The 10 best dog foods, with guidance from veterinarians

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Choosing a healthy dog food can feel overwhelming. The pet food market is enormous, with hundreds of dog food brands, recipes, and formulations to sift through. If you have a puppy, you probably know it's best to feed a puppy formula, but you may wonder if you should feed dry food or wet food. If you have an older dog, you may be unsure whether adult or senior food is more appropriate. Some foods address various health considerations, including sensitive stomachs or weight loss. You'll even find foods marketed for large or small breeds. If you're not quite sure where to begin, you're not alone.

We consulted veterinarians and animal nutritionists and researched hundreds of recipes to choose the best dog foods from top brands, including affordable canned food, kibble, and fresh food. Our recommendations are based on each food's nutritional adequacy, calorie content, and ingredients. One of our top picks, Purina Pro Plan Complete Essentials Shredded Blend Chicken and Rice Formula, is a dry food for adult dogs. It has a healthy balance of protein, fat, and fiber, plus beneficial ingredients like omega fatty acids, prebiotics, and probiotics.

All of our picks meet the standards set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), which means they have the right levels of protein, fat, and other nutrients for a dog's life stage. They also align with the Global Nutrition Guidelines published by the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA).

Our top picks for the best dog foods

Best dry: Purina Pro Plan Complete Essentials Chicken and Rice - See at Chewy

Best budget: Nature's Recipe Chicken, Barley and Brown Rice - See at Chewy

Best wet: Hill's Science Diet Adult Beef and Barley - See at Chewy

Best for puppies: Purina Pro Plan Puppy Chicken and Rice - See at Chewy

Best for senior dogs: Royal Canin Mature Adult in Gel - See at Chewy

Best for small dogs: Purina Pro Plan Adult Small Breed Chicken and Rice - See at Chewy

Best for large breeds: Royal Canin Large Adult - See at Chewy

Best for sensitive stomachs: Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin and Stomach Salmon and Rice - See at Chewy

Best for weight loss: Hill's Science Diet Light Adult 1-6 Chicken Meal, Barley, and Rice - See at Chewy

Best fresh: JustFoodForDogs Fresh Food - See at JustFoodForDogs

Best dry

Dry dog food appeals to pet parents who seek convenience and affordability without compromising on high-quality nutrition. Because it contains little water, kibble is nutritionally dense and typically costs less than wet or fresh foods. It's easy to store, stays fresh for four to six weeks after opening when stored properly, and can be left out during the day without spoiling.

The best dog foods meet the AAFCO's nutrient profile standards and are labeled complete and balanced for a dog's life stage. It's important to check that this information appears on the label of any dog food you purchase. For adult dogs, the AAFCO requires at least 18% protein and 5.5% fat, though dogs don't need extremely high protein levels. Kelly Swanson, director of the nutritional sciences division at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Department of Animal Sciences, says protein quality and digestibility matter most, and fat concentrations under 20% are generally recommended unless a dog has specific health conditions like pancreatitis or gastrointestinal disease. Our pick for best dry dog food, Purina Pro Plan Complete Essentials Shredded Blend Chicken and Rice Formula, has moderate percentages of protein and fat that exceed the AAFCO minimums.

Nutritional adequacy is confirmed either through laboratory analysis or through feeding trials, which test how a food performs in real-world conditions. We spoke to two experts at PetDiets, LLC — Dr. Sarah K. Abood, an animal nutritionist, and Dr. Christine Willis-Mahn, a board-certified veterinary nutritionist — about feeding trials. They say that although these trials are short-term, they can reveal issues like poor nutrient absorption or palatability, say Abood and Willis-Mahn.

AAFCO feeding trials have shown that Purina Pro Plan Complete Essentials Shredded Blend Chicken and Rice Formula provides complete and balanced nutrition for adult dogs. It's one of the best dry dog foods because it contains all the essential nutrients plus healthy extras. It includes omega fatty acids to support skin and coat health, glucosamine to support joint health, and prebiotics from dried beet pulp, as well as guaranteed live probiotics to help maintain the gut microbiome and support digestion.

Best budget

While ultra-cheap dog foods often contain lower-quality ingredients to bulk them up and keep their prices down, Dr. Jamie Richardson, head of veterinary medicine at Small Door Veterinary, says there are also many affordable dog foods that are good options.

