6 best healthiest dog foods

Healthy dog food is essential for the well-being of your pet. Several options are available, including freeze-dried and dehydrated dog food, which offer some advantages over traditional kibble. Here's what you need to know about these types of dog food:

Freeze-Dried Dog Food:
- Processing: Freeze-dried dog food is made by freezing the raw ingredients and then slowly removing the moisture. This process preserves the nutritional content and flavor of the food.
- Nutrient Retention: Freeze-dried dog food retains a higher percentage of nutrients compared to traditional kibble because of the gentle processing method.
- Variety: It's available in various flavors and can include a combination of meat, vegetables, and fruits to provide a well-rounded diet.
- Convenience: Freeze-dried dog food is convenient for pet owners as it has a long shelf life and doesn't require refrigeration until it's rehydrated.
Dehydrated Dog Food:
- Processing: Dehydrated dog food is made by slowly removing moisture from the ingredients at a low temperature. This helps preserve nutrients and flavors.
- Nutrient Density: Dehydrated dog food is often nutrient-dense, as the dehydration process concentrates the nutrients.
- Rehydration: To serve dehydrated dog food, you typically need to add water to rehydrate it before feeding. This can make it more similar to fresh food in terms of moisture content.
Nutritional Considerations:
- Look for dog foods that meet the nutritional requirements of your specific dog, considering factors like age, breed, and activity level.
- High-quality dog foods will have real meat (e.g., chicken, beef, salmon) as the primary ingredient and avoid fillers like corn, wheat, or soy.
- Check for AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) certification, which indicates that the food meets minimum nutritional standards.
- Some dogs may have special dietary needs, such as grain-free or hypoallergenic options, which can be discussed with your veterinarian.
Brands: Several reputable brands offer freeze-dried and dehydrated dog food options. Examples include Orijen, The Honest Kitchen, Stella & Chewy's, and Primal Pet Foods.Research and read reviews to find a brand that suits your dog's needs.
Transition Period: When switching your dog to a new type of food, it's important to do so gradually. Mix the new food with their current food to avoid digestive upset.
Consult with a Vet: It's always a good idea to consult with your veterinarian before making significant changes to your dog's diet. They can provide personalized recommendations based on your dog's health and dietary needs.

Remember that the "healthiest" dog food can vary from one dog to another, and what works best for your pet may depend on factors like age, breed, and any specific dietary requirements or allergies. Regular vet check-ups can help you monitor your dog's health and adjust their diet as needed.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best healthiest dog foods on the market

NUTRO ULTRA Adult Dry Dog Food, Chicken Lamb & Salmon Flavor

Nutro

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

Product description

NUTRO ULTRA believes that dogs deserve to enjoy their food as much as we enjoy ours. And like us, they shouldn’t have to compromise on taste. NUTRO ULTRA Adult Dry Dog Food with a Trio of Proteins From Chicken, Lamb and Salmon is crafted using quality ingredients that satisfy and nourish. These delicious recipes start with real chicken as the #1 ingredient and feature a trio of high-quality protein from poultry, lamb, and salmon and a blend of 15 vibrant superfoods like coconut, chia, kale, and blueberries. NUTRO ULTRA Adult Recipe provides a balanced diet for adult dogs that’s nutrient rich and full of flavor that’ll help your dog thrive. Bring together unique ingredients and flavors to make your pet’s mealtime an extraordinary moment with NUTRO ULTRA Dog Food. All NUTRO ULTRA Dry Dog Foods follow the NUTRO FEED CLEAN philosophy, using high-quality, real ingredients sourced from trusted farmers and suppliers. These dry recipes are made with Non-GMO ingredients† and have no chicken by-product meal, corn, wheat, or soy protein and no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives. Plus, these nutrient rich recipes designed for canines are full of flavor and have high-quality protein as the foundation of every recipe. † Trace amounts of genetically modified material may be present due to potential cross-contact during manufacturing.

The Best Ingredients for the Best Taste, Naturally ULTRA Adult Dry Dog Food is a nutrient-dense, premium kibble, with all-natural fruits and vegetables, such as blueberries, spinach and pomegranate. These premium ingredients provide high levels of antioxidants to give your dog a healthy heart, strong immune system and a shiny coat. ULTRA Food for Dogs uses natural ingredients in our adult dry dog food to support your dog's wellness, vitality and performance.

Contains one 15 lb. bag of NUTRO ULTRA Adult Dry Dog Food with a Trio of Proteins From Chicken, Lamb and Salmon
Features trio of protein from chicken, lamb, and salmon—chicken is the #1 ingredient—specially formulated for adult dogs
Our premium dog food kibble is made with high-quality ingredients and provides complete and balanced nutrition for adult dogs in every bowl
Protein rich NUTRO ULTRA Dry Dog Food is made with high-quality protein and our blend of 15 vibrant superfoods, like coconut, chia, kale, blueberries, and other quality ingredients
Made with no chicken by-product meal, corn, soy, or wheat, and no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives
NUTRO ULTRA Dry Dog Food is made with quality ingredients, sourced from a trusted network of farmers and suppliers

User questions & answers

Question:	What size are the kibble? Could my 9 pound dog eat this food
Answer:	They come with different flavored powders, we like Tazo. No need to add anything other than the powder, water, ice and the tapioca beads. Really good!!!
Question:	Where is the dog food produced
Answer:	Hello, This product does contain creamer powder. Thank you
Question:	Does any one know the calories in the Nutro Ultra large breed food
Answer:	It doesn't look like it doesThe ingredients areSugar, creamer (hydrogented coconut oil, corn syrup solids, sodium caseinate: a milk derivative, dipotassium phosphate, mono and diglyserides, sodium silicoaluminate), glucose, flavor, natural & artifical color. No wheat.I typed exactly how it was labeled, not correcting misspelled words :)
Question:	Is the piece size too big for my 9-lb yorkie? I want to switch to this type from small breed (pricer) to this
Answer:	I have ordered strawberry boba tea made with black tea and milk. It is very pink despite using black tea. However, I'm not sure how much tea is used since, I am not the one making it.

Hill's Science Diet Dry Dog Food, Adult, No Corn, Wheat or Soy, Small Bites, Chicken Recipe

Hill's Pet Nutrition

Based on 342 reviews Check latest price

Product description

When your dog is in the prime of their life, they need a quality dog food that keeps up. Hill's Science Diet Adult Small Bites No Corn, Wheat, Soy dry dog food uses a high quality protein source for lean muscles, natural fibers for healthy digestion and omega-6s for a beautiful coat. Specially formulated to make grown dogs come running for mealtime, this adult food provides the right balance of nutrients to help your grown-up dog live a happy, healthy life. Delicious chicken flavor made with high quality, easy-to-digest ingredients in a small bite size.

No Corn, No Wheat, No Soy
A dry dog food with easy-to-digest ingredients to fuel the energy needs of adult canines, with a little kibble
This dry food for small-breed dogs provides omega-6s & vitamin E for healthy skin & coat
Provides your adult little dog with high-quality protein for maintaining lean muscle
Promotes healthy digestion for your adult dog with natural fibers
Made with natural ingredients with added vitamins, minerals and amino acids
Made in the USA with global ingredients you can trust
Hill's #1 Veterinarian Recommended

User questions & answers

Question:	Best hills food for 11 year 5 pound chihuahua
Answer:	Lactose free
Question:	what is the protein content analysis
Answer:	Ingredients : Sugar, Creamer: palm oil, milk solids, corn syrup solids, milk protein, mono and diglycerides, dipotassium phosphate, soy lecithin, fumed silica (free flow agent), TBHQ (an antioxidant), natural and artificial flavors.
Question:	What does 1-6 small bites mean
Answer:	It’s just the powder you have to order the tapioca separately.
Question:	Will this food help a Fat dog loose weight
Answer:	It taste delicious in my opinion. I put 4 tbsp since I like a sweeter taste but taste as you mix. I also mix mines with water too.

Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Adult Dry Dog Food

Blue Buffalo

Based on 21 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Formulated for the health and well-being of dogs, BLUE Life Protection Formula Dry Dog Food is made with the finest natural ingredients enhanced with vitamins and minerals. It contains the ingredients you’ll love feeding as much as they’ll love eating. BLUE Life Protection Formula dog food is a product of the Blue Buffalo company. Based in the United States, Blue Buffalo makes premium-quality pet foods featuring real meat, fruit and vegetables.

REAL MEAT FIRST: Blue Buffalo foods always feature real meat as the first ingredient; High-quality protein from real chicken helps your dog build and maintain healthy muscles; Plus they contain wholesome whole grains, garden veggies and fruit
FOR ADULT DOGS: BLUE Life Protection Formula adult dog food contains essential proteins and carbohydrates to help meet the energy needs of adult dogs, and features omega 3 & 6 fatty acids to promote a shiny coat and healthy skin
WITH LIFESOURCE BITS: This formula contains BLUE’s exclusive LifeSource Bits – a precise blend of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals carefully selected by holistic veterinarians and animal nutritionists to support immune system health, life stage requirements, and a healthy oxidative balance
A NATURAL DOG FOOD: BLUE dry dog food is made with the finest natural ingredients enhanced with vitamins and minerals; BLUE contains NO chicken (or poultry) by-product meals, corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors or preservatives
Contains one 30 lb Bag of BLUE Life Protection Formula Adult Dry Dog Food, Chicken and Brown Rice

Product features

High-Quality Protein Sources

Real meat is the first ingredient to provide your dog with the protein he needs to help build and maintain strong muscles.

Vitamins and Minerals

Packed with essential vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, this formula helps support your dog’s immune system health.

Omega 3 & 6 Fatty Acids

With the addition of fish oil, every meal helps promote your best friend’s skin and coat health.

Purina Pro Plan Focus Sensitive Skin & Stomach Lamb & Oat Adult Dry Dog Food (Packaging May Vary)

Purina Pro Plan

Based on 2 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Support your dog's nutritional needs and protect his sensitive skin and stomach with Purina Pro Plan Brand Dog Food Sensitive Skin & Stomach Lamb & Oat Meal Formula adult dry dog food. This Purina sensitive skin and stomach dog food is made without corn, wheat, soy or poultry by-product meal, giving your dog wholesome ingredients you expect from a super-premium dog food. Omega-6 fatty acids and zinc in every serving nourish your dog's skin and promote his healthy coat, and omega-3 fatty acids for healthy joints and mobility help support his active lifestyle. With high-quality ingredients chosen for a specific nutritional or functional purpose, this sensitive stomach dog food formula delivers outstanding nutrition with every bite. Serve Purina Pro Plan dry dog food for sensitive stomachs on a daily basis to show him just how important his overall health and wellness are to you.

One 16 lb. Bag - Purina Pro Plan High Protein, Sensitive Skin and Sensitive Stomach Dry Dog Food, Lamb & Oat Meal Formula
Oat meal is easily digestible and gentle on the digestive system
High protein formula, with real lamb as the first ingredient
Fortified with guaranteed live probiotics for digestive and immune health
Used to be known as FOCUS Sensitive Skin & Stomach Lamb & Oat Meal Formula

User questions & answers

Question:	Why is this flavor more expensive than the salmon flavor in the same size bag
Answer:	There is 1 - 16.9 oz package. Thank you.
Question:	Is this a grain free product
Answer:	1. Total rip off
Question:	Serving size
Answer:	Apparently theyre not wanting to answer
Question:	Will it help dandruff
Answer:	No, it’s just the powder

Product features

Specialized Nutrition for Sensitive Systems

Help nourish your dog’s sensitive systems with gentle nutrition to help him thrive. Pro Plan Sensitive Skin and Stomach formulas are made with real salmon or lamb as the first ingredient and are fortified with live probiotics for digestive and immune health. Available in specialized formulas for adults, small breeds, large breeds, and puppies, and in an option without chicken or egg, Sensitive Skin and Stomach formulas offer high-quality nutrition that nourishes a dog’s total wellbeing.

OAT MEAL

is easily digestible and gentle on the digestive system

NATURAL PREBIOTIC FIBER

nourishes specific intestinal bacteria for digestive health

SUNFLOWER OIL

rich in omega-6 fatty acid for healthy skin and coat

MADE WITHOUT

corn, wheat or soy

Taste of the Wild Dry Dog Food With Roasted Bison And Roasted Venison

Taste of the Wild

Based on 11 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Modern science proves that your dog shares the DNA of the wolf. Years of domestication and excellent care have turned your dog from a short-lived potential foe to a long-lived best friend. Although their DNA remains the same and their tastes demand something of the wild, their diet should provide them with all the proper ingredients and nutrition they need to thrive. A grain-free formula with sweet potatoes and peas provides highly digestible energy for your active dog. Made with real roasted meat, this formula offers a taste sensation like no other. Supplemented with vegetables and fruits, this hearty formula delivers antioxidants to help give your friend a healthy lifestyle. Your dog craves tastes from their wild past. Go ahead and give them one. Dried Chicory Root – This source of prebiotic fiber provides fuel for the beneficial probiotic bacteria in the digestive system

Taste of the Wild High Prairie with ROASTED BISON and VENISON dry dog food; REAL MEAT is the #1 ingredient; high-protein (32%) to help support bones, joints and LEAN, STRONG MUSCLES
Nutrient-rich and provides the energy to thrive; vitamins and minerals from FRUITS and SUPERFOODS; omega fatty acids for healthy SKIN and COAT
Each serving includes species-specific K9 Strain PROPRIETARY PROBIOTICS — plus antioxidants and prebiotics — to help support healthy digestion, IMMUNE system and overall health and wellness
FAMILY-OWNED and MADE in the USA using quality ingredients from trusted and SUSTAINABLE local and global sources.
Formulated without grain, corn, wheat, artificial flavors or artificial colors

User questions & answers

Question:	Does totw know what canola oil does to animals and humans? comes from the weed burnt out of cowfields so as not to kill them from eating it
Answer:	There is nothing on the label about them pasturizing the coconut water. I like C20 the best.
Question:	What are the "Natural Flavors
Answer:	The top and bottom seem aluminium. The sides are thick like a soup can and a magnet sticks. I was curious about the same thing because the metallic taste was strong enough to make my tongue tingle. Not worth the buck fifty a can i paid at the grocery. I'm sure the non-can items are better. Don't forget, if doing moderate or extreme exercise where you're sweating a lot or in high heat climate its salt that you need to replenish. If you'd like to know just how well coconut water hydrates vs tap water check Cbc Marketplace on youtube. The results will surprise you!
Question:	The mfgs website doesn't list chicken meal in the ingredients but the ingredients list on Amazon does. Does the bag list chicken meal
Answer:	The can is a bpa free metal can.
Question:	where are the bison raised? what is the country of origin? usa? china? thank you
Answer:	I don't like to hear that. Most good colors are like light vanilla. Once the color starts to turn beige to brown it looses its sweetness and starts to sour. I used to love the C2O w/pulp but have gotten at least 6 bad cans, in my last 3 orders. the color will turn from to beige and then brown. The pulp will turn soft and mushy. Pulp at best will be firm and chewy. I would pour it in a glass and test for souring and floating pulp. I would not drink it.
Question:	Free samples which ones
Answer:	They still make them in the Tetri Pack, find them from a different dealer. They are packaged in numerous different bottle and Tetri pack sizes.
Question:	Which ingredients are imported, and from where
Answer:	It's pure coconut water. Natural flavoring is not listed as an ingredie.
Question:	What ingredients are imported? Also what plant is this food made at
Answer:	No! They are sold in stores in the non-refrigerated areas. But when you are ready to drink them, they are more refreshing cold.
Question:	Other ingredients are sourced around the world... what and where? Does that mean we should be worried about the ingredients and their sources
Answer:	YES ! And they are delicious. I presume they are part of the "pressed coconut."

Product features

Taste of the Wild

Every Taste of the Wild recipe is formulated with unique protein sources, real vegetables and fruits and premium ingredients that provide complete nutrition in rich flavors that will satisfy the wild taste your pet craves.

Energy That Lasts

Taste of the Wild is made with premium meats like wild boar; buffalo; smoked salmon and turkey; and roasted bison, lamb, quail, venison and duck. Every formula is grain-free and provides lasting energy with complex carbs from sweet potatoes and legumes. These highly digestible proteins and fiber-rich carbohydrates will keep your pup feeling full and energized throughout the day.

Immune System Support

Since 70% of your pet's immune system is found in the gut, it makes sense to choose a food that's good for the digestive tract. Taste of the Wild includes prebiotics and species-specific probiotics with bacteria that's naturally found in a dog's GI tract. The proprietary K9 Strain probiotics are added after the kibble is cooked so your dog gets guaranteed live, active cultures that support healthy digestion.

Maximizing Nutrient Absorption

To help your pet's body absorb all of the beneficial minerals in her food, Taste of the Wild recipes have chelated minerals. That means they can easily attach to proteins for absorption during digestion. So your canine pal will enjoy the full value of every carefully selected mineral that these foods have to offer.

Perfectly Balanced Omegas

Taste of the Wild gives your pup just the right dose of omega fatty acids in every bite. Marine-sourced omega-3 comes from salmon oil, smoked salmon or ocean fish meal, or a combination of these ingredients. Omega-6 from plant sources balance out the omega-3s, and they work together to help maintain your pet's skin and coat health and to support overall wellness.

About Taste of the Wild

Headquartered in Missouri, Taste of the Wild is part of the family-owned Diamond Pet Food company. They use state-of-the-art facilities across the USA to create quality cat and dog food made to the highest nutritional standards. These grain-free recipes combine premium real meat, vegetables, legumes and fruits to satisfy your pet's natural cravings for a taste of the wild.

Sojos Complete Natural Freeze-Dried Natural Raw & Dehydrated Grain-Free Dog Food

Sojos Natural Pet Food

Based on 896 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Sojos’ proven “raw made easy” recipes are now even meatier and chunkier—and specially formulated for adults. Just add water and magic happens. In minutes the awesome taste, aroma and nutrition in Sojos’ real, farm-fresh ingredients are ready to serve. No mess, no hassles, no guesswork. It’s fresh, whole food without refrigeration.

Raw Dog Food: Just add water, soak and serve; in minutes the shelf stable ingredients spring back to life with flavors, textures and abundant nutrition possible only with real, raw, grain free food
Natural and Raw: Our Complete recipes are made with no genetically engineered ingredients, soy, fillers, preservatives, or anything artificial; just a short, sweet list of nutritious ingredients
Safe and Economical: Every pound of Sojos makes up to 5 pounds of fresh, raw food for a surprisingly budget friendly cost per serving; our gentle, proprietary freeze drying process makes raw meat safe without heat or chemicals
Simple Preparation: Add water to Sojos and magic happens; in minutes the shelf stable ingredients spring back to life with the flavors, textures and abundant nutrition possible only with real, raw food
Raw Made Easy: Our complete and balanced foods combine the easy prep and shelf stable convenience of kibble with the unsurpassed nutrition offered in real, raw food; the only thing missing is water
Made in the USA using only the finest globally sourced ingredients, we prepare each of our diets in our own state of the art facility; we craft delicious natural recipes with wholesome, non GMO ingredients chosen for their nutritional benefits
Manufactured in a facility that also processes grains

Product features

Skin & Coat

Your dog’s skin and coat are great indicators of his overall health. Nutrient rich ingredients, like flaxseed, help support a shiny, soft and full coat – a telltale sign of a healthy and happy pet.

Immune System

Fresh, raw food is packed with enzymes. Being able to utilize those enzymes contributes towards a healthy immune system – a pet’s best defense against allergies.

Healthy Weight

All the fruits, veggies, grains and meat in Sojos mixes are raw, meaning crucial enzymes are intact and allow your animal’s body to absorb essential nutrients he wouldn’t otherwise benefit from.