient, and is free from chicken (or poultry) by-product meals, corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors, and preservatives, making it a wholesome choice for pet parents concerned about their dog’s diet.

The Life Protection Formula offers a variety of recipes tailored to the specific needs of different life stages, breeds, and sizes, ensuring that your dog receives the optimal balance of high-quality proteins and essential nutrients to thrive.

No 7 – Wellness CORE Grain-Free

Detailed Description

Wellness CORE Grain-Free dog food is a premium dry dog food that emphasizes a protein-rich diet, free from grains, to support dogs’ optimal health and energy levels. Crafted in the USA, this formula is built around the philosophy that dogs thrive on a natural diet mainly comprised of meat. By using high-quality animal proteins as the main ingredients, Wellness CORE supports lean muscle mass and offers a taste that dogs naturally crave.

This grain-free formula is specifically designed for dogs with grain sensitivities or those who perform better on a higher-protein diet. It’s packed with premium ingredients, including fresh meat as the first ingredient, along with vegetables and fruits to provide antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and probiotics to aid digestion and overall health.

Wellness CORE stands out for its commitment to natural, wholesome ingredients without fillers or artificial additives. This approach ensures that every bite is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients essential for your dog’s well-being. The range of formulas available, including options for puppies, adult dogs, and seniors, means that dogs of all life stages can enjoy and benefit from this high-quality, grain-free diet.

No 8 – Taste of the Wild High Prairie

Detailed Description

Taste of the Wild High Prairie dog food is a high-quality, grain-free dog food designed to mimic the natural diet of wild canines. Made in the USA, this formula is crafted with roasted bison and roasted venison, offering a unique taste experience that’s not only delicious but also highly nutritious. The philosophy behind Taste of the Wild is to provide pets with the kind of diet they would find in the wild, rich in animal proteins and free from grains that are not part of their natural diet.

The inclusion of real roasted meats provides high-quality protein to support lean muscle development. Alongside these premium protein sources, Taste of the Wild incorporates a blend of fruits and vegetables like sweet potatoes, peas, and raspberries, delivering natural antioxidants to support a healthy immune system. This formula also includes species-specific probiotics to aid in digestion and nutrient absorption, ensuring your dog gets the most out of every meal.

High Prairie’s grain-free recipe is especially suited for dogs with grain sensitivities or allergies. By focusing on animal protein sources and eliminating grains, Taste of the Wild offers a diet that’s closer to what dogs would naturally eat, promoting overall health and vitality.

No 9 – The Honest Kitchen Human Grade Dehydrated Organic Grain Dog Food

Detailed Description

The Honest Kitchen dog food offers a unique approach to dog food with its Human Grade Dehydrated Organic Grain Dog Food. This USA-made product sets a high standard by using only human-grade ingredients, ensuring that your dog eats as well as you do. The dehydrated form means that the food retains more of its nutrients and natural flavors compared to traditional cooking processes, providing a meal that’s both nutritious and delicious.

This formula stands out for its commitment to organic and non-GMO ingredients, making it an excellent choice for pet parents who prioritize natural and sustainable feeding options. The dehydrated food is easy to prepare—simply add water to create a moist meal that dogs love. This process not only enhances the flavor but also makes the nutrients more accessible, supporting overall health and digestion.

The Honest Kitchen’s formula includes a variety of recipes to cater to different tastes and dietary needs, incorporating high-quality proteins, vegetables, and fruits. This balanced approach ensures your dog receives a comprehensive diet rich in essential vitamins and minerals.

No 10 – Acana Heritage Free-Run Poultry

Detailed Description

Acana Heritage Free-Run Poultry dog food offers a biologically appropriate diet that closely mimics the quantity, freshness, and variety of meats that dogs have evolved to eat. Produced in the USA and Canada, this dry kibble formula features free-run poultry as its primary ingredient, supported by whole nest-laid eggs and wild-caught fish, providing a protein-rich diet with varied animal ingredients.

Acana’s commitment to a WholePrey diet means that their foods incorporate not only muscle meat but also organs, cartilage, and bone, delivering nutrients in their most natural and nourishing form. This approach ensures that dogs receive a balanced diet rich in essential nutrients, without the need for synthetic additives.