Abood and Willis-Mahn say that animals have nutrient requirements, not ingredient requirements. Nature's Recipe Chicken, Barley, and Brown Rice Recipe contains both nutritious meat and meat meals. Although an ingredient like meat meal might sound less nutritious than whole chicken breast, meat meals can provide excellent nutrition — they are a more concentrated source of protein compared to fresh meat. Similarly, some pet food advertising portrays byproducts as undesirable and unappetizing, but our experts say meat byproducts in pet foods can be safe and nutritious, often consisting of organs such as liver, kidney, and heart, which are nutrient-dense ingredients.

Nature's Recipe Chicken, Barley, and Brown Rice Recipe also contains nutrient-dense whole grains, including barley, oatmeal, and brown rice, which provide easily digestible carbohydrates and beneficial fiber to support digestive health. Soluble fiber, which is found in barley and oatmeal, offers many benefits for dogs, including supporting digestion and improving stool quality. It also helps dogs feel fuller and more satisfied after meals, which can help with weight maintenance.

Best wet

Wet food typically costs more than dry food, but it can be an excellent choice for many dogs. It's especially helpful for dogs that struggle to chew hard kibble because of missing teeth or other dental issues. Thanks to its strong flavor, wet food is considered highly palatable and good for picky eaters. It also contains a lot of water, making it a good option for dogs with certain health conditions, including kidney disease or bladder issues. For overweight dogs, wet food can also support weight loss by helping them feel full and satisfied longer. Because wet food is generally less processed than kibble and contains fewer preservatives, it may also be easier for some dogs to digest.

Both wet and dry foods must follow the same AAFCO nutrient profiles, but comparing their labels isn't straightforward. To do so, you'll need to calculate a wet food's protein, fat, and fiber on a "dry matter basis," a measurement of the nutrients without water included. Cummings Veterinary Medical Center at Tufts University explains how to do this calculation. You can also call the brand or ask your veterinarian for help. We contacted brands to obtain the dry matter basis for our picks.

Hill's Science Diet Adult Beef and Barley Entree is a great choice for dogs eating wet food. Its nutritional adequacy has been verified through AAFCO feeding trials — the gold standard of evaluating whether a pet food sustains dogs in real life. Beef and pork liver provide nutritious protein and give this food a meaty taste that most dogs love. Dried beet pulp, whole grain corn, and cracked pearl barley offer beneficial fiber, which aids in digestion. This food also contains omega fatty acids and high levels of vitamin E to promote healthy skin and coat.

Compared to dry food, wet food contains more protein and fat and fewer carbohydrates. Before you switch your pet from dry to wet food, it's important to talk with your vet about whether higher protein or fat intake could lead to digestive issues. Of course, it's always best to change foods very gradually to avoid stomach upset.

Best for puppies

If you're wondering whether your puppy needs special food, the answer is yes. To support their rapid growth, puppies younger than 1 year of age need more protein, calories, and fat, and a different balance of vitamins and minerals. Puppies also need specific levels of other nutrients, including DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid found in fish oil. DHA is considered an essential nutrient in puppy foods because it plays a critical role in brain, eye, and nervous system development.

Purina Pro Plan Puppy Chicken and Rice Formula has been substantiated through animal feeding tests using AAFCO procedures to provide complete and balanced nutrition for all life stages, including growth of large-sized dogs (70 pounds or more as an adult). It contains 28% protein and 18% fat, which exceed the AAFCO minimums (22.5% protein and 8.5% fat). The amount of DHA in this food is 0.1%, which is also higher than the AAFCO minimum for growth and reproduction (0.05%).

This diet also contains soybean oil, which Abood and Willis-Mahn say is a source of linoleic acid, an essential fatty acid in the diet of dogs. Oils are energy-dense, providing a concentrated source of calories. They also help with the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K), and can enhance the taste and aroma of a diet, making it more enticing to the dog. The AAFCO minimum for linoleic acid in puppy food (1.3%) is slightly higher than the minimum for adult dogs. This food contains 1.6% linoleic acid.

If you want to ensure a food is appropriate for puppies, check the label for an AAFCO complete-and-balanced statement that says it's intended for "growth" or for "all life stages." Do not feed a puppy food that says "maintenance" on the label — that's for adult dogs only.

Best for senior dogs

In dogs, the aging process can vary widely depending on breed, size, and other genetic factors. Medium-sized dogs older than 7 or 8 are typically considered "senior," while large breed dogs might reach their senior years sooner, and small dogs might not be considered senior until later in life.

