Have you got a dog you love? Find out how to feed him or her top dog food brands without draining your bank account.
They say a dog is man's best friend. If you have a dog, you know that feeling. In fact, your dog is probably considered a family member in your household. Just like any other family member, your dog needs a balanced diet to stay strong and healthy. Yet, finding a dog food that gives him or her that healthy balance might seem nearly impossible
There are many dog foods to pick from today. You can find them in pet stores, supermarkets, and online. Each one makes claims that may or may not be true. Also, a brand that is right for one breed, size, or age may not work for another. That is why it takes time to figure out which ones are the best for your dog. Often, some of the most expensive brands are the healthiest. Here are some of the top dog food brands today, followed by tips on how to get the best prices on them.
Different Types of Dog Food
As a dog owner, your primary choices for dog food are canned wet food or dry kibble. You might also opt to feed your dog a combination of the two. A third option you may not have yet considered is raw dog food. Raw dog food consists of raw meat, bones and organs. It may also include other raw components, such as vegetables. It is typically frozen, dehydrated, or freeze-dried to keep it fresh.
Good Vs. Bad Dog Food
Before choosing a dog food for your dog, you need to know what constitutes calling a dog food good or bad. The primary issue is nutritional value. In the United States, the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) regulates food for cats and dogs in a specific way. AAFCO-approved foods typically feature the words “balanced” and “complete” on their labels. Other signs a dog food is bad for your dog include:
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High Water Content (More Water in Wet Food Means Less Nutritional Value Per Serving)
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Harsh Chemical Additives or Undesirable Byproducts.
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Fillers, Especially Corn
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Known Dog-Toxic Ingredients (Grapes, Onions Etc.)
Top Four Dry Dog Foods
Wellness Complete Health – Wellness Complete Health dog food comes in multiple recipes, including specific varieties for puppies and senior dogs. It is also available in several flavors. Each recipe is packed with nutrients. For example, the chicken and oatmeal variety contains approximately 27 percent protein. Complete Health dry dog kibble is sold in multiple bag sizes, so you can purchase amounts appropriate for the number of dogs you have and their sizes. The typical cost is approximately $55 for 30 pounds, which is the largest bag size sold.
Hill's Science Diet Puppy – Hill's Science Diet Puppy is among the top dry dog foods recommended by veterinarians for puppies. It contains barley, chicken, and other natural ingredients that promote health, wellness, and growth. It is also packed with vitamins and antioxidants. Hill's makes equally healthy dry dog food for older dogs as well, so you can easily transition your puppy to adult dog food when he or she is of age. A 15.5-lb. bag typically costs approximately $35.
Royal Canin Size Health Nutrition Small Adult Formula – If you have a small breed adult dog, he or she needs special dog food to stay strong and healthy. Smaller kibble is easier for small dogs to chew. Kibble for small dogs must also provide all the nutrition they need to stay active longer, since smaller breeds typically live longer than larger breeds. Royal Canin has all of those needs covered. A 14-lb. bag costs approximately $45.
Purina Pro Plan Adult Large Breed Shredded Blend – This large breed formula is unique because it contains textured chicken shreds in addition to the standard crunch of kibble. Its high protein to fat ratio and vitamin-rich formula can help your adult dog stay energized and active. The average cost is approximately $52 for a 34-lb. bag.
Top Four Wet Dog Foods
Blue Buffalo – Blue Buffalo has a reputation for producing some of the best all natural pet foods available today. Their wet dog food options are no exception. Each one contains exactly the ingredients the titles suggest, with no unhealthy surprise additives. Each can is 12.5 ounces. You can purchase a case of 12 for approximately $30 from major retailers.
Wellness CORE Grain-Free Formula – Wellness makes several CORE grain-free wet dog food flavors. The stew-style wet dog foods Wellness produces contain thick chunks of each ingredient, rather than having a watered down consistency. Therefore, your pet gets a lot of nutritional value from every can. A case of 12 cans at 12.5 ounces each is available from most retail sources for approximately $40.
Purina: ONE SmartBlend Chicken & Brown Rice Entree – SmartBlend is infused with minerals and vitamins every dog needs. It also features a mixture of meats and vegetables, including carrots and spinach. Therefore, every bowl is a well-rounded meal. It is also affordable, at approximately $16 per case of 12 cans at 13 ounces per can.
Pedigree Choice Cuts – Pedigree Choice Cuts are hearty canned dog food stews. Available flavors include steak and vegetable, chicken and rice, and country stew. Each one contains healthy meats like beef or chicken, as well as calcium and other vitamins and minerals to help your dog grow up strong. Pedigree is the most affordable option on this wet food list, at approximately $12 for a case of 12 cans. Each can contains 13.2 ounces of food.
Alternative Types of Raw Dog Foods
Instinct Frozen Raw Food – Instinct is one of the top names in raw dog and cat food, as of 2021. You can choose from several of their frozen raw foods, including their grain-free, cage-free, chicken variety. Each protein-packed recipe is perfect for promoting digestion and a host of other health benefits in your dog, including cleaner teeth. A three-lb. bag costs approximately $18 on most retail websites.
Nature’s Logic Raw Frozen Patties – Nature's Logic patties are single-source meat patties. They come in standard beef, pork, and chicken varieties. Venison and rabbit are also available to give your dog flavor variety. Every patty is full of grain-free, additive-free protein. A six-lb. bag of patties costs approximately $40 when purchased from most retailers. Each patty weighs 3.2 ounces.
Discounts and Coupons for Dog Food
As you can see, prices for healthy dog food vary greatly. You may think some are out of your range. However, you can get a deal on any dog food you want to feed to your furry family member. Begin by signing up for brand-specific newsletters or reward programs. Use store reward programs or points reward cards for your favorite pet food sources to get even more deals. Then take advantage of coupons, special shipping deals, rebates, and other promotions to stack on more savings. Also, consider buying your dog food in bulk from wholesale clubs to get the healthiest brands for less.