The inclusion of locally sourced fruits, vegetables, and botanicals complements the high-quality animal ingredients, providing a comprehensive spectrum of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support optimal health and well-being. Acana’s grain-free recipes are designed to cater to dogs with sensitivities or those who thrive on a high-protein diet, offering a natural, delicious, and nutritious feeding option.

No 11 – Ziwi Peak Air-Dried Dog Food

Detailed Description

Ziwi Peak Air-Dried Dog Food represents the pinnacle of natural, holistic nutrition, crafted in the pristine environment of New Zealand. This air-dried food is a convenient, shelf-stable alternative to raw feeding, offering the nutritional benefits of a raw diet with the convenience of dry kibble. Ziwi Peak uses a gentle air-drying process to preserve the nutrients in their high-quality ingredients, which include free-range meats, seafood sourced from New Zealand’s clean waters, and green mussels for a natural source of chondroitin and glucosamine.

Ziwi Peak’s recipes are grain-free and use a limited ingredient formula, making them an excellent choice for dogs with allergies or sensitivities. The brand prides itself on its ethical sourcing, using only meats from animals that have been humanely raised without added hormones or antibiotics, and emphasizing sustainability and environmental responsibility in their production processes.

By focusing on a high meat content, Ziwi Peak supports your dog’s health and vitality, offering a diet that’s rich in proteins, essential fats, vitamins, and minerals. The unique air-dried form not only makes this food convenient to store and serve but also highly palatable and digestible for dogs.

No 12 – Merrick Purrfect Bistro Grain-Free Real Chicken & Sweet Potato Recipe Dry Dog Food

Detailed Description

Merrick Purrfect Bistro Grain-Free Real Chicken & Sweet Potato Recipe Dry Dog Food offers a high-quality, grain-free option that caters to the nutritional needs of dogs with a focus on real, whole foods. Crafted in the USA, this formula leads with deboned chicken as the first ingredient, providing high-quality protein to support healthy muscle tissue and energy levels.

The grain-free recipe is designed to be easily digestible and suitable for dogs with grain sensitivities or allergies. Sweet potatoes serve as a nutritious source of carbohydrates, promoting sustained energy without the use of grains. The inclusion of omega fatty acids from flaxseed and salmon oil contributes to healthy skin and a shiny coat, while glucosamine and chondroitin support joint health, making this formula a well-rounded choice for overall canine well-being.

Merrick’s commitment to crafting nutritious dog food is evident in their choice of ingredients, avoiding artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives, and focusing on the nutritional benefits of real foods. This makes the Purrfect Bistro Grain-Free Recipe an excellent choice for pet parents looking for a wholesome diet for their dogs.

No 13 – Instinct Raw Boost Grain-Free Dry

Detailed Description

Instinct Raw Boost Grain-Free Dry dog food combines high-protein, grain-free kibble with pieces of freeze-dried raw meat to deliver a nutritionally rich and flavorful meal that dogs crave. Manufactured in the USA, this unique formula provides the best of both worlds, offering the convenience of dry food with the nutritional benefits and taste of raw.

The kibble is crafted with high-quality animal proteins as the leading ingredients, supporting strong muscles and healthy energy levels. The addition of freeze-dried raw pieces elevates the nutritional profile, providing natural enzymes, vitamins, and minerals in a form that’s close to their natural state. This combination not only enhances the taste but also contributes to optimal digestive health, a healthy coat and skin, and overall vitality.

Instinct Raw Boost is designed for all life stages and breeds, making it a versatile choice for households with multiple dogs. Its grain-free formula is particularly suitable for dogs with grain allergies or sensitivities. By avoiding grains, soy, by-products, artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives, Instinct ensures a clean, wholesome diet that aligns with a dog’s natural eating habits.

No 14 – Open Farm Dog Food

Detailed Description

Open Farm Dog Food sets itself apart with its commitment to sustainability and ethical sourcing. This brand ensures that all ingredients used in their products, from meats to vegetables, are traceable back to their source, supporting farms that adhere to strict animal welfare and sustainable farming practices. Manufactured in the USA and Canada, Open Farm offers a variety of dry kibble formulas designed to meet the nutritional needs of dogs at all life stages.

