TLDR: If you’re in a hurry the Royal Canin Dry Dog Food is the Best Dog Food according to reddit!
‘Royal Canin is a great food, one of the few that meet WSAVA standards. Pet shop staff are not veterinary nutritionists. I’ve had all sorts of pet shop staff try to sway me to boutique grain free brands. I’ll stick with brands recommended by people who have spent their careers in veterinary nutrition.’ – u/Jellybean0811
- SMALL BREED DOG FOOD: Royal Canin Small Breed Adult Dry Dog Food is precise nutrition specifically made for small dogs 10 months to 8 years old weighing 9–22 lb
- WEIGHT MAINTENANCE: L-carnitine helps maintain a healthy weight, while helping to meet the high energy needs of small dog breeds
- SKIN AND COAT HEALTH: Optimal levels of fatty acids like EPA and DHA support skin and a healthy dog coat
Just like how we take our nutrition seriously, our friendly little pets deserve the same too. Especially when it comes to dogs, a healthy and well-balanced diet helps in numerous ways. From their coat, teeth, and digestion to their overall being, a nutrition-packed diet goes a long long way. In this article, we will be discussing some of the best Dog foods out there. We will also be sharing significant inputs from users on Reddit.
Reddit is a micro-blogging site where real people share real opinions. A site that acts as a hub for discussion of various topics, there’s something for everyone out there. From motor enthusiasts to audiophiles, there are all kinds of people discussing a multitude of things. And yes, you may have guessed it. There are multiple topics related to pet care and pet nutrition. Subreddits like reddit like r/dogs, r/askvet and much much more.
“Commercially processed canned or kibble foods are formulated to meet dogs’ nutritional needs for proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals — they’re convenient, consistent and readily available, and they undergo a process of quality control and inspection that is meant to catch any contaminants or pathogens before they affect pets or people,” explained Dr. Lori Teller, a board-certified veterinarian and president of the American Veterinary Medical Association.
We are pretty aware of how overwhelming it can be to select the right food for your dog. It’s hard not to fall for flashy marketing on all the dog food packages. All the brands claim that they are ‘grain free’ or ‘human grade’ or plenty of other marketing buzzwords. We will break down the whole process of selecting the best dog food and make it easier for you so that you can make the right choice for your furry partner in crime.
How to choose the best dog food
The WSAVA (World Small Animal Veterinary Association) is a volunteer association made up of veterinarians worldwide. Their mission is to raise the standards of care for companion animals worldwide. They have developed criteria that veterinarians and pet parents can use to select pet food. Some of the guidelines of this criteria include:
- Selecting a food that is made by a responsible company.
- Selecting a food that is quality control tested.
- Evaluating the label for Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) statements that are appropriate. AAFCO is an independent organization that has developed ingredient definitions and label standards for well over 100 years.
- Evaluating if there are any unsubstantiated health claims.
If the pet food meets the above criteria, then it’s perfectly safe for your pets. And as for AAFCO(Association of American Feed Control Officials), they also offer guidelines for selecting the best food for your dog. Their approval is usually listed on the ingredients label. Something like this:
Although AAFCO employs feed control officials responsible for establishing standards, definitions, and policies regarding pet food and other animal feeds, it’s essential to note that the voluntary membership association does not engage in the regulation, testing, approval, or certification of pet food. As a result, the term “AAFCO approved” for any brand or product is non-existent.
In addition to reading the label carefully, you should check that the food corresponds to your pet’s species, life stage, and condition. You can do so by asking yourself these questions first.
What are the primary ingredients listed?
What life stage is your dog in?
Does your pet have any specific conditions or special needs?
Irrespective of your dog’s breed, the key aspect to focus on when selecting dog food is ensuring that a high-quality protein source tops the list of ingredients on the label. This signifies that protein plays a prominent role in the food’s composition.
When it comes to considering your dog’s life stage when picking pet food, Puppies, adults, pregnant or lactating dogs, and seniors have varying nutritional requirements. Opt for food that aligns with their specific life stage. For instance, puppy formulas may contain higher calorie content compared to formulas designed for seniors, considering older dogs’ lower caloric needs. If you’re uncertain about the best choice for your dog, consult your veterinarian for expert advice.
Be mindful of any special conditions your pet might have, such as digestive issues, skin problems, or allergies, when making your dog food selection. If your dog requires addressing specific conditions, consult your vet to explore specialty food recommendations tailored to those needs.