Although the AAFCO hasn't established specific nutrient requirements for senior dogs, many pet food brands offer formulas for older dogs. These foods for senior dogs follow the nutrient profiles for adult dogs (maintenance), but often include added ingredients to support healthy aging, such as fish oil, L-carnitine, and glycine, which are found in Royal Canin Mature Adult in Gel.

Fish oil provides several benefits for senior dogs, including helping manage inflammation associated with arthritis or joint stiffness. It may also support cognitive function, heart health, and improve the skin and coat. L-carnitine has been shown to help preserve lean muscle mass, which can be harder for senior dogs to maintain as they get older. Glycine may also support joint and gut health.

Royal Canin Mature Adult in Gel is soft and meaty, with a strong aroma that can entice picky seniors. Its high moisture content is ideal for older dogs with age-related health conditions, such as chronic kidney disease.

Abood and Willis-Mahn note that limited research has been published on the nutritional requirements of older pets. If you have a senior dog, schedule checkups every six months so your veterinarian can evaluate your dog to ensure they are at a healthy weight and maintaining appropriate muscle condition. They can then advise if your dog needs a special diet.

Best for small dogs

There are no AAFCO nutrient standards specifically for small breed dogs, but foods for small breeds often feature smaller kibble for smaller mouths. They may also be more calorie-dense since small dogs can have higher metabolisms. It's important to talk with your veterinarian about your small dog's nutritional needs based on their breed, lifestyle, and ideal weight, since not all small dogs need a diet formulated for small breeds.

"Foods for small dogs are also often higher in protein than foods for larger dogs," Swanson says. With 29% protein and 397 kcal per cup, our pick Purina Pro Plan Adult Small Breed Chicken and Rice Formula, is a nutrient-dense option that delivers more nutrients in smaller servings. That said, eating a calorie-dense food does not mean small dogs should overindulge — overfeeding can lead to weight gain and obesity. This formula also includes omega-6 fatty acids from beef fat and from plant ingredients such as soybean meal and corn germ meal. Omega-6s are essential fatty acids that support healthy skin and coat. The nutritional adequacy of this food has been proven through feeding trials.

Small breed dry dog food is typically available in smaller bags, which helps prevent spoilage since small dogs take longer to finish a bag. This food is available in a 6-pound bag. However, if you're feeding multiple small dogs and go through the food more quickly, purchasing a larger bag can save you some money.

Best for large breeds

As with small breeds, there are no AAFCO nutrient profiles specifically for large breed dogs. Foods for large breeds are formulated according to the nutrient profiles for adult dogs (maintenance), but often include healthy extras to support the overall health and well-being of larger dogs.

These foods often include added ingredients that support joint health, such as chondroitin, glucosamine, and omega fatty acids from fish oil, similar to the best joint supplements for dogs. Swanson says they may also contain prebiotics to reduce stool odor. Royal Canin Large Adult dog food includes all of these healthy extras, as well as L-carnitine, which has been shown to help preserve lean muscle mass.

Some deep-chested large breeds are also prone to bloat, a life-threatening condition in which the stomach expands and twists when they swallow excess gas. To reduce the risk of bloat, many large-breed dog foods, including Royal Canin Large Adult food, feature large-sized kibble to encourage dogs to chew more so they slow down while eating and swallow less gas.

As with smaller breeds, be careful not to overfeed. Obesity puts extra pressure on a larger dog's joints, exacerbating joint diseases like hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and arthritis.

Best for sensitive stomachs

Some dogs have difficulty digesting their food, which can show up as chronic stomach upset: diarrhea, loose stool, and gas, sometimes coupled with intermittent vomiting. If your dog is experiencing any of these symptoms, it's extremely important to take them to the veterinarian for a complete checkup because they could indicate a serious health issue or possibly a food allergy. If your vet rules out medical causes for your pet's digestive upset, they might recommend switching to a formula for sensitive stomachs.

Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin and Stomach Salmon and Rice Entree contains easily digestible ingredients, including lean proteins, rice, and oatmeal, plus inulin, a naturally occurring prebiotic fiber that nourishes specific intestinal bacteria to further aid with digestion and overall gut health.

Abood and Willis-Mahn explain that inulin is found in chicory root. This fiber is not broken down or digested, but instead travels to the end of the digestive tract. There, specific bacteria in the colon use it to make fuel for the cells lining the intestines. This action improves nutrient absorption and digestive regularity, helping make stools more consistent. Inulin can also help dogs feel fuller and more satisfied after eating, potentially decreasing begging behavior.

Best for weight loss

Dogs that are less active or overweight may benefit from a diet formulated for weight loss. While these weight control dog foods still adhere to the AAFCO nutrient profiles for adult maintenance, they're typically lower in calories, with reduced fat and increased fiber to support a healthy weight.

Hill's Science Diet Light Adult 1-6 Chicken Meal, Barley, and Rice Recipe is formulated with moderate levels of lean protein and less fat, keeping the calorie count low. Added fiber helps dogs feel fuller and more satisfied after meals and supports digestive health. The food's nutritional adequacy has been substantiated by animal feeding tests conducted in accordance with AAFCO procedures.

This food contains L-carnitine, which may help preserve lean muscle mass. It also included Hill's ActivBiome+ Multi‑Benefit, a proprietary blend of prebiotic fibers and antioxidants designed to support vital organs and the immune system and promote healthy stool.

Both dry and wet weight-control foods can help dogs shed pounds, but pet owners might find it easier to measure dry food servings precisely. Accurate portion sizes are important because dogs can still gain weight on diet foods if they eat too much. Always consult with your veterinarian before switching your dog to a weight-loss diet. They can determine how much weight your dog needs to lose and recommend a plan to help them lose weight slowly and safely.

Best fresh

Fresh dog food is made with whole food ingredients that are gently cooked to preserve nutrients. It's typically shipped frozen and thawed before serving. Because it's far less processed than kibble or canned foods, fresh dog food looks a lot like human food, and most dogs love the taste. While it can be expensive, it is a great option for pet owners who wish they could cook their dogs' meals at home — an endeavor that's complicated and time-consuming.

JustFoodForDogs recipes are complete and balanced according to the AAFCO nutrient profiles, and the nutritional adequacy of all of the foods has been substantiated through feeding trials conducted under AAFCO protocols. The company also follows the WSAVA Global Nutrition Committee Guidelines. Board-certified veterinary nutritionists develop the diets, and an extensive team of veterinary nutrition experts continues to review and enhance the formulas.

Another reason JustFoodForDogs is our top pick for the best fresh dog food is its wide variety of recipes, including 11 fresh-frozen options and 12 shelf-stable options, with many different protein and carbohydrate sources to choose from. It also offers diets formulated for specific health concerns, prescription diets, and custom diets.

While human-grade ingredients aren't one of the criteria for our dog food selections, JustFoodForDogs follows USDA and FDA standards for human food production across its ingredient sourcing and manufacturing facilities. If a dog food says it's "human-grade," it means the food is processed, handled, stored, and transported according to strict manufacturing practices for human foods.

Swanson has tested a few human-grade pet foods in his lab over the years. "While I don't have a strong preference to any one type or brand of diet, I can say that the human-grade foods I have had experience with are highly palatable, highly digestible, and resulted in a low volume of stool that allowed for easy clean up," he says.

What to look for in dog food

With so many dog foods to choose from, it can be challenging to narrow down the best options for your pet. Below are key criteria to consider when making a decision, along with your veterinarian's advice.

An AAFCO nutritional adequacy statement: This is the most crucial factor in determining whether a dog food will meet your pet's nutritional needs. The AAFCO is a private nonprofit corporation that establishes nutritional profiles and defines ingredients for animal feed and pet food. It's important to note that the AAFCO doesn't approve specific foods and isn't a regulatory body. That means it doesn't check the ingredients or nutritional standards of pet foods. Instead, pet food companies are responsible for ensuring their products comply with the AAFCO standards. The FDA, a voting member of AAFCO, regulates pet food labels at the federal level. States also regulate pet foods, and most have adopted the AAFCO standards.

If a food meets the AAFCO nutritional standards, you'll find a statement on the label that says the food is complete and balanced for a dog's specific life stage according to the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profile. There are three life stage categories:

• Growth, for puppies less than 1 year old and also pregnant and lactating females
• Maintenance, for adult dogs more than 1 year old
• All life stages, which include any dog of any age

If a food label doesn't say it's complete and balanced by AAFCO standards, you should consider it a supplemental food only. It means the food doesn't have the proper nutrition profile for use as your dog's sole diet.