The brand’s dedication to providing high-quality, ethically sourced ingredients is reflected in their recipes, which feature humanely raised meat, wild-caught fish, and non-GMO fruits and vegetables. This approach not only benefits the animals and the environment but also ensures that pets are consuming a clean, wholesome diet free from antibiotics, growth hormones, and by-products.

Open Farm’s formulas are crafted to support optimal health and well-being, with a focus on high-quality proteins, healthy fats, and essential nutrients. Their recipes are also free from artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives, emphasizing the natural goodness of their carefully selected ingredients.

No 15 – Now Fresh Dog Food

Detailed Description

Now Fresh Pet Food is renowned for its grain-free, limited ingredient formulas, making it an excellent choice for dogs with food sensitivities or allergies. Produced in Canada, this brand focuses on providing simple yet nutritionally complete meals that cater to the health and well-being of dogs across all life stages.

Emphasizing the use of fresh, whole ingredients without the addition of grains, Now! Dog Food offers recipes that are easy on the digestive system while being packed with high-quality proteins, essential fats, and carbohydrates. The limited ingredient list helps minimize the risk of allergic reactions and food sensitivities, ensuring that your dog receives only what they need for optimal health.

In addition to being grain-free, Now! formulas are free from rendered meats, by-products, and artificial additives. This clean approach to dog food formulation is ideal for pet parents looking for a straightforward, nutritious diet for their furry companions.

Having navigated through the diverse landscape of the best dog foods available in 2024, let’s now shift our focus to some crucial advice sections that will aid dog owners in making informed choices about their pets’ nutrition.

Choosing the Appropriate Food

Selecting the right dog food is pivotal to your pet’s health and longevity. The ideal diet should be well-balanced, meeting all nutritional requirements as outlined by AAFCO. When choosing dog food, consider your dog’s age, breed, activity level, and any specific health issues or dietary sensitivities. Puppies and seniors have different nutritional needs, just as active breeds require more calories than their more sedentary counterparts. For dogs with food sensitivities or allergies, limited ingredient diets or hypoallergenic formulas can be beneficial. Always consult with a veterinarian when making significant changes to your dog’s diet, especially if your dog has health conditions that can be managed or improved with specific nutritional strategies.

Considering the Cost

While premium dog foods often come with a higher price tag, investing in high-quality nutrition can lead to better health outcomes and potentially lower veterinary bills over your pet’s lifetime. However, it’s essential to find a balance that suits your budget without compromising on quality. Many high-quality options are available at various price points, ensuring that you can provide your dog with nutritious food without breaking the bank. Remember, the most expensive option isn’t always the best for every dog; focus on the ingredient quality and nutritional adequacy for your pet’s specific needs.

Reading the Food’s Label

Understanding dog food labels is crucial for making informed decisions. Look for products that list a high-quality protein source as the first ingredient. Be wary of fillers, artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives, which can be detrimental to your dog’s health. The label should also indicate if the food meets AAFCO guidelines for complete and balanced nutrition. Don’t be swayed by marketing terms like “natural” or “holistic” without checking the ingredients and nutritional adequacy for yourself. If you’re considering a diet with special ingredients or claims (such as “grain-free” or “high-protein”), ensure it aligns with your dog’s health needs and lifestyle.

Conclusion

In the ever-evolving world of dog nutrition, staying informed about the best dietary options for your furry friend is more important than ever. The 15 dog foods we’ve reviewed offer a glimpse into the variety and quality available in 2024, catering to every dog’s unique needs. Whether you choose a fresh, dry, or specialized formula, the health and happiness of your dog remain the top priorities.

Remember, the “best” dog food is the one that meets your dog’s nutritional requirements in a form they enjoy and at a price you can afford. Always consider your pet’s individual needs, consult with a veterinarian, and be open to adjusting their diet as those needs change over time. With the right nutrition, you can ensure your dog enjoys a happy, healthy life by your side.