All in all, we highly recommend consulting your veterinarian when it comes to choosing your pet food and also looking out for the AAFCO standard of approval on the ingredients list.
A Redditor called u/atlantisgate had excellent input on choosing the right pet food. On debunking a rumor that legumes can be bad for your pets, u/atlantisgate pointed out that: ‘The issue with legumes is that they seem to be inhibiting the uptake/digestion of some critical nutrients. Legumes are not bad because it’s “more carbs” but because they were summarily dumped into dog food formulas en masse starting around a decade ago for marketing purposes without any science or expertise or other due diligence being undertaken to study the digestibility of those ingredients in actual dogs. That’s why it’s so important to pick brands that undertake that research and employ significant expertise.’
u/atlantisgate even addressed the issue of vets promoting and selling pet food for their personal gain: ‘Vets could carry any diet they want in their clinic and make a small markup. They CHOOSE to recommend and carry science-backed brands that are demonstrated to be healthy for animals. That’s not bias, that’s understanding the science that backs those diets. Hills is one of the top science-backed brands out there. You’d do well to listen to the actual experts who have been to actual medical school on this one.’
You can read the full thread here.
Are Boutique Dog Food Brands What They Claim to Be?
Boutique Dog Food brands have gained quite a bit of popularity in recent years. And in all honesty, it’s hard not to be tempted by their products. From attractive and playful packaging to their social messages full of conscience, these brands tend to make a pretty good impression. But at the very basic level, it’s all fluff. Plain old marketing fluff. None of the stuff they ‘claim’ is substantiated with actual evidence. No scientific research or tests with factual data.
As mentioned earlier, you should only buy dog food that follows WSAVA guidelines. Here’s how u/-NervousPudding- puts it: ‘The current recommended food to feed is kibble that follows WSAVA guidelines. These brands are as follows: Purina, Royal Canin, Hill’s Science Diet, Eukanuba, and Iams. This is because there has been an association found between Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM), a form of heart disease, and certain dog foods. Purina falls on the cheaper end of the spectrum in terms of price; Royal Canin is generally more expensive.’
And we get it. Sometimes it can be tough to identify a boutique brand just by a look at it. Hence, as a rule of thumb, stick to the brands that follow WSAVA guidelines. Or you try what u/-NervousPudding- suggests: ‘Words associated with foods made for YOU to feel good: human-grade, restaurant-quality, grain-free, gluten-free, sustainable/low-impact, “healthiest,” limited-ingredient (in non-prescription foods), premium/super-premium, nourishing, no by-products, evolutionary, fresh, gently/lightly cooked, whole food, natural, any pictures on the bag or website, and a big focus on the ingredient list. YOU SHOULD IGNORE ALL THESE WORDS; THEY HAVE ABSOLUTELY NOTHING TO DO WITH HOW GOOD A FOOD IT IS.
Words associated with foods made for YOUR DOG to feel good: AAFCO feeding tests, research, nutritionist, and specific (must be backed up by studies) claims of fact like “optimizes oxygen metabolism” or “effective prebiotic” or “highly palatable.” If you dig into their manufacturing, they make their own food and don’t contract with a packer over which they have zero quality control. They don’t tend to avoid the ingredients (like corn and by-products) that you’ve been told to dislike but your dog likes just fine.
Of course, even the most scientifically researched diet in the world will have the “you feel good” language too; dogs don’t spend money and you do, so marketing writers will add nice-sounding words to everything. But if you remove all the words for YOU, what’s left? If there’s nothing left, this is a food that was formulated and made in order for YOU to buy it. Its primary goal is your wallet, no matter how many adorable dogs are smiling at you in pictures. In other words, it is a BOUTIQUE food.”
You can read the full thread here.
Best Dog Food Reddit
Now that we’ve covered how to select the perfect food for your beloved four-legged companion, let’s delve into some of the top-rated dog food options available in the market.
1. Royal Canin Small Breed Adult Dry Dog Food
Flavors: Chicken, Vegetable
Life Stage: Adult
Meets AAFCO nutritional standards: Yes
Item Form: Kibble
A brand renowned in the Pet Food industry, Royal Canin offers a diverse range in dog food options catering to various dog sizes, breeds, and dietary requirements. Royal Canin Small Breed Adult Dry Dog Food is a formula designed specifically for small dogs aged 10 months to 8 years old, weighing between 9 to 22 pounds. So if your little fella meets this criteria, then this product by Royal Canin is the perfect option.