There are two ways brands can meet AAFCO standards:

1. Guaranteed analysis: Laboratory analysis nails down the food's nutrient profile. If you're unsure whether a food has been analyzed or meets the AAFCO nutritional standards, you can contact the company to confirm.
2. Feeding trials: Feeding tests involve feeding food to animals under controlled conditions and monitoring the outcome. Because feeding trials are expensive, not all companies choose to conduct them. Abood and Willis-Mahn say that a food that passes feeding trials offers stronger evidence of safety and effectiveness than one that is only formulated to meet nutrient profiles. If the nutritional adequacy statement on the label says something along the lines of "Animal feeding tests using AAFCO procedures substantiate that [product] provides complete and balanced nutrition for [life stage]," it means the food has been proven via feeding trials to be palatable, digestible, and able to sustain pets over time. Abood and Willis-Mahn note that feeding trials are short-term only, so they might not detect long-term health issues. However, they are still valuable because they can reveal unforeseen problems, such as issues with nutrient bioavailability, ingredient interactions, or palatability (meaning dogs don't like the taste).

Guaranteed analysis: This is where you'll find the percentages of the most important nutrients in the food: protein, fat, fiber, and moisture. You might find other nutrients, such as glucosamine, chondroitin, and omega fatty acids, listed in the guaranteed analysis. The foods in this guide have moderate to high protein (AAFCO minimums are 22.5% for puppies and 18% for adults) and low to moderate fat (AAFCO minimums are 8.5% for puppies and 5.5% for adults).

Calories: The veterinarians we spoke with recommend that at least 90% of your dog's daily calories come from their food, with treats making up the remaining 10%. Dogs might start gaining weight if they consume excess calories. That can cause health problems, so look for the calorie content listed in kilocalories (kcal) on the nutrition label. If your dog isn't very active, they'll need fewer calories, and if your dog is super active, they'll need more calorie-dense meals. Helping your dog feel satisfied with their food is important, especially if you're trying to support weight loss or prevent weight gain. Feeding a higher-volume diet while staying within their ideal daily calorie range can help.

Additionally, diets with more fiber and protein can help a dog feel more satisfied without added excess calories. The right diet can help your dog lose or maintain their weight while reducing begging or scavenging for additional food. Check out this calorie calculator from the Pet Nutrition Alliance to determine how many calories your dog needs. Foods that struck this balance rated higher in our selection process. As always, your veterinarian can help you figure out if you're feeding your dog the right calorie amount.

Brand reputation: It's important to consider who decided what would go in the food. For this guide, we prioritized brands that have a dedicated nutrition expert on staff to align with the WSAVA guidelines, which recommend a full-time staff member who is either a PhD in animal nutrition or a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (DACVIM) with a specialization in nutrition or the European College of Veterinary Comparative Nutrition (ECVCN). The brand should also employ food scientists who collaborate with nutrition experts.

Ingredients: Read the ingredient list, but don't stress about it too much. "Although many pet owners make their decision based largely on the ingredient panel, it is only one of many considerations," Swanson says. "Without knowing the exact formula and percentage of each ingredient, it is not too useful. What is more important is that the dietary formula is complete and balanced."

The first thing to look for at the top is animal protein sources. You'll find these in the top slot in all the foods featured in this guide. Whole meat is ideal but can be quite heavy due to its high water content. With dry food, that water is removed, so the meat content might not be as high as it seems. There's no need to write off meat meals, which are usually made from parts of animals that humans don't eat. These can be excellent protein sources if they're high-quality and pack more protein than whole meat. Meat byproducts do not have to be a dealbreaker either. They are processed to remove harmful pathogens and, according to the AAFCO, are safe and nutritious.

Healthy extras: Some foods contain extra ingredients intended to support healthy skin, coat, and joints, says Swanson. Examples include long-chain omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA, usually from marine-based oils or meals), glucosamine, chondroitin, green-lipped mussels, and additional vitamins (vitamin A, biotin) and minerals (zinc, copper). Probiotics, prebiotics, and yeast can also benefit a puppy's immature gastrointestinal tract, and probiotics may help support overall immunity in senior dogs. You can also boost your dog's food by adding one of the best dog supplements.

Special formulations: Some dogs may benefit from sensitive stomach, limited ingredient, or weight-loss diets. If you're thinking about switching your dog to a special formulation, first schedule a consultation with your veterinarian, who may make a prescription diet recommendation instead.