One significant aspect of this dog food is its focus on weight maintenance. Small dogs can be prone to weight gain, and Royal Canin addresses this with the inclusion of L-carnitine in the formula. L-carnitine helps support a healthy weight by promoting fat metabolism, ensuring that your little pup can maintain its ideal body condition. It also considers the high energy requirements of small dog breeds. These little furballs tend to be quite active, and Royal Canin Small Breed Adult Dry Dog Food provides the necessary nutrients to support their energy levels and overall vitality.
The kibble in this dog food is specially designed for small jaws. The exclusive kibble size and shape make it easier for miniature dogs to pick up and chew. This will ensure your pup enjoys the meal comfortably without any struggle.
Here’s what Redditors have to say about Royal Canin:
‘Royal Canin is a great food, one of the few that meet WSAVA standards. Pet shop staff are not veterinary nutritionists. I’ve had all sorts of pet shop staff try to sway me to boutique grain free brands. I’ll stick with brands recommended by people who have spent their careers in veterinary nutrition.’ – u/Jellybean0811
‘I’m a vet tech, run a rescue, and have 5 pets of my own. I love Royal Canin. Meets all my pets’ needs, one of few brands with veterinary dietitians on staff, and my pets love it!’ – u/bchafes
‘Royal Canin is a very good product with scientific backing. They hire top notch PHDs in animal nutrition and veterinary nutritionists. Byproducts are good, they include organs which are important for dogs. Also take your vet’s advice over a pet store employees. Your vet has years of education in animals health. Keep with Royal Canin as long as your dogs are doing well on it, you’re doing great!’ – u/Tervuren03
2. Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin and Stomach Dog Food Salmon and Rice Formula
Flavors: Salmon & Rice
Life Stage: Adult
Meets AAFCO nutritional standards: Yes
Item Form: Pellet
Specifically designed for dogs with sensitive stomachs and skin, Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin and Stomach Dog Food address common issues such as excessive itching, loose stools and occasional vomiting. This formula is carefully crafted with the well-being of sensitive dogs in mind, ensuring they receive the necessary nutrients without causing discomfort.
One of the key ingredient in this formula is oatmeal, which is not only high in dietary fiber but will also be gentle on your dog’s digestive system. Purina has taken this formula a step further with the inclusion of live probiotics. These beneficial bacteria support the balance of the gut microbiome, aiding in the digestion of food and bolstering the immune system.
The primary source of protein in this formula is real salmon, which is listed as the first ingredient. Salmon is not only highly palatable to dogs but also provides a high-quality protein source that helps support their muscles and overall health. Additionally, the formula is enriched with omega-6 fatty acids, which are essential for maintaining healthy skin and coat.
The formula is deliberately crafted without the use of corn, wheat, or soy, which are known to trigger sensitivities in some dogs. While these ingredients are generally nutritious and safe for most canines, dogs with specific intolerances can benefit from a diet that avoids them. It’s essential to consult with a veterinarian to determine if your dog has any food intolerances before switching to a limited-ingredient diet.
A Redditor u/vivalavega27 posted about Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin and Stomach Dog Food with a couple of doubts:
‘Hello, I recently put my 2 year old golden on Purina pro plan Sensitive skin and stomach and it seems to be working well for her.
Im happy so far with this brand but the terms “no corn, wheat or soy” have me worried a bit. Does this then mean it is a grain free food?
The nutrition sheet says barley, rice, oatmeal, and canola meal are part of the recipe. Are these ingredients sufficient as to not make it a grain free food? I really want to stay away from grain free as I have heard about what problems it can cause on your dogs health. Anyone with Amy insight please share your knowledge. Thanks !’
To which u/Cursethewind replied:
‘It’s not a grain-free food. It meets WSAVA guidelines and has no reported cases of nutritional DCM.’
And u/dreamofdandelions replied:
‘As the other poster said, it’s not grain-free. Purina Pro Plan is a great food and they conduct appropriate feeding trials to identify any potential issues. My vet was really pleased when I said I had switched to Pro Plan from a boutique brand.’
3. Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food, Puppy, Small Bites, Chicken Meal & Barley Recipe
Flavors: Chicken & Barley
Life Stage: Baby
Meets AAFCO nutritional standards: Yes
Item Form: Pellet
With its delicious chicken flavor, Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food is a premium option designed specifically to meet the developmental needs of small breed puppies. This dry puppy food comes in a small kibble size, making it easy for little mouths to chew.
One of the key benefits of this puppy food is the inclusion of DHA from fish oil. DHA is a vital nutrient that supports healthy brain and eye development in growing puppies. This essential fatty acid aids in cognitive function and visual acuity, ensuring that your puppy can learn and explore their world with clarity.
This formula is enriched with high-quality protein content. Growing puppies require ample protein to build and maintain lean muscle mass. The formula of Hill’s Science Diet incorporates premium sources of protein, contributing to your puppy’s overall development and providing the necessary energy for their active lifestyle.
In addition to protein, the food contains a balanced set of minerals that play a crucial role in promoting strong bones and teeth. As puppies are in their rapid growth phase, it’s vital to support their skeletal development, and this formula is designed with their needs in mind.
Ingredients range from Chicken meal, whole grain wheat, chicken fat, and whole grain corn to carrots, cranberries, apples, broccoli, and a lot more. With such a wide variety of ingredients, all of your puppy’s nutritional needs are met.
Here’s what Redditors have to say about Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food:
‘This is a great food. It meets WSAVA guidelines, meaning their foods are formulated by veterinary nutritionists, is backed by years of research, and has quality ingredients.’ – u/stopbuffering
‘My dog has a sensitive stomach and does really well with their Chicken and Barley formula/s. He ate their chicken and barley puppy formula till outgrew that and now he’s on their Lamb and Rice tiny bites formula for adults. Shiny coat and consistent solid poops. Anytime I’ve tried giving him anything else he has diarrhea, so I just stick with it.’ – u/EskimoRocket
4. IAMS Adult High Protein Large Breed Dry Dog Food
Flavors: Chicken, Lamb & Rice
Life Stage: Adult
Meets AAFCO nutritional standards: Yes
Item Form: Kibble
Like all of the products featured in here, IAMS is a veterinary-backed brand that follows the WSAVA Guidelines. All the products formulated by IAMS are done in consultation with Pet Nutritionists and all of their research have firm scientific roots.
The IAMS Adult High Protein Large Breed Dry Dog Food is specifically formulated for Large breed dogs. Crafted with care and specially formulated to meet the needs of your furry companion, this premium dog food offers a range of benefits that contribute to their overall health and well-being.
Real meat – Lamb/Chicken depending on the respective flavor – are the primary ingredients in this formula. IAMS uses ethical farm raised animals for their products. It’s not only delicious but also that its a protein packed source that ensures your dog receives the essential nutrients they need to stay active and healthy. The smaller kibble size also makes it easier for larger dogs to chew and digest, ensuring a satisfying mealtime experience.
One of the most critical aspects of a large breed dog’s health is their bone and joint health. IAMS understands this concern and has tailored the formula to address this specific need. The dog food contains essential nutrients and minerals that help maintain strong bones and joints, providing the support needed for your dog’s active lifestyle. Whether they enjoy running, playing fetch, or simply exploring the outdoors, this dog food will help keep them agile and comfortable.
The formula is further fortified with a tailored blend of wholesome fibers and prebiotics that will help your dog have a good healthy gut and healthy digestion.
Here’s what Redditors have to say about IAMS Adult High Protein:
‘My first dog had a super sensitive stomach (like so sensitive to the point where we had 13 bags of half eaten dog food stowed away). He could not keep anything down other than IAMS, so I’m my experience, or is one of the best foods for dogs.’ – u/skyrimstrawberry
‘Been feeding my beasts Iams since my first lab in 1999. It is a decent quality dog food. Not the best but also not the worst. We supplement with a tablespoon of yogurt and sea kelp in each serving. My second lab is now 14-1/2 and doing pretty well, so there’s that (first lab lived to 13 and a month)’ – u/MarleyDawg
‘Iams is an excellent choice. They are one of only five brands that meet World Small Animal Veterinary Association guidelines, meaning it’s backed by a significant amount of expertise, research, and feeding trials.’ – u/atlantisgate
5. Eukanuba Fit Body Weight Control Large Breed Dry Dog Food
Flavors: Chicken
Life Stage: Adult
Meets AAFCO nutritional standards: Yes
Item Form: Kibble
It can sometimes be a little tricky to meet the requirements of a large breed dog. Especially when it comes to their nutrition. Home-cooked whole meals catering to their complete dietary requirements can be a tad bit difficult. Introducing Eukanuba Fit Body Weight Control Large Breed Dry Dog Food, a specially formulated nutrition that caters to the unique needs of large breed dogs aged 15 months and older, with an ideal weight over 55 pounds. Designed to provide complete and balanced nourishment, this dog food is an excellent choice for maintaining your furry friend’s overall well-being.