Beware of marketing and pet food myths: Beware of marketing buzzwords like "natural" and "organic." "While both terms were intended to highlight higher quality ingredients, they do not guarantee high quality," Swanson says. The raw ingredients a company uses and its manufacturing processes are the best indicators of quality. "Like other ingredients that do not carry these terms, they are highly variable due to differences in soil quality (plants), feed quality (animals), ingredient storage, ingredient handling, etc.," he says.

Despite marketing messaging, human-grade, organic, wild-caught, or cage-free are not necessarily healthier for your pet. However, if you care about the welfare of the animals you and your pets eat, these ingredients are a plus. Unlike farmed fish, wild-caught fish aren't treated with antibiotics or medications, so they may also be better for your dog. You'll also find some foods with meat and eggs from cage-free chickens and turkeys.

How we choose the best dog foods

We've been reviewing pet food for six years, and our reporters consult board-certified veterinary nutritionists and experts with PhDs in animal nutrition. We ensure our dog food recommendations align with AAFCO standards and the WSAVA Global Nutrition Guidelines. We also review the nutrition information and ingredient list for every food.

Dog food FAQs

What is the No. 1 healthiest dog food?

There is no single healthiest dog food. Generally, healthy foods meet the AAFCO's nutritional requirements for complete and balanced nutrition for a specific life stage and contain high-quality ingredients. However, no individual dog food can be considered the healthiest.

Abood and Willis-Mahn say pet owners can conduct their own "at-home feeding trial" by serving the food and observing their pet. Consider these questions: Do they enjoy eating the food? Do you notice any weight gain or loss? Do the skin and coat look healthy or do you notice hair loss or itchy skin? Is their stool easy to pick up, but not overly firm, or do you notice very loose stool? Check with your vet if you're not sure if a new food is best for your pet.

What is the best vet-recommended food for dogs?

Given the wide variety of dog foods and the different health needs they address, there's no single best dog food that veterinarians recommend. A vet will consider many factors, such as a dog's overall health status, life stage, and lifestyle, to determine which dog food is most appropriate for an individual dog.

How often should I feed my dog?

Several factors determine how often you should feed your dog, such as their life stage, health status, and the food's palatability. Your veterinarian can provide recommendations to ensure your dog receives proper nutrition and calorie intake. "The most important thing is to feed a complete and balanced diet and provide controlled amounts of food," Swanson says. "Monitor your dog's body weight and body condition over time and adjust feeding amounts so that a healthy body weight is maintained." Because dogs aren't known for their portion control, don't leave food out for all-day eating. Treats should comprise no more than 10% of a dog's daily caloric intake. Your veterinarian can help you determine how many "treat" calories your dog can have daily.

What ingredients should I avoid when buying dog food?

Dogs are usually not picky eaters, but that doesn't mean they can safely eat anything and everything. Some problematic ingredients a dog owner should avoid when choosing the best food for their dog.

Garlic powder: Garlic is toxic to dogs in large or concentrated amounts. Garlic enhances the flavor of food but can cause oxidative damage to red blood cells, leading to hemolytic anemia. Signs of anemia in dogs include lethargy, pale gums, weakness, and collapse.

Raw meat: A raw diet consists of uncooked meat, bones, fruit, vegetables, raw eggs, and yogurt or another dairy product. Raw meat may contain disease-causing bacteria, such as E. coli and Listeria monocytogenes, as well as genes that promote antibiotic resistance. Both the CDC and FDA advise against feeding raw meat, including freeze-dried pet food that has been treated with non-heat methods of killing pathogens. Read more about the risks of feeding your dog a raw diet.

Specific allergens: For dogs diagnosed with food allergies, avoid ingredients that trigger an allergic reaction. For example, if a dog is allergic to chicken, their diet should not contain any form of chicken; a diet containing a novel animal protein source, such as duck or kangaroo, would be a good choice. A food elimination trial is typically used to determine what ingredients to avoid.

Do dogs need grain-free food?

No. Despite pet food marketing suggesting that grain-free foods are better for dogs than grain-containing foods, no scientific evidence supports this claim. "Animals require nutrients, not ingredients," Swanson says. Concern over grain-free dog foods began in 2018, when several veterinary cardiologists noticed unusually high numbers of non-genetic dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs. As of November 2022, approximately 1,400 cases of DCM in dogs have been reported to the FDA, up from several hundred cases since 2018. In its latest update, the FDA notes that this increase in reported cases does not indicate a definitive link between grain-free dog food and DCM in dogs. The investigation is ongoing.