With a focus on building lean bodies, Eukanuba Fit Body Weigh Control has 27% less fat compared to Eukanuba’s main dry dog food line. It includes a blend of L-carnitine and other carbohydrates that play a crucial role in providing sustained energy for your dog’s daily activities while aiding in weight control. Rest assured, this formula will help your dog maintain a healthy and lean physique.
For active dogs, joint health and muscle support are paramount. Eukanuba Fit Body Weight Control goes the extra mile by providing over 50% more glucosamine (compared to Eukanuba Adult Medium Breed Dry Dog Food) and chondroitin sulfate. These essential compounds contribute to maintaining lean muscles and supporting healthy joints in large dogs, ensuring they can continue to lead an active and fulfilling lifestyle.
Your dog’s mental health is equally important, and Eukanuba recognizes that. That’s why this specialized formula includes guaranteed levels of DHA (Docosahexaenoic acid) and vitamin E. These nutrients work in harmony to support and maintain healthy brain function, promoting cognitive sharpness and overall mental acuity in your beloved companion.
Here’s what Redditors have to say about Eukanuba Fit Body Weight Control Large Breed Dry Dog Food:
‘Eukanuba meets the WSAVA Guidelines for pet food and is currently one of the big 4 (hills, purina, iams, eukanuba) recommended by vets.’ – u/CallMeMrsSlender
‘We use Eukanuba. Our corgi loves it’ – u/laughter_corgis
‘I use Eukanuba. My vet in RSA recommended it to me way back when, and my dogs have always thrived on it. Nova, my beagle now, does super on it.’ – u/womizcles
6. Eukanuba Premium Performance Adult Dry Dog Food
Flavors: Sport, Sprint, Exercise
Life Stage: Adult
Meets AAFCO nutritional standards: Yes
Item Form: Kibble
Specially formulated for high energy-driven dogs, Eukanuba Premium Performance 30/20 SPORT is an extensively tested and researched formula that is proven to reduce a dog’s peak body temperature caused by intense activity.
With an optimal blend of 30% protein and 20% fat, this formula ensures that your canine companion maintains peak performance during daily and sustained activities. The high protein content supplies essential amino acids that play a vital role in strengthening and oxygenating exercising muscles, helping your dog achieve its best performance level
Besides providing ample protein, this dog food also caters to the well-being of your dog’s joints. Glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, and EPA are added to the formula to promote agile joints, ensuring that your active dog can move with ease and without discomfort, even during intense workouts.
When compared to Eukanuba Adult Medium Breed, this premium performance formula provides enhanced benefits tailored to meet the specific demands of sporting and working dogs. It’s the ideal choice for active dogs that require the right nutrition to excel in their daily tasks and maintain their top-notch performance levels.
To aid your working dog’s digestion, the formula has an enhanced blend of fibers and prebiotics. This blend aids in maintaining a balanced gut flora, ensuring better nutrient absorption, and ultimately supporting your dog’s overall health and well-being.
Here’s what Redditors have to say about Eukanuba Premium Performance:
‘I have had great results with Eukanuba. I know others recommend different foods. Back when I had a golden, who was a literal fur factory. I fed it the Eukanuba premium performance after trying almost all of the foods in the store at the time. I stopped at that one because the dogs’ coats changed immediately. And they stopped shedding. I’m going to switch my current dog to it as a trial when I finish the bag of small bites she’s eating now.’ – u/PersistingWill
‘Yes. Then it has to be food. Those are the only two variables I ever could find that stopped shedding. I used to feed Eukanuba Premium performance. It really stops shedding. Now, I’ve been feeding regular Eukanuba (because the prices are just insane) and I’m telling you there is little shedding.
5+ miles is a lot of walking. If it’s every day the dog need top nutrition.
Take what people say online with a grain of salt. Especially when all of the members of the group report the same problem — like shedding.’ – u/deleted
Seems like Eukanuba Premium Performance is not only great for athletic performance but also helps in maintaining a great fur coat.
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Last update on 2023-09